Rheem GHE 125-500A, Use & Care Manual, Page: 6 / 40

6
LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS
This water heater must be installed in accordance
with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements and/or, in the absence of local codes,
the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1 in the United States, or CAN/CSA B149.1 In-
stallation Codes in Canada.
LOCATION
A. If this water heater is of the Direct Vent design, all
air for combustion and all products of combustion
are routed through the venting system, directly
from and to the outside of the building.
Otherwise: This unit can also be set up as a Power
Vent Unit. Combustion air for a power vent unit will
be obtained from the surrounding area. Make sure
that there is an adequate air supply for the water
heater, see codes in "Local Installation Regula-
tions".
The water heater should be installed in a clean,
dry location as close as possible to the vent termi-
nals. Long hot water lines should be insulated to
conserve water and energy. The water heater and
water lines should be protected from exposure to
freezing temperatures.
B. A gas fired water heater should not be installed in
a space where liquids which give off flammable va-
pors are to be used or stored. Such liquids include
gasoline, LP gas (butane and propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents or remov-
ers. Because of natural air movement in a room or
other enclosed space, flammable vapors can be
carried some distance from where their liquids are
being used or stored. The open flame of the water
heater’s main burner can ignite these vapors caus-
ing an explosion or fire which may result in severe
burns or death to those in range, as well as prop-
erty damage. For these reasons, installation of a
gas fired water heater in a garage is not desirable.
C. All models are certified for installation on combus-
tible floors and in alcoves. The minimum side and
top clearance to walls and ceiling for providing
protection of combustible materials are shown on
the water heater’s rating label. A front clearance of
24 inches (46 cm) should be provided for adequate
inspection and servicing.
If the water heater must be installed on carpet-
ing, place a metal or wood panel beneath water
heater extending beyond its full width and depth at
least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in all directions. If the water
heater is installed in an alcove, the entire floor
must be covered by the panel.
NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan installation MUST
conform to the applicable local codes.
The water heater should not be located in an area where
leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage to
the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure.
When such areas cannot be avoided, it is recommended
that a suitable catch pan, adequately drained, be installed
under the water heater. The pan MUST NOT interfere with
the operation of the water heater and access of the ser-
viceable components.
D. RESTAURANT INSTALLATION: — If the water
heater is to be installed in a restaurant or other lo-
cation where NSF International listing is required,
this unit must be sealed to the floor. Use clear
silicone RTV to seal the bottom pan to the floor, to
comply with NSF requirements.
E. CORROSIVE ATMOSPHERES — The heater should
not be installed near an air supply containing ha-
logenated hydrocarbons. For example, the air in
beauty shops, dry cleaning establishments, photo
processing labs, and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swim pool chemicals often
contain such hydrocarbons. The air there may
be safe to breathe, but when it passes through a
gas flame, corrosive elements are released that
will shorten the life of any gas burning appliance.
Propellants from common spray cans or gas leaks
from refrigeration equipment are highly corrosive
after passing through a flame. The limited warranty
is voided when failure of water heater is due to a
corrosive atmosphere. (Refer to the Certificate of
Limited Warranty for complete terms and condi-
tions.)The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover
any damage or defect caused by installation, or
attachment, or use of any special attachment
such as energy saving devices (other than those
authorized by the manufacturer) into, onto, or in
conjunction with the water heater. The use of such
unauthorized devices may shorten the life of the
water heater and may endanger life and property.
The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for
such loss or injury resulting from the use of such
unauthorized devices.
1. INSPECT SHIPMENT — for possible damage. The
manufacturer’s responsibility ceases upon deliv-
ery of goods to the carrier in good condition. Any
claims for damage, shortage in shipments, or non
delivery must be filed immediately against carrier
by consignee.
2. THERMAL EXPANSION — Determine if a check
valve exists in the inlet water line. It may have
been installed in the cold water line as a separate
back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pres-
sure reducing valve, water meter or water softener.
A check valve located in the cold water inlet line
can cause what is referred to as a ”closed water
system”. A cold water inlet line with no check
valve or back flow prevention device is referred to
as an ”open” water system. As water is heated, it
expands in volume and creates an increase in the
pressure within the water system. This action is
referred to as ”thermal expansion”. In an ”open”
water system, expanding water which exceeds the
capacity of the water heater flows back into the
city main where the pressure is easily dissipated.
A ”closed water system”, however, prevents the
expanding water from flowing back into the main
supply line, and the result of ”thermal expansion”
can create a rapid, and dangerous pressure in-
crease in the water heater and system piping. This
rapid pressure increase can quickly reach the safe-
ty setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate
during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and
Introduction
CAUTION
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