Kenmore 153.333944 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
_,WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as shown
in the "Facts to Consider About the Location" section.
Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any
doubts or questions at all, call your gas company. Failure to
provide the proper amount of combustion air can result in
a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODI-
LY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_,WARNING
This water heater must not be installeddirectly on carpet-
ing. Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood
panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches
(76.2mm) in any direction, or if the applianceisinstalledin
an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a fire
hazard.
_,WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a temper-
ature which will satisfy clothes washing, dish washing, and
other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure
you upon contact. Some people are more likely to be per-
manently 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
tour 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. Follow manufacturers
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing
the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
_WARNING
Soot build-up indicatesa problem that requirescorrection
before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater and
leave"OFF" until repairs are made, becausefailure to cor-
rect the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or explo-
sion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_,WARNING
AWARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operat-
ed thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use
inhibitsproper drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water
heaters havingthermal efficiencyin excessof 80%may pro-
duce a relatively low flue gastemperature. Such tempera-
tures may not be high enoughto properly open thermally
operated vent dampers. This would cause spillageof flue
gasesand may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidenceof certification as com-
plying with the current edition of American National
tandard ANSI Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively,
cover electrically and mechanically actuated vent
dampers). Before installation of any vent damper, consult
rout local Sears Service Center or the gasutility for fur-
ther information.
_,WARNING
• The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be dis-
connected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in
excess of _/z pound per square inch (3.5kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping
system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve dur-
ing any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at
test pressures equal or less than ½ pound per square inch
(3.5kPa).
BEFORE LIGHTING PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS: Propane (L.R) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system, the gaswill settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pocketsfor the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gasby sniffingat ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manualthen leavethe premises.
_,WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system may
occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemi-
cals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach, and pro-
cess chemicals are typical compounds which are potentially
corrosive.
AWARNING a
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present
serioushealth risk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4