Safety Precautions
AWARNING
A gaswater heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as
shownin the "Facts to ConsiderAbout the Location" sec-
tion. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have
any doubts or questions at all, call your gas company.
Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air
can result in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTYDAMAGE.
AWARNING
This water heater must not be installeddirectly on car-
peting. Cavpe_ng must be protected bya metal or wood
panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches
(76.2mm) in any direction, or if the applia6ce isinstalled
in an alcoveor closet,the entire floor mustbe coveredh
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in
fire hazard.
&WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tam-
perature whichwill satisfyclotheswashing,dish washing,
and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likelyto
be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
includethe elderly,children,the infirm, or physically/men-
tally handicapped.If anyone usinghot water in your home
fits into oneof these groupsor if there is a local code or
state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot
water tap, then you must take specialprecautions.In addi-
tion to usingthe lowestpossibletemperature settingthat
satisfiesyour hot water needs,a meanssuch as a mixing
valve, shouldbe used at the hot water taps usedby these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valvesare available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section inthis manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion beforefurther use. Turn "OFF" gasto water heater
and leave"OFF" until repairs are made, becausefailure
to correct the causeof the sootingcan result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper,whether it isoperat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibitsproper draftingof the water heater. •
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency in excessof 80% may
produce a relatively low flue gastemperature. Such tam-
peratures may not be highenoughto properlyopen ther-
maily operated vent dampers.This wouldcausespillageof
flue gasesand maycausecarbonmonoxidepoisoning.
Vent dampers must boar evidenceof certificationas com-
plying with the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Beforeinstallationof any vent damper, consult
your local Se._ Service Center or the gasutility for fur-
ther informat|on.
J, WARNING
• The appliance and itsindividualshutoffvalvemustbe dis-
connectedfrom the gassupplypipingsystemduring any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressuresin
excessof ½poundper squareinch(3.5kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gassupplypip-
ing system byclosingits individualmanual shutoffvalve
during any pressuretesting of the gassupplypipingsys-
tem at test pressuresequal or lessthan Yzpound per
squareinch(3.5kPa).
A, WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (L.P.) gasis heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system,the gaswill settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
belowground levelwill serve as pocketsfor the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater'spilot or turning on a nearbyelectrical light
switch,be absolutelysure there is no accumulated gasin
the aro_ Searchfor odor of gasby sniffingat ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
stepsindicatedat "For Your Safety" on the cover pageof
this manualthen leavethe premises.
_,WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occurif air for combustioncontainscertain chemical
vapors.Spray canpropellants,cleaningsolvents,refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and processchemicalsare typical compoundswhich are
potentially corrosive.
_,WARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systemsmay present a
serioushealthrisk or asphyxat on.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
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