American Water Heater DIRECT VENT GAS WATER HEATER Supplement

238-45839-00D REV 07/07
DIRECT VENT GAS WATER HEATER
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
Installation and service must be performed by a qualified
installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
For your family’s comfort, safety and convenience, it is
recommended this water heater be installed and serviced by a
plumbing professional.
INSTALLATION & OPERATING
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is
not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable,
combustible, or corrosive vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
A
Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting the
company listed on the rating plate.
La versión espãnola de estas instrucciones se puede obtener al escribirle a la
fábrica cu
y
o nombre a
p
arece en la
p
laca de es
p
ecificaciones.

2
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have just purchased one of the finest water heaters
on the market today!
This installation, operation and instruction manual will
explain in detail the installation and maintenance of your
new Direct Vent Gas Water Heater. We strongly
recommend that you contact a plumbing professional for
the installation of this water heater.
We require that you carefully read this manual, as well as
the enclosed warranty, and refer to it when questions
arise. If you have any specific questions concerning
your warranty, please consult the plumbing professional
from whom your water heater was purchased. For your
records we recommend that you write the model, serial
number and installation date of your water heater in the
maintenance section in the back of this manual.
This manual should be kept with the water heater.
We’re committed to providing you with the finest water
heater made.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS page
GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................... 4
INSTALLATION........................................................................... 5
Locating The Water Heater.......................................................... 5
Minimum Clearances.................................................................... 8
Optional Direct Vent-Air Intake Terminal Guard........................ 9
Venting ..........................................................................................11
Horizontal and Vertical Vent-Air Intake Lengths .......................13
Vent-Air Intake System Installation.............................................16
Water Connections.......................................................................24
Gas Connections..........................................................................28
GENERAL OPERATION......................................................... 29
Lighting and Shutdown Instructions..........................................30
Thermostat Adjustment ...............................................................31
Burner Flame Checks...................................................................32
MAINTENANCE..............................................................................33
PARTS LIST....................................................................................36
PARTS LIST DRAWINGS
Direct Vent Water Heater..............................................................37
Vent-Air Intake Kits ......................................................................38
INSTALLATIONS FOR POTABLE WATER AND SPACE
HEATING ................................................................................ 39
NOTES.................................................................................... 40

4
GENERAL INFORMATION
This gas-fired water heater’s design is certified by CSA International under
the American National Standard Z21.10.1 - (as indicated on the rating plate)
and CSA 4.1-M - (as indicated on the rating plate).
This water heater must be installed in accordance with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-Latest
Edition) and/or in Canada CAN/CGA B149 Installation Codes (Latest
Editions). The warranty for this water heater is in effect only when the water
heater is installed, adjusted, and operated in accordance with these
Installation and Operating Instructions. The manufacturer will not be held
liable for any damage resulting from alteration and/or failure to comply with
these instructions.
This water heater is not design certified for installation in a mobile home.
Such an installation may create a hazardous condition and will nullify the
warranty.
This water heater has been designed and certified for the purpose of heating
potable water. The installation and use of this water heater for any purpose
other than the heating of potable water may cause damage to the water
heater and create a hazardous condition and nullify the warranty.
CAUTION
Incorrect operation of this appliance may create a hazard to life and
property and will nullify the warranty.
Do not use this appliance if any part has been submerged in water. You
should contact a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to
replace any part of the control system including the combination gas control,
which has been submerged in water.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or
corrosive vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
DANGER

5
General Information continued-
IMPORTANT
Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and its components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any damaged components. If damage
is evident then please contact the supplier where the water heater was
purchased or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate for replacement
parts.
Make sure that you check the rating plate and combination gas control on
the water heater to be certain that the type of gas being supplied
corresponds with the marking on the rating plate and combination gas
control.
A sacrificial anode is used to extend tank life. The removal of this anode, for
any reason, will nullify the warranty. In areas where water is unusually active,
an odor may occur at the hot water faucet due to a reaction between the
sacrificial anode and the impurities in the water. If this should happen, an
alternative anode may be purchased from the supplier that installed this
water heater. This will minimize the odor while protecting the tank.
Additionally, the water heater should be flushed with appropriate dissolvers
to eliminate any bacteria. INSTALLATION
LOCATING THE WATER HEATER
WARNING
Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury,
do not store materials against the water heater or vent-air intake system.
Use proper care to avoid unnecessary contact (especially by children) with
the water heater and vent-air intake components. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS
GASOLINE OR PAINT THINNER BE USED OR STORED IN THE
VICINITY OF THIS WATER HEATER, VENT-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OR IN
ANY LOCATION FROM WHICH FUMES COULD REACH THE WATER
HEATER OR VENT-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM.
This water heater MUST NOT be installed in any location where
gasoline or flammable vapors are likely to be present, unless the
installation is such to eliminate the probable ignition of gasoline or
flammable vapors.

