Rheem PowerVent Series, Use & Care Manual

Page: 8 / 44

8
Installing the water heater
Combustion and Ventilation Air
Proper operation of the water heater
requires air for combustion and
ventilation. Provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must comply with
referenced codes and standards.
DO NOT block or obstruct any of the
combustion air inlet openings located
around the perimeter of the water
heater. A minimum of 1” (2.5 cm) is
required between these combustion air
inlet openings and any obstruction.
NOTICE: If the water heater is
installed in an unconfined space within a
building of conventional frame, masonry
or metal construction, infiltration
air is normally adequate for proper
combustion and ventilation. If the
water heater is installed in a confined
space, provisions for combustion and
ventilation air must be made.
DO NOT obstruct or block the
Flammable Vapour Sensor.
A confined space is one having a volume
of less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 Btuh
(4.8m
3
/kW) of the aggregate input of all
appliances within that space.
The air must be supplied through two
permanent openings of equal area. One is
to be located not more than 18” (46 cm)
or less than 6” above floor level and the
other is to be located within 12” (30.5 cm)
from the ceiling.
The minimum net free area of each opening
must not be less than one square inch
(6.5 sq. cm) per 1000 Btuh of the total
input rating of all the appliances in the
enclosure (but not less than 100 square
inches (650 sq. cm)), if each opening
communicates with other unconfined areas
inside the building.
Buildings of unusually tight construction
shall have the combustion and ventilation
air supplied from outdoors, or a freely
ventilated attic or crawl space.
If air is supplied from outdoors, directly or
through vertical ducts, there must be two
openings located as specified above and
each must have a minimum net free area
of not less than one square inch
(6.5 sq. cm) per 4000 Btuh of the total
input rating of all the appliances in the
enclosure.
If horizontal ducts are used to
communicate with the outdoors, each
opening must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch
(6.5 sq cm) per 2000 Btuh of the total
input rating of all the appliances in the
enclosure. If ducts are used, the minimum
dimensions of rectangular air ducts shall
not be less than 3” (7.62 cm).
NOTICE: If the duct openings which
supply combustion and ventilation air
are to be covered with a protective
screen or grill, the net free area
(openings in the material) of the
covering material must be used in
determining the size of the openings.
Protective screening for the openings
MUST NOT be smaller than 1/4”
(0.64 cm)mesh to prevent clogging by
lint or other debris.
Corrosive Atmospheres
The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning
establishments, photo processing
labs, and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swimming pool
chemicals often contain such halogenated
hydrocarbons.
An air supply containing halogenated
hydrocarbons 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 A/C and refrigeration
equipment are highly corrosive after
passing through a flame.
The water heater warranty is voided when
failure of the heater is due to operation in
a corrosive atmosphere.
NOTICE: The water heater
should not be installed near
an air supply containing
halogenated hydrocarbons.
Inspect Shipment
Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of
the water heater to be certain the type of gas supplied corresponds to the water heater
requirements.
NOTICE: DO NOT install
the water heater in attics
where the temperature may
exceed 100°F (38°C). This
water heater is equipped
with a temperature sensing
device that will shut off the
water heater if the maximum
allowable vent pipe
temperature is exceeded.