GSW WATER HEATING
599 Hill Street West
Fergus, ON, Canada N1M 2X1
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For Brands: GSW, John Wood, SpaceSaver, GSW Moffat
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I) Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
II) Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
III) Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
IV) Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
V) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
PLEASE RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A
SAFE LOCATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Read and understand these instructions
thoroughly before starting
WARNING:
Improper installation, adjustment, alter-
ation, service, or maintenance can cause
injury or property damage. Refer to this
manual. For assistance or additional infor-
mation, consult a qualified installer, serv-
ice agency, or the electric utility.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
• Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
• Installation and service must be per-
formed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the electric utility.
INSTALLATION RECORD
This water heater is protected by a multi-year warranty against
WARNING:
If the information in these instructions is
not followed exactly, a fire or explosion
leaks plus a one (1) year warranty on parts.
Record key data here for future reference and prompt service:
Installed By / Purchased From:
may result causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or death.
Installation Date:
Location of Electrical Switch
or Circuit Protector:
Model Number
Serial Number
IF YOU HAVE ANY INSTALLATION, PERFORMANCE OR
OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL THE FOL-
LOWING NUMBER, PRIOR TO REMOVING THE WATER
HEATER
Watts-Total
U.S. Gal.
Watts
Volts
Watts
P.S.I.
(if this is a rental water heater please contact the rental company)
1-888-GSW-TECH (1-888-479-8324)
GSW Water Heating is a division of GSW Water Products Inc.
PART NO. 61515 REV. G (05-03)
Normal Operation: When hot water is being used, cold water enters the
bottom of the heater (either bottom feed or by diptube), and the bottom
element will begin to heat the cold water. If lots of hot water has been
used, the upper thermostat will take priority and the top portion of the
heater will be heated. Once heated, the thermostat will flip down to the
lower thermostat to heat the lower portion.
NOTICE
Do not supply power to this water heater until you have verified
that the unit is completely filled with water.
To ensure that the water heater is full of water and that all the air
has been purged from the system, run all the hot water faucets in
the house continuously for three (3) minutes.
Filling Tank
1. Close the drain valve, and then open a hot water faucet.
2. Open the cold water supply valve.
3. When water runs out of the hot faucet, the tank is full.
4. Check the system for leaks.
NOTE: When filling, avoid water spillage. Do not allow the insula-
tion of the heater to get wet as water can cause electrical malfunction.
Draining Tank (completely)
If the power is to be turned off during the cold season and the tank is
exposed to freezing temperatures, the water heater must be drained.
Water will expand when it freezes and can damage the heater.
Completely drain as follows:
1. Make sure the electrical supply to the water heater is "OFF".
2. Turn off cold water supply.
3. Connect a garden hose to the end of the drain valve and direct this to a
point lower than the heater.
4. Open a hot water faucet.
5. Open the drain valve on the heater - drain, keeping the drain valve open
during the shutdown period.
6. To refill the heater, see 'Filling Tank' section.
Installation Check List
Check Here
1. Are the fuse and wire sizes correct?
2. Is the certified relief valve installed?
3. Are you sure that in case of water leakage, the building,
furniture, carpeting or other property will not be dam-
aged?
4. Has the relief valve been piped to a suitable drain point?
5. Is the relief valve discharge unobstructed?
6. Is the heater completely filled with water?
7. Is the cold supply valve open?
If the answer to the above are yes, turn on the power and enjoy all the hot
water you need, all the time.
CAUTION
FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE AWARE THIS WATER HEATER IS
CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HOT WATER ATA TEMPERATURE
SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CAUSE SCALDING INJURY. READ
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING THIS
UNIT. INCREASING THE THERMOSTAT SETTING ABOVE
THE PRE-SET TEMPERATURE MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS
AND CONSUME EXCESSIVE ENERGY. HOTTER WATER
INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY.
150°F (66°C) - 2 SECONDS
140°F (60°C) - 6 SECONDS
130°F (54°C) - 30 SECONDS
IV) OPERATION
Temperature Adjustment
In order to reduce the risk of scald injury, thermostats are factory set at
140°F (60°C). The thermostats operate automatically. They can be adjust-
ed to provide warmer or cooler water temperature. The setting of 140°F
(60°C) has been proven to be most satisfactory from the standpoint of
operational costs and safety. We recommend you keep the thermostats
adjusted to 140°F (60°C). If adjustments are made set both thermostats to
the SAME setting (if applicable).