6
Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-
Water heaters in residential garages must be installed and located, or
protected, to avoid physical damage. For other installations refer to
local codes. In the absence of local codes, the water heater must be
installed in compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code, (ANSI Z223.1-
Latest Edition), or in Canada CAN/CGA B149.1 Natural Gas Installation
Code (Latest Edition) or CAN/CGA B149.2 Propane Installation Code
(Latest Edition).
The location of this water heater is of the utmost importance. Before
installing this water heater read the Installation section of these instructions.
After reading these Installation and Operating Instructions, select a location
for the water heater where the floor is level and is easily accessible to gas
and water supply lines. DO NOT locate the water heater where water
lines could be subjected to freezing temperatures. Make sure the cold
water pipes are not located directly above the gas control so that
condensate during humid weather does not drip on the controls.
This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind and
weather.
To comply with NSF requirements this water heater is to be:
a) Sealed to the floor with sealant, in a smooth and easily cleanable
way, or
b) Installed with an optional leg kit that includes legs and/or extensions
that provide a minimum clearance of 6” beneath the water heater.
Note: For California installation this water heater must be braced,
anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake.
See instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions may
be obtained from California Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814.
Water heater corrosion and component failure can be caused by the heating
and breakdown of airborne chemical vapors. Examples of some typical
compounds that are potentially corrosive are: spray can propellants, cleaning
solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes and process chemicals.
These materials are corrosive at very low concentration levels with little or no
odor to reveal their presence. NOTE: DAMAGE TO THE WATER HEATER
CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE VAPORS IS NOT COVERED
BY THE WARRANTY. DO NOT OPERATE THE WATER HEATER IF
EXPOSURE HAS OR WILL OCCUR. DO NOT STORE ANY
POTENTIALLY CORROSIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE
WATER HEATER.

7
Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-
WARNING
Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas are heavier than air and will
remain at floor level if there is a leak. Basements, crawl spaces,
closets and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for
accumulation of leaking gas. Before lighting, smell all around the
appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor.
IF YOU SMELL GAS:
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any telephone in
your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
telephone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
DO NOT OPERATE APPLIANCE UNTIL THE LEAKAGE IS
CORRECTED!
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT ANY GAS APPLIANCE IF YOU ARE
NOT CERTAIN OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas and natural gas have an
odorant added by the gas supplier that aids in the detection of
the gas.
• Most people recognize this odor as a “sulfur” or “rotten egg”
smell.
• Other conditions, such as “odorant fade” can cause the odorant
to diminish in intensity, or ”fade”, and not be as readily
detectable.
• If you have a diminished sense of smell, or are in any way unsure
of the presence of gas, immediately contact your gas supplier
from a neighbor’s telephone.
• Gas detectors are available. Contact your gas supplier, or
plumbing professional, for more information.

8
Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-
The water heater must be located close enough to the outside wall to keep
the venting distance within the maximum distance described in the
installation instructions. Note: The direct vent-air intake terminal must be
installed on a vertical wall. Read the venting section in this installation
instruction manual before locating the water heater.
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank or
water line connections and the combination temperature and pressure relief
valve will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to
lower floors of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a
suitable drain pan, adequately drained, must be installed under the water
heater. The pan must not restrict combustion airflow. The drain pan must
have a minimum length and width of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm) greater than the
diameter of the water heater and must not restrict proper combustion air flow
to the water heater. The drain pan, as described above, can be purchased
from your plumbing professional. The drain pan must be piped to an
adequate drain. The piping must be at least 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter
and pitched for proper drainage.
It is recommended that a minimum clearance of four (4) inches (10.2 cm) be
provided on the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the
combination temperature and pressure relief valve.
MINIMUM CLEARANCES
WARNING
Failure to adhere to these installation and operating instructions
may create a hazard to life and property and will nullify the
warranty.
This installation shall allow access to the front of the water heater and
adequate clearance shall be provided for servicing and operating this
water heater. The water heater may be installed on either a combustible or
non-combustible floor. If the water heater is to be installed directly on
carpeting, it shall be installed on top of a metal or wood panel extending
beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least three (3) inches
(76.2 mm) in any direction or, if the appliance is to be installed in an alcove
or closet, the entire floor shall be covered by the panel. The minimum
clearances to combustibles for this water heater is: zero (0) inch (0 cm) from
the sides and rear, four (4) inches (10.2 cm) from the front of the jacket, zero
(0) inch (0 cm) from the plenum, zero (0) inch (0 cm) from the air intake
elbow and telescopic tubes and twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) from the direct
vent-air intake terminal. (See Figure 1).

