Location - Rheem HG Series Use & Care Manual

Installing the water heater.
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility company
requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the American National
Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either the American Gas Association,
1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209 as booklet Z223.1 or National Fire Prevention Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 as booklet NFPA No. 54.
Max.
2
Diameter of
water heater
plus 2 min.
The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.
WARNING: If a location
in a garage is the only
alternative, the gas water
heater should be installed
so that the open flame of
the pilot and main burner
are no less than 18 above
the garage floor, unless
specifically exempted from
this by local code, rule,
regulation or custom.

Location

The water heater should not be located
in an area where leakage of the tank or
connections will result in damage to the
area adjacent to it or to lower floors of
the structure.
When such areas cannot be avoided it is
recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, must be installed
under the water heater.
The pan must not restrict combustion
air flow to the bottom of the water heater.
Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased,
or any water heater distributor.
A gas fired water heater should not be
installed in a space where liquids which
give off flammable vapors are to be used
or stored. Such liquids include gasoline,
LP gas (butane and propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents
or removers.
Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space,
flammable vapors can be carried some
distance from where their liquids are
being used or stored. The open flame of
the water heater' s pilot light or main
burner can ignite these vapors causing
an explosion or fire which may result in
severe burns, death or property damage.
For these reasons installation of a gas fired
water heater in a garage is not desirable.
Raising the gas fired water heater will
reduce, but not eliminate, the possibility
of lighting the vapor of any flammable
liquids which may be improperly stored
or accidentally spilled.
Stand kits to raise the water heater 18
above the floor are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased,
or any water heater distributor. These
kits must comply with local codes.
The water heater must be located so it is
not subject to physical damage, for example,
by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc.
The water heater should be installed
as close as practical to the gas vent
or chimney.
Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy.
The water heater and water lines
should be protected from exposure
to freezing temperatures.
Do not install the water heater in
bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
outdoor unprotected areas.
Minimum clearance from combustible
construction is 1 sides and rear; 3
from front of control; 12 from the
top. If the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning Label, located on
the front of the heater differ, install
the water heater according to the
clearances stated on the label.
The water heater may be installed on
combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal
or wood panel beneath the water
heater, extending beyond its full width
and depth at least 3 in all directions.
If the water heater is installed in an
alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel. A
minimum of 24 clearance from the
front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.
WARNING: Combustible construction
refers to adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be confused with
combustible or flammable products
and materials. Combustible and/or
flammable products and materials
should never be stored in the vicinity
of this or any gas appliance.
7