Introduction; Abbreviations Used; Qualifications; Preparing For The Installation - A.O. Smith 300 Series Instruction Manual

Thank You for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed and
maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service.

ABBREVIATIONS USED

Abbreviations found in this Instruction Manual include :
ANSI - American National Standards Institute
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ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
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UL - Underwriters Laboratory
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CSA - Canadian Standards Association
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QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFIED INSTALLER OR SERVICE AGENCY
Installation and service of this water heater requires ability equivalent
to that of a Qualified Agency (as defined by ANSI below) in the field
involved. Installation skills such as plumbing, air supply, venting,
gas supply and electrical supply are required in addition to electrical
testing skills when performing service.
ANSI Z223.1 2006 Sec. 3.3.83: "Qualified Agency" - "Any individual,
firm, corporation or company that either in person or through a
representative is engaged in and is responsible for (a) the installation,
testing or replacement of gas piping or (b) the connection,
installation, testing, repair or servicing of appliances and equipment;
that is experienced in such work; that is familiar with all precautions
required; and that has complied with all the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction."
If you are not qualified (as defined by ANSI above) and licensed or
certified as required by the authority having jurisdiction to perform a
given task do not attempt to perform any of the procedures described
in this manual. If you do not understand the instructions given in
this manual do not attempt to perform any procedures outlined in
this manual.

PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION

Read the entire manual before attempting to install or operate
1.
the water heater. Pay close attention to the General Safety
Information on Page 4 through Page 6. If you don't follow the
safety rules, the water heater may not operate safely. It could
cause property damage, injury and/or death.
This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation,
and maintenance of the water heater. It also contains warnings
throughout the manual that you must read and be aware of.
All warnings and all instructions are essential to the proper
operation of the water heater and your safety.
Detailed installation diagrams are also found in this manual.
These diagrams will serve to provide the installer with a
reference. It is essential that all venting, water piping, gas piping
and wiring be installed as shown.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
Particular attention should be given to the installation of
thermometers at the locations indicated in the piping diagrams
as these are necessary for checking the operation of the water
heater.
The principal components of the water heater are identified in
Features and Components (page 10). Use this reference to locate
and identify various components on the water heater.
See Installation Checklist (page 58) and Troubleshooting (page
58). By using this checklist the user may be able to make
minor operational adjustments and avoid unnecessary service
calls. However, service and diagnostic procedures should only
be performed by a Qualified Service Agency.
Note: Costs to correct installation errors are not covered under
the limited warranty.
Be sure to turn off power when working on or near the electrical
2.
system of the water heater. Never touch electrical components
with wet hands or when standing in water.
The installation must conform to all instructions contained in
3.
this manual and the local code authority having jurisdiction.
These shall be carefully followed in all cases. Authorities having
jurisdiction should be consulted before installation begins if
there are any questions regarding compliance with local, state
or national codes.
In the absence of local codes, the installation must comply with
4.
the current editions of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54 and the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 or CSA-B149.1, the Natural
Gas and Propane Installation Code and CSA C22.1, the Canadian Electrical
Code. All documents are available from the CSA Group - WWW.
shop.csa.ca, 1-800-463-6727.
If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
5.
understand any portion of the instructions, call the toll free number
found on the warranty sheet provided with the water heater. In
order to expedite your request, please have the full Model, Serial
and Series number of the water heater you are working with
available for the technician. This information is located on the
water heater's rating plate.
Carefully plan the placement of the water heater. Examine the
6.
location to ensure that it complies with the requirements in
Locating The Water Heater (page 13) and the Rough In Dimensions
(page 8).
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES:
A metal drain pan.
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Automatic water leak detection and shut-off device.
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Pressure Reducing Valve.
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Thermal Expansion Tank.
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Thermostatic mixing valves at each point of use.
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Fuel gas and carbon monoxide detector.
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