Kenmore 153.335863 Owner's Manual page 3

Safety Precautions
AWARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such a closet, unless you provide air as
shown in the "Locating The New Water Heater" section.
Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any
doubts or questions at all, call your gas company. Failure
to provide the proper amount of combustion air can result
in a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SERIOUS
BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_,WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on car-
peting. Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood
panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches
(76.2mm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed
in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered b
the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in
fire hazard.
_,WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a tem-
perature which will satisfy clothes washing, dish washing,
and other sanitizing needs can scald and permanently
injure you upon contact. Some people are more likely to
be permanently injured by hot water than others. These
include the elderly, children, the infirm, or physicallylmen-
tally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home
fits into one of these groups_r if there is a local code or
state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot
water tap, then you must take special precautions. In addi-
tion to using the lowest possible temperature setting that
satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a mixing
valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufac-
turers instructions for installation of the valves. Before
changing the factory se_ing on the thermostat, read the
"Temperature Regulation" section in this manual.
AWARNING
Soot build-up indicates a problem that requires correc-
tion before further use. Turn "off" gas to water heater
and leave "off" until repairs are made, because failure to
correct the cause of the sooting can result in a fire or
explosion causing DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY,
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
_WARNING
The power vent water heater requires its own (separate)
venting system. It cannot be connected to an existing vent
pipe or chimney, it must be terminated to the outdoors.
Failure to properly install the venting system can result in
asphyxiation, a fire or explosion and can cause DEATH, SE-
RIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
AWARNING
No vent damper installation is compatible with this power
vented water heater design. No vent damper, whether it is
operated thermally or otherwise is to be installed on this
power vented water heater. Alteration of any part of the fac-
tory-furnished vent assembly could result in improper oper-
ation due to restriction of flue gases, spillage of flue gases
and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
_,WARNING
• The appliance and its individualshutoff" v alve must be dis-
connected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of the gas system at test pressures in
excessof I/2 pound per square inch (3.5kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supplypip-
ing system by closingits individual manual shutoff valve
during any pressuretesting of the gas supply piping sys-
tem at test pressuresequal or lessthan 1,2 pound per
squareinch (3.5kPa).
_,WARNING
BEFORE LIGHTING [PROPANE (L.P.) GAS WATER
HEATERS]: Propane (L.R) gas is heavier than air. Should
there be a leak in the system, the gas will settle near the
ground. Basements, crawl spaces, skirted areas under
mobile homes (even when ventilated), closets and areas
below ground level will serve as pockets for the accumula-
tion of this gas. Before attempting to light or relight the
water heater's pilot or turning on a nearby electrical light
switch, be absolutely sure there is no accumulated gas in
the area. Search for odor of gas by sniffing at ground level
in the vicinity of the appliance. If odor is detected, follow
steps indicated at "For Your Safety" on the cover page of
this manual then leave the premises.
_,WARNING
Chemical vapor corrosion of the flue and vent system
may occur if air for combustion contains certain chemical
vapors. Spray can propellants, cleaning solvents, refrigera-
tor and air conditioner refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes, bleach,
and process chemicals are typical compounds which are
potentially corrosive.
AWARNING
Obstructed or deteriorated vent systems may present a
serious health risk or asphyxiation.
Safety Precautions continued on page 4.
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