General Safety
2
WARNING
This water heater has been factory equipped to operate with
the type gas indicated in the “EQUIPPED FOR” area of the rat-
ing plate located near the gas control valve. The indicated gas
may be either Natural or Propane (L.P.). By following the con-
version instructions in this manual or the instructions near the
gas control valve, the water heater must be converted if it is to
be used with the opposite gas. DO NOT USE THIS WATER
HEATER WITH ANY GAS OTHER THAN THE ONE LISTED ON
THE MODEL RATING PLATE. Failure to use the correct gas can
cause problems which can result in DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. If you have any questions or
doubts consult your gas supplier or gas company.
WARNING
A fire can start if combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning
materials, or flammable liquids are placed against or next to the
water heater.
WARNING
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.), all of which
emit flammable vapors, may be improperly stored or used in such
areas. The gas water heater pilot light or main burner can ignite
such vapors. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or
serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as property damage.
If installation in such areas is your only option, then the installa-
tion must be accomplished in a way that the pilot flame and main
burner flame are elevated from the floor at least 18 inches. While
this may reduce the chances of flammable vapors from a floor spill
being ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should
never be stored or used in the same room or area containing a gas
water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from
other areas of the structure to the appliance.
WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to pro-
duce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will satisfy
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 infirm, or physically/men-
tally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home 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 the lowest
possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs,
some type of tempering device, 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 hard-
ware stores. Follow manufacturers instructions for installation of
the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat,
read the “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.
WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER HEATERS]:
Propane (L.P.) gas is heavier than air. Should there be a leak in the
system, the gas will settle near the ground. Basements, crawl spaces,
skirted areas under manufactured homes (even when ventilated),
closets and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for the
accumulation of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater’s pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light switch, be
absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in the area. Search for
odor of gas by sniffing at ground level in the vicinity of the appli-
ance. If odor is detected, follow steps indicated at “For Your Safety”
on the cover page of this manual then leave the premises.
WARNING
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or
maintenance can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. Refer to this manual for assis-
tance or call the manufacturer whose name appears on the
rating plate for further information.
WARNING
At the time of manufacture this water heater was provided with
a combination temperature-pressure relief valve certified by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as
meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas
Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, and the current
edition of ANSI Z21.22 and the code requirements of ASME. If
replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local codes,
but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief
valve certified as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves
and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply
Systems, ANSI Z21.22 by a nationally recognized testing labo-
ratory that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed
equipment or materials.
The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water
heater (150 lbs. p.s.i.) and a discharge capacity not less than
the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating
plate. (Electric heaters - watts divided by 1000 x 3412 equal
BTU/Hr. rate.)
Your local jurisdictional authority, while mandating the use of a
temperature-pressure relief valve complying with ANSI Z21.22
and ASME, may require a valve model different from the one
furnished with the water heater.
Compliance with such local requirements must be satisfied by
the installer or end user of the water heater with a locally pre-
scribed temperature-pressure relief valve installed in the desig-
nated opening in the water heater in place of the factory fur-
nished valve.
For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not
be removed from it’s designated opening or plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly
into the fitting of the water heater designated for the relief
valve. Position the valve downward and provide tubing so that
any discharge will exit only within 6 inches above, or at any
distance below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact is
made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must
not be blocked or reduced in size under any circumstances.
Excessive length, over 30 feet, or use of more than four elbows
can cause restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the
valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the
relief valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to dis-
charge drain unless a 6
″
air gap is provided. To prevent bodily
injury, hazard to life, or property damage, the relief valve must
be allowed to discharge water in quantities should circum-
stances demand. If the discharge pipe is not connected to a
drain or other suitable means, the water flow may cause prop-
erty damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
—Must not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the
valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.
—Must not be plugged or blocked.
—Must be of material listed for hot water distribution.
—Must be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both
the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.
—Must terminate at an adequate drain.
—Must not have any valve between the relief valve and tank.
