American Water Heater NonCondensing Outdoor Natural Gas GT910NIE User Manual

							 - 31 - 
*To change the remote controller’s mode from Default Mode to High Temperature Mode, 
please follow the procedures below (the remote controller  must be installed prior to operating 
these procedures):  
 
        DO NOT set to 185ºF  if you use your  water heater in a recirculation system.  
This will cause damage to the heater and void the warranty.  
 
 
 
1. Turn off power to the remote controller by pressing the “ ON/OFF button.  
 
 
 
 
2. Simultaneously p ress and hold both the “ HOT” and  “COLD ” button s for at least five seconds . 
     And then make sure “ 1” (or  “0 ”)  is displayed o n remote control ler.  
     “1” is displayed for single units                  “0” is displayed for Easy -Link / Multi -unit  Systems 
 
 
 
   
3. Press  the  “TIME ” bu tton . 
     M ake sure OFF and F1 are displayed on remote controller.  
 
 
   
 
 
4. Press the “ INFO” button .  After, m ake sure “ OFF” blinks.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Press  the  “HOT ” button or the “ COLD” button to set display to  “on” .  
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 . Simultaneously p ress both  the “BUZZER ” button  and the “ INFO” button to fix the setting.  
7 . Make sure display is no longer blinking.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
8 . P ress  the  “ ON/OFF ” button  to finish the  setting. 
9 . Turn on power to the remote controller  by pressing the “ ON/OFF” button again.   
 
 
 
Blink 
Lamp is OFF to indicate that power is off 
Blink 
Not blinking 
Lamp is ON  
						

							 - 32 - 
FLOW 
•  The flow rate through the  water heater is limited to a maximum of 14.5 GPM.  
•   The temperature setting, along with the supply temperature of the water will determine the 
flow rate output of the unit.    
•   Please refer to the temperature vs. gallons per minute chart on  p .5 1 to determine the likely 
flow rates based on your local ground water temperature and your desired outlet water 
temperature combination.  
•   Based on the United States Department of 
Energy method of testing water heater output, 
the  water heate r is rated for  474 gallons per 
hour (GPH) or  7.9 gallons per minute (GPM) 
for Natural Gas, and 504  GPH or 8.4  GPM for 
Liquid Propane, when raising the water 
temperature by 77° F (from 58°F to 135 °F).   
•   Refer to the chart on the right for typical 
household pl umbing fixture flow rat es to 
determine what the water heater can do in a 
household application.   
 
FREEZE PROTECTION SYSTEM  
•  This unit comes equipped with heating blocks to protect it against damages associated with 
freezing.   
•   For this freeze protection  system to opera te,  there  has to be electrical power to the unit. 
Damage to the heat exchanger caused by freezing temperatures due to power loss is not 
covered under the  warranty.  In cases where power losses can occur, consider the use of a 
backup power supply . 
•   The freeze protection system will activate when the surrounding and/or outside temperatures 
drop below 36.5°F (2.5°C).  
•   In any areas subject to freezing temperatures,  the manufacturer  highly recommends 
installing the unit indoors.  In such an installation, freezing issues can only occur if cold air 
enters through the venting into the heat exchanger, whether by negative pressures within the 
installation location or by strong outside winds.  It is the installer’s responsibility to be aware 
of these issues and take all preventative measures.  The manufacturer will not be responsible 
for any damage to the heat exchanger as a result of freezing.   
•   The manufacturer  also highly recommends the use of a back flow prevent er (sold separately) 
to minimize  the amount of cold  air entering through the exhaust venting when the water 
heater is off.  
•   If you will not be using your heater for a long period of time:  
1.  Completely drain the water out of the unit . Refer to p. 34.  
2.  Disconnect power to your heater.       
     This will keep your unit from freezing and being damaged.  
 
 
CAUTION:   Only pipes within the water heater are protected by the freeze protection 
system .  Any water pipes (hot or cold) located outside the unit will not be protected.  
Properly protect and insulate these pipes from freezing.  
Household Flow Rates  
Appliance / Use  Flow Rate (GPM)  
Lavatory Faucet 1.0 
Bath Tub 4.0 – 10.0 
Shower 2.0 
Kitchen Sink 1.5 
Dishwasher 1.5 
Washing Machine 4.0 
Taken from UPC 2006   
						

