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 Ishownin 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 llro or explosion and can CAUSE 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.
A, WARNING
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 sanmzing needs can scald and permanently
iniure 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 anyoneusing hot water in your home fits into one of these groups_t_rif 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 using the lowest possibletemperature setting that satisfiesyour 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 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
_,WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operat- ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibits proper drafting of the water heater.
IThermally Operated Vent Dampers:
dampers). Before installation of any vent damper, consult your local Sears Service Center or the gas utility for fur- ther information.
AWARNING
•The applianceand 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 square inch(3.5kPa).
•The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply pip- ing system by closingits individual manual shutoffvalve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping sys- tem at test pressures equal or less than % pound per square inch(3.5kPa).
AWARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER HEATERS]: Propane (L.R) 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_ pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light sw_tch,be absolutelysure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gasby sniffingat ground level in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
stepsindicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of this manualthen leave the premises.
AWARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
I 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.
.AWARNING
Ob.structed or deteriorated vent systems may present a serioushealth risk or asphyxiation,
Safety Precautions continued on page 4.
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