Unconfined space, Confined space – Whirlpool SG1J4040T3NOV 7K User Manual

Page 8

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8

Unconfined Space

A water heater in an unconfined space uses indoor air for
combustion and requires at least 50 cubic feet for each
1,000 BTUH of the total input for all gas appliances. The
table below shows a few examples of the minimum square
footage (area) required for various BTUH inputs.

30,000

45,000

60,000

75,000

90,000

105,000

120,000

135,000

188

281

375

469

563

657

750

844

9 x 21

14 x 20

15 x 25

15 x 31

20 x 28

20 x 33

25 x 30

28 x 30

Typical Room

with 8' Ceiling

Minimum Square

Feet with

8' Ceiling

BTUH

Input

Table 2

IMPORTANT:

The area must be open and be able to provide the
proper air requirements to the water heater. Areas that
are being used for storage or contain large objects may
not be suitable for water heater installation.

Water heaters installed in open spaces in buildings with
unusually tight construction may still require outdoor
air to function properly. In this situation, outside air
openings should be sized the same as for a confined
space.

Modern home construction usually requires supplying
outside air into the water heater area.

Confined Space

For the correct and proper operation of this water heater,
ample air must be supplied for the combustion, ventilation,
and dilution of flue gases. Small enclosures and confined
areas must have two permanent openings so that sufficient
fresh air can be drawn from outside of the enclosure. One
opening shall be within 12 inches of the top and one within
12 inches of the bottom of the enclosure as shown in
Figure 4.
The size of each opening (free area) is determined by the
total BTUH input of all gas utilization equipment (i.e., water
heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, etc.) and the method by
which the air is provided. The BTUH input can be found on
the water heater data plate. Additional air can be provided
by two methods:

1. All air from inside the building.
2. All air from outdoors.

Figure 4
Opening Locations-
Confined Spaces

12” maximum

Permanent
openings to
the outside or
additional
rooms within
the building

Closet

or

other

confined

space

12” maximum

All Air from Inside the Building

When additional air is to be provided to the confined area
from additional room(s) within the building, the total volume
of the room(s) must be of sufficient size to properly provide
the necessary amount of fresh air to the water heater
and other gas utilization equipment in the area. If you are
unsure that the structure meets this requirement, contact
your local gas utility company or other qualified agency for
a safety inspection.
Each of the two openings shall have a minimum free area
of 1 square inch per 1,000 BTUH of the total input rating of
all gas utilization equipment in the confined area, but not
less than 100 square inches (Figure 5).

Confined

Space

Figure 5

All Air from Inside Building

Confined Space Installation

Permanent

Openings

1 square

inch/1000

BTUH

(minimum
100 sq. In.)

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