Temperature Regulation - A.O. Smith 185874-001 Instruction Manual

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 30°F (16.7°C). If you experience this type of use
you should consider using lower temperature settings to reduce
scald hazards.
HOTTER 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, and other sanitizing
needs can scald and permanently injure you upon contact. Some
people are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than
others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physically/
mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home fits into
one of these groups or if there is a local code or state law 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 satisfies your hot water needs, a means such
as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing
supply or hardware stores, see Figure 2. Follow manufacturer's
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory
setting on the thermostat, see Figures 29 and 30. Using the lowest
hot water temperature that meets your needs will also provide the
most energy efficient operation of the water heater.
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.
NOTE: A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F (49°C-60°C) is
recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers.
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at its
lowest position. It is adjustable and must be reset to the desired
temperature setting to reduce the risk of scald injury. The mark
( ) indicative of approximately 120°F (49°C) is the preferred
starting point for the White-Rodgers control. The 120°F Bar
indicative of approximately 120°F as shown in Figure 29 is the
preferred starting point for the Robertshaw control. Some States
have a requirement for a lower setting.
For the White-Rodgers control, turn the water temperature dial
clockwise ( ) to decrease the temperature, or counterclockwise
( ) to increase the temperature.

teMperature reGulatIon

For the RobertShaw control, turn the water temperature dial
counterclockwise ( ) to decrease the temperature, or clockwise
( ) to increase the temperature.
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn off
the manual gas control valve to the appliance.
roBertshaw teMperature adjustMent dIal
Temperature
Setting
VERY HOT = approx. 160° (71°C)
C = approx. 150°F (66°C)
B = approx. 140°F (60°C)
A = approx. 130°F (54°C)
= approx. 120°F (49°C)
Lowest Setting = approx. 80°F (27°C)
22
fIGure 29.
fIGure 30.
Time to Produce 2nd and 3rd
Degree Burns on Adult Skin
About 1/2 second
About 1-1/2 seconds
Less than 5 seconds
About 30 seconds
More than 5 minutes
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