background image

14

This water heater should not be connected to any heating systems or 

component(s) used with a non-potable water heating appliance.

All piping components connected to this unit for space heating 

applications should be suitable for use with potable water.

Toxic chemicals, such as those used for boiler treatment should not 

be introduced into this system.
When the system requires water for space heating at temperatures 

higher than required for domestic water purposes, a mixing 

valve must be installed. Please refer to Figure 2 for suggested  

piping arrangement.

space heatInG and potaBle water sYsteM

This  appliance  has  been  design  certified  as  complying  with 

American National Standard/CSA Standard for water heaters  

and  is  considered  suitable  for  Water  (Potable)  Heating  and 

 

Space Heating.
Your water heater is equipped with inlet/outlet connections 

for  use  in  space  heating  applications  (see  Figure  2).  If  this 

water heater is to be used to supply both space heating and 

potable  (drinking)  water,  the  instructions  listed  below  must 

be followed:

•  Be sure to follow the manual(s) shipped with the air handler or other 

type heating system.

•  This water heater is not to be used as a replacement for an existing 

boiler installation.

•  Do not use with piping that has been treated with chromates, boiler 

seal or other chemicals and do not add any chemicals to the water 

heater piping

•  If  the  space  heating  system  requires  water  temperatures  in 

excess of 120°F (49°C), a mixing valve must be installed per the 

 

manufacturer’s instructions in the potable hot water supply to limit 

the risk of scald injury.

•  Pumps,  valves,  piping  and  fittings  must  be  compatible  with 

 

potable water.

•  A  properly  installed  flow  control  valve  is  required  to  prevent 

thermosiphoning. Thermosiphoning is the result of a continuous 

flow  of  water  through  the  air  handler  circuit  during  the  off  cycle. 

Weeping  (blow  off)  of  the  temperature  and  pressure  relief  valve 

 

(T & P) or higher than normal water temperatures are the first signs 

of thermosiphoning.

•  The  hot  water  line  from  the  water  heater  should  be  vertical  past 

any mixing valve or supply line to the heating system to remove air 

bubbles from the system.

•  Do  not  connect  the  water  heater  to  any  system  or  components 

previously used with non-potable water heating appliances when 

used to supply potable water.

closed water sYsteMs

Water supply systems may, because of code requirements or such 

conditions as high line pressure, among others, have installed 

devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back 

flow preventers. Devices such as these cause the water system to 

be a closed system.

cheMIcal vapor corrosIon

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. (See limited warranty 

for complete terms and conditions).

water pIpInG

DANGER

Water temperature over 125°F (52°C)

can cause severe burns instantly

resulting in severe injury or death.
Children, the elderly and the physically 

or mentally disabled are at highest 

risk for scald injury.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are 

available.
Read instruction manual for safe

temperature setting.

HOTTER  WATER  CAN  SCALD: 

Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to 

a temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, 

dish washing, cleaning and other sanitizing needs can scald and 

permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely 

to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These include 

the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. 

If anyone using hot water fits into one of these groups or if there is 

a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the 

hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addition to 

using lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water 

needs, a means such as a mixing valve, should be used at hot water 

taps used by these people or at the water heater, see Figure 2. Valves 

for reducing point of use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are 

also available:

 

Consult a Qualified Installer or Service Agency. Follow  manufacturer’s 

instructions for installation of valves. Before changing the factory setting 

on thermostat, read “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.

InstallInG the new water heater

Summary of Contents for Gphe 50

Page 1: ...L DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS PURCHASED IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL PLEASE WRITE TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE RATING PLATE ON THE WATER HEATER RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS For Your Safety AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED BY THIS WATER HEATER POWER VENTED GAS MODELS W HOT SURFACE IGNITION NOT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED MOBILE HOMES MODEL GPHE 50 SERIES 100 Low Lead Content 500 Tennessee Walt...

Page 2: ...y alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided could result in property damage WARNING CAUTION CAUTION DANGER All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard what can happen if you do not follow the safety message and how to avoid the risk of injury The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California...

Page 3: ...3 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION ...

Page 4: ...4 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION at least 18 45 7cm above the floor This will reduce but not eliminate the risk ...

Page 5: ... Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy MA 02269 3 The water heater when installed must be grounded in accordance with the local codes or in the absence of local codes the National Electrical Code NFPA 70 4 If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not understand any portion of the instructions call the local gas utility or the manufacturer whose name appears on the rati...

Page 6: ... feet above grade directly in line with the exhaust vent terminal for the horizontally vented gas fueled heating appliance or equipment The sign shall read in print size no less than one half 1 2 inch in size gas vent directly below Keep clear of all obstructions Inspection The state or local gas inspector of the side wall horizontally vented gas fueled equipment shall not approve the installation...

Page 7: ...ng 4 Places Shown DD Plastic Top EE On Off Switch FF Exhaust Tee GG Elbow GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER GAS MODELS A Vent Pipe B Anode C Hot Water Outlet D Outlet 120 VAC F Gas Supply G Main Manual Gas Shuttoff Valve H Ground Joint Union J Sediment Trap K Outer Door L Union M Inlet Water Shuttoff Valve N Cold Water Inlet O Inlet Dip Tube P Temperature Pressure Relief Valve HH Bushing II Nipple JJ ...

