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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

START UP CONDITIONS

CONDENSATE

Whenever the water heater is filled with cold water, some 
condensate will form while the burner is on. A water heater may 
appear to be leaking when in fact the water is condensate. This 
usually happens when:

a.  A new water heater is 

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 lled with cold water for the 

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 rst time.

b.  Burning gas produces water vapor in water heaters, particularly 

high ef

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 ciency models where 

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 ue temperatures are lower.

c.  Large amounts of hot water are used in a short time and the re

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 ll 

water in the tank is very cold.

Moisture from the products of combustion condense on the cooler 
tank surfaces and form drops of water which may fall onto the burner 
or other hot surfaces to produce a “sizzling” or “frying” noise.

Because of the suddenness and amount of water, condensate water 
may be diagnosed as a “tank leak”. After the water in the tank warms 
up (about 1-2 hours), the condition should disappear.

Do not assume the water heater is leaking until there has been 
enough time for the water in the tank to warm up.

An undersized water heater will cause more condensation. The water 
heater must be sized properly to meet the family’s demands for hot 
water including dishwashers, washing machines and shower heads.

Excessive condensate may be noticed during the winter and 
early spring months when incoming water temperatures are at 
their lowest.

Good venting is essential for a gas 

fi

 red water heater to operate 

properly as well as to carry away products of combustion and water 
vapor.

SMOKE/ODOR

It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor 
during the initial start-up. This is due to burning off of oil from metal 
parts, and will disappear in a short while.

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 

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

be a closed system.

THERMAL EXPANSION

As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed 
system the volume of water will grow. As the volume of water 
grows there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due 

to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature 
tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the 
limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent 
temperature-pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from 
the valve due to excessive pressure build up. The temperature-
pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of 
thermal expansion. This condition is not covered under the limited 
warranty.

A properly sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all 
closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion. 
Contact a plumbing service agency or your retail supplier regarding 
the installation of a thermal expansion tank.

STRANGE SOUNDS

Possible noises due to expansion and contraction of some metal 
parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down do not necessarily 
represent harmful or dangerous conditions.

Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area 
during heating and cooling periods and should be considered normal. 
See “Condensate” in this section.

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

“AIR” IN HOT WATER FAUCETS

HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot 
water system that has not been used for a long period of time 
(generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely 

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 ammable 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 will probably be an unusual sound similar to air 
escaping through the pipe as the hot water faucet is opened. 
There must be no smoking or open 

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 ame near the faucet at the 

time it is open.

HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE SHUT OFF SYSTEM

This water heater is equipped with an automatic gas shut-off 
system. This system works when high water temperatures are 
present. Turn “OFF” the entire gas supply to the water heater. 
The high temperature shut-off is built into the gas control valve/
thermostat. It is non-resettable. If the high temperature shut-off 
activates, the gas control valve/thermostat must be replaced. 
Contact your gas supplier or service agency.

Summary of Contents for ProMax GPDX-50

Page 1: ...MODELS NOT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED MOBILE HOMES ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS PURCHASED IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL PLEASE WRIT...

Page 2: ...some of the substances included in the act This product is certified to comply with a maximum weighted average of 0 25 lead content as required in some areas IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS Qualified Installer...

Page 3: ...3...

Page 4: ...location to ensure the water heater complies with the Locating the New Water Heater section in this manual 6 For California installation this water heater must be braced anchored or strapped to avoid...

Page 5: ...tally vented gas fueled heating appli ance 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 s...

Page 6: ...Relief Valve O Flue P Flue Baffle Assembly Q Insulation R Rating Plate S Gas Supply T Manual Gas Shut off Valve U Ground Joint Union V Sediment Trap Dirt Leg W Drain Valve X Gas Control Valve Thermos...

Page 7: ...an others These include the elderly children the infirm or physically mentally disabled If anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law re...

Page 8: ...s and retailers and detect and react to leakage in various ways Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected...

Page 9: ...to provide ventilation air can result in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH SERIOUS BODILY INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE FIGURE 5 If this water heater will be used in beauty shops barber shops cleani...

Page 10: ...he vent exhaust outlet and air inlet terminals shall terminate at least 18 45 7 cm above the roof surface see Figure 9 FIGURE 9 AIR FOR VENTILATION FOR APPLIANCES LOCATED IN CONFINED SPACES Air for ve...

