A.O. Smith GDHE-50 SERIES Instruction Manual
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A.O. Smith GDHE-50 SERIES Instruction Manual

Power vent/power direct vent gas models with direct spark ignition
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Ashland City, TN 37015
www.hotwater.com
Thank you for buying this energy efficient water heater.
We appreciate your confidence in our products.
ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS: SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS
PURCHASED. IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, CALL THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT PHONE NUMBER SHOWN ON THE WATER HEATER LABELING.
PRINTED 1213
RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS
KEEP THIS MANUAL IN THE POCKET ON HEATER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
WHENEVER MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT OR SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
Instruction Manual
POWER VENT/POWER DIRECT VENT GAS MODELS
MODELS GDHE-50/GDHE-75 SERIES 130/131
•

For Your Safety

AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED
BY THIS WATER HEATER.
1
WITH DIRECT SPARK IGNITION
•
326459-000

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Summary of Contents for A.O. Smith GDHE-50 SERIES

  • Page 1: For Your Safety

    Instruction Manual RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS POWER VENT/POWER DIRECT VENT GAS MODELS WITH DIRECT SPARK IGNITION MODELS GDHE-50/GDHE-75 SERIES 130/131 Ashland City, TN 37015 www.hotwater.com • • For Your Safety AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED Thank you for buying this energy efficient water heater. BY THIS WATER HEATER.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE.........3 Control System Navigation .............39 APPROVALS .................3 User Settings & Control System Menus .........42 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION ..........4 FOR YOUR INFORMATION ............47 Precautions ................4 Start Up Conditions ..............47 Grounding Instructions .............4 Operational Conditions ............47 Hydrogen Gas Flammable ............4 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ............48 INTRODUCTION ................7...

  • Page 3: Safe Installation, Use And Service

    SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE The proper installation, use and servicing of this water heater is extremely important to your safety and the safety of others. Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you and others of a potential injury hazard.

  • Page 4: General Safety Information

    GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION PRECAUTIONS HYDROGEN GAS FLAMMABLE DO NOT USE THIS WATER HEATER IF ANY PART HAS BEEN UNDER WATER. Immediately call a qualified service agency to inspect the water heater and to make a determination on what steps should be taken next. Explosion Hazard If the unit is exposed to the following, do not operate heater until all corrective steps have been made by a qualified service agency.
  • Page 5 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION...
  • Page 6 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION Fire or Explosion Hazard Fire Hazard Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and For continued protection against liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. risk of fire: Avoid all ignition sources if you smell gas. Do not install water heater on Do not expose water heater controls to excessive gas carpeted floor.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION Thank You for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed and Detailed installation diagrams are also found in this manual. maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service. These diagrams will serve to provide the installer with a reference.

  • Page 8: Dimensions And Capacity Data

    DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITY DATA ROUGH IN DIMENSIONS: 50 GALLON UNIT Figure 1: DIMENSIONS FOR 50 GALLON UNIT ROUGH IN DIMENSIONS: 75 GALLON UNIT Figure 1A: DIMENSIONS FOR 75 GALLON UNIT Table 1 – ROUGH-IN-DIMENSIONS Units Inches 66.75 49.25 22.00 15.75 3.00 8.00 8.00...
  • Page 9 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITY DATA Table 2 – CAPACITY, GAS AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS Approximate Capacity Manifold Pressure Electrical Characteristics U.S. Gals. Liters Gas Type “WC Volts/Hz Amperes Nat./LP 120/60 <5 Nat/LP 120/60 <5 All models - Maximum Supply Pressure: 14 inches W.C. (3.48kPa) Minimum Supply Pressure for Natural Gas: 3.50”...

  • Page 10: Features And Components

    FEATURES AND COMPONENTS 50 GALLON UNIT **29 **14 **15 ACCESS PANEL Caution: This access panel covers a 2” NPT plug that was required during the manufacturing of this water heater. This 2” NPT flange is not a cleanout fitting, removing the 2”...
  • Page 11 FEATURES AND COMPONENTS (CONT.) 75 GALLON UNIT **29 **14 **15 26, 27 VACUUM RELIEF VALVE *INSTALL PER LOCAL CODES * CAUTION HARNESS HAS 120 VAC. IN OPERATION. ** See Planning the Vent System, Installation of Vent System and Condensate Piping for more information. Figure 1C: 75 GALLON UNIT...
  • Page 12 FEATURES AND COMPONENTS (CONT.) Control Assembly Blocked Intake Switch Blocked Outlet Switch Blower Prover Switch Blower Assembly Burner Assembly Flame Sensor Igniter Assembly Junction Box 10: Gas Control Valve Assembly 11: Display Board 12: Top Plastic Enclosure 13: Display Enclosure ** 14: Exhaust Elbow Assembly ** 15: Condensate Tubing 16: Off/On Switch...

