American Water Heater 98 Gallon High Recovery Natural Gas Water Heater G62100T774NOV User Manual

							1
Instruction Manual
PRINTED 0712 315628-001
Keep thIs Manual In the pocKet on heater for future reference 
whenever MaIntenance adjustMent or servIce Is requIred.
NOT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) HOMES
all  technIcal  and warrantY  questIons: SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS 
PURCHASED. IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, PLEASE WRITE TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE RATING PLATE ON THE WATER HEATER.
 resIdentIal  Gas water heaters
• for Your safety •
AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED 
BY THIS WATER HEATER.
Low Lead Content 
						

							2
safe InstallatIon, use and servIce
Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the instal\
lation, use and servicing of this water heater.
Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you and 
others of a potential injury hazard.  read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual\
.  It is very important 
that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others \
who install, use or service this water heater.
all safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if\
 you do not follow the safety message and 
how to avoid the risk of injury.
the california safe drinking w ater and toxic enforcement  act requires the Governor of california to publish a list of substances 
known to the state of california to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to \
warn of 
potential exposure to such substances.
warnInG: this product contains a chemical known  to the state of california to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
This water heater can cause low-level exposure to some of the substances included in the Act. This product is certified to comply 
with a maximum weighted average of 0.25% lead content as required in som\
e areas.
IMportant defInItIons
•	 Qualified Installer:   A	qualified	 installer	must	have	 ability	 equivalent 	to	 a	licensed	 tradesman	 in	the	 fields	 of	plumbing,	  
	 air	 supply,	 venting	 and	gas	supply,	 including	 a	thorough 	understanding	 of	the	 requirements	 of	the	 National	 Fuel	Gas	 
	 Code	 as	it	relates	 to	the	 installation	 of	gas	 fired	 water	 heaters.	 The	qualified	 installer	must	have	 a	thorough 	  
	 understanding	of	this	instruction	manual.
•	 service agency:  	A 	service	 agency	 also	must 	have	 ability	 equivalent	 to	a	licensed	 tradesman	 in	the	 fields	 of	plumbing, 	  
	 air	 supply,	 venting	 and	gas	supply,	 including	 a	thorough 	understanding	 of	the	 requirements	 of	the	 National	 Fuel	Gas	 
	 Code	 as	it	relates	 to	the	 installation	 of	gas	 fired	 water	 heaters.	 	 The	service	 agency	 must	also	have	 a	thorough	  
	 understanding	 of	this 	instruction	 manual,	and	 be	able	 to	perform 	repairs 	strictly 	in	 accordance	 with	the	service	 guidelines 	
 
	 provided	by	the	manufacturer.
•    Gas supplier: The	 Natural	Gas	or	Propane 	Utility	 or	service	 which	supplies	 gas	for	utilization	 by	the	 gas	 burning	  
	 appliances	 within	this	application.	 The	gas	supplier	 typically	 has	responsibility	 for	the	 inspection	 and	code	 approval	 of	 
	 gas	 piping	up	to	and	 including	 the	Natural	 Gas	meter	 or	Propane	 storage	tank	of	a	building.	 Many	gas	suppliers	 also	 
	 offer	service	and	inspection	of	appliances	within	the	building.
DANGER indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in injury or death.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result
in injury or death.
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injur y.
CAUTION used without the safety aler t
symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in
property damage.
WA RNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
DANGER 
						