Page 8: ...8 TYPICAL INSTALLATION CONDENSATE HOSE AND DRAIN PAN FIGURE 1A ...

Page 9: ...nship for normal adult skin If anyone using hot water provided by the water heater being installed fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain water temperature at the point of use then special precautions must be taken In addition to using lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies demand of application a Mixing Valve should be installed at w...

Page 10: ...stalled Water heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property damage even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain However unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shuttoff device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers and detect and react to...

Page 11: ...orine based chemicals refrigerants etc in addition to being highly flammable in many cases will also react to form corrosive hydrochloric acid when exposed to the combustion products of the water heater The results can be hazardous and also cause product failure INSULATION BLANKETS Insulation blankets are available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters but are not necessary w...

Page 12: ...e size of openings providing fresh air into confined spaces EXHAUST FANS Where exhaust fans are installed additional air should be provided to replace the exhausted air When an exhaust fan is installed in the same space with a water heater sufficient openings to provide fresh air must be provided that accommodate the requirements for all appliances in the room and the exhaust fan Undersized openin...

Page 13: ... a reference for the openings that provide fresh air into confined spaces only Do not refer to these illustrations for the purpose of vent installation See Installation of Vent System on pages 18 27 for complete venting installation instructions FIGURE 9 The confined space should be provided with two permanent vertical ducts one commencing within 12 inches 300 mm of the top and one commencing with...

Page 14: ...de requirements or such conditions as high line pressure among others have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves check valves and back flow preventers Devices such as these cause the water system to be a closed system CHEMICAL VAPOR CORROSION CORROSION OF THE FLUEWAYS AND VENT SYSTEM MAY OCCUR IF AIR FOR COMBUSTION CONTAINS CERTAIN CHEMICAL VAPORS SUCH CORROSION MAY RESULT IN FAILURE ...

Page 15: ...on 6 Spread the slit open and slip the insulation over the cold water inlet pipe Apply gentle pressure along the length of the insulation to ensure that it is fully seated around the pipe Also ensure that the base of the insulation is flush with the water heater Once seated secure the insulation with duct tape electrical tape or equivalent 7 Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the hot water outlet pipe 8 Add...

Page 16: ...excessive temperatures and pressures in the storage tank The T P valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion Aproperly sized thermal expansion tank must be installed on all closed systems to control thermal expansion see Closed Water Systems and Thermal Expansion on page 14 and 15 If you do not understand these instructions or have any questions regarding the Temperature Pre...

Page 17: ...tem by closing its individual manual Shuttoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than 1 2 pound per square inch 3 5 kPa Connecting gas piping to the gas control valve of water heater can be accomplished by either of two methods shown in Figures 12 and 13 FIGURE 12 GAS PIPING WITH FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR FIGURE 13 GAS PIPING WITH ALL BLAC...

Page 18: ... These PVC parts should be assembled with ASTM D 2564 grade cement Assemble Vent Pipe Assemblies 1 2 and 3 See Figure 1 prior to cementing The preferred orientation of Vent Pipe Assembly 1 Condensate U Assembly is shown in Figure 16 However this assembly may be rotated to a different orientation as needed for the specific installation requirements Note the rotational orientation of each part by ma...

Page 19: ... L Clearance above paved sidewalk or paved driveway located on public property 7 feet 2 13 m F Clearance to outside corner 2 feet 60 cm M Clearance under veranda porch deck or balcony 12 inches 30 cm G Clearance to inside corner 18 inches 45 cm In accordance with the current ANSI Z223 1 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code A vent shall not terminate directly above a sidewalk or paved driveway that is lo...

Page 20: ...of vent pipe Check system for signs of sagging or other stresses in joints as a result of misalignment of any components in system If any of these conditions are found they must be corrected in accordance with venting instructions in this manual before completing installation and putting water heater into service NOTE A For water heaters in locations with high ambient temperatures above 100 F it i...

Page 21: ... tubing is still attached from the air pressure switch to the port on the blower housing Make sure the plastic tubing is not folded anywhere between the pressure switch and the blower housing 6 Make sure the ON OFF switch is in the OFF position and that the outer harness is connected from the blower control box to the connector on the bottom side of the gas valve 7 If the outer harness is not fact...

Page 22: ...line This will allow the vent to easily slide through the opening The resulting gap will be covered up by the Vent Terminal cover plate Repeat this step on inside wall if necessary SEQUENCE OF INSTALLATIONS FIGURE 18 Cut a length of PVC pipe about 3 5 inches 8 9 cm longer than wall thickness at the opening Glue vent terminal to this section of pipe Slide the wall plate over the pipe to stop agains...

Page 23: ...tallation of a snorkel it is necessary to use two 90 elbows that shall be considered along with the additional vent pipe when calculating maximum equivalent feet of venting INSTALLATION OF VERTICAL VENT SYSTEM A proper flashing or BOOT should be used to seal the pipe where it exits the roof The total vent system should not exceed the equivalent feet of pipe as listed in Table 1 Provide support for...

