Bradford-White Corp 500-1825 warranty Installation, Water Chemistry, Heater Placement

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1.4Water Chemistry

Bradford White equipment is designed for use in

a wide variety of water conditions. The water velocity maintained in the heat exchanger tubes is kept high enough to prevent scaling from hard water and low enough to avoid corrosion from soft water. Ninety-five percent of the urban areas in the country have water that is compatible with this equipment, but in some areas a water supply will contain a large quantity of scaling chemicals or the water may be extremely soft and corrosive. In rare situations the water will contain both scaling chemicals and corrosive chemicals such as calcium or sodium chloride. These conditions may be the result of a nearby well or pumping station and the particular condition may not be characteristic of the entire city water system.

If an installer observes damage from these conditions to any water handling equipment in the area, a factory representative should be contacted immediately for assistance in minimizing maintenance costs. If erosion is present, the pump impeller can be replaced to reduce water velocity. If scaling conditions are bad, tube cleaning maintenance schedules can be established to prevent tube burn-out and cracking. Neglecting the problem could mean serious damage to the heater and water system.

Scaling can be recognized as a layer deposited on the inner walls of the tube which reduces the inner diameter of the tube. Scale can be any color or texture; smooth or rough, granular or amorphous. Signs of erosion are generally pitting, cavitation, ridges and “islands” on the inner walls of the tubes. Since this condition results from extremely soft water sources, or as a result of a water softening program, the internal copper surfaces will be extremely shiny. Other chemicals, such as chlorine or chlorides in the water, will cause dark surfaces of erosion.

In areas where the water supply is extremely corrosive, it is advisable to order the heater with cupro-nickel tubes in the exchanger.

Damage From Scaling, Corrosion, or Erosion is Not Covered by the Warranty.

SECTION 2.

Installation

2.1Heater Placement

The heater must be placed to provide specific

clearances on all sides for maintenance and inspection. There must also be minimum distances maintained from combustible surfaces. These clearances also apply to non-combustible materials because the heater requires air circulation for proper operation.

Heater should be mounted on a level surface. An integral combustible flooring base is provided as standard equipment on outdoor models. Indoor

models can be installed on a combustible floor with a special base assembly which is available from the factory, or with a base that complies with local code requirements. See rating plate for part number of the base assembly.

Do not install a heater on carpeting. Under the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI

Z223.1, it is permissible to place the heater on floors other than non-combustible when the installation complies with the American Insurance Code. Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 show common installation on combustible flooring.

2.2. Installation of Indoor Heaters

1.Locate the water heater to provide adequate clearance for inspection and service on all sides (see Table 1). We recommend minimums of 24" from front (for proper access to and service of controls) and 18" at water connection end. For alcove installation (see Figure 6).

2.Install the heater on a waterproof floor with an adequate floor drain and a 6" minimum curb on all four sides to protect the building if heater repairs are required. The manufacturer will not be held liable for any water damage in connection with this heater.

2.2.1 Combustion Air Supply

1.Copper Brute water heaters must have provisions for combustion and ventilation air in accordance with section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation, of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, or Sections 7.2, 7.3 or 7.4 of CSA B149.1, Installation Codes, or applicable provisions of the local building codes.

A Copper Brute heater may receive combustion air from the space in which it is installed, or

it can be ducted directly to the unit from the outside. Ventilation air must be provided in either case.

2.In the United States, the most common requirements specify that the space shall communicate with the outdoors in accordance with method 1 or 2, which follow. Where ducts are used, they shall be of the same cross-sectional area as the free area of the openings to which they connect.

Method 1: Two permanent openings, one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) of the top and one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) of the bottom, of the enclosure shall be provided. The openings shall communicate directly, or by ducts, with the outdoors or spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors. When directly communicating with the outdoors, or when communicating to the outdoors through vertical