Rheem PowerVent Series Use & Care Manual page 32

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(49° C) or lower gas
control (thermostat) setting
to prevent contact with
HOT water.
32
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
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.
Water temperatures above 125°F
can cause severe burns or death from
DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapours 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 vapours lighting.
NOTICE: Flammable vapours can be drawn by air
currents from surrounding areas to the water heater.
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.
gas control switch is in the "ON" position.
The blower will start and within seconds the
pilot will light followed by the main burner.
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."
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 recommended for
reducing point of use water temperature
by mixing hot and cold water in branch
water lines. It is recommended that a
mixing valve complying with the Standard
for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves
for Hot Water Distribution Systems, ASSE
1017 be installed. See page 4 for more
details and contact a licensed plumber or
the local plumbing authority for further
information.
The chart on the next page may be used
as a guide in determining the proper water
temperature for your home.