							3
General safetY 
						

							4
SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE............................2
GENERAL SAFETY .................................................................. 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS  ............................................................4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 4
	 Preparing	for	the	New	Installation  ..................................... 4
TYPICAL INSTALLATION ...................................................... 5,6
LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER ............................. 7-9
	 Facts	to	Consider	 About	Location .................................. 7,8
	 Insulation	Blankets  ............................................................8  
Combustion	 Air	and	Ventilation	for	 Appliances	
	 Located	in	Unconfined	Spaces  .........................................8
	 Combustion	 Air	and	Ventilation	for	 Appliances	
	 Located	in	Confined	Spaces  ..........................................8,9
INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER ...................... 10-14
	 Water	Piping  .............................................................. 10,11
	 Closed	Water	System ..................................................... 10
	 Thermal	Expansion  .........................................................10
	 Temperature-Pressure	Relief	Valve ................................ 11
	 Filling	the	Water	Heater .................................................. 12
	 Venting  ....................................................................... 12,13
	 Gas	Piping ................................................................. 13,14
	 Sediment	 Traps ............................................................... 14
LIGHTING & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  .................... 15,16
TEMPERATURE REGULATION ............................................ 17
FOR YOUR INFORMATION .............................................. 17,18	 Start	Up	Conditions
 ....................................................17,18
	 			Draft	Hood	Operation  ................................................... 17
	 			Condensation  .......................................................... 17,18
	 			Smoke/Odor  ................................................................. 18
	 			Thermal	Expansion  ...................................................... 18
	 			Strange	Sounds ...........................................................18
	 Operational	Conditions  ................................................... 18
	 			Smelly	Water ................................................................ 18
	 			“Air”	in	Hot	Water	Faucets ........................................... 18
	 			High	 Temperature	Shut	Off	System  .............................18
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE  ............................................. 19-21
	 Venting	System	Inspection ..............................................19
	 Burner	Inspection  ............................................................19
	 Burner	Cleaning  .............................................................. 19
	 Housekeeping  ............................................................ 19,20
	 Anode	Rod	Inspection ..................................................... 20
	 Temperature-Pressure	Relief	Valve	Operation  ............... 20
	 Draining	and	Flushing  ..................................................... 20
	 Drain	Valve	Washer	Replacement  ..................................20
	 Service  ........................................................................\
.... 21
LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS .................................................... 21
REPAIR PARTS ...................................................................... 22
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES  .....................................23
WARRANTY  ...................................................................... Insert
thank You	 for	purchasing	 this	water	 heater.		 Properly	 installed	and	
maintained,	it	should	give	you	years	of	trouble	free	service.
Abbreviations	Found	In	 This	Instruction	Manual:
•	 UL 	-	Underwriters	Laboratories	Inc.
•	 ANSI	-	 American	National	Standards	Institute
•	 NFPA 	-	National	Fire	Protection	 Association
•	 ASME	-	 American	Society	of	Mechanical	Engineers
•	 AHRI	-		 Air-Conditioning,	Heating	and	Refrigeration	Institute
•	 CAN	-	Canada
•	 EPACT 	-	Energy	Policy	 Act
•	 CSA 	-	Canadian	Standards	 Association	
This	 gas-fired	 water	heater	 is	design	 certified	 by	Underwriters 	
Laboratories	 Inc.	under	 American	 National	Standard/CSA 	Standard	  
for	Gas	Water	Heaters	 ANSI	Z21.10.3	•	CSA	4.3	(current	edition).		
preparInG for the InstallatIon
1.	 Read	the	“General	 Safety”	section,	 page	3	of	 this	 manual 	
first	 and	 then	 the	entire	 manual	 carefully.	 	 If	you	 don’t	 follow 	
the	 safety	 rules,	the	water	 heater	 will	not	operate	 properly.		 It	
could 	cause	 DEATH,	 SERIOUS	 BODILY	INJURY	 AND/OR	
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
	 This	 manual	contains	 instructions	 for	the	 installation,	 operation,	and	
maintenance	of	the	gas-fired	water	heater.		It	also	contains	warnings 	
throughout	 the	manual	 that	you	must	 read	and	be	aware	 of.	 	All	
warnings	 and	all	instructions	 are	essential	 to	the	 proper	 operation	 of	
the	 water	 heater	 and	your	 safety.	 	 Since	we	cannot	 put	everything 	on	
the	 first	 few	pages,	 read the  entIre Manual  Before 
atteMptInG to Install  or operate the water heater.
2. 		The	 installation	 must	conform	 with	these	 instructions	 and	the	local 	
code	 authority	 having	jurisdiction.	 In	the	 absence	 of	local	 codes,	
installations	 shall	comply	 with	the	National	 Fuel	Gas	Code	 ANSI	
Z223.1/NFPA 	54	 current 	addition. 	This	 publication	 is	available	 from	
the	 CSA 	International,	 8501	East	Pleasant	 Valley	Rd.,	Cleveland	
Ohio	 44131, 	or	 The	 National	 Fire	Protection	 Association, 	1 	
Batterymarch	Park,	Quincy,	MA 	02269.	
3.		If	 after	 reading	 this	manual	 you	have	 any	questions	 or	do	 not 
understand	 any	portion	 of	the	 instructions,	 call	the	local	 gas	utility	
or	the	manufacturer	whose	name	appears	on	the	rating	plate.
4.		Carefully	 plan	the	place	 where	 you	are	going	 to	put	 the	water	
heater.		 Correct		 combustion,	 vent	action,	 and	vent	 pipe	installation 	
are	 very	 important	 in	preventing	 death	from	possible	 carbon	
monoxide	poisoning	and	fires.	See	Figures	3	and	8.
	 Examine	 the	location	 to	ensure	 the	water	 heater	 complies	 with	
the	“Locating	the	New	Water	Heater”	section	in	this	manual.
5. 		For	 California	 installation	 this	water	 heater	 must	be	 braced, 	
anchored, 	or	 strapped	 to	avoid	 falling	 or	moving	 during	an	
earthquake.	 See	instructions	 for	correct	 installation	 procedures.	
Instructions	 may	be	obtained	 from	California	 Office	of	the	 State	
Architect,	400	P 	Street,	Sacramento,	CA 	95814.
6.		Massachusetts	 Code	requires	 this	water	 heater	 to	be	 installed	 in	
accordance	 with	Massachusetts	 248-CMR	2.00:	State	 Plumbing	
Code	and	248-CMR	5.00.
IntroductIon
taBle of contents 
						

