American Water Heater Polaris High Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heater PCG3 User Manual

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Polaris® 
Commercial Gas 
Water Heater
Installation 
Instructions and 
Use & Care Guide
To obtain technical, warranty or service assistance during or 
after the installation of this water heater, visit our website at:
http://www.americanwaterheater.com
or call toll free: 
1-800-456-9805
When calling for assistance, please have the following 
information ready:
1. Model number
2.  7 Digit product number
3. Serial number
4.  Date of installation
5.   Place of Purchase
Table of...

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Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all 
safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or
“WARNING.” These words mean:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not 
avoided, will result in death...

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Consumer Information
OBSERVE ALL GOVERNING CODES AND ORDINANCES.
This water heater is design-certified by CSA International 
as a Category IV, direct vented water heater which takes 
its combustion air from the outside of the structure and 
exhausts all products of combustion to the outside of the 
structure.
This water heater must be installed according to all local 
and state codes or in the absence of local and state codes 
with the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI...

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For all side wall terminated, horizontally vented power vent, direct vent, and power direct vent gas fueled water heaters 
installed in every dwelling, building or structure used in whole or in part for residential purposes, including those owned or 
operated by the Commonwealth and where the side wall exhaust vent termination is less than seven (7) feet above finished 
grade in the area of the venting, including but not limited to decks and porches, the following requirements shall be satisfied:...

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Location Requirements
The water heater design has been tested by CSA 
International and complies with ANSI Z21.10.1, Section 
2.35 Flammable Vapors Resistance.  In garage installation 
avoid damage to your water heater by installing a vehicle 
stop as shown in figure below.  Check state and local 
codes for requirements prior to installation.Important:  The water heater should be located in 
an area where leakage of the tank or connections will 
not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water...

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CONDENSATE LINE
Important:  Do not run the condensate drain in areas 
that are likely to freeze. Frozen condensate will block the 
drain line and result in property damage or water heater 
malfunction.
Condensate Trap Assembly
A condensate trap/drain stem assembly has been supplied 
with the water heater and is located behind the access door 
inside the base of the water heater.  This assembly must be 
installed between the water heater and the exhaust outlet 
piping to ensure proper operation of the...

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Condensate Drain Line
All parts of the condensate trap are glued except for the 
1/2” CPVC drain stem joint at the elbow (see figure 3A).  
This assembly can be turned with the outlet of the tee 
oriented as needed.
Once orientation direction is decided, remove the unglued 
joint from the elbow at the bottom and apply a suitable 
cement to joint. Re-insert the joint fully and quickly into 
the elbow making sure to orient it before the cement sets.  
Connect the remaining piping and run the condensate...

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Integrated Filter Installation
When installing the adaptor rubber boot, note the following:
•  Remove and discard the plastic cap from the outer 
clamshell housing (see figure 4A).
• To connect the heater to the air inlet, use the vent 
adaptor rubber boot provided in the base skirt. The 
adaptor rubber boot is designed for 3” venting (see 
figure 4B). Note: If there is a need for 2” venting, then 
use plastic pipe and fittings to transition down.
• Loosen the hose clamp at the adaptor rubber boot and...

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Vent Pipe Material
The following plastic materials may be used for both the 
combustion air inlet and exhaust outlet piping subject to 
state and local codes:  
  •  Schedule 40 PVC
  •  Schedule 40 or 80 CPVC
  •  DWV Pipe is acceptable
Note: Use only solid (not foam core) piping.
Plastic pipe and fittings are available through most 
plumbing suppliers. Always check the marking on the pipe 
to make sure you are using the correct material.
Important: Do not use vent elbows in this vent pipe instal-...

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Vent Termination Locations
The air inlet and exhaust outlet must be installed with the 
following minimum clearances (see figure 6):
•  Twelve inches (30 cm) above grade or maximum antici-
pated snow level.
•  Twelve inches (30 cm) from any opening through which 
flue gases could enter the structure.
•  Four feet (122 cm) horizontally and vertically from gas 
or electric meters, gas regulators, dryer vents, vent 
hoods, bathroom fan exhaust, attic fans and turbines.
•  Two feet (61 cm) from an inside...