3
Temperature Limit Control
Tank Clean-Out
For safety, a non-adjustable high limit temperature switch will shut off 1. A clean-out opening is provided on certain models for periodic clean-
ing of the tank. Power supply must be shut off and the heater drained
before opening the clean-out.
the power when excessive water temperatures are reached. This switch
must be re-set manually. See 'Trouble-Shooting' section.
2. To clean heater through the clean-out opening, proceed as follows:
a) Remove outer door from side of the casing.
b) Peel back the insulation covering the clean-out flange.
c) Remove the six (6) hex head screws securing the tank clean-out
plate and remove the plate.
WARNING! BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY ELECTRICAL
REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS, TURN OFF POWER TO THE
WATER HEATER. CHECK WITH A VOLTAGE TESTER AT TER-
MINAL 1 AND 3 OF THE LIMIT CONTROL THAT POWER IS
INDEED OFF. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC
SHOCK AND/OR ELECTROCUTION OF THE PERSON DOING
THE WORK.
d) Remove lime, scale or sediment using care not to damage the glass
lining of the tank.
e) Inspect the clean-out gasket, if it shows signs of wear, a new gasket
is required.
If water temperature adjustment is required:
1. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "OFF".
2. Remove the access door(s), and turn back insulation.
3. Adjust the thermostat(s) to the water temperature desired (if a two
thermostat system exists, set both thermostats at the same tempera-
ture).
f) Install the clean-out plate. Be sure to draw plate up tight by tight-
ening screws securely.
g) Position the insulation, and replace the door.
Trouble-Shooting
4. Repack the insulation and replace access door(s).
5. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "ON".
Follow the preceding instructions carefully and your heater should pro-
vide long and trouble free service. If problems do arise however, the fol-
lowing will be of assistance.
V) MAINTENANCE
Not Enough Or No Hot Water
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve
1. Make sure the electrical supply to the water heater is "ON".
2. Check for loose or blown fuses and loose connections in the water
heater circuit.
Inspect the relief valve annually to ensure proper operation. This involves
opening the valve to check that water is able to flow freely, and that there
are no blockages. Warning: THE WATER WILL BE HOT and its flow
can be forceful. Provide a bucket or drainage for the expelled water. Lift
the lever and let it snap shut. The water should stop immediately. If the
valve does not function properly, it MUST be replaced. In systems where
the relief valve discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal expan-
sion causing pressure build up. See 'Pressure Build-Up (Thermal
Expansion' section.
3. If the water was too hot and is now cold, the high limit temperature
switch may have operated. To reset this, proceed as follows:
a) Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "OFF".
b) Remove the access door then turn back the insulation.
c) Reset the control by pushing in the red button marked 'RESET'.
d) Repack the insulation then replace access door.
e) Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "ON".
4. The capacity of the tank may have been exceeded by large demands of
hot water. Wait at least one hour then check for hot water at normal hot
water faucet.
5. The incoming cold water may be colder because it is winter. If so, it
will take longer to heat the water.
Element Replacement
1. See 'Draining Tank' section to remove water from the heater.
2. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "OFF".
3. Remove the access door(s), and turn back insulation.
4. Disconnect wires from heating element terminals.
5. Unscrew the element using a 1½" socket wrench or tool number
S1008, available from your water heater distributor.
6. Replace element with new one, taking care that sealing gasket is in the
groove of element flange.
6. If none of the above result in adequate hot water, call a service person.
7. If there is no HOT water, check the upper element.
8. If there is limited HOT water, check the lower element.
9. If water is LUKEWARM check for proper incoming voltage.
7. Re-connect wiring, and replace Di-Electric shields.
8. Repack insulation over thermostat(s), and replace access door(s).
9. Fill tank with water BEFORE turning ELECTRICITY on. See
'Filling Tank' section.
Water Leakage Is Suspected
1. Check all pipes and fittings for leaks, including the drain valve, ele-
ment(s) and relief valve.
2. See if the apparent leakage might be condensation. In warm or humid
locations, condensation can accumulate and run from the heater and
piping.
Thermostat Replacement
1. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "OFF".
2. Remove the access door(s), and turn back insulation.
3. Disconnect wires from thermostat(s).
3. If leakage is from the relief valve discharge pipe, it may represent a
normal condition. Call a service person to check the valve carefully.
