A.O. Smith GDVT instruction manual Temperature Regulation

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature that 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 in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a provincial, state law or local code requiring a specific hot water temperature at the tap, then you must take special precautions. 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.

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 temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.

Figure 29 shows the approximate water temperatures produced at various thermostat dial settings. 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 30°F (17°C). If you experience this type of use you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.

Valves for reducing point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available (see Figures 2 & 7). Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

SHOULD OVERHEATING OCCUR OR THE GAS SUPPLY FAIL TO SHUT OFF, TURN OFF THE MAIN MANUAL GAS CON- TROL VALVE TO THE APPLIANCE (SEE FIGURE 1).

NOTE: A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F (49°C-60°C) is recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers. The ther- mostat of this water heater has been factory set at its lowest position (PILOT LIGHTING). It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald injury. The mark () indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) is preferred starting point. Some provinces may have a require- ment for a lower setting.

Turn the water temperature dial clockwise () to decrease the temperature, or counterclockwise () to increase the tempera- ture.

Temperature Setting	Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd
	Degree Burns on Adult Skin
VERY HOT= approx. 160°F	About 1/2 second
C = approx. 150°F	About 1-1/2 seconds
B = approx. 140°F	Less than 5 seconds
A = approx. 130°F	About 30 seconds
= approx. 120°F	More than 5 minutes
LOW = approx. 80°F	-----------------------------

FIGURE 29

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