09-01-20

SECTION 22 33 00
ELECTRIC DOMESTIC WATER HEATERS

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section describes the requirements for installing a complete
electric domestic water heater system ready for operation including the
water heaters, thermometers, and all necessary accessories, connections,
and equipment.
B. A complete listing of common acronyms and abbreviations are included in
Section 22 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING.
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Section 01 00 00, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
B. Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES.
C. Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS.
D. Section 13 05 41, SEISMIC RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS: Seismic restraint for Equipment.
E. Section 22 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING.
F. Section 22 05 19, METERS AND GAGES FOR PLUMBING PIPING.
G. Section 22 05 23, GENERAL-DUTY VALVES FOR PLUMBING PIPING.
H. SECTION 22 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS.
I. Section 23 56 00, SOLAR ENERGY HEATING SYSTEM.

1.3 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced. The publications are referenced in the text by the
basic designation only. Where conflicts occur these specifications and
the VHA standards will govern.
B. American National Standard Institute (ANSI):
Z21.22-2015.............Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems
C. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE):
90.1-2019...............Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise
Residential Buildings
D. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
BPVC Section IV-2019....Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers

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BPVC Section VIII-1-2019 Rules for Construction of Pressure

Vessels, Division 1
Form U-1................Manufacturer’s Data Report for Pressure Vessels
B1.20.1-2013............Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)
B1.20.7-1991............Hose Coupling Screw Threads (Inch)
B16.5-2017..............Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: NPS 1/2
through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard
B16.24-2016.............Cast Copper Alloy Pipe Flanges, Flanged
Fittings, and Valves: Classes 150, 300, 600,
900, 1500, and 2500
CSD-1-2018..............Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically
Fired Boilers
E. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
70-2020.................National Electrical Code (NEC)
F. NSF International (NSF):
5-2019..................Water Heaters, Hot Water Supply Boilers, and
Heat Recovery Equipment
61-2018.................Drinking Water System Components – Health
Effects
372-2016................Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content

1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submittals, including number of required copies, shall be submitted in
accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, and
SAMPLES.
B. Information and material submitted under this section shall be marked
“SUBMITTED UNDER SECTION 22 33 00, ELECTRIC DOMESTIC WATER HEATERS”,
with applicable paragraph identification.
C. Manufacturer's Literature and Data Including: Full item description and
optional features and accessories. Include dimensions, weights,
materials, applications, standard compliance, model numbers, size, and
capacity.
1. Water Heaters.
2. Pressure and Temperature Relief Valves.
3. Thermometers.
4. Pressure Gauges.
5. Vacuum Breakers.
6. Expansion Tanks.

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D. For each electric domestic hot water heater type and size, the following
characteristics shall be submitted:
1. Rated Capacities.
2. Operating characteristics.
3. Electrical characteristics.
4. Furnished specialties and accessories.
5. A Form U-1 or other documentation stating compliance with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
E. Shop drawings shall include wiring diagrams for power, signal and
control functions.
F. Seismic qualification certificates shall be submitted that details
equipment anchorage components, identifies equipment center of gravity
with mounting and anchorage provisions, and whether the seismic
qualification certificate is based on an actual test or calculations.
G. Submit documentation indicating compliance with applicable requirements
with ASHRAE 90.1 for Service Water Heating.
H. Complete operating and maintenance manuals including wiring diagrams,
technical data sheets, information for ordering replaceable parts, and
troubleshooting guide:
1. Include complete list indicating all components of the systems.
2. Include complete diagrams of the internal wiring for each item of
equipment.
3. Diagrams shall have their terminals identified to facilitate
installation, operation and maintenance.
I. Completed System Readiness Checklist provided by the CxA and completed
by the contractor, signed by a qualified technician and dated on the
date of completion, in accordance with the requirements of Section 22 08
00, COMMISSIONING OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. For commercial applications, comply with ASHRAE 90.1 for efficiency

performance.
B. Electrical components, devices and accessories shall be listed and
labeled as defined in NFPA 70 by a qualified testing agency and marked
for intended location and application.
C. ASME code construction shall be a vessel fabricated in compliance with
the ASME BPVC Section VIII-1.

