American Water Heater NonCondensing Outdoor Natural Gas GT910NIE User Manual

							 - 11 - 
The dark square is the direction 
the dipswitch should be set to. 
DIRECT INTAKE VENT SYSTEM 
This water heat er may be converted to a d irect-v ent  (sealed combustion) appliance by installing 
an adapter (Part No.  9007669005 (TM -DV50) ) which will bring all requ ired combustible air from 
outside the building.  When installing the  direct-v ent  conversion kit, please follow all instructions 
included with the kit.   
•   The  water heater  must be installed in a location where the proper amount of combustible air will 
be ava ilable to it at all times without obstructions.    
•   If used as a direct -v ent  appliance, the  water heater requires a 5” combustible  air supply pipe. The 
intake pipe must be sealed airtight.  
•   Air supply pipe can be made  of ABS, PVC (solid core) ,  CPVC (solid cor e), galvanized steel, 
corrugated aluminum, corrugated stainless steel or Category  III stainless steel.  
•   Use of cellular core PVC (ASTM F891), cellular core CPVC, or Radel
® (polyphenylsulfone) in 
non- metallic venting systems is prohibited.  Covering non- metallic vent pipe and fittings with 
thermal insulation is prohibited.  
•   Change the dipswitch settings to the direct -v ent  system. (See diagram below)  
•   Sidewall ventin g is recommended for the direct -v ent  system.  
•   The manufacturer  recommends running the exhaust vent and the intake pipe parallel.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct-Vent 
Conversion Kit 
Make sure power to the unit is 
turned OFF before changing 
the dipswitch settings.  
O N 
TMP1
 
TMP2
 
TMP3
 
MODE
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8 
Lower Bank of Dipswitches 
7-Seg LED 
Lower bank of 
dip switch es  
Upper bank of 
d ip switch es  
INTAKE EXHAUST 
DIRECT-VENT  
CONVERSION  KIT  LOUVER COVER PL ATES  
						

							 - 12 - 
VENTING INSTRUCTIONS 
 
WARNING: Improper venting of this appliance can result in excessive levels of  
carbon monoxide which can result in severe personal injury or death.
 
 
Th is water heater must be vented in accordance with the section  “Venting of Equipment of the 
current  edition of the Nat ural Fuel Gas  Code: ANSI Z223.1, a ll applicable local building codes, 
and  Section  8 of  B149.1 Natural Gas in Canada, Propane I nstallation Code in Canada.  
 
EXHAUST VENT  
This is a Category III appliance and must be vented accordingly.   The vent system must be 
sealed air tight.  All seams and joints  without gaskets must be sealed with high heat resistant 
silicone sealant or UL listed aluminum adhesive tape having a minim um temperature rating of 
350  ºF.  For best results, a vent system should be as short and straight as possible.  
1.   This water heater is a Category III appliance and must be vented accordingly with any 5 ” 
vent approved for use with Cat egory III or Special BH type gas vent.   
2.   The manufacturer recommends the NovaV ent line.  However, t he following are  also UL 
listed manufacturers: Pro Tech Systems Inc. (FasNSeal),  Metal-Fab Inc., and Heat -Fab Inc. 
(Saf -T Vent).   
3.   Follow the vent pipe manufact urer’s instructions when installing the vent pipe.   
4.   Do not common vent this appliance with any other vented appliance .  (Do not 
terminate vent into a chimney.   If the vent must go through the chimney, the vent must run 
all the way through the chimney with C ategory III approved or Special BH vent pipe. )  
5.   The maximum length of exhaust vent piping  must not exceed  50 ft. deducting  5 ft. for each 
elb ow used in the venting system.   Do not use more than  5 elbows.  
Diameter Max. No. of Elbows Max. Vertical or Horizontal Length 
5” 5 Ea. 50 ft  
         *For each elbow  added, deduct 5 ft. from max. v ent length. 
No. of Elbows Max. Vertical or Horizontal Length 
0 50 ft. 
1 45 ft. 
2 40 ft. 
5 25 ft. 
 