							5
tYpIcal InstallatIon
Get to Know Your water heater - Gas Models
 a  v ent pipe
  B drafthood 
  c anode
  d  hot w ater outlet
  e outlet
  f Insulation
  G  Gas supply
  h  Manual Gas shut-off v alve
fIGure 1.
 
I Ground joint union
  j  sediment t rap
  K Inner door
  l  outer door
  M union
  n   Inlet w ater shut-off v alve
  o  cold w ater Inlet
  p  Inlet dip t ube   q  t
emperature-pressure relief v alve 
  r   rating plate
  S  Flue Baffle(s)
  t  Gas control v alve/thermostat
  u  drain v alve
  v   pilot and Main Burner
  w   flue
  X   Metal drain pan
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER - NATURAL GAS
(T) GAS CONTROL VALVE/THERMOSTAT
MaIn 
Burner
therMocouple
pIlot
Burner
(V) PILOT & MAIN BURNER - PROPANE GAS
**closed  water sYste Ms are  those  
wIth BacK flow  preventIon devIces 
Installed In the water servIce lIne. *  Install  In accordance wIth  
  local  codes.
* sedIMent trap  as requIred 
  BY local  codes.
* all  pIpInG MaterIals to Be  
  supplIed BY custoMers. 
						

							6
tYpIcal InstallatIon
fIGure 2.
         MIXInG valve usaGe
This	water	 heater	 has	been 	design 	certified	 as	complying	 with	ANSI 	Z21.10.3 	
current	edition 	for	water	heaters	and	is	considered	suitable	for:
Water  (Potable)  Heating  and  Space  Heating:	 All	models	 are	
considered	suitable	for	water	(potable)	heating	and	space	heating.		
HOTTER	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	 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	
should	 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.	Consult	 a	qualified	 installer	or	service	 agency.		
Follow	 mixing	valve	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	
Figures	15	and	16. 
						

