Rheem HG Series Use & Care Manual page 3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate
this water heater. It may save you time and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems
understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified
service technician, or the local electric utility.
DANGER!
INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT THE
WATER HEATER...
Failure to install the draft hood and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting Section of the Installation Instructions in this manual can result in
unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation
from carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and has
an adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system for proper
installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to the Care and
Cleaning section of this manual for more information regarding vent system inspection.
WARNING!
Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, etc.), and
the vapors they produce are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store gasoline or
other flammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater.
Be sure to read and follow the warning label pictured below and other labels on the water
heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so can result in
property damage, bodily injury or death.
FLAMMABLES
Vapors from flammable
liquids will explode and
catch fire causing death or
severe burns
Do not use or store flammable
products such as gasoline,
solvents or adhesives in the
same room or area near the
water heater.
Keep flammable products:
1. far away from heater,
2. in approved containers,
3. tightly closed and
4. out of children's reach.
Installation:
Do not install water heater
where flammable products will
be stored or used unless the
main burner and pilot flames
Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If owners
manual is missing, contact the retailer or manufacturer.
D A N G E R
!
Flammable Vapors
Water heater has a main
burner and pilot flame.
The pilot flame:
1. is on all the time and
2. will ignite flammable
vapors.
Vapors:
1. cannot be seen,
2. are heavier than air,
3. go a long way on the
floor and
4. can be carried from
other rooms to the pilot
flame by air currents.
are at least 18 above the
floor. This will reduce, but not
eliminate, the risk of vapors
being ignited by the main
burner or pilot flame.
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