Heavy Duty Upper Electric Thermostat for Marathon Water Heaters

Rheem SP210246 Heavy Duty Upper Thermostat – OEM Component for Marathon Series Water Heaters

The Rheem® SP210246 is a heavy-duty upper thermostat designed for use in Marathon 2-element residential electric water heaters. This component controls the upper heating element and incorporates a manual reset high-limit safety mechanism to protect against excessive water temperatures. It supports field-adjustable temperature settings within the specified operating range and is built to meet original equipment specifications.

Application and Usage

This thermostat is intended for use in electric water heater systems with non-simultaneous element operation. It functions as the upper thermostat in a dual-element configuration, managing water temperature control in conjunction with the lower thermostat. The SP210246 is compatible with Marathon 50- and 85-gallon electric water heater models using direct-mount thermostatic controls.

Key Functional Features

• ✅ Manual Reset High-Limit Control – Activates shutoff at 180°F to prevent over-temperature conditions.
• ✅ Adjustable Thermostat Range – Field settable from 80°F to 140°F for customized temperature regulation.
• ✅ SPDT Contact Configuration – Single pole, double throw design suited for upper element switching.
• ✅ Designed for Dual-Element Systems – Installs in the upper position of non-simultaneous Marathon heaters.
• ✅ Rugged Construction – Built for long service life under repeated thermal cycling conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: SP210246
• Manufacturer: Rheem
• Thermostat Type: Upper, manual reset
• High-Limit Setting: 180°F
• Temperature Adjustment Range: 80°F – 140°F
• Differential: 17°F to 27°F
• Switch Type: SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw)
• Application: Marathon 2-element electric water heaters

Installation Requirements

Installation should be performed by qualified personnel familiar with electric water heater control systems. Proper electrical isolation and adherence to wiring diagrams is required. The thermostat mounts directly into standard brackets within the Marathon tank and connects to the upper heating element via terminal screws. Always verify continuity and proper reset function after installation.

Contractor Notes

The SP210246 is typically used in service applications where upper thermostat failure, high-limit trips, or calibration drift occur. It should be replaced with matching part number only to ensure electrical and thermal compatibility. Standard in Marathon service kits, this unit is designed for quick integration with existing control layouts.