Page 11: ...interfere with safe operation of the water heater Do not cover the outer door gas control valve thermostat temperature pressure relief valve or FV Sensor Do not let insulation around the gas water he...

Page 12: ...ermanently 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 disabled If anyon...

Page 13: ...he valve must meet the requirements of local codes but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve certified as indicated in the above paragraph The valve must be marked with a m...

Page 14: ...prevent dirt and foreign materials from entering the gas control valve thermostat A flexible gas connector or a ground joint union between the shut off valve and gas control valve thermostat to permit...

Page 15: ...er Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning ON gas to the water heater To fill the water heater with water 1 Close the water heater drain valve by turning the handle to the right clock...

Page 16: ...0 120 Vac therefore a grounded outlet must be within reach of the six 6 foot 1 8 m flexible power cord supplied with the unit See Figure 2 The power cord supplied may be used only where local codes pe...

Page 17: ...rect vent water heater snow accumulation and drifting should be considered in areas where applicable IMPORTANT DO NOT common vent this water heater with any other appliance FIGURE 16 Horizontal runs m...

Page 18: ...d 50 Gallon 40 000 BTU HR Models In the carton is supplied 1 Two 3 inlet and outlet PVC Schedule 40 45 vent caps All other piping must be supplied by the supplier FIGURE 20 If making an immediate hori...

Page 19: ...eet 1 5 m of length required in the horizontal run See Figure 25 FIGURE 25 The 3 PVC ABS or CPVC Schedule 40 vent pipe can be run from the water heater through the wall or from the wall to the water h...

Page 20: ...et PVC Schedule 40 45 vent caps are supplied A 5 1 5 m section of 3 CPVC Schedule 40 outlet vent pipe is supplied with 75 gallon models and a 5 1 5 m section of 3 ABS Schedule 40 outlet vent pipe is s...

Page 21: ...r CPVC Components and ABS for ABS components Containers Metal or Glass to hold Primer and Cement Select the type of PVC ABS or CPVC materials to be used on the basis of their application with respect...

Page 22: ...if necessary Depth of entry Marking the depth of entry is a way to check if the pipe has reached the bottom of the fitting socket in Step F Measure the fitting depth and mark this distance on the pipe...

Page 23: ...23...

Page 24: ...le area is not available a cover should be installed over the thermostat to prevent tampering The water temperature setting was factory set at the lowest temperature Pressing the COOLER button decreas...

Page 25: ...f water grows there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure leakage This type of failure is not covered under the...

Page 26: ...ntact a qualified installer or service agency to replace a flooded water heater Do not attempt to repair the unit It must be replaced At least once a year a visual inspection should be made of the mai...

Page 27: ...h are visible ANODE ROD DEPLETION FIGURE 32B If the anode rod shows signs of either or both it should be replaced NOTE Whether re installing or replacing the anode rod check for any leaks and immediat...

Page 28: ...restart the heater as directed in this manual If the water heater is going to be shut down for an extended period the drain valve should be left open IMPORTANT Condensation may occur when refilling th...

Page 29: ...ief valve may be leaking at the tank fitting F Water from a drain valve may be due to the valve being slightly opened G The drain valve may be leaking at the tank fitting H Combustion products contain...

Page 30: ...6 26 FV Sensor 27 Gas Control Valve Thermostat 28 Pressure Switch Air 29 Flue Baffle Assembly 30 Baffle Adaptor Collar Assembly 31 Optional 3 PVCHorizontalVentKit rating plate located above the gas c...

Page 31: ...aximum number of elbows or maximum equivalent feet of vent or intake air pipe has not been exceeded per the installation instructions in the manual that came with the water heater 4 Ensure there are n...

Page 32: ...c check has detected the FV flammable vapor sensor is either 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...

Page 33: ...d gas clean burner head Combustion air path restricted Check intake venting arrangement for obstructions Not enough dilution air for proper combustion Check intake venting arrangement for obstructions...

Page 34: ...ith specifications of the heating component manufacturer This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary under the laws of each province If any provision of this...

Page 35: ...similar water heater or parts thereof which are manufactured or distributed by the warrantor Dealer replacements are made subject to in warranty validation by warrantor PROOF OF PURCHASE AND PROOF OF...

Page 36: ...Copyright 2012 A O Smith Corporation All rights reserved...

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