Rheem GHE 125-500A, Use & Care Manual, Page: 5 / 40

5
General Safety Precautions
Be sure to read and understand the entire Use & Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this
water heater. Pay particular attention to the following General Safety Precautions. Failure to follow these
warnings could result in a fire or explosion, causing property damage, bodily injury or death. Should you
have any problems understanding the instructions in this manual, STOP, and get help from a qualified in-
staller or service technician or the gas supplier.
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
Failure to properly vent the water heater to the outdoors
as outlined in the Venting Section of this manual can
result in unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the
risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation from carbon mon-
oxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly
vented and has an adequate air supply for proper opera-
tion. Be sure to inspect the vent system for proper instal-
lation at initial start-up and at least annually thereafter.
Refer to the Maintenance section of this manual for more
information regarding vent system inspections.
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM MODELS — Propane (LP) gas,
must be used with great caution.
• It is heavier than air and will collect first in lower areas
making it hard to detect at nose level.
•
Make sure to look and smell for LP leaks before
attempting to light appliance. Use a soapy solution to
check all gas fittings and connections. Bubbling at a
connection indicates a leak that must be corrected.
When smelling to detect an LP leak, be sure to sniff
near the floor too.
• Gas detectors are recommended in LP applications
and their installation should be in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations and/or local laws,
rules, regulations or customs.
• It is recommended that more than one method be used
to detect leaks in LP applications.
IF LP GAS IS PRESENT OR SUSPECTED:
• DO NOT attempt to find the cause yourself;
• DO NOT try to light any appliance;
• DO NOT touch any electrical switch;
• DO NOT use any phone in your building.
• Leave the building immediately and make sure your
family and pets leave also.
• Leave the doors open for ventilation and contact the
gas supplier, a qualified service agency or the fire
department.
• Keep the area clear until the service call has been
made, the leak is corrected, and a qualified agency has
determined the area to be safe. Read and Review this
entire Manual with special emphasis on the Venting Sec-
tions (Pages 11-19) and Operation Section (Pages 23-26)
prior to any installation work.
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids
(adhesives, solvents, etc.) and the vapors they produce,
are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store
gasoline or other flammable or combustible materials
anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater. Be sure
to read and follow the warning label pictured below and
other labels on the water heater, as well as the warnings
printed in this manual. Failure to do so can result in prop-
erty damage, bodily injury, or death.
Both LP and natural gas have an odorant added to help
detection. Some people may not physically be able to
smell or recognize this odorant. If unsure or unfamiliar
about the smell associated with LP or natural gas, ask the
gas supplier. Other conditions, such as "Odorant Fade",
which causes the odorant to "fade", or diminish in inten-
sity can also hide or camouflage a gas leak.
!
Water heaters utilizing Liquefied Petroleum gas (LP) are
different from natural gas models. A natural gas heater will
not function safely on LP gas and vice versa. No attempt
should ever be made to convert a heater from natural gas
to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment damage, personal
injury or fire: DO NOT connect this water heater to a fuel
type not in accordance with unit data plate. Propane for
propane units. Natural gas for natural gas units. These
units are not certified for any other type fuel.
LP appliances should not be installed below-grade (for
example, in a basement) if such installation is prohibited
by federal, state and/or local laws, rules, regulations or
customs.
WARNING
!
!
D A N G E R
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FLAMMABLES
Flammable Vapors
Vapors from flammable
liquids will explode and
catch fire causing death or
severe burns.
Do not use or store flammable
products such as gasoline,
solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near the
water heater.
Keep flammable products:
1. far away from heater,
2. in approved containers,
3. tightly closed and
4. out of children's reach.
Water heater has a main
burner and pilot flame.
The pilot flame:
1. which can come on at
any time and
2. will ignite flammable
vapors.
Vapors:
1. cannot be seen,
2. are heavier than air,
3. go a long way on the
floor and
4. can be carried from
other rooms to the pilot
flame by air currents.
Installation:
Do not install water heater
where flammable products will
be stored or used unless the
main burner and pilot flames
are at least 18" above the
floor. This will reduce, but not
eliminate, the risk of vapors
being ignited by the main
burner or pilot flame.
Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If owners
manual is missing, contact the retailer or manufacturer.
DANGER
!