  • Page 13: Controls And Switches

    CONTROLS AND SWITCHES BLOCKED EXHAUST SWITCH The Blocked Exhaust Switch is set up to shut the unit off when a build- This model is provided with three pressure switches. These switches up of positive pressure in the exhaust vent pipe occurs. This switch are essential to the safe and proper operation of the unit.

  • Page 14: Installation Considerations

    INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS LOCATING THE WATER HEATER Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle. Carefully choose a location for the new water heater. The placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the water heater.

  • Page 15: Insulation Blankets

    • Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this will interfere with safe operation of the blower assembly. • Do not cover the control system LCD on top of the water heater. • Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature & pressure relief valve.

  • Page 16: Unconfined Space

    FRESH AIR OPENINGS FOR CONFINED SPACES UNCONFINED SPACE The following instructions shall be used to calculate the size, number and placement of openings providing fresh air for combustion, An Unconfined Space is one whose volume IS NOT LESS THAN ventilation and dilution in confined spaces. The illustrations shown 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/hr (4.8 cubic meters per kW) of the in this section of the manual are a reference for the openings total input rating of all appliances installed in the space.

  • Page 17: Outdoor Air Through Two Horizontal Ducts

    AIR FROM OTHER INDOOR SPACES Alternatively a single permanent opening, commencing within 12 inches (300 mm) of the top of the enclosure, shall be provided. See Figure 6. The water heater shall have clearances of at least 1 inch (25 mm) from the sides and back and 6 inches (150 mm) from the front of the appliance.

  • Page 18: Installation Requirements

    INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS CHEMICAL VAPOR CORROSION Corrosion of the flueways and vent system may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical vapors. Such corrosion may result in failure and risk of asphyxiation. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride (water softener salt), waxes, and process This water heater shall not be connected to any heating...

  • Page 19: Mixing Valves

    MIXING VALVES GAS PIPING Make sure gas supplied is same type listed on model rating plate. The inlet gas pressure must not exceed 14 inch water column (3.5 kPa) for Water temperature over 125°F (52°C) natural and propane gas (L.P.). The minimum inlet gas pressure shown can cause severe burns instantly on rating plate is that which will permit firing at rated input.

  • Page 20: Gas Supply Systems

    GAS SUPPLY SYSTEMS All gas piping must comply with local codes and ordinances or with the current editions National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA- Low pressure building gas supply systems are defined as those 54). Copper or brass tubing and fittings (except tin lined copper systems that cannot under any circumstances exceed 14”...

  • Page 21: Space Heating And Potable Water System

    THERMAL EXPANSION SPACE HEATING AND POTABLE WATER SYSTEM As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed Your water heater is equipped with inlet/outlet connections for use system the volume of water will grow when it is heated. As the in space heating applications (see Figure 9).

  • Page 22: Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve

    TEMPERATURE-PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE CAUTION This water heater is provided with a properly rated/sized and certified Water Damage Hazard combination Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve (T&P relief valve) by the manufacturer. The valve is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that maintains periodic inspection of production of •...

  • Page 23: Condensate Piping

    CONDENSATE PIPING • Slope the condensate drain toward the inside floor drain or condensate pump. This water heater is a condensing unit and requires a drain to be • The condensate drain line and connection to the drain piping located in close proximity to allow the condensate to drain safely. must comply with all local codes.

  • Page 24: Installation Requirements For The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts

    INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS For all side wall terminated, horizontally vented power vent, direct vent, and power direct vent gas fueled water heaters installed in every dwelling, building or structure used in whole or in part for residential purposes, including those owned or operated by the Commonwealth and where the side wall exhaust vent termination is less than seven (7) feet above finished grade in the area of the venting, including but not limited to decks and porches, the following requirements should be satisfied: INSTALLATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS At the time of installation of the side wall horizontal vented gas fueled...

