STIEBEL ELTRON DHC-E Series Classic Electronically Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters Instruction Manual

: May 15, 2024
: STIEBEL ELTRON

Table of Contents

STIEBEL ELTRON DHC-E Series Classic Electronically Controlled Electric
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
General information
SAFETY
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT
Troubleshooting
INSTALLATION
Water connections
NORMAL MAINTENANCE
Technical Data
Wiring diagram
Spare parts
WARRANTY ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLING
Documents / Resources

STIEBEL ELTRON DHC-E Series Classic Electronically Controlled Electric

Tankless Water Heaters

STIEBEL-ELTRON-DHC-E-Series-Classic-Electronically-Controlled-Electric-
Tankless-Water-Heaters-PRODUCT

Product Information

Specifications

Model: DHC-E 8/10 Classic
Power Output: Switchable
Temperature Setting: Adjustable with anti-scalding protection
Electrical Connection: Terminal block

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

Before starting the installation process, ensure you have read and understood the user manual provided with the product.

Description

The product is designed for a specific application, ensure it is suitable for your intended use.

Mounting

Follow the mounting instructions provided in the manual to securely install the product in the designated location.

Water Connections

Connect the water inlet and outlet according to the labeled connections on the product. Ensure proper sealing to prevent leaks.

Electrical Connection

Connect the terminal block as per the wiring diagram provided in the manual. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and follow local electrical codes.

DHC-E 8/10 Classic switchable power output

Adjust the switchable power output based on your requirements following the guidelines provided.

Temperature Setting/Anti-scalding Protection

Set the desired water temperature using the temperature setting feature while ensuring anti-scalding protection is activated.

Terminal Block

Securely connect the wires to the terminal block ensuring correct polarity and tight connections.

Commissioning

Once all connections are made, proceed with commissioning the appliance as per the handover guidelines provided in the manual.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for guidance on identifying and resolving common problems.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I reset the safety thermal cutout?

A: To reset the safety thermal cutout, follow the steps outlined in section 11.3 of the manual. Make sure to identify the cause of the cutout before resetting.

Q: What should I do if I see diagnostic lights indicating a fault?

A: Refer to sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the manual to understand the fault codes and take appropriate action as suggested to resolve the issue.

General information

Note Read these instructions carefully before using the appliance and familiarize yourself with its functions.
Keep these instructions safe. Pass on the instructions to a new user if required.

Safety information

Structure of safety information

KEYWORD: Type of risk Here, possible consequences are listed that may result from not observing the safety information.
Steps to prevent the risk are listed.

Symbols. type of risk

Keywords

KEYWORD Description

DANGER If this information is not observed, it will result in serious injury or death.
WARNING If this information is not observed, it can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION If this information is not observed, it can lead to medium or minor injury.

SAFETY

Other symbols in this document

Note

Notes are bordered by horizontal lines above and below the text.
General information is identified by the symbol shown on the left.
Read these notes carefully.

Symbol

Damage to the appliance and environment
Appliance disposal
This symbol indicates that you have to do something. The action you need to take is described step by step.
Observe the following safety information and regulations.
Operate the appliance only when fully installed and with all safety equipment ﬁtted.

Intended use

The appliance is intended for heating domestic hot water and can supply several draw-off points.
Any other use beyond that described shall be deemed inappropriate.
Observation of these instructions is also part of the correct use of this appliance.

General Information

Read this entire manual. Failure to follow all the guides, instruc-tions, and rules could cause personal injury or property damage. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, and use of this appliance can result in serious injury.
This appliance must be installed by a licensed electrician and plumber. The installation must comply with all national, state, and local plumbing and electric codes. Proper installation is the re-sponsibility of the installer.
Failure to comply with the installation and operating instructions or improper use voids the warranty.
Save these instructions for future reference. The installer should leave these instructions with the consumer.
If you have any questions regarding the installation, use, or opera-tion of this water heater, or if you need any additional installation manuals, please call our technical service line, see last side.

Safety Precautions

DANGER: Injury Please read and follow these instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury or death.
Damage to the appliance and the environment The appliance must be installed by a licensed electrician and plumber. The installation must comply with all national, state, and local plumbing and electric codes.
Service of the appliance must be performed by qualiﬁed service TECHNICIANS.
DANGER: Electrocution Before proceeding with any installation, adjustment alteration, or service of this appliance all circuit breakers and disconnect switches servicing the appliance must be turned off.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury or death.
DANGER: Electrocution Never remove the appliance‘s cover unless the electricity servicing the appliance is turned off. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or death.
DANGER: Electrocution The appliance must be properly grounded. Failure to electrically ground the product could result in serious personal injury or death.
DANGER: Burns Water temperatures over 125 °F (52 °C) can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalding. A hot water scalding potential exists if the thermostat on the appliance is set too high. Households with small children, and disabled or elderly persons may require that the thermostat be set at 113 °F (45 °C) or lower to prevent possible injury from hot water.
WARNING: Injury Where children or persons with limited physical, sensory, or mental capabilities are to be allowed to control this appliance, ensure that this will only happen under supervision or after appropriate instructions by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they never play with the appliance.

