8
FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
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:
1. Select a location indoors as close as practical to the vent terminal
or location to which the water heater vent piping is going to be
connected, and as centralized with the water piping system as
possible.
2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing
and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the fl ow will not cause
damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install
the water heater in an attic or upper fl oor. When such locations cannot
be avoided, a suitable metal drain pan should be installed under the
water heater. Metal drain pans are available at your local hardware
store. Such a metal drain pan must have a minimum length and width
of at least 2" (5.1 cm) greater that the water heater dimensions and
must be piped to an adequate drain. The metal drain pan must not
restrict combustion air fl ow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and
the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters
are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in
property damage, even with the use of a metal drain pan piped to a
drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented
by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with
a piped metal drain pan. These devices are available from some
plumbing supply wholesalers 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.
• Sensors mounted in the metal drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the metal drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes
connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while
at the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES,
STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such as
gasoline, solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.) and other substances
(such as adhesives, etc.) emit fl ammable vapors which can be ignited
by a gas water heater’s hot surface igniter or main burner. The
resulting fl ashback and fi re can cause death or serious burns to anyone
in the area. This water is equipped with a FV sensor for detecting the
presence of fl ammable vapors, see Figure 3. When the sensor detects
those vapors, the unit will shut down and not operate. Should this
happen, please refer to the troubleshooting guide on pages 28-30.
Even though this water heater is a fl ammable vapors ignition resistant
water heater and is designed to reduce the chances of fl ammable
vapors being ignited, gasoline and other fl ammable substances should
never be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas
water heater or other open fl ame or spark producing appliance.
LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER
FIGURE 3.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not
subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting. Carpeting
must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath the appliance
extending beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least
3" (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed in an alcove
or closet, the entire fl oor must be covered by the panel. Failure to
heed this warning may result in a fi re hazard.
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
surfaces are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 5" (12.7 cm) from the front
