Insulation Blankets

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 4 inches (102 mm) at the front, and 6 inches (153 mm) from the vent pipe, see Figure

8.Clearance from the top of the jacket is 12 inches (305 mm) on most models. Note that a lesser dimension may be allowed on some models, refer to the label attached adjacent to the gas control valve on the water heater.

FIGURE 8.

A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct amount of air for combustion, see Figure 9. Do not install in a confined area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown in the Locating The New Water Heater section. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call your gas supplier. Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and cause death, serious bodily injury, or property damage.

FIGURE 9.

If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops, cleaning establishments, or self-service laundries with dry cleaning equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or water heaters be installed so that combustion and ventilation air be taken directly from outdoors (direct vent).

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.

Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters are not necessary with Kenmore products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your Kenmore water heater meets or exceeds the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary.

WARNING

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater, you should follow these instructions (See Figure 1 for identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper combustion, potentially resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious personal injury or death.

•Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this will interfere with safe operation of the draft hood.

•Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature & pressure relief valve.

•Do not allow insulation to come within 2” (50.8 mm) of the floor to prevent blockage of combustion air flow to the burner.

•Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the water heater or nearby for future reference.