General Safety (cont’d)
3
WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath
the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the
appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction, or if the
appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result
in a fire hazard.
WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct
amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a confined area
such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown in the “Locating
The New Water Heater” section. Never obstruct the flow of ven-
tilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call your
gas company. Failure to provide the proper amount of combus-
tion air can result in a fire or explosion and can cause death, seri-
ous bodily injury, or property damage.
WARNING
If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops,
cleaning establishments, or self-service laundries with dry clean-
ing equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or water
heaters be installed so that combustion and ventilation air be
taken from outside these areas. Refer to the “Locating The New
Water Heater” section of this manual and also the current edition
of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, also referred to as
NFPA 54 for specifics provided concerning air required.
WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operated ther-
mally or otherwise must be removed if its use inhibits proper
drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water heaters hav-
ing thermal efficiency in excess of 80% may produce a relatively
low flue gas temperature. Such temperatures may not be high
enough to properly open thermally operated vent dampers. This
would cause spillage of flue gases and may cause carbon monox-
ide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as complying
with the current edition of American National Standard ANSI
Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively, cover electrically and
mechanically actuated vent dampers). Before installation of any
vent damper, consult the gas utility for further information.
WARNING
1. The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be discon-
nected from the gas supply piping system during any pressure
testing of the gas system at test pressures in excess of
1
⁄
2
pound
per square inch (3.5kPa).
2. The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping sys-
tem by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any
pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pres-
sures equal or less than
1
⁄
2
pound per square inch (3.5kPa).
WARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction before
further use. Turn “off” gas to water heater and leave “off” until
repairs are made, because failure to correct the cause of the soot-
ing can result in a fire or explosion causing death, serious bodily
injury, or property damage.
WARNING
The water heater with draft hood installed must be properly vent-
ed to a roof jack which terminates outdoors. Never operate the
water heater unless it is vented to the outdoors and has adequate
air supply to avoid risks of improper operation, explosion or
asphyxiation.
WARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a serious
health risk or asphyxiation.
WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if
air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Spray can
propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioner
refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chlo-
ride, waxes, bleach, and process chemicals are typical compounds
which are potentially corrosive.
WARNING
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
and noncombustible construction are 1
″
at the sides and rear, 4
″
at the front, and 6
″
from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of
the draft hood is 12
″
. Refer to the label on the water heater locat-
ed adjacent to the gas control valve for all clearances.
WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water
system that has not been used for a long period of time (general-
ly two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable
and explosive. To prevent the possibility of injury under these
conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for
several minutes at the kitchen sink before any electrical appli-
ances 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 flame near the faucet at the
time it is open.
WARNING
INSULATING JACKETS: When installing an external water heater
insulation jacket on a gas water heater:
a. DO NOT cover the temperature-pressure relief valve.
b. DO NOT put insulation over any part of the top of the gas water
heater.
c. DO NOT put insulation over the gas control valve or gas control
valve/burner cover, or any access areas to the burner.
d. DO NOT let insulation around the gas water heater to get with-
in 8 inches of the floor (air must get to the burner).
e. DO NOT cover or remove operating instructions, and safety
related warning labels and materials affixed to the water heater.
Failure to heed this will result in the possibility of a fire or
explosion.
WARNING
Flood damage to a water heater may not be readily visible or
immediately detectible. However, over a period of time a flood-
ed water heater will create dangerous conditions which can
cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAM-
AGE. Call a qualified service technician or contractor to replace
a flooded water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit! It must
be replaced!
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the water
heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or
any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause
damage to the structure. When such locations cannot be avoid-
ed, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water
heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store.
Such a drain pan must be not greater than 1
1
⁄
2
inches deep, have
a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches greater than the
water heater dimensions and must be piped to an adequate
drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