9
OPTIONAL DIRECT VENT-AIR INTAKE TERMINAL GUARD
WARNING
The direct vent-air intake terminal is HOT while the water heater is
in operation. Do not touch. Keep children, combustibles, gasoline
and other liquids having flammable vapors away.
It is recommended that a vent-air intake terminal guard be installed when the
vent-air intake terminal is located where it can be touched accidentally, or
accessed by children. (See Figure 2).
A chain link or louvered fence may be used instead of the vent-air intake
terminal guard. Maintain proper clearances as specified in this instruction
manual to the vent-air intake terminal. (See Figure 3).
Figure 1

10
Installation continued-
Figure 2
Figure 3

11
VENTING
This is a Direct Vent Gas Water Heater where all air for combustion is
obtained from the outside atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to
the outside atmosphere.
WARNING
The vent-air intake system must be properly installed. Failure to
properly install the vent-air intake system properly could result in
property damage, personal injury or death.
DO NOT install any damaged vent-air intake system components.
Contact the manufacturer of the water heater for replacement parts.
Figure 4
Direct Vent Terminal Clearances
Canadian
Installations1US Installations2
A= Clearance above grade, veranda,
porch, deck or balcony 12 inches (30 cm) 12 inches (30 cm)
B= Clearance to widow or door that may
be opened 12 inches (30 cm) 9 inches (23 cm)
C= Clearance to permanently closed
widow *b *b
D= Vertical clearance to ventilated soffit
located above the terminal within a
horizontal distance of 2 feet (61 cm)
from the center line of the terminal
12 inches (30
cm) *a 12 inches (30 cm) *a
E= Clearance to unventilated soffit 12 inches (30
cm) *a 12 inches (30 cm) *a
F= Clearance to outside corner *b *b
G= Clearance to inside corner *b *b
H= Clearance to each side of center line
extended above meter/regulator
assembly
3 feet (91 cm)
within a height
15 feet (4.6 m)
above the
meter/regulator
assembly
*b

12
Venting continued-
Canadian
Installations1US Installations2
I= Clearance to service regulator vent
outlet or oil tank vent 36 inches (91 cm) *b
J= Clearance to non-mechanical air
supply inlet to building or the
combustion air inlet to any other
appliance
12 inches
(30 cm) 9 inches (23 cm)
K= Clearance to a mechanical air supply
inlet 6 feet (1.83 m) 3 feet (91 cm) above if within 10 feet
horizontally
L= Clearance above paved sidewalk or
paved driveway located on public
property
7 feet
(2.13 m)† *b
M= Clearance under a veranda, porch,
deck, or balcony 12 inches (30 cm) ‡ *b
1 In accordance with the current CAN/CGA-B149 Installation Codes.
2 In accordance with the current ANSI Z223.1-(Latest edition)/NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code.
† A vent shall not terminate directly above a sidewalk or paved driveway that is located between two
single-family dwellings and serves both dwellings.
‡ Permitted only if a veranda, porch, deck or balcony is fully open on a minimum of two sides beneath
the floor.
*a) A minimum clearance value determined by testing in accordance with section 2.20.
*b) “Clearance in accordance with local installation codes and the requirements of the gas supplier”.
The vent system must terminate so that proper clearances are maintained as
cited in local codes or the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1.73.4e and 7.8a, b as follows:
1. Do not terminate near soffit vents or crawl space or other area
where condensate or vapor could create a nuisance or hazard or
cause property damage.
2. Do not terminate the exhaust vent terminal where condensate or
vapor could cause damage or could be detrimental to the operation
of regulators, relief valves, or other equipment.
3. Do not terminate the exhaust vent terminal over public area or
walkways where condensate or vapor can cause nuisance or
hazard.
4. The vent shall terminate a minimum of 12 inches above expected
snowfall level to prevent blockage of vent termination.
Vent pipes serving power vented appliances are classified by building codes
as “vent connectors”. Required clearances from combustible materials must
be provided in accordance with information in this manual under LOCATION
OF WATER HEATER and CLEARANCES, and with National Fuel Gas Code
and local code