6.  When the horizontal vent run exceeds  5 ft., support the vent run at  3 ft. intervals with 
overhead hangars.  
7.   The manufacturer  will not be responsible for any damage to the water heater caused  by 
condensation from the vent.   For horizontal runs, slope the vent run downwards toward the 
vent terminal at a rate of ¼” per foot.  For horizontal runs that do not slope downward and 
for vertical runs, installing a condensate dr ain is recommended.  Please refer to p.  14 for 
the diagrams.    
 
 When installing the vent system, all applicable national and local codes must be 
followed. If you install thimbles, fire stops or other protective devices and they 
penetrate any combustible or noncombustible construction, be sure to follow all 
applicable national and local codes.
  
						

							 - 13 - 
VENT TERMINATION 
 
 
 
 
 
WARNING: Improper installation can cause naus ea or asphyxiation, severe injury 
or death  from carbon monoxide and flue gases poisoning. Improper installation 
will void product warranty. 
 
 
•   The vent terminat ion provides a means of installing vent pipe through the building wall and 
must be located in ac cordance with ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, or in Canada  with B149.1  and 
local applicable codes.  
•   A proper  sidewall vent terminat ion is recommended when the water heater is vented through 
a sidewall.    If the  water heater  is converted to a  direct -v ent  unit, a proper  sidewall  direct -v ent  
terminat ion is to be used.     
 
 
G eneral rules for venting the  water heater are:  
1.   Place the water heater as close as  possible to the vent terminat ion. 
2.   The vent collar of the water heater must be fastened directly to an unobstructed vent  pipe.  
3.   Do not weld the vent pipe to the water heater collar.   
4.   Do not cut the vent collar of the unit.  
5.   The weight of the vent  stack must not rest on the water heater.   
6.   The  vent must be easily removable from the  top of the water heater for normal service and  
inspection of the unit.  
7.   The water heater vent must not be connected  to any other gas appliance or vent stack. 
8.   Avoid locating  the water heater vent terminat ion near  any air intake devices.  These fans 
can pick up the  exhaust flue products from the  water heater and return them to the building. 
This can create a health hazard.  
9.   Avoid using an oversized vent pipe or using extremely long runs of the pipe.
 
10. Locate the vent terminat ion so that it cannot be blocked by any debris, at any time. Most 
codes require that  the termination be at least 12 inches above grade, but the installer may 
determine if it should be higher depending on the  job site condition and applicable codes. 
11.  For rooftop venting, a rain cap must be installed.   
						

							 
- 14  - 
Horizontal Installation  Diagram  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Vertical Installation Diagram  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•   Regarding t he clearance from the terminal  to the air inlet or opening, refer to the next page.  
•   Install a condensation drain in the venting.  
•   Follow  the  vent manufacturer’ s instructions  and local codes.   
•   Do not common vent or connect any  vent  from other  appliances  to the water heater vent.  
•   Use 5 ” category  III approved or Special BH, single or double wall stainless steel vent pipe.
 
Wall 
Roof 
Rain cap 
Roof flashing 
Sidewall 
vent  
termination  
Vertical condensation drain 
(Install according to local codes)  
Vent damper 
(Recommended  for freezing 
weather conditions : 36°F and 
below)   
 Vent damper 
(Recommended  for freezing 
weather conditions : 36°F and 
below)   
Vertical condensation drain 
(Install according to local codes)   
						