Test symbols

See the type plate on the appliance.

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT

You must register this product within 90 days of purchase on our website to activate the standard warranty or to be eligible for the extended warranty. Go to our website at www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com and click on Register Your Product.”
Before beginning the registration process, we suggest that you gather the necessary information which will be as follows.

Type, Example: DHC-E Classic

The number listed after “Nr.”
Place of Purchase
Purchase Date
First & Last Name
Email address
Physical Address
Phone Number
Installation Date
If you have any questions concerning the registration process or warranty options, please contact Stiebel Eltron USA directly at 800.582.8423.

General

The tankless water heater differs from conventional storage-type water heaters in several ways. It does not store hot water. Instead, water is heated instantaneously as it flows through the appliance.
Due to the absence of stand-by losses, the appliance offers greater energy efficiency than storage-type water heaters.
The input of heat into the water is electronically controlled. The appliance will deliver any water temperature between 86 °F (30 °C) and 140 °F (60 °C). Please set the desired temperature using the knob on the front cover.

Note:

For reasons of appliance efficiency and durability (scaling), the optimum temperature setting lies between 86 °F (30°C) and 120°F (50°C).
In case the “Power” light is flashing while the appliance operates, the water flow rate exceeds the heating capacity of the appliance.
Reduce the hot water flow rate to let the appliance achieve the set point temperature. The maximum temperature is electronically limited to 140 °F (60 °C).
In case you have questions regarding the way you plan to use the appliance, please call our technical service line, see last side.

Troubleshooting

STIEBEL-ELTRON-DHC-E-Series-Classic-Electronically-Controlled-Electric-
Tankless-Water-Heaters-FIG-5

If you cannot remedy the fault, notify the contractor who installed the appliance.
To facilitate and speed up your inquiry, please provide the serial number from the type plate (000000-0000-000000).

INSTALLATION

Description Application

One appliance can be used for the following applications:
One or multiple hand-washing sinks
One kitchen sink
Cabins with flow restriction at the shower head.
A combination of two appliances can be used for whole apartment and house applications.
Please contact STIEBEL ELTRON for special installation instructions.
All areas with a groundwater temperature likely to exceed 65 °F (18 °C) year-round:
Whole apartment or house
CAUTION: The Electrocution Unit must be installed in a vertical position with the water fittings pointing downward. In this position, the unit is splashproof so that no water can soak in.

Hot valve (left)
Cold valve (right)
Sink
½˝ main pipe
Water supply line for faucet installation
Shut-off valve
Electrical junction box

Mounting

Install the appliance as close as possible to the main hot water draw-off points.
Install the appliance in a frost-free area. If frost occurs, remove the appliance before freezing temperatures set in.
Leave a minimum of 5˝ (125 mm) of clearance on all sides for servicing.
Remove the plastic cover.
Screw the screws into the wall and hang the appliance.
Screws and plastic wall anchors for mounting on masonry or wood are provided.
Secure the screws.

Water connections

Damage to the appliance and the environment: Excessive heat from soldering on copper pipes near the DHC-E Classic may cause damage.
All plumbing work must comply with national and applicable state and local plumbing codes.
A pressure-reducing valve must be installed if the cold water supply pressure exceeds 150 psi (10 bar).
Make certain that the cold water supply line has been ﬂushed to remove any scale and dirt.
Install an isolating valve in the cold water line as shown in the diagram in section 6.1 “Mounting the appliance”, pg.
This allows the appliance to be isolated for maintenance purposes.
The cold water connection (inlet) is on the right side of the appliance, hot water connection (outlet) is on the left side of the appliance.
Tankless water heaters such as the DHC-E are not required to be equipped with a Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (T&P).
If the local inspector will not pass the installation without a T&P, it should be installed on the hot water outlet side of the appliance.
The DHC-E’s hot water outlet is designed for connection to copper tubing, PEX tubing, or a braided stainless steel hose with a ½˝ NPT female tapered thread.
The plumbing on the cold water inlet side needs to be such that it can easily be removed to allow access to the inlet ﬁlter screen.
The easiest way to achieve this is to use a stainless steel braided hose connector. If soldering near the unit is necessary, please direct the ﬂame away from the housing of the unit to avoid damage.
When all plumbing work is completed, check for leaks and take corrective action before proceeding.