							 - 33 - 
The dark squares indicate the direction 
the dipswitches should be set to. 
TEMPERATURE SETTINGS 
•  The temperature has been preset at the factor y to 120 ºF ( 50 ºC).  
•   There are 8  preset temperatures that you can select from by changing the dipswitch settings 
on the computer board.   If  you want  to change the set temp erature with dipswitches, please 
refer to the diagram below.  These temperatures are available:  100 ºF, 115  ºF, 1 20 ºF,  135  ºF, 
1 45  ºF, 1 55 ºF, 1 65 ºF, and 185  ºF.  
•   If  you  need more detailed  temperature settings other than  the 8 preset  settings,  please 
purc hase the optional temperature remote controller  (par t No. 9007603005 (TM -RE30)) .  With 
this optional  remote controller  you can set the temperature in increments of 5  ºF from  100 ºF 
to 185  ºF .   Refer to p. 30.  P lease read the instructions carefully prior t o installing the remote 
controller,  as failure to do so could damage the temperature controller and/or the water 
heater, which will void the  warranty. 
  •  Turn off the power supply to the heater before changing the dipswitch 
settings.  
•   Only change the switches with the dark squares.  The dark squares indicate 
which direction the dipswitch should be set to.    
•   DO NOT set to 185 ºF if you use your  water heater in  a recirculation system. 
This will cause damage to the heater and void the warranty.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
To change dipswitch settings 
for temperatures, locate the 
lower bank of dipswitches to 
the right of 7 -Seg LED.  
DO NOT adjust  the  upper  bank  
of dipswitches.  
 
7-Seg LED 
Lower bank of 
d ip switch es  
Upper bank of 
d ip switch es  
Temperature Settings   
 
DEFAULT 
100°F 
(38 ºC) 
115°F 
(46 ºC) MODE
 
O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
MODE
 
O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
120°F 
(50 ºC) MODE
 
O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
135°F 
(57 ºC) TMP2
 
MODE
 
TMP2
 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
145°F 
(63 ºC) 
TMP2
 
MODE
 
TMP2
 
O N 155°F 
(68 ºC) 
MODE
 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
MODE
 
TMP2
 
TMP3
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
TMP2
 
O N 165°F 
(74 ºC) 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
TMP2
 
OUT
 
MODE
 
TMP3
 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
TMP2
 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MST
 
O N 1 2 3 4   5 6 7 8   
185°F 
(85 ºC) 
TMP1
 
DIRE
 
OUT
 
TMP3
 
P-ALARM
 
MS
T 
P-ALARM
 
MST
  
						

							 - 34 - 
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE 
 WARNING: Turn off the electrical power supply and close the manual gas 
control valve and the manual water control valve before servicing.  
•  Clean the cold- water inlet filter. (Refer to diagram below)  
•   Be sure that all openings for combustion and ventilation air are not blocked.  
•   The venting system should be checked annually for any leaks, corrosion, blockages or 
damage.  
•   The burner should be checked annually for dust, lint, grease or dirt.  
•   Keep the area around th e water heater clear. Remove any combustible materials, gasoline or 
any flammable vapors and liquids.  
•   In accordance with all local codes and common safety practices, Water discharged from the 
pressure relief vale can cause severe burns instantly from scalding.  DO NOT touch the 
pressure relief valve.  
•   If the relief valve discharges periodically, it may be due to thermal expansion in a closed 
water supply system. Contact the water supplier or local plumbing inspector on how to 
correct this situation.  
•   Visual  check of burner flames (see below) through the burner window in the burner assembly 
located at the middle of the water heater.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The manufacturer recommends having the unit checked once a year or as necessary by a 
licensed technician. If repairs are needed, any repairs should be done by a licensed technician.  
 
UNIT DRAINING and FILTER CLEANING  
1. Close the manual gas shut off valve.  
2.  Turn off power to the unit, and then turn on again.  
3.  Wait  30  seconds, and then turn off power to the 
unit, yet again.  
4.  Close  the  water shut off valve.  
5.  Open all hot water taps in the house. When the 
residual water flow has ceased, close all hot 
water taps.  
6. Have a bucket or pan to catch the water from the 
unit ’s drain plugs.  Unscrew
 the drain plugs to 
drain all the water out of the  unit.  
7. Wait a few minutes to ensure all water has 
completely drained from unit.  
8.  Clean the filter:  Check the water filter located 
within the cold inlet. With a tiny brush, clean the 
water filter of any debris which may have 
accumulated and reinsert the fi lter back into the 
cold water inlet.  
9. Securely screw the drain plugs back into place.  
Hand-  tighten only.
 
Drain Plug 
Water Valve 
Gas Valve 
Drain Plug with Filter  
Blue flame Red or Yellow 
flame 
Flame 
blowing up 
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory  
						

							 - 35 - 
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING 
~ TEMPERATURE and AMOUNT OF HOT WATER ~ 
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 
It takes long time to get hot water at 
the fixtures.  
  •
  The  time it takes to  d eliver hot water from the water 
heater  to your fixtures depends on the length of 
piping between the two. The longer the distance  or 
the bigger the pipes , the longer  it will take  to get hot 
water . 
•   If you would like to receive hot water to  your fixtures 
quicker, you may want to consider a hot water 
r ecirculation system. (p. 4 0) 
The water is not hot enough. 
  •
  Compare the flow and temperature. See the chart 
on  p.  5 1.  
•   Check cross plumbing between cold water lines 
and hot water lines.  
•   Is the g as supply valve fully open? (p. 29 ) 
•   Is the  gas line sized properly? (p. 17 ) 
•   Is the ga s supply pressure enough? (p. 16)  
•   Is the set  temperature set too low? (p. 30,33 ) 
The water is too hot. •   Is the set temperature set too high? (p.  30,33) 
The hot water is not available when 
a fixture is opened.
 