4. If you cannot identify or correct the source of leakage:
a) Turn off electrical supply to he heater.
4. Lift prongs off bracket and slide thermostat up and out.
5. Replace in reverse order, taking care that thermostat(s) is flush against
the tank.
b) Close the cold water inlet valve to the heater.
c) Open a hot water faucet.
d) Contact a qualified plumber or service person.
6. Repack insulation over thermostat(s), and replace access door(s).
7. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "ON".
Cathodic Protection: Anode Maintenance
Water Is Too Hot
Your water heater has been supplied with an anode rod that protects the
tank from corrosion. As the rod works, it slowly dissolves over time and
must be replaced. If the anode is less than 3/8" diameter, or any exposed
bare core, replace. Depending on water conditions, an anode can last
from one to ten years. Many localities treat their water, which can have
Adjust the thermostats to a lower setting. See 'Temperature
Adjustment' section. It is imperative that the thermostat is flush against
the tank. See 'Thermostat Replacement' section.
Hot Water Odour
significant effect on the life of your heater. Water conditioning such as On occasion, and depending on your location, hot water may develop a
over softening can accelerate the rate at which the anode rod is con- strong odour. This can be especially problematic in regions where the
sumed. Rapid depletion can leave a heater unprotected causing a prema- water contains some sulphur, which results in hot water having a "rotten
ture failure. As with any water heater, it is good practice to check the
anode annually to see if it needs replacing.
egg" smell. If this occurs, drain the system completely, flush thoroughly
and refill. If the problem persists, the anode rod may need to be changed
from magnesium to one made of aluminum. In certain cases chlorinating
and flushing of the water heater may be required. Contact your dealer or
water supplier.
Anode Inspection/Change
1. Turn the electrical supply to the water heater "OFF".
2. Close the cold inlet supply valve.
3. Open a hot water tap supplied by the heater. (CAUTION: Water will
be hot).
Discoloured Water
· Water rich in iron or other minerals can produce red or brown staining.
4. See 'Draining Tank' section to remove enough water to empty the pip-
ing system.
· HBleaactkinwg awteartecragnebneeraanllyinwdiocrasteinosntohfisosrgitaunaitciocno.ntaminates in the water
supply. This can be problematic in areas where the water is obtained
from surface or contaminated sources. Organic particles can develop
bacterial growth, causing potential health hazards. Contact your water
supplier for proper filtration or water conditioning equipment. For bac-
terial problems contact your local health authority.
5. Using a 1 1/16" socket, remove anode and inspect or replace as
required.
6. To refill the heater, see 'Filling Tank' section.
Operating a water heater without an actively working anode rod will
void the warranty.
4
Also see 'Hot Water Odour' section.
sure, too high a temperature setting on the thermostat or something in the
·A sudden appearance of rusty water can indicate the anode rod has been water heater causing excess temperatures in the heater.
depleted. The remaining steel core wire may be corroding, releasing Thermal Expansion: When water is heated it expands. For example, in
iron particles into the water. Inspect and replace as necessary. Also see a 40-gallon water heater, water being heated to its thermostat setting will
'Cathodic Protection: Anode Maintenance' section.
end up expanding by approximately 1/2 gallon. This extra volume creat-
ed by the expansion has to go somewhere or pressure will dramatically
Water Heater Makes Noise
Sediment, sand or scale can accumulate resulting in "rumbling" or a increase, such as when water is heated in a closed system. A good indi-
"hissing" noise. Water heaters need to be flushed regularly to minimize cation of thermal expansion is when the T&P valve releases about one
buildup. Severe accumulations can cause premature failure of the water cup of water for every 10 gallons of heater capacity with each heating
heater elements.
cycle. The T&P valve is functioning properly when it relieves pressure
caused by thermal expansion, but frequent relief can result in a build up
of natural mineral deposits on the valve seat, rendering the valve inoper-
ative. Should this happen, the T&P valve needs to be replaced. To prevent
this 'T & P VALVE' from discharging hot water, the loss of energy and
reduce the possible build-up of lime in the 'T & P VALVE' there are two
(2) recommendations:
Extended Non Use Service
Caution: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served
by this heater that has not been used for a long period of time (generally
two (2) weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can
ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. To reduce the risk of injury
under these conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be
opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical
appliance connected to the hot water system. Use caution in opening
faucets. When hydrogen is present, there will probably be an unusual
sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow.
