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It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used
to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in
all cases, that the water temperature be set for the lowest
temperature which satis
fi
es your hot-water needs. This
will also provide the most energy ef
fi
cient operation of
the water heater.
Short repeated heating cycles caused by small hot-water
uses can cause a temperature increase of the hot water
by 20F° (11C°) higher than the heater’s temperature
settings. If you experience this type of use you should
consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald
hazards.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fails to shut
off, turn off the main manual gas shut off valve to the
appliance (see Figure 1).
Water temperature over
125°F (52°C) can cause
severe burns instantly
resulting in severe injury or
death.
Children, the elderly and the
disabled and are at highest
risk of scald injury.
Feel water before bathing or
showering.
Temperature limiting devices
such as mixing valves must
be installed when required
by codes and to ensure safe
temperatures at fixtures.
Read instruction manual for
safe temperature setting.
BURN
HOT
HOT
DANGER
HOT 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, 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
in
fi
rm or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using
hot water from this heater
fi
ts into one of these groups
or if there is a local code or state law requiring certain
temperature water at the hot-water tap, then you must
take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest
possible temperature setting that satis
fi
es your hot-water
needs, a means such as a mixing valve, should be used
at the hot-water taps used by these people or at the water
heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or
hardware stores (see Figure 8-10). Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing
the factory setting on the thermostat, in this manual, see
Table 4.
The water heater should be 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.
This water heater is equipped with an adjustable
thermostat to control water temperature (see Figure 49).
Hot water temperatures required for automatic dishwasher
and laundry use can cause scald burns resulting in serious
personal injury and/or death. The temperature at which
injury occurs varies with the person’s age and time of the
exposure. The slower response time of children, aged or
disabled persons increases the hazards to them. Never
allow small children to use a hot-water tap, or to draw their
own bath water. Never leave a child or disabled person
unattended in a bathtub or shower.
The hot setting shown on the dial is approximately
120°F (49°C). This is a good starting point to set the
temperature.
Setting the water heater temperature at 120°F (49°C) will
reduce the risk of scalds. Some states require settings at
speci
fi
c lower temperatures.
The thermostat settings on the gas control valve are shown
in Figure 49.
The water temperature setting was factory set at the lowest
(VAC) temperature setting.
OPERATING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM
