17
Installing the Water Heater
Clean, Debris and Chemical-Free
Combustion Air
●
Do not install the water heater in areas where
dust and debris may accumulate or where hair
sprays, spray detergents, chlorine, or similar
chemicals are used.
●
Do not install the water heater in areas where
gasoline or other flammables are used or stored.
●
Ensure that combustible materials are stored
away from the water heater and that hanging
laundry or similar items do not obstruct access to
the water heater or its venting.
Note
The combustion air must be free of
flammable vapors or corrosive chemical
fumes. Common corrosive chemical
fumes to avoid include fluorocarbons
and other halogenated compounds
such as Freon, trichloroethylene,
perchlorethylene, chlorine, which can
be found in refrigerants or solvents.
When these chemicals burn, they
produce acids that corrode the stainless
steel heat exchanger, gaskets, and the
flue and vent system.
●
In commercial locations, do not install the water
heater in areas with greasy fumes or heavy
amounts of steam or take measures to prevent
fumes and steam from entering the water heater.
High Altitude Installations
This water heater may be installed at elevations up
to 10,100 ft (3,078 m) for use with Natural Gas and
Propane. Refer to “3.7.2 Setting the Front Panel DIP
Switches” on page 47 for the appropriate altitude
setting.
Note
Do NOT install this water heater at
elevations above 10,100 ft (3,078 m).
Coastal Installations
For installations in sea or marine environments, the
salty air can cause corrosion to the water heater.
The water should be protected and enclosed to
minimize exposure to the corrosive atmosphere.
Damage due to a corrosive environment is not
covered under warranty.
Operating Temperature
The ambient temperature at the installation location
must be above freezing temperature of 32˚F (0˚C)
and below 125˚F (52˚C).
Proximity to Fixtures and Appliances
Install the water heater near fixtures that deliver
or use hot water, such as bathroom, kitchen,
and laundry room faucets. Select a location that
minimizes the water piping required between major
fixtures. If the distances are long or if the water
heater requires “instant“ hot water, we recommend
running a recirculation line back to the water heater
from the furthest fixture. Insulate as much of the hot
water supply and recirculation lines as possible. For
more information about the water supply, refer to
“3.4 Connecting the Water Supply“ on page 25.
Adequate Installation Clearances
Install the water heater in an area that allows for service
and maintenance access to utility connections, piping,
filters, and traps. Based on the installation location,
ensure the following clearances are maintained:
For indoor installation
Clearance
from:
to Combustibles to Non-
Combustibles
Top
6 in (152 mm)
minimum
2 in (51 mm)
minimum
Back
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
Front
6 in (152 mm)
minimum
6 in (152 mm)
minimum
Sides
2 in (51 mm)
minimum
1/2 in (13 mm)
minimum
Ground/
Bottom
12 in (305 mm)
minimum
12 in (305 mm)
minimum
Vent
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
For outdoor installation
Clearance
from:
to Combustibles to Non-
Combustibles
Top
12 in (305 mm)
minimum
2 in (51 mm)
minimum
Back
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
Front
(panel)
24 in (610 mm)
minimum
0 in (0 mm)
minimum
Front
(exhaust)
24 in (610 mm)
minimum
24 in (610 mm)
minimum
Sides
6 in (152 mm)
minimum
1/8 in (3.2 mm)
minimum
Ground/
Bottom
12 in (305 mm)
minimum
2 in (51 mm)
minimum
