FOGATTI Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater

Models: Etank 25 / 40 / 80

Model Numbers: FDES-ET25 / FDES-ET40 / FDES-ET80

This manual provides installation and operating instructions for FOGATTI Electric Mini-Tank Water Heaters. It is intended for installations in the United States of America.

1. Explanation of Symbols and Safety Information

1.1 Key to Symbols

Warnings in this document are identified by a warning triangle. Keywords indicate the type and seriousness of the risk:

• [Notice]: Indicates that damage to property may occur.
• [Caution]: Indicates that personal injury may occur.
• [Warning]: Indicates that severe personal injury may occur.
• [Danger]: Indicates that severe personal injury or death may occur.

Important Information: [i] Indicates important information where there is no risk to people or property.

Additional Symbols:

• [→]: Step in an action sequence
• [•]: Cross-reference to another part of the document
• [•]: List entry

1.2 Safety Information

[Caution] When using electrical appliances, follow safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury:

• Read all instructions before using the water heater.
• This water heater must be grounded. Connect only to a properly grounded outlet.
• Install or locate this water heater only in accordance with the provided installation instructions.
• Use this water heater only for its intended use as described in this manual.
• Models FDES-ET25 and FDES-ET40 come equipped with a power cord. Do not use an extension cord.
• Model FDES-ET80 must be hard-wired.
• As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary when used by children.
• Do not operate if the cord or plug is damaged, if it is not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.
• Service should only be performed by qualified service personnel.
• Failure to inspect the anode rod at least once a year could cause tank failure and leaks, which are not covered by warranty.
• Install the water heater so that any leak will not cause damage. National Plumbing codes require a drain pan.

[Notice] The installer should review this manual with the owner upon completion of installation.

[Notice] The manufacturer is not responsible for damages caused by improper installation or failure to follow instructions.

[Notice] The thermostat is pre-set at the factory to 51.7 °C (125 °F) or below. (See Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Temperature control dial with MIN, MAX, and OFF settings.

2. Information About the Product

2.1 Models Overview

The FOGATTI Etank series includes models FDES-ET25, FDES-ET40, and FDES-ET80.

Fig. 2: Diagram of the water heater with numbered components:

• 1. Temperature & pressure relief valve (3/4" NPT male)
• 2. Cold water inlet (BLUE): 1/2" NPT male (FDES-ET25/ET40); 3/4" NPT male (FDES-ET80, may require converter)
• 3. Temperature Adjustment Knob
• 4. Temperature & pressure relief valve discharge line
• 5. 3/4" NPT female tapping for relief valve
• 6. Hot water outlet (RED): 1/2" NPT male (FDES-ET25/ET40); 3/4" NPT male (FDES-ET80, may require converter)

2.2 Dimensions

The water heaters are designed for vertical installation only.

Fig. 3 & 4: Diagrams showing the front, side, and bottom views of the water heater, illustrating dimensions A through E.

2.3 Technical Data

3. Installation Instructions

3.1 Mounting the Heater

Wall Mounting: Fasten the supplied mounting bracket to the wall using appropriate screws for the wall material and heater weight. Hang the heater on the bracket, ensuring it is securely seated.

Floor Mounting: The heater can be placed directly on the floor.

3.2 Pipe Connections

• Connect the cold water inlet pipe (blue ring) to the inlet tapping.
• Ensure an isolation valve is installed on the cold water supply.
• Connect the hot water outlet pipe (red ring) to the outlet tapping.

[Caution] To reduce the risk of excessive pressures and temperatures:

• Install required temperature and pressure protective equipment, including a certified temperature and pressure relief valve.
• The supplied relief valve is marked with a maximum set pressure (150 psi).
• Install the valve in the designated opening. Orient it or provide tubing so discharge exits safely and does not contact electrical parts. The discharge opening must not be blocked.
• National Plumbing codes may require a drain pan.

3.3 Closed System Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion in a closed water system can cause periodic discharge of the relief valve or gasket failure. This can occur if the water meter has a check valve or if a water pressure reducing valve is installed.

To prevent this:

• Install a diaphragm-type expansion tank (minimum 0.5 gallon) on the cold water supply line.
• Consult your local water supplier or plumbing inspector for guidance on controlling thermal expansion. Do not plug the temperature and pressure relief valve.

4. Use

4.1 Starting and Testing

[Caution] Do not supply power to the water heater until it is filled with water.

To Fill the Heater:

• Open the water heater supply valve.
• Open hot water tap(s) to purge air from the system. Close tap once air is purged.
• Visually check for leaks.

