Kenmore 153.336451 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
_t,WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as
shownin the "Locating The New Water Heater" section.
Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any
doubts or questionsat all, call your gas company. Failure
to providethe proper amount of combustion air can result
in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS
BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
peting. Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood
_anel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches
(76.2mm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed
in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a
fire hazard.
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfy clothes washing, dish washing,
and other sanitizing needs can scald and perm..a.nently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to
be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
includethe elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/men-
tally handicapped.If anyone using hot water in your home
fits into one of these groupsor if there is a local code or
state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot
water tap, then you must take specialprecautions. In addi-
tion to usingthe lowest possibletemperature set_ng that
satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing
valve, shouldbe used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" sectionin this manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion before further use. Turn "off" gas to water heater
and leave "off" until repairs are made, because failure to
correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it isoperat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibits proper drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency in excess of 80% may
produce a relatively low flue gas temperature. Such tem-
peratures may not be high enoughto properly open ther-
maily operated vent dampers. This would causespillageof
flue gasesand may causecarbon monoxidepoisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as com-
plying with the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installation of any vent damper, consult
your local Sears Service Center or the gas utility for fur-
ther information.
&WARNING
• The appliance and its individualshutoffvalve must be dis-
connected from the gas supplypiping system during any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in
excessof I/2 poundper squareinch (3.5kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supplypip-
ing system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve
during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping sys-
tem at test pressures equal or less than I/2 pound per
squareinch (3.SkPa).
AWARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (L.R) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in
the areL Search for odor of gas by sniffingat ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manualthen leavethe premises.
A, WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion containscertain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaningsolvents, refHgera.
tot and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and processchemicals are typical compounds which are
potentially corrosive.
_,WARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a
serous health risk or asphyxation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
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