AquaStar 38B LP - Manual (Page 5)

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COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENT
The AquaStar water heater holds cold water in its copper
heat exchanger and brass water valve when not in use.
Because of this, any cold air that comes in through the
unit’s vent pipe is capable of freezing these components.
This Installation Manual specifies the minimum vertical vent
pipe and the amount of combustion air required for this unit.
When all requirements are followed, the unit will operate
properly and safely. However, there may still be a risk of
freezing due to negative draft if all the combustion appliances
in the area are not being supplied with a sufficient amount
of make-up air. A wood stove or furnace can rob the make-
up air in the AquaStar’s vent pipe, leaving the cold infiltrating
air capable of freezing the cold water in the AquaStar heat
exchanger. More make up air is the solution. Follow the
instructions on venting and checking adequacy of make up
air. A HVAC specialist should be used to design solutions
for providing more make-up air if necessary.
Observe the following instructions concerning combustion
air.
Appliances located in confined spaces:
The confined space must be provided with two permanent
openings, one commencing within 12 inches of the top and
one commencing within 12 inches of the bottom of the
enclosure. Each opening must have a minimum free area of
one square inch per:
- 1000 Btu/hr if all air is taken from inside the building.
- 2000 Btu/hr if all air is taken from the outside by horizontal
ducts.
- 4000 Btu/hr if all air is taken from the outside by direct
openings or vertical ducts.
Or the confined space must be provided with one permanent
opening or duct that is within 12 inches of the ceiling of the
enclosure. This opening must have a minimum free area of
one square inch per:
-3000 Btu/hr if all air is taken from the outside by a direct
opening or vertical duct.
Louvers, grills and screens have a blocking effect. If the
effective free area is not known, increase the sizes of your
openings by 75% if your louvers are wood and by 30% if
your louvers are metal. Refer to the National Fuel Gas Code
for complete information. In buildings of tight construction
all air should be taken from outside. That would be 2000
cubic feet for the Aquastar 38B alone.
CLEARANCES
The Aquastar 38 B is design certified for installation on a
combustible wall and for installation in an alcove or closet
with the minimum clearances to combustible and non -
combustible construction listed below
A. Top 12 inches ( 305 mm)
B. Front 4 inches (102mm)
C. Back 0 inches
D. Sides 4 inch (102mm)
E. Bottom 12 inches (306 mm)
Clearance from vent is dependent upon the clearance rating
of the venting material used. For example: type B-1 vent is
approved for 1 inch clearance.
Note: Typically, the minimum clearance to combustible
materials should not be less than 6” for single wall flue
pipe. Note that this clearance can be reduced if combustible
materials are protected as per table VI of the National Fuel
Gas Code or if Type B gas vent is used.
MOUNTING INSTALLATION
The Aquastar 38 B is design certified for mounting on a
wall.
Secure the two L shaped hooks, which are provided with
heater, to a wall surface. Place them 5 ½” apart as
shown in Fig. 1.
Do not install this appliance on a carpeted wall or over floor
covering which is combustible, such as carpet. The heater
must be mounted on a wall using appropriate anchoring
materials. If wall is a stud wall sheathed with plasterboard, it
is recommended that support board(s), either 1x4’s or
1/2" (minimum) plywood first be attached across a pair
of studs and then the heater should be attached to the
support boards. See Fig 1.
Expansion and contraction of piping due to changing water
temperature in the pipes imparts movement to the heater
which, if mounted directly to a brittle, friable board, such as
plasterboard, can cause failure of mounting.
In earthquake-prone zones, CEC recommends that installers
use a large washer and lag screw through the existing holes
used to hang the heater to affix the upper third of the heater
to the mounting board. To affix the lower third of the heater,
CEC recommends that two new holes be drilled in the
heater’s frame, each one 16 inches below the top two holes,
and that washers and lag screws be used to secure the
lower portion of the heater to a spacing board.
Before installing the unit, be certain you have the correct
heater for your type of Gas – Propane or Natural Gas
AQ38B
AQ38B
Air Vents
(10¾ X 10¾ in. each)
Air Vents
(5½ X 5½ in. each)