Safety Precautions
_,WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as shown in the "Facts to Consider About the Location" sec-
tion. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call your gas company. Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem- perature which will satisfy clothes washing, dish washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/men- tally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addi- tion to using the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac- turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
_,WARNING
Soot
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car- peting. Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered b
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in fire hazard.
_,WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it isoperat- ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibits proper drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers:
Vent dampers must bear evidenceof certification as com- plying with the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively, cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installation of any vent damper, consult
your local Sears Service Center or the gas utility for fur- ther information.
_,WARNING
•The appliance and its individualshutoffvalve must be dis- connected from the gas supplypiping system during any pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in excessof ½ poundper squareinch (3.5kPa).
•The appliance must be isolated from the gas supplypip- ing system by closingits individual manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supplypiping sys- tem at test pressures equal or less than Y2pound per square inch(3.5kPa).
_,WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER HEATERS]: Propane (L.P.) gas is heavier than air. Should there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumula- tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in the area. Search for odor of gas by sniffing at ground level in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of this manual then leave the premises.
_,WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigera.
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach, and process chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.
AWARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
3
