Kenmore 153.337162 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
&WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as
shownin the "Facts to Consider About the Location" sec-
tion. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have
any doubts or questions at all, call your gas company.
Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air
can result in a fire or explosionand can CAUSE DEATH,
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,OR PROPERTYDAMAGE.
AWARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
petlng. Carpeting must be protected .bya metal or wood
panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches
(76.2mm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed
in an alcove or closet,the entire floor must be coveredby
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a
fire hazard.
AWARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tam-
)erature which will satisfyclothes washing,dish washing,
and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to
be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
includethe elderly, children,the infirm, or physically/men-
tally handicapped.If anyone usinghot water in your home
fits into one of these groupsor if there is a local code or
state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot
water tap, then you must take specialprecautions.In addi.
tion to usingthe lowest possibletemperature setting that
satisfiesyour hot water needs, a means such as a mixing
valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valvesare available
at plumbing supplyor hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changingthe factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation"section in this manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater
and leave "OFF" until repairs are made, becausefailure
to correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is. o perat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibitsproper drafting ofthe water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters having thermal efficiency in excessof 80% may
produce a relatively low flue gastemperature. Such tem-
peratures may not be high enoughto properly open ther-
mally operated vent dampers.This would causespillageof
flue gasesand may cause carbon monoxidepoisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidenceof certificationas com-
plying with the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installationof any vent damper, consult
your localSears Service Center or the gas utility for fur-
ther information.
_,WARNING
• The applianceand its individual s hutoff valvemust be dis-
connectedfrom the gassupply piling systemduring any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressuresin
excessof ½pound per squareinch(3.SkPa).
• The appliance must be isolatedfrom the gas supplypip-
ing system by dosing its individual manual shutoffvalve
during any pressuretesting of the gas supplypiping sys-
tem at test pressures equal or less than % pound per
squareinch (3.SkPa).
AWARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (I-R) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system,the gaswill settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pocketsfor the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutelysure there is no accumulated gas in
the are_ Search for odor of gas by sniffingat ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manualthen leavethe premises.
AWARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occurif air for combustion containscertain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants,cleaningsolvents,refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and processchemicalsare typical compoundswhich are
potentially corrosive.
AWARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systemsmay present a
serioushealth risk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4.
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