American Water Heater 381T1206NOX, BCL AIR Requirements, Closed Water Systems, Thermal Expansion

AIR REQUIREMENTS:

For safe operation an adequate supply of fresh uncontaminated air for combustion and ventilation must be provided. An insufficient supply of air can cause recirculation of combustion products resulting in contamination that may be hazardous to life. Such a condition often will result in a yellow, luminous burner flame, causing sooting of the combustion chamber, burners and flue tubes and creates a risk of asphyxiation.

Do not install the water heater in a confined space unless an adequate supply of air for combustion and ventilation is brought in to that space using the methods described in the Confined Space section of the Instruction Manual.

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 property damage, serious bodily injury or death.

CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS:

Water supply systems may, because of code requirements or such conditions as high line pressure, among others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back flow preventers. Devices such as these cause the water system to be a closed system.

THERMAL EXPANSION:

As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system the volume of water will grow when it is heated. As the volume of water grows there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up. This condition is not covered under the limited warranty. The Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion.

CONTAMINATED AIR:

Corrosion of the flue ways and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Such corrosion may result in failure and risk of asphyxiation.

Combustion air that is contaminated can greatly diminish the life span of the water heater and water heater components such as hot surface igniters and burners. Propellants of aerosol sprays, beauty shop supplies, water softener chemicals and chemicals used in dry cleaning processes that are present in the combustion, ventilation or ambient air can cause such damage.

Do not store products of this sort near the water heater. Air which is brought in contact with the water heater should not contain any of these chemicals. If necessary, uncontaminated air should be obtained from remote or outdoor sources. The limited warranty is voided when failure of water heater is due to a corrosive atmosphere. (See limited warranty for complete terms and conditions).

POWER SUPPLY:

The water heaters covered in this manual require a 120 VAC, 1Ø (single phase), 60Hz, 15 amp power supply and must also be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes or, in the absence of local codes, with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/ NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1.

Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Technician 7