American Water Heater Commercial Gas, Glass-Lined, Tank-Type Water Heater Preventive Maintenance

WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL

DANGER

THIS WATER HEATER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT TO CONTROL WATER TEMPERATURE. HOT WATER TEMPERATURES REQUIRED FOR AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER AND LAUNDRY USE CAN CAUSE SCALD BURNS RESULTING IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY AND/ OR DEATH. THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH INJURY OCCURS VARIES WITH THE PERSON'S AGE AND TIME OF EXPOSURE. THE SLOWER RESPONSE TIME OF CHILDREN, AGED OR DISABLED PERSONS INCREASES THE HAZARDS TO THEM. NEVER ALLOW SMALL CHILDREN TO USE A HOT WATER TAP, OR TO DRAW THEIR OWN BATH WATER. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD OR DISABLED PERSON UNATTENDED IN A BATHTUB OR SHOWER.

THE WATER HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SET TEMPERATURES.

SETTING THE WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE AT 120°F (49°C) WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF SCALDS. Some states or provinces require settings at specific lower temperatures.

Below you will find listed the approximate time-to-burn relationship for normal adult skin. Short repeated heating cycles caused by small hot water uses can cause temperatures at the point of use to exceed the thermostat setting by up to 20F°. If you experience this type of use, you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.

Temperature	Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd
Setting	Degree Burns on Adult
180°F (82°C)	Nearly instantaneous
170°F (77°C)	Nearly instantaneous
160°F (71°C)	About 1/2 second
150°F (66°C)	About 1-1/2 seconds
140°F (60°C)	Less than 5 seconds
130°F (54°C)	About 30 seconds
120°F (49°C)	More than 5 minutes

Valves for reducing point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available. Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

The water temperature is controlled by a thermostat, fig. 2, which has two sensing elements. One sensor is located near the top of the tank and the other is near the center. The thermostat is set in the lowest position before the heater leaves the factory.

The thermostat temperature dial, fig. 2, is accessible by removing the control cover. The dial is adjustable and may be set for 1200 (49°C) to 1800F (82°C) water temperature, but 1200F (49°C) is the recommended starting point. It is suggested

the dial be placed on the lowest setting which produces an acceptable hot water supply. This will always give the most energy efficient operation. The temperature control has a 4F° fixed differential.

CHECKING VENTING

The following steps shall be followed with each appliance connected to the venting system placed in operation, while any other appliances connected to the venting system are not in operation.

1.Seal any unused openings in the venting system.

2.Inspect the venting system for proper size and horizontal pitch, as required in the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 and these instructions. Determine that there is no blockage or restriction, leakage, corrosion and other deficiencies which could cause an unsafe condition.

3.So far as is practical, close all building doors and windows and all doors between the space in which the water heater(s) connected to the venting system are located and other spaces of the building. Turn on all appliances not connected to the venting system. Turn on all exhaust fans, such as range hoods and bathroom exhausts, so they shall operate at maximum speed. Close fireplace dampers.

4.Follow the lighting instruction. Place the water heater being inspected in operation. Adjust thermostat so appliance shall operate continuously.

5.Test for spillage at the burner level after 5 minutes of main burner operation.

6.After it has been determined that each BCG3 connected to the venting system properly vents when tested as outlined above, return doors, windows, exhaust fans, fireplace dampers and any other gas burning appliance to their previous conditions of use.

7.If improper venting is observed during any of the above tests, the venting system must be corrected.

WARNING

FAILURE TO CORRECT BACK DRAFTS MAY CAUSE AIR CONTAMINATION AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS.

•If the back draft cannot be corrected by the normal method or if a suitable draft cannot be obtained, a blower type flue gas exhauster must be employed to assure proper venting and correct combustion.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

CHECK THE IGNITOR ASSEMBLY

At least once a year, check the ignitor assembly, Fig. 11, and the main burner, Fig. 12, for proper operation. Refer to the following ignitor assembly and main burner sections.

IGNITOR ASSEMBLY

For access to ignitor assembly, unfasten two screws to burner cover and remove. Locate the burner with the ignitor assembly and remove screw holding burner to manifold. Slide burner out to access ignitor assembly.

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