 
•  Make sure the unit ha s 120 VAC  / 60  Hz power supply.  
•  If you are  using  the remote controller, is the power 
button turned on? (p. 30 ) 
•   Is the gas  supply valve fully open? (p. 29 ) 
•   Is the water  supply valve fully open? (p . 29 ) 
•   Is the filter on  cold water inlet clean? (p. 34 ) 
•   Is the hot water fixture sufficiently open  to draw at 
least  0.5 GPM through the water heater ? (p. 30) 
•   Is the unit frozen? 
•  
Is there enough gas i n the tank / cylinder? (for Propane models ) 
The hot water gets cold  and stays 
cold .
 
•  Is the flow rate enough to keep the  water heater 
running? (p. 30 ) 
•   If there is a recirculation system installed, does the 
recirculation line have enough check valves?  
•   Is the gas  supply valve fully open? (p.  29 ) 
•   Is the filter on cold water inlet clean? (p.  34) 
•   Are the fixtures clean of debris and obstructions?  
Fluctuation in hot water temperature. 
  •
  Is t he filter on cold water inlet cl ean? (p. 34) 
•   Is the  gas line sized properly? (p. 17 ) 
•   Is the su pply gas pressure enough? (p. 16)  
•   Che ck for cross connection between cold water 
lines and hot water lines.   
						

							 - 36 - 
~ WATER HEATER ~ 
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 
Unit does not ignite when water goes 
through the unit.
 
 •
  Is th e flow rate over 0. 5 GPM? (p. 30 ) 
•   Check for the fi lter on cold water inlet.  (p. 34 ) 
•   Check for reverse connection and cross connection.  
•   If you use the remote controller, is the  power button 
turned on? (p.  30) 
The fan motor is s till spinning after 
operation has  stopped.
 
  •
  This  is  normal. After operation has  stopped, the fan 
motor keep s running for 35  seconds in order to re -
ignite  quickly , as well as push all exhaust gas out of 
the flue.  
Abnormal sounds come from the unit. •   Contact  the manufacturer  at 1- 877- 737 -2840.  
~ REMOTE CONTROLLER: 9007603005 
(TM-RE30) (OPTIONAL) ~ 
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 
Remote controller does not display 
anything when the power button is 
turned on.   Press the 
ON/OFF button. 
If  the  lamp  lights up  ⇒  
•   This is normal.   When the unit has  not operated for 
five minutes  or more , the display turns  off to 
converse energy .  
If  the  lamp  does not li ght ⇒  
•   Make sure the unit gets power supply.  
• Make sure the connection to the unit is correct.(p. 21) 
An ERROR code is displayed. 
•  Please see the p. 3 7. 
~ EASY-LINK SYSTEM ~ 
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS 
How are the unit numbers assigned?  •  For an Easy -Link system, other than the Parent  Unit 
(which is always labeled #1), all the other units (the 
Child  units) are numbered randomly.    
• To check which numbers are assigned to which 
units, push the button on the computer board of a 
unit as shown below.  The unit number will be 
displayed on the 7- Seg LED. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unit# display 
button 
7-Seg LED  
						

							 - 37 - 
TROUBLESHOOTING – ERROR CODES 
•   The  units  are self diagnostic for safety and convenience when trouble shooting.  
•   If there is a problem with the installation or the unit, it will disp lay a numerical error code on the 
remote controller  (if installed) or on the 7- Seg LED of the central computer board and section 
computer board to communicate the source of the problem.  
•   Consult the following chart for the cause of each error code.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single Unit 
• The 7-Seg LED displays the 3- digit error codes one 
digit at a time.  The remote controller  (if installed) 
displays the whole 3-digit error code at once.  
• When the right  and/or left combustion  section has an 
error code, the red lamp next  to the 7-Seg LED on the 
central  computer board will flash to indicate which 
combustion section has the error code. Refer to the 
above picture.  
 
Example
: 
If your unit has the “321” error code (inlet thermistor),   
• The 7-Seg LED, will flash the 3-digit error code one 
digit at a time.  The 7-Seg LED will display “3”... 
“2”... “1”, and then repeat the 3 digits.    
• The remote controller, however, will display “321” 
on its screen, in its entirety.  
 
