Locating The New Water Heater; Facts To Consider About Location - Lochinvar POWER DIRECT VENTED GAS MODELS 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 vent terminal or
location to which the water heater vent piping 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 metal drain pan should be installed
under the water heater. Metal drain pans are available at your local
hardware store. Such a drain pan must have a minimum length and
width of at least 2" (5.1 cm) greater that the water heater dimensions
and must be piped to an adequate drain. Drain pan depth must allow
for access to the outer doors for servicing the ignitor and burner.
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 metal 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 metal drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn
off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.
• Sensors mounted in the metal 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 hot surface igniter or main burner. The resulting fl ashback
and fi re can cause death, serious burns to anyone in the area or property
damage. This water heater is equipped with an FV sensor for detecting
the presence of fl ammable vapors. See Figure 3. When the sensor
detects those vapors, the unit will shut down and not operate. Should
this happen, please refer to the troubleshooting guide in this manual.
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.
Do not expose the FV sensor to cleaning solvents or moisture of
any kind. Doing so may activate the safety system and cause the
unit to shut down. 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" (7.6 cm) 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.
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FIGURE 3.