Whirlpool Energy Smart electric water heater

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Whirlpool* does not market water heaters 2023
Today's 'energy smart' models from AO Smith have electronic thermostat

*Whirlpool energy smart was made by Craftmaster.

2023

*First hour delivery numbers seem optomistic, and might represent ideal condition.
First hour is amount of usable hot water from one continuous draw. It doesn't mean hot will last an hour, it's just what happens when you start with a fully heated tank ... it delivers maximum amount of usable hot ... before it must re-heat.

This page covers 5 different models
1) Smart Electric with iComm wifi, and leak protection/ 55 gal
2) 2022 Grid Capable/ no wifi/ 55 gal
3) 2020 Energy Saver with leak protection/ no wifi/ 55 gal

4) 2020 Grid Capable/ currently only available in 80 gal ... (not shown above)
5) 2016 Energy Smart electronic water heater 40-50 gal... (not shown above)

When considering a purchase,
Remember there might be shortages of electronic repair parts.
Electronic thermostats can be replaced with ordinary thermostats and heater converted into ordinary electric water heater ... requires some wiring changes. How to convert to ordinary water heate

1) Top line model: Smart Electric with WiFi leak protection and wifi
2022 version Features with iComm wifi 1) Smart Electric Control Assembly, located on front of heater has push button temperature setting and status reading, plus iComm wifi options. 2) AO Smith's iComm wifi will control heater via phone app ... iComm has been available for some commercial gas heaters for several years. iComm pdf 3) It appears the heater will operate if Control Assembly is unplugged from upper thermostat, but not wifi. 4) Flash code error display to help diagnose problems Error code pdf 5) Leak detection sounds alarm .... and shuts off water to heater via wired connection to optional AO Smith water shut off valve ... if it works when needed 10 years from now. 6) 8 year tank and parts warranty is good value. 7) 92-93% efficiency is same as any ordinary electric water heater. 8) Smart Electric Electronic upper and lower thermostats give 'more accurate temperature reading' vs ordinary mechanical thermostat, but have higher replacement cost. 9) Choice of 55-50-40 gallon tank. Tall or short models 10) Two generic 5500 watt elements for faster recovery, give maybe 7 more gallon of hot per tank vs 4500 watt elements. Requires 30 amp breaker and 10 ga wire. 11) 75 gallon first hour delivery for 55 gallon tank, 72 gal for 50 gallon tank, 63 gal first hour for 40 gallon tank ... numbers seem exagerated but might indicate thermostat setting above 130°?. 12) 3/4" Ball type brass drain valve for easy draining, flushing and clean-out. 14) Standard 100,000 BTU rated TP valve. 15) Standard hex head aluminum anode rod prevents tank from rusting. If heater rusts quickly, then turn down water softener, and try installing power anode rod in place of standard anode. This alteration might void product warranty. 16) This heater can replace any ordinary residential electric heater, must use 30 amp breaker and 10 ga wire, and set in drip pan for leak detection. 17) Residential installation. Not rated for commercial application. Resources: AO Smith electroic Smart Electric spec sheet 2022 Smart Electric manual 2022 Typical installation .jpg Resources: Troubleshoot electric water heater 9 ways to save with water heater Things to increase amount of hot water
Larger image Another image Smart Energy Control Assembly

http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/AO-smith-grid-capable-electronic-thermostat-manual.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/AO-smith-grid-capable-electronic-thermostat-specs.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/ao-smith-80-electric-specs-2022.pdf

3) Previous model:
Electronic Thermostat with leak detection

Still available 2020

Features (no wifi)
1) Electronic ESM display / Energy Saver Module for precise temperature reading and fingertip temperature setting Read .pdf
2) Heater will operate if ESM display is unplugged or non-functioning
3) Flash code error display to help diagnose problems Error codes .pdf
4) Leak detection that sounds alarm, but does not interface with a shut-off valve.

5) 6-10 year tank and parts warranty. 10 year is very good, but might cost premium..

