American Water Heater LightService Commercial Electric VSCE3266H 80H 119R User Manual

							11
ELECTRICAL
GENERAL
The installation must conform with these instructions and the local 
code authority having jurisdiction and the requirements of the power 
company. In the absence of local codes, the installation must comply 
with the current editions of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 or 
the Canadian Electrical Code CSA C22.1. 
An  electrical  ground  is  required  to  reduce  risk  of  electrical  shock 
or  possible  electrocution.  The  water  heater  should  be  connected 
to  a  separate  grounded  branch  circuit  with  over-current  protection 
and  disconnect  switch.  The  water  heater  should  be  grounded  in 
accordance with national and local codes.
Voltage applied to the heater should not vary more than +5% to -10% 
of the model and rating plate marking for satisfactory operation.
DO NOT ENERGIZE THE BRANCH CIRCUIT FOR ANY REASON 
BEFORE THE WATER HEATER TANK IS FILLED WITH WATER. 
DOING  SO  WILL  CAUSE  THE  HEATING  ELEMENTS  TO  BURN 
OUT AND VOID WARRANTY.
The factory wiring should be connected to the branch circuit wiring 
within  the  provided  junction  box.  The  water  heater  should  be 
connected to a separate, grounded, branch circuit with overcurrent 
protection  and  disconnect  switch.    The  water  heater  should  be 
grounded in accordance with national and local codes.
BRANCH CIRCUIT
The branch circuit wire size should be established through reference 
to  the  current  edition  of  NFPA-70,  the National  Electrical  Code 
or  other  locally  approved  source  in  conjunction  with  the  heater 
amperage rating. For convenience, portions of the wire size tables 
from  the  Code  are  reproduced  here. The  branch  circuit  should  be 
sized at 125 percent of the heater rating and further increase wire 
size as necessary to compensate for voltage drop in long runs.
CALCULATING AMPERAGE/OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
The water heaters come from the factory in two configurations:
1.  Two wire T-6 circuit for dual element water heater equipped with 
a single high limit control and single phase power input.
2.  Four wire T-4 circuit for dual element water heater equipped with 
two high limit controls and single phase power input. This is an example of calculating heater amperage for both types 
of element operation. From this, the branch circuit conductor and 
overcurrent protection sizing can be established.
The example (T- 4) is of a single-phase 240 volt unit with two, 3 kw 
elements. Check the water heater model and rating plate for actual 
specifications and substitute those values in the following.
TABLE 3
Non-simultaneous:
(T6 - Circuit)
Simultaneous:
(T4 - Circuit)
3000 ÷ 240 = 12.5 amps* 6000 ÷ 240 = 25 amps*
*NOTE:  as  a  single-phase  non-
simultaneous unit. *NOTE:  as  a  single-phase 
simultaneous unit.
The rating of the overcurrent protection should be computed on the 
b a s i s  o f  12 5  p e r c e n t  o f  t h e  t o t a l  c o n n e c t e d  l o a d  a m p e r a g e .   W h e r e  t h e  
standard ratings and settings do not correspond with this computation, 
the next higher standard rating or setting should be selected.
Portion	of	Table	310-16	(NFPA-70)	follows:
Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Copper Conductors. Not more 
than three conductors in Raceway or Cable or Direct Burial (Based 
on Ambient Temperature of 30° C, 86° F).
These  ampacities  relate  only  to  conductors  described  in  Table 
310 -16 in Code.
For  ambient  temperatures  over  30°  C  (86°  F),  see  Correction 
Factors, Note 13 in Code.
TABLE 4
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor
See Table 310-16 in Code
AMG
MCM 60°C
(140°F) 75°C
(167°F)
Types:
RUW, (14-2), T, TW, UF Types:
RH, RHW, RUH, (14-2), 
THW, THWN, XHHW, USE
18
16
14 - - -
- - -
15 - - -
- - -
15
12
10 8 20
30
40 20
30
45
6
4
3 55
70
80 65
85
100
Portion	of	Table	310-18	follows:
Allowable  Ampacities  of  Insulated  Aluminum  and  Copper  -Clad  
Aluminum Conductors.
Not more than three conductors in Raceway or Cable or Direct Burial 
(Based on Ambient Temperature of 30° C,  86° F.  These ampacities 
relate only to conductors described in Table 310-18 in Code.
For ambient temperatures over 30° C (86° F), see Correction Factors, 
Note 13 in Code.
TABLE 5
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor
See Table 310-18 in Code
AMG
MCM 60°C
(140°F) 75°C
(167°F)
Types:
RUW, (12-2), T, TW, UF Types:
RH, RHW, RUH, (12-2), 
THW, THWN, XHHW, USE
12
10 15
25 15
25
8
6 30
40 40
50
4
3 55
65 65
75
2
1 75
85 90
100 
						