							 - 15 - 
VENT CLEARANCES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Canada U.S.A 
Direct vent and 
other than Direct 
Vent 
Direct v ent   Other than Direct Vent  
A Clearance above grade, veranda, porch, 
deck, or balcony. 1 foot   1 foot  1 foot 
B  Clearance to window or door that may be 
opened.
  3 feet
  1 foot 
4 feet from below or 
side opening. 1 foot 
from above opening. 
C Clearance to permanently closed window * * * 
D 
Vertical clearance to ventilated soffit 
located above the vent terminator within a 
horizontal distance of 2 feet (61cm) from 
the center line of the terminator. 
*  *  * 
E Clearance to unventilated soffit * * * 
F Clearance to outside corner * * * 
G Clearance to inside corner * * * 
H  Clearance to each side of center line 
extended above meter/regulator assembly 3 feet   *  * 
I Clearance to service regulator vent outlet. 3 feet * * 
J  
Clearance to non-mechanical air supply 
inlet to building or the combustion air inlet 
to any other application. 
3 feet   1 foot 
4 feet from below or 
side opening. 1 foot 
from above opening. 
K Clearance to mechanical air supply inlet. 6 feet 3 feet 3 feet 
L 
Clearance above paved sidewalk or 
paved driveway located on public 
property. 
7 feet   *  7 feet 
M Clearance under veranda, porch deck, or 
balcony. 1 foot   *  * 
*For clearances not specified in ANSI Z223.1 / NFPA 54 (US) or B149.1 (Canada), please use clearances in 
accordance with local installation codes and the requirement of the gas supplier.  
  
						

							 - 16 - 
Size the gas pipe appropriately to supply the necessary volume of gas required for the 
water heater using ANSI Z 223.1/N FPA 54 i n the USA  or  B149.1 in Canada or local 
codes.  Otherwise, flow capabilities and output temperatures will be limited.  
 
GAS SUPPLY AND GAS PIPE SIZING 
 
 
 
1.   Turn off all electric power to the water heater if service is to be performed.  
2.   Turn the manual gas v alve located on the outside of the unit clockwise   to the off position.
 
 
 WARNING: Conversion of this unit from natural gas to propane or vice versa will 
void all warranty. Contact your local distributor to get the correct unit for your gas 
type.   The m anufacturer  is not liable for any property and/or personal 
damage resulting from gas conversions. 
 
*Check  that the type of gas matches the rating plate first.  
 
•   The minimum and maximum inlet gas pressures are:  
Gas type Inlet gas pressure 
Natural Gas Min. 4.0” WC – Max. 10.5” WC 
Propane Min. 8.0” WC – Max. 14.0” WC 
 
•   Inlet gas pressures that fall outside the range of values listed above may adversely affect the 
performance of the water heater .  These pressures are measured when the water heater is in full 
operation.  
•   Inlet gas pressure must not exceed the above maximum values; gas pressure above the specified 
range will cause dangerous operating conditions and damage to the unit.   Ensure that any and all 
gas regulators used are operating properly and are providing gas pressures within the specified 
range shown  above. 
•   Until testing of the main gas line supply pressure is completed, ensure the gas line to the  water 
heater  is disconnected to avoid any damage to the water heater.  
 
 
 
-Gas connections-  
1. Install a manual gas shut off valve between the water heater and the gas supply line.    
2. When the gas connections are completed, it is neces sary to perform a gas leak test either by 
applying soapy water to all gas fittings and observing for bubbles or by using a gas leak detection 
device.    
• The water heater and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected from the gas supply 
piping system during any pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of 1/2 psi 
(3.5 kPa).  
• The water heater must be isolated fr om the gas supply piping system by closing its individual 
manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test 
pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psi (3.5kPa).  
3. Always purge the gas line of any debris and/or water before  connecting to the gas inlet. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE 
NOTICE  
  
						

