Temperature Regulation

Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the water temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30°F higher or lower at the point of use such as bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.

This means that when the temperature adjustment dial is set at the mark approximating 120°F, the actual water temperature at any hot water tap could be as high as 150°F or as low as 90°F.

Any water heater’s intended purpose is to heat water. Hot water is needed for cleansing, cleaning, and sanitizing (bodies, dishes, clothing). Hot water will present a scald hazard. Depending on the time element, and the people involved (normal adults, children, toddlers, elderly, infirm, etc.) scalding may occur at different temperatures.

WARNING

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature 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/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 certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs, some type of tempering device, such as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater.

Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( ) to

decrease the temperature, or counterclockwise ( ) to increase the temperature.

 

Time to Produce 2nd &

 

3rd Degree Burns on

Temperature Setting

Adult Skin

VERY HOT = approx. 160°F

About 1/2 second

C = approx. 150°F

About 1-1/2 seconds

B = approx. 140°F

Less than 5 seconds

A = approx. 130°F

About 30 seconds

▼ HOT = approx. 120°F

More than 5 minutes

NOTE: Water temperature range of 120°–140°F (49°–60°C) recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers.

WARNING

Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or hand- icapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.

The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its lowest position, to reduce the risk of scald injury. It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature setting. The mark ( ▼ ) HOT indicative of approximately 120°F is preferred starting point. Some states have a requirement for a lower setting. If you need hotter water, follow directions for temperature adjustment, but beware of the warnings in this section.

WARNING

Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn “OFF” the manual gas control valve to the appliance.

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Reliance Water Heaters 184123-000 instruction manual Temperature Regulation, Temperature Setting