							12
FIGURE 3 
WIRING DIAGRAMS
T- 6
208 or 240 VOLT 
NON-SIMULTANEOUS 
SINGLE PHASE OPERATION
RED
BLACK
YELLOW
BLUEBLACK
RED
BLACK
BLACK
BLACK
RED
RED
RED BLACK
RED
BLACK
T- 4
208 or 240 VOLT
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION SINGLE PHASE OPERATION
GND
GREEN
GND
GREEN
L1 L2
SUPPLY LEADSL1
L2SUPPLY LEADS 
						

							13
OPERATION
GENERAL
Refer to the Features and Components section of this manual (page 
7)  for  the  location  of  components  mentioned  in  the  instructions 
that follow.
NEVER turn on power to the water heater without being certain the 
water  heater  is  filled  with  water  and  a  temperature  and  pressure 
relief valve is installed in the relief valve opening.
DO  NOT  TEST  ELECTRICAL  SYSTEM  BEFORE  HEATER  IS 
FILLED  WITH  WATER.  FOLLOW  FILLING  AND  START-UP 
INSTRUCTIONS IN OPERATION SECTION.
FILLING THE WATER HEATER
1. Turn off the electrical disconnect switch.
2.  Close the water heater drain valve.
3.  Open a nearby hot water faucet to permit the air in the system 
to escape.
4.  Fully open the cold water inlet pipe valve allowing the heater and 
piping to be filled.
5.  Close  the  hot  water  faucet  as  water  starts  to  flow.  The 
heater  is  now  ready  for  STARTUP  and  TEMPERATURE 
REGULATION.
INITIAL START UP
The following checks should be made by the installer when the heater 
is placed into operation for the first time.
1. Turn off the electrical disconnect switch.
2.  Open  the  front  panel  or  top  access  cover,  check  all  water  and 
electrical connections for tightness. Also check connections on top 
and or sides of heater. Repair water leaks and tighten electrical 
connections as necessary.
3.  Depress the red manual reset button on each Thermostat/ECO 
combination control. (See Figure 5 or Figure 6) 
4.  Turn on the electrical disconnect switch.
5.  Observe the operation of the electrical components during the first 
heating cycle. Use care as the electrical circuits are energized.
6.  Close the front panel or top access cover.
Temperature control and contactor operation should be checked by 
allowing heater to come up to temperature and shut off automatically. 
Use care as the electrical circuits are energized.
DRAINING THE WATER HEATER
The water heater must be drained if it is to be shut down and exposed 
to freezing temperatures. Maintenance and service procedures may 
also require draining the heater.
1.  Turn off the electrical disconnect switch.
2.  Open  a  hot  water  valve  until  the  water  is  cool,  then  close  the 
supply water inlet valve to heater.
3.  Attach hose to outlet opening of drain valve and direct end to drain.
4.  Open a nearby hot water faucet and the heater drain valve.
5.  If  the  heater  is  being  drained  for  an  extended  shutdown,  it  is 
suggested  the  drain  valve  be  left  open  during  this  period.  The 
hose may be removed.
Follow FILLING instructions when restoring hot water service.
INSTALLATION 
						

