Water heater is very hot to the touch on the casing or surrounding area during normal operation.

Safety: Turn off power and allow the unit to cool before touching or working on it.

• Check clearances: Ensure the heater has the minimum clearances specified by Stiebel Eltron on all sides and is not enclosed in a tight cabinet without ventilation.
• Inspect vents: Clean any dust or debris from ventilation slots or openings in the casing.
• Check ambient temperature: Verify the installation location does not exceed the maximum ambient temperature rating.
• Internal inspection: Look for signs of overheating inside (discolored components). Persistent excessive surface temperature may indicate internal faults and should be evaluated by a technician.