There should be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it
is open.
OPTION 1: Install a 125 PSI Pressure Relief (only) valve in the cold
water supply line. Make sure that the discharge of this valve is directed
to a drain to prevent water damage and it is protected from freezing,
OR
OPTION 2: Install an expansion tank on the cold water supply line. For
every 50 U.S. gallons of stored water, the expansion tank must have a
minimum capacity of 1.5 U.S. gallons.
Pressure Build-Up (Thermal Expansion)
Temperature Relief: The T&P valve will discharge varying amounts of
water, but typically more than you would experience from thermal expan-
sion. Check the temperature in relation to the setting on the thermostat
dial. A malfunctioning thermostat could cause the water to get too hot.
During the heating cycle of the water heater, the water expands creating
a pressure build-up in the plumbing system. If the pressure exceeds 150
PSI, water will come out of the valve. This is a normal safety function of
the T&P valve. The water supply meter may have a check valve or back
flow preventer inside. This can increase the possibility of pressure build-
up. Causes of discharge can be thermal expansion, excess system pres-
1. Cold water inlet
Cold in
2. Hot water outlet
3. Anode(s)
4. Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve*
4a. Alternate location of T&P relief valve*
5. Thermostat with High-limit switch
6. Element
7. Access door - not illustrated
8. Thermostat
OPTION 2
Hot out
OPTION 1
9. Drain valve
10. Water supply to meter
11. Water supply to water heater
12. Water meter with backflow preventer
13. Overflow
14. Pressure relief valve
15. Expansion tank
16. Pipe Insulation (mandatory if supplied with
heater)
Floor drain
*Items to be supplied by installer.
Options 1 and 2 show the location of pressure relief
and/or expansion tank if a check valve or pressure
reducing valve is in the cold water supply to the
house. Use option 1 or 2 as convenient. If a pressure
relief valve is used (OPTION 1) select one with a set-
ting 25 psi below the relief valve rating used on the
heater.
Drain pan*
Floor drain
SPACESAVER™ MODELS
(SIDE OUTLET) ONLY
NOTE TO INSTALLERS:
Hot out
A bent tube (as shown) is
installed for the hot water
outlet on side outlet water
heaters to ensure a maxi-
mum of hot water supply.
This fitting must be aligned
properly. The 'line' on the
fitting must be oriented
pointing up. When in correct
position, the hot water is
drawn from the highest
point in the tank.
Cold in
Drain pan*
Refer to pressure relief/expansion
tank schematic above.
Tee fitting
Drain valve*
Floor Drain
5
~ Certificate of Warranty ~
Warranty Code: P R S T U V W
Y
See Rating Label Serial Number prefix for
Warranty Code. Reduced warranty period
applies to Newfoundland.
Standard Warranty Years: 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12
Reduced Warranty Years: 2 3 3 5 5 5
5
7
For its GSW and John Wood water heaters and storage boosters ("Unit"), GSW Water Heating ("GSW") warrants that, upon
receipt of a properly verified Warranty claim within the Warranty Period, it will, at its election, repair or replace: units which leak or parts which are defective
in material or workmanship, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this certificate. GSW will not assume any expense or liability for unauthorized
returns, nor repairs made by a person who has not been authorized by GSW or one of its authorized dealers. GSW Units/parts must be replaced with GSW or
John Wood products to be eligible for Warranty. This Warranty is available to the original owner of a Unit installed within the boundaries of continental United
States, of Canada, or their territories. Consumers must retain point-of-sale proof of purchase to validate warranty entitlement. This Warranty does not
cover components not manufactured by GSW, such as oil burners, which carry the warranty given by the manufacturer thereof, copy of which warranty GSW
will make available, to the extent supplied by the manufacturer, without recourse to GSW.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF. THIS EXPRESS
WARRANTY IS, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW, IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES AND REPLACES ALL OTHER CONDITIONS,
WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES OF GSW OF ANY NATURE OR KIND,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, HOWEVER ARISING (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, CONDUCT, STATEMENT, STATUTE, NEGLI-
GENCE, PRINCIPLES OF MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITY, OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE) WITH RESPECT TO THE
UNIT OR ITS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, INSTALLATION, OPERATION, REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT. GSW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES. IN NO EVENT WILL GSW'S LIA-
BILITIES EXCEED THE COST OF THE DEFECTIVE PART(S) OR UNIT. GSW WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY TRANSPORTATION,
LABOUR, INSTALLATION, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A
DEFECTIVE PART OR UNIT.
