Intellihot iE1 Electric Tankless Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Guide

Intellihot iE1 Electric Tankless Heat Pump Water Heater

Quick Reference Installation Guide

Install the Water Heater

1. 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 latest editions of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code CSA C22.1.
2. This installation requires Plumbing and electrical work. A qualified service provider is required.
3. In California, this water heater must be braced or anchored to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake.
4. Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 3.00:
5. If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not understand any portion of the instructions, call the number listed on the back cover of this manual for technical assistance.
6. Select an installation location, for an interior or exterior location refer to section “Preparation Before Installation”.
7. Please make sure the clearance around the unit is met or exceeded as per section “Clearance Requirements”.
8. Check the quality of the water to determine if additional water treatment would be beneficial to the function and efficiency of the water heater. For additional information refer to section” Preparation Before Installation”.
9. Make all necessary water connections. For additional information refer to section “Water Connections”. Make sure shut-off valves are included on the water inlet and water outlet.
10. Make all necessary electrical connections. as per section “Electrical Power”
11. If connecting multiple units together, refer to “Multi-unit Setup”
12. Fill out the Warranty Card and return it to Intellihot.
13. For a copy of the card go to “Warranty”.

Startup Instructions

NOTICE
Before the initial startup operation of the iE1 Electric Water Heater, make sure to bleed all the air that is present in the water lines. Please see “Water Connections”.

CAUTION

Do not startup the water heater if there is no supply of water to the water heater.

• The inlet water shut-off valve and the outlet water shutoff valve must be in fully open position to release any air trapped inside the water lines of the water heater.
• Make sure to gradually supply water through the water inlet. Rapid supply of water through the water inlet may cause damage to the water heater

1. Please refer to “Nomenclature” to identify and locate the items mentioned in the below instructions.

2. Open the outlet water shut-off fully.

3. Gradually open the inlet water shut-off valve to allow the water to slowly flow through the water lines of the water heater. Please see Section “Water Connections”.

4. Gently lift the lever of the T&P valve and push it all the way up to release any air present in the water lines of the water heater.

5. Close the outlet water shut-off valve

6. Turn ON the water heater.
   NOTICE
   The display screen will switch on and display the progress of charging the thermal battery and the water filling through the thermal battery fill port. The charging time may vary between a minimum period of 45 minutes to a maximum period of 2 hours only.
   CAUTION
   Make sure the outlet water shut-off valve is closed until the thermal battery is fully charged and the water in the thermal battery of the water heater is filled.

7. Gradually open the outlet water shut-off valve to allow hot water to flow out from the water lines of the water heater. Please see “Water Connections”

8. The water heater is ready for use.
   NOTICE
   The internal thermal battery will be automatically recharged to fill or drain the thermal battery based on water consumption or overflow respectively.

9. If any error code appears on the display screen, please refer to “Troubleshooting Guide”

Preparation Before Installation

Before the installation of the water heater, please read the manual carefully to take all the necessary precautions.

Selecting an Installation Site

1. Select an applicable indoor or outdoor location for the installation. Each installation is unique; therefore, take the time to find the best location for your water heater.

2. In case of outdoor installation, please refer to section “5.2 Outdoor Installation” on page 18

3.  It is not recommended to install the water heater unit at the building basement floor, unless or otherwise there is sufficient air ventilation in that location.
   NOTICE
   If there is not outside air circulation in the room, the heat pump will emit cold air and may cause the room temperature to become colder.
   Important: The water heater must have unrestricted airflow.
   WARNING
   The water heater should be in an area where leakage of the connections will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the heater or to lower floors of the structure.

4. Install the water heater close to water inlet, water drain outlet and other water connections. Please refer to section “Water Connections”

5. To minimizes the length of water pipes used in plumbing connections, install the water heater near locations that use hot water, such as bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room faucets. Please refer to section “Water Connections”

6. Make sure to select the location of the unit that minimizes the length of electrical connections. Please refer to section “Electrical Power”

7.  If the distances are long or if the faucet or appliance requires “instant” hot water, we recommend running a recirculation line back to the water heater from the farthest fixture.

