Location Requirements - A.O. Smith Hybrid ElectricHeat Pump Water Heater Manual

• The water heater may be placed on it's designated side
(see carton) for local transportation only.
• The water heater must be stored in an upright position.
• Remove exterior packaging and place installation
components aside.
• Inspect all parts for damage prior to installation and
start-up.
• Completely read all instructions before attempting to
assemble and install this product.
• After installation, dispose of/recycle all packaging
materials.

Location Requirements

Site location
Select a location near the center of the water piping system.
The unit must be installed indoors and in a vertical position
on a level surface. The fl ooring beneath the water heater
must be able to support the weight of the water heater when
fi lled with water (Table 1).
The water heater must have unrestricted
IMPORTANT:
airfl ow and requires a minimum installation space of 700
cubic feet. As an example, a room that has an eight foot tall
ceiling and is 10 feet long by 8-3/4 feet wide would contain
700 cubic feet.
NOTE: To ensure optimal performance and servicability, a
minimum clearance of six (6) inches must be maintained
from all sides and six (6) inches from the top for access to
the air fi lter.
The water heater should be located in an area not subject
to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located in
unconditioned spaces (i.e., garages, basements, etc.) may
require the water piping, condensate piping, and drain piping
to be insulated to shelter against freezing. The drain and
controls must be easily accessible for operation and service.
The site location must be free from any corrosive elements in
the atmosphere such as sulfur, fl uorine, sodium and chlorine.
These elements are found in aerosol sprays, detergents,
bleaches, cleaning solvents, air fresheners, paint, and
varnish removers, refrigerants, and many other commercial
and household products. In addition, excessive dust and
lint may affect the operation of the unit, see the Air Filter
Maintenance section in this manual.
The ambient air temperature must also be considered
when installing this unit. In Effi ciency Mode the ambient
air temperature needs to be above 45°F/7.2 °C and below
120°F/48.8 °C for heat pump operation. If the ambient
air temperature falls outside these upper and lower limits
the electrical elements will activate to meet the hot water
demand and the heat pump does not operate in either
Effi ciency Mode or Hybrid Mode.
NOTE: Local codes and requirements in your area may
require the installation of your water heater be accomplished
in a way that the bottom element is elevated from the
fl oor at least 18 inches. Ensure that a platform capable of
supporting the combined weight of the water heater and
water is used.
Table 1
Capacity
50 Gallon
4
Filled Weight (lbs)
573
IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in an
area where leakage of the tank, connections, condensate
lines or condensate will not result in damage to the area
adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors of the
structure. Due to the normal corrosive action of the water,
the tank will eventually leak after an extended period of
time. Also, any external plumbing leak, including those
from improper installation, may cause early failure of the
tank due to corrosion if not repaired. If the homeowner is
uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified person
should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should be
installed under the water heater as shown below, to help
protect the property from damage which may occur from
condensate formation or leaks in the piping connections
or tank. The pan must limit the water level to a maximum
depth of 2-1/2 inches and be two inches wider than the
heater and piped to an adequate drain.
heater near a suitable indoor drain. Outside drains are
subject to freezing temperatures which can obstruct
the drain line. The piping should be at least 3/4" ID and
sloped for proper drainage. Under no circumstance will the
manufacturer or seller of this water heater be held liable
for any water damage which is caused by failure to follow
these instructions.
Figure 2
Metal Drain Pan
Installation
METAL
DRAIN
PAN
AT LEAST 2" GREATER THAN THE
DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER.
NOTE: The water heater shall be located so it is not subject
to physical damage by moving vehicles or area fl ooding.
Figure 3
Residential Garage
Installation
State of California
NOTE: The water heater must be braced, anchored, or
strapped to avoid moving during an earthquake. Contact
local utilities for code requirements in your area, visit
http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov, or call 1-916-445-8100 and
request instructions.
Locate the water
PIPED TO AN
ADEQUATE DRAIN
Vehicle
Stop
Drain
Pan
Drain