Electrical connection

DANGER: Electrocution Carry out all electrical connection and installation work under relevant regulations.
DANGER: Electrocution Only uses a permanent connection to the power supply. The appliance must be able to be separated from the power supply by an isolator that disconnects all poles with at least 1/8˝ (3 mm) contact separation.
DANGER: Electrocution Before beginning any work on the electric installation, be sure that the main breaker panel switch is “off” to avoid any danger of electric shock. All mounting and plumbing must be completed before proceeding with electrical hook-up. Where required by local, state, or national electrical codes the circuit should be equipped with a “ground fault interrupter”.
DANGER: Electrocution As with any electric appliance. failure to electrically ground appliances may result in serious injury or death.
Damage to the appliance and the environment: Observe the type plate. The speciﬁed voltage must match the mains voltage.
The appliance should be connected to a properly grounded dedicated branch circuit of proper voltage rating.
In installations with several appliances, each appliance requires an independent circuit. Please refer to the technical data table for the correct wire and circuit breaker size.
The wire must be fed through the rubber seal located between the hot and cold water connections. Then feed wires through the strain relief clamp and tighten the clamp down on the wire.
The “live” wires must be connected to the slots on the terminal block marked L and L (L and N). The ground wire must be connected to a slot marked with the ground symbol. Strain relief clamp with screws and rubber seal are provided.

DHC-E 8/10-2 Classic switchable power output

For the DHC-E 8/10-2 Classic model, the power output is adjustable in 2 stages. The factory default setting is Stage 1 (7.2 kW @ 240 V).

coding plug

If the heater needs to be installed with a different power output, take the following steps:
Insert the coding plug to select the desired power output.
Mark the selected power output and voltage on the type plate with a permanent marker.

Temperature setting/anti-scalding protection

Connect the lead of the electronic temperature control to position “A1” to get the maximum outlet temperature of 140°F (60°C).
The maximum temperature can be limited to 109 °F (43 °C):
Connect the lead of the electronic temperature control to position “A2”.
Reinstall the plastic cover.

Terminal block

Consult the chart below for the recommended torque amounts on the terminal block screws.
Using the proper torque speciﬁcations to secure wire to the wiring block helps to avoid personal loss or property damage.

Commissioning

DANGER: Electrocution Commissioning must only be carried out by an authorized contractor under safety regulations.

Damage to the appliance and the environment:

Open the hot water faucet for a few minutes until the water ﬂow is continuous and all air is purged from the water pipes.
The appliance’s plastic cover must be installed before the cir-cuit breaker is turned on.
Turn on the circuit breaker to bring electrical power to the appliance.
Turn the temperature selector clockwise and anti-clockwise, to calibrate the temperature selector.
Adjust the water temperature to the desired level using the knob on the front cover of the appliance.
Turn on hot water and wait twenty seconds until the temperature has stabilized.
Check the water temperature with your hand and make sure that it does not feel too hot. Reduce the temperature if this is necessary.
A setting of 108–116 °F (42–47 °C) is recommended for most applications.
Explain to the user how the appliance works and familiarise him or her with its use.
Advise the user about possible hazards (hot water temperature up to 140 °F (60 °C). Hand over these instructions, to be kept for future reference.
A setting of 108–116 °F (42–47 °C) is recommended for most applications.

Appliance handover

Explain the functions of the appliance to the user. Draw special attention to the safety information. Hand the operating and installation instructions to the user.

Troubleshooting

DANGER: Electrocution

To test the appliance, it must be supplied with power.

Diagnostic lights

LED diagnostic “trafﬁc lights

Fault table

NORMAL MAINTENANCE

If you are not able to resolve a problem please contact us, (see rear cover), before removing the appliance from the wall. STIEBEL ELTRON is happy to provide technical assistance. In most instances, we can resolve the problem over the phone.

Resetting the safety thermal cutout

DANGER: Electrocution Do not attempt to reset the safety thermal cutout of this water heater unless the power to the unit has been completely shut off at the circuit breakers.
The safety thermal cutout on the DHC-E Classic is designed to cut off electrical power to the heating elements if water of too high a temperature is encountered.
When the safety cutout has tripped, it must be reset manually.

To reset the safety cutout, use the following procedure:

Turn off the circuit breaker attached to the water heater
Remove the front cover of the water heater
Identify the safety thermal cutout on the top of the copper heating canister.
The button at the top is the reset button.
Press down on the button, and take note of whether it clicks or not when pressed.

