GAMA 6-120 (01) PDF Document

The manual for your GAMA 6-120 water heater uses specific safety messages to alert you to potential hazards. It is very important to understand the meaning of each message.

Safety Alert Symbol (Exclamation point inside a triangle): This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or injury.

CAUTION (with safety alert symbol): Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION (without safety alert symbol): Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage.

Qualified Installer: A qualified installer must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing and electrical installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Electrical Code and applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confirm proper installation and operation of the water heater) as they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The qualified installer must have a thorough understanding of the water heater Instruction Manual.

Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing and electrical installation of these appliances. This would include a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Electrical Code and applicable local electrical and plumbing codes (and tools necessary to confirm proper installation and operation of the water heater) as they relate to the installation of electric water heaters. The service agency must have a thorough understanding of the water heater Instruction Manual.

Do not operate the GAMA 6-120 water heater if it has been flood damaged. You must inspect and replace the anode. Improper installation and use after a flood may result in property damage.

Before removing any access panels or servicing the GAMA 6-120 water heater, make sure the electrical supply to the water heater is turned “OFF.” Failure to do this could result in death, serious bodily injury, or property damage.

Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) can cause severe burns instantly, resulting in severe injury or death. Children, the elderly, and the physically or mentally disabled are at the highest risk for scald injury.

Always feel water before bathing or showering. Temperature limiting valves are available to reduce the risk of scalding. It is recommended to read the instruction manual for safe temperature setting. A means such as a mixing valve should be used at the hot water taps used by these individuals or at the water heater.

Do not use this water heater with any voltage other than that shown on the model rating plate. Failure to use the correct voltage shown on the model rating plate could result in death, serious bodily injury, or property damage.

Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because the placement is a very important consideration for safety and economical use. The following critical points must be observed:

1. Select a location indoors as close as practical or centralized to the water piping system as possible. The water heater should be located in an area not subject to freezing temperatures.

2. The selected location must provide adequate clearances (4″) for servicing parts such as the thermostats, drain valve, and relief valve. Adequate clearance for servicing this appliance should be considered before installation, such as changing the anodes, etc.

3. The water heater should be located so it is not subject to physical damage by moving vehicles or area flooding.

4. Installation must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Such a drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater than the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain.

Insulation blankets are not necessary with this product. Your GAMA 6-120 water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary.

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater, you must follow these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions can result in fire, serious personal injury, or death.

• Do not cover the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve with an insulation blanket.

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the water heater or nearby for future reference.

• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels.

Water supply systems may have devices installed such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, or back flow preventers. When these devices are not equipped with an internal by-pass, they cause the water system to be closed. As water is heated in your GAMA 6-120, it expands (thermal expansion), and closed systems do not allow for this expansion.

The water within the tank expands as it is heated and increases the pressure of the water system. If the relieving point of the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve is reached, the valve will relieve the excess pressure. The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This is an unacceptable condition and must be corrected.

It is recommended that any devices installed which could create a closed system have a by-pass and/or the system have an expansion tank or device to relieve the pressure built by thermal expansion in the water system. Expansion tanks are available for ordering through a local plumbing contractor.

Never use the GAMA 6-120 water heater unless it is completely full of water. To prevent damage to the tank and heating element, the tank must be filled with water. Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” the electrical supply to the water heater.

To fill the water heater with water:

1. Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to the right (clockwise). The drain valve is on the lower front of the water heater.

2. Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater. NOTE: The cold water supply valve must be left open when the water heater is in use.

3. To insure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit by opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water to run until a constant flow is obtained. This will let air out of the water heater and the piping.

4. Check all water piping and connections for leaks. Repair as needed.

5. Never alter or modify the certified construction of the water heater or its components, or bypass any safety features. Doing so voids all warranties.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated at least once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that (1) no one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged will not cause any bodily injury or property damage because the water may be extremely hot.

If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely reset and continues to release water, immediately close the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve with a new one.

The discharge pipe for the temperature-pressure relief valve on your GAMA 6-120 must meet the following requirements:

• Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.

• Shall not be plugged or blocked.

• Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.

• Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.

• Shall terminate at an adequate drain.