							14
THE  WATER  HEATER  IS  EQUIPPED  WITH  AN  ADJUSTABLE 
THERMOSTAT  TO  CONTROL  WATER  TEMPERATURE.  HOT 
WATER  AT  TEMPERATURES  DESIRED  FOR  AUTOMATIC 
DISHWASHER  AND  LAUNDRY  USE  CAN  CAUSE  SCALDS 
RESULTING  IN  SERIOUS  PERSONAL  INJURY AND/OR  DEATH. 
THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH INJURY OCCURS VARIES WITH 
THE PERSON’S AGE AND TIME OF EXPOSURE. THE SLOWER 
RESPONSE TIME OF CHILDREN , AGED OR DISABLED PERSONS 
INCREASES  THE  HAZARD  TO  THEM.  NEVER  ALLOW  SMALL 
CHILDREN TO USE A HOT WATER TAP, OR TO DRAW THEIR OWN 
BATH WATER.  NEVER LEAVE A CHILD OR DISABLED PERSON 
UNATTENDED IN A BATHTUB OR SHOWER.
It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to avoid 
the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the 
water temperature thermostats (See Figure 4) be set for the lowest 
temperature  which  satisfies  your  hot  water  needs.  This  will  also 
provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater. 
Figure  4  shows  the  approximate  time-to-burn  relationship  for 
normal  adult  skin.  The  thermostats  on  your  water  heater  have  a 
linear  relationship  between  degrees  of  angular  rotation  and  the 
corresponding change in temperature.  Thus rotating the temperature 
adjustment  indicator  30  angular  degrees  will  result  in  a  10  degree 
Fahrenheit change in water temperature.
Water Temperature 
°F (°C) Time for 1st Degree Burn
 
(Less Severe Burns) Time for Permanent Burns
 
2nd & 3rd Degree  
(Most Severe Burns)
110 (43) (normal shower temp.)
116 (47) (pain threshold)
116 (47) 35 minutes 45 minutes
122 (50) 1 minute 5 minutes
131 (55) 5 seconds 25 seconds
140 (60) 2 seconds 5 seconds
149 (65) 1 second 2 seconds
154 (68) instantaneous 1 second
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15, 1978)
FIGURE 4
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
The  thermostats  are  adjustable  from  approximately  120°F  (49°C) 
(lowest  setting)  to  181°F  (83°C)  (highest  setting)  (See  Figure  5). 
These  thermostats  are  set  from  the  factory  at  approximately  the 
140°F (60°C) setting. The over temperature device (ECO high limit) 
attached to each thermostat has a manual reset.
T-4 THERMOSTAT
(UPPER & LOWER) T-6 THERMOSTAT
(UPPER) T-6 THERMOSTAT
(LOWER)
         FIGURE 5                 
NOTE: It is not necessary to adjust the upper thermostat for a dual 
element unit. However, if it is adjusted above the factory set point 
140°F  (60°C)  it  is  recommended  that  it  not  be  set  higher  than  the 
lower thermostat setting.
To change the temperature setting:
1.   DANGER: Turn off the heater electrical supply. Do not attempt 
to adjust thermostat with power on.
2.  Remove  the  upper  and/or  lower  element  access  panel.  Do 
not  remove  the  plastic  personnel  protectors  covering  the 
thermostats. The thermostat is factory pre-set at 140°F (60°C). 
3.  Using  a  flat  tip  screwdriver,  rotate  the  adjusting  knob  to  the 
desired temperature setting.
4.   R e p l a c e  t h e  a c c e s s  p a n e l s ,  a n d  t u r n  o n  h e a t e r  e l e c t r i c a l  s u p p l y.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION 
						

