GENERAL SAFETY
INFORMATION
PRECAUTIONS
DO NOT USE THIS APPLIANCE IF ANY PART HAS BEEN UNDERWATER. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.
IF THE UNIT IS EXPOSED TO THE FOLLOWING, DO NOT OPERATE HEATER UNTIL ALL CORRECTIVE STEPS HAVE BEEN MADE BY A QUALIFIED SERVICEMAN.
1.EXTERNAL FIRE.
2.DAMAGE.
3.FIRING WITHOUT WATER.
4SOOTING.
Heater must be protected from freezing downdrafts during shutdown periods.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This water heater must be grounded in accordance with the National Electric Code and/or local codes. These must be followed in all cases.
This water heater must be connected to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding terminal or lead on the water heater.
CHEMICAL VAPOR CORROSION
WARNING
CORROSION OF THE FLUEWAYS AND VENT SYSTEM MAY OCCUR IF AIR FOR COMBUSTION CONTAINS CERTAIN CHEMICAL VAPORS WHICH BREAK DOWN INTO ACIDS AT HIGH TEMPERATURE. SUCH CORROSION MAY RESULT IN FAILURE AND RISK OF ASPHYXIATION.
Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride (water softener salt), waxes, and process chemicals and typical compounds which are potentially corrosive. Do not store products of this sort near the heater. Also, air which is brought in contact with the heater should not contain any of these chemicals. If necessary, uncontaminated air should be obtained from remote or outside sources. The limited warranty is voided when failure of water heater is due to a corrosive atmosphere. (Refer to the limited warranty for complete terms and conditions).
IMPROPER COMBUSTION
WARNING
ATTIC AND/OR EXHAUST FANS OPERATING ON THE PREMISES WITH A WATER HEATER CAN RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND DEATH.
OPERATING OF THESE FANS CAN PRODUCE A DOWN DRAFT IN THE AREA OF THE WATER HEATER PREVENTING THE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION FROM EXHAUSTING THROUGH THE CHIMNEY OR VENT PIPE.
The venting of the water heater should be inspected by a qualified service technician at the time of installation and periodically thereafter to ensure a
DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE FLOW OF COMBUSTION AND VENTILATING AIR. ADEQUATE AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION MUST BE PROVIDED FOR SAFE OPERATION.
LIQUID PETROLEUM MODELS
Water heaters for propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are different from natural gas models. A natural gas heater will not function safely on LP gas and no attempt should be made to convert a heater from natural gas to LP gas.
LP gas must be used with great caution. It is highly explosive and heavier than air. It collects first in the low areas making its odor difficult to detect at nose level. If LP gas is present or even suspected, do not attempt to find the cause yourself. Ventilate the area, then call your gas supplier or service agent. Keep area clear until a service call has been made.
The presence of LP gas may be difficult to detect. The use of a propane gas detector is recommended.
Only trained LP professionals should conduct the required safety checks in accordance with industry standards.
EXTENDED NON-USE PERIODS
WARNING
HYDROGEN GAS CAN BE PRODUCED IN A HOT WATER SYSTEM SERVED BY THIS HEATER THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME (GENERALLY TWO WEEKS OR MORE). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. To reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that a hot water faucet be opened for several minutes before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. THERE SHOULD BE NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME NEAR THE FAUCET AT THE TIME IT IS OPEN.
INSULATION BLANKETS
Insulation blankets available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters are not approved for use on your A.O. Smith water heater. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank water heaters. Your A.O. Smith water heater meets or exceeds the ASHRAE/IES
WARNING
The application of an insulation blanket will void the warranty for this water heater. Furthermore, the application of an insulation blanket may interfere with the operation of this water heater, possibly resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATIONS
Your A.O. Smith water heater has been designed to operate at altitudes above 2000 feet, provided that requirement was specified at the time of order. The firing rate will be specified on the water heater rating plate.
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