  • Page 25: Venting Installation

    VENTING INSTALLATION NOTE: This unit can be vented with PVC pipe materials (DWV ASTM-D2665 or CSA B181.2; Schedule 40, 80, 120 ASTM-D1785 or CSA B137.3; or SDR Series ASTM-D2241 or CSA B137.3), CPVC pipe materials (CPVC41 ASTM-D2846 or CSA B137.6; Schedule 40, 80 ASTM-F441 or CSA B137.6;...

  • Page 26: Polypropylene Installations

    POLYPROPYLENE INSTALLATIONS Polypropylene vent systems do not use cement to connect the pipe and elbow sections but use a push together gasket seal method. Do not attempt to connect Polypropylene with sealant cement. All The water heater has been approved to be installed with vent connections MUST be secured by the vent manufacturer’s joint Polypropylene vent material as shown in Table 5 and Table 6.

  • Page 27: Vent Pipe Termination

    VENT PIPE TERMINATION INSTALLATION OF HORIZONTAL THROUGH THE WALL VENT SYSTEM The first step is to determine where the vent pipe will terminate. See Figures 12, “Figure: 13A”, and “Figure: 14”. The vent may terminate If you are installing your system so that it vents through roof, please through a sidewall as shown in Figure 12 and “Figure: 14”...

  • Page 28: Direct Vent Terminal Installation

    DIRECT VENT TERMINAL INSTALLATION B.) WOODEN SIDE WALLS Drill a pilot hole approximately one quarter inch outside of the marked circle. This The air intake provided on the unit contains an air intake screen to pilot hole is used as a starting point for a saws-all or prevent large particles from entering the unit.

  • Page 29: Termination Clearances Sidewall Power Vent

    TERMINATION CLEARANCES SIDEWALL POWER VENT POWER VENT (using room air for combustion) EXTERIOR CLEARANCES FOR SIDEWALL VENT TERMINATION F IX E D C L O S E D O P E R A B L F IX E D C L O S E D O P E R A B L VENT TERMINAL AIR SUPPLY INLET...

  • Page 30: Termination Clearances Sidewall Direct Vent

    TERMINATION CLEARANCES SIDEWALL DIRECT VENT DIRECT VENT (using outdoor air for combustion) EXTERIOR CLEARANCES FOR SIDEWALL VENT TERMINATION F IX E D C L O S E D O P E R A B L F IX E D C L O S E D O P E R A B L VENT TERMINAL AIR SUPPLY INLET...

  • Page 31: Vertical Vent Terminal Installation

    VERTICAL VENT TERMINAL INSTALLATION WHEN TERMINATING THROUGH A ROOF, THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS PERTAINING TO TERMINAL LOCATION MUST BE FOLLOWED. 1. Proper support must be provided for all pipe protruding through the roof. 2. The vertical roof terminations should be sealed with a plumbing roof boot or equivalent flashing.

  • Page 32: Direct Vent Diagram

    DIRECT VENT DIAGRAM 12” MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE HIGHEST ANTICIPATED SNOW LEVEL 12” MINIMUM CLEARANCE ABOVE HIGHEST ANTICIPATED SNOW LEVEL Figure: 20 Figure: 21 24” MINIMUM SEPARATION. EXHAUST MUST BE AT SAME LEVEL OR ABOVE INTAKE TERMINAL. Figure: 22 Figure: 23...

  • Page 33: Concentric Vent Installation

    CONCENTRIC VENT INSTALLATION INSTALLATION VERTICAL ROOF TERMINATION This water heater is certified for concentric venting with concentric 1. Determine best location for termination kit. vent kit #9006328005. Follow instructions below for proper installations. N O T E : R o o f t e r m i n a t i o n i s p r e f e r r e d s i n c e i t i s l e s s susceptible to damage, has reduced chances to intake contaminants, Table 8 –...
  • Page 34 NOTE: Do not allow insulation or other materials to accumulate INSTALLATION SIDE WALL TERMINATION inside pipe assembly when installing through hole. 5. Secure assembly to roof structure as shown in “Figure: 27” using field supplied metal strapping or equivalent support material.
  • Page 35 5. Install rain cap and small diameter pipe assembly in Y concentric MULTI-CONCENTRIC VENT TERMINATIONS fitting and large pipe assembly. Ensure small diameter pipe is bottomed and cemented in Y concentric fitting. When two or more water heaters are direct vented with concentric vent terminations near each other, each water heater must be 6.

