Whirlpool 140385 User Manual

Page of 16
9
OPERATING YOUR WATER HEATER
Before Using
1.  Make sure the water heater has been properly    
installed. See “Installing Your Water Heater”  section.
2.  Completely fill the tank with water. (See Figure 2) 
3.  After the water heater tank is completely filled with 
water, connect electrical power to the water heater.
4.  Read the “Water Temperature Regulation” section of 
this manual. 
If the instructions are not clear, contact a 
qualifi ed person.
 
5.  Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature
setting as described under “Adjusting the Thermostat/  
High Limit Control” section.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to operate this water heater 
if the thermostat(s), or surrounding insulation has been 
exposed to water in any way. Immediately call a qualifi ed 
person to inspect the water heater and replace any 
thermostat or insulation that has been exposed to water. 
Do not attempt to repair these parts. Water heaters 
subjected to fl ood conditions or any time the thermostat(s) 
have been submerged in water require replacement of the 
entire water heater.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off 
in the event that the water temperature exceeds 170°F 
or 77°C. A high limit control switch is used to shut off the 
power to the elements if the water temperature exceeds 
170°F or 77°C. The  high limit control switch can be 
reset by fi rmly pushing in the red reset button located on 
the thermostat. Follow the instructions under “Adjusting 
the Thermostat/High Limit Control”, section to properly 
reset the high limit control. If the high limit control switch 
continues to shut-off the water heater contact a qualifi ed 
person for service.
Water Temperature Regulation
Water temperature over 125°F can cause 
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest 
risk of being scalded.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
WARNING
The thermostat is adjusted to a temperature setting 
of 120°F or lower when it is shipped from the factory. 
Water temperature can be regulated by adjusting the 
thermostat to the preferred setting as shown in “Adjusting 
the Thermostat/High Limit Control.” The preferred starting 
point is 120°F. There is a hot water scald potential if the 
thermostat is set too high. 
IMPORTANT:  Adjusting the thermostat past 120°F on the 
thermostat will increase the risk of scald injury in the times 
shown below.  
Water 
Temperature °F
Time for 1st 
Degree Burn 
(Less Severe Burns)
Time for 
Permanent Burns 
2nd & 3rd Degree 
(Most Severe Burns)
110
116
116
122
131
140
149
154
(normal shower temp.)
(pain threshold)
35 minutes
1 minute
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
instantaneous
45 minutes
5 minutes
25 seconds
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 seconds
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not 
being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy 
losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot 
water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher 
thermostat setting may be required to meet the increased 
demand. 
When leaving your home for extended periods (vacations, 
etc.) turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. This will 
maintain the water at low temperatures with minimum 
energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing during 
cold weather.