American Water Heater Ultra Low Nox User manual

1
Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
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.
WARNING: If the information in these
instructions is not followed exactly, a fire
or explosion may result causing property
damage, personal injury or death.
INSTALLER:
• AFFIX THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO OR ADJACENT
TO THE WATER HEATER.
OWNER:
• RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. RETAIN THE ORIGINAL
RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PURCHASE.
Table of Contents ...................................................... 2
318935-003
June 2012
Ultra Low Nox
Gas Water Heater
with the Flame Guard™
Safety System
To obtain technical, warranty, or service assistance during or after
the installation of this water heater, visit our website at:
http://www.americanwaterheater.com
or call toll free
1-800-999-9515
When calling for assistance, please have the following
information ready:
1. Model number
2. 7 digit product number
3. Serial number
4. Date of installation
5. Place of purchase
Installation
Instructions and
Use & Care Guide
LOW LEAD
C
O
NTENT

2
Table Of Contents
Water Heater Safety ..............................................................................1-2
Installing Your Gas Water Heater ........................................................3-16
Unpacking the Water Heater........................................................... 3
Location Requirements................................................................4-5
Gas Supply ..................................................................................6-7
Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation...................................... 7-11
Water System Piping ............................................................... 12-13
Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve........................................... 14
Special Applications...................................................................... 15
Installation Checklist ..................................................................... 16
Operating Your Water Heater ............................................................17-21
Lighting Instructions...................................................................... 17
Operating the Temperature Control System ................................. 20
Operational Conditions ................................................................. 21
Maintenance of Your Water Heater ...................................................22-27
Troubleshooting Charts .....................................................................28-30
Repair Parts Illustration ..................................................................... 31-32
PAGE
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all
safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or
“WARNING.” These words mean:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you
what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
Important Instructions
• Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified person. Water heaters sub-
jected to flood conditions or any time the gas controls, main burner or pilot have been submerged in water require
replacement of the entire water heater.
• Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally
two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. To
prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. If
hydrogen is present, there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the faucet as water
begins to flow. Do not smoke or have any open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of
substances known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires
businesses to warn of potential exposure to such substances.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
This appliance can cause low-level exposure to some of the substances included in the Act.
This product is certifi ed to comply with a maximum weighted average of 0.25% lead content as required in
some areas.
WATER HEATER SAFETY

3
INSTALLING YOUR GAS WATER HEATER
Important Information About
This Water Heater
This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary
safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a flammable
vapor ignition incident. New technology used in meeting
these standards makes this product more sensitive to
installation errors or improper installation environments.
Please review the Installation Checklist found at the end of
the installation instructions section and make any required
installation upgrades or changes.
Consumer Information
This water heater is design-certified by CSA International
as a Category I, non-direct vented water heater which takes
its combustion air either from the installation area or from
air ducted to the unit from the outside.
This water heater must be installed according to all local
and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes,
the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)-
current edition. This is available from the following:
CSA America, Inc.
8501 East Pleasant Valley Road
Cleveland, OH 44131
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
Check your phone listings for the local authorities having
jurisdiction over your installation.
Consumer Responsibilities
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the
installation, operation, and maintenance of your gas water
heater and provide important safety information in these
areas.
Read all of the instructions thoroughly before attempting
the installation or operation of this water heater.
Do not discard this manual. You or future users of this
water heater will need it for future reference.
Service to the Flame Guard™ Safety System should only
be performed by a qualified person.
Examples of a qualified person include: licensed plumbers,
authorized gas company personnel, and authorized
service personnel.
IMPORTANT: The manufacturer and seller of this water
heater will not be liable for any damages, injuries, or
deaths caused by failure to comply with the installation and
operating instructions outlined in this manual.
If you lack the necessary skills required to properly install
this water heater, or you have difficulty following the
instructions, you should not proceed but have a qualified
person perform the installation of this water heater.
Massachusetts code requires this water heater to be
installed in accordance with Massachusetts Plumbing and
Fuel Gas Code 248 CMR Section 2.00 and 5.00.
A data plate identifying your water heater can be found next
to the gas control valve/thermostat. When referring to your
water heater, always have the information listed on the data
plate readily available.
Retain your original receipt as proof of purchase.
Unpacking the Water Heater
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
water heater.
Failure to do so can result in back or
other injury.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove any permanent instructions,
labels, or the data label from either the outside of the water
heater or on the inside of water heater panels.
• Remove exterior packaging and place installation com-
ponents aside.
• Inspect all parts for damage prior to installation and
start-up.
• Completely read all instructions before attempting to
assemble and install this product.
• After installation, dispose of/recycle all packaging
materials.