							7
facts to consIder  aBout the locatIon
Carefully	choose	 an	indoor	 location	 for	the	 new	 water	 heater, 	
because	 the	placement	 is	a	very	 important	 consideration	 for	the	
safety	 of	the	 occupants	 in	the	 building	 and	for	the	 most	 economical 	
use	 of	the	 water	 heater.	 this water heater is not for use in 
manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether	 replacing	 an	old	 water	 heater	 or	putting	 the	water	 heater	
in	a	new	location,	the	following	critical	points	must	be	observed:
1.		Select	 a	location	 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.		
2. 		Selected	 location	must	provide	 adequate	 clearances	 for	
servicing	and	proper	operation	of	the	water	heater.
Keep	 combustibles 	such	 as	boxes, 	magazines, 	clothes, 	etc., 	away 	
from	the	water	heater	area.
Installation	 of	the	 water	 heater	 must	be	accomplished	 in	such	 a	manner 	
that	 if	tank	 or	any	 connections	 should	leak,	the	flow	 will	not	 cause 	
damage	 to	the	 structure.	 For	this	 reason,	 it	is	 not	 advisable	 to	install 		
water	 heater	 in	an	 attic	 or	upper	 floor.	When	 such	locations	 cannot	be	
avoided,	 a	suitable	 metal	drain	pan	should	 be	installed	 under	the	water 	
heater.	 Metal	drain	pans	are	available	 at	your	 local	 hardware	 store.		Such	
a	 metal	 drain	pan	must	 have	 a	minimum	 length	and	width	 of	at	least	 2”	
(51	 mm)	 greater	 than	the	water	 heater	 dimensions	 and	must	 be	piped 	
to	an	adequate	drain.	 The	pan	must	not	restrict	combustion	air	flow. 		
Water	 heater	 life	depends	 upon	water	 quality,	 water	pressure	 and	the	
environment	 in	which	 the	water	 heater	 is	installed.	 Water	heaters	 are	
sometimes	 installed	in	locations	 where	leakage	 may	result	 in	property 	
damage,	 even	with	the	use	 of	a	drain	 pan	piped	 to	a	drain.	 However, 	
unanticipated	 damage	can	be	reduced	 or	prevented	 by	a	leak	 detector 	
or	 water	 shut-off	 device	used	in	conjunction	 with	a	piped	 drain	pan.	
These	 devices	 are	available	 from	some	 plumbing	 supply	wholesalers 	
and	retailers,	and	detect	and	react	to	leakage	in	various	ways:
•	 Sensors	 mounted	in	the	 drain	 pan	that	trigger	 an	alarm	 or	turn	 off	
the	incoming	water	to	the	water	heater	when	leakage	is	detected.
•	 Sensors	 mounted	in	the	 drain	 pan	that	turn	 off	the	 water	 supply	
to	the	entire	home	when	water	is	detected	in	the	drain	pan.
•	 Water	 supply	shut-off	 devices	 that	activate	 based	on	the	 water 	
pressure	 differential	 between	the	cold	 water	 and	hot	water	 pipes	
connected	to	the	water	heater.
•	 Devices	 that	will	turn	 off	the	 gas	 supply	 to	a	gas	 water	 heater 	
while	at	the	same	time	shutting	off	its	water	supply.
locatInG the new water heater
INSTALLATIONS	 IN	AREAS	 WHERE	 FLAMMABLE	 LIQUIDS	
(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.]	and	other	 substances 	
such	 as	adhesives,	 etc.)	emit	flammable	 vapors	which	can	be	ignited	 by	
a	 gas	 water	 heater’s	 pilot	light	or	main	 burner.	 The	resulting	 flashback 	
and	 fire	can	 cause	 death	or	serious	 burns	to	anyone	 in	the	 area,	 as	well 	
as	 property	 damage.	 If	installation	 in	such	 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	chances	 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	 producing	 appliance.	 NOTE:	
Flammable	 vapors	may	be	drawn	 by	air	 currents	 from	other	 areas	 of	
the	structure	to	the	appliance.
Also,	 the	water	 heater	 must	be	located	 and/or	protected	 so	it	is	 not	
subject	to	physical	damage	by	a	moving	vehicle.
This	 water	 heater	 must	not	be	installed	 directly	on	carpeting. 		
Carpeting	 must	be	protected	 by	metal	 or	wood	 panel	 beneath	 the	
water	 heater	 extending	 beyond	the	full	width	 and	depth	 of	water	
heater	 by	at	least 	3”		 (76.2	 mm)	in	any	 direction,	 or	if	the	 water	 heater 	
is	 installed	 in	an	 alcove	 or	closet,	 the	entire	 floor	must	 be	covered	 by	
the	panel.	Failure	to	heed	this	warning	may	result	in	a	fire	hazard. 
						

