A.O. Smith Residential Power Vent Gas Water Heaters with Hot Surface Ignition General Safety

General Safety

WARNING

Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or main- tenance can cause death, serious bodily injury, or property damage. Refer to this manual or consult your local gas utility for further assistance.

WARNING

At the time of manufacture this water heater was provided with a combination temperature-pressure relief valve certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains period- ic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, and the current edition of ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4 and the code requirements of ASME. If replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local codes, but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief valve certified as meeting the requirements for Relief Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4 by a nationally recog- nized testing laboratory that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials.

The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water heater (150 lbs. p.s.i.) and a discharge capacity not less than the water heater input rate as shown on the model rating plate. (Electric heaters - watts divided by 1000 x 3412 equal BTU/Hr. rate.)

Your local jurisdictional authority, while mandating the use of

atemperature-pressure relief valve complying with ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4 and ASME, may require a valve model dif- ferent from the one furnished with the water heater.

Compliance with such local requirements must be satisfied by the installer or end user of the water heater with a locally pre- scribed temperature-pressure relief valve installed in the des- ignated opening in the water heater in place of the factory fur- nished valve.

For safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must not be removed from it’s designated opening or plugged.

The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed direct- ly into the fitting of the water heater designated for the relief valve. Position the valve downward and provide tubing so that any discharge will exit only within 6 inches above, or at any distance below the structural floor. Be certain that no contact is made with any live electrical part. The discharge opening must not be blocked or reduced in size under any circum- stances. Excessive length, over 30 feet, or use of more than four elbows can cause restriction and reduce the discharge capaci- ty of the valve.

No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief valve and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to discharge drain unless a 6″ air gap is provided. To prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage, the relief valve must be allowed to discharge water in quantities should circumstances demand. If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable means, the water flow may cause property damage.

The Discharge Pipe:

—Must not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the valve, or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.

—Must not be plugged or blocked.

—Must be of material listed for hot water distribution. —Must be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both

the temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe. —Must terminate at an adequate drain.

—Must not have any valve between the relief valve and tank.

WARNING

WATER HEATERS EQUIPPED FOR ONE TYPE GAS ONLY: This water heater is equipped for one type gas only. Check the model rating plate near the gas control valve for the correct gas. DO NOT USE THIS WATER HEATER WITH ANY GAS OTHER THAN THE ONE SHOWN ON THE MODEL RATING PLATE. Failure to use the correct gas can cause problems which can result in DEATH, SERI- OUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. If you have any questions or doubts consult your gas supplier or local utility.

WARNING

A fire can start if combustible materials such as clothing, cleaning materials, or flammable liquids are placed against or next to the water heater.

WARNING

INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE, AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP) or butane, etc.), all of which emit flammable vapors, may be improperly stored or used in such areas. The gas water heater ignitor or main burner can ignite such vapors. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as property damage.

If installation in such areas is your only option, then the installa- tion must be accomplished in a way that the ignitor and main burn- er flame are elevated from the floor at least 18 inches. While this may reduce the chances of flammable vapors from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never be stored or used in the same room or area containing a gas water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance.

NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from other areas of the structure to the appliance.

WARNING

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to pro- duce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will satisfy 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 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 tem- perature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, some type of tempering device, 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. Follow manufacturers instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.

WARNING

BEFORE OPERATING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER HEATERS]: Propane (L.P.) gas is heavier than air. Should there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under manufactured (mobile) homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumulation of this gas. Before attempting to oper- ate the water heater or turning on a nearby electrical light switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in the area. Search for odor of gas by sniffing at ground level in the vicinity of the appli- ance. If odor is detected, follow steps indicated at “For Your Safety” on the cover page of this manual then leave the premises.

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