Introduction; Abbreviations Used; Qualified Installer Or Service Agency; Preparing For The New Installation - A.O. Smith BL-80 Instruction Manual

Thank You for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed and
maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service.

ABBREVIATIONS USED

Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
• UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
• ANSI - American National Standards Institute
• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• AHRI - Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
• CAN - Canada
• EPACT - Energy Policy Act
• CSA - Canadian Standards Association
This gas-fired water heater is design certified by Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. under American National Standard/CSA Standard
for Gas Water Heaters ANSI Z21.10.3 • CSA 4.3 (current edition).

QUALIFIED INSTALLER OR SERVICE AGENCY

Installation and service of this water heater requires ability equivalent
to that of a Qualified Agency (as defined by ANSI below) in the field
involved. Installation skills such as plumbing, air supply, venting,
gas supply and electrical supply are required in addition to electrical
testing skills when performing service.
ANSI Z223.1 2006 Sec. 3.3.83: "Qualified Agency" - "Any individual,
firm, corporation or company that either in person or through a
representative is engaged in and is responsible for (a) the installation,
testing or replacement of gas piping or (b) the connection, installation,
testing, repair or servicing of appliances and equipment; that is
experienced in such work; that is familiar with all precautions required;
and that has complied with all the requirements of the authority
having jurisdiction."
If you are not qualified (as defined by ANSI above) and licensed or
certified as required by the authority having jurisdiction to perform a
given task do not attempt to perform any of the procedures described
in this manual. If you do not understand the instructions given in
this manual do not attempt to perform any procedures outlined in
this manual.
PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION
1. Read the General Safety Information section, page 4 of this
manual first and then the entire manual carefully. If you
don't follow the safety rules, the water heater will not operate

INTRODUCTION

properly. It could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation,
operation, and maintenance of the gas-fired water heater. It
also contains warnings throughout the manual that you must
read and be aware of. All warnings and all instructions are
essential to the proper operation of the water heater and your
safety. Since we cannot put everything on the first few pages,
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
2. The installation must conform with these instructions and
the local code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence
of local codes, the installation must comply with the current
editions of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54 or CAN/CSA-B149.1 the Natural Gas and Propane
Installation Code. All documents are available from the
Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant Valley
Road, Cleveland, OH 44131. NFPA documents are also
available from the National Fire Protection Association, 1
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
3. If after reading this manual you have any questions or do
not understand any portion of the instructions, call the local
gas utility or the manufacturer whose name appears on the
rating plate.
4. Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the
water heater. Correct combustion, vent action, and vent
pipe installation are very important in preventing death from
possible carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, see Figures
3 and 7.
Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with
the Fact to Consider About The Location section in this manual.
5. For California installation this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during
an earthquake. See instructions for correct installation
procedures. Instructions may be obtained from California
Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento,
CA 95814.
6. Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed
in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00: State
Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00.
7. Complies with SCAQMD rule #1146.2 and districts having
equivalent NOx requirements.
5