Water Temperature Regulation - Whirlpool Residential Gas Water Heater Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual

Water Temperature Regulation

WARNING
Water temperature over 125°F can cause
severe burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at highest
risk of being scalded.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
The thermostat is adjusted to the pilot position when it
is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can be
regulated by moving the temperature dial to the preferred
setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F at the "HOT"
setting. Align the knob with the desired water temperature
as shown in Figure 19A. There is a hot water scald
potential if the thermostat is set too high.
NOTE: Temperatures shown on the gas control valve/
thermostat are approximates. The actual temperature of the
heated water may vary.
IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past the 120°F bar
on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury.
Hot water can produce first degree burns within:
Table 5:
Time for 1st
Water
Degree Burn
Temperature °F
(Less Severe Burns)
110 (normal shower temp.)
116 (pain threshold)
116
122
131
140
149
154 instantaneous
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
Figure 19A
Gas Control Valve/Thermostat
Settings
Gas Control/Temperature Knob
VAC
Igniter
NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not
being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy
losses and may satisfy your normal hot water needs.
If hot water use is expected to be more than normal, a
higher thermostat setting may be required to meet the
increased demand. When leaving your home for extended
periods (vacations, etc.) turn the temperature dial to the
vacation (VAC) setting. This will maintain the water at low
temperatures with minimum energy losses and prevent the
tank from freezing during cold weather.
Time for
Permanent Burns
2nd & 3rd Degree
(Most Severe Burns)
35 minutes 45 minutes
1 minute 5 minutes
5 seconds 25 seconds
2 seconds 5 seconds
1 second 2 seconds
1 seconds
120°F
Mark
Status
Light
19