							8
Minimum	clearances	 between	the	water	 heater	 and	combustible 	
materials	 are	0	inch	 at	the	 sides	 and	rear,	 4”	(102	 mm)	at	the	 front,	
and	 6”	(153	 mm)	from	 the	vent	 pipe.		 Clearance	 from	the	top	of	the	
jacket 	is 	12” 	(305	 mm)	on	 most 	models. 		Note	 that	a	 lesser 	dimension 	
may	 be	allowed	 on	some	 models, 	refer	 to	the	 label	 attached	 adjacent	
to	the	gas	control	valve	on	the	water	heater,	see	Figure	3.
      
fIGure 3.
A	 gas	 water	 heater	 cannot	 operate	 properly	 without	the	correct	 amount 	
of	 air	 for	 combustion.		 Do	not	 install	 in	a	confined	 area	such	 as	a	closet, 	
unless	 you	provide	 air	as	shown	 in	the	 “Locating	 The	New	 Water	 Heater” 	
section.		 Never	obstruct	 the	flow	 of	ventilation	 air.		If	you	 have	 any	doubts 	
or	 questions	 at	all,	 call	 your	 gas	supplier.		 Failure	to	provide	 the	proper 	
amount	 of	combustion	 air	can	 result	 in	a	fire	 or	explosion	 and	cause 	
death,	serious	bodily	injury,	or	property	damage.
fIGure 4.
If	 this	 water	 heater	 will	be	used	 in	beauty	 shops,	barber	shops,	 cleaning  
establishments, 	or	 self-service	 laundries	with	dry	cleaning	 equipment, 	
it	 is	 imperative	 that	the	water	 heater	 or	water	 heaters	 be	installed	 so	
that	 combustion	 and	ventilation	 air	be	 taken	 from	outside	 these	areas. 		
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	corrosive	 hydrochloric 	
acid	 when	 exposed	 to	the	 combustion	 products	of	the	 water	 heater. 		
The	results	can	be	hazardous,	and	also	cause	product	failure.
InsulatIon BlanKets
Insulation	 blankets	are	available	 to	the	 general	 public	for	external	 use	
on	 gas	 water	 heaters	 but	are	 not	necessary	 with	these	 products.		 The	
purpose	 of	an	 insulation	 blanket	is	to	 reduce	 the	standby	 heat	loss	
encountered	 with	storage	 tank	heaters.	 Your	water	 heater	 meets	or	
exceeds	 the	EPACT 	standards	 with	respect 	to	 insulation	 and	standby 	
loss	requirements,	making	an	insulation	blanket	unnecessary.
Should	 you	choose	 to	apply	 an	insulation	 blanket	to	this	 heater,	 you 
should	 follow	these	instructions	 (For	identification	 of	components	
mentioned	 below,	see	Figure	 1).	Failure	 to	follow	 these	instructions	
can	 restrict	 the	air	flow	 required	 for	proper	 combustion,	 potentially	
resulting	in	fire,	asphyxiation,	serious	personal	injury	or	death.
•	 Do	 not	 apply	 insulation	 to	the	 top	of	the	 water	 heater,	 as	this	 will   
	 interfere	with	safe	operation	of	the	draft	hood.
•	 Do	 not	 cover	 the	outer	 door,	gas	control	 valve/thermostat	 or 
	 temperature	&	pressure	relief	valve.
•	 Do	 not	 allow	 insulation	 to	come	 within	 2”	(50.8	 mm)	of	the	 floor	 to  
	 prevent	blockage	of	combustion	air	flow	to	the	burner.
•	 Do	 not	 cover	 the	instruction	 manual.	Keep	it	on	 the	 side	 of	the   
	 water	heater	or	nearby	for	future	reference.
•	 Do	 obtain	 new	warning	 and	instruction	 labels	from	the	manufacturer  
	 for	placement	on	the	blanket	directly	over	the	existing	labels.
•	 Do	 inspect	 the	insulation	 blanket	frequently	 to	make	 certain	 it  
	 does	not	sag,	thereby	obstructing	combustion	air	flow.
coMBustIon aIr and  ventIlatIon for 
applIances located In unconfIned spaces
unconf Ined  space	 is	space	 whose	 volume	 is	not 	less	 than	  
50	 cubic	 feet	per	 1,000	 Btu	per	hour	 (4.8	m3	per	 kW)	 of	the	 aggregate 	
input	 rating	 of	all	 appliances	 installed	in	that	 space.	 	 Rooms	
communicating	 directly	with	the	space	 in	which	 the	appliances	 are	
installed,	 through	openings	 not	furnished	 with	doors,	 are	considered 	
a	part	of	the	unconfined	space.
In	 unconfined	 spaces	in	buildings,	 infiltration	 may	be	adequate	 to	provide 	
air	 for	 combustion,	 ventilation	and	dilution	 of	flue	 gases.		 However,	 in	
buildings	 of	tight	 construction	 (for	example,	 weather	stripping,	 heavily	
insulated,	 caulked,	vapor	barrier,	 etc.),	additional	 air	may	 need	 to	
be	 provided	 using	the	methods	 described	 in	“Combustion	 Air	and 	
Ventilation	for	Appliances	Located	in	Confined	Spaces.”
coMBustIon aIr and  ventIlatIon for 
applIances located In confIned spaces
confIned space	 is	a	space	 whose	 volume	 is	less	 than	 50	cubic	
feet	 per	1,000	 Btu	per	hour	 (4.8	m3	per	 kW)		 of	the	 aggregate	 input	
rating	of	all	appliances	installed	in	that	space. 
						