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D. Fabricate and label equipment components that will be in contact with

potable water to comply with NSF 61 and NSF 372.
E. The domestic water heater shall be certified and labeled by an
independent testing agency.
F. Bio-Based Materials: For products designated by the USDA’s Bio-Preferred
Program, provide products that meet or exceed USDA recommendations for
bio-based content, so long as products meet all performance requirements
in this specifications section.
G. Refer to Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS for
additional sustainable design requirements.
1.6 AS-BUILT DOCUMENTATION
A. Comply with requirements in Paragraph AS-BUILT DOCUMENTATION of Section
22 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 ELECTRIC DOMESTIC WATER HEATERS
A. The tank construction shall be glass-lined, with an inner tank liner
extended into the openings complying with NSF 61 and NSF 372 for barrier
materials for potable water. The vessel shall be ASME BPVC Section VIII-
1, fabricated with a pressure rating of 1035 kPa (150 psig). Provide
with access for cleaning and disinfection.
B. Tapping (openings) shall be Factory-fabricated of materials compatible
with the tank and in accordance with appropriate ASME standards B1.20.1
for piping connections, pressure and temperature relief valve, pressure
gauge, thermometer, drain valve, anode rods and controls as required.
Tapping’s shall comply with the following ASME standards listed below:
1. 50 mm or DN50 (NPS 2 inch) and smaller: Threaded ends according to
ASME B1.20.1.
2. 65 mm or DN65 (NPS 2-1/2 inch) and Larger: Flanged ends according to
ASME B16.5 for steel and stainless-steel flanges, and according to
ASME B16.24.
C. Tank insulation shall comply with ASHRAE 90.1 requirements.
D. For domestic water heater sizes greater than 9 KW, the heating element
shall be arranged in multiples of three elements. For heaters less than
9 KW, the heater elements shall be arranged in single or double
elements. Heater capacities are scheduled on the drawings.
E. The domestic water heaters shall have screw in or bolt on immersion
type, thermostatically adjustable elements. Set thermostat for minimum

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water storage temperature of 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). The

electrical characteristics are scheduled on the drawings. Heaters shall
be capable of raising the discharge temperature to 77 to 82 degrees C
(170 to 180 degrees F) for thermal eradication.
F. The Combination Pressure and Temperature relief Valve shall be ANSI
Z21.22 and ASME rated.
G. The anode rod shall be replaceable magnesium.
H. The drain valve shall be corrosion resistant metal. A drain valve shall
be installed at the bottom of each tank-type water heater and hot water
storage tank. The drain valve inlet shall not be less than 20 mm or DN20
(NPS 3/4 inch) with ASME B1.20.7 garden hose threads.
I. Comply with NSF 5 for water heaters.

2.2 ELECTRIC, TANKLESS, DOMESTIC WATER HEATER

A. Electric, Tankless, domestic water heaters shall be constructed with
copper piping or tubing complying with NSF 61 and NSF 372 for barrier
materials for potable water heaters without storage capacity.
B. The pressure rating shall be 1035 kPa (150 psig).
C. The heating element shall be resistance heating system type.
D. Temperature control shall be made with thermostat.
E. The safety control shall be a high temperature limit cutoff device or
system.
F. The heater shall have an enameled jacket with an aluminum or steel floor
stand or wall bracket for off-floor mounting.
G. Heater capacities and electrical characteristics are scheduled on the
drawings.

2.3 DOMESTIC HOT WATER EXPANSION TANKS

A. A steel pressure rated tank constructed with welded joints and factory
installed butyl rubber diaphragm shall be installed as scheduled. The
air precharge shall be set to minimum system operating pressure at tank.
B. The tappings shall be factory-fabricated steel, welded to the tank and
include ASME B1.20.1 pipe thread.
C. The interior finish shall comply with NSF 61 and NSF 372 for barrier
materials for potable water tank linings and the liner shall extend into
and through the tank fittings and outlets.
D. The air charging valve shall be factory installed.

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2.4 ELECTRIC WATER HEATER DRAIN PAN

A. A stainless-steel drain pan shall be provided that is 152 mm (6 inches)
larger than the water heater and has a minimum of 152 mm (6 inch) sides.
The drain pan shall include a drain outlet not less than 20 mm or DN20
(NPS 3/4 inch) with ASME B1.20.7 garden hose threads.

2.5 HEAT TRAPS

A. Heat traps shall be installed in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1 unless
provided integrally with the heater.

2.6 COMBINATION TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES

A. The combination pressure and temperature relief valve shall be ANSI
Z21.22 and ASME rated and constructed of all brass or bronze with a
self-closing reseating valve. The relief valves shall include a
relieving capacity greater than the heat input and include a pressure
setting less than the water heater’s working pressure rating. Sensing
element shall extend into storage tank.

