•Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the water heater or nearby for future reference.
•Do obtain new warning and instruction labels from A.O. Smith for placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
•Do inspect the insulation blanket frequently to make certain it does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow.
INSTALLATION
REQUIRED ABILITY
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AIR SUPPLY, VENTING AND GAS SUPPLY ARE REQUIRED.
GENERAL
The heater is designed to operate on natural or propane gases. HOWEVER, MAKE SURE the gas on which the heater will operate is the same as that specified on the heater model and rating plate.
The installation must conform to these instructions and the local code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes, the installation must conform to the latest edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 and the National Electric Code, NFPA 70. The former is available from the Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland, OH 44131, and both documents are available from the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
GROUNDING
The water heater, when installed, must be grounded in accordance with local codes, or in the absence of local codes:
In the United States
The National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATION
CAUTION
INSTALLATIONS ABOVE 2000 FT. REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE BURNER ORIFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54). FAILURE TO REPLACE THE ORIFICE COULD RESULT IN IMPROPER AND INEFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE APPLIANCE, PRODUCING CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IN EXCESS OF SAFE LIMITS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. CONTACT YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FOR ANY SPECIFIC CHANGES WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN YOUR AREA.
A.O. SMITH BUILDS SOME MODELS SPECIFICALLY FOR HIGH ALTITUDE SERVICE.
PLEASE CHECK THE RATING PLATE BEFORE MAKING CHANGES.
LOCATION OF HEATER
When installing the heater, consideration must be given to proper location. Location selected should be as close to the wall as practicable with adequate air supply and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.
The heater is design certified by the Underwriter's Laboratory for installation on combustible flooring in a closet having minimum clearances from combustible material of: 0" clearance from sides and rear, 5" from the front and 12" from the top. (Standard clearance.) If clearances stated on the heater differ from standard clearances, install water heater according to clearances stated on heater.
A minimum clearance of 4" must be allowed for access to replaceable parts such as the thermostats, drain valve and relief valve. A top clearance of 24" should be allowed for blower assembly service.
Adequate clearance for servicing this appliance should be considered before installation, such as changing the anodes, etc. Minimum clearances for proper operation are given above.
WARNING
In cold climates provide protection against freeze-up.
THE HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE LEAKAGE OF THE TANK OR CONNECTIONS WILL NOT RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AREAADJACENT TO THE HEATER OR TO LOWER FLOORS OF THE STRUCTURE. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the heater, see fig. 1. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. Such pans should have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches greater than the diameter of the heater and should be piped to an adequate drain. Drain pans suitable for these heaters are available from your dealer or A. O. Smith Water Products Company, 5621 W. 115th Street, Alsip, Illinois 60803.
WARNING
DO NOT INSTALL THIS WATER HEATER DIRECTLY ON A CARPETED FLOOR. A FIRE HAZARD MAY RESULT. Instead the water heater must be placed on a metal or wood panel extending beyond the full width and depth by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction. If the heater is installed in a carpeted alcove or closet, the entire floor shall be covered by the panel.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
In calculating the free area of a vent opening, the blocking effect of screens, louvers and grills should be considered. Screens shall not be of a mesh smaller than 1/4 inch square. If the free area is not known, the latest edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1 recommends using figures of 20-25 percent free area for wood louvers or 60-75 percent for metal grills or louvers.
UNCONFINED SPACE
In buildings of conventional frame, brick or stone construction, unconfined spaces may provide adequate air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution air for power venter.
If the unconfined space is within a building of tight construction (building using the following construction: weather stripping, heavy insulation, caulking, vapor barrier, etc.), air for combustion, ventilation, and venter dilution must be obtained from outdoors. The installation instructions for confined spaces must be followed.
