Burner Flames - Rheem PVG Installation, Operation And Service Manual

BURNER FLAMES

Inspect the burner flames and
compare them to the drawings in
Figure 18. A properly operating
burner should produce a soft blue
flame. Blue tips with yellow inner
cones are satisfactory. The tips of
the flame may have a slight yellow
tint. The flame should not be all
yellow or have a sharp blue-orange
color. Contaminated air may cause
an orange colored flame. A main
burner adjustment is provided for
L.P. gas water heaters only. This is
a primary air controlling device and
is located at the end of the burner
venturi. (See Figure 19). Loosen the
screw and open the device to
sharpen the flame. Close the device
to soften the flame. Retighten the
screw after adjusting the flame. Natural gas models do not have a field
adjustment. Contact a qualified service technician if the flame is not
satisfactory.
WATER TEMPERATURE REGULATION
The thermostat is adjusted to its lowest temperature 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. Align the
index bar on the thermostat with the desired water temperature as shown in
Figures 20 and 21. There is a hot water scald potential if the thermostat
is set too high.
WARNING
ADJUSTING THE THERMOSTAT PAST THE 120°F BAR ON THE
TEMPERATURE DIAL WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY.
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 its lowest setting. This will maintain the water at low
temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the tank from freezing
during cold weather.
WARNING
HOT WATER CAN PRODUCE FIRST DEGREE BURNS WITHIN:
3 SECONDS AT 140°F (60°C)
20 SECONDS AT 130°F (54°C)
8 MINUTES AT 120°F (49°C)
20
START-UP/OPERATION (CONT.)
HOUSEHOLDS WITH SMALL CHILDREN, ELDERLY, IMPAIRED OR
DISABLED MEMBERS AND ANYONE WITH TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE
SKIN MAY REQUIRE A LOWER TEMPERATURE SETTING TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF SCALD INJURY.
STACKING
Stacking occurs when short draws of hot water (3 gallons or less) are taken
from the water heater tank. This causes increased cycling of the burner and can
result in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet. Always install
an anti-scald device in the hot water supply line to reduce the risk of scald
injury.
EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN
IMPORTANT: Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn
off the water heater's manual gas control valve and call a qualified service
technician.
OPERATINAL CONDITIONS
CONDENSATION
Moisture from the products of combustion condenses on the tank surface and
forms drops of water which may fall onto the burner or other hot surfaces. This
will produce a "sizzling" or "frying" noise. This condensation is normal and
should not be confused with a leaking tank. Condensation may increase or
decrease at different times of the year.
High efficient Energy Saver water heaters will produce larger amounts of
condensation on initial light up or when a large amount of hot water is being
used. Do not confuse this with a "tank leak". Once the water reaches a
temperature of 120°F and the tank warms up (usually 30 - 45 minutes), the
condensation will stop.
Operating the water heater at the lowest thermostat setting may increase the
amount of condensation. Adjusting the thermostat slightly higher may eliminate
this problem.
IMPORTANT: It is always recommended that a suitable drain pan be installed
under the water heater to protect the area from water damage resulting from
normal condensation production or a leaking tank or piping connections (See
pages 5 and 6, "Location Requirements and Considerations"). Under no
circumstances is the manufacturer to be held responsible for any water damage
in connection with this water heater.
WATER HEATER SOUNDS
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or noises may be
heard. These noises are common and may result from the following:
1.
2.
WARNING
Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during periods of heat-up
and cool-down .
Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the burner area and
should be considered normal.