Controls And Switches - A.O. Smith RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS Instruction Manual

controls and swItches

This model is provided with three pressure switches. These switches
are essential to the safe and proper operation of the unit. All switches
are wired in series. The controller is set up to shut the unit down
whenever there is a failure of any of the switches. It is important to
understand the purpose of each switch.
FIGURE 12.
Blower prover swItch
(SEE FIGURE 12)
The Blower Prover Switch is provided on the heater to verify that
the fan is operating. It is a positive pressure switch whose electrical
contacts are normally open. When the fan increases the pressure
in the burner, the pressure switch will allow the electrical contacts
to close. The pressure switch is connected to the burner tap by a
piece of tygon tubing. This tubing must be connected in order for
the switch to change the electrical contacts. The controller requires
that the electrical contacts on this air flow switch be open before it
will allow the blower to come on.
BlocKed eXhaust swItch
(SEE FIGURE 12)
The Blocked Exhaust Switch is set up to shut the unit off when a
build-up of positive pressure in the exhaust vent pipe occurs. This
switch is a positive pressure switch that requires an increase in
pressure to change the electrical contacts from normally closed to
open. When this switch prevents the unit from igniting, most likely the
exhaust is blocked by some means. Check to see if the condensate
is allowed to flow freely from the exhaust elbow and for obstructions
in the exhaust venting and exhaust vent terminal. Also verify that
the vent length does not exceed the maximum allowed as shown in
the Vent Section of this manual.
BlocKed IntaKe swItch
(SEE FIGURE 12)
The Blocked Intake Switch is set up to shut the unit off when a
build-up of negative pressure in the intake air pipe occurs. This
switch is a negative pressure switch that requires an increase in
negative pressure to change the electrical contacts from normally
closed to open. The switch is connected to the pressure tap on the
PVC pipe connected to the inlet of the blower. When this switch
prevents the unit from igniting, most likely the intake is blocked.
Verify that the screen on the intake air connection (conventional
vent), the intake air pipe and termination (direct vent installations)
are free of obstructions that may prevent air from entering the unit.
Insure the screen on intake air connection has been removed on
direct vent installations, see Figure 18B. Also verify the intake
air pipe length does not exceed the maximum allowed as shown
in the Vent Section of this manual.
on/off swItch
The ON/OFF Switch is a single-pole, single-throw rocker switch. This
switch provides 120V from the line source to the heater.
the water heater Is polarItY sensItIve. Before
applYInG electrIcItY to thIs heater Be certaIn that
supplY neutral wIre to Ground checK IndIcates
ZERO VOLTAGE.
hot surface IGnIter
The Hot Surface Igniter is a device that ignites the main burner by
high temperature (>1800°F or >982°C). When 120VAC is applied
to the igniter, sufficient heat is generated to ignite the main burner.
Although improvements have been made to strengthen the igniter,
it is still fragile and care must be taken when handling the igniter to
prevent breakage.
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cautIon