Introduction; Preparing For The Installation - American Water Heater 52 Series Instruction Manual

Thank You for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed
and maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service.
Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:
• AHRI - Air Condition, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
• ANSI - American National Standards Institute
• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• NEC - National Electrical Code
• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
• UL - Underwriters Laboratory

PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION

1. Read the "General Safety Information" section of this manual
first and then the entire manual carefully. If you don't follow
the safety rules, the water heater may not operate safely. It
could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation,
and maintenance of the electric 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. READ
THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL
OR OPERATE THE WATER HEATER.
Detailed installation diagrams are in this manual. These
diagrams will serve to provide the installer with a reference
for the materials and method of piping suggested. IT
IS NECESSARY THAT ALL WATER PIPING AND THE
ELECTRICAL WIRING BE INSTALLED AND CONNECTED
AS SHOWN IN THE DIAGRAMS.
Particular attention should be given to the installation of
thermometers at the locations indicated in the diagrams as
these are necessary for checking the operation of the heater.
Be sure to turn off power when working on or near the electrical
system of the heater. Never touch electrical components with
wet hands or when standing in water. When replacing fuses
always use the correct size for the circuit. see page 13.

INTRODUCTION

The principal components of the heater are identified on pages
7 & 8. The model and rating plate on page 6 interprets certain
markings into useful information. Both of these references
should be used to identify the heater, its components and
optional equipment.
2. The installation must conform with these instructions and the
local code authority having jurisdiction and the requirements
of the power company. In the absence of local codes, the
installation must comply with the current editions of the National
Electrical Code, NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code CSA
C22.1. The National Electrical Code may be ordered from:
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02269. The Canadian Electrical Code is available
from the Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East Pleasant
Valley Road, Cleveland, OH 44131.
3. If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not
understand any portion of the instructions, call the toll free
number listed on the back cover of this manual for technical
assistance.
A sample rating plate is shown on page 6 of this manual. In
order to expedite your request, please have full model and
serial number available for the technician.
4. Carefully plan your intended placement of the water heater.
Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with
the "Locating the New Water Heater" section in this manual.
Installation and service of this water heater requires ability
equivalent to that of a licensed tradesman or qualified agency
(page 2) in the field involved. Plumbing and electrical work
are required.
5. For installation in California this water heater must be braced or
anchored to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake. See
for instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions
may be obtained from California Office of the State Architect,
1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95811.
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.
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