gas-safety1

Gas Hot Water System Safety

General Safety Precautions Residential Gas Water Heaters

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use & Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. Pay particular attention to the following General Safety Precautions. Failure to follow these warnings could result in a fire or explosion, causing property damage, bodily injury or death. Should you have any problems understanding the instructions in this manual, STOP, and get help from a qualified installer or service technician or the gas supplier

Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, etc.), and the vapors they produce, are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store gasoline or other flammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater. Be sure to read and follow the warning label pictured below and other labels on the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual. Failure to do so can result in property damage, bodily injury, or death.

Failure to install the draft hood and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as outlined in the Venting Section of this manual can result in unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation from carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and has an adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system for proper installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to Maintenance section of this manual for more information regarding vent system inspections.

Maximum water temperatures occur just after burner has shut off. To find hot water temperature being delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and place a thermometer in the hot water stream and read the thermometer.

The following chart may be used as a guide in determining the proper water temperature for your home.

TIME / TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN SCALDS

  • 50° C 1 1/2 to 2 minutes
  • 55° C About 30 seconds
  • 60°C About 10 seconds
  • 65°C Less than 5 seconds
  • 70° C Less than 3 seconds
  • 75° C About 1 1/2 seconds
  • 80° C About 1 second

The temperature of the water in the heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial on front of the thermostat. To comply with safety regulations the thermostat was set at its lowest setting before water heater was shipped from the factory. The illustration below details the approximate water temperature for each mark on the Thermostat Temperature Dial.

IF LP GAS IS PRESENT OR SUSPECTED:

  • DO NOT attempt to find the cause yourself;
  • DO NOT try to light any appliance;
  • DO NOT touch any electrical switch;
  • DO NOT use any in your building.
  • Leave the house immediately and make sure your family and pets leave also.
  • Leave the doors open for ventilation and contact the gas supplier, a qualified service agency or the fire department.
  • Keep the area clear until the service call has been made, the leak is corrected, and a qualified agency has determined the area to be safe.

Both LP and natural gas have an odorant added to help detection. Some people may not physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If unsure or unfamiliar about the smell associated with LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier. Other conditions, such as “Odorant Fade”, which causes the odorant to “fade”, or diminish in intensity can also hide or camouflage a gas leak.

Water heaters utilizing Liquefied Petroleum gas (LP) are different from natural gas models. A natural gas heater will not function safely on LP gas and vice versa. No attempt should ever be made to convert a heater from natural gas to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment damage, personal injury or fire: DO NOT connect this water heater to a fuel type not in accordance with unit data plate. Propane for propane units. Natural gas for natural gas units. These units are not certified for any other type fuel.

LP Appliances should not be installed below-grade (for example, in a basement) if such installation is prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, rules, regulations or customs.

WATER TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 50 degrees C. can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below.

NOTE: Households with small children, disabled, or elderly persons may require a 45 degrees C. or lower thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

There is a Hot Water SCALD Potential if the thermostat is set too high.

Mixing valves for reducing point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water in branch water lines are available. Contact a licensed plumber or the local plumbing authority for further information.