Bradford White is a leading manufacturer of water heating systems in the United States, offering a wide range of electric and heat pump water heaters tailored for both residential and commercial use. Installation and proper operation of these systems are critical for safety, performance, and warranty compliance. This article provides a detailed overview of the installation and operation instructions for the Bradford White HPWH (Heat Pump Water Heater) and Light Duty Commercial Electric Water Heater (Model 40759), based on official instruction manuals and technical documentation provided by the manufacturer.
Understanding the correct installation procedures, electrical requirements, plumbing configurations, and safety precautions ensures optimal performance and long-term reliability of these units. The following sections will explore key aspects of installation, including electrical and plumbing connections, grounding, wiring configurations, and operational guidelines.
Installation Overview and Safety Precautions
Bradford White water heaters are designed to meet high standards of safety and performance, but their proper installation is essential to ensure these standards are met. The manufacturer emphasizes that installation should be performed by a licensed plumbing professional and that users should thoroughly review the installation and operation manual before beginning any work.
Warranty and Compliance
The warranty on a Bradford White water heater is only valid when the unit is installed and operated in accordance with local codes and the manufacturer’s instructions. The manual explicitly states that failure to follow these guidelines could result in the voiding of the warranty and potential liability for damages due to improper installation or operation.
Users are encouraged to contact a certified plumbing professional for installation to ensure compliance with both manufacturer and local regulations. The instruction manual also notes that a Spanish language version of the instructions is available, which can be requested by contacting the information listed on the product’s rating plate.
Electrical Installation Requirements
Electrical connections are a critical component of the installation process for Bradford White water heaters, especially for electric and heat pump models. The following details are derived from the instruction manual for the Light Duty Commercial Electric Water Heater (Model 40759) and apply to most electric models in the line.
Grounding and Electrical Connections
- All models except 10 and 15 gallon utility models must have the green ground wire from the power supply attached to the terminal marked for grounding on the terminal block.
- 10 and 15 gallon utility models require the ground wire to be attached to the green ground screw located under the element access cover.
- The water heater must be well grounded to prevent electrical hazards and ensure safe operation.
Wiring Configurations
- Upright and lowboy models are wired for unbalanced three-phase delta branch circuit operation.
- These models can also be converted to single-phase and/or simultaneous operation, as detailed in the wiring diagrams provided in the manual (Figures 3A and 3B).
- It is essential to check the voltage and wiring configuration on the rating plate located on the front of the unit to ensure compatibility with the electrical system.
Power Supply and Disconnect Switch
- The power leads should be run from an adequately fused disconnect switch, which is not supplied with the unit.
- The wires must be connected to the water heater according to the wiring diagrams in the manual (Figures 3A, 3B, 4, and 4A).
- In cases where longer wire runs are necessary or local codes require it, an increase in wire size may be necessary. Users should consult local codes and/or their local power company for specific requirements.
- In the absence of local codes, the National Electrical Code (NEC) should be followed.
Plumbing Connections and Configuration
Proper plumbing configuration is essential to ensure the correct operation of the water heater and to prevent damage to the unit or plumbing system. The following details are based on the Light Duty Commercial Electric Water Heater (Model 40759) installation manual and apply to both upright and utility models.
Hot and Cold Water Connections
- Upright models have hot and cold water connections identified on the top of the unit (Figures 1A and 1B).
- Bottom inlet models (-503 models) have the cold water inlet located on the side of the drain valve.
- Hot and cold water lines should be connected to the installed nipples using unions.
- A listed temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed in the remaining fitting to ensure safety and code compliance.
Utility Models
- Utility models come with inlet and outlet nipples enclosed in a plastic bag attached to the side of the unit.
- The hot and cold water connections are identified on the side of the water heater.
- Thread sealant should be applied to the provided nipples before installation.
- For 20-gallon utility models, an anode/nipple combination must be installed at the HOT outlet location.
- A temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed in the opening on the side of the unit.
- A vacuum relief anti-siphon device is required in the cold water inlet line to prevent siphoning and ensure safe operation.
Electrical Power and Heating Element Requirements
The performance of the water heater is directly related to the electrical power supplied and the configuration of the heating elements. The following data is based on the Light Duty Commercial Electric Water Heater (Model 40759) instruction manual and provides heating element specifications for various wattage configurations.
| Wattage (W) | 240V | 208V | 120V | 110V | 100V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2500/2500 | 20.8/12.0 | 18.0/10.4 | 11.4/6.6 | 10.4/6.0 | 9.0/5.2 |
| 3000/3000 | 25.0/14.4 | 21.6/12.5 | 13.7/7.9 | 12.5/7.2 | 10.8/6.3 |
| 3500/3500 | 29.1/16.8 | 25.2/14.6 | 15.9/9.2 | 14.6/8.4 | 12.6/7.3 |
| 4000/4000 | 33.3/19.2 | 28.8/16.7 | 18.2/10.5 | 16.7/9.6 | 14.4/8.3 |
| 4500/4500 | 37.4/21.6 | 32.4/18.8 | 20.5/11.8 | 18.8/10.8 | 16.2/9.4 |
| 5000/5000 | 41.6/24.0 | 36.0/20.8 | 22.8/13.2 | 20.8/12.0 | 18.0/10.4 |
| 5500/5500 | N/A | 39.6/22.9 | 25.0/14.5 | 22.9/13.3 | 19.9/11.5 |
| 6000/6000 | N/A | N/A | 27.3/15.8 | 25.0/14.5 | 21.7/12.5 |
This table provides the current draw for each wattage configuration at different voltages, which is essential for determining the appropriate circuit size and electrical load capacity.
General Operation and Safety Features
Once installed, the water heater is designed to operate automatically. The thermostats are preset to a temperature of approximately 125°F (52°C) to reduce the risk of scalding while still providing adequate hot water for most applications.
Temperature and Scalding Risk
- Scalding can occur within five (5) seconds at a temperature setting of 140°F (60°C).
- Users should exercise caution when using hot water and consider the needs of children, elderly individuals, or those with sensitive skin.
- Some appliances, such as dishwashers and automatic clothes washers, require higher temperature settings and should be connected to the hot water supply accordingly.
Filling and Initial Operation
- Before energizing the unit, ensure the water heater is completely filled with water and the cold water inlet valve is open.
- Failure to ensure the heating elements are fully immersed in water may result in element failure, which is not covered under warranty.
- When the power is turned on, the water heater will begin heating automatically, and the system will maintain the set temperature until the thermostat is adjusted or the unit is turned off.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
While the instruction manual does not provide an in-depth troubleshooting section, it does emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any unusual behavior.
- Users should periodically inspect the temperature-pressure relief valve for proper operation and leaks.
- If the water heater is not heating properly or if there are signs of electrical issues, a qualified technician should be contacted immediately.
- For extended storage or seasonal use, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for draining and re-filling the unit to prevent damage from freezing or sediment buildup.
Conclusion
The Bradford White HPWH and Light Duty Commercial Electric Water Heater (Model 40759) are designed to provide reliable and efficient hot water solutions for both residential and commercial applications. Proper installation, adherence to electrical and plumbing codes, and regular maintenance are essential for ensuring the unit operates safely and effectively over its lifespan.
The installation process requires attention to detail, especially regarding electrical grounding, wiring configurations, and water connections. Users are strongly encouraged to consult a licensed plumbing professional and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compliance with all safety and warranty requirements.
For more information, users can register their units, locate the serial and model numbers, and access additional support through the Bradford White website. This ensures continued support, warranty validation, and access to technical resources for troubleshooting and maintenance.