Normal maintenance

STIEBEL ELTRON tankless water heaters are designed for a very long service life. Actual life expectancy will vary with water quality and use.
The appliance itself does not require any regular maintenance.
However, to ensure consistent water flow, it is recommended to periodically remove scale and dirt that may build up at the aerator of the faucet(s), the ﬁlter screen in the appliance, or the shower head.

Technical Data

Dimensions diagram

Wiring diagram

STIEBEL-ELTRON-DHC-E-Series-Classic-Electronically-Controlled-Electric-
Tankless-Water-Heaters-FIG-18

Maximum temperature increase above ambient water temperature Hot water ﬂow rate [ gpm ]

Hot water ﬂow rate [ l/min ]

Data table

DHC-E 8/10-2 Classic

Part number| 203671| | | | | | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Phase| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1| 1
Coding plug| Position 1| 1| 1| 1| 2| 2| 2| 2
Voltage| V 208| 220| 230| 240| 208| 220| 230| 240
Frequency| Hz 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60
Output power| kW 5.4| 6.0| 6.6| 7.2| 7.2| 8.1| 8.8| 9.6
Amperage| A 26| 28| 29| 30| 35| 37| 39| 40
Min. recommended circuit breaker1 (DP)| A 30| 30| 30| 30| 35| 40| 40| 40
Min. recommended wire size2 (copper)| AWG 10| 10| 10| 10| 8| 8| 8| 8
Min. water flow to activate the appliance| gpm / l/min 0.26 / 1| | | | | | |
Protection level according to| IP 24| | | | | | |
Max. inlet water temperature| °F / °C 131 / 55| | | | | | |
Nominal water volume| gal / l 0.13 / 0.5| | | | | | |
Working pressure max.| psi / bar / MPa 150 / 10 / 1| | | | | | |
Tested to pressure| psi / bar / MPa 300 / 20 / 2| | | | | | |
Weight| lb/kg 5.9 / 2.7| | | | | | |
Water connections| 1/2˝ NPT| | | | | | |

DHC-E 12-2 Classic

Part number| 203672|
---|---|---
Phase| 1| 1| 1| 1
Voltage| V 208| 220| 230| 240
Frequency| Hz 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60| 50 / 60
Output power| kW 9| 10| 11| 12
Amperage| A 44| 46| 48| 50
Min. recommended circuit breaker1 (DP)| A 50| 50| 50| 50
Min. recommended wire size2 (copper)| AWG COPPER 8| 8| 8| 8
Protection level according to| IP 24|
Min. water flow to activate the unit| gpm / l/min 0.26 / 1
Max. inlet water temperature| °F / °C 131 / 55
Nominal water volume| gal / l 0.13 / 0.5
Working pressure max.| psi / bar / MPa 150 / 10 / 1
Tested to pressure| psi / bar / MPa 300 / 20 / 2
Weight| lb/kg 5.9 / 2.7
Water connections| 1/2˝ NPT

DHC-E 8/10-2 Classic is a single unit that is switchable at installation via jumper for output at 7.2 kW (Stage 1) or 9.6 kW (Stage 2).
Overcurrent protection is sized at 100% of the load. Tankless water heaters are considered a non-continuous load.
Copper conductors with a temperature rating of 75 °C or greater must be used. Conductors should be sized to maintain a voltage drop of less than 3% under load. These are our recommendations. Check local codes for compliance if necessary.

Spare parts

STIEBEL-ELTRON-DHC-E-Series-Classic-Electronically-Controlled-Electric-
Tankless-Water-Heaters-FIG-21

No.

1

| No. Spare part

Heating system

| DHC-E 8/10-2 Classic

292575

| DHC-E 12-2 Classic

292576

---|---|---|---
2| Safety thermal cut-out| 286369| 286369
3| Electronic control appliance| 291851| 291852
4| Jumper plug| 283455| –
5| Back panel| 292578| 292578
6| Flow sensor DFE| 286461| 286461
7| Cold water connection| 291699| 291699
8| Filter screen| 252430| 252430
9| Hot water connection| 278634| 278634
10| Front cover| 352480| 352480
11| Wiring block| 279998| 279998
12| Axis connection plug| 254312| 254312
13| Electronic temperature control| 286359| 286359
14| Temperature adjustment knob| 254307| 254307
15| Outlet temperature sensor| 280677| 280677

