TEMPERATURE REGULATION

Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the water temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30°F (16.7°C) higher or lower at the point of use such as, bathtubs, showers, sink, etc.

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

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 which satisfies your hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient operation of the water heater.

Figure 26 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 point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are available, see Figure 15. Also available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority.

The water heater should be located in an area where the general public does not have access.

The water temperature setting was factory set at the lowest temperature; Pressing the “COOLER” button decreases temperature and pressing the “HOTTER” button increases the temperature.

Setting the water heater temperature at 120°F (49°C) (Approx. “” mark on temperature setting of gas valve) will reduce the risk of scalds. Some states require settings at specific lower temperatures.

To avoid any unintentional changes in water temperature settings, the control has a tamper resistant feature for changing the temperature setting. To change the temperature setting follow these instructions:

1.“Wake Up” the temperature indicators by holding down both “COOLER” and “HOTTER” temperature adjustment buttons at the same time for one second, see Figure 26. One or two of the temperature indicators will light up. These indicators will only remain on for 30 seconds if no further buttons are pressed. After 30 seconds the control will go back to “Sleep” mode.

2.Release both of the temperature adjustment buttons.

a.To decrease the temperature press and release the “COOLER” button until the desired setting is reached.

b.To increase the temperature press and release the “HOTTER” button until the desired setting is reached.

NOTE: Holding down the button will not continue to lower or raise the temperature setting. The button must be pressed and released for each temperature change desired.

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

HOT WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which 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 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, a means such as a mixing valve, shall 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, see Figure 15. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the “Temperature Regulation” section in this manual, see Figure 26.

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.

 

 

Time to Produce

 

Display

2nd and 3rd Degree

Temperature Setting

A B C

Burns on Adult Skin

C-Flashing = approx. 160°F (71°C)

 

About 1/2 seconds

C = approx. 150°F (66°C)

 

About 1-1/2 seconds

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

WARM = approx. 80°F (27°C)

 

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FIGURE26.

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Sears 153.332040, 153.332060, 153.332050, 153.332070 Temperature Regulation, Temperature Setting Burns on Adult Skin