Water Heaters 101 Residential Gas and Electric

Water Heaters 101
Residential
Gas and Electric
Outline
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Basic water heater features
Residential gas overview
Residential electric overview
Q&A
Standard Water Heater Features
Dielectric Water
Connections
Anode Rod
Glass Lining
Drain Valve
Heat Traps
T&P Valve
Dip Tube
T&P Relief Valve
Supplied with every water heater
Designed for emergency
situations and opens when a
sufficient level of pressure, or
temperature is reached
This allows the heated water to
spill out, thus relieving the
system
Water Connections
• On the top or side of every water
heater tank, you'll find water
supply connections.
• The water connections allow cold
or tepid water to enter the tank
and hot water to exit the tank.
• Corrosion can often occur at water
connections points due to the
joining of two dissimilar metals.
Bradford White’s
Dielectric Waterway Fittings
• Unique steel-to-plastic
construction that prevents
corrosion.
• Creates a dielectric
waterway by insulating
the inside of the metal
casing, thus inhibiting
internal corrosion from
the two adjoined metals.
Dip Tube
• The dip tube is designed to
direct the incoming cold water
to the bottom of the heater.
Bradford White’s
Hydrojet™ Total Performance System
• Engineered to reduce
• Without a dip tube the cold
water coming into heater would
costly sediment
just mix with some of the hot
buildup in the tank.
water at the top of the tank on
• Creates a more thorough
its way to the outlet.
mixing of water,
reducing thermal
stratification
• Increases first hour
delivery
Anode Rod
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Bradford White’s Anode Rods
Whenever water is heater electrolysis
happens
When two dissimilar metals are
physically connected in water, one will
corrode away to protect the other
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The anode sacrifices itself to protect
the interior of a glass lined tank from
corrosion
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Sometimes referred to as “sacrificial
rod”
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Magnesium anode rods are standard;
more reactive when compared to
aluminum
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Aluminum anode rods are used in
applications where the water has a sulfur
or “rotten egg smell”. Typically well water
applications.
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A420 aluminum alloy anode rods help
eliminate the “rotten egg smell” and a
better alternative in water softening
systems.
Drain Valve
• Allows contractor or homeowner to
drain their water heater
• In some cases, draining the water
heater allows the contractor to
service the water heater
• The removal of sediment can also
be done through the drain valve
http://www.bradfordwhite.com/flushing-water-heater-110
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http://www.bradfordwhite.com/hydrogen-sulfide-odor-andchlorinating-water-heaters-109
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Bradford White’s
Low Restriction Brass Drain Valve
Durable and tamper proof low restriction
brass drain valve offers faster tank
draining and reduced service time
Features a ball valve, nickel-plated brass
body, and straight design for ease of hose
hookup
Standard on gas models
Atmospheric Vent
• Venting using B-Vent, Chimney Vent
• Uses internal air for combustion
• Standing Pilot, no electricity required
Power Vent
• Uses internal air for combustion
• Electronic ignition, electricity is required
• Venting using PVC, ABS or CPVC pipe
• Some models have additional side connections and
higher BTU/h input for small amounts of
hydronic/space heating
Standard Electric Water Heater Features
Dielectric Water
Connections
Junction Box
T&P Valve
Heat Traps
Thermostats
Anode Rod
Dip Tube
Glass Lining
Elements
Drain Valve
Junction Box
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• Utility area where incoming
power supply is connected in
the water heater
• Supplies power to the
thermostats and heating
elements
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Bradford White’s Junction Box
Easier access for electrical
connections and completing required
electrical inspections
Non-metallic box prevents rusting
Engineered for safety using impact
resistant plastic
Thermostat
• A device which automatically
maintains a predetermined
temperature in an electric water
heater
• Controls the heating elements
• Most thermostats are equipped
with a safety shut-off
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Bradford White’s Thermostats
Surface mounted thermostats (residential)
Range from approximately 90 - 150°F
Factory preset to “HOT” setting to provide
a water temperature of approximately
120°F
Energy Cut Off (red button) device
designed to shut power off to the water
heater and prevent high temperature.
Heating Elements
• To heat the water, the
current passes through
electrical-resistance
heating elements
(Ni-chrome wire)
• Usually two, one at the
top of the tank and one
at the bottom
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Bradford White’s Elements
Screw-in type
Standard elements
– Copper Sheath with Zinc Plated
Magnesium Oxide
– Ni-chrome heating element potted
inside sheathing
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Incoloy Elements
– Incoloy 800 Sheath
– Ni-chrome heating element potted
inside sheathing
– More surface area
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Resists sediment build-up
More durable, lasts longer
Electric Upright
• Double element or single element
• Top water connections only
• Top T&P connection only
• Taller and narrow models as well as shorter and
wider models for different applications
•Some models come with insulation blankets to
meet new NAECA efficiency criteria but maintain
footprint of previous heaters
Water Heaters 101
Residential
Gas and Electric
Thank You!
Questions?