13
Venting continued-
The co-axial vent-air intake tubes of this water heater can be installed in any
360°configuration as long as the proper clearances for installation,
plumbing, operation and servicing are maintained. (See Figure 5).
Figure 5
Note: Maintain proper clearances for installation, plumbing, operation
and service.
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL VENT-AIR INTAKE LENGTHS
This Direct Vent Gas Water Heater comes one (1) vent-air intake “Kit C”.
Optional vent-air intake kits are available that can extend the horizontal
length and/or vertical height of the vent-air intake system. Table A lists the
various vertical and horizontal vent-air intake system configurations.

14
Installation (Horizontal and Vertical Vent-Air Intake Lengths) continued-
The water heater is shipped with the following standard vent and air intake
system: 239-41097-00. The components of this vent and air intake systems
is as follows:
3” Vent Tube* Vent Terminal Hardware
5” Air Intake Tube* RTV Silicone Sealant
Vent Terminal 3” Vent Elbow
Inner Wall Term. Mounting Flange 5” Vent Elbow
Outer Wall Term. Mounting Flange
*The vent and air intake telescopes from 13 3/4" to 23 11/16”.
Table A
Horizontal "X"
13 1/4
14 3/16 15 17 11/16 22 1/4 32 3/16 36 55 7/8 58 5/16 104 5/16
10 order
kit A order kit B no add'l
kit req'd order kit C order
kit D
14 3/4
15 11/16 *order kit A (2) order kit A & B order
kit A order kit A & C order
kit A & D
16 1/2
19 3/16 order kit A & B *order kit B (2) order
kit B order kit B & C order
kit B & D
23 3/4
33 11/16 order
kit A order kit B order kit C *order kit C (2) order kit D
37 1/2
57 3/8 order
kit A & C order kit C & B *order kit C (2) *order kit C (3) order kit C & D
Vertical "Y"
59 13/16
105 13/16 order kit D & A order kit D & B order
kit D order kit D & C *order
kit D (2)
* (2) = Order two of the kits referenced.
* (3) = Order three of the kits referenced.
The bold text above show what kit(s) are needed in addition to the standard
vent and air intake tubes. If the standard vent and air intake tubes are not
used in the venting system (those that do not have bold text) they can be
discarded or saved.

15
Installation (Horizontal and Vertical Vent-Air Intake Lengths) continued-
Figure 6

16
VENT-AIR INTAKE SYSTEM INSTALLATION
WARNING
The vent-air intake system must be properly installed. Failure to
properly install the vent-air intake system could result in property
damage, personal injury or death.
Do not install any damaged vent-air intake system components.
Contact the manufacturer of the water heater for replacement parts.
Tools Required For Vent-Air Intake Installation
The following minimum tools are required to properly install the vent-
air intake system. Note: Wall construction will determine tool usage.
• Tape Measure
• Drill
• 3/16 inch Diameter Drill Bit(s)
• 1/8 inch Diameter Drill Bit(s)
• Masonry Drill Bit(s) (For Poured Concrete, Concrete Block and
Brick Wall Construction)
• Reciprocating Saw w/appropriate Blade(s) (Dependent on Wall
Construction)
• Chisel (For Poured Concrete, Concrete Block and Brick Wall
Construction)
• Hammer (For Poured Concrete, Concrete Block and Brick Wall
Construction)
• 1/4 & 5/16 inch Nut Drivers (Preferred) or Slotted Head
Screwdriver
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
IMPORTANT
When the following instructions specify, to seal a vent-air intake joint,
use only Loctite Ultra Blue 587 RTV Silicone sealant. A tube of Loctite
Ultra Blue 587 RTV Silicone sealant is supplied with every direct vent
water heater and each optional vent-air intake kit. Make sure that all
joints are completely sealed.
When drilling pilot holes for the #8 sheet metal screws through the
five (5) inch (12.7 cm) diameter components, be careful not to drill into
the inner three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter components.

