Air Requirements

Breathing Hazard - Carbon Monoxide Gas

Install water heater in accordance with the Instruction Manual and NFPA 54 or CAN/CSA-B149.1.

To avoid injury, combustion and ventilation air must be taken from outdoors.

Do not place chemical vapor emitting products near water heater.

Breathing carbon monoxide can cause brain damage or death. Always read and understand instruction manual.

For safe operation an adequate supply of fresh uncontaminated air for combustion and ventilation must be provided.

An insufficient supply of air can cause recirculation of combustion products resulting in contamination that may be hazardous to life. Such a condition often will result in a yellow, luminous burner flame, causing sooting of the combustion chamber, burners and flue tubes and creates a risk of asphyxiation.

Do not install the water heater in a confined space unless an adequate supply of air for combustion and ventilation is brought in to that space using the methods described in the Confined Space section that follows.

Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call your gas supplier. Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and cause property damage, serious bodily injury or death.

Unconfined Space

An Unconfined Space is one whose volume IS NOT LESS THAN 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr (4.8 cubic meters per kW) of the total input rating of all appliances installed in the space. Rooms communicating directly with the space, in which the appliances are installed, through openings not furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.

Makeup air requirements for the operation of exhaust fans, kitchen ventilation systems, clothes dryers and fireplaces shall also be considered in determining the adequacy of a space to

provide combustion, ventilation and dilution air.

Unusually Tight Construction

In unconfined spaces in buildings, infiltration may be adequate to provide air for combustion, ventilation and dilution of flue gases. However, in buildings of unusually tight construction (for example, weather stripping, heavily insulated, caulked, vapor barrier, etc.) additional air must be provided using the methods described in the Confined Space section that follows.

Confined Space

A Confined Space is one whose volume IS LESS THAN 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr (4.8 cubic meters per kW) of the total input rating of all appliances installed in the space.

Openings must be installed to provide fresh air for combustion, ventilation and dilution in confined spaces. The required size for the openings is dependent on the method used to provide fresh air to the confined space AND the total Btu/hr input rating of all appliances installed in the space.

Exhaust Fans

Where exhaust fans are installed, additional air shall be provided to replace the exhausted air. When an exhaust fan is installed in the same space with a water heater, sufficient openings to provide fresh air must be provided that accommodate the requirements for all appliances in the room and the exhaust fan. Undersized openings will cause air to be drawn into the room through the water heater’s vent system causing poor combustion. Sooting, serious damage to the water heater and the risk of fire or explosion may result. It can also create a risk of asphyxiation.

Louvers and Grilles

The free areas of the fresh air openings in the instructions that follow do not take in to account the presence of louvers, grilles or screens in the openings.

The required size of openings for combustion, ventilation and dilution air shall be based on the “net free area” of each opening. Where the free area through a design of louver or grille or screen is known, it shall be used in calculating the size of opening required to provide the free area specified. Where the louver and grille design and free area are not known, it shall be assumed that wood louvers will have 25% free area and metal louvers and grilles will have 75% free area. Non motorized louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open position.

VENTING INSTALLATION

Venting

THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS SECTION ON VENTING MUST BE FOLLOWED TO AVOID CHOKED COMBUSTION OR RECIRCULATION OF FLUE GASES. SUCH CONDITIONS CAUSE SOOTING OR RISKS OF FIRE AND ASPHYXIATION.

This heater is not approved for direct vent installation. Heater must be protected from freezing downdrafts.

Remove all soot or other obstructions from the chimney that will retard a free draft.

Type B venting is required with these heaters. For typical venting application see TECHNICAL DATA VENTING on pages 18 and 19.

This water heater must be vented in compliance with all local codes, the current revision of the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI-Z223.1) and with the Category I Venting Tables.

If any part of the vent system is exposed to ambient temperatures below 40°F (4.4°C) it must be insulated to prevent condensation.

•Do not connect the heater to a common vent or chimney with solid fuel burning equipment. This practice is prohibited by many local building codes as is the practice of venting gas fired equipment to the duct work of ventilation systems.

Figure 11.

figure 12.

•Where a separate vent connection is not available and the vent pipe from the heater must be connected to a common vent with an oil burning furnace, the vent pipe should enter the smaller common vent or chimney at a point above the large vent pipe.

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American Water Heater BCL3 95T199 6NOX, BCL3 85T390 6NOX Air Requirements, Unconfined Space, Confined Space, Venting
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BCL3 95T199 6NOX, BCL3 85T390 6NOX, BCL3 85T275 6NOX specifications

American Water Heater Company has been a leader in the production of high-quality water heaters for residential and commercial use. Among their acclaimed collection are three notable models: the BCL3 85T275 6NOX, BCL3 85T390 6NOX, and BCL3 95T199 6NOX. Each of these models is meticulously designed, providing efficient heating solutions while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility.

The BCL3 85T275 6NOX is an advanced model that offers a remarkable 275,000 BTU output, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from single-family homes to larger commercial settings. This unit features a powerful water heating capacity and is equipped with a robust heat exchanger that maximizes thermal efficiency. One of its key technological innovations is the low nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions system, which significantly reduces harmful emissions, thereby complying with stringent environmental standards.

Similarly, the BCL3 85T390 6NOX enhances performance with a higher BTU output of 390,000. This capacity allows it to effectively serve larger facilities with higher demand for hot water. The technology behind this model includes an automatic flue damper that optimizes energy use by adjusting the airflow, resulting in improved combustion efficiency. Additionally, its durable construction ensures long service life, catering to the needs of both residential users and commercial operations.

The BCL3 95T199 6NOX, with its 199,000 BTU capacity, combines efficiency with versatility. This unit is designed for a wide range of water heating needs, providing an excellent option for both medium-sized homes and smaller commercial setups. Its unique design incorporates advanced insulation materials that help retain heat longer, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Like its counterparts, this model is equipped with advanced NOX reduction technology, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice.

All three models share a common theme of reliability and efficiency. Their advanced control systems enable precise temperature management, allowing users to set their desired hot water temperatures with ease. Furthermore, each unit is designed with safety features such as a high-temperature limit switch and electronic ignition, ensuring safe operation.

In conclusion, the American Water Heater BCL3 series — featuring the BCL3 85T275 6NOX, BCL3 85T390 6NOX, and BCL3 95T199 6NOX — showcases the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship. These models not only meet the demanding needs of consumers but also contribute to a more sustainable future with their low emissions and efficient systems. Whether for residential or commercial use, they are designed to deliver reliable performance year after year.
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