6) 92-93% efficiency, same as any ordinary electric heater.
7) Electronic upper thermostat and lower thermistor for electronic temperature sensing.
8) Two generic 5500 watt elements for faster recovery, maybe 7 gallons more hot water per tank vs 4500 watt elements. Requires 30 amp breaker and 10 ga wire.
9) choose 55-50-40 gallon tank. Tall or short models
10) 72 first hour for 55 gallon tank, 67 first hour for 50 gallon tank, 59 gallon first hour delivery for 40 gallon tank ... numbers seem overly optomistic and might represent ideal conditions.

11) 3/4" Ball type brass drain valve for easy draining, flushing and clean-out.
12 Standard 100,000 BTU rated TP valve.
14) Standard hex head aluminum anode rod prevents tank from rusting. If heaters rust quickly, then turn down water softener, and try installing power anode rod in place of standard anode. This alteration might void product warranty.

15) This heater can replace any ordinary residential electric heater, must use 30 amp breaker and 10 ga wire, and set in drip pan for leak detection.
16) Residential installation. Not rated for commercial application.
Resources:
AO Smith electronic display and leak detection spec sheet 2020
Energy Smart manual 2020
How to convert Energy Smart to ordinary electric water heater

Resources:
Troubleshoot electric water heater
9 ways to save with water heater
Things to increase amount of hot water

4) 80 gallon grid capable
Electronic Thermostat/ No display/ no wifi

Features ... 40-50 gallon discontinued

Currently only available in 80 gal

1) No wifi, no display on front of heater, no leak detection
2) 6 year tank and parts warranty.
3) Non-CFC foam insulation. 92-93% overall efficiency all models.
4) electronic upper thermostat and lower temperature thermistor
5) flash code error codes available on thermostat to help diagnose problems Error codes

6) Two generic 4500 watt elements
7) choose 40-50 gallon tank. Tall or short models.
8) 51 gallon first hour delivery for 40 gallon tank, 56 first hour for 50 gallon tank
9 elements can be changed to 5500 watt to achieve more hot, but likely voids 6-year warranty, unless changed back before claiming warranty Should you change to 5500 watt?
10) Ball type brass drain valve.

11) Standard brass TP valve.
12) Can replace any electric heater, ordinary residential installation, use 30 amp breaker and 10 ga wire,.
14) Demand response capable via smart port connection located top of heater, all models. "Allows for grid connectivity via an optional CTA-2045 port adapter and 3rd party communication module" enrolled with local utility. Utility controls element(s) during peak power usage.
15) heater can be converted into ordinary heater with mechanical thermostats to save repair costs etc.
water heater circuit breaker

Resource:
AO Smith electronic spec sheet
Energy Smart manual 2021
How to convert Energy Smart to ordinary electric water heater
Resource:
AO Smith electronic display and leak detection spec sheet

These 208V-240V electric water heaters can be installed by homeowner without loss of 6 year or 10 year warranty. They do not have built-in timers, wifi, electric usage monitor, etc. All models require 10 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker.

Current Energy Smart has non-generic electronic upper thermostat, generic elements, generic aluminum hex anode, with shorter nipples on top of heater to 'reduce heat loss' and meet government energy standard, same efficiency as ordinary electric water heater (92% overall efficiency), and 6 or 10 year warranty models, both 40 and 50 gallon, tall and short, with one 55 gallon model. Difference vs ordinary electric heater is electronic thermostat gives more accurate water temperature and blinks diagnostic codes. The 10 year warranty model has additional features: a leak alarm that sounds, 5500 watt elements to increase hot water, plus display module or ESM located on front for ez temperature change, operation status, and choice of modes that might save energy. Go to current models

Energy Smart might cost more to repair than ordinary heater because of electronic thermostat vs generic thermostat.
Resource: How to convert Energy Smart to ordinary electric water heater
Do you need more hot water?