WARRANTY ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLING

Subject to the terms and conditions outlined in this limited warranty, Stiebel Eltron, Inc. (the “Manufacturer”) hereby warrants to the original purchaser (the “Owner”) that each Tankless Electric Domestic Hot Water Heater (the “Heater”) shall not (i) leak due to defects in the Manufacturer’s materials or workmanship for seven (7) years from the date of purchase or (ii) fail due to defects in the Manufacturer’s materials or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of purchase. As the Owner’s sole and exclusive remedy for breach of the above warranty, the Manufacturer shall, at the Manufacturer’s discretion, send replacement parts for local repair; retrieve the unit for factory repair, or replace the defective Heater with a replacement unit with comparable operating features. The manufacturer’s maximum liability under all circumstances shall be limited to the Owner’s purchase price for the Heater.
This limited warranty shall be the exclusive warranty made by the Manufacturer and is made in place of all other warranties, express or implied, whether written or oral, including, but not limited to warranties of merchantability and ﬁ fitness for a particular purpose. Manufacturer shall not be liable for incidental, consequential, or contingent damages or expenses arising directly or indirectly from any defect in the Heater or the use of the Heater.
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any water damage or other damage to the property of the Owner arising, directly or indirectly, from any defect in the Heater or the use of the Heater.
Manufacturer alone is authorized to make all warranties on the Manufacturer’s behalf and no statement, warranty, or guarantee made by any other party shall be binding on the Manufacturer.

Manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage whatsoever relating to or caused by:

any misuse or neglect of the Heater, any accident to the Heater, any alteration of the Heater, or any other unintended use;
acts of God and circumstances over which the Manufacturer has no control;
installation of the Heater other than as directed by the Manufacturer and other than per applicable building codes;
failure to maintain the Heater or to operate the Heater under the Manufacturer’s speciﬁ cations;
operation of the Heater under ﬂ fluctuating water pressure or in the event the Heater is supplied with non-potable water, for any duration;
improper installation and/or improper materials used by any installer and not relating to defects in parts or workmanship of Manufacturer;
moving the Heater from its original place of installation;
exposure to freezing conditions;
water quality issues such as corrosive water, hard water, and water contaminated with pollutants or additives;

Should the owner wish to return the Heater to the manufacturer for repair or replacement under this warranty, the Owner must ﬁrst secure written authorization from the Manufacturer.
The owner shall demonstrate proof of purchase, including a purchase date, and shall be responsible for all removal and transportation costs.
If the Owner cannot demonstrate a purchase date this warranty shall be limited to the period beginning from the date of manufacture stamped on the Heater.
The manufacturer reserves the right to deny warranty coverage upon the Manufacturer’s examination of the Heater.
This warranty is restricted to the Owner and cannot be assigned.
Some States and Provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain warranties.
In such cases, the limitations set forth herein may not apply to the Owner. In such cases, this warranty shall be limited to the shortest period and lowest damage amounts allowed by law.
This warranty gives you speciﬁ c legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State or Province to Province.
The owner shall be responsible for all labor and other charges incurred in the removal or repair of the Heater in the ﬁeld.
Please also note that the Heater must be installed in such a manner that if any leak does occur, the ﬂ ow of water from any leak will not damage the area in which it is installed.
The installation, electrical connection, and ﬁrst operation of this appliance should be carried out by a qualiﬁed installer.
The company does not accept liability for the failure of any goods supplied that have not been installed and operated under the manufacturer‘s instructions.

Environment and recycling

Please help us to protect the environment by disposing of the packaging under the national regulations for waste processing.
This Warranty is valid for the U.S.A. & Canada only. Warranties may vary by country. Please consult your local Stiebel Eltron Representative for the Warranty for your country.

United States of America

STIEBEL ELTRON, Inc.
17 West Street | West Hatﬁeld, MA 01088 Tel. 413.247.3380
Fax 413.247.3369 Toll-free 800.582.8423
info@stiebel-eltron-usa.com
www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

Austria STIEBEL ELTRON Ges.m.b.H.

Eferdinger Str. 73
4600 Wels
Tel. 07242 47367-0
Fax 07242 47367-42info@stiebel-eltron.at
www.stiebel-eltron.at

United Kingdom and Ireland

STIEBEL ELTRON UK Ltd.
Unit 12 Stadium Court
Stadium Road
CH62 3RP Bromborough Tel. 0151 346-2300
Fax 0151 334-2913info@stiebel-eltron.co.uk
www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk
Subject to errors and technical changes!

Documents / Resources

| STIEBEL ELTRON DHC-E Series Classic Electronically Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters [pdf] Instruction Manual
DHC-E 8, DHC-E 10, DHC-E Series Classic Electronically Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Classic Electronically Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Controlled Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Tankless Water Heaters, Water Heaters
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