8. Make sure the unit is not located in a busy location and is located away from foot traffic.
   NOTICE
   Make sure the installation location must be free from any corrosive elements in the atmosphere such as sulfur, fluorine, and chlorine. In addition, excessive dust and lint affect the operation of the unit.
   WARNING
   Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury, there shall be no materials such as dust, debris, chemical agents, or other flammable materials like gasoline or paint stored or kept around the water heater unit location.

9. Allow sufficient clearances for the service and maintenance access to water inlet, water outlet and the drain connections of the water heater. Please refer to the “Water Connections”  for allowable clearances

10. The water heater produces non-acidic condensate, water similar to an air conditioner’s condenser water. This condensate water is safe to drain without using any neutralizer. Please check with local plumbing code for the proper drainage of this condensate water.

11. If the water heater will be installed where the ambient temperature could fall below freezing temperature it is recommended to insulate all the piping connection to protect the water inlet, water outlet, condensate and all other water connections from freezing.
    WARNING
    During extreme cold weather conditions and if there is a power failure, make sure to.

    • Turn OFF the water heater
    • Close the water inlet and outlet shut-off water valves and Drain the unit completely.
      Due to the extreme cold weather conditions and in case of a power failure, the water inside the water unit may freeze and may cause damage to the water heater. Damage caused by freezing water will not be covered under the warranty of this unit.

12.  Check the water quality.
    a. Proper maintenance of the water heater is required to ensure that the water meets EPA quality standards. Refer to section “13. Warranty” on page 48 for quality standard requirements and additional information.
    b. If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any way, discontinue use of the water heater, and contact an authorized technician or licensed professional.
    c. If the incoming water is known to have a high mineral content or “hardness” (see table below and refer to “13. Warranty” on page 48 for additional details), water treatment is recommended upstream from the water heater.

Maximum Allowable Hardness (grains per gallon, gpg)

Unit
Setpoint
(°F)

|

Incoming Water Pressure (PSI)

30| 40| 50| 60| 80| 100

100-119°

| 8| 15| 20| 25| 30| 30

120-139°

| 5| 11| 15| 20| 27| 30

140-159°

| 4| 5| 11| 13| 18| 20

160-170°

| 3| 5| 10| 12| 15| 17
13. Make sure the location meets all building code requirements.

Outdoor Installation

Select a suitable exterior/outdoor location to install the water heater. Please refer to “Selecting an Installation Site”.
This water heater must be installed by qualified and authorized technicians only.
Before the installation of the water heater, please read the manual carefully to take all the necessary precautions.

1. Air Ventilation: The water heater must be installed in an area with sufficient atmospheric air ventilation on all directions to the water heater.
2. Clearances: Allow sufficient clearances for the service and maintenance access to water inlet, water outlet and drain connections of the water heater. Please refer to the section “Clearance Requirements”
3. Plumbing Connections: Make sure to perform all the necessary plumbing connections as shown in Section “Water Connections”
4. Electrical and Grounding Connections: Make sure to perform all the necessary electrical and grounding connections as shown in Section “Electrical Power”. Make sure the water heater is properly grounded.

CAUTION

Grounding Requirement

This water heater must be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and/or local codes. These must be followed in all cases. Failure to ground this water heater properly may also cause erratic control system operations, and incorrect water temperatures.
This water heater must be connected to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding terminal or lead on the water heater.
Except for maintenance, the iE1 door must be closed and locked at all times. Failure to do so could cause water leaks, electric shock, and damage to the internal components. The warranty does not cover this.

