Locating The New Water Heater; Facts To Consider About Location - A.O. Smith Power Direct ventedGasModels 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 flow will not
cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to
install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. 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" (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 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 flammable vapors which can be ignited
by a gas water heater's hot surface igniter or main burner. The resulting
flashback and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area
and property damage. This water heater is equipped with a FV sensor
for detecting the presence of flammable vapors, see Figure 3. When the
sensor detects those vapors, the unit will shut down and not operate.
Should this happen, please refer to troubleshooting guide in this manual.
Even though this water heater is a flammable vapors ignition resistant
water heater and is designed to reduce the chances of flammable vapors
being ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas water
heater or other open flame 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" (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed
in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by the panel.
Failure to heed this warning may result in a fire hazard.
8
fIGure 3.