 
 
  Easy
-Link  
• The 7-Seg LED on the PARENT  unit displays a 5- digit 
number to signify which unit  in the Easy -Link system 
has the error, and what the error code is.  The 7 -Seg 
LED displays the number one digit at a time.    
• The  remote controller  (if installed) displays a 3-digit 
number which also signifies which unit has the error, 
and what the error code is.    
• The uni t that has the error in an Easy -Link system will 
display the error code on its 7- Seg LED in exactly the 
same way as if it were only a Single Unit.  
• When the rig ht and/or left combustion section has an 
error code, the red lamp next  to the 7-Seg LED on the 
central  computer board will flash to indicate which 
combustion section has the error code. Refer to the 
above pictur e. 
 
Example:
 
If Unit #2 has the “321” error c ode (inlet thermistor),   
• T he 7-Seg LED on the PARENT  unit will display “3”... 
“2”… “1”… “0”… “2”, displaying only one digit at a 
time.  The first 3 numbers indicate the error code.  
The last two numbers indicate that Unit #2 has the 
error.    
• The remote controller, however, will display “232” on 
its screen in its entirety.  The first “2” indicates that 
Unit #2 has the error.  The “32” indicates the first two 
digits of the “321” error code.    
• The 7-Seg LED on Unit #2 will display “3”…. “2”…. “1”,  
just lik e in the Single Unit example.   
Error 
Code Malfunction description Error 
Code Malfunction description Error 
Code Malfunction description 
031   Incorrect dipswitch setting  391  Air-fuel Ratio Rod f ailure 661 Water Control Valve Fault 
(Bypass function) 
101 Warning for 991 error code 441 Flow Sensor Failure 681 Abnormal External Fan motor 
111 Ignition failure 510 Abnormal Main  Gas Valve 701 Computer board Fault 
121  Loss of flame  551 Abnormal  Gas Solenoid 
Valve 721  False Flame Detection 
311  Output thermistor  failure   611  Fan Motor  Fault   741 Miscommunication between water 
heater and remote controller 
321  Inlet thermistor   failure   631  Abnormal External Pump  761 Miscommunication in Easy- 
Link OR Multi-unit system 
331  Mixing  thermistor  failure   651 Water Control Valve Fault 
(Flow Adjustment function) 991  Imperfect combustion  
Remote controller (Optional) 
Remote 
Controler 
7-Seg LED 
The top red lamp will 
flash when the right 
combustion section has 
an error code. 
The mid red lamp will 
flash when the left 
combustion section has 
an error code. 
Unit #1 
PARENT 
Unit #2 
CHILD 
Unit #3 
CHILD 
Unit #4 
CHILD 
 “3..2..1..0..2 ”  “3..2..1”  
“232” 
  
						

							 
- 38  - 
OPERATING SAFET Y 
  
						

							 
- 39  -  
						

							 - 40 - 
Check valve 
Check valve Air 
separator 
Recirculation 
pump 
Hot water outlet to 
fixtures 
Air Vent 
Unions 
Gas supply 
Ball valves 
Expansion tank 
Y-Strainer 
Cold water 
inlet 
Hot
W ate r
O utl et
S
Col d
W at er
I nl et G
as
I nl e t
APPLICATIONS 
 
Space Heating Applications  
WARNING 
•  This water heater is suitable for combination water (potable) heating and space 
heating and not suitable for space heating applications only.  
•   In order  to purge air in water pipes within a closed- loop system, an air vent and 
air separator  should be installed in to the system.  Required circulation flow rates 
are labeled next to each application diagram . These flow rate requirements must 
be  followed.  
•   Toxic  chemicals used in boiler treatments such as alcohol, glycerol and glycol groups  
must not be introduced into the system if the system incorporates an open- loop potable 
water system.  
•  Toxic chemicals used in boiler treatments such as alcohol, glycerol and glycol group 
must not be introduced into the system when used for open loop potable water and 
space heating.  
•  The  water heater  can be used to supply potable water and space heating and shall not 
be connected to any he ating system or component(s) previously us ed with non-potable 
water where any chemicals were added to the water heating appliances.  
•   When the system requires water for space heating at temperatures higher than required 
for other uses, a means such as a mixing valve shall be installed to temper the  water for 
those other uses in order to reduce scald hazard potential.  
•   Water temperature over 125  °F  (52 ºC)  can cause severe burns instantly or death from 
scalds.  
Re-circulation : 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is a concept drawing only. 
* The recirculation pump is to be controlled by: 
-Dual -set aquastat (recommended w/timer)  
OR  
- “ Pump Control Connections ”. Refer to p.22.  
 
*  The recirculation pump is to provide no less 
than 2 GPM and no more than 4 GPM through 
each activated uni t in the system.