							9
a.  all aIr froM InsIde BuIldInGs:  (See	Figures	4	and	5)
The	 confined	 space	shall	be	provided	 with	two	permanent	 openings	
communicating	 directly	with	an	additional	 room(s)	of	sufficient 	
volume	 so	that 	the	 combined	 volume	of	all	 spaces	 meets	the	
criteria	 for	an	unconfined	 space.	The	total	 input	 of	all	 gas	 utilization	
equipment	 installed	in	the	 combined	 space	shall	be	considered	 in	
making	 this	determination.	 Each	opening	 shall	have	 a	minimum 	
free	 area	 of	one	 square	 inch	per	1,000	 Btu	per	hour	 (22	cm
2/kW)	 of	
the	total	input	rating	of	all	gas	utilization	equipment	 in	the	confined	
space,	 but	not	less	 than	 100	square 	inches	 (645	cm
2).	One	 opening	
shall	 commence	 within	12”	(30	cm)	 of	the	 top	and	 one	commencing	
within	12”	(30	cm)	of	the	bottom	of	the	enclosures .
fIGure 5.
B. all  aIr froM  outdoors:	(See	Figures	6,	7	and	8)
The	 confined	 space	shall	be	provided	 with	two	permanent 	
openings,	 one	commencing	 within	12”	(30	cm)	 of	the	 top	and	 one 
commencing	 within	12”		(30	 cm) 	from 	the	 bottom 	of 	the	 enclosure. 		The 	
openings	 shall	communicate	 directly,	or	by	 ducts,	 with	the	outdoors	 or	
spaces	(crawl	or	attic)	that	freely	communicate	with	the	outdoors.
1. 		 When	 directly	communicating	 with	the	outdoors, 	each	 opening	 shall 
 
