Introduction; Preparing For The Installation - A.O. Smith 52 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.

INTRODUCTION

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.
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