Minimum Clearances - American Water Heater DIRECT VENT GAS WATER HEATER Installation And Operating Instruction Manual

Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-
The water heater must be located close enough to the outside wall to keep
the venting distance within the maximum distance described in the
installation instructions. Note: The direct vent-air intake terminal must be
installed on a vertical wall. Read the venting section in this installation
instruction manual before locating the water heater.
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank or
water line connections and the combination temperature and pressure relief
valve will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to
lower floors of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a
suitable drain pan, adequately drained, must be installed under the water
heater. The pan must not restrict combustion airflow. The drain pan must
have a minimum length and width of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm) greater than the
diameter of the water heater and must not restrict proper combustion air flow
to the water heater. The drain pan, as described above, can be purchased
from your plumbing professional. The drain pan must be piped to an
adequate drain. The piping must be at least 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter
and pitched for proper drainage.
It is recommended that a minimum clearance of four (4) inches (10.2 cm) be
provided on the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the
combination temperature and pressure relief valve.

MINIMUM CLEARANCES

Failure to adhere to these installation and operating instructions
may create a hazard to life and property and will nullify the
warranty.
This installation shall allow access to the front of the water heater and
adequate clearance shall be provided for servicing and operating this
water heater. The water heater may be installed on either a combustible or
non-combustible floor. If the water heater is to be installed directly on
carpeting, it shall be installed on top of a metal or wood panel extending
beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least three (3) inches
(76.2 mm) in any direction or, if the appliance is to be installed in an alcove
or closet, the entire floor shall be covered by the panel. The minimum
clearances to combustibles for this water heater is: zero (0) inch (0 cm) from
the sides and rear, four (4) inches (10.2 cm) from the front of the jacket, zero
(0) inch (0 cm) from the plenum, zero (0) inch (0 cm) from the air intake
elbow and telescopic tubes and twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) from the direct
vent-air intake terminal. (See Figure 1).
WARNING
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