American Water Heater AMERICAN WATERHEATERS Installation And Use Manual page 19

Water Temperature Regulation
Water temperature over 125°F can cause
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest
risk of being scalded.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
The thermostat is adjusted to the pilot position when it
is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can be
regulated by moving the temperature dial to the preferred
setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F at the "HOT"
setting. Align the knob with the desired water temperature
as shown in Figure 19A. There is a hot water scald
potential if the thermostat is set too high.
NOTE: Temperatures shown on the gas control valve/
thermostat are approximates. The actual temperature of the
heated water may vary.
IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past the 120°F bar
on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury.
Hot water can produce first degree burns within:
Table 4:
Time for 1st Time for
Water Permanent Burns
Temperature °F Degree Burn 2nd & 3rd Degree
(Less Severe Bums) (Most Severe Bums)
110 (normalshower temp.)
116 (pain threshold)
116 35 minutes 45 minutes
122 1 minute 5 minutes
131 5 seconds 25 seconds
140 2 seconds 5 seconds
149 1 second 2 seconds
154 instantaneous 1 seconds
(U.S. Govemment Memorandum, C.RS.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
Figure 19A
Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
Settings
Control/Temperature Knob
120°F
Status Mirk
niter
NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not
being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy
losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs.
If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a
higher thermostat setting may be required to meet the
increased demand. When leaving your home for extended
periods (vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to the
vacation (VAC) setting. This will maintain the water at low
temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the
tank from freezing during cold weather.
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