Page 24: ...C cement not included with kit and glue the two inch PVC pipe coming from the blower into the VAA 3 Perform the same sequence on the PVC pipe coming from the exhaust side vent terminal side of the VAA 4 Make sure the VAA and vent pipe is supported securely to a permanent fixture stud or wall Use standard support straps not supplied with kit that may be found at a local hardware store Failure to pr...

Page 25: ...A and the vent pipe system Air leaks will allow flue gas by products to disseminate into the room creating an unsafe environment and could cause illness asphyxiation and or even death FIGURE 24 Typical Installation for Vertical Vent with 3 or 4 inch Pipe Installation of VAA with 3 4 inch Pipe for Horizontal Vent Some applications may require the use of 3 or 4 inch vent pipe for longer vent lengths...

Page 26: ... above PRIMER It is recommended that Tetrahydrofuran THF be used to prepare the surfaces of pipe and fittings for solvent welding Do not use water rags gasoline or any other substitutes for cleaning PVC or CPVC surfaces A chemical cleaner such as MEK may be used CEMENT The cement should be a bodied cement of approximately 500 to 1600 centipoise viscosity containing 10 20 by weight virgin PVC mater...

Page 27: ...d make a second mark as the primer and cement will most likely destroy your first one Apply primer to the surface of the pipe and fitting socket with a natural bristle brush This process softens and prepares the PVC or CPVC for the solvent cementing step Move quickly and without hesitation to the cementing procedure while the surfaces are still wet with primer E Application of solvent cement Apply...

Page 28: ...28 ...

Page 29: ... located in an area where the general public does not have access If a suitable area is not available a cover should be installed over the thermostat to prevent tampering Thewatertemperaturesettingwasfactorysetatthelowesttemperature Pressing the COOLER button decreases temperature and pressing the HOTTER button increases the temperature Setting water heater temperature at 120 F 49 C Approx mark on...

Page 30: ...eriod of time generally two weeks or more Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and explosive To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions we recommend the hot water faucet located farthest away be opened for several minutes before any electrical appliances which are connected to the hot water system are used such as a dishwasher or washing machine If hydrogen gas is present there wil...

Page 31: ...rod which will slowly deplete due to electrolysis prolonging the life of the water heater by protecting the glass lined tank from corrosion Adverse water quality hotter water temperatures high hot water usage and water softening methodscanincreasetherateofanoderoddepletion Oncetheanoderod is depleted the tank will start to corrode eventually developing a leak Certain water conditions will cause a ...

Page 32: ...ure Pressure Relief Valve must be installed in opening provided Can result in overheating and excessive tank pressure Can cause serious injury or death DRAINING AND FLUSHING It is recommended that the water heater storage tank be drained and flushed every 6 months to reduce sediment buildup The water heater should be drained if being shut down during freezing temperatures See Typical Installation ...

Page 33: ...oose connections or the relief valve DO NOT replace the water heater until a full inspection of all possible water sources is made and necessary corrective steps taken Leakage from other appliances water lines or ground seepage should also be checked To check where threaded portion enters tank insert cotton swab between jacket opening and fitting If cotton is wet follow Draining instructions in th...

Page 34: ...Sheet 34 Wire Screen 3 35 Wire Screen 4 36 Wall Plate 4 37 Flexible Tubing REPAIR PARTS LIST Nowthatyouhavepurchasedthiswaterheater shouldaneedeverexistfor repairpartsorservice simplycontactthecompanyitwaspurchasedfromor direct from the manufacturer listed on the rating plate on the water heater Be sure to provide all pertinent facts when you call or visit Selling prices will be furnished on reque...

Page 35: ...he water heater 3 Ensure maximum number of elbows or maximum equivalent feet of vent or intake air pipe have not been exceeded per the installation instructions in the manual that came with the water heater 4 Ensure there are no obstructions in the vent or intake air pipe 5 Open igniter circuit 1 Check wiring to the hot surface igniter assembly replace igniter assembly if wiring is damaged or worn...

Page 36: ...er open or shorted 1 Turn off power to the water heater Ensure all FV sensor wiring the ignitor assembly plug and the ignitor assembly socket on the bottom of the Intelli Vent control are making good contact Repair or replace any worn damaged components that are not making good connection 2 Replace the FV sensor 15 Self diagnostic check has detected the presence of fl ammable vapors from the FV fl...

Page 37: ...37 These guidelines should be utilized by a qualified service agent TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ...

Page 38: ...38 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES NOTES ...

Page 39: ...n of it in a modified form or any attempt to repair tank leaks or parts will void this warranty servIce and laBor responsIBIlItY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY THE WARRANTOR WILL PROVIDE ONLY A REPLACEMENT WATER HEATER OR PART THEREOF THEOWNERISRESPONSIBLEFORALLOTHERCOSTS Such costs may include but are not limited to a Labor charges for service removal or reinstallation of the water heater or part th...

Page 40: ...40 Copyright 2013 A O Smith Corporation All rights reserved 500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway Ashland City TN 37015 Technical Support 800 527 1953 Parts 800 433 2545 Fax 800 644 9306 www hotwater com ...

Reviews: