GE APPLIANCES GE20L08BAR Electric Water Heater Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- GE Appliances
Table of Contents
GE20L08BAR Electric Water Heater
Instruction Manual
GE20L08BAR Electric Water Heater
The location chosen for the water heater must take into consideration the
following:
LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions,
local codes, utility codes, utility company requirements or, in the absence of
local codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code. It is
available from some local libraries or can be purchased from the National Fire
Prevention Association, Battery march park, Quincy, MA 02169 as booklet
ANSI/NFPA 70.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Check the markings on the rating plate of the water heater to be certain the
power supply corresponds to the water heater requirements.
NOTE: 208V installations may experience lower performance.
LOCATION
The water heater and water lines should be protected from freezing
temperatures and high-corrosive atmospheres. Do not install the water heater
in outdoor, unprotected areas.
Locate the water heater in a clean dry area as near as practical to the area
of greatest heated water demand.
Long uninsulated hot water lines can waste energy and water. Unit must be
installed in a level location.
If required, add shims under base of unit to level for proper operation.
NOTE: This unit is designed for any common indoor installation.
Servicing the water heater requires proper installation such that front panels
can be removed to permit inspection and servicing. Reference installation
instructions found in this manual.
Moving the water heater or other appliances to provide service to the water
heater is not covered under warranty.
CAUTION Risk of Property Damage – The water heater should not be located
in an area where leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage to
the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure. Where such areas
cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a suitable catch pan, adequately
drained, be installed under the water heater.
Required clearances:
There must be sufficient clearance between any object and the top, rear and
sides of the water heater in the event service is needed. The controls and
drain at front of unit must have clear access for operation and service.
Installations that require minimal clearance on the sides or rear of the water
heater for earthquake straps are also acceptable.
In these cases, additional clearance should be provided on the opposite side
of the unit to allow for service access.
CATCH PAN INSTALLATION
NOTE: Auxiliary catch pan MUST conform to local codes. Catch Pan Kits are available from the store where the water heater was purchased, a builder store or any water heater distributor. The catch pan should be 2” (5.1 cm) minimum larger than the Water Heater base diameter. To prevent corrosion and improve Drain Valve access it is recommended that the water heater be placed on spacers inside the catch pan.
THERMAL EXPANSION
If a check valve is present on the inlet water line, it will create a “closed system.” Heating water in a closed system creates an increase in pressure within the water system because the pressure is not able to dissipate in the main supply line. Referred to as “thermal expansion”, the rapid pressure increase can cause the relief valve to operate (releasing water) during each heating cycle, potentially causing premature failure to the valve or even the water heater. The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the check valve as shown in the following illustrations. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier, or plumbing inspector for additional information.
WATER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS
Refer to the illustration below for recommended installation. The HOT and COLD
water connections are clearly marked and are ¾” NPT on all models. When
connecting to the inlet/outlet ports, the use of ¾” female NPT tapered thread
fittings with use of thread sealant is recommended. The installation of unions
is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the water heater
may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. Piping should be routed
to allow anode rod removal.
NOTE: Install a shut-off valve in the cold water line near the water
heater. This will enable easier service or maintenance of the unit later.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply heat to the HOT or COLD water connections. If
sweat connections are used, sweat tubing to adapter before fitting the adapter
to the cold water connections on heater. Any heat applied to the hot or cold
water connection will permanently damage the internal plastic lining in these
ports.
Install a vacuum relief valve and/or anti-siphon device when required by local
jurisdictions.
TYPICAL TOP CONNECT INSTALLATION
TYPICAL SIDE CONNECT INSTALLATION
(Otherwise same as Top Connect Installation )
HOT AND COLD PIPE INSULATION INSTALLATION
(if supplied with product)
For increased energy efficiency, some water heaters have been supplied with
two 24” sections of pipe insulation.
Please install the insulation, according to the illustrations above, that best meets your requirements.
RELIEF VALVE
WARNING Risk of Unit Damage – The pressure rating of the relief valve
must not exceed 150 PSI (1.03 MPa), the maximum working pressure of the water
heater as marked on the rating plate.
A new combination temperature and pressure-relief valve, complying with the
Standard for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shut-Off Devices for Hot Water
Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22, is supplied and must remain installed in the
opening provided and marked for this purpose on the water heater. No valve of
any type should be installed between the relief valve and the tank. Local
codes shall govern the installation of relief valves.
The BTUH rating of the relief valve must not be less than the input rating of
the water heater as indicated on the rating label located on the front of the
heater (1 watt=3.412 BTUH).
Connect the outlet of the relief valve to a suitable open drain so that the
discharge water cannot contact live electrical parts or persons and to
eliminate potential water damage.