• Shall not have any shut-off valve between the relief valve and tank nor in the discharge pipe.

The discharge opening must not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive length, over 30 feet (9.14 m), or use of more than four elbows can cause restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve. Do not connect tubing directly to a discharge drain unless a 6 inch air gap is provided.

You must provide all wiring of the proper size outside of the water heater. You must obey local codes and electric company requirements when you install this wiring. If you are not familiar with electric codes and practices, obtain the service of a competent electrician.

1. Provide a way to easily shut off the electric power when working on the water heater. This could be with a circuit breaker or fuse block in the entrance box or a separate disconnect switch.

2. Install and connect a circuit directly from the main fuse or circuit breaker box. This circuit must be the right size and have its own fuse or circuit breaker.

3. Follow the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 for grounding requirements.

4. A standard 1/2″ conduit opening has been made in the water heater junction box for the conduit connections.

5. Use wire nuts and connect the power supply wiring to the wires inside the water heater’s junction box.

6. The water heater must be electrically “grounded” by the installer. A green ground screw has been provided on the water heater’s junction box. Connect the ground wire to this location.

7. Replace the wiring junction cover using the screw provided.

To change the temperature setting on your GAMA 6-120:

NOTE: It is not necessary to adjust the upper thermostat. However, if it is adjusted above the factory set point (120°F (49°C)), it is recommended that it not be set higher than the lower thermostat setting.

1. Turn off the heater electrical supply. Do not attempt to adjust thermostat with power on.

2. Remove the thermostat access panels and covers from the thermostats. Do not remove the plastic personnel protectors covering the thermostats.

3. Using a flat tip screwdriver, rotate the adjustment knob to the desired temperature setting.

4. Replace the covers and access panels and turn on heater electrical supply.

It is recommended that the dial be set lower whenever possible. Keeping the thermostat setting at 120°F (49°C) will reduce the risk of scalds.

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily represent harmful or dangerous conditions.

The “rotten egg smell” is derived from hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. The smell is the result of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop:

A. A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.

B. Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.

C. A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the water heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).

D. An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the corrosion protective action of the anode rod.

Smelly water may be eliminated or reduced in some water heater models by replacing the anode(s) with one of less active material, and then chlorinating the water heater tank and all hot water lines. Contact the local water heater supplier or service agency for further information concerning an Anode Replacement Kit and this chlorination treatment. If the smelly water persists after the anode replacement and chlorination treatment, it is suggested that chlorination or aeration of the water supply be considered to eliminate the water problem.

Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that the hot water faucet, located farthest away, be opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system are used (such as a dishwasher or washing machine). If hydrogen gas is present, there will probably be an unusual sound similar to air escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. There must be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.

A non-adjustable high temperature limit control operates before steam temperatures are reached. The high limit is in the same area as the upper thermostat and must be reset manually when it operates. Because the high limit operates only when abnormally high water temperatures are present, it is important that a qualified service agent be contacted to determine the reason for operation before resetting.

To reset the high limit:

• Turn off the heater electrical supply. Do not attempt to reset thermostat with power on.

• Remove the screw(s) securing the outer door and remove door.

• Remove or fold up the insulation to expose the reset button.

• Reset the high limit by pushing in the red button marked “RESET”.

• Replace the insulation so that it completely covers the thermostat and element.

• Replace the outer door.

• Turn “ON” electric power to the water heater.

The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Inspection should be conducted by a qualified technician, and at a minimum should be checked every three years. Typical signs of a depleted anode rod that needs replacement are as follows:

• The majority of the rod’s diameter is less than 3/8″.

• Significant sections of the support wire (approximately 1/3 or more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod shows signs of either or both, it should be replaced. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the life of your water heater.

The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures. Also, periodic draining and cleaning of sediment from the tank may be necessary.

1. Turn electrical supply “OFF”.

2. CLOSE the cold water inlet valve to the water heater.

3. OPEN a nearby hot water faucet and leave open to allow for draining.

4. Connect a hose to the drain valve and terminate to an adequate drain.

5. OPEN the water heater drain valve to allow for tank draining.

NOTE: If the water heater is going to be shut down and drained for an extended period, the drain valve should be left open with hose connected allowing water to terminate to an adequate drain.