2.7 THERMOMETERS
A. Thermometers shall be rigid stem or remote sensing, scale or dial type
with an aluminum, black metal, stainless-steel, or chromium plated brass
case. The thermometer shall be back connected, red liquid (alcohol or
organic-based) fill, vapor, bi-metal or gas actuated, with 228 mm (9
inches) high scale dial or circular dial 50 to 127 mm (2 to 5 inches) in
diameter graduated from 4 to 100 degrees C (40 to 212 degrees F), with
two-degree graduations guaranteed accurate within one scale division.
The socket shall be separable, double-seat, micrometer-fittings, with
extension neck not less than 63 mm (2-1/2 inches) to clear tank or pipe
covering. The thermometer shall be suitable for 19 mm (3/4 inch) pipe
threads. Thermometers may be console-mounted with sensor installed in
separate thermometer well.

2.8 SUPPORTS
A. Water heater stands shall be factory-fabricated steel for floor mounting
capable of supporting water heater and water a minimum of 457 mm (18
inches) above the floor.
B. Wall brackets for wall mounted heaters shall be factory-fabricated steel
capable of supporting water heater and water.

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2.9 MANIFOLD KITS

A. For multiple water heater installation, provide factory-fabricated
copper manifold kits to include ball-type shutoff valves to isolate each
water heater and balancing valves to provide balanced flow through each
water heater. Shutoff valves shall comply with Section 22 05 23,
GENERAL-DUTY VALVES FOR PLUMBING PIPING.

PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. If an installation is unsatisfactory to the COR, the contractor shall
correct the installation at no additional cost or time to the
Government.
B. Water heaters shall be installed on concrete bases unless elevated above
the floor. Refer to Section 03 30 00, CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE and Section
22 05 11, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING.
C. The water heaters shall be installed level and plumb and securely
anchored.
D. The water heaters shall be installed and connected in accordance with
manufacturer’s written instructions with manufacturer’s recommended
clearances.
E. All pressure and temperature relief valves discharge shall be piped to
nearby floor drains with air gap.
F. Thermometers shall be installed on the water heater inlet and outlet
piping and shall be positioned such that they can be read by an operator
or staff standing on floor or walkway.
G. The thermostatic control shall be set for a minimum setting of 60
degrees C (140 degrees F) for storage heaters.
H. Dielectric unions shall be provided if there are dissimilar metals
between the water heater connections and the attached piping.
I. Provide vacuum breakers per ANSI Z21.22 on the inlet pipe if the water
heater is bottom fed.
J. Shutoff valves shall be installed on the domestic water supply piping to
the water heater and on the domestic hot water outlet piping.
K. All manufacturer’s required clearances shall be maintained.
L. The electric domestic water heaters shall be installed with seismic
restraint devices.

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M. A combination temperature and pressure relief valve shall be installed

at the top portion of the storage tank in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations. The sensing element shall extend into the tank. The
relief valve outlet drain piping shall discharge by air gap into a floor
drain.
N. Piping type heat traps shall be installed on the inlet and outlet piping
of the electric domestic water heater storage tanks if not provided
integrally with the tanks.
O. Water heater drain piping shall be installed as indirect waste to spill
by air gap into open drains or over floor drains. Hose end drain valves
shall be installed at low points in water piping for electric domestic
water heaters without integral drains.
3.2 LEAKAGE TEST
A. Before piping connections are made, water heaters shall be tested with
hydrostatic pressure of 1380 kPa (200 psig) and 1654 kPa (240 psig) for
a unit with a MAWP of 1104 kPa (160 psig). Any domestic water heater
leaking water shall be replaced with a new unit at no additional cost or
time to the Government.
3.3 PERFORMANCE TEST
A. Ensure that all the remote water outlets are always tested to a minimum
of 43 degrees C (110 degrees F) and a maximum of 49 degrees C (120
degrees F) water flow.
3.4 STARTUP AND TESTING
A. Perform tests as recommended by product manufacturer and listed
standards and under actual or simulated operating conditions and prove
full compliance with design and specified requirements. Tests of the
various items of equipment shall be performed simultaneously with the
system of which each item is an integral part.
B. The tests shall include system capacity, control function, and alarm
functions.
C. When any defects are detected, correct defects and repeat test at no
additional cost or time to the Government.
D. The CxA will observe startup and contractor testing of selected
equipment. Coordinate the startup and contractor testing schedules with
the COR and CxA. Provide a minimum notice of 10 working days prior to
startup and testing.

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3.5 DEMONSTRATION AND TRAINING

A. Provide services of manufacturer’s technical representative for 4 hours
to instruct each VA personnel responsible in operation and maintenance
of the system.
B. Submit training plans and instructor qualifications in accordance with
the requirements of Section 22 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS.
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