INSTALLATION – WATER HEATER
16
HEAT SHIELD
If the water heater is installed on a wall of combustible material, the wall must be protected by a heat shield.
The minimum dimensions of the heat shield are 850 mm wide x 400 mm high. If a metal plate is used, its
minimum thickness must be 0.8 mm and when installed must provide air gaps on both the front face between
the flue terminal and heat shield and on the rear face between the wall and the heat shield. A 9 mm air gap is
recommended between the rear face of the heat shield and the wall surface to enable natural convective
cooling of the wall surface.
Refer to the
Heat Shield Dimensions and Position
diagram no page 16.
A heat shield is available from Rheem (PN 299880) as an accessory.
Notes:
If the installation is on an uneven wall surface, ensure a metal plate heat shield is NOT in contact with the
wall surface. In some situations, it may be necessary to fix a backing plate onto the wall to even out the
wall surface. The heat shield would then mount to the backing plate.
Ensure the air gap between the heat shield and the wall surface or backing plate (if one is installed) is
kept clear, allowing natural ventilation.
Heat Shield Dimensions and Position
20mm*
BOTTOM EDGE OF
SHIELD MUST BE
EXTENDED PAST
THE LOWER EDGE
OF FLUE OUTLET
GRILLE
APPROXIMATELY
188mm (012 MODEL), OR
225mm (016 MODELS)
FROM MOUNTING HOLE
NOTE: * MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
HEAT SHIELD DIMENSIONS & POSITION
MECHANICAL INSTANTANEOUS
843 SERIES
SK7696 REV AD 6/15
400mm*
850mm*
=
=
245mm*
HEAT SHIELD
FOR USE WHEN MOUNTING THE
WATER HEATER ON A
COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE