Filling The Water Heater - A.O. Smith AOSRE50400 Instruction Manual

This heater is provided with a properly certified combination
temperature - pressure relief valve by the manufacturer.
The valve is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed
equipment of materials as meeting the requirements for Relief
Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems, ANSI Z21.22 • CSA 4.4,
and the code requirements of ASME.
If replaced, the valve must meet the requirements of local codes,
but not less than a combination temperature and pressure relief
valve certified as indicated in the above paragraph.
The valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to
exceed the marked hydrostatic working pressure of the water heater
(150 psi = 1,035 kPa) and a discharge capacity not less than the
water heater input rate as shown on the model rating plate.
for safe operation of the water heater, the relief valve must
not be removed from its designated opening nor plugged.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be installed directly
into the fitting of the water heater designed for the relief valve.
Provide tubing so that any discharge will exit only within 6 inches
(153 mm) above an adequate drain, or external to the building
or structure. Be certain that no contact is made with any live
electrical part. The discharge opening must not be blocked or
reduced in size under any circumstances. Excessive length,
over 30 feet (9.14 m), or use of more than four elbows can cause
restriction and reduce the discharge capacity of the valve.
No valve or other obstruction is to be placed between the relief valve
and the tank. Do not connect tubing directly to discharge drain
unless a 6 inch air gap is provided. The relief valve must be allowed
to discharge water in sufficient quantities, should circumstances
demand, to prevent bodily injury, hazard to life, or property damage.
If the discharge pipe is not connected to a drain or other suitable
means, the water flow may cause property damage.
The Discharge Pipe:
• Shall not be smaller in size than the outlet pipe size of the valve,
or have any reducing couplings or other restrictions.
• Shall not be plugged or blocked.
• Shall be of material listed for hot water distribution.
• Shall be installed so as to allow complete drainage of both the
temperature-pressure relief valve, and the discharge pipe.
• Shall terminate at an adequate drain or external to the building
or structure.
• Shall not have any shut-off valve between the relief valve and
tank nor in the discharge pipe.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually operated
at least once a year. Caution should be taken to ensure that (1) no
one is in front of or around the outlet of the temperature-pressure
relief valve discharge line, and (2) the water manually discharged
will not cause any bodily injury or property damage because the
water may be extremely hot.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately close
the cold water inlet to the water heater, follow the draining
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve
with a new one.

fillinG the water heater

Never use this water heater unless it is completely full of
water. To prevent damage to the tank and heating element,
the tank must be filled with water. Water must flow from
the hot water faucet before turning "ON" electrical supply
to the water heater. The manufacturer will not warrant any
elements damaged by failure to follow instructions.
To fill the water heater with water:
1. Open the cold water supply valve to the water heater.
note: the cold water supply valve must be left open
when the water heater is in use.
2. To ensure complete filling of the tank, allow air to exit
by opening the nearest hot water faucet. Allow water
to run until a constant flow is obtained. This will let air
out of the water heater and the piping.
3. Check all water piping and connections for leaks. Repair
as needed.
4. Never alter or modify the certified construction of the
water heater or its components, or bypass any safety
features. Doing so voids all warranties.
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