Room Size Requirements

The recommended minimum space for installation should be 3200 sq. ft. This is an air source heat pump water heater and uses heat from the surrounding air. In the installation room, there must be an unrestricted airflow and requires minimum of 3200 sq. ft. If this requirement is not met, the water heater could operate in lower efficiency and performance.

NOTICE
iE1 is an air source heat pump. If installed in a small room, the air temperature room must be 65 deg F or higher to achieve efficient heating. Otherwise, the iE1 might use more electricity to heat water (based on the demand) and the room could get colder soon. If installed in a smaller kitchen, the iE1 uses kitchen’s hot air to heat the water.

Water Connections

CAUTION
This water heater must be installed by a licensed plumber, or professional service technician. Installation by unqualified person(s) voids the warranty

NOTICE
Since each installation is different, it is up to the installer to route the water lines efficiently. The drawings shown here are suggestions indicating the items needed for the installation only.
A water-hammer arrestor shall be installed where quick closing valves are utilized. The Water-hammer arrestors shall be installed in accordance with the water-hammer arrestor manufacturer’s instructions.

CAUTION
Do not overtighten any fittings or connections as damage may occur, and may cause internal or external leakage. Follow the instructions given in this manual carefully to avoid any damage to the water heater, fittings, or connections.

Quick Reference Installation Instructions

Install the water heater on a concrete base with a minimum height of 6 inches from the floor and connect the below given items as shown in the above figure.

Pressure Relief Valve Installation

1. Connect a pipe to the pressure relief valve port.

2. Install the pressure relief valve (provided with the water heater) to the T&P port.
   Hot Water Pipe Connection

3. Connect a pipe to the hot-water outlet.

4. Install an isolation valve to the hot-water outlet pipe. Cold Water Pipe Connection

5. Connect a pipe to the cold-water inlet.

6. Install one end of a T-joint to the cold-water inlet pipe.

7. Connect a pipe and Install a dual check valve between the other end of the T-joint and the thermal battery fill port.

8. Connect a pipe and install an isolation valve to the last end of the T-joint.
   Drain Pipe Connections

9. Connect a pipe to the condensate drain port and route the pipe to a nearby drain.

10. Connect a pipe to the thermal battery drain port and route it to a nearby drain.
    CAUTION
    Any air trapped inside the water lines cause damage to the water heater. Make sure the isolation valves at the hot-water outlet pipe and cold-water inlet pipe are in fully open position to release any air trapped inside the pipes lines or the water heater.
    Make sure to gradually supply water through the cold-water inlet. Rapid supply of water cause damage to the water heater.

11. After the installation is completed, open the isolation valve at the cold-water inlet to gradually fill water in the water heater. Make sure the isolation valve at the hot-water outlet pipe is in fully open position.
    NOTICE
    Make sure there is continuous water flow in the connections of all the water pipe lines connected to the water heater. Make sure there are no leakages found in the joints and connections of all the water pipe lines connected to the water heater.

12. Open the nearest faucet or sink connected to the water heater and continue to drain the hot water until there is no air trapped inside the water pipe lines connected to the water heater.

Hot Water Connection

1. Install and connect the hot water pipe lines as shown in the above.

NOTICE
The length of the hot water pipes should be as short as possible to reduce heat loss and to supply hot water to the  fixtures quickly.
WARNING
To prevent adverse health issues, only materials such as pipes, fittings, valves, solder, etc. that are approved for use in potable water systems must be used.

2. Connect a 1-1/2” NPT coupler to the water heater’s Hopwater outlet port.

3. Install and connect the hot water outlet pipe to the 1-1/2” NPT coupler.

4. Install a T-joint and connect one end of the T to the thermal battery fill port with a double check valve in the\ middle (as shown).

5. Install a 1-1/2” union connection.

6. Install the supplied 3/4” 150 PSI maximum pressure relief valve, as required by your local in the designated pressure relief valve port.