							15
GENERAL
Periodically the drain valve should be opened and the water 
allowed  to  run  until  it  flows  clean.  This  will  help  to  prevent 
sediment buildup in the tank bottom.
Periodically check the temperature and pressure relief valve 
to ensure that it is in operating condition. Lift the lever at the 
top of the valve several times until the valve seats properly 
and operates freely.
Water heater maintenance includes periodic tank flushing and 
cleaning, and removal of lime scale from the heating element.
The  heater  tank  is  equipped  with  an  anode  rod  to  aid  in 
corrosion control.
ANODE ROD INSPECTION
The  anode  rod  is  used  to  protect  the  tank  from  corrosion.  Most  hot 
water  tanks  are  equipped  with  an  anode  rod.  The  submerged  rod 
sacrifices  itself  to  protect  the  tank.  Instead  of  corroding  tank,  water 
ions attack and eat away the anode rod. This does not affect water’s 
taste or color. The rod must be maintained to keep tank in operating 
condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not necessarily 
water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod indicates high water 
conductivity and should be checked and/or replaced more often than  
an anode rod that appears to be intact. Replacement of a depleted 
anode rod can extend the life of your water heater. Inspection should 
be conducted by a qualified technician, and at a minimum should be 
checked annually after the warranty period.
Artificially  softened  water  is  exceedingly  corrosive  because  the 
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions.
The  use  of  a  water  softener  may  decrease  the  life  of  the  water 
heater tank.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of three years 
and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode rod dictates 
its replacement. 
NOTE:  Artificially  softened  water  requires  the  anode  rod  to  be 
inspected annually.
MAINTENANCE 
						

							16
TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
CHECKLIST
Before  calling  for  service,  check  the  following  points  to  see  if  the 
cause of trouble can be identified and corrected.
Reviewing  this  checklist  may  eliminate  the  need  of  a  service  call 
and quickly restore hot water service. See Figure 2 on page 7 in this 
manual to identify and locate water heater components.
NOT ENOUGH OR NO HOT WATER
1. Be certain the electrical disconnect switch serving the water heater 
is in the ON position.
2.  Check the fuses.
• The electrical disconnect switch usually contains fuses.
3.  If the water was excessively hot, and is now cold, the high limit 
switch may have activated.
• See  the  Temperature  Regulation  section  of  this  manual  for 
more information on how to reset the ECO high limit controls.
4.  The capacity of the heater may have been exceeded by a large 
demand for hot water.
• Large  demands  require  a  recovery  period  to  restore  water 
temperature.
5.  Cooler incoming water temperature will lengthen the time required 
to heat water to the desired temperature.
6.  Look for hot water leakage.
7.  Sediment or pipe scale may be affecting water heater operation. ABNORMAL SOUNDS
1. 
Sediment  or  lime  scale  accumulations  on  the  elements  causes 
sizzling and hissing noises when the heater is operating.
• The  sounds  are  normal,  however,  the  tank  bottom  and 
elements  should  be  cleaned.  See  the  Maintenance  section 
of this manual.
WATER LEAKAGE IS SUSPECTED
Refer to Leakage Checkpoint on the following page 17.
1.  Check to see if the heater drain valve is tightly closed.
2.  If the outlet of the relief valve is leaking it may represent:
• Excessive water temperature.
•  Faulty relief valve.
•  Excessive water pressure.
3.  Excessive water pressure is the most common cause of relief valve 
leakage.  It  is  often  caused  by  a  “closed  system”.  See  “Closed 
Water  Systems”  and  “Thermal  Expansion”  in  the  Installation 
section of this manual for more information.
4.  Examine the area around the element for gasket leakage.
• Tighten  the  elements  or,  if  necessary,  follow  the  WATER 
AND  LIME  SCALE  REMOVAL  procedure  to  replace  the 
gaskets.
IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY OR CORRECT THE SOURCE OF 
MALFUNCTION
1.  Turn the power supply to the water heater off.
2.  Close the supply water inlet valve to the heater.
3.  Contact a Qualified Service Agency in your area. Call the toll free 
phone  number  on  the  back  cover  of  this  Instruction  Manual  for 
assistance in locating a service agency in your area.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Call the toll free phone number on the back cover of this Instruction 
Manual for assistance in locating replacement parts.. When ordering 
parts,  specify  complete  model  no.,  serial  no.,  (see  rating  plate), 
quantity and name of part desired. Standard hardware items should 
be purchased locally. 
						

