Kenmore 153.333931 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
A, WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the cor-
rect amount of air for combustion. Do not instaJIin a confined
area such a closet, unlessyou 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,
callyour gas company. Failure to provide the proper amount of
combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJUR_, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
&WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
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 appliance is installed in an alcove or closet,
the entire flour must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed
this warning may result in a fire hazard.
_,WARNING
HO'I-rER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will
sat_fy clothes washing, dish washing,and other sanitizing needs
can scaldand permanently injure you upon contact. Some peo-
ple are more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than
othar_ These includethe elderly, children, the infirm, or physical.
ly/mentally handicapped.If anyone usinghot water in your home
fits into one of these groups or if there isa Iocaicode or state law
requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then
mu must take special precautions. In addition to usingthe lowest
mssibletemperature settingthat satisfies your hot water needs,
Lmeans 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 availableat plumbing supplyor hardware stores. Followman-
ufacturers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
&WARNING I
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correction ]
before further use. Turn "OFF" gas to water heater and leave [
"OFF" until repairs are made, because failure to correct the
cause of the sooting can result in a fire or explosion causing
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJU R_,OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
&WARNING
VENT DAMPERS - Any vent damper, whether it is operated
thermally or otherwise must be removed if its use inhibitsprop-
er drafting of the water heater.
Thermally Operated Vent Dampers: Gas-fired water heaters
having thermal efficiency in excessof 80% may produce a rela-
tively low flue gas temperature. Such temperatures may not be
high enough to properly open thermally operated vent
dampers. This would cause spillage of flue gasesand may cause
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Vent dampers must bear evidence of certification as complying
with the latest edition of American National Standard ANSI
Z21.68 (ANSI Z21.66 & 67, respectively, cover electrically and
mechanically actuated vent dampers). Before installation of any
vent damper, consult your local Sears Service Center or the gas
utility for further information.
&WARNING
• The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be discon-
nected from the gas supply piping system during any pressure
testing of the gas system at test pressures in excess of V2
pound per square inch (3.5kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping sys.
tem by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any
pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test pres-
suresequal or lessthan _ pound per squareinch (3.5kPa).
&WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING PROPANE (LR) GAS WATER HEATERS:
Propane (LR) gas is heavier than air. Should there be a leak in
the system, the gas will settle near the ground. Basements,
crawl spaces, skirted areas under mobile homes (even when
ventilated), closets and areas below ground level will serve
pockets for the accumulation of this gas. Before attempting to
light or relight the water heater_ pilot or turning on a nearby
electrical light switch, he absolutely sure there is no accumulat-
ed gas in the area. Search for odor of gas by 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
manual then leave the 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, refrigerator and air
conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium
and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach, and processchemicals are
typical compounds which are potentially corrosive.
_, WARNING u-_
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a seHo
health Hsk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4
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