  • Page 36: Low Profile Termination Installation

    LOW PROFILE TERMINATION INSTALLATION This water heater is certified for sidewall direct venting with IPEX System 636 Low Profile Vent Kit. Follow instructions below for proper installations. To Boiler Intake Air Connection All termination kits must be located and installed in accordance with local codes or the current editions of the National Fuel Gas Code From Boiler Vent (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54).

  • Page 37: Lighting And Operation Labels

    LIGHTING AND OPERATION LABELS...

  • Page 38: Temperature Regulation

    TEMPERATURE REGULATION It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used to avoid Valves for reducing the point-of-use temperature by mixing cold and the risk of scalding. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the hot water are available. Also available are inexpensive devices that water temperatures be set for the lowest temperature which satisfies attach to faucets to limit hot water temperatures.

  • Page 39: Control System Operation

    CONTROL SYSTEM OPERATION OVERVIEW THE DESKTOP SCREEN During normal operation the control system will display the Desktop The water heaters covered in this manual are equipped with an screen on the LCD which is the default screen. The control system electronic control system that regulates water temperature inside will return to the Desktop screen when there are no active Fault or the storage tank.
  • Page 40 STATUS ICONS The Status Icons are displayed on the Desktop screen and convey operational and diagnostic information. The icons are described in the table below. Table 12 – STATUS ICONS Icon Description Water temperature in the tank has fallen. Shaded area of the animated thermometer icon will rise and fall in response to water temperature in the storage tank as sensed from the Temperature Probe.
  • Page 41 OPERATING STATES The current operational state of the water heater is displayed on the Desktop screen as the Status. The common operational states are described in the table below. Table 13 – OPERATING STATES State Description Standby The water heater is not in an active heating cycle. IE: the Tank Temperature is at or above the Operating Set Point minus temperature differential.

  • Page 42: User Settings & Control System Menus

    USER SETTINGS & CONTROL SYSTEM MENUS TEMPERATURES OPERATING SET POINT AND DIFFERENTIAL ADJUSTMENT The Operating Set Point is adjustable from 90°F (42°C) to 160°F (71°C). The factory setting is 120°F (49°C). The Differential is adjustable from 2° to 20°. The factory setting is 8°. These user settings are accessed from the Temperatures menu. These instructions explain how to adjust these settings and navigate the control system.
  • Page 43 TEMPERATURES (CONT) DESCRIPTION/ACTION DISPLAY • Tank Probe Offset - adjustable user setting, range -5° to +5°F (factory setting 0°F). Temperatures The Tank Probe Offset is used to calibrate control system Operating Set Point 140°F temperature sensing. This offsets to more effectively read Differential 8°F point of use temperature in the tank.
  • Page 44 DISPLAY SETTINGS DESCRIPTION/ACTION DISPLAY Select Display Settings from the Main Menu and press the Display Settings Operational Button under "SELECT" to enter this menu. This menu contains adjustable display options for viewing information on the Temperature Units °F LCD screen. Use the Up & Down Buttons to navigate the menu. Backlight Delay •...

  • Page 45: Blocked Exhaust

    CURRENT FAULT DESCRIPTION/ACTION DISPLAY Select Current Fault from the Main Menu and press the Operational Button under "SELECT" to enter this menu. This menu contains non Blocked Exhaust adjustable operational information. Use the Up & Down Buttons to Fault occurred 2 mins ago navigate the menu.
  • Page 46 SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION The control system has a discrete menu that Installing contractors and/or qualified service technician can access to enter contact information for their customers. This contact information will be displayed with all Fault and Alert messages. DESCRIPTION/ACTION DISPLAY From the Desktop Screen press and hold down the middle Service Contact Information (unmarked) Operational Button for 30 seconds and then release it.

  • Page 47: For Your Information

    FOR YOUR INFORMATION START UP CONDITIONS complaint associated with the anode rod is one of a rotten egg smell in the hot water. The smell is a result of four factors which must all be present for the odor to develop: SMOKE/ODOR It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of smoke and odor a.

