Operating instructions
13
If adjustment is necessary…
 Turn off the power to the water 
heater.
 Remove the jacket access panel(s) 
and insulation exposing the 
thermostat(s).
 The thermostat protective cover(s) 
should not be removed. 
 Using a small screwdriver, set the 
thermostat(s) dial pointer(s) to  
the desired temperature.
 Replace the insulation and jacket 
access panel(s). Turn on the power to 
the water heater.
R
E
S
E
T
R
E
S
E
T
TURN OFF
POWER
BEFORE
SERVI CING
90°F150°F
125°F
(66°C)
(52°C)
(32°C)
Type 59T thermostat and protective 
cover.
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
  Temperature  Time To Produce a Serious Burn
  120°F  More than 5 minutes
 125°F  1
1
/2 to 2 minutes
  130°F  About 30 seconds
  135°F  About 10 seconds
  140°F  Less than 5 seconds
  145°F  Less than 3 seconds
  150°F  About 1
1
/2 seconds
  155°F  About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
!
DANGER: There is a 
hot water scald potential if 
the thermostat is set too 
high. Households with small 
children, disabled, or 
elderly persons may require 
a 120°F or lower thermostat 
setting to prevent contact 
with HOT water.
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the water 
heater can be regulated by setting the 
temperature dial of the adjustable surface 
mounted thermostat(s) located behind the 
jacket access panel(s). 
Dual element heaters have two 
thermostats. 
Safety and energy conservation are factors 
to be considered when selecting the water 
temperature setting of the water heater’s 
thermostat(s). The lower the temperature 
setting, the greater the savings in energy 
and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations the 
thermostat(s) are factory set at 120°F or 
less where local codes require. This is the 
recommended starting point.
Water temperatures above 125°F can 
cause severe burns or death from scalding. 
Be sure to read and follow the warnings 
outlined in this manual and on the label on 
the water heater. This label is located on 
the water heater near the thermostat access 
panel.
Mixing valves for reducing point of use 
water temperature by mixing hot and 
cold water in branch water lines are 
available. Contact a licensed plumber or 
the local plumbing authority for further 
information.
The chart below may be used as a guide in 
determining the proper water temperature 
for your home.
Reset button
Thermostat 
protective cover
Thermostat dial 
pointer










