PLUS LINE
A5 Adjusting water heater temperature
Hot Water Can Scald!
• Water temperature over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly, or death from scalds.
• Feel water before bathing or showering.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission and some states recommend temperature settings of 130°F or less. Setting thermostat higher than 130°F setting will increase risk of scald injury and can cause severe personal injury or death.
• Water heated to a temperature suitable for clothes washing, dish washing and other sani- tizing needs will scald and cause permanent injury.
• Children and elderly, infirm, or physically handi- capped persons are more likely to be injured by hot water. Never leave them unattended in or near a bathtub, shower or sink. Never allow small chil- dren to use a hot water faucet or draw their own bath. If anyone using hot water in the building fits this description, or if state laws or local codes require certain water temperatures at hot water faucets, take special precautions:
• Install an automatic mixing valve at water heater or at each hot water faucet, bath, and shower outlet. Selection and installation must comply with valve manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions.
• Use the lowest practical temperature setting.
• Check water temperature after any adjustment. You must follow “Setting the Thermostat” on page 19.
General notes | • Household water usage patterns will affect water |
| temperature at any faucet or shower. Occasionally |
| check temperature at each point of use, then adjust |
| thermostat accordingly. Always recheck tempera- |
| ture after adjusting thermostat. |
| • When hot water is used in repeated small quantities, |
| a “stacking” effect can develop in hot water tank. |
| The upper layer of water in tank can be much hotter |
| than lower layers. |
| • Lowering the thermostat setting or installing |
| automatic mixing valves as indicated in these in- |
| structions will reduce water temperature levels. |
| Consult your installer or service technician. |
18 | Part Number |
