Operating Guide
Residen al Electric Water Heater Use and Care Guide • 15
Replace the junc on box cover 
and secure with the screws 
provided. 
 WARNING! Be sure cover is secured 
to reduce the risk of fi re and electric 
shock.
 Step  10:
 Adjus ng the
Temperature
With the installa on steps completed, 
you may adjust the water heater’s tem-
perature se ng if desired. 
1
Set the thermostat(s) to 
desired temperature. The 
thermostat(s) on this water 
heater have been factory set to 
approximately 120°F to reduce the risk 
of scald injury. You may wish to set a 
higher temperature to provide hot 
water for automa c dishwashers or 
laundry machines, to provide more hot 
water capacity, and to reduce bacterial 
growth. Higher tank temperatures 
(140° F) kill bacteria that cause a 
condi on known as “smelly water” and 
can reduce the levels of bacteria that 
cause water-borne diseases.
 WARNING! Higher temperatures in-
crease the risk of scalding, but even at 
120°F, hot water can scald (page 4).
If you increase the water heater’s tem-
perature se ng, install Thermosta c 
Mixing Valve(s) at each point-of-use to 
reduce the risk of scalding. 
Figure 20 - Adjust Thermostat Mixing 
Valves at each point-of-use 120°F or 
lower.
To adjust the water heater’s thermo-
stat:
•   Be sure the electrical power to the 
water heater is turned OFF at the 
circuit breaker panel (or remove the 
circuit’s fuses).
 WARNING! Working near an ener-
gized circuit can result in severe injury 
or death from electrical shock. Check 
wires with a circuit tester to make sure 
power is off .
•   Remove the upper and lower access 
panels and fold away the insulation. 
•   Turn the water temperature dial 
clockwise ( >>) to increase the tem-
perature, or counter clockwise ( << ) 
to decrease the temperature. Adjust 
both thermostats to the same tem-
perature setting. To avoid a shortage 
of usable hot water, do not adjust 
the upper thermostat to a tempera-
ture setting that is higher than the 
lower thermostat’s temperature 
setting. 
NOTE: Most models have two thermo-
stats, but some models may only have 
one. If your water heater has only one 
thermostat, it is located behind the 
lower access panel.
•   Fold the insulation back in place and 
replace the access panels. 
WARNING! Be sure panels are 
secured to reduce the risk of fi re and 
electric shock.
2
Turn the electric power back 
on. 
3
Wait for the water to heat up. 
It may take several hours for a 
tank of cold water to heat up. 
If you have no hot water a er two 
hours, refer to “TROUBLESHOOTING” 
Section on page 17. 
 WARNING! If you have increased 
the temperature se ng and the 
Thermosta c Mixing Valves are not 
set properly (or not installed) you 
could scald yourself while checking the 
temperature.
4
Check water temperature at 
several points of use in your 
home (for example, bathtub 
faucet, shower, or lavatory sink) and 
adjust the Thermosta c Mixing Valves 
as needed. If you aren’t sure how to 
adjust the Thermosta c Mixing Valve 
se  ngs, or aren’t sure if you have 
Thermosta c Mixing Valves, contact a 
qualifi ed person.
7
INSTALLATION










