Vertex GP6, Instruction Manual, Page: 13 / 36

13
GAS PIPING
Make sure the gas supplied is the same type listed on the model rating
plate. The inlet gas pressure must not exceed 14 inch water column (3.5
kPa) for natural and propane gas (L.P.). The minimum inlet gas pressure
shown on the rating plate is that which will permit firing at rated input.
All gas piping must comply with local codes and ordinances or with the National
Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA-54) whichever applies. Copper and
brass tubing and fittings (except tin lined copper tubing) shall not be used.
If the gas control valve is subjected to pressures exceeding 1/2 psi
(3.5 kPa), the damage to the gas control valve could result in a fire
or explosion from leaking gas.
If the main gas line Shut-off serving all gas appliances is used, also
turn “off” the gas at each appliance. Leave all gas appliances shut
“off” until the water heater installation is complete.
A gas line of sufficient size must be run to the water heater. Consult
the current edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54 and your gas supplier concerning pipe size.
There must be:
• A readily accessible manual shut off valve in the gas supply line
serving the water heater, and
• A drip leg (sediment trap) ahead of the gas control valve to help
prevent dirt and foreign materials from entering the gas control valve.
• A flexible gas connector or a ground joint union between the shut
off valve and control valve to permit servicing of the unit.
Be sure to check all the gas piping for leaks before lighting the water
heater. Use a soapy water solution, not a match or open flame.
Rinse off soapy solution and wipe dry.
When installed at elevations above 2,000 feet (610 meters) for standard
models or 4,500 feet (1,370m) for high altitude models, input rating should
be reduced at the rate of 4 percent for each 1,000 feet (
305 meters)
above sea level which requires replacement of the burner orifice in
accordance with National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54. Contact
your local gas supplier for further information.
Failure to replace the standard orifice with a high altitude orifice when
installed could result in improper and inefficient operation of the
appliance, producing carbon monoxide gas in excess of safe limits,
which could result in serious injury or death. Contact your gas supplier
for any specific changes which may be required in your area.
Use pipe joint compound or teflon tape marked as being resistant to
the action of petroleum [Propane (L.P.)] gases.
The appliance and its gas connection must be leak tested before
placing the appliance in operation.
The appliance and its individual Shut-off valve shall be disconnected
from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing of
that system at test pressures in excess of 1/2 pound per square
inch (3.5 kPa). It shall be isolated from the gas supply piping system
by closing its individual manual Shut-off valve during any pressure
testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or
less than 1/2 pound per square inch (3.5 kPa).
Connecting the gas piping to the gas control valve of the water heater can be
accomplished by either of the two methods shown in Figures 12 and 13.
FIGURE 12. GAS PIPING WITH
FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR.
FIGURE 13. GAS PIPING WITH ALL
BLACK IRON PIPE TO GAS CONTROL.