  • Page 48: Periodic Maintenance

    PERIODIC MAINTENANCE VENTING SYSTEM INSPECTION Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the anode rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties.

  • Page 49: Powered Anode Rod (Optional Models)

    POWERED ANODE ROD (OPTIONAL MODELS) NOTE: Excessive water pressure is the most common cause of Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve leakage. Excessive water To insure a long, trouble-free operating life, certain models of system pressure is most often caused by “thermal expansion” water heaters covered in this manual are factory equipped with in a “closed system.”...

  • Page 50: Service

    6. Open the water heater drain valve to flush the storage tank. TO DRAIN THE WATER HEATER STORAGE TANK: 7. Flush the water heater storage tank to remove sediment and allow the water to flow until it runs clean. 1. Turn off the electrical supply to the water heater. 8.

  • Page 51: Leakage Checkpoints

    LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS Never use this water heater unless it is completely filled with water. To prevent damage to the tank, the tank must be filled with water. B:Anode Water must flow from the hot water faucet before turning “ON” gas to the water heater.

  • Page 52: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING SEQUENCE OF OPERATION INSTALLATION CHECKLIST Read the Sequence of Operation below before attempting to The list below represents some of the most critical installation correct any operational problems. See the Sequence Of Operation requirements that, when overlooked, often result in operational Flow Chart.

  • Page 53: Sequence Of Operation Flow Chart

    SEQUENCE OF OPERATION FLOW CHART If tank temperature drops below Operating Set Point minus Differential setting a heating cycle is activated Control System performs diagnostic checks Normal State of all pressure switches and ECO are checked Control System Locks Out Blower Prover pressure switch verified open Displays Fault Msg All other pressure switches and ECO are verified closed...

  • Page 54: Operational Problems

    OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS If the Main Burner ignites momentarily but does not sustain ignition allow the water heater to try to ignite up to two more times until control system locks out and the Ignition Failure Fault message is displayed on the control system's LCD. If the water heater is experiencing rough starts - see Rough Starting, Rough Operation on this page.

  • Page 55: Fault And Alert Conditions

    FAULT AND ALERT CONDITIONS Only qualified service technician, as defined in Qualifications using appropriate test equipment, should perform any service procedures FAULT CONDITIONS on the water heater. When the control system declares a Fault condition it will display a NOTE: If you are not qualified and licensed or certified as required Fault message on the control system's LCD with an exclamation "!"...

  • Page 56: Ignition Failure

    FAULT AND ALERT MESSAGES Call the technical support phone number listed on the back cover for further technical assistance or to locate a qualified service technician in your area. POSSIBLE CAUSES - CHECK/REPAIR DISPLAYED FAULT/ALERT MESSAGE • The control system has failed to ignite the Main Burner. Ignition Failure •...

  • Page 57: Blower Prover Open

    FAULT AND ALERT MESSAGES (CONT) Call the technical support phone number listed on the back cover for further technical assistance or to locate a qualified service technician in your area. POSSIBLE CAUSES - CHECK/REPAIR DISPLAYED FAULT/ALERT MESSAGE • The control system has detected the Blower Prover Switch Blower Prover Failure contacts are closed when they should be open at the beginning of a heating cycle.

  • Page 58: Wiring Diagram

    WIRING DIAGRAM CAUTION LABEL ALL WIRES PRIOR TO DISCONNECTION WHEN SERVICING CONTROLS. WIRING ERRORS CAN CAUSE IMPROPER AND DANGEROUS OPERATION. VERIFY PROPER OPERATION AFTER SERVICING. Figure: 40 POWER VENT WIRING SCHEMATIC...
  • Page 59 LIMITED RESIDENTIAL GAS WARRANTY b. Shipping and delivery charges for forwarding the new water heater THIS WARRANTY IS APPLICABLE TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER or replacement part from the nearest distributor and returning the ONLY. If the glass lined tank in this water heater shall prove upon claimed defective heater or part to such distributor except in the examination by (the warrantor) to have leaked during the warranty period state of California where such charges are the manufacturer’s...
  • Page 60 www.hotwater.com 500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway, Ashland City, TN 37015 Tech Support: 800-527-1953 Parts: 800-433-2545 Copyright © 2013 A. O. Smith Corporation, All rights reserved.

This manual is also suitable for:

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