Introduction; Local Installation Regulations - Rheem GHE80SS Use & Care Manual

LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS

This water heater must be installed in accordance with
these instructions, local codes, and utility company
requirements. In the absence of local codes, the latest
edition of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 in
the United States, or CAN/CSA B149.1
Installation Codes in Canada should be consulted.
LOCATION
A. If this water heater is of the direct vent, all air for
combustion and all products of combustion are
routed through the venting system, directly from the
water heater to the outside of the building.
Otherwise, this unit can also be set up as a power
vent unit. Combustion air for a power vent unit will
be obtained from the surrounding area. Ensure that
there is an adequate air supply for the water heater,
per the codes given above in the "Local Installation
Regulations" section.
The water heater should be installed in a clean, dry
location as close as practical to the vent terminals.
Long hot water lines should be insulated to conserve
water and energy. The water heater and water lines
should be protected from exposure to freezing
temperatures.
B. A gas fired water heater should not be installed in a
space where liquids which give off flammable vapors
are to be used or stored. Such liquids include
gasoline, LP gas (butane and propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents or removers.
Because of natural air movement in a room or other
enclosed space, flammable vapors can be carried
some distance from where their liquids are being
used or stored. The open flame of the water heater's
main burner can ignite these vapors causing an
explosion or fire which may result in severe burns,
death, or property damage. For these reasons, in-
stallation of a gas-fired water heater in a garage is
not desirable.
C. All models are certified for installation on combusti-
ble floors and in alcoves. The minimum side and top
clearance to walls and ceiling for providing
protection of combustible materials are shown on
the water heater's rating label. A top and front clear-
ance of 24 inches (61 cm) is recommended for in-
spection and servicing.
NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan installation MUST
conform to the applicable local codes.
CAUTION
!
The water heater should not be located in an area where
leakage of the tank or connections will result in damage
to the area adjacent to it or to lower floors of the
structure. When such areas cannot be avoided, it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan be installed
under the water heater and adequately drained. The pan
MUST NOT interfere with the operation of the water
heater and access of the serviceable components.
D. RESTAURANT INSTALLATION: — If the water heater
is to be installed in a restaurant or other location
where NSF International listing is required, this unit
must be sealed to the floor, and other components
must be added utilizing Rheem's UL listed NSF seal
Kit (see kit listing on page 34). A factory designed

Introduction

sealing kit is available from the distributor or store
where the water heater was purchased. When
installed according to the instructions supplied with
the kit, these heaters will meet the NSF international
requirements.
E. CORROSIVE ATMOSPHERES — The heater should
not be installed near an air supply containing
halogenated hydrocarbons. For example, the air in
beauty shops, dry cleaning establishments, photo
processing labs, and storage areas for liquid and
powdered bleaches or swimming pool chemicals
often contain such hydrocarbons. The air there may
be safe to breathe, but when it passes through a
gas flame, corrosive elements are released that will
shorten the life of any gas burning appliance. Propel-
lants from common spray cans or gas leaks from re-
frigeration equipment are highly corrosive after pass-
ing through a flame. The limited warranty is voided
when failure of the water heater is due to a corrosive
atmosphere. (Refer to the Certificate of Limited
Warranty for complete terms and conditions.)The
manufacturer's warranty does not cover any damage
or defect caused by installation, attachment, or use
of any special attachment, such as energy saving
devices (other than those authorized by the manu-
facturer) into, onto, or in conjunction with the water
heater. The use of such unauthorized devices may
shorten the life of the water heater and may endan-
ger life and property. The manufacturer disclaims any
responsibility for such loss or injury resulting from
the use of such unauthorized devices.
1. INSPECT SHIPMENT — Check for possible dam-
age that may have occurred durign shipping. The
manufacturer's responsibility ceases upon delivery
of goods to the carrier in good condition. Any claims
for damage, shortage in shipments, or non-delivery
must be filed immediately against the carrier by the
consignee.
One plastic bag is included, contains the Use & Care
Manual, and Warranty.
One box is included, contain the fitting plugs, 3 inch
elbow w/screen, exhaust tee w/condensate trap and
instructions to install the neutralizer.
2. THERMAL EXPANSION — Determine if a check valve
exists in the inlet water line. It may have been
installed in the cold water line as a separate back
flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure
reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A
check valve located in the cold water inlet line can
cause what is referred to as a "closed water sys-
tem". A cold water inlet line with no check valve
or back flow prevention device is referred to as an
"open" water system.
As water is heated, it expands in volume and
creates an increase in the pressure within the water
system. This action is referred to as "thermal
expansion". In an "open" water system, expanding
water, which exceeds the capacity of the water
heater, flows back into the city main where the
pressure is easily dissipated.
A "closed water system", however, prevents the
expanding water from flowing back into the main
supply line and the result of "thermal expansion" can
create a rapid, and dangerous pressure increase in
the water heater and system piping. This rapid pres-
sure increase can quickly reach the safety
5