5
Safety
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the
water temperature in certain situations may vary up to
30F° (16C°) higher or lower at the point of use such as
bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.
HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which
will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing,
and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to
be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
include the elderly, children, the in
fi
rm, or physically/
mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your
home
fi
ts into one of these groups or if there is a local code
or state law requiring certain temperature water at the hot
water tap, then you must take special precautions.
In addition of using the lowest possible temperature setting
that satis
fi
es your hot water needs, a means such as a
mixing valve should be used at the hot water taps used
by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are
available at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves.
Using the lowest hot water temperature that meets your
needs will also provide the most energy ef
fi
cient operation
of the water heater.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw
their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped
person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
Note:
A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F
(49°C-60°C) is recommended by most dishwasher
manufacturers.
Settings
Temperature range on residential gas water heater is from
110°F ±10° to 155°F ±10° and a 70°F vacation setting. The
T&P valve will open at 195°F ± 10°.
The water heater temperature adjusting dial (see Figure
3) was factory set at the lowest temperature; all the way
counter-clockwise to the mechanical stop, unless speci
fi
ed
differently by provincial or state regulations. It is adjustable
and must be reset to the desired temperature setting to
reduce the risk of scald injury. Turning the dial clockwise
will increase the temperature and counter-clockwise
will reduce the temperature. The HOT marking on the
Honeywell gas valve is indicative of approximately 120°F
(49°C) and is the preferred starting point. Some states
have a requirement for a lower setting. Should overheating
occur or the gas supply fails to shut off, turn “OFF” the
manual gas control valve to the water heater.
The following table lists the approximate water temperatures
produced by various dial settings. Short repeated heating
cycles caused by small hot water uses can cause
temperatures at the point of use to exceed the thermostat
setting by up to 30F° (16C°). If you experience this type of
use, you should consider using lower temperature settings
to reduce scald hazards. Listed below is time-to-burn
relationship for normal adult skin.
Figure 3
Temperature
Setting
Approximate
Temperature
°F (°C)
Time to reduce a 2nd
and 3rd Degree burn
to adult skin
VERY HOT
155 (68)
Less than 1 second
C
150 (65)
About 1.5 seconds
B
140 (60)
Less than 5 seconds
A
130 (54)
More than 30 seconds
HOT
120 (49)
More than 5 minutes
LOW
110 (43)
Normal shower temp
VAC
70 (21)
N/A
Table 1
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
