Installation Considerations; Locating The Water Heater - A.O. Smith 300 Series Instruction Manual

LOCATING THE WATER HEATER

Carefully choose a location for the new water heater. The placement
is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in
the building and for the most economical use of the water heater.
CAUTION
Property Damage Hazard
•
All water heaters eventually leak.
•
Do not install without adequate drainage.
Whether replacing an existing water heater or installing the water
heater in a new location observe the following critical points:
The water heater must be located indoors.
1.
The water heater must not be located in an area where it will be
2.
subject to freezing temperatures.
Locate the water heater so it is protected and not subject to
3.
physical damage by a moving vehicle.
Locate the water heater on a level surface.
4.
Locate the water heater near a floor drain. The water heater
5.
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 heater or to lower floors of the structure. When such
locations cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a metal drain
pan, piped to adequate drain, be installed under the water heater.
Drain pan should be fabricated with sides at least 2" deep with
diameter at least 2" greater than diameter of heater.
Locate the water heater close to the point of major hot water
6.
usage.
Locate the water heater close to a 120 VAC power supply. See
7.
Power Supply (page 17) for requirements.
Locate the water heater where an adequate supply of fresh air
8.
for combustion and ventilation can be obtained. See Combustion
Air And Ventilation (page 14).
Locate the water heater where the vent and intake air piping,
9.
when installed, will remain within the maximum equivalent lengths
allowed. See Venting Installation (page 23).
10. Do not locate the water heater where noise (such as the
Combustion Blower) during normal operation will be objectionable
in adjacent areas.
11. Do not locate the water heater where the subsequent installation
of the vent (exhaust) or intake air terminations would be
objectionable due to noise at the termination(s). This includes
locations close to or across from windows and doors. See Venting
Installation (page 23).
Do not locate water heater areas where flammable liquids (vapors)
are likely to be present or stored (garages, storage and utility areas,
etc.): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP or
butane, etc.) and other substances (such as adhesives, etc.) emit
flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater's
ignition device or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can
cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Fire or Explosion Hazard
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Avoid all ignition sources if you smell gas.
Do not expose water heater controls to excessive gas
pressure.
Use only the gas shown on the water heater rating label.
Maintain required clearances to combustibles.
Keep ignition sources away from faucets after extended
periods of non-use.
Read instruction manual before
installing, using or servicing
water heater.
When the water heater is installed directly on carpeting, the water
heater shall be installed on a metal or wood panel extending beyond
the full width and depth of the water heater by at least 3 in (76.2
mm) in any direction or, if the water heater is installed in an alcove or
closet, the entire floor shall be covered by the panel. The panel must
be strong enough to carry the weight of the heater when full of water.
13