17
Installation (Vent-Air Intake System Installation) continued-
1. Measure the vertical height “Y” required in your installation. (See Figure
6). Reference the appropriate Table A to determine number of vent-air
intake kits required in your installation.
2. Measure the horizontal length “X” required in your installation (See
Figure 6). Reference Table A to determine number of vent-air intake kits
required in your installation.
3. Cut a 5-1/2 inch (14 cm) diameter minimum clearance hole in the wall at
the point where the vent-air intake tubes will pass through the outside
wall and connect with the direct vent-air intake terminal
(See Figure 6).
4. From outside the building, position the outer wall mount plate and direct
vent-air intake terminal over the center of the opening. Mark the
mounting screw hole locations. With a 3/16 inch diameter drill bit (not
supplied), drill holes for the wall anchors (supplied). Install the wall
anchors but DO NOT affix the outer wall mount plate and direct vent-air
intake terminal to the wall at this time (See Figure 7). Note: Certain
construction of walls may require the use of a different type of wall
anchoring means than supplied. DO NOT modify the direct vent-air
intake terminal or outer wall mount plate.
Figure 7

18
Installation (Vent-Air Intake System Installation) continued-
5. Insert the straight end of the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter elbow into
the flue reducer until firmly seated and oriented in the correct direction.
With a 1/8 inch diameter drill bit (not supplied), drill three (3) holes, 120o
apart, through the flue reducer into the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter
elbow. Fasten with three (3) #8 sheet metal screws (supplied). Using
the supplied special RTV silicone sealant, apply a sufficient amount to
seal the joint (See Figure 8).
Figure 8
6. Place the straight end of the five (5) inch (12.7 cm) diameter elbow over
the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter elbow and plenum collar until seated
on top of the plenum box. Make certain that the five (5) inch (12.7 cm)
diameter elbow is oriented in the same direction as the three (3) inch
(7.6 cm) diameter elbow and both are oriented in the correct direction.
Drill three (3) 1/8 inch diameter holes, 120o apart, through the five (5)
inch (12.7 cm) diameter elbow into the plenum collar. Fasten with three
(3) #8 sheet metal screws (supplied) (See Figure 9).
IMPORTANT
The following instructions detail the installation of the standard
horizontal vent-air intake kit supplied with the water heater.

19
Installation (Vent-Air Intake System Installation) continued-
Figure 9
7. Extend the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter telescopic tube to its
maximum length and slide the backing plate over it. Place the large end
of the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter telescopic tube through the hole
in the outside wall. Insert the smaller end of the three (3) inch diameter
(7.6 cm) telescopic tube into the flared end of the three (3) inch (7.6 cm)
diameter elbow, one (1) inch (2.5 cm) (or until seated). Drill three (3) 1/8
inch diameter holes, 120oapart, through the three (3) inch (7.6 cm)
diameter elbow into the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter telescopic tube.
Fasten with three (3) #8 sheet metal screws (supplied). Adjust the
overall length of the three (3) inch (7.6 cm) diameter telescopic tube so
that 2-1/2 inches (6.4 cm) extends beyond the outside wall. Drill three (3)
1/8 inch diameter holes, 120o apart, through the three (3) inch (7.6 cm)
diameter telescopic tubes where the small and large sections overlap.
Fasten with three (3) #8 sheet metal screws (supplied). Using the
supplied special RTV silicone sealant, apply a sufficient amount to seal
the joints (See Figure 10).

20
Installation (Vent-Air Intake System Installation) continued-
Figure 10
8. Extend the five (5) inch (12.7 cm) diameter telescopic tube to its
maximum length. Place the large end of the five (5) inch (12.7 cm)
diameter telescopic tube over the collar on the outer wall mount plate.
Drill three (3) 1/8 inch diameter holes, 120oapart, through the five (5)
inch (12.7 cm) diameter telescopic tube into the collar on the outer wall
mount plate. Fasten with three (3) #8 sheet metal screws (supplied).
Using the supplied special RTV silicone sealant, apply a sufficient
amount to seal the joint (See Figure 11).
Figure 11