							 - 17 - 
Natural Gas Supply Piping 
Maximum Delivery Capacity of Cubic Feet of Gas  per Hour of IPS Pipe Carrying Natural Gas of 0.60 Specific Gravity 
Based on Pressure Drop of 0.5” WC  
  Based on Energy Content of 1 ,0 00 BTU/Cubi c Ft.: 910 (T -M50)  requires  380  Cubic Ft./hr.      Unit: Cubic Feet per Hour  
Pipe 
Size Length 
Diameter 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 125 150 200 
¾” 363 249 200 171 152 138 127 118 111 104 93 84 72 
1” 684 470 377 323 286 259 239 222 208 197 174 158 135 
1 ¼” 1,404 965 775 663 588 532 490 456 428 404 358 324 278 
1 ½” 2,103 1,445 1,161 993 880 798 734 683 641 605 536 486 416 
2” 4,050 2,784 2,235 1,913 1,696 1,536 1,413 1,315 1,234 1,165 1,033 936 801 
2 ½” 6,455 4,437 3,563 3,049 2,703 2,449 2,253 2,096 1,966 1,857 1,646 1,492 1,277 
3” 11,412 7,843 6,299 5,391 4,778 4,329 3,983 3,705 3,476 3,284 2,910 2,637 2,257 
Propane (LP) Gas Supply Piping 
Maximum Capacity of Propane (LP) Gas Based on 11” WC supply pressure at a 1.0” WC pressure drop  
Un it: kBTU per Hour
 
Pipe 
Size Length  
Diameter 10’ 20’ 30’ 40’ 50’ 60’ 70’ 80’ 90’ 100’ 125’ 150’ 200’ 
¾” 567 393 315 267 237 217 196 185 173 162 146 132 112 
1” 1,071 732 590 504 448 409 378 346 322 307 275 252 213 
1 ¼” 2,205 1,496 1,212 1,039 913 834 771 724 677 630 567 511 440 
1 ½” 3,307 2,299 1,858 1,559 1,417 1,275 1,181 1,086 1,023 976 866 787 675 
2” 6,221 4,331 3,465 2,992 2,646 2,394 2,205 2,047 1,921 1,811 1,606 1,496 1,260 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10’ Length 3/4”  Pipe Size  
Gas Sizing Example 
(Natural Gas)  
15’ Length 1/2” Pipe Size  
10’ Length 1/2” Pipe Size  
Furnace 120,000BTU  
10’ Length 1” Pipe Size  
Water Heater 
380,000BTU  
10’ Length 1-1/2”  Pipe  Size 
Range 65,000BTU  
20’ Length 1-1 /4 ” Pipe Size  
Dryer 35,000BTU   
15’ Length 3/4” Pipe Size  
10’ Length 1-1/2”  Pipe Size  
Gas Meter 
B A 
Based on Energy Content of 1,000BTU/Cubic Ft:  
Divide each appliance’ s BTU requirement by 1, 000BTU to get 
the appliances Cubic Ft. requirement.  
 
Tak e into account  the distance the appliance is from the gas 
meter,  look in the above gas chart to properly size the line.  
 
For sections of the gas line supplying gas to more than one 
appli ance (Ex: Point A to Point B), add up the cubic ft. 
requirements of the appliances that are being supplied by that 
section, and size to the farthest appliance.  
 
For Example: The section from A to B supplies gas to the 
furnace, range, and dryer. Adding up t he BTU requirements and 
dividing by 1, 000 yields a cubic ft. requirement of 220 cubic ft. of 
gas. The farthest appliance is the range, which is 60 ft. away 
from the meter. Looking at the above chart, and under the 
column of 60ft., Section A to B needs to be 1”  in order to supply 
220 cubic ft.   
						

							 - 18 - 
1. Turn off all electric power to the water heater if service is to be performed. 
2. Turn the manual gas valve located on the outside of the unit clockwise     to 
  the off position.  
 
  
-Measuring inlet gas pressure - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  water heater cannot perform properly without sufficient inlet gas pressure. Below are 
instructions on how to check the inlet gas pressure. THIS IS ONLY TO BE DONE BY A 
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL.  
 
1.   Shut off the manual gas valve on the supply gas line.  
2.   Rem ove the screw for the pressure port located 
on the gas inlet of the water heater shown in the 
diagram to the right.  
3.   Connect the manometer to the pressure port.  
4.   Re -open the manual gas valve. Check to see that 
there are no gas leaks.  Open some of the 
fixtur es that use the highest flow rate to turn on 
the water heater.  
5.   Check the inlet gas pressure. When the water 
heater is on maximum burn, the manometer 
should read from  4.0” to 10.5” WC for Natural 
gas, from 8.0” to 14.0” WC f or Propane. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							 - 19 - 
WATER CONNECTIONS 
 
 
 
・Do not use this appliance  if any part has been submers ed under water. Immediately c ontact 
a  qualified installer or service agency  to  replace  a flooded  water heater . Do not attempt to 
repair the unit!  It must be replaced!  
・Do  not reverse the hot outlet and cold inlet connections to the w ater heater. This will not 
activate the water heater. 
 
