3
GENERAL SAFETY
INFORMATION
EXTERNAL DAMAGE
Do not operate the water heater until it has been fully checked out
by a qualified technician, if the water heater:
• Has been exposed to fire or damage.
• Displays evidence of sooting.
• Produces steam or unusually hot water.
If the water heater has been flooded it must be replaced.
CHEMICAL VAPOR CORROSION
WARNING
CORROSION OF THE FLUEWAYS AND VENT SYSTEM MAY
OCCUR IF AIR FOR COMBUSTION CONTAINS CERTAIN
CHEMICAL VAPORS. SUCH CORROSION MAY RESULT IN
FAILURE AND RISK OF ASPHYXIATION.
Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air
conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium
and sodium chloride (water softener salt), waxes and process
chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.
Do not store products of this sort near the heater. Also, air which
is brought in contact with the heater should not contain any of
these chemicals. If necessary, uncontaminated air should be
obtained from remote or outside sources. The limited warranty is
voided when failure of water heater is due to a corrosive
atmosphere. (Refer to the limited warranty for complete terms
and conditions).
EXTENDED NON-USE PERIODS
WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS CAN BE PRODUCED IN A HOT WATER
SYSTEM SERVED BY THIS HEATER THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED
FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME (GENERALLY TWO WEEKS OR
MORE). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.
To
reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is
recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance
connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there
will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through
the pipe as the water begins to flow.
THERE SHOULD BE NO
SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME NEAR THE FAUCET AT THE TIME IT
IS OPEN.
INSULATION BLANKETS
Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use
on gas water heaters are not necessary with A. O. Smith products.
The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby
heat loss encountered with storage tank water heaters. Your
A. O. Smith water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance
Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and
standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket
unnecessary.
WARNING
Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions (See Figure 1 for
identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow
these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper
combustion, resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious personal
injury or death.
•
Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature &
pressure relief valve.
•
Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the
water heater or nearby for future reference.
•
Do obtain new warning and instruction labels from A.O. Smith
for placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
INSTALLATION
REQUIRED ABILITY
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER
REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED
TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING, AIR
SUPPLY, VENTING AND GAS SUPPLY ARE REQUIRED.
INSPECT SHIPMENT
There may be hidden damage caused in transit. Check to be
certain all parts of the venting system, as listed below, are present.
CAUTION!!! IF THERE ARE ANY DAMAGED PARTS, DO NOT
INSTALL THIS WATER HEATER. REPORT ANY SHORTAGE TO
YOUR DISTRIBUTOR OR DAMAGE TO YOUR CARRIER.
VENT KIT ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
1
3” 90× elbow
1
Finishing collar (inside)
1
6” 90× elbow
1
Finishing collar (outside)
1
3” tube
1
Terminal Vent Cap Assembly
1
6” tube
1
Tube silicone sealant
GENERAL
The installation must conform to these instructions and the local
code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes,
the installation must comply with the current editions of the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54. The code is
available from the Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East
Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland, OH 44131.
FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new water
heater, because the placement is a very important consideration
for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most
economical use of the appliance.
This water heater is not for use
in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.
When installing the heater, consideration must be given to proper
location. The water heater should be located as close to or
centralized to the water piping system as possible. The water
heater should be located in an area not subject to freezing
temperatures.
THE HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE
LEAKAGE OF THE TANK OR CONNECTIONS WILL NOT RESULT
IN DAMAGE TO THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE HEATER OR TO
LOWER FLOORS OF THE STRUCTURE.
When such locations
cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under
