Locating The New Water Heater; Facts To Consider About Location - Lochinvar COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATERS Instruction Manual

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCATION
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because
the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the
occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the
appliance. This water heater is not for use in manufactured
(mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater
in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:
1. Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas vent or
chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be connected,
and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.
2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing
and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the fl ow will not cause
damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install
the water heater in an attic or upper fl oor. When such locations cannot
be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water
heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such a
drain pan must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches
(51 mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped
to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air fl ow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and
the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters
are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in
property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain.
However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by
a leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a
piped drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing
supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage
in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off
the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply to
the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes
connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater while
at the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES,
STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such
as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.) and other
substances (such as adhesives, etc.) emit fl ammable vapors which
can be ignited by a gas water heater's pilot light or main burner.
The resulting fl ashback and fi re can cause death or serious burns
to anyone in the area. Even though this water heater is a fl ammable
vapors ignition resistant water heater and is designed to reduce
the chances of fl ammable vapors being ignited, gasoline and other
fl ammable substances should never be stored or used in the same
vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other open fl ame
or spark producing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not
subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath the
appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the appliance
by at least 3 inches (76.2 mm) in any direction, or if the appliance is
installed in an alcove or closet, the entire fl oor must be covered by
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a fi re hazard.
Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible
construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 4 inches (102 mm)
at the front, and 6 inches (153 mm) from the vent pipe. Clearance
from the top of the jacket is 12 inches (305 mm) on most models.
Note that a lesser dimension may be allowed on some models, refer
to the label attached adjacent to the gas control valve on the water
heater, see Figure 3.
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