Turning Heater On:

• For models without a switch: Supply power by plugging in the cord (FDES-ET25/ET40) or turning on the circuit breaker (FDES-ET80).
• If the indicator light does not come on, turn the control knob clockwise.
• The light indicates when the water temperature has reached the thermostat setting and will cycle on and off as needed.

4.2 Temperature Setting

The hot water temperature is adjusted by rotating the knob 'M' (Fig. 5) on the front cover. The temperature range is 55-145 °F.

• Turn the knob clockwise to increase temperature.
• Turn the knob counter-clockwise to decrease temperature.

Fig. 5: Diagram of the front panel showing the temperature adjustment knob 'M'.

5. Maintenance

[Caution] Do not attempt to repair the water heater yourself. Call a service person. Always turn off power supply before servicing or draining.

For most operations, the water must be drained. Disconnect the power cord and remove the front cover.

5.1 Removing the Cover

• Remove the rubber seal covering the Phillips screw (Fig. 5 [S]) and unscrew it.
• Slightly rotate the cover (Fig. 5 [C]) to remove it. Reassemble in reverse, ensuring the cover's tongue fits into the slot.

5.2 Draining the Heater

If installed with flexible hoses:

• Shut off the power supply.
• Turn the heater upside down over a sink to drain the water.

5.3 Inspecting the Anode Rod

The anode rod (Fig. 8 [N]) protects the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected annually. Access requires removing the heating element (see Section 5.4). The rod should be smooth. If pitted, bumpy, rusty, or missing, it must be replaced.

Original Anode Rod Sizes: FDES-ET25, FDES-ET40, FDES-ET80: length 4.72", diameter 0.787".

Some installations may require more frequent replacement (e.g., recirculation, poor water quality, galvanic corrosion, high flow). Consult a water treatment professional for water quality issues. Damage from poor water quality or failure to replace the anode rod is not covered by warranty.

5.4 Removing the Heating Element

• Disconnect the power cord (L) from the plastic part (Fig. 6).
• Use a screwdriver to unscrew the 3-in-1 cross screw (J) on the heating element terminals (red wire J, blue wire C) (Fig. 6).
• Remove wire nail (I) and press thermostat capillary (G) and thermal cut-out capillary (H) to remove from the blind tube opening (Fig. 6).
• Loosen the 5 nuts and spring washers on the heating element pressing plate (A) and remove the plate (Fig. 6).
• Remove the heating element (B) (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Diagram showing heating element assembly components labeled A through M.

5.5 Descaling the Heating Element

Scale deposits can affect heating capability and damage the element. Descale chemically or manually:

• Chemical: Soak the element in white vinegar or another descaling solution. Rinse with fresh water and add baking soda.
• Manual: Once dry, use a soft brush (non-metallic) to brush off dried mineral deposits.
• Reinstall the element with the gasket and reconnect wires.

6. Replacement of Parts

6.1 Changing the Anode Rod

• Turn off power supply and drain the heater.
• Remove the heating element.
• Unscrew the anode rod from its threaded connection.
• Remove and replace the anode rod (Fig. 8 [N]).
• Reinstall the heating element.
• Refill the tank with water before restoring power.

6.2 Changing the Heating Element

• Turn off power supply and drain the heater.
• Remove the heating element.
• Install the new element with a gasket, ensuring correct positioning. Tighten retaining nuts and make wire connections.
• Ensure the thermostat temperature sensor is inserted into its well and secured.
• Refill the tank with water before restoring power.

6.3 Changing the Thermostat

• Turn off power supply.
• Disconnect the two wire connectors from the thermostat.
• Loosen the two brass screws and pull wires out.
• Remove the thermostat temperature sensor from its well.
• Unscrew and remove the two Phillips screws holding the thermostat to the tank.
• Install the new thermostat, re-attach wiring and screws.
• Ensure the thermostat temperature sensor is inserted into its well and secured.

Fig. 7 & 8: Diagrams illustrating parts and connections for replacement procedures.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Resetting High Limit Switch

The high temperature limit shut-off device may trip due to excessive temperature (over 203 °F), power outage, or electrical storm.

To reach the thermostat:

• Disconnect power or shut off the circuit breaker (FDES-ET80) and remove the installation cover.
• Firmly press the reset button [B] (Fig. 9) with a pen tip. A click indicates reset.
• Reconnect power.

IMPORTANT: Check thermostat operation by turning the temperature dial from high to low. If the red light does not turn off at the low setting, call a technician to replace the thermostat.

[Caution] Call a technician if the high limit needs frequent resetting.

Fig. 9: Diagram showing the reset button [B] on the internal panel.

8. FOGATTI Interior Components Diagram

Fig. 10: Diagram showing the internal layout of the FOGATTI water heater with numbered components.