Thermoflow 18KW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermoflow 18KW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater, Model Elex 18. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and keep it for future reference.

Image 1.1: Front view of the Thermoflow 18KW 240V Tankless Electric Water Heater.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, injury, or death. Read the installation, operating, and maintenance instructions thoroughly before installing or servicing this equipment.

• This appliance must be installed by a qualified electrician and plumber in accordance with all national and local electrical and plumbing codes.
• Ensure the power supply is disconnected before performing any service or maintenance.
• Do not operate the water heater if it is damaged or malfunctioning.
• Do not block or restrict the water inlet or outlet.
• Maintain proper clearances around the unit as specified in the installation section.

3. Product Overview and Components

The Thermoflow Elex 18 is an 18KW 240V tankless electric water heater designed for on-demand hot water. It features self-modulating temperature technology and a smart touch screen control.

Image 3.1: Key features of the Thermoflow 18KW Tankless Water Heater, including instant heating, 24-hour hot water, 3.51 GPM at 35°F temp rise, 6 heating elements, 50% cost saving, and 99% energy efficiency.

Image 3.2: Example installation of the Thermoflow Tankless Water Heater in a bathroom setting, highlighting features like instant heating, constant temperature, smart touch screen control, anti-dry protection, CSA certification, and IPX24 waterproof rating.

3.1 Internal Components

Image 3.3: Diagram showing internal components: PA16H Terminal Block, Heating Element, Heating Tank Kit, Outlet Temp. Sensor, Outlet Tube, Transformer, 105°C Thermo Cut-Off, Water Flow Sensor, Electronic Control Module, Inlet Temp. Sensor, and Inlet Tube.

3.2 Dimensions

Image 3.4: Dimensions of the water heater: 18.6 inches (47.2cm) high, 10 inches (25.4cm) wide, and 4.5 inches (11.4cm) deep.

4. Installation

4.1 Pre-Installation Requirements

• Electrical: Requires 240V, 18KW power supply. Consult a qualified electrician to ensure your electrical panel can support the required amperage.
• Water Supply: Ensure adequate water pressure and flow rate.
• Location: Install indoors, protected from freezing temperatures. Choose a location close to the point of use to minimize heat loss.

4.2 Mounting the Unit

Use the provided mounting template to mark drilling locations. Ensure the unit is securely fastened to a solid surface.

Image 4.1: Mounting template with minimum distance from wall (4 inches) and floor (8 inches). Also shown are included parts: Gaskets, Outlet Connector, Inlet Connector with Filter, Spacers, Anchors, and Screws.

4.3 Plumbing Connections

Connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet to the unit. Ensure all connections are watertight. The unit requires 1/2" NPT water connections.

Image 4.2: Plumbing diagram illustrating cold water (blue dotted line) entering the unit and hot water (red dotted line) exiting to supply a sink and a shower. The unit is rated for 220-240V and 18kW.

4.4 Electrical Connections

Connect the unit to a dedicated 240V electrical circuit with appropriate circuit breakers. For the 18KW model, this requires a maximum amperage of 75A and two 40A circuit breakers, using 2 x 8 AWG wire gauge. Refer to the wiring diagram inside the unit cover for specific connections.

4.5 Sizing Guide and Flow Rate

The performance of your tankless water heater depends on the inlet water temperature and desired flow rate. Refer to the chart below to determine the appropriate usage for your climate.

Image 4.3: Sizing guide showing a map of the US with average inlet water temperatures and corresponding GPM (Gallons Per Minute) usage charts for different Thermoflow models (Elex 3.5, 5.5, 12, 15, 18, 24) at various inlet temperatures (37°F to 77°F). The chart also lists typical GPM for standard fixtures like water-saver showers (1.5 GPM) and sink faucets (0.5 GPM).

5. Operation

5.1 Control Panel

The unit features a smart touch screen for easy temperature adjustment and monitoring.

Image 5.1: Detail of the Smart Touch Screen control panel, showing the Backlit LCD Digital Display Panel for temperature (e.g., 167°F), level indicator (e.g., Level 12), and ON/OFF button. Arrows indicate temperature adjustment (High/Low).

5.2 Turning On/Off

Press the ON/OFF button on the touch screen to power the unit on or off.

5.3 Temperature Adjustment

Use the up and down arrows on the touch screen to set your desired hot water temperature. The unit will display the current temperature. The self-modulating technology will adjust power consumption to maintain a consistent output temperature.

6. Maintenance

• Regular Inspection: Periodically check for any leaks or signs of damage.
• Cleaning: Clean the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Inlet Filter: The inlet connector includes a filter. Inspect and clean this filter periodically to ensure optimal water flow and prevent sediment buildup.
• Descaling: In areas with hard water, descaling may be required annually or as needed to maintain efficiency. Consult a qualified professional for descaling procedures.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your Thermoflow tankless water heater, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Hot Water:
  • Check if the unit is powered on and the circuit breakers are not tripped.
  • Ensure water flow is sufficient to activate the heater.
  • Verify the temperature setting is appropriate.
• Inconsistent Water Temperature:
  • Check for adequate water flow. Too high a flow rate for the inlet temperature can cause temperature fluctuations.
  • Ensure the inlet water filter is clean.
  • Verify the electrical supply is stable.
• Error Codes: If the display shows an error code, consult the full user manual (if available) or contact customer support for specific guidance.

For complex issues, it is recommended to contact a qualified technician or Thermoflow customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Thermoflow website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Contact Information: Please visit the thermoflow Store on Amazon for additional product information and support resources.