have	 a	minimum	 free	area	 of	1	 square	 inch	per	4,000	 Btu	per	hour 	
 
(5.5		 cm
2/kW)	 of	total	 input	 rating	 of	all	 equipment	 in	the	 enclosure, 	
see	Figure	6.
fIGure 6.
2. 		 When 	communicating 	with 	the 	outdoors	 through	vertical 	ducts,  
each	 opening	 must	have	 a	minimum	 free	area	 of	1	square	 inch	
per	 4,000	 Btu	per	hour	 (5.5	cm
2/kW)	 of	 	total	 input	 rating	 of	all	
equipment	in	the	enclosure,	see	Figure	7.
3.	 When	 communicating	 with	the	outdoors 	through	 horizontal	 ducts, 
each	 opening	 shall	have	 a	minimum	 free	area	 of	1	square	 inch	
per	 2,000	 Btu	per	hour	 (11	cm
2/kW))	 of	 	total	 input	 rating	 of	all	
equipment	in	the	enclosure,	see	Figure	8.
fIGure 7.
4.	 When	 ducts	are	used,	 they	shall	 be	of	the	 same	 cross-sectional	
area	 as	the	 free	 area	 of	the	 openings	 to	which	 they	connect.		 The	
minimum	 short	side	dimension	 of	rectangular	 air	ducts	 shall	not	
be	less	than	3”	(76.2	mm),	see	Figure	8.
5. 		 Alternatively	 a	single	 permanent	 opening	may	be	used	 when	
communicating	 directly	with	 the	outdoors, 	or 	with	 spaces 	that 	
freely	 communicate	 with	the	outdoors.	 The	opening	 shall	have	 a	
minimum	 free	area	 of	1	square	 inch	per	3,000	 BTU	per	hour	 (8.3	
cm
2/kW)	 of	total	 input	 rating	 of	all	 equipment	 in	enclosure.	 See	
Figure	8A.
fIGure 8.
6. 		 Louvers	 and	Grilles: 	In	 calculating	 free	area, 	consideration	 shall	be	given 	
to	 the	 blocking	 effect	of	louvers,	 grilles	or	screens	 protecting	 openings.	
Screens	 used	shall	not	be	smaller	 than	1/4	inch	 (6.4	mm)	 mesh.	 If	the 	
free	 area	 through	 a	design	 of	louver	 or	grille	 is	known,	 it	should	 be	
used	 in	calculating	 the	size	 opening	 required	 to	provide	 the	free	 area 	
specified.		 If	the	 design	 and	free	 area	 is	not	 known,	 it	may	 be	assumed 	
that	 wood	 louvers	 will	be	20-25	 percent	 free	area	 and	metal	 louvers 	
and	 grilles	 will	have	 60-75	 percent	 free	area.	 Louvers	 and	grilles	 shall	
be	 fixed	 in	the	 open	 position	 or	interlocked	 with	the	equipment	 so	that 	
they	are	opened	automatically	during	equipment	operation.
7. 		 Special	 Conditions	 Created	by	Mechanical	 Exhausting	or	Fireplaces: 	
operation	 of	exhaust	 fans,	ventilation	 systems,	clothes	dryers	or	
fireplaces	 may	create	 conditions	 requiring	special	attention	 to	avoid 	
unsatisfactory	operation	of	installed	gas	utilization	equipment.
fIGure 8a. 
						