Piping used should be of a type approved for hot water distribution. The
discharge line must be no smaller than the outlet of the valve and must pitch
downward from the valve to allow complete drainage (by gravity) of the relief
valve and discharge line. The end of the discharge line should not be threaded
or concealed and should be protected from freezing. No valve of any type,
restriction or reducer coupling should be installed in the discharge line.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of excessive pressures and temperatures in this water
heater, install temperature and pressure protective equipment required by
local codes and no less than a combination temperature and pressure relief
valve certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains
periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as meeting
the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot
Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22. This valve must be marked with a maximum
set pressure not to exceed the marked maximum working pressure of the water
heater. Install the valve into an opening provided and marked for this purpose
in the water heater, and orient it or provide tubing so that any discharge
from the valve exits only within 6 inches above, or at any distance below, the
structural floor, and does not contact any live electrical part. The discharge
opening must not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances.
TO FILL THE WATER HEATER
WARNING Risk of Unit Damage – The tank must be full of water before
heater is turned on. The water heater warranty does not cover damage or
failure resulting from operation with an empty or partially empty tank.
Make certain the drain valve is completely closed.
Open the shut-off valve in the cold water supply line.
Open each hot water faucet slowly to allow the air to vent from the water
heater and piping.
A steady flow of water from the hot water faucet(s) indicates a full water
heater.
Condensation can form on the tank and fittings when it is first filled with
water. Condensation may also occur with a heavy water draw and very cold inlet
water temperature.
This condition is not unusual and will disappear once water is heated. If
condition persists, examine fittings for potential leaks and repair, as
required.
NOTICE
Do not misfire electrical connections. 240VAC or 208VAC must be applied across
L1 and L2 wires as shown in ‘Water heater junction box’ illustration.
If a 4-conductor wire is supplied to the water heater, cap the neutral, and
connect the remaining wires as illustrated.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
A separate branch circuit with copper conductors, overcurrent protective
device and suitable disconnecting means must be provided by a qualified
electrician.
All wiring must conform to local codes or latest edition of National
Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The water heater is completely wired to the junction box at the top of the
water heater. An opening for 1/2” electrical fitting is provided for field
wiring connections.
The voltage requirements and wattage load for the water heater are specified
on the rating label on the front of the water heater.
The branch circuit wiring should include either:
- Metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable approved for use as a grounding conductor and installed with fittings approved for the purpose.
- Nonmetallic sheathed cable, metallic conduit or metallic sheathed cable not approved for use as a ground conductor shall include a separate conductor for grounding. It should be attached to the ground terminals of the water heater and the electrical distribution box.
To connect power to the water heater:
- Turn the power off.
- Remove the screw/screws holding the junction box top cover.
- Install L1 to L1, L2 to L2 and ground wire onto the fixed junction box cover, per illustration below.
- Reconnect all screws attaching the junction box covers.
WARNING Risk of fire or electrical shock.
Ensure both junction box covers and ground screws are securely fastened for
proper grounding.
NOTE: Install electric connections according to local codes or latest
edition of National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70.
The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover any damage or defect caused by
installation, attachment or use of any type of energy-saving or other
unapproved devices (other than those authorized by the manufacturer) into,
onto or in conjunction with the water heater. The use of unauthorized energy-
saving devices may shorten the life of the water heater and may endanger life
and property.
The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for such loss or injury
resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices.
If local codes require external application of insulation blanket kits, the
manufacturer’s instructions included with the kit must be carefully followed.
Application of any external insulation, blankets or water pipe insulation
to this water heater will require careful attention to the following:
- Do not cover the temperature and pressure-relief valve.
- Do not cover access panels to the heating elements.
- Do not cover the electrical junction box of the water heater.
- Do not cover the operating or warning labels attached to the water heater or attempt to relocate them on the exterior of the insulation blanket.
NOTE: This guide recommends minimum branch circuit sizing based on the
National Electric Code.
Refer to wiring diagrams in this manual for field wiring connections.
BRANCH CIRCUIT SIZING GUIDE
Total
Water
Heater
Wattage| Recommended Over Current Protection
(fuse or circuit breaker amperage rating)| Copper Wire Size AWG
Basedon N.E.C. Table
310-16 (167°F/75°C.)
---|---|---
@240V| 208-240V| 208-240V
3,000| 20| 12
4,000| 25| 10
4,500| 25| 10
5,000| 30| 10
5,500| 30| 10
6,000| 35| 8
8,000| 45| 8
9,000| 50| 8
10,000| –| –
11,000| –| –
12,000| –| –