Facts to Consider About theLocation
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the
new water heater,because theplacement is a very impor-
tant consideration for the safety of the occupants in the
building and for the most economical use of the appli-
ance. Thiswater heateris not foruse in mobile homesor
outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the
water heater in a new location, the following critical
points must be observed.
I. The location selected should be indoors as close as
practical to the gas vent or chimney to which the
water heater vent is going to be connected, and as
centralized with the water piping system as possible.
The water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually
leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provi-
sions where water flow will cause damage.
WARNING
Propellants of aerosol sprays and volatile compounds,
(cleaners, chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in
addition to being highly flammable in many cases, will
also change to corroslve hydrochloric acid when exposed
to the combustion products ot the water heater. The
results can be hazardous, and also cause product failure.
2. The location selection must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Zarpeting mustbe protected by a metalor wood panel beneath
he appliance extending beyond the full width anddepth of the
ippliance by at least 3 inches(76.2mm) in any direction,or if
he appliance is installed in an alcoveor closet,the entire floor
nustbe covered bythe panel. Failureto heedthis warningmay
'esultin afire hazard.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the
water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if
the tank or any connections should leak, the flow of water
will not cause damage to the structure. When such loca-
tions cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be
installed under the water heater. Drain pans are available at
your local Searsstore. Such a drain pan must be not greater
than 1'/2inches deep, have a minimum length and width of
at least 2 inches greater than the water heater dimensions
and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not
restrict combustion air flow. Under no circumstances is the
manufacturer or Sears to be held liable for any water dam-
age in connection with this water heater.
WARNING
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQ-
UIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR
STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS,
ETC): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents,
propane (LP) or butane, etc.) or other substances (such
as adhesives, etc.), all of which emit flammable vapors,
may be imiprroperly, stored, or used. in such areas: The.
gas water heater pdot hght or mare burner can ign,te
such vapors. The resulting flashback and fire can cause
death or serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as
ropertv damalze.
installation I_nsuch areas is your only option, then
the installation must be accomplished in a way that the
pilot flame and main burner flame are elevated from
the floor at least 18 inches. While this may reduce the
changes of flammable vapors from a floor spill being
ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances
should never be stored or used in the same room or
area containing a gas water heater or other open flame
or spark produi:ingappliance.
Also, the water heater; must be located and/or protect-
ed so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving
vehicle.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents
from other areas of the structure to the appliance.
WARNING
Minimum clearances between the water heater and com-
bustible construction are 1" at the sides and rear, 4" at the
front, and 6" from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the
jacket is18" on most models. Notethat a lesserdimensionmay
be allowed on some models. Refer to the label on the water
heateradjacent tothe gas control valveon allclearances.
12"MAX.

-f

VENTILATION
AIR O
OPENINGS
6"MI"N.
FRONT VIEW
OF DOOR
I_MIN. 4" MIN.
TOP VIEW
OF CLOSET TOP VIEW I" MIN.
WffHOUT DOOR OF CLOSET
_" MAX. WITH DOOR

I Ii3'--;-

I ^lRoucr IIMJN.
AIR DUCT
WARNING
A water heater cannot properly without the cor-
gas operate
rectamount of air for combustion.Do not install in a confined
larea such as acloset, unless you provide air as shown in
Figures1-5. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you
haveany doubtsor questionsat all, call your gas company or
SearsService Center. Failure to provide the proper amountof
combustionair canresult in a fire or explosionand can cause
DEATH,SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTYDAMAGE.
WARNING
If thiswater heater will be used in beauty shops,barber shops,
cleanin_establishments,orself-servicelaundries withdry clean-
ing equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or water
heatersbe installed so that combustionand ventilation air be
takenfrom outsidetheseareas.Refer to the"LocatingThe New
Water Heater" section of thismanual and alsothe latest edition
ofthe National FuelGas Code, ANSIZ223.1, alsoreferred to as
NFPA54for specificsprovidedconcerningairrequired.