							10
water pIpInG
HOTTER		WATER		CAN		SCALD: 	
Water	heaters 	are 	intended 	to 	produce 	hot 	water. 		Water 	heated 	to 	
a 	temperature 	whic h	will	satisf y 	spac e	heating, 	c lothes	washing, 	
dish 	washing, 	cleaning 	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 	
s u c h 	a s	a	* m i x i n g 	v a l v e	s h o u l d 	b e	u s e d 	a t	t h e 	h o t	w a t e r 	t a p s	u s e d 	
by	 these	 people	 or	at	the	 water	 heater,	 see	Figure	 2.	Valves	 for	
reducing	 point	of	use	 temperature	 by	mixing	 cold	and	hot	water	 are	
also 	available. 	C o n s u l t  a  q u a l i fi e d  i n s t a l l e r  o r  s e r v i c e  a g e n c y.   
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.
This	 water	 heater	 shall	not	be	connected	 to	any	 heating	 systems 	
or	 component(s)	 used	with	a	non-potable	 water	heating	 appliance.
All	 piping	 components	 connected	to	this	 unit	 for	space	 heating 	
applications	shall	be	suitable	for	use	with	potable	water.
Toxic	 chemicals,	 such	as	those	 used	for	boiler	 treatment	 shall	
not	be	introduced	into	this	system.
When 	the 	system 	requires 	water 	for 	space 	heating 	at 	
t e m p e r a t u r e s 	h i g h e r	t h a n	r e q u i r e d 	f o r	d o m e s t i c 	w a t e r	p u r p o s e s , 	
a	 tempering	 valve	must	be	installed.	 Please	refer	to	Figure	 2	
for 	suggested 	piping	arrangement. 	The	water 	supply 	pressure 	
should	 not	exceed	 80	psi.	 If	this	 occurs,	 a	pressure	 reducing	
valve	 with	a	bypass	 should	be	installed	 in	the	 cold	 water	 inlet	
line.	 This	 should	 be	placed	 on	the	 supply	 to	the	 entire	 house	 in	
order	to	maintain	equal	hot	and	cold	water	pressures.
These 	water 	heaters 	cannot 	be 	used 	in 	space 	heating 	
applications 	only.
InstallInG the new water heater
closed w ater sYsteMs
Water	supply	 systems	 may,	because	 of	code	 requirements 	
or	 such	 conditions	 as	high	 line	pressure,	 among	others,	 have	
installed	 devices	such	as	pressure	 reducing	valves,	check	
valves,	 and	back	 flow	preventers.	 Devices	such	as	these	 cause	
the	water	system	to	be	a	closed	system.
therMal eXpansIon
As	 water	 is	heated,	 it	expands	 (thermal	expansion).	 In	a	closed 	
system	 the	volume	 of	water	 will	grow	 when	 it	is	 heated.	 As	the	
volume 	of	water 	grows 	there	will	be	a	corresponding 	increase	in	
water 	pressure 	due 	to 	thermal 	expansion. 	Thermal 	expansion 	can 	
c a u s e 	p r e m a t u r e 	t a n k	f a i l u r e 	( l e a k a g e). 	T h i s	t y p e 	o f	f a i l u r e 	i s	n o t 	
covered	 under	the	limited	 warranty.	 Thermal	expansion	 can	also	
cause 	intermittent 	Temperature-Pressure 	Relief 	Valve 	operation: 	
water 	disc harged 	f rom 	the 	valve 	due 	to 	exc es sive 	pres sure 	build 	
up.	 This	 condition	 is	not	 covered	 under	the	limited	 warranty. 	
The	 Temperature-Pressure	 Relief	Valve	is	not	 intended	 for	the	
constant	relief	of	thermal	expansion.
A 	properly 	sized 	thermal 	expansion 	tank 	must 	be 	installed 	on 	
all	 closed	 systems	 to	control	 the	harmful	 effects	of	thermal 	
expansion.	 Contact	a	local	 plumbing	 service	agency	to	have	 a	
thermal 	expansion 	tank 	installed.
Water	 supply	 systems	 may,	because	 of	such	 events	 as	high	 line	
pressure, 	frequent	cut-offs,	the	effects 	of	water 	hammer 	among	
o t h e r s , 	h a v e	i n s t a l l e d 	d ev i c e s	s u c h	a s	p r e s s u r e 	r e d u c i n g	v a l v e s ,	
check	 valves,	 back	flow	preventers,	 etc.	to	control	 these	types	of	
problems.	 When	these	devices	 are	not	equipped	 with	an	internal 	
by-pass,	 and	no	other	 measures	 are	taken,	 the	devices	 cause	
the	 water	 system	 to	be	 closed.	 	 As	water	 is	heated,	 it	expands 	
(thermal	 expansion)	 and	closed	 systems	 do	not	allow	 for	the	
expansion	of	heated	water.
T h e 	w a t e r 	w i t h i n 	t h e	w a t e r 	h e a t e r 	t a n k	e x p a n d s 	a s	i t	i s 	h e a t e d 	a n d	
i n c r e a s e s 	t h e	p r e s s u r e 	o f	t h e 	w a t e r 	sy s t e m . 		I f	t h e 	r e l i ev i n g 	p o i n t	
of 	the	 water	 heater’s	 temperature-pressure	 relief	valve	 is	reached, 	
the	 valve	 will	relieve	 the	excess	 pressure.	 	 the temperature-
pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant relief 
of thermal expansion. 		This 	is 	an 	unacceptable 	condition 	and 	
must	be	corrected.
It 	is 	recommended 	that	any	devices 	installed 	which	could	create 	
a	 closed	 system	 have	a	by-pass	 and/or	the	system	 have	an	
e x p a n s i o n 	t a n k	t o	r e l i e v e 	t h e	p r e s s u r e 	b u i l t	b y	t h e r m a l 	e x p a n s i o n 	
in 	the 	water 	system. 		Expansion 	tanks 	are 	available 	for 	ordering 	
through	 a	local	 plumbing	 contractor. 	 	Refer 	to	 the	 “Thermal 	
Expansion”	 section	in	this	 manual	 and/or	contact	 the	local	 water 	
supplier	 and/or	a	service	 agency	for	assistance	 in	controlling 	
these 	situations.
note:  t o protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold 
water fittings, it is strongly recommended that di-electric 
unions or couplings be installed on this water heater when 
connected to copper pipe.