Facts to Consider About the
Location
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new water
heater, because the placement is a very important consideration
for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most
economical use of the appliance.
This water heater is not for use
in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or installing the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.
1. The location selected should be indoors as close as practical to
the vent termination point, and as centralized with the water pip-
ing system as possible. The water heater, as all water heaters, will
eventually leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provi-
sions where water flow will cause damage.
2. If vented through an outside wall or through the roof using 3
″
vent
piping, the total vent run (vertical and horizontal) cannot exceed
a total of 45 feet with one elbow. If more elbows are required,
the venting distance must be reduced 5 feet for every 90° elbow.
See page 15 for vent chart.
3. Vent piping cannot slope downward and horizontal runs require
1
⁄
8
″
per five foot rise. All horizontal runs require adequate support
at 3
1
⁄
2
foot intervals and vertical runs supported at 5 foot intervals.
4. The water heater
requires its own
(separate) venting system. It
cannot
be connected to an existing vent pipe or chimney. It must
terminate to the outdoors. Whenever possible terminate the vent
on the leeward side of the building through an outside wall.
Note:
Condensation may be created, at times, as the combustion gases
exit the vent cap and discoloration of surfaces in proximity to
the vent cap may occur.
5. The water heater comes equipped with a 7 foot power cord which
can be used to connect to a 110/120 volt power source if (1) local
codes allow, and (2) there is a three prong receptacle available.
7
Locating the New Water Heater
6. The location selection must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Figure 1
WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel
beneath the appliance extending beyond the full width and
depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any
direction, or if the appliance is installed in an alcove or clos-
et, the entire floor must be covered by the panel. Failure to
heed this warning may result in a fire hazard.
WARNING
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
and non-combustible construction are: 0 inches from sides, 0
inches from back, 6 inches from front of jacket to closet door
and 12 inches from top of jacket to combustible and non-com-
bustible material. Minimum vent clearance: 0 inches. Provide 24
inches front clearance for servicing and adequate clearance
between the jacket top and ceiling for servicing the flue area.
WARNING
Propellants of aerosol sprays and volatile compounds,
(cleaners, chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in
addition to being highly flammable in many cases, will also
change to corrosive hydrochloric acid when exposed to the
combustion products of the water heater. The results can
be hazardous, and also cause product failure.
WARNING
INSTALLATION IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC):
Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP)
or butane, etc.) or other substances (such as adhesives, etc.),
all of which emit flammable vapors, may be improperly
stored or used in such areas. The gas water heater ignitor
or main burner can ignite such vapors. The resulting flash-
back and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in
the area, as well as property damage.
If installation in such areas is your only option, then the
installation must be accomplished in a way that the ignitor
and main burner flame are elevated from the floor at least
18 inches. While this may reduce the chances of flammable
vapors from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline and other
flammable substances should never be stored or used in the
same room or area containing a gas water heater or other
open flame or spark producing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so
it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents
from other areas of the structure to the appliance.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the water
heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or
any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause
damage to the structure. When such locations cannot be avoid-
ed, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water
heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store.
Such a drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at
least 2 inches greater than the water heater dimensions and must
be piped to an adequate drain. Drain pan depth must allow for
access to the outer doors for servicing the ignitor and burner.
WARNING
Do not use an extension cord. If there is not a suitable recepta-
cle with ground and/or local codes prohibit use of a power cord,
field wiring must be provided.
WARNING
The power direct vent water heater requires its own (separate)
venting system. It cannot be connected to an existing vent pipe
or chimney. It must be terminated to the outdoors. Failure to
properly install the venting system can result in asphyxiation, a
fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY IN-
JURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