6. Close the drain valve.

7. Follow the instructions in the “Filling the Water Heater” section.

1. Turn “OFF” the electric power supply to the water heater.

2. Remove the outer door. Remove or fold up the insulation pad.

3. Unclip the terminal cover from the thermostat by lifting out the tab as shown in the manual’s diagrams.

4. Disconnect wires from the thermostat and slide it out of the bracket.

5. Remove the thermostat from behind the thermostat bracket.

6. Place the new thermostat in the bracket, making sure it fits firmly against the tank.

7. Attach the wires to the new thermostat.

8. Put the plastic terminal cover back in place.

9. Replace the insulation to cover the thermostat.

10. Replace the outer door then turn the electric power on.

1. Before beginning, turn “OFF” the electric power supply to the water heater.

2. Turn off the water supply to the water heater at the water shut-off valve or water meter.

3. Drain the water heater completely.

4. Remove the screw(s) securing the outer door, and remove the door.

5. Remove or fold up the insulation.

6. Remove the terminal cover from the thermostat.

7. Disconnect the two wires on the element and unscrew the old element from the tank using an element wrench.

8. Clean the area around the element opening. Remove any sediment from or around the element opening and inside the tank.

9. If you are cleaning the element you have removed, do so by scraping or soaking in vinegar or a deliming solution.

10. A new gasket should be used in all cases to prevent a possible water leak. Place the new element gasket on the threaded side of the cleaned or new element and screw into tank, securing tightly using an element wrench. NOTE: Replacement elements must be the same voltage and no greater wattage than listed on the model rating plate.

11. Refill the tank with water by following the “Filling the Water Heater” instructions.

12. Check the element for water leaks. If leakage occurs, tighten the element or repeat steps 2 and 3, remove the element and reposition the gasket. Then repeat Steps 10 through 14 of the replacement process in the manual.

13. Reconnect the two wires to the element and then check to make sure the thermostat remains firmly against the surface of the tank.

14. Replace the terminal cover on the thermostat, making sure the locking tabs are in place.

15. Replace the insulation so that it covers the thermostat and element.

16. Replace the outer door.

17. Turn “ON” electric power to the water heater.

1. Follow “Draining” instructions to empty the water heater.

2. Turning counter clockwise, remove the hex cap below the screw handle.

3. Remove the washer and put the new one in place.

4. Screw the handle and cap assembly back into the drain valve and retighten using a wrench. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.

5. Follow instructions in the “Filling The Water Heater” section.

6. Check for leaks.

Before checking for leaks, make sure the electrical power supply has been turned “OFF”. Many suspected “Leakers” are not leaking tanks. Often the source of the water can be found and corrected. Check the following points:

A. Pipes: Condensation and dripping may be seen on pipes if the water temperature is low in humid weather or pipe connections may be leaking.

B. Anode Rod Fitting: The anode rod fitting may be leaking.

C. Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (Discharge): Small amounts of water from the temperature-pressure relief valve may be due to thermal expansion or high water pressure in your area. If the valve is not piped to an open drain the released water could be mistaken for a leaking heater.

D. Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (Fitting): The temperature-pressure relief valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.

E. Side of Tank: Water on the side of the tank may be condensation due to the panel or insulation not being in place.

F. Drain Valve (Outlet): Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being slightly opened.

G. Drain Valve (Fitting): The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting.

H. Bottom of Heater/Floor: Water in the water heater bottom or on the floor may be from condensation, loose connections, or the relief valve. DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection of all possible water sources is made and necessary corrective steps taken. Leakage from other appliances, water lines, or ground seepage should also be checked.

To check where a threaded portion enters the tank, insert a cotton swab between the jacket opening and fitting. If the cotton is wet, follow draining instructions, remove the fitting, apply pipe dope or teflon tape to the threads, and replace it. Then follow filling instructions.

The following guidelines should be utilized by a qualified service agent.

When ordering repair parts for your GAMA 6-120, you should always provide the following information:

• MODEL NUMBER

• SERIAL NUMBER

• VOLTAGE AND ELEMENT WATTAGE

• PART DESCRIPTION

The model number of your water heater will be found on the rating plate located above or adjacent to the outer door.