5
Drain pans suitable for these heaters are available from your
distributor or Apcom Inc., 125 Southwest Parkway, Franklin,
TN 37065 or contact them by phone, 615-794-5574 or fax
615-791-0660.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and
the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heat-
ers are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may re-
sult in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to
a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or pre-
vented by a leak detector or water shutoff device used in conjunc-
tion with a piped drain pan. These devices are available from
some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and
react to leakage in various ways:
•
Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn
off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is
detected.
•
Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
•
Water supply shutoff devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes
connected to the water heater.
•
Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
For appliance installation locations with elevations above 2000
feet (610 meters), refer to HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATIONS section
of this manual for input reduction procedure.
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATIONS
WARNING
INSTALLATIONS ABOVE 2000 FEET (610 METERS) REQUIRE
REPLACEMENT OF THE BURNER ORIFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8.1.2 OF THE NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (ANSI Z223.1).
FAILURE TO REPLACE THE ORIFICE WILL RESULT IN IMPROPER
AND INEFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE APPLIANCE RESULTING IN
THE PRODUCTION OF INCREASED LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE
GAS IN EXCESS OF SAFE LIMITS WHICH COULD RESULT IN
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
You should contact your gas supplier for any specific changes
which may be required in your area.
As elevation above sea level is increased, there is less oxygen per
cubic foot of air. Therefore, the heater input rate should be reduced
at high altitudes for satisfactory operation with the reduced oxygen
supply. Failure to make this reduction would result in an overfiring
of the heater causing sooting, poor combustion and/or
unsatisfactory heater performance.
Ratings specified by manufacturers for most appliances apply for
elevations up to 2000 feet (610m). For elevations above 2000 feet
(610m), ratings must be reduced at the rate of 4% for each 1000
feet (305m) above sea level. For example, if a heater is rated at
75,100 Btu/Hr (22.0 kW) at sea level, to rate the heater at 4000 feet
(1219m), you subtract 4 (once for each thousand feet) x 0.04 (4%
input reduction) x 75,100 Btu/Hr (original rating) from the original
rating. Therefore, to calculate the input rating at 4000 feet (1219m):
4 x 0.04 x 75,100 Btu/Hr = 12,016 Btu/Hr (3.5 kW); 75,100 Btu/Hr
(22.0 kW) - 12,016 Btu/Hr (3.5 kW) = 63,084 Btu/Hr (18.5 kW). At
6000 feet (1829m) the correct input rating should be 57,076 Btu/Hr
(16.7 kW).
The input reduction is primarily achieved by reducing the size
of the main burner orifices. To do this, the main burner
orifices require replacement with orifices sized for the particular
installation elevation. Correct orifice sizing and parts may be
obtained from Apcom Inc., 125 Southwest Parkway, Franklin, TN
37065 or contact them by phone, 615-794-5574 or fax
615-791-0660. When ordering, be sure to state the model number
and the altitude of the location where the water heater is being
installed.
Upon completion of derating of the heater, adjustment to the gas
pressure regulator may be required. See CHECKING THE INPUT
section in this manual for inlet and manifold pressure
requirements.
Also due to the input rating reduction required at high altitudes, the
recovery rating of the appliance is also reduced and should be
compensated for in the sizing of the equipment for application.
CLEARANCES
These heaters are approved for installation on combustible flooring
in a closet having a ceiling 12" (30.5cm) above top cover and with
clearances to combustible construction of 6" (15.2cm) from flue or
vent connector, 0" (0cm) at the sides and rear and 4" (10.1cm) to
front to prevent a possible fire hazard condition. A minimum of 4"
(10.1cm) shall be allowed for installation of serviceable parts.
HARD WATER
Where hard water conditions exist, water softening or the threshold
type of water treatment is recommended. This will protect the
dishwashers, coffee urns, water heaters, water piping and other
equipment.
See PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE section for details of tank
cleanout procedure.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
REFER TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE "NATIONAL FUEL GAS
CODE" ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54.
KEEP APPLIANCE AREA CLEAR AND FREE OF COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS, GASOLINE AND OTHER FLAMMABLES, VAPORS AND
LIQUIDS.
DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE FLOW OF COMBUSTION OR VENTILATING
AIR.
WARNING
FOR SAFE OPERATION PROVIDE ADEQUATE AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION. AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF
AIR WILL CAUSE RECIRCULATION OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
RESULTING IN AIR CONTAMINATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS
TO LIFE. SUCH A CONDITION OFTEN WILL RESULT IN A YELLOW,
LUMINOUS BURNER FLAME, CAUSING CARBONING OR SOOTING
OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, BURNERS AND FLUE TUBES
AND CREATES A RISK OF ASPHYXIATION.
Where an exhaust fan is supplied in the same room with a heater,
sufficient openings for air must be provided in the walls.
UNDERSIZED OPENINGS WILL CAUSE AIR TO BE DRAWN INTO
THE ROOM THROUGH THE CHIMNEY, CAUSING POOR
COMBUSTION. SOOTING MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO
THE HEATER AND RISK OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
UNCONFINED SPACE
In buildings of conventional frame, brick, or stone construction,
unconfined spaces may provide adequate air for combustion,
ventilation and draft hood dilution.
