Airstream 390 - Manual (Page 99)

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I - 5
APPLIANCES
WATER HEATER
Manufacturer:
Atwood Mobile Products 4750
Hiawatha Drive P.O. Box 1205
Rockford, Illinois 61105
Phone: 815-877-7461
Note: Review the water heater literature supplied in
your Owner’s Packet before proceeding,
CAUTION : Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot
water system served by this heater that has not been
used for a long period of time (generally two weeks
or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. To
reduce the risk of injury under these conditions, it is
recommended that the hot water faucet he opened
for several minutes at the kitchen sink before using
any electrical appliance connected to the hot water
system. If hydrogen is present there will probably
be an unusual sound such as air escaping through
the pipe as the water begins to flow. There should
be no smoking or open flame near the faucet at the
time it is open.
Electronic Ignition
The switches used to light your electronic ignition water
heater are located in the bathroom above the lavatory
top. When the switch is turned on, the red light will
come on indicating the “try” mode is in effect. Normally
the burner will ignite in just a few seconds, and the
light will go out. If your LP system hasn’t been used
for some time, the system may go into safety lockout
(about 20 seconds) before the air is all expelled from
the lines. Turning the switch off for 30 seconds, then
back on, reinstates the “try” mode.
110-Volt Operation
This same switch provides power to the heating ele-
ment. DO NOT use unless you are sure the water heater
is full. Open a faucet and see if there is a full stream of
water on the hot side. Check that the bypass valves are
in the normal flow position. Valves A and C open, Valve
B closed. See diagram in winterizing section.
The 110-volt element may be operated at the same
time as the gas burner. To operate the 110-volt by itself
simply turn the electronic gas igniter switch off.
The heating element is 1500 watts so if breakers start
to kick out when the air conditioner cycles you may
want to turn the switch off to the heating element.
SAFETY
If your water system is full and cold and the water
heater is ignited the system can see pressures as high
as 120 psi before the relief valve starts to open. Since
the water system normally operates in the 40-psi range
the water expanding does put unusual stress on the
system. This normally does not cause any problems,
but the stress is easily alleviated. As the water is heating
just open any faucet and run as little as a cup of water.
Just removing this small amount of water reduces the
pressure build up significantly.
For fun, watch the sequence of events your family goes
through when you park the motorhome and ignite the
water heater. More than likely someone will run water
and relieve the pressure without even realizing it.