Burner Flames; Emergency Shut Down; Water Temperature Regulation - American Water Heater Gas Water heater Installation Instructions And Use & Care Manual

Burner Flames

Inspect burner
Figure 18
flames through
Flame Characteristics
viewport.
Flames should
be very small
with a blue
haze and
small amounts
of yellow or
orange at the
edges. After
several minutes
of operation the
burner screen may glow red. If large flames are observed
at anytime shut-off unit and call a qualified person.
Stacking
Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water
(3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater tank.
This causes increased cycling of the burner and can result
in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet. An
anti-scald device is recommended in the hot water supply
line to reduce the risk of scald injury.

Emergency Shut Down

IMPORTANT: Should overheating occur or the gas supply
fails to shut off, turn off the water heater's manual gas
control valve and call a qualified person.

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 its lowest temperature 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. Align the
index bar on the thermostat with the desired water
temperature as shown in Figure 19. There is a hot water
scald potential if the thermostat is set too high.
Correct flame
soft blue
IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past 120°F on the
temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury in the
times shown below.
Time for 1st
Water
Degree Burn
Temperature °F
(Less Severe Burns)
110 (normal shower temp.)
116 (pain threshold)
116 35 minutes
122
131 5 seconds
140 2 seconds
149 1 second
154 instantaneous
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
Figure 19
Gas Valve/Thermostat
White Rodgers Gas Valve
Settings
Index Bar
Temperature Dial
Robertshaw Gas Valve
Gas Control Knob
Reset Dial Stop
Button
Index
Bars
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 its lowest
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)
45 minutes
1 minute 5 minutes
25 seconds
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 seconds
Gas Control Knob
(Off-PIlot-On)
120°F
130°F
Mark
Mark
130°F
120°F
Bar
T
S
Temperature Dial
Bar
19