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Valves for reducing point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and
hot water are available. 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 temperature is controlled by a thermostat, Fig. 3, which
has two sensing elements. One sensor is located near the top
of the tank and the other is near the center. The thermostat is set
in the lowest position before the heater leaves the factory.
The thermostat temperature dial, Fig. 3, is accessible by
removing the control cover. The dial is adjustable and may be
set for 120°F (49°C) to 180°F (82°C) water temperature, but
120°F (49°C) is the recommended starting point. It is suggested
the dial be placed on the lowest setting which produces an
acceptable hot water supply. This will always give the most
energy efficient operation. The temperature control has a 4°F
fixed differential.

TESTING DAMPER OPERATION

With the Service Switch in the AUTOMATIC OPERATION position,
check the operation of the flue damper three (3) times with the
water operating controls for proper operating sequence:
• The damper disc must be open (in the vertical position) before
the ignition and combustion process begins.
• The damper disc must be in the open position when the
main burner is firing.
• The gas valve must close and the main burner must have
ceased firing before the damper disc begins its return to the
closed (horizontal) position.
If during testing of the operation of the damper you find that there
is a problem with the operation of the water heater when the
Service Switch is in the AUTOMATIC OPERATION position:
Reset the Service Switch to the HOLD OPEN DAMPER position
and check operation again.
If the water heater does operate when placed in the HOLD OPEN
DAMPER position:
• Refer to the EFFIKAL RVGP-FSF-SERIES TROUBLE-
SHOOTING GUIDE at the end of this manual.

CAUTION

Do not force the damper disc manually or motor damage will
occur.
If the water heater does not operate with the Service Switch in
either position:
• Refer to the Troubleshooting Sections and Operational
Checklist sections.

CHECKING VENTING

The following steps shall be followed with each appliance
connected to the venting system placed in operation, while any
other appliances connected to the venting system are not in
operation.

ADJUSTMENTS

ON INITIAL STARTUP SOME ADJUSTMENTS ARE NECESSARY.
1. CHECK MANIFOLD AND INLET GAS PRESSURES.
2. TO ADJUST PILOT FLAME - FOLLOW “PILOT BURNER”
PROCEDURE UNDER “PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE”.
WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL

WARNING

THIS WATER HEATER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE
THERMOSTAT TO CONTROL WATER TEMPERATURE. HOT
WATER TEMPERATURES REQUIRED FOR AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER AND LAUNDRY USE CAN CAUSE SCALD
BURNS RESULTING IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY AND/
OR DEATH. THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH INJURY OCCURS
VARIES WITH THE PERSON’S AGE AND TIME OF EXPOSURE.
THE SLOWER RESPONSE TIME OF CHILDREN, AGED OR
HANDICAPPED PERSONS INCREASES THE HAZARDS TO
THEM. NEVER ALLOW SMALL CHILDREN TO USE A HOT
WATER TAP, OR DRAW THEIR OWN BATH WATER. NEVER
LEAVE A CHILD OR DISABLED PERSON UNATTENDED IN A
BATHTUB OR SHOWER.
THE WATER HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA
WHERE THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO
SET TEMPERATURES.
SETTING THE WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE AT 120°F WILL
REDUCE THE RISK OF SCALDS. Some states or provinces
require settings at specific lower temperatures.
Below you will find listed the approximate time-of-burn
relationship for normal adult skin. 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 20°F (11°C).
If you experience this type of use, you should consider using
lower temperature settings to reduce scald hazards.
Temperature Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd
Settings Degree Burns on Adult Skin
180°F (82°C) Nearly Instantaneous
170°F (77°C) Nearly Instantaneous
160°F (71°C) About 1/2 Second
150°F (65°C) About 1 - 1/2 Seconds
140°F (60°C) Less than 5 Seconds
130°F (54°C) Abouit 30 Seconds
120°F (49°C) More than 5 Minutes