2016 AO Smith 'Energy Smart' Electric water heater/

Larger image 40 gallon ENERGY SMART/ Example image of 2016 40 gallon tank, 9 year warranty: Electronic upper thermostat Controls on front of unit make it easy to change temperature, and select mode Energy Factor .92/ with 54 gallon first hour delivery. same as any ordinary electric water heater. Two 4500 watt elements.requires 30 amp breaker and 10 gauge wire Non-simultaneous 2016: 50 gallon size: 22" x 50"/ 9 year parts warranty/ 2 year labor (cost about $500)2016-2021 Whirlpool Energy Smart Electric water heater Resources 2016 Energy Smart Manual Typical American water heater warranty Whirlpool-energy smart service-manual 6510306.pdf Energy Smart manual 2020 AO Smith with electronic display and leak detection AO Smith with electronic thermostat AO Smith 80 gallon demand response heater

The 2016 model is close to same as the 2021 models. They are different color.
2016 Energy Smart Manual
Here are spec sheets for 3 versions made by AO Smith 2021/ each rated for 208 or 240 volt/ each classified as commercial grade for residential use.
1) AO Smith 40-50-55 gallon with (a) electronic display, (b) electronic thermostat, (c) leak detection (d) 5500 watt elements (e) 10 year warranty
2) AO Smith 40-50 gallon commercial grade residential with (a) electronic thermostat (b) 4500 watt elements (c) 6 year warranty
3) AO Smith 80 gallon with (a) electronic thermostat, (b) demand response capable

Demand response means heater must be enrolled in local utility program that can turn off lower thermostat when electric demand is high

Electronic thermostat
Same electronic thermostat installed on all models.
To access electronic thermostat, take off upper metal cover or display module located on side of tank.
Non-CFC foam insulation.
The insulation must be lifted, and then put back in place so thermostat reads correct temperature.
I cut off insulation to get better photo.
Diagnostic LED indicator blinks status code. Error codes
If power is NOT turned off, the wires on element are live, but power must be ON if diagnostic code is needed. Recommend caution.
If the 10 year warranty model is installed, then code blinks on the display module located on front of tank.
If electronic heater is converted to ordinary heater, then regular thermostat can be installed in place of electronic thermostat
How to convert Energy Smart to ordinary electric water heater

The lower 'thermostat' is a thermistor
The thermistor produces electric current that varies as water temperature changes. The small current is sent to upper thermostat, where the electronic thermostat switches the lower element on-off based on temperature of water in lower part of tank.
See side view image

Larger image Information shown on 2016 rating plate 1) Two 4500 watt elements at 240Volt single-phase or 3375 watts at 208Volt single-phase. 2) Total connected wattage is same as individual element wattage, so water heater is ordinary residential water heater rated for Non-simultaneous operation. 3) Model number and serial number needed to order parts. 4) Warranty. Older nmodels had 2 year warranty 5) Manufacturer: US Craftmaster, Johnson City Tenn. 6) Capacity in gallons 7) Serial number and product number 8) Insulation not specified on rating plate, but my measurement in 2016 showed 1-1/2 inches. 9) 150psi working pressure and 300 psi maximum pressure. Note that water pressure over 80 psi can damage and shorten life of water heaters, plumbing pipes and plumbing fixtures. Lower pressure also saves water. 10) heat traps installed
Larger image 2021 Energy Smart Module Buttons for choosing mode: Quote from product manual: According to the Department of Energy (DOE), since 1982 the growth in peak electricity demand has exceeded power transmission growth. This has caused more frequent blackouts and service interruptions, as well as an increase in the costly reserve capacity the power grid requires to meet higher peak demands. The increased demand for electrical power across the nation has also led to higher peak utility costs. Smart appliances are one way to help mitigate this problem. By using advanced digital communication technologies, smart appliances will be able to communicate with local power company or home energy management systems, and react accordingly to save energy and money. Resource Make your own off peak water heater
	Error codes help diagnose problem
Larger image Energy Smart Module connection at Upper element Newest Energy Smart water heater has electronic thermostat (ET) ECO reset button located on front of electronic thermostat. Manual thermostat setpoint knob lets you control temperature without using Energy Smart Module. Electronic thermostat can control water heater in absence of Module
	Image shows defective module where condensation has entered digital readout. Heater can operate without the ESM module. Look for name of manufacturer on product label located side of tank. Copy model number and serial number before contacting manufacturer. This example part failure is covered under warranty for original owner and residential installation for period of 6-10 years from date of installation ... depending on model. Whirlpool is no longer marketing water heaters. Previously they sold products made by American Water Heater Co or Craftmaster, which are AO Smith companies. Resource Example warranty
Larger image Back of EMS Module When contacting Whirlpool about smart-grid connections, Whirlpool asks that you contact local electric provider. Manual says EMS module will be 'able to communicate with local power company or home energy management systems.' As of Jan 2012, there is no remote connection available between Whirlpool products and power company's smart-grid. 2021, ask power company about demand response program if available. In 2021, add a meter to water heater for accurate energy tracking. Resource: Add meter to electric water heater Heater can operate without the ESM module.

