Whirlpool 285255 Burner Flames, Stacking, Emergency Shut Down, Water Temperature Regulation

Figure 18

Flame Characteristics

Correct flame

soft blue

Burner Flames

Inspect burner flames through viewport.

Flames should be very small with a blue haze and small amounts of yellow or orange at the edges. After several minutes

of operation the

burner screen may glow red. If large flames are observed at anytime shut-off unit and call a qualified person.

Stacking

Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water (3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater tank. This causes increased cycling of the burner and can result in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet. An anti-scald device is recommended in the hot water supply line to reduce the risk of scald injury.

Emergency Shut Down

IMPORTANT: Should overheating occur or the gas supply fails to shut off, turn off the water heater’s manual gas control valve and call a qualified person.

Water Temperature Regulation

WARNING

Water temperature over 125°F can cause severe burns instantly or death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are at highest risk of being scalded.

Feel water before bathing or showering. Temperature limiting valves are available.

The thermostat is adjusted to its lowest temperature when it is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can be regulated by moving the temperature dial to the preferred setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F. Align the index bar on the thermostat with the desired water temperature as shown in Figure 19. There is a hot water scald potential if the thermostat is set too high.

IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past 120°F on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury in the times shown below.

	Time for 1st	Time for
Water		Permanent Burns
	Degree Burn
Temperature °F		2nd & 3rd Degree
	(Less Severe Burns)
		(Most Severe Burns)
110	(normal shower temp.)
116	(pain threshold)
116	35 minutes	45 minutes
122	1 minute	5 minutes
131	5 seconds	25 seconds
140	2 seconds	5 seconds
149	1 second	2 seconds
154	instantaneous	1 seconds

(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)

Figure 19

Gas Valve/Thermostat

White Rodgers Gas Valve

Settings

Gas Control Knob

(Off-PIlot-On)

Index Bar

Temperature Dial

130°F

120°F

Mark

Mark

Robertshaw Gas Valve

Gas Control Knob

130°F

Reset

Dial Stop

120°F

Bar

Bar

Button

W

A

Index

R

UTIO

M

Bars

A

N

C

T

O

H

W

H

R

ES

Y

V

T

A

H

T

O TTE

E

E

A

JU

R

C

A

R

R INCRE

I

N

S

I

A

K

LD

OF SCA

T

I

O

N

Temperature Dial

NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a higher thermostat setting may be required to meet the increased demand. When leaving your home for extended periods (vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to its lowest setting. This will maintain the water at low temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing during cold weather.

19