Burner flames, Stacking, Emergency shut down – American Water Heater 6510238 User Manual
Page 19: Water temperature regulation, Figure 16: flame characteristics
Burner Flames
Inspect the burner
flames through the
viewport and compare
them to the drawings in
Figure 16. A properly
operating burner
should produce a soft
blue flame. Blue tips
with yellow inner cones
are satisfactory. The
tips of the flame may have a slight yellow tint. The flame
should not be all yellow or have a sharp blue-orange
color. Contaminated air may cause an orange colored
flame. Contact a qualified service technician if the flame
is not satisfactory.
Stacking
Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot
water (3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater
tank. This causes increased cycling of the burner and
can result in increased water temperatures at the hot
water outlet. An anti-scald device is recommended in
the hot water supply line to reduce the risk of scald
injury.
Emergency Shut Down
Important: Should overheating occur or the gas supply
fails to shut off, turn off the water heaters manual gas
control valve and call a qualified service technician.
Water Temperature Regulation
Water temperature over 125°F can cause
severe burns instantly or death from
scalds.
Children, disabled and elderly are at
highest risk of being scalded.
See instructions manual before setting
temperature at water heater.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available.
The thermostat is adjusted to its lowest temperature
when it is shipped from the factory. Water temperature
can be regulated by moving the temperature dial to the
preferred setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F.
Align the index bar on the thermostat with the desired
water temperature as shown in Figures 17A and 17B.
There is a hot water scald potential if the thermostat
is set too high.
Important: Adjusting the thermostat past the 120°F
bar on the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald
injury. Hot water can produce first degree burns within:
120°F (49°C) more than 5 minutes
130°F (54°C) at 20 seconds
140°F (60°C) at 3 seconds
150°F (66°C) at 1-1/2 seconds
160°F (71°C) at less than 1 second
19
Note: During low demand periods when hot water is
not being used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce
energy losses and may satisfy your normal hot water
needs. If hot water use is expected to be more than
normal, a higher thermostat setting may be required to
meet the increased demand. When leaving your home
for extended periods (vacations, etc.) turn the
temperature dial to its lowest setting. This will maintain
the water at low temperatures with minimum energy
losses and prevent the tank from freezing during cold
weather.
REMOVABLE
REGULATOR
CAP
UNITROL
BEFORE
LIGHTING
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
CAUT
IO
N
HO
T
W
AR
M
V
A
C
A
TIO
N
CA
UTIO
N
W
ATE
R INCREAS
ES
HOTTER
TH
E
RISK
OF SCALD
INJ
UR
Y
VA
CA
TIO
N
WAR
M
H
O
T
120° F
BAR
130° F
BAR
INDEX
BARS
GAS
CONTROL
KNOB
Figure 17A: Robert Shaw Gas Valve/Thermostat Settings (Natural)
WA
RNIN
G
130° F
BAR
RESET
BUTTON
Figure 17B: Robert Shaw Gas Valve/Thermostat Settings (L.P.)
GAS
CONTROL
KNOB
INDEX
BAR
130° F
BAR
120° F
BAR
130° F
BAR
CAUTION
ON
O
F
F
P I
T
O
L
BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
A
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This may have a
yellow tint
Yellow inner
cones are
satisfactory
Incorrect flame
lazy yellow
Correct flame
soft blue
Figure 16: Flame Characteristics
A
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