This warranty and GSW's obligations shall be construed and determined in accordance with the laws of both the Province of Ontario, and of Canada in force
therein. This Warranty does not affect specific legal rights of a consumer under applicable law, except to the extent that such rights may be waived or replaced,
and the provisions hereof are deemed to be amended to the extent necessary. The unenforceability of any provision, in whole or in part, of this Certificate shall
not affect the remaining provisions. Any and all repair and/or replacement of part(s) or Unit are the sole and exclusive remedy available against GSW.
LIABILITY OF GSW COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY IS CONDITIONAL UPON THE FOLLOWING:
1. The Unit shall be installed in accordance with all manufacturers' instruc- 7. A properly documented claim shall be received by GSW or one of its
tions, all applicable equipment and building codes, ordinances and regu-
lations (hereinafter referred to as the "standards").
authorized dealers, or point of purchase, within the following Warranty
Period, except as provided otherwise below*:
2. The Unit must not be installed where water damage can result from a
leak, while provision(s) shall be made for directing any water escaping
from the Unit, to a properly operating drainpipe. As all units of this type
may eventually leak, you must protect against any potential water dam-
age. GSW accepts no responsibility for such damage, nor any incidental
or consequential loss, nor damage(s) related thereto, suffered by the
owner of the Unit nor by any third party.
3. The Unit shall not be installed where it will be exposed to adverse or
unusual environmental or corrosive conditions. No warranty extends, for
example, and without limitation of the foregoing, to Units exposed to:
salts; chemicals; exhausts; pollutants or contaminants. Further, no war-
ranty extends to Units affected by fire, freezing or flood, "Acts of God",
or any other contingency beyond the control of GSW.
a) for any defective part, within one (1) year; or
b) for any Unit that develops leaks in the inner tank due to rust, corrosion
or other chemical reactions caused by the potable domestic water sup-
plied to your home, within the period of time shown in table at the top of
this page.
* Residential units installed and used in a commercial application carry a
warranty period of one (1) year from date of installation; and,
Any repair or replacement of any part, tank, or Unit under this Warranty
will not extend the Warranty Period beyond that calculated from the date
of first installation of the original Unit. The date of first installation will
be deemed to be the later of the date indicated by the Unit's serial num-
ber, or if supplied with the Warranty claim, the sales receipt, or installer's
receipt.
4. The Unit shall be equipped with a properly operating temperature and 8. A claim under this Warranty must include the model and serial number of
pressure relief valve as specified by GSW and applicable standards. The
Unit shall be operated at temperatures not exceeding the maximum set-
ting of the thermostat and/or high limit control provided by GSW, and at
water pressures not exceeding the pressure reading stated on the Unit.
5. The Unit must be carefully inspected, maintained, and operated in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instructions. No warranty extends, for
example, and without limitation of the foregoing, to any Unit operated:
without the tank being completely filled with water; without an operating
anode; with levels of sediment or lime precipitate which cause failure; in
connection to any attachment(s), energy saving device(s), or other means
the Unit, proof of date on which the Unit was first installed, and the iden-
tity of the defective part(s) for which a claim is being made and be sub-
mitted within 15 days following discovery of the defect(s), by personal
delivery to a GSW authorized dealer, point of purchase, or GSW itself at:
GSW Water Heating
GSW Water Heating is a division of GSW Water Products Inc.
599 Hill Street West
Fergus, ON Canada N1M 2X1
Should you have questions, please call our Technical Support Line at 1-
888-479-8324.
of heating, except as approved by GSW for the Unit; other than with 9. If requested by GSW, information relating to the purchase, transportation,
potable water without any additives such as salts, chlorine or chemicals,
except those added for the sole purpose of rendering the water fit for
domestic use.
operation and installation of the Unit must be supplied. The defective
part(s) or Unit, with all components properly and securely packed, shall
be returned transportation pre-paid, to the address designated by GSW in
the written request. All claims are subject to validation by GSW.
6. All repairs must be made by a competent and qualified person who is cer-
tified, by GSW or one of its authorized dealers, to work on the Unit, using
factory approved replacement parts, and the Unit shall not be otherwise
modified, altered or improperly repaired.
6
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