Safety Instructions
_I_WARNING _WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without This water heater must not be installed directly on
the correct amount of air for combustion. Do not carpeting. Carpeting must be protected by a metal
install in a confined area such a closet, unless you or wood panel beneath the appliance extending
provide air as shown in the "Locating The New beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by
Water Heater" section. Never obstruct the flow of at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction, or if the
ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the
at all, call your gas company. Failure to provide the entire floor must be covered by the panel. Failure to
proper amount of combustion air can result in a fire heed this warning may result in a fire hazard.
or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
AWARNING VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are operated thermally or otherwise must be removed if
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a its use inhibits proper drafting of the water heater.
temperature which will satisfy clothes washing, dish Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and heaters having thermal efficiency in excess of 80%
may produce a relatively low flue gas temperature.
permanently injure ,you upon contact. Some people
are more likely to be permanently injured by hot Such temperatures may not be high enough to prop-
water than others. These include the elderly, children, erly open thermally operated vent dampers. This
the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If would cause spillage of flue gases and may cause
anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of carbon monoxide poisoning.
these c_roupsor if there is a local code or state law Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as
requiring a certain temperature water at the hot complying with the current edition of American
water tap, then you must take special precautions. In National Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67,
addition to using the lowest possible temperature respectively, cover electrically and mechanically actu-
setting that satisfies your hot water needs, a means ated vent dampers). Before installation of any vent
such as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot damper, consult your local gas utility for further
water taps used by these people or at the water information.
heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing sup-
ply or hardware stores. Follow manufacturers instruc-
tions for installation of the valves. Before changing
the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual. AWARNING
• The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must
be disconnected from the gas supply piping system
during any pressure testing of the gas system at
_WARNING test pressures in excess ofl/2 pound per square
inch (3.5kPa).
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires cor- • The appliance must be isolated from the gas sup-
rection before further use, Turn "off" gas to water ply piping system by closing its individual manual
heater and leave "off" until repairs are made, shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the
because failure to correct the cause of the sooting gas supply piping system at test pressures equal or
can result in a fire or explosion causing DEATH, SERI- less than 1/2 pound per square inch (3.5kPa).
OUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING AWARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent sys-
HEATERS]: Propane (L.P.) gas is heavier than air. tem may occur if air for combustion contains certain
Should there be a leak in the system, the gas will set- chemical vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning sol-
tie near the ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted vents, refrigerator and air conditioner refrigerants,
areas under manufactured (mobile) homes (even swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chlo-
when ventilated), closets and areas below ground ride, waxes, bleach, and process chemicals are typi-
level will serve as pockets for the accumulation of cal compounds which are potentially corrosive.
this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical
ight switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumu-
ated gas in the area. Search for odor of gas by sniff- 1
ng at ground level in the vicinity of the appliance. If AWARNING
l
_dor is detected, follow steps indicated at "For Your Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may pre-
Safety" on the cover page of this manual then leave sent a serious health risk or asphyxiation.
the premises.
Safety Instructions continued on page 4.
3