Locating the New Water Heater
Facts to Consider About the Location
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for use in manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed.
1.The location selected should be indoors as close as practical to the vent termination point, and as central- ized with the water piping system as possible. The water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provisions where water flow will cause damage.
2.40,000 BTU/HR INPUT – If vented through an outside wall or through the roof, using 3″ vent piping the total vent run (vertical and horizontal) cannot exceed 115 feet with one 90˚ elbow (50 feet with one 90° elbow if optional 2″ vent piping is used). If more elbows are required the venting distance must be reduced 5 feet for every 90˚ elbow. See page 18 for vent charts.
ALL OTHER INPUTS HIGHER THAN 40,000 BTU/HR – If vented through an outside wall or through the roof, using 3″ vent piping the total vent run (vertical and hor- izontal) cannot exceed 70 feet with one 90˚ elbow (110 feet with one 90° elbow if optional 4″ vent piping is used). If more elbows are required the venting distance must be reduced 5 feet for every 90˚ elbow. See page 18 for vent chart.
3.Vent piping cannot slope downward and horizontal runs require 1⁄8″ per five foot rise. All horizontal runs require adequate support at 31⁄2 foot intervals and vertical runs supported at 5 foot intervals.
4.The water heater requires its own (separate) venting sys- tem. It cannot be connected to an existing vent pipe or chimney. It must terminate to the outdoors. Whenever possible terminate the vent on the leeward side of the building if vented through an outside wall. Note:
Condensation may be created, at times, as the com- bustion gases exit the vent cap and discoloration of sur- faces in proximity to the vent cap may occur.
WARNING
The power vent water heater requires its own (separate) vent- ing system. It cannot be connected to an existing vent pipe or chimney. It must be terminated to the outdoors. Failure to properly install the venting system can result in asphyxiation, a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
5.The water heater comes equipped with a 7 foot power cord which can be used to connect to a 110/120 volt power source if (1) local codes allow, and (2) there is a three prong receptacle available.
WARNING
Do not use an extension cord. If there is not a suitable receptacle and/or local codes prohibit use of a power cord, field wiring must be provided.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow of water will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a drain pan must be not greater than 11⁄2 inches deep, have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches greater than the water heater dimen- sions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
6.The location selection must provide adequate clear- ances for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
WARNING
INSTALLATION 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.) or other substances (such as adhesives, 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 installation must be accomplished in a way that the ignitor and main burner 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.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle. NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents from other areas of the structure to the appliance.
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