Installation - A.O. Smith BTX-80 Operation Manual

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the
water heater or nearby for future reference.
• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement
on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
• Do inspect the insulation blanket frequently to make certain it
does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED ABILITY
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER
REQUIRES ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED
TRADESMAN IN THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL
AIR SUPPLY, VENTING AND GAS SUPPLY ARE REQUIRED.
GENERAL
The heater is designed to operate on natural or propane gases.
HOWEVER, MAKE SURE the gas on which the heater will operate
is the same as that specified on the heater model and rating plate.
The installation must conform to these instructions and the local
code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes,
the installation must conform to the current edition of National
Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 and the National Electrical
Code, NFPA 70. The former is available from the Canadian
Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley Road,
Cleveland, OH 44131, and both documents are available from
the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02269.
GROUNDING
The water heater, when installed, must be grounded in accordance
with local codes, or in the absence of local codes:
The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONS ABOVE 2000 FT. REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF
THE BURNER ORIFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL
FUEL GAS CODE (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54). FAILURE TO
REPLACE THE ORIFICE COULD RESULT IN IMPROPER AND
INEFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE APPLIANCE, PRODUCING
CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IN EXCESS OF SAFE LIMITS, WHICH
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
CONTACT YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FOR ANY SPECIFIC
CHANGES WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN YOUR AREA.
SOME MODELS ARE SPECIFICALLY BUILT FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE SERVICE.
PLEASE CHECK THE RATING PLATE BEFORE MAKING
CHANGES.
LOCATION OF HEATER
When installing the heater, consideration must be given to proper
location. Location selected should be as close to the wall as
practicable with adequate air supply and as centralized with the
water piping system as possible.
The heater is designed for installation on combustible flooring in
a closet having minimum clearances from combustible material
of: 0" clearance from sides and rear, 5.5" from the front and 12"
from the top. (Standard clearance.) If clearances stated on the
CAUTION
heater differ from standard clearances, install water heater
according to clearances stated on heater.
A minimum clearance of 4" must be allowed for access to
replaceable parts such as the thermostats, drain valve and relief
valve. A top clearance of 24" should be allowed for blower
assembly service.
Adequate clearance for servicing this appliance should be
considered before installation, such as changing the anodes,
etc. Minimum clearances for proper operation are given above.
In cold climates provide protection against freeze-up.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow will
not cause damage to the structure.
to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such
locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed
under the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local
hardware store. Such a drain pan must have a minimum length
and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm) greater that the water heater
dimensions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must
not restrict combustion air flow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and
the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water
heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may
result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped
to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or
prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in
conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available
from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect
and react to leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off
the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes
connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS WATER HEATER DIRECTLY ON A
CARPETED FLOOR. A FIRE HAZARD MAY RESULT.
the water heater must be placed on a metal or wood panel
extending beyond the full width and depth by at least 3 inches
(76.2 mm) in any direction. If the heater is installed in a carpeted
alcove or closet, the entire floor shall be covered by the panel.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
In calculating the free area of a vent opening, the blocking effect
of screens, louvers and grills should be considered. Screens
shall not be of a mesh smaller than 1/4 inch square. If the free
area is not known, the current edition of National Fuel Gas Code
ANSI Z223.1 recommends using figures of 20-25 percent free
area for wood louvers or 60-75 percent for metal grills or louvers.
UNCONFINED SPACE
In buildings of conventional frame, brick or stone construction,
unconfined spaces may provide adequate air for combustion
and ventilation air for the power venter.
5
WARNING
For this reason, it is not advisable
WARNING
Instead