							17
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS
Instructions: Use this illustration as a guide when checking for sources of water leakage. You or your dealer may be able to correct what 
appears to be a problem.  NOTE:	Cover	and	Insulation	shown	removed	to	reveal	tank	top.
Relief ValveTo Open Drain
Condensation and dripping may appear 
on pipes when cold water temperature is 
low.	Pipe	fitting	may	be	leaking. Relief valve operation and leakage 
may be due to water expansion during 
heating cycle or foreign material on seat 
of valve. If the valve is not piped to an 
open drain the released water could be 
mistaken for a leaking heater. To check 
where threaded material between jacket 
opening and swab spud area. Remove 
valve* if indicated and repair with pipe 
joint compound.
Water on the side of the tank may 
be condensation due to the panel or 
insulation not being in place.
Drain valve leakage could be from the 
valve itself.* To check for leakage where 
threaded portion enters tank, insert Q-tip 
or similar absorbent material between 
jacket opening and valve to swab spud 
area. Remove valve* if leak is indicated 
and repair with pipe joint compound.
*Contact  your  dealer  as  it  is  necessary  to 
shut off electricity and drain tank to perform 
procedure.
Water leaks at the elements may be due 
to:
1.
 Defective element which leaks at 
terminals or thru flange. Replace 
element*.
2.  Loose	element/gasket	leak:
	 (a)	 Screw-in	 type:	tighten	 with	1-1/2” 	
socket wrench. If leak continues, 
remove element*, discard gasket 
and clean thread areas.Apply 
nonhardening Permatex Number 2 
to thread areas, install new gasket 
and	 screw	 element	 into	fitting	 until	
it seats. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn with 
wrench.
	 (b)	 Flange	 type:	tighten 	screw 	with 	
wrench. If leak continues remove 
element* and discard gasket. Clean 
gasket seating areas and re-install 
element with new gasket. A new 
element may be required where 
threads have become rusted or 
damaged, preventing tightening.
All water which appears at the water 
h e a t e r 	b o t t o m 	o r	o n 	t h e 	s u r r o u n d i n g 	fl o o r	
may be caused by condensation, loose 
connections or relief valve operation 
and leakage. Do not replace the water 
heater until full inspection of all potential 
leak points is made and corrective steps 
taken to stop the leak. Leakage from other 
appliances, water lines or ground (see 
page 16) should also be suspected until 
proven otherwise. Anode Rod (Some Models)
Where possible remove or lift top cover to 
examine threads of fittings installed into tank 
for evidence of leakage.  Correct fitting leaks 
as necessary.
To Open Drain
FIGURE 6  
						

							18
 EFFECTIVE
For 3 Years, in the event of a tank leak, we will repair or, at our 
discretion, replace the defective water heater.
For 1 Year, in the event of part failure, we will repair or, at our 
discretion, replace the defective part.
We  warrant  this  product  against  defects  in  materials  or 
workmanship  as  described  in  this  document  if  installed  within 
the United States or Canada and provided the product remains 
at its original place of installation.
Warranty coverage begins the date of installation OR the date of 
manufacture if installation cannot be verified.
 WHAT'S COVERED
Subject  to  these  terms,  in  the  event  of  defect  in  materials  and/
or  workmanship  resulting  in  a  tank leak  during  the first	three 	
years, we will:
•  Replace the water heater should the tank leak.
Subject to these terms, in the event of a defect in materials and/or 
workmanship appearing during the first	year, we will:
•  Repair  or,  at  our  discretion,  replace  any  part  of  the  water 
heater  covered  under  this  limited  warranty  excluding  parts 
subject  to  normal  maintenance  (Example:  non-electronic 
anode rod, filter, etc)
Service/labor, shipping, delivery, installation, handling or any 
other costs are not covered at any time under this warranty.
Any  replacement  part  or  product  will  be  warranted  only  for 
the  unexpired  portion  of  the  original  water  heater’s  limited 
warranty period.
If an identical model is no longer available due to a change in law, 
regulation, or standard, we will replace the product with one having 
comparable  capacity  and  input.  In  these  instances,  the  owner  will 
have the option of paying the difference between what was paid for 
the original model and the new model with the additional features, 
or  receiving  a  refund  of  the  portion  of  the  purchase  price,  on  a 
pro-rata basis allocable to the unexpired portion of the warranty.
 WHAT'S NOT COVERED
•  Problems caused by improper: gas supply line sizing, gas type, 
venting, connections, combustion air, voltage, wiring, or fusing   
•   Failure to follow applicable codes   
•   Failure to follow printed instructions   
•   Abuse, misuse, accident, fire, flood, Acts of God   
•   Improper installation,  sizing, delivery, or maintenance   
•   Claims related to rust, noise, smell, or taste of water   
•   Failure to conduct authorized factory start up if required   
•   Alterations to the water heater   
•   Non-outdoor heaters installed outdoors   
•   Damages due to a failure to allow for thermal expansion   
•  Heat exchanger failure due to lack of adequate / proper supply 
of water   
•   Heaters moved from their original location   
•   Service trips to explain proper installation, use, or maintenance  of  the  product/unit  or  to  describe  compliance  requirements 
under applicable codes and regulations   
•    Charges  related  to  accessing  your  heater  including  but  not  limited to door/wall removal, equipment rental, etc.   
•   Replacement parts after expiration of this warranty   
 LIMITATIONS
NOTWITHSTANDING  ANYTHING  ELSE  TO  THE  CONTRARY, 
THIS  IS  YOUR  SOLE  AND  EXCLUSIVE  WARRANTY.  
ALL  OTHER  WARRANTIES  INCLUDING  A  WARRANTY 
OF  MERCHANTABILITY  OR  FITNESS  FOR  PARTICULAR 
 
