American Water Heater 316888-004 warranty Temperature Regulation

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

FIGURE 35

It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the water temperatures be set for the lowest temperature which satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.

HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/ mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water from this heater fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or hardware stores (see Figure 3). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.

Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.

The water heater should be located in an area where the general public does not have access. If a suitable area is not available, a cover should be installed over the thermostat to prevent tampering. The water temperature setting was factory set at the lowest temperature;

THIS WATER HEATER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT TO CONTROL WATER TEMPERATURE. HOT WATER TEMPERATURES REQUIRED FOR AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER AND LAUNDRY USE CAN CAUSE SCALD BURNS RESULTING IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH. THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH INJURY OCCURS VARIES WITH THE PERSON’S AGE AND THE TIME OF THE EXPOSURE. THE SLOWER RESPONSE TIME OF CHILDREN, AGED OR DISABLED PERSONS INCREASES THE HAZARDS TO THEM. NEVER ALLOW SMALL CHILDREN TO USE A HOT WATER TAP, OR TO DRAW THEIR OWN BATH WATER. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD OR DISABLED PERSON UNATTENDED IN A BATHTUB OR SHOWER.

THE WATER HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SET TEMPERATURES.

SETTING THE WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE AT 120°F (49°C) WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF SCALDS. Some states require settings at specific lower temperatures.

The water temperature is controlled using the Temperature Control on the Display at the front of the unit (see Figure 3). This control utilizes a temperature probe to determine the tank temperature. The primary temperature probe is located at the top of the tank.

The temperature may be adjusted from 90°F (32°C) to 158°F (70°C). The thermostat was adjusted to 105°F (43°C) before the heater was shipped from the factory. It is recommended that lower water temperature be used to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the water temperature be set for the lowest temperature which satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater and minimize scale formation.

Valves for reducing the point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available (see Figure 2). Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

The table below shows the approximate time-to-burn relationship for normal adult skin. Short repeated heating cycles caused by small hot water uses can cause temperatures at the point of use to exceed the thermostat setting by up to 20°F (11°C). If you experience this type of use, you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.

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