American Water Heater PowerVent Use & Care Manual page 28

Operating the water heater.
CAUTION: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this water heater that has not been used for a
long period of time (generally two weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!! To dissipate such
gas and to reduce risk of injury, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink
before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is present, there will be an unusual sound
such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. Do not smoke or use an open flame near the faucet at the
time it is open.
Safety Precautions
Do turn off manual gas shut-off valve if water heater
has been subjected to over heating, fire, flood,
physical damage or if the gas supply fails
to shut off.
Do Not turn on water heater unless it is completely
filled with water.
Do Not turn on water heater if cold water supply
shut-off valve is closed.
Do Not allow combustible materials such as
newspaper, rags or mops to accumulate near
water heater.
DANGER:
Hotter water
!
increases the Potential
.
for Hot Water SCALDS
Households with small
children, disabled, or
elderly persons may require
a 120°F or lower gas control
(thermostat) setting to
prevent contact with HOT
water.
28
NOTICE: Flammable vapors can be drawn by air
currents from surrounding areas to the water heater.
Operating Procedure
This heater is equipped with an
electronically lit pilot to light the main
burner. The pilot is automatically lit each
time there is a demand for heating the water.
On initial start-up, it is recommended that
the outer door be removed (leave inner door
in place for safety) to determine if the pilot
and main burner are operating properly.
Once filled with water, it is necessary to
plug the power cord in and make sure the
"ON/OFF" switch located on the blower
assembly is in the "ON" position and the
gas control switch is in the "ON" position.
The blower will start and within seconds the
pilot will light followed by the main burner.
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the
water heater can be regulated by
turning the knob on the front of the gas
control (thermostat). Safety and energy
conservation are factors to be considered
when selecting the water temperature
setting of the water heater's gas control
(thermostat(s)). The lower the temperature
setting, the greater the savings in energy
and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations, the
gas control (thermostat) was set at 120°F
before the water heater was shipped from
the factory. The recommended starting
point temperature is 120°F.
Do Not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids, such as adhesives or paint thinner,
in vicinity of this or any other appliance.
If such flammables must be used, open doors
and windows for ventilation, and all gas burning
appliances in the vicinity should be shut off including
their pilot burners, to avoid vapors lighting.
If there is any difficulty in understanding or following
the Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning
section, it is recommended that a qualified person or
serviceman perform the work.
After the main burner ignites, replace the
outer door.
If no main burner flame is established, the
gas control will go through three trials for
ignition before going into a lock-out. A
warning light will alert the user of this
lock-out condition. If this happens, refer to
"Troubleshooting Guide."
Water temperatures above 125°F
can cause severe burns or death from
scalding. Be sure to read and follow the
warnings outlined in this manual and on
the label located on the water heater near
the gas control thermostat.
Mixing valves are available for reducing
point of use water temperature by mixing
hot and cold water in branch water
lines. Contact a licensed plumber or
the local plumbing authority for further
information. (See page 4 for more details.)
The chart on the next page may be used
as a guide in determining the proper water
temperature for your home.