Facts To Consider About Location - A.O. Smith POWER VENT GAS Installation And Operating Manual

water than others. These include the elderly, children,
the physically or developmentally disabled. If anyone
using hot water fi ts into one of these groups or if there is
a local code requiring a certain temperature water at the
hot water tap, then you must take special precautions. In
addition to using the lowest possible temperature setting
that satisfi es your hot water needs, a means such as a
mixing valve, should be used at the hot water fi xtures or
at the water heater (see Figure 3). Valves for reducing
point of use temperature by mixing cold and hot water
are also available. Consult a Qualifi ed Installer or Service
Agency. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installation
of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the
thermostat, read the "Temperature Regulation" section in
this manual.

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT LOCATION

Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water
heater, because the placement is a very important
consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building
and for the most economical use of the appliance. This
water heater is not for use in manufactured (mobile)
homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater in a new location, the following critical points must
be observed:
1. Select a location indoors as close as practical to the
vent terminal or location to which the water heater vent
piping is going to be connected, and as centralized
with the water piping system as possible.
2. A pressure-reducing valve and/or an expansion tank
may be required for installations where the water
pressure is high. The pressure-reducing valve should
be located on the supply to the entire house in order
to maintain equal hot and cold water pressure.
3. Selected location must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water
heater.
4. Avoid locations that could cause the water heater to
freeze from outside air.
5. Selected location must provide access to a properly
grounded electrical branch circuit. A dedicated circuit
is preferred. Do not use a GFI outlet.
Important: Do not use an extension cord to connect the
water heater to an electrical outlet.
Important: The electrical controls used inside the gas
control of this water heater are polarity sensitive. Ensure
the electrical supply is connected correctly in the receptacle
box. Failure to connect correctly will prevent the unit from
functioning properly.
10
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in
such a manner that if the tank or any connections should
leak, the fl ow will not cause damage to the structure. For
this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater
in an attic or upper fl oor. When such locations cannot be
avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under
the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local
hardware store. Such a drain pan must have a clearance
of at least 25mm (1 in.) greater than any point on the water
heater's outer jacket and must be piped to an adequate
drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air fl ow. See
Figure 1.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water
pressure and the environment in which the water heater
is installed. Water heaters are sometimes installed in
locations where leakage may result in property damage,
even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain. However,
unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a
leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction
with a piped drain pan. These devices are highly
recommended and are available from some plumbing
supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to
leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm
or turn off the incoming water to the water heater when
leakage is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water
supply to the entire building when water is detected in
the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on
the water pressure differential between the cold water
and hot water pipes connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water
heater while at the same time shutting off its water
supply.
AVOID AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPOURS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.):
Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane
(LP or butane, etc.) and other substances (such as
adhesives, etc.)) emit fl ammable vapours which can be
ignited by a gas water heater's igniter or main burner. The
resulting fl ashback and fi re can cause death or serious
burns to anyone in the area.
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