Temperature Regulation
HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature that will satisfy space heating, 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/mentally 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 specific hot water temperature at the tap, then you must take special precautions. Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the water temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.
Figure 23 shows the approximate water temperatures produced at various thermostat settings. 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 30°F (17°C). If you experience this type of use you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.
Valves for reducing the
NOTE: A water temperature range of
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its lowest position (PILOT LIGHTING). It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald injury. The mark (
) indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) is preferred starting point. Some states have a requirement for a lower setting.
Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( 
) to decrease
the temperature, or counterclockwise ( 
) to increase the temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
FIGURE22.
Temperature | Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd |
Settings | Degree Burns on Adult Skin |
VERYHOT=approx.160°F(71°C) | About 1/2 second |
C = approx. 150°F (66°C) | About |
B = approx. 140°F (60°C) | Less than 5 seconds |
A = approx. 130°F (54°C) | About 30 seconds |
= approx. 120°F (49°C) | More than 5 minutes |
LOW = approx. 80°F (27°C) | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
|
FIGURE23.
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