A.O. Smith 185762-000 - Manual (Page 7)

7
INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER
WATER PIPING
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD:
Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. Water heated to a
temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish
washing, cleaning 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 infi rm, or physically/mentally disabled. If anyone using hot water in
your home fi ts 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 satisfi es 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. Valves for reducing point of use temperature by
mixing cold and hot water are also available.
Consult a Qualified Installer or Service Agency. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the valves.
Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the
“Temperature Regulation” section in this manual.
This water heater shall not be connected to any heating systems or
component(s) used with a non-potable water heating appliance.
Use properly sized water heaters for spa or hot tub use.
Toxic chemicals, such as those used for boiler treatment shall not
be introduced into this system.
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed
system, the volume of water will increase. As the volume of water
increases, there will be a corresponding increase in water pressure due
to thermal expansion. Thermal expansion can cause premature tank
failure (leakage). This type of failure is not covered under the limited
warranty. Thermal expansion can also cause intermittent temperature-
pressure relief valve operation: water discharged from the valve due to
excessive pressure build up. The temperature-pressure relief valve is
not intended for the constant relief of thermal expansion. This condition
is not covered under the limited warranty.
A properly-sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all
closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion.
Contact a plumbing service agency or your retail supplier regarding
the installation of a thermal expansion tank.
3. The water heater should be located so it is not subject to physical
damage by moving vehicles or area fl ooding.
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. Drain pans are
available from your local plumbing contractor. Such a drain pan
must have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51
mm) greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped
to an adequate drain.
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 detec-
tor 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.
INSULATION BLANKETS
Insulation blankets are available to the general public for external use
on electric water heaters but are not necessary with this product. The
purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss
encountered with storage tank heaters. Your water heater meets or
exceeds the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards
with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an
insulation blanket unnecessary.
Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater,
you should follow these instructions below. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in fi re, serious personal injury, or death.
• Do not cover the temperature and pressure relief (T & P) valve
with an insulation blanket.
• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the
water heater or nearby for future reference.
• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement on
the blanket directly over the existing labels.