7. Following local building codes, install a 1-1/2” manual shutoff valve with 1-1/2” NPT fittings.
   WARNING
   To prevent serious personal injury, do not install any shut-off device between the water heater and the pressure relief valve. This valve is designed to release abnormally high pressure within the water heater in the event of a system problem.
   The supplied pressure relief valve must be used and installed. Do not install any restrictions or other valves before the pressure relief valve.

8. Install and route a discharge pipe from the pressure relief valve to within six inches of the floor and directed away from walk ways or other appliances as shown in the image given below.
   

9. Route the relief valve to within six inches of the floor to prevent injury in the event of a discharge.

10. Make sure the diameter of the pipe connected from the pressure relief valve must be in the same size of the pressure relief valve. Please see “3.5 Overall Dimensions” on page 10
    CAUTION
    Do not use any reducers in the outlet pipe. Do not install any valves, restrictions, elbows, or other blockages in the outlet pipe.
    NOTICE
    If multiple water heaters are being installed, the diameter of both the main cold-water pipes and the main hot water pipes need to be sized by an engineering professional.

11. For multiple unit installations only: The outlet pipes must not be connected together. Each pipe must be separately routed to a suitable drain.

12. Make sure to follow the local building codes to connect the water heater pipe lines to the building’s hot water pipe connections as required.
    NOTICE
    To conserve energy, insulate all hot water pipes and recirculation pipes.
    SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
    Do not insulate the pressure relief valve.

13. Make sure the water heater is turned OFF and release the water to drain until there is no air trapped inside the water pipe lines of the water heater

14. Test the water pipes for any leakage. Repair any leaks immediately.

Cold Water Connection

1. Install and connect the hot water pipe lines as shown in the above given figure.
   WARNING
   To prevent adverse health issues, only materials such as pipes, fittings, valves, solder, etc. that are approved for use in potable water systems must be used.
   SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
   If the incoming water is known to have a high mineral content or “hardness” (See “13. Warranty” on page 48), hardness treatment is recommended upstream from the water heater. When the water heater is installed in a closed loop recirculation system, and if the cold water supply pipe has a back flow preventer, then an expansion tank should be installed to allow for water expansion. Expansion tank should be sized for the application.

2. Install and connect the hot water pipe lines as shown in the above given figure.

3. Connect a 1-1/2” NPT coupler to the water heater’s cold water connection.

4. Install a T and connect one end of the T to the glycol fill port with a double check valve in the middle.

5. Install a 1-1/2” union connection.

6. Following local building codes, install a 1-1/2” manual shutoff valve with 1-1/2” NPT fittings.
   NOTICE
   Isolation valve kits can be used if incoming water treatment is anticipated (such as a water softener) due to hardness levels or heavy usage of the unit.

7. Make sure the water heater is turned OFF and release the water to drain until there is no air trapped inside the water pipe lines of the water heater.

8. Test the water pipes for any leakage. Repair any leaks immediately.

Cold Drain Connection

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Do not drink the condensate water. The condenser of the water heater produces condensate (water) as a normal by-product of heating the water. It is advised to send this water to the drain.

1. Connect and Install a 3/4” hose to the hose connection on the water heater as show in the below given figure.
   

NOTICE
It is recommended to have a drain of sufficient size to accommodate accidental pipe breaks and other various leaks that could occur due to normal wear and tear. The manufacturer will not be responsible for any damage resulting from leaking if adequate drainage is not provided.

Electrical Power

Electrical Requirements

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard – Do Not Touch

• Turn OFF power to the water heater at the connected branch circuit before the installation and servicing to avoid any personal injury caused due to electric shock.

• Make sure to label all the wires before installation of the water heater. Wiring errors may cause improper and dangerous operation to the water heater and may cause personal injury or death due to electric shock.

• To avoid serious injury or death, follow all applicable local, state, and national regulations, mandates, and building codes for guidelines to install the electrical power supply. Electrical wirings are installed according with national wiring regulations.
  CAUTION

• Do not supply power or charge to the water heater before the installation or servicing is completed and make sure the thermal battery is filled with water.

