5
LOCAL INSTALLATION REGULATIONS
This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions,
local codes, utility company requirements and/or, in the absence of local
codes, the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 in
the United States, or CAN/CSA B149.1 Installation Codes in Canada.
LOCATION
A. If this water heater is of the Direct Vent design, all air for combustion
and all products of combustion are routed through the venting system,
directly from and to the outside of the building.
Otherwise: This unit can also be set up as a Power Vent Unit. Combus-
tion air for a power vent unit will be obtained from the surrounding area.
Make sure that there is an adequate air supply for the water heater,
see codes in "Local Installation Regulations".
The water heater should be installed in a clean, dry location as close as
practical to the vent terminals. Long hot water lines should be insulated
to conserve water and energy. The water heater and water lines should
be protected from exposure to freezing temperatures.
B. A gas fired water heater should not be installed in a space where liquids
which give off flammable vapors are to be used or stored. Such liquids
include gasoline, LP gas (butane and propane), paint or adhesives and
their thinners, solvents or removers. Because of natural air movement
in a room or other enclosed space, flammable vapors can be carried
some distance from where their liquids are being used or stored. The
open flame of the water heater’s main burner can ignite these vapors
causing an explosion or fire which may result in severe burns or death
to those in range, as well as property damage. For these reasons,
installation of a gas fired water heater in a garage is not desirable.
C. All models are certified for installation on combustible floors and in
alcoves. The minimum side and top clearance to walls and ceiling for
providing protection of combustible materials are shown on the water
heater’s rating label. A front clearance of 18 inches (46 cm) should be
provided for adequate inspection and servicing.
If the water heater must be installed on carpeting, place a metal or
wood panel beneath water heater extending beyond its full width and
depth at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in all directions. If the water heater is
installed in an alcove, the entire floor must be covered by the panel.
NOTICE: Auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to the ap-
plicable local codes.
The water heater should not be located in an area where leak-
age of the tank or connections will result in damage to the area
adjacent to it or to lower floors of the structure. When such areas
cannot be avoided, it is recommended that a suitable catch pan,
adequately drained, be installed under the water heater. The pan
MUST NOT interfere with the operation of the water heater and
access of the serviceable components.
D. RESTAURANT INSTALLATION: — If the water heater is to be installed
in a restaurant or other location where NSF International listing is re-
quired, this unit must be sealed to the floor and other components must
be added utilizing Rheem's UL Listed NSF Seal Kit. A factory designed
sealing kit is available from the distributor or store where the water
heater was purchased. When installed according to the instructions
supplied with the kit, these heaters will meet the NSF international
requirements.
E. CORROSIVE ATMOSPHERES — The heater should not be installed
near an air supply containing halogenated hydrocarbons. For example,
the air in beauty shops, dry cleaning establishments, photo process-
ing labs, and storage areas for liquid and powdered bleaches or swim
pool chemicals often contain such hydrocarbons. The air there may
be safe to breathe, but when it passes through a gas flame, corrosive
elements are released that will shorten the life of any gas burning
appliance. Propellants from common spray cans or gas leaks from
refrigeration equipment are highly corrosive after passing through a
flame. The limited warranty is voided when failure of water heater is due
to a corrosive atmosphere. (Refer to the Certificate of Limited Warranty
for complete terms and conditions.)The manufacturer’s warranty does
not cover any damage or defect caused by installation, or attachment,
or use of any special attachment such as energy saving devices (other
than those authorized by the manufacturer) into, onto, or in conjunc-
tion with the water heater. The use of such unauthorized devices may
shorten the life of the water heater and may endanger life and property.
The manufacturer disclaims any responsibility for such loss or injury
resulting from the use of such unauthorized devices.
1. INSPECT SHIPMENT — for possible damage. The manufacturer’s re-
sponsibility ceases upon delivery of goods to the carrier in good condi-
tion. Any claims for damage, shortage in shipments, or non delivery
must be filed immediately against carrier by consignee.
2. THERMAL EXPANSION — Determine if a check valve exists in the
inlet water line. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a
separate back flow preventer, or it may be part of a pressure reducing
valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in the cold
water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a ”closed water sys-
tem”. A cold water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention
device is referred to as an ”open” water system.
As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase
in the pressure within the water system. This action is referred to as
”thermal expansion”. In an ”open” water system, expanding water
which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the
city main where the pressure is easily dissipated.
A ”closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water
from flowing back into the main supply line, and the result of ”thermal
expansion” can create a rapid, and dangerous pressure increase in
the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can
quickly reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to oper-
ate during each heating cycle. Thermal expansion, and the resulting
rapid, and repeated expansion and contraction of components in the
water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the
relief valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve
will not correct the problem!
The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an
expansion tank in the cold water line between the water heater and the
check valve. The expansion tank is designed with an air cushion built in
that compresses as the system pressure increases, thereby relieving
the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of
the relief valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also
available. Contact your installing contractor, water supplier, or plumbing
inspector for additional information regarding this subject.
If a recirculation line is installed, the return connection should be made
to a tee close to the inlet connection on the water heater. A check valve
should always be installed in the recirculation line to prevent cold water
from entering.
Introduction
CAUTION
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