Replacement parts & maintenance Resource How to convert Energy Smart to regular water heater
Troubleshoot	Energy Smart manual/ pages 22-36
Electronic thermostat Lower temperature sensor EMS	These parts are DIY repair ... they are covered by 10 year warranty ... and are available from manufacturer only Look at label on side of tank to find manufacturer and serial number.
	Use ordinary 4500 watt foldback element for older and newer energy smart Buy 4500 watt lifetime at Amazon 4500 watt at Amazon 1-1/2" socket
	Standard hex head aluminum anode rod located in separate port on top of tank. Inspect and replace anode rod each 2-5 years to prevent tank from rusting Buy: Aluminum-zinc for longest protection Magnesium for odor control Buy Zinc for odor control Buy anodes 1-1/16 socket Resource How to check anode
	Advantages of power anode: almost 100% Solution for tank odor, 100% solution for rusted tank when electric power is ON, tank will not rust out, anode can be moved to next water heater, can be installed on most water heaters up to 80 gallon including energy smart, hybrid, some power vent models .... works for gas and electric water heaters, includes LED that indicates if power anode working. Buy: Power anode rod
	Buy: Camco Tank rinser For water heaters, clogged pipes etc Multiple uses Ideal for the newest energy smart with the ball-type brass drain valve
	Whirlpool manual suggests mixing valve Why? The newest energy smart has 5500 watt elements for higher first hour delivery. First hour means the amount of usable hot water from a single continuous draw. You can further increase first hour delivery by setting the thermostat higher. The risk of high temperature water coming from tank can be solved by using a mixing valve. For example the tank is set to 145°F, but mixing valve is set to 120°F... ... then the mixing valve adds cold water to the line... ... and maximum water temperature at any tap is safe 120°F This means more hot water is stored inside tank so you get higher first hour ... ... without risk of scald. Buy: Water heater mixing valves at Amazon Honeywell mixing valves Watts mixing valve Mixing valve 1/2 NPT Mixing valve 3/4" national pipe thread
Are you going to convert Energy Smart to regular water heater?? Resource How to convert Energy Smart to regular water heater Thermostat Clip is needed for lower thermostat Clip to hold thermostat/ Thermostat mounting bracket Bradford White part # 239-44479-00/ Thermostat mounting bracket, Bradford White part #265-51046-00 Rheem #AM23557 The new thermostat MUST sit flat against tank wall or it will not read correct temperature.... thermostat cannot be placed loosely inside the compartment. The clip will hold thermostat firmly in place. Buy: Thermostat clip Adapter kit with thermostat clip

Fused safety switch
Cuts power to one or both legs of 240V circuit.
Rated for indoor.
-3 Hp motor, 17 amps, use 30-60 amp safety switch
-30 amp water heater, use 30-60 amp
Since water heater is on a breaker, then either fusible or non-fusible is fine
Buy from my affiliate links:
L211N 30 Amp 120/240-Volt/ 30A /one plug fuse
L221N 30 Amp 240-Volt/ 30A/ two plug fuses

As illustrated

2-pole outdoor / 60 amp/ non-fusible
2-pole outdoor / 30 amp/ non-fusible

2-pole indoor / 30 amp/ fusible
2-pole indoor / 30 amp/ fusible

Heavy duty safety switches at Amazon

Resource:
L111N specs Single pole 30 amp 120 volt w neutral/ indoor
L211N specs Double pole 30 amp 120/240 volt w neutral

L211N Fusible

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Older style Whirlpool Energy Smart/ 2006-9/ Moved to separate page

Go to 2006-9 Energy Smart

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