American Water Heater BCL3 85T390 6NOX, BCL3 95T199 6NOX Checking Venting, Checking the Input

Supply gas pressure shall be measured while the water heater is not firing (static pressure) and while the water heater is firing at full capacity (dynamic pressure).

If the supply gas pressure to the water heater is not between the required minimum and maximum values given in Table 3 on page 8 adjust the supply gas regulator as necessary. Adjust the supply gas regulator(s) per the regulator manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the required “static” and “dynamic” supply gas pressure.

Multiple Appliance Installations:

In multiple water heater installations or in installations where the installed water heater(s) share a common gas supply main with other gas fired appliances; the supply gas pressures shall be measured at each water heater with all gas fired appliances connected to a common main firing at full capacity.

On multiple water heater installations the supply gas line regulators shall be adjusted to provide gas pressure to each water heater within the minimum and maximum supply pressure requirements listed in Table 3 on page 8 with all gas fired appliances connected to a common gas main firing at full capacity.

Note: A pressure drop of more than 1.5” W. C. (0.37 kPa) when the Main Burner ignites is an indication of an inadequate supply of gas and can lead to ignition failure, rough starts and/ or rough operation. If a drop of more than 1.5” W. C. (0.37 kPa) in supply gas pressure occurs when the Main Burner ignites, ensure the supply gas lines and regulator(s) are properly sized and installed. See the requirements for Supply Gas Regulator on page 12 and Gas Piping on page 23. Ensure all requirements and installation instructions are maintained.

Checking Venting

The following steps shall be followed with each appliance connected to the venting system placed in operation, while any other appliances connected to the venting system are not in operation.

1.Seal any unused openings in the venting system.

2.Inspect the venting system for proper size and horizontal pitch, as required in the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1or the CAN/ CGA B149 Installation Codes and these instructions. Determine that there is no blockage or restriction, leakage, corrosion and other deficiencies which could cause an unsafe condition.

3.So far as is practical, close all building doors and windows and all doors between the space in which the water heater(s) connected to the venting system are located and other spaces of the building. Turn on all appliances not connected to the venting system. Turn on all exhaust fans, such as range hoods and bathroom exhausts, so they shall operate at maximum speed. Close fireplace dampers.

4.Follow the lighting instruction. Place the water heater being inspected in operation. Adjust thermostat so appliance shall operate continuously.

5.Inspect vent system for leakage after 5 minutes of main burner operation.

6.After it has been determined that each appliance connected to the venting system properly vents when tested as outlined above, return doors, windows, exhaust fans, fireplace dampers and any other gas burning appliance to their previous conditions of use.

7.If improper venting is observed during any of the above tests, the venting system must be corrected.

FAILURE TO CORRECT BACK DRAFTS MAY CAUSE AIR CONTAMINATION AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS.

•If the back draft cannot be corrected by the normal method or if a suitable draft cannot be obtained, a blower type flue gas exhauster must be employed to assure proper venting and correct combustion.

Checking the Input

Follow these instructions to determine the firing rate of the water heater.

1.Follow the procedure described in the "Initial Start Up" section on page 24 to measure the static and dynamic supply gas pressures. Verify that the static and dynamic supply gas pressures conform to the values listed in Table 3 on page 8.

2.Use this formula to “clock” the meter. Be sure that other gas consuming appliances are not operating during this interval. (3600/T) x H = Btuh

T = Time in seconds to burn one cubic foot of gas. H = Btu’s per cubic foot of gas.

Btuh = Actual heater input.

Example: (Using (A)BCL3 85T275 6NOX heater) T = 13.1 seconds

H = 1000 BTU/Cu.Ft.

Btuh = (3,600/13.1) x 1,000 = 275,000

(Compare with (A)BCL3 85T275 6NOX model and rating.)

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE GAS INPUT EXCEED THE INPUT SHOWN ON THE HEATER'S RATING PLATE.

Water Temperature Adjustment

Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) can cause severe burns instantly resulting in severe injury or death.

Children, the elderly and the physically or mentally disabled are at highest risk for scald injury.

Feel water before bathing or showering.

Temperature limiting devices such as mixing valves must be installed when required by codes and to ensure safe temperatures at fixtures.

The water temperature is controlled by a thermostat, Fig. 3, which has two sensing elements. One sensor is located near the top of the tank and the other is near the center. The thermostat is set in the lowest position before the heater leaves the factory.

The thermostat temperature dial, Fig. 3, is accessible by removing the control cover. The dial is adjustable and may be set for 120°F (49°C) to 180°F (82°C) water temperature, but 120°F (49°C) is the recommended starting point. It is suggested the dial be placed on the lowest setting which produces an acceptable hot water supply. This will always give the most energy efficient operation. The temperature control has a 4°F fixed differential.

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