I need to replace a reliance 606 50 gallon electric water heater model 65220RT2 What is made the same to simplify installation, wiring, plumbing, etc? Need new heater with hookups for electric and pipes in same configuration.

SOURCE: I have a 40 gallon electric reliance water heater

http://www.aosmith.com/OperatingUnits/Detail.aspx?id=138&ekmensel=c580fa7b_12_0_138_3
Reliance is an AO Smith company

http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/prod/elec.html
Link above goes to Reliance electric water heaters
I cannot find your model number
The serial number seems to show it was made in 1994, so the spec sheet would be difficult to find
You must have bought a good heater and taken care of it for it to last that long.

http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/lit/spec/electric/R606E0510.pdf
Typical 40 gallon Reliance electric:
18" x 59-1/2"
20-1/2" x 44"

http://www.reliancewaterheaters.com/lit/spec/electric/R909E0510.pdf
Self-cleaning type Reliance 40 gallon
19" x 60"
21-1/2" x 46"

The size of your heater can be determined by measuring the height, and then measure across the top to get the diameter. Your measurements will be close to the numbers shown above.

Posted on Oct 29, 2010

Testimonial: "Wow - I had a difficult obscure question about an old reliance water heater dimensions and I received four solid answers that were very helpful. "

SOURCE: Purchased "Reliance Lowboy electric water heater"

The water heater has two 4500 watt elements.
However both elements are not turned-ON at same time
So the water heater is 4500 Watts

Volts x Amps = watts
Amps =watts divided by volts
Amps = 4500 Watts divided by 240 Volts
Amps= 18.75

So that says a 20 amp breaker ... except for the 80% rule
80% rules says for safety, your Amp rating should be multiplied by 80%

20 amp breaker X 80% = 16 amps
20 amp breaker is actually safe for just 16 amps, and your water heater draws 18.75 amps.

The calculation shows you need a 30 Amp breaker.
30 Amp breaker requires 10 gauge wire.

http://waterheatertimer.org/Figure-Volts-Amps-Watts-for-water-heater.html

Posted on Nov 03, 2010

SOURCE: We installed a brand new

If you have some hot water from dual-element water heater, then that tells us:
Water heater is 240Volt.
Upper element is working. If upper element is not working, then heater has NO hot water.
Reset button is not tripped.
Electricity and breaker to water heater are delivering 240Volts to heater.

Remaining suspects are:
1) Bad upper or lower thermostat: Solution: replace both thermostats for 28$.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html
2) Bad lower element: Solution test and replace element:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html
3) Loose wire or loose connection: Solution: open both covers and inspect for burning. Tighten all screws very tight.
4) Bad wire: Solution: Buy cheap multimeter from Home Center and do a 30 minute troubleshoot of entire water heater before replacing any parts:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html
When testing for voltage, rotate multimeter dial to 240-250-277VAC
When testing elements or continuity, rotate multimeter dial to Ohms.

Posted on Jan 11, 2011

SOURCE: I have a Reliance water heater - 40 gal Model

In my first 15 years as a plumber I never saw a pilot light issue on a gas WH that a new thermocouple didn't fix. Since the government mandated a redesign of the fire box, I've seen three that nothing ever fixed - two Whirlpools and one (my usually ultrareliable) AO Smith - including replacing the entire burner assembly and the regulator. And I've heard of many others.

Check the thermocouple connection for tight. (Don't strip.. threaded soft metals.)
Check the microvents on the bottom ? of the burn box for dust, even if it is new.
Call Reliant and demand new units until you get one that works.
Try another model. Consider a 52gal electric.

I've always recommended gas over electric, and AO Smith and Rheem were my recommendations (and "Reliants" were "lumber yard" water heaters. Sorry.)

Since the mandated redesigns, I don't really have a "proven reliable" model to suggest. I increasingly believe the restricted air flow design is the ultimate culprit, including any changes to the thermocouple/regulator construct to accommodate the restricted air flow design. Just my hunch.

Offered for what its worth. -- plumber in Indiana.

Posted on Jan 11, 2011

SOURCE: I have Reliance electric water

Your water heater has two 4500 watt elements so water heater is 240Volts, and water heater is rated 4500 watts. Both elements are not ON at same time, and this is called non-simultaneous operation.

The element might have been smaller in length, but it will work fine.
Why is it smaller. I don't know. Elements are different from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The 501 does not use a special element.

Local box stores and hardware stores sell elements in water heater department.

The wattage of element is printed on end of each element.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-element.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/Figure-Volts-Amps-Watts-for-water-heater.html

Upvote the help.
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Posted on May 20, 2011