13
iN401 - iN501 Preparation Before Installation
May
2019
-
Revision
00
5. Preparation Before Installation
5.1 Selecting an Indoor Installation Site
Note:
When installing the water heater, follow all local
building codes and the current edition of the National
Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54) in the USA,
or National Gas and Propane Installation Code (CAN/
CGA B149.1) in Canada when installing this product.
Note:
For water heater installations in Massachusetts,
refer to section “16. Requirements for State of
Massachusetts” on page 60.
1. Select an interior location for the installation. Each
installation is unique; therefore, take the time to find the
best location for the water heater.
a. Install the water heater near locations that use hot
water, such as bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room
faucets.
b. Select a location that minimizes the length of the
water pipe.
c. If the distances are long or if the faucet or appliance
requires “instant” hot water, we recommend running
a recirculation line back to the water heater from the
farthest fixture.
d. Insulate the hot water supply and recirculation lines.
e. Select a location away from foot traffic and away from
areas where dust, debris, chemical agents, or other
combustible materials could accumulate.
f. Allow sufficient space for service and maintenance
access to all gas, water, and drain connections.
g. Make sure the location meets all building code
requirements.
2. Minimize the distance that the exhaust gas outlet and air
intake inlet must travel to an exterior wall.
a. The exhaust vent outlet must not be located next to
a walkway, near soffit vents, crawl space vents, or
other areas where condensate (water vapor) could
cause damage or create a hazard. Refer to the
Venting Clearance Specifications section for additional
information.
b. The fresh air inlet vent must be separated from the
exhaust vent per guidelines in section “7. Air Intake
Inlet and Exhaust Gas Outlet Pipe Connections” on
page 19.
c. Contaminated or dirty air drawn into the intake pipe
can damage the water heater. The warranty does not
cover damage caused by airborne contaminants.
3. Locate the unit close to a drain and near gas and water
connections.
The water heater produces a significant amount of
condensate during normal operation and should be
located near a suitable drain where damage from a
possible leak will be minimal. Installing the water heater
in a location without a drain will void the warranty
and the manufacturer will not be responsible for any
resulting water damages that may occur. For additional
information, refer to the Condensate Line Installation
section.
4. Locate the water heater and all the water pipes in an area
where the ambient temperature always remains above
freezing.
a. When the water heater is connected to an electrical
power supply, it will automatically prevent the water
from freezing inside the unit.
b. The unit’s freeze protection system will not prevent
the water in the external piping from freezing.
NOTICE
In cold climates, if there is a power failure, the unit’s freeze
protection system will not operate and can result in water
freezing inside the heat engine. To prevent damage to
the water heater, turn OFF the gas supply and inlet water
valve. Drain the unit completely. Damage caused by
freezing water is not covered by the warranty.
5. Select an appropriate location for the combustion air and
exhaust pipes to exit the building, as shown in the Venting
Clearance Specifications section in this manual.
6. Check the water quality.
Proper maintenance of the water heater is required to
ensure that the water meets EPA quality standards. The
following table shows the maximum contaminant levels
allowed, based on the EPA National Secondary Drinking
Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 143.3). Refer to section
“17. Warranty” on page 61 for additional information.
If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any
way, discontinue use of the water heater and contact an
authorized technician or licensed professional.
If the incoming water is known to have a high mineral
content or “hardness” (see warranty section), treatment
is recommended upstream from the water heater.