1.   All pipes, pipe fittings, valves and other 
components, including soldering materials, must 
be suitable for potable water systems.   
2.   A manual shut off valve must be ins talled on the 
cold water inlet to the water heater between the 
main water supply line and the water heater .  
3.   In addition, a manual shut off valve is also 
recommended on the hot water outlet of the unit. 
If the water heater  is installed within, or subjected  
to, a closed loop water system, a thermal 
expansion tank must be installed.   
4.   Before installing the water heater, flush the water 
line to remove all debris, and after installation is 
complete, purge the air from the line.  Failur e to 
do so may cause damage  to the heater.  
5.   There is a wire mesh filter within the cold inlet to trap debris from entering your heater. 
This will need to be cleaned periodically to maintain optimum flow.   
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE 
The water heater has a high -temperature shut off switch built in as a standard safety feature 
(called a Hi -Limit switch) therefore a “pressure only”  relief valve is required.  
•   This unit does not come with an approved pressure relief valve.  
•   An approved pressure relief valve must be installed on the hot water out let.  
•   The pressure relief valve must conform to ANSI Z21.22 or CAN 1- 4.4 and installation must 
follow     local code.   
•   The discharge capacity must be at least  380,000 BTU/h.   
•   The pressure relief valve needs to be rated for a maximum of 150 psi.  
•   The discharg e piping for the pressure relief valve must be directed so that the hot water 
cannot splash on anyone or on nearby equipment.   
•   Attach the discharge tube to the pressure relief valve and run the end of the tube to within 
6 from the floor. This discharge tube must allow free and complete drainage without any 
restrictions.  
•   If the pressure relief valve installed on the water heater discharges periodically, this may 
be due to a defective thermal expansion tank or defective pressure relief valve.  
•   The pressure r elief valve must be manually operated periodically to check for correct 
operation.  
•   No valve must be placed between the relief valve and the water heater.  
•   For the  ASME model ,  the pressure relief valve must conform to and  be  installed in 
accordance with ASME  code.  
 
FOR YOUR SAFETY, READ BEFORE OPERATING: 
 
Pr essur e
Rel i efVal ve
Ga s
Cold inlet
Hot   out
Cold inlet 
Pressure Relief 
Valve  
Gas Hot out 
As Close as 
Possible  
						

							 - 20 - 
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 
WARNING: Follow the electrical code requirements of the local authority having 
jurisdiction. In the absence of such requirements, follow the latest edition of the 
National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70 in the U.S. or the lates t edition of CSA 
C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, in Canada.
 
 
CAUTION:  When servicing or replacing parts within the water heater , label all wires prior to 
disconnection to facilitate an easy and error free reconnection.  Wiring errors can cause 
imp roper and dangerous operation. Verify proper operation after servicing.  
 
1.  The  water  heater must be electrically grounded.  Do not attach the ground wire to either 
the gas or the water piping.  
 
2.  The water heater requires  120 V AC  /  60 Hz electrical power suppl y that is properly 
grounded.
  
•   A proper disconnect (i.e. on/off switch, power plug, etc.) cont rolling the main power to 
the  water heater  must be provided for service reasons.  (Must comply with local 
codes).  
•   Con nect the power supply to the water heater  exac tly as shown in the wiring diagram;  
3.   A green screw is provided in the junction box to ground the connection.  
4.   Can be hardwired or wired to a plug -in.  
5.   The use of a surge protector is recommended in order to protect  the unit from power 
surges.  
 
 
Ground 
Connect Power supply 
120  VAC  /  60  Hz