OPERATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
ENGLISH
WWW.STIEBEL-ELTRON-USA.COM SHC 2.5 / SHC 4 / SHC 6 | 3
1. General Information
!CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of excessive pressures and tem-
peratures in this water heater, install temperature and
pressure protective equipment required by local codes
and no less than a combination temperature and pres-
sure 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 auto-
matic gas shutoff devices for hot water supply sys-
tems, ANSI Z21.22. This valve must be marked with a
maximum set pressure not to exceed the marked max-
imum 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 electri-
cal part. The discharge opening must not be blocked
or reduced in size under any circumstances.
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 unit can result in serious injury.
This unit 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 responsi-
bility 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 at 800-582-8423
(USA and Canada only). If you are calling from outside the USA
or Canada, please call 413-247-3380 and we will refer you to a
qualified Stiebel Eltron service representative in your area.
1 Do not locate the water heater where water lines could be
subject to freezing temperatures.
2 It is recommended to have a floor drain nearby to permit
easy draining of the unit if necessary.
3 Install the water heater so that in the event of a leak, the
resulting flow of water will not cause damage to the area
around the water heater. Under no condition is the manu-
facturer liable for any water damage in connection with this
water heater.
4 When installing the water heater, ensure that clearance
around the unit is provided, for ease of maintenance and
service.
!This is the safety alert symbol.
It is used to alert you to potential personal injury haz-
ard. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
2. Safety Precautions
!PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
Failure to follow these instructions could result in seri-
ous bodily injury or death.
The unit must be installed by a licensed plumber. The
installation must comply with all national, state and
local plumbing and electric codes.
Service of the unit must be performed by a qualified
service agency.
Before proceeding with any installation, adjustment,
alteration, or service of this unit the power cord
should be unplugged. Failure to do so could result in
serious personal injury or death.
Never remove the unit‘s cover unless the electricity
servicing the unit is turned off. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or death.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable va-
pors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other ap-
pliance.
!DANGER:
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 unit is set too high. Households with small chil-
dren, disabled or elderly persons may require that the
thermostat be set at 120 °F (49 °C) or lower to prevent
possible injury from hot water.
!WARNING:
This water heater must be installed strictly in accor-
dance with the instructions enclosed and local electric
and building codes. It is also possible that connections
to the water heater itself may develop leaks. It is
therefore imperative that the water heater be installed
so that any water is directed to an adequate drain in
such a way that water damage to the building, furni-
ture, carpeting or other property cannot occur. Neither
the manufacturer nor the distributor can be held re-
sponsible for damage caused by water from the water
heater, temperature pressure relief valve, or related
fittings where adequate provision to drain such water
has not been provided.
!CAUTION:
Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system
served by this heater that has not been used for a long
period of time (generally 2 weeks or more). Hydrogen
gas is extremely flammable.
To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it
is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened
for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using
any electrical appliance connected to the hot water
system.
When hydrogen is present, there will probably be an
unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe
as the water begins to flow. There should be no smok-
ing or open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
Monthly manual venting of the T&P valve will reduce
this effect. See 11.2, “Venting the T&P relief valve”,
pg. 7.