GENERAL SAFETY
INFORMATION
EXTERNAL DAMAGE
Do not operate the water heater until it has been fully checked out by a qualified technician, if the water heater:
•Has been exposed to fire or damage.
•Displays evidence of sooting.
•Produces steam or unusually hot water.
If the water heater has been flooded it must be replaced.
CHEMICAL VAPOR CORROSION
WARNING
CORROSION OF THE FLUEWAYS AND VENT SYSTEM MAY OCCUR IF AIR FOR COMBUSTION CONTAINS CERTAIN CHEMICAL VAPORS. 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 are 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).
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 the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink 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 necessary with A. O. Smith products. 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 National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary.
WARNING
Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater, you should follow these instructions (See Figure 1 for identification of components mentioned below). Failure to follow these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper
combustion, resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious personal injury or death.
•Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature & pressure relief valve.
•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.
INSTALLATION
REQUIRED ABILITY
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING, AIR SUPPLY, VENTING AND GAS SUPPLY ARE REQUIRED.
INSPECT SHIPMENT
There may be hidden damage caused in transit. Check to be certain all parts of the venting system, as listed below, are present.
CAUTION!!! IF THERE ARE ANY DAMAGED PARTS, DO NOT INSTALL THIS WATER HEATER. REPORT ANY SHORTAGE TO YOUR DISTRIBUTOR OR DAMAGE TO YOUR CARRIER.
VENT KIT ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS
1 | 3” 90° elbow | 1 | Finishing | collar | (inside) |
1 | 6” 90° elbow | 1 | Finishing | collar | (outside) |
1 | 3” tube | 1 | Terminal Vent Cap Assembly | ||
1 | 6” tube | 1 | Tube silicone sealant | ||
GENERAL
The installation must conform to these instructions and the local code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes, the installation must comply with the current editions of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54. The code is available from the Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland, OH 44131.
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.
When installing the heater, consideration must be given to proper location. The water heater should be located as close to or centralized to the water piping system as possible. The water heater should be located in an area not subject to freezing temperatures.
THE HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE LEAKAGE OF THE TANK OR CONNECTIONS WILL NOT RESULT IN DAMAGETOTHEAREAADJACENTTOTHE HEATER ORTO LOWER FLOORS OF THE STRUCTURE. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the heater. Such pans should have a minimum length and width of at least 2
3
