Temperature Regulation - A.O. Smith POWER VENT GAS Installation And Operating Manual

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

FIGURE 35
It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used
to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended,
in all cases, that the water temperatures be set for the
lowest temperature which satisfi es your hot water needs.
This will also provide the most energy effi cient operation
of the water heater.
HOT WATER CAN SCALD:
Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water
heated to a temperature which will satisfy space heating,
clothes washing, dish washing, cleaning and other
sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you
upon contact. Federal and provincial codes require that
the temperature of water exiting certain fi xtures (e.g.
showers and lavatories) be limited to 49°C (120°F). Some
people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot
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.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw
their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped
person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
The water heater should be located in an area where
the general public does not have access. If a suitable
area is not available, a cover should be installed over the
32
thermostat to prevent tampering. The water temperature
setting was factory set at the lowest temperature.
SETTING THE WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE AT 49°C
(120°F) WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF SCALDS. Some
states require settings at specifi c lower temperatures.
The water temperature is controlled using the Temperature
Control on the Display at the front of the unit (see Figure
3). This control utilizes a temperature probe to determine
the tank temperature. The primary temperature probe is
located at the top of the tank.
The temperature may be adjusted from 32°C (90°F)
to 70°C (158°F). The thermostat was adjusted to 43°C
(105°F) before the heater was shipped from the factory.
It is recommended that lower water temperature be used
to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in
all cases, that the water temperature be set for the lowest
temperature which satisfi es your hot water needs. This
will also provide the most energy effi cient operation of the
water heater and minimize scale formation.
Valves for reducing the point-of-use temperature by mixing
cold and hot water are available (see Figure 2). Also
available are inexpensive devices that attach to faucets to
limit hot water temperatures. Contact a licensed plumber
or the local plumbing authority.
The table below shows the approximate time-to-burn
relationship for normal adult skin. Short repeated heating
cycles caused by small hot water uses can cause
temperatures at the point of use to exceed the thermostat
setting by up to 11°C (20°F). If you experience this type of
use, you should consider using lower temperature settings
to reduce scald hazards.
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