PURPOSE  ARE  EXPRESSLY  DISCLAIMED.  SELLER  SHALL 
NOT  BE  LIABLE  FOR  ANY  CONSEQUENTIAL,  INCIDENTAL, 
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGES.  TOTAL 
LIABILITY  ARISING  AT  ANY  TIME  SHALL  NOT  EXCEED  THE 
PURCHASE  PRICE  PAID  WHETHER  BASED  ON  CONTRACT, 
TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
SERVICE	INQUIRIES:
For service inquiries call the telephone number listed below.  Be prepared to provide the following information: 
name, address, and telephone number; the model and serial number of the water heater; proof of installation; and a clear description 
of the problem.  
For your records, fill in the product:
Serial: ___________________
Model: ___________________
COMMERCIAL
WATER HEATER 
LIMITED WARRANTY
U.S. Customers:
American Water Heater Company
P.O. Box 1597
Johnson City, Tn 37605-1597 800-999-9515
WARRANTY 
						

							19
REPAIR PARTS LIST
Now that you have purchased this water heater, should a need ever 
exist for repair parts or service, simply contact the company it was 
purchased from or direct from the manufacturer listed on the rating 
plate on the water heater.
Selling prices will be furnished on request or parts will be shipped 
at prevailing prices and you will be billed accordingly.
The model number of your Water Heater will be found on the rating 
plated located above the lower access panel.Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit.
WHEN  ORDERING  REPAIR  PARTS,  ALWAYS  GIVE  THE 
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
 
•  MODEL NUMBER
  •  VOLTAGE AND ELEMENT WATTAGE
  •  SERIAL NUMBER
  •  PART DESCRIPTION
FIGURE 7 
KEY
NO. PART DESCRIPTION
1
Extension Nipple
2 Combo Dip Tube
3 Primary Anode Rod
4 T&P Valve
5 Element Gasket
6 Upper Element
7 Thermostat Bracket
8 Upper Thermostat w/Hi Limit
9 Terminal Protector
10 Upper Access Panel
11 Lower Access Panel
12 Lower Thermostat w/Hi Limit
13 Lower Element
14 Brass Drain Valve
15 Drain Pan
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
12
13
15
11
14 
						

							20
TABLE 6 - COPPER SHEATH ELEMENT AND WATTAGE CHART
K.W.ELEMENT WATTAGE 208V
240V
PART NO. PART NO.
3.0 3000 9003956115 9001879005
3.5 3500 9000092015 9003948115
4.0 4000 9003951115 9003956115
4.5 4500 9002645005 9000092015
5.0 5000 9004688105 9003957005
5.5 5500 ---9003951115
FIGURE 8