4
Location Requirements
The Flame Guard™ Safety System is designed to reduce
the risk of flammable vapor-related fires. The patented
system protects your family by trapping the burning vapors
within the water heater combustion chamber through
the special flame-trap. The burning vapors literally “burn
themselves out” without escaping back into the room. In the
event of a flammable vapor incident, the Flame Guard™
Safety System disables the water heater by shutting off
the gas supply to the water heater’s burner and pilot,
preventing re-ignition of any remaining flammable vapors
in the area. This will not prevent a possible fire/explosion
if the igniter is depressed and flammable vapors have
accumulated in the combustion chamber with the pilot
light off. If you suspect a flammable vapor incident has
occurred, do not use this appliance. Do not attempt to light
this appliance, or depress the igniter button if you suspect
flammable vapors have accumulated inside or outside the
appliance. Immediately call a qualified person to inspect
the appliance. Water heaters subjected to a flammable
vapors incident will show a discoloration on the flame-trap
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death
Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Storage of or use of gasoline or other
flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity
of this or any other appliance can result in
serious injury or death.
Flammable Vapors
FLAMMABLES
Read and follow water heater warnings and
instructions.
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Do not install in a mobile home.
Doing so can result in death or
carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING
and require replacement of the entire water heater. Note:
Not following these instructions and/or an inadequate air
supply can cause the Flame Guard™ Safety System to
disable the water heater. Please make required installation
and venting/air supply changes prior to resetting the system
(see “Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation” section).
Do not use or store flammable products such as gasoline,
solvents, or adhesives in the same room or area near the
water heater. If such flammables must be used, all gas
burning appliances in the vicinity must be shut off and their
pilot lights extinguished. Open the doors and windows for
ventilation while flammable substances are in use.
If flammable liquids or vapors have spilled or leaked in the
area of the water heater, leave the area immediately and
call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Do not
attempt to clean the spill until all ignition sources have been
extinguished.
Keep combustibles such as boxes, magazines, clothes,
etc. away from the water heater area.
Site Location
• Select a location near the center of the water piping
system. The water heater must be installed indoors and
in a vertical position on a level surface. Do not install in
bathrooms, bedrooms, or any occupied room normally
kept closed.
• Locate the water heater as close to the chimney or gas
vent as practical. Consider the vent system piping and
combustion air supply requirements when selecting the
water heater location. The venting system must be able
to run from the water heater to termination with minimal
length and elbows.
• Locate the water heater near the existing gas piping.
If installing a new gas line, locate the water heater to
minimize the pipe length and elbows.
NOTE: This water heater must be installed according to all
local and state codes or, in the absence of local and state
codes, the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA
54)-current edition.

5
IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located
in an area where leakage of the tank or connections
will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the
water heater or to lower floors of the structure. Due
to the normal corrosive action of the water, the tank
will eventually leak after an extended period of time.
Also any external plumbing leak, including those from
improper installation, may cause early failure of the tank
due to corrosion if not repaired. If the homeowner is
uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified person
should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater as shown below,
to help protect the property from damage which may
occur from condensate formation or leaks in the piping
connections or tank. The pan must limit the water level
to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches wider
than the heater and piped to an adequate drain.
NOTE: The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
Locate the water heater near an adequate indoor drain.
The discharge pipe must terminate a maximum of six
inches above a floor drain or external to the building. In
cold climates, it is recommended that the discharge pipe
be terminated at an adequate drain inside the building.
Outside drains are subject to freezing temperatures
which can obstruct the drain line. The piping should be
at least 3/4” ID and pitched for proper drainage. Under
no circumstances will the manufacturer or seller of this
water heater be held liable for any water damage which
is caused by your failure to follow these instructions.
• The water heater should be located in an area not
subject to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located
in unconditioned spaces (i.e., attics, basements,
etc.) may require insulation of the water piping and
drain piping to protect against freezing. The drain and
controls must be easily accessible for operation and
service. Maintain proper clearances as specified on the
data plate.
• Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving
device. The operation of air-moving devices such as
exhaust fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers,
fireplaces, etc., can affect the proper operation of
the water heater. Special attention must be given to
conditions these devices may create. Flow reversal of
flue gases may cause an increase of carbon monoxide
inside of the dwelling.
• If the water heater is located in an area that is
subjected to lint, dirt, and oil, it may be necessary
to periodically clean the flame-trap (see “External
Inspection & Cleaning of the Flame-trap” section).
Reverse ow
of gases
Exhaust
Fan
Figure 1A
Air-moving
Devices
Back Sides
Sides
Top
View
Top
to
ceiling
Vent
Front
24” minimum
for service
Figure 2
Minimum Clearance
Locations
Clearances and Accessibility
NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible surfaces are
stated on the data plate adjacent to the gas control valve/
thermostat of the water heater.
The water heater is certified for installation on a
combustible floor.
• IMPORTANT: If installing over carpeting, the carpeting
must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath
the water heater. The protective panel must extend
beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by
at least three inches (76.2mm) in any direction; or if in
an alcove or closet installation, the entire floor must be
covered by the panel.
• Figure 2 may be used as a reference guide to locate
the specific clearance locations. A minimum of 24
inches of front clearance should be provided for
inspection and service.
State of California
NOTE: For California installation, this water heater must be
braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving
during an earthquake. Correct installation procedure in-
structions may be obtained from California’s Office of the
State Architect, 1102 Q street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA
95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your com-
puter at www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.
METAL
DRAIN
PAN
AT LEAST 2” GREATER THAN THE
DIAMETER OF THE WATER HEATER.
PIPED TO AN
ADEQUATE DRAIN
6” MAXIMUM
AIR GAP
DISCHARGE PIPE
(DO NOT CAP OR PLUG)
Figure 1
Drain Pan Installation