Kenmore 153.330401 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
&WARNING
A gaswater 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 "Facts to ConsiderAbout the Location" sec-
tion. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. if you have
any doubts or questions at all, call your gas company.
Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air
can result in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH,
lSERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
&WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
peting. Carpeting must be protected .bya metal or wood
panel beneath the appliance extendmg 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 he coveredb
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in
fire hazard.
&WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfyclothes washing,dish washing,
.an.dother sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to
be permanently injured by hut water than others. These
includethe elderly,children,the infirm, or physically/men-
tally handicapped.If anyoneusinghot 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 ta_ then you must take specialprecautions.In addi-
tion to usingthe lowest possibletemperature setting that
satisfies your hot water needs, a means suchas a mixing
valve, shouldbe usedat the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valvesare available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changingthe factory set_ng on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation"section in this manual.
&WARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion before further use. Turn "OFF" gasto water heater
and leave "OFF" until repairs are made, becausefailure
to correct the causeof the sooting can result in a Ere or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
&WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper,whether it is operZ-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibitsproper draftingof the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency m excess of 80% may
produce a relatively low flue gastemperature. Such tem-
peratures may not be high enoughto properly open ther_
maJlyoperated vent damper_ This would causeSl).illage of
flue gasesand may causecarbon monoxidepeisonmg.
Vent dampers must bear evidenceof certification as com-
plying with the latest edition of American National
tandard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installationof 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 gassupply pipingsystem during
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressuresm
excess of _ poundper squareinch(3.SkPa).
*The appliance must be isolated from the gas supplypip-
ing system by closingits individual manual shutoffvalve
during any pressure testing of the gas supplypiping sys-
tem at test pressures equal or less than '/2pound per
square inch(3.5kPa).
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 gaswill settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pocketsfor 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,he absolutelysure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gasby sniffingat ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
stepsindicatedat "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manualthen leavethe premises.
&WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustioncontains certain chemical
vapors. Spraycan propellants, cleaningsolvents,refrigera-
tor 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
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
3
Safety Precautions continued on page 4