• After installation and servicing make sure to operate the water heater as given in “4. Quick Reference Installation Guide” on page 16

WARNING
Make sure the water heater is connected to a grounded permanent wiring system to avoid electric shock and death.

NOTICE

Electrical code requirements are different in the USA and Canada. Refer to and follow the local building codes, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) in the USA, or the CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code – Part 1

CAUTION
Make sure to supply the input voltage as specified in Section “3.1 Specifications Chart” on page 8. Improper power source should be may cause damage to the water heater Do not supply power or charge to the water heater before the installation or servicing is completed and make sure the thermal battery is filled with water.

1. iE1 is an electrically operated water heater.
2. The electrical power required for the water heater is 208V AC, 1Ph. Please refer to Section “Technical Specifications”

Circuit Breaker

1. Each unit must be installed with its own circuit breaker.
2. Make sure to select an appropriate circuit breaker for the water heater from the table given below.

Model

|

iE1 Std

|

iE1 Mid

|

iE1 Max

---|---|---|---

Recommended Circuit Breaker

| 20 Amps| 60 Amps| 90 Amps

Connection Instructions

Wire Gauge

1. Make sure the electrical outlet is being wired as per the AWG table given below and grounded with an appropriately sized recommended circuit breaker as given Section 7.1.2 Circuit Breaker Table

Model

|

iE1 Std

|

iE1 Mid

|

iE1 Max

---|---|---|---
AWG|

12

|

6

|

3

2. If the distance between the water heater and the breaker increases the wire gauge will change.

Additional Circuit Breaker Installatio

WARNING

To avoid serious injury or even death from electrical hazards, an additional Breaker ON/OFF electrical junction box should be installed near the water heater. This will allow power to be removed from the water heater prior to service or in the case of an emergency.

NOTICE

• An additional electrical shut-off is required for maintenance and at the time of an emergency only.
• The electrical shut-off switch must be installed near the water heater, easily accessible in case of an emergency as shown above.
• Follow OSHA regulations or the local electrical code for proper height and distance. Otherwise, the distance of the electrical shut-off switch must be minimum three feet away from the water heater and four feet from the floor.
• Make sure the electrical shut-off switch is installed within the visibility of the water heater unit and follow your building regulation before the installation of an additional circuit breaker.
• If multiple water heaters are installed near the same location, each water heater must have its own electrical emergency shut-off switch.

CAUTION

Do not connect an electrical shut-off switch, with other iE1 water heaters or any other appliances to avoid damage to the water heater.

Wire Routing

CAUTION

Do not interchange cable routing. Follow the instructions as given below.

1. The electrical wires must be routed from the back, top channels as shown in the above given figure

2. The top channel is reserved for main power cable routing and the bottom channel is reserved for BMS power cable routing.

3. Remove the screws and open the top side panel/ removable panel.

4. Remove the screws and open the main unit’s connection box.

5. Route the wires through the top side panel as shown in the image above. Please see section “Wiring Diagram”.
   CAUTION
   Grounding Requirement
   This water heater must be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and/or local codes. These must be followed in all cases. Failure to ground this water heater properly may also cause erratic control system operations, and incorrect water temperatures.
   This water heater must be connected to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding terminal or lead on the water heater.
   

6. Remove the screws and open the terminal block junction to connect the wires as per the below instructions.

7. Terminal Block Connection: Connect the black wire to L1 location and the white wire to L2 location in the terminal block as shown in the above given figure.

8. Grounding Connection: Connect the ground wire from the power supply to the ground terminal at G location in the terminal block as shown in the above given figure.

9. Close the inside power junction box and install the screws.

10. Close the top side panel and install the screws.

11. If multiple units installed, each unit must be installed with a separate circuit breaker and a dedicated additional circuit breaker ON/OFF switch must be installed near each water heater.

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