Sears 153 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
AWARNING
A gas water 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
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 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 PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_,WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
peting. Carpeting must be protected by a 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 appliance 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.
_WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfy 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/men-
tally 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 addi-
tion 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
oeople or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available
: plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manuFac-
.urers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
l changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion before further use. Turn "off" gas to water heater
and leave "off" until repairs are made, because Failure to
correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
I
&WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibits proper drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency in excess of 80% may
produce a relatively low flue gas temperature. Such tem-
peratures may not be high enough to properly open ther-
mally operated vent dampers. This would cause spillage of
flue gases and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as 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). Before installation of any vent damper, consult
your local Sears Service Center or the gas utility for fur-
ther information.
AWARNING
• The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be dis-
connected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in
excess of I/2 pound per square inch (3.SEPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply pip-
ing system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve
during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping sys-
tem at test pressures equal or less than I/2 pound per
square inch (3.5kPa),
_WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (LR) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or rellght the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gas by sniffing at ground level
......the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
_eps ndicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manual then leave the premises.
_,WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents_ refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and process chemicals are typical compounds which are
potentially corrosive.
AWARNING t
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
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