
Installation & Operation Manual
49
Armor water heaters are typically shipped ready to fire on natural gas. Check the water heater rating plate to
determine which fuel the water heater is set for. If set to natural gas, it may be converted to LP by installing an
orifice and making a gas valve adjustment (see pages 12 thru 13). In order to operate on LP gas, an orifice MUST
BE installed or a gas valve adjustment MUST BE made. Failure to comply could result in severe personal injury,
death, or substantial property damage.
Table 8A
Natural Gas Pipe Size Chart
The gas piping must be sized for the proper flow and length of
pipe, to avoid excessive pressure drop. Both the gas meter and
the gas regulator must be properly sized for the total gas load.
If you experience a pressure drop greater than 1 inch w.c., the
meter, regulator, or gas line is undersized or in need of service.
Perform the steps below when checking inlet gas supply:
1. Turn the main power switch to the “OFF” position.
2. Shut off gas supply at the manual gas valve in the gas
piping to the appliance.
3. On Models 400 - 500 loosen the set screw one (1) full
turn from inside the pressure tap on top of the gas valve.
On Models 650 - 1000 remove the 1/8" (3 mm) pipe plug
on the inlet flange to the valve and install a suitable 1/8"
(3 mm) fitting (field supplied) for the manometer tubing.
Place the tubing of the manometer over the tap once the
set screw is loosened or the 1/8" (3 mm) fitting is installed
(depending on model) as shown in FIG. 8-3 thru 8-4.
4. Slowly turn on the gas supply at the field installed
manual gas valve.
⚠
WARNING
5. Turn the power switch to the “ON” position.
6. Adjust the temperature set point on the control panel of
the SMART TOUCH control module to call for heat.
7. Observe the gas supply pressure as the burner fires at
100% of rated input. Percent of burner input will be
displayed on the control panel.
8. Ensure inlet pressure is within specified range.
Minimum and maximum gas supply pressures are
specified in this section of the manual.
9. If gas supply pressure is within normal range and no
adjustments are needed, proceed on to Step 11.
10. If the gas pressure is out of range, contact the gas utility,
gas supplier, qualified installer or service agency to
determine the necessary steps to provide proper gas
pressure to the control.
11. Turn the power switch to the “OFF” position.
12. Shut off the gas supply at the manual gas valve in the gas
piping to the appliance.
13. Remove the manometer from the pressure tap on top of
the gas valve. On Models 400 - 500 re-tighten the set
screw inside the pressure tap. On Models 650 - 1000
remove the 1/8" (3 mm) field supplied fitting and
reinstall the pipe plug removed in Step 3.
Check inlet gas supply
NOTICE
CSA or UL listed flexible gas connections are
acceptable, but you must exercise caution to
ensure that the line has adequate capacity
to allow your water heater to fire at full
rate. Consult with local codes for proper
installation or service procedures.
DO NOT adjust or attempt to measure
gas valve outlet pressure. The gas valve is
factory-set for the correct outlet pressure.
This setting is suitable for natural gas and
propane, requiring no field adjustment.
Attempting to alter or measure the gas valve
outlet pressure could result in damage to
the valve, causing potential severe personal
injury, death, or substantial property damage.
⚠
WARNING
8
Gas connections
(continued)
⚠
WARNING
When re-tightening the set screw, be sure to
tighten securely to prevent gas leaks.
Do not check for gas leaks with an open flame
-- use the bubble test. Failure to use the
bubble test or check for gas leaks can cause
severe personal injury, death, or substantial
property damage.
14. Turn on the gas supply at the manual gas valve.
15. Turn the power switch to the “ON” position.
16. Adjust the temperature set point on the control panel of
the SMART TOUCH control module to the desired
water temperature so the appliance will call for heat.
Capacity of Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe in Cubic Feet of Natural Gas Per Hour
(based on .60 specific gravity, 0.30" w.c. pressure drop)
Pipe
Size
(Inches)
Length of Pipe in Straight Feet
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
125
150
175
200
1/2
131
90
72
62
55
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3/4
273
188
151
129
114
104
95
89
83
79
70
63
58
N/A
1
514
353
284
243
215
195
179
167
157
148
131
119
109
102
1 1/4
1,060
726
583
499
442
400
368
343
322
304
269
244
224
209
1 1/2
1,580
1,090
873
747
662
600
552
514
482
455
403
366
336
313
2
3,050
2,090
1,680
1,440
1,280
1,160
1,060
989
928
877
777
704
648
602
2 1/2
4,860
3,340
2,680
2,290
2,030
1,840
1,690
1,580
1,480
1,400
1,240
1,120
1,030
960
3
8,580
5,900
4,740
4,050
3,590
3,260
3,000
2,790
2,610
2,470
2,190
1,980
1,820
1,700
4
17,500 12,000
9,660
8,270
7,330
6,640
6,110
5,680
5,330
5,040
4,460
4,050
3,720
3,460