Whirlpool Gas Water Heater High Efficiency Atmospheric Vent, Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual, Page: 4 / 36

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Location Requirements
The FVIR System is designed to reduce the risk of
flammable vapor-related fires. Flammable liquids (such as
gasoline, solvents, propane, etc,) emit flammable vapors
which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s hot surface
igniter or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can
cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area.
This heater is equipped with a FV sensor for detecting the
presence of flammable vapors. When the sensor detects those
vapors, the unit will shut down and not operate. Should this
happen, please refer to the troubleshooting guide on pages 29-30
(numbers 9,11,12). Even though this water heater is a flammable
vapors ignition resistant water heater and is designed to reduce
the chances of flamm-able vapors being ignited, gasoline and
other flammable substances should never be stored or used in the
same vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other open
flame or spark producing appliance.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death
Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Storage of or use of gasoline or other
flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity
of this or any other appliance can result in
serious injury or death.
Flammable Vapors
FLAMMABLES
Read and follow water heater warnings and
instructions.
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Do not install in a mobile home.
Doing so can result in death or
carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING
Do not use or store flammable products such as gasoline,
solvents, or adhesives in the same room or area near the
water heater. If such flammables must be used, all gas
burning appliances in the vicinity must be shut off and their
pilot lights extinguished. Open the doors and windows for
ventilation while flammable substances are in use.
If flammable liquids or vapors have spilled or leaked in
the area of the water heater, leave the area immediately
and call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Do
not attempt to clean the spill until all ignition sources have
been extinguished.
Keep combustibles such as boxes, magazines, clothes,
etc. away from the water heater area.
Site Location
• Select a location near the center of the water piping
system. The water heater must be installed indoors and
in a vertical position on a level surface. Do not install in
bathrooms, bedrooms, or any occupied room normally
kept closed.
• Locate the water heater as close to the chimney or gas
vent as practical. Consider the vent system piping and
combustion air supply requirements when selecting the
water heater location. The venting system must be able
to run from the water heater to termination with minimal
length and elbows.
• Locate the water heater near the existing gas piping.
If installing a new gas line, locate the water heater to
minimize the pipe length and elbows.
• The water heater should be located in an area not
subject to freezing temperatures. Water heaters
located in unconditioned spaces (i.e., attics,
basements, etc.) may require insulation of the water
piping and drain piping to protect against freezing.
The drain and controls must be easily accessible for
operation and service. Maintain proper clearances as
specified on the water heater.
• Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving
device. The operation of air-moving devices such
as exhaust fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers,
fireplaces, etc., can affect the proper operation of
the water heater. Special attention must be given to
conditions these devices may create. Flow reversal of
flue gases may cause an increase of carbon monoxide
inside of the dwelling (Figure 2).
• The water heater is to be located as close as possible
to a 120VAC outlet.
NOTE: All electrical wiring should be in accordance to
the NEC and all local/state elec- trical codes (extension
cord is not allowed).
NOTE: This water heater must be installed according to all
local and state codes or, in the absence of local and state
codes, the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA
54)-current edition and the “National Electrical Code”,
ANSI/NFPS 70 current edition.
FV Sensor
Figure 1