Reliance Water Heaters 184123-000 - Manual (Page 18)

18
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the
water temperature in certain situations may vary up to
30°F higher or lower at the point of use such as bathtubs,
showers, sink, etc.
This means that when the temperature adjustment dial is
set at the mark approximating 120°F, the actual water
temperature at any hot water tap could be as high as
150°F or as low as 90°F.
Any water heater’s intended purpose is to heat water. Hot
water is needed for cleansing, cleaning, and sanitizing
(bodies, dishes, clothing). Hot water will present a scald
hazard. Depending on the time element, and the people
involved (normal adults, children, toddlers, elderly,
infirm, etc.) scalding may occur at different temperatures.
The thermostat of this water heater has been factory set at
its lowest position, to reduce the risk of scald injury. It is
adjustable and must be reset to the desired temperature
setting. The mark ( ▼ ) HOT indicative of approximately
120°F is preferred starting point. Some states have a
requirement for a lower setting. If you need hotter water,
follow directions for temperature adjustment, but beware
of the warnings in this section.
Turn the water temperature dial clockwise ( ) to
decrease the temperature, or counterclockwise ( ) to
increase the temperature.
Temperature Regulation
WARNING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are
intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a
temperature 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 physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone
using hot water in your home fits into one of these
groups or 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 addition to using
the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies
your hot water needs, some type of tempering device,
such as a mixing valve, should be used at the hot water
taps used by these people or at the water heater.
WARNING
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to
draw their own bath water. Never leave a child or hand-
icapped person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
WARNING
Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut
off, turn “OFF” the manual gas control valve to the
appliance.
Time to Produce 2nd &
3rd Degree Burns on
Temperature Setting Adult Skin
VERY HOT = approx. 160°F About 1/2 second
C = approx. 150°F About 1-1/2 seconds
B = approx. 140°F Less than 5 seconds
A = approx. 130°F About 30 seconds
▼ HOT = approx. 120°F More than 5 minutes
NOTE: Water temperature range of 120°–140°F (49°–60°C)
recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers.