American Water Heater (A)BCG385T500-8N, (A)BCG38T500-8P Installation Considerations, Water Piping

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Installation information given in this service manual IS NOT a complete installation instruction. Installation information covered in this service manual has a limited focus as it applies to servicing. This service manual does not replace or supersede the Instruction Manual that came with the water heater. Always refer to the instruction manual that came with the water heater for complete installation instructions.

If the instruction manual that came with the water heater is not on hand, copies can be obtained from the manufacturer’s web site or by calling the toll free phone number shown on the back cover of this service manual.

WATER PIPING

Closed Water Systems

Water supply systems may, because of code requirements or such conditions as high line pressure, among others, have installed devices such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back flow preventers. Devices such as these cause the water system to be a closed system.

Thermal Expansion

As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system, the volume of water will grow when it is heated. As the volume of water grows, there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent temperature-pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up. This condition is not covered under the limited warranty. The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion.

A properly sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion. Contact a local Qualified Service Agency (page 3) to have a thermal expansion tank installed.

GAS PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS

Table 1 shows supply and manifold gas pressure requirements for (A)BCG385T500-8N and (A)BCG38T500-8P 120 - 121 model water heaters. Supply gas pressure is the pressure of fuel gas being supplied to the water heater. Manifold gas pressure is the pressure of the gas being supplied to the water heater’s burners.

Supply gas pressure should be measured twice. One measurement while the water heater is not firing (static) and again while the water heater is firing (dynamic). If the supply gas pressure drops more than 1.5” W.C. between the static and dynamic pressure measurements, this may indicate the gas line and/or gas regulator to the water heater is undersized. See the gas line requirements in the Instruction Manual that came with the water heater.

Servicing should only be performed by a Qualified Service Agent

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