Kenmore 153.33429, 153.33459, 153.33449, 153.33439 owner manual Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

AWARNING

Agas 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.

&WARNING

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are

intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tam- 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 includethe elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/men- tally handicapped.If anyone usinghot 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 specialprecautions.In addi- tion to usingthe lowest possibletemperature setting that satisfiesyour hot water needs, a means such as a mixing valve, shouldbe used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valvesare available

at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac- turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before

changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the "Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.

AWARNING

Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc- tion before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater and leave "OFF" until repairs are made, because failure to correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or

explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

AWARNING

This water heater must not be installed directly on car- peting. Cavpe_ng 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 applia6ce is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered h the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in fire hazard.

AWARNING

VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operat- ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use

inhibits proper draftingof the water heater. •

Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water heaters having thermal efficiency in excess of 80% may produce a relatively low flue gastemperature. Such tam- peratures may not be high enough to properly open ther- maily operated vent dampers. This would causespillageof flue gasesand may causecarbon monoxidepoisoning.

Vent dampers must boar 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 Se._ Service Center or the gas utility for fur- ther informaton.

J, 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 pound per squareinch(3.5kPa).

•The appliance must be isolated from the gassupply pip- ing system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any pressuretesting of the gassupply piping sys- tem at test pressures equal or less than Yzpound per squareinch (3.5kPa).

A, 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 gaswill settle near the ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas below ground level will serve as pocketsfor the accumula- tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the water heater'spilot or turning on a nearby electrical light switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in the aro_ Search for odor of gasby sniffingat 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 containscertain chemical

vapors. Spray can propellants,cleaningsolvents,refrigera- tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach, and processchemicals are typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.

_,WARNING

Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a

serioushealth risk or asphyx at on.

Safety Precautions continued on page 4

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