Rheem RTGH-95DV Use And Care Manual page 5

Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Safety
DANGERS:
• Never attempt to convert the water heater from
natural gas to LP. The water heater should only
use the fuel type in accordance with listing on data
plate—natural gas for natural gas units and LP for
LP units. Any other fuel usage will result in death or
serious personal injury from fire and/or explosion.
This water heater is not certified for any other fuel
type.
• Both natural gas and propane (LP) have an odorant
added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people
may not physically be able to smell or recognize
this odorant. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with
the smell of natural gas or LP, ask the gas supplier.
Other conditions, such as "odorant fade," which
causes the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also
hide or camouflage a gas leak.
• Water heaters using LP gas are different from
natural gas models. A natural gas water heater will
not function safely on LP and vice versa.
• LP water heaters should not be installed below
grade (for example, in a basement) if such
installation is prohibited by federal, state, and/or
local laws, rules, regulations, or customs.
• LP must be used with great caution. It is heavier
than air and will collect first in lower areas, making it
hard to detect at nose level.
• Before attempting to light the water heater, make
sure to look and smell for gas leaks. Use a soapy
solution to check all gas fittings and connections.
Bubbling at a connection indicates a leak that must
be corrected. When smelling to detect a gas leak,
be sure to also sniff near the floor.
• Gas detectors are recommended in LP and natural
gas applications and their installation should be
in accordance with the detector manufacturer's
recommendations and/or local laws, rules,
regulations, or customs.
• Combustible materials, such as clothing, cleaning
materials, or flammable liquids, must not be placed
in the vicinity of the water heater.
• If a gas leak is present or suspected:
– Do not attempt to find the cause yourself.
– Never use an open flame to test for gas leaks. The
gas can ignite resulting in death, personal injury,
or property damage.
– Follow the steps listed under "What to Do If
You Smell Gas" found on the front cover of this
manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS:
• The installation of gas piping must conform to local
utility company requirements and/or in the absence
of local codes, use the latest edition of National Fuel
Gas Code (NFGC), ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, or CSA
B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
• Install a gas pressure regulator in the gas supply
line. The regulator should not exceed the maximum
supply pressure. DO NOT use an industrial-type gas
regulator.
• Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to
shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the
water heater.
CAUTIONS:
• Do not attempt repair of electrical wiring, gas piping,
remote control, burners, vent connectors, or other
safety devices. Refer repairs to qualified service
personnel.
• Turn off the manual gas shut-off valve if the water
heater has been subjected to overheating, fire,
flood, physical damage, or if the gas supply fails
to shut off.
• Do not turn on the water heater unless the water
and gas supplies are completely opened.
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