Bradford White 238-46392-00G Installation instructions

238-46392-00G REV 10/13
STAINLESS STEEL
INDIRECT-FIRED
WATER HEATER
A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting the manufacturer
listed on the rating plate.
La version Espanola de estas instruccions se puede obtener al escribirle a la fábrica cuyo
nombre aparece in la placa de especificaciones.
INSTALLATION/OPERATING MANUAL
WITH PARTS LISTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
For your family’s comfort, safety, and convenience, we
recommend this water heater be installed and serviced by a
plumbing professional.
WARNING
To avoid damage or injury, there
must be no materials stored
against the indirect water heater
and proper care must be taken to
avoid unnecessary contact
(especially by children) with the
indirect water heater.
Do not store or use
gasoline or other
flammable liquids in
the vicinity of this
water heater or any
other appliance.

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 Indirect 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 if 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
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
SECTION I
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-READ CAREFULLY-
CAUTION
The maximum boiler water supply temperature to the indirect
heat exchanger must not exceed 240°F (115°C).
Improper water quality will reduce the expected life of the water
heater. Hard water, sediment, high or low PH and high levels of
chlorides in the domestic water should be avoided. Be sure that
PH value falls between 6 and 8 and dissolved chlorides are less
than 100 ppm. A filter must be used where sediment is greater
than 5 microns in size that is present in the water. A water
softening system is recommended for areas with hard water. In
areas where water quality is unknown, a qualified water
treatment expert should be consulted.
NOTICE: Damage to tanks caused by improper water quality is not
covered under warranty.
NOTICE
Insulation blankets are not required for this water heater. This
water heater meets or exceeds the ASHRAE/IES 90.1b standards
with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I- IMPORTANT INFORMATION…………….….. 3
II- SPECIFICATIONS………………………………. 8
III- GENERAL INFORMATION……………………. 12
IV- PRE-INSTALLATION…………………………… 15
V- WATER CONNECTIONS……………………….. 19
VI- ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS……………….. 24
VII- OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS………………… 26
VIII- MAINTENANCE…………………………………. 30
IX- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE………………… 32
X- PARTS LIST……………………………………… 34

4
Important Information continued-
The equipment must be installed in accordance with those
installation regulations required in the area where the installation is
to be made. These regulations must be carefully followed in all
cases. Authorities having jurisdiction must be consulted before
installations are made.
All wiring on water heaters installed in the USA must be in
accordance with the National Electrical Code (latest edition) and/or
local regulations; or in Canada, installed in accordance with the
Canadian Electrical Code (latest edition) and/or local regulations.
The following terms are used throughout this manual to bring
attention to the presence of hazards of various risk levels, or to
important information concerning product life.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently
hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, will result in
death, serious injury, or
substantial property
damage.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, could result
in death, serious injury, or
substantial property
damage.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, may result
in moderate, or minor
injury or property damage.
NOTICE
Indicates special
instructions on installation,
operation or maintenance,
which are important but
not related to personal
injury hazards.

5
Important Information continued-
DANGER
DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable,
combustible, or corrosive vapors and/or liquids in the vicinity
of this or any other appliance.
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 telephone in
another building. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
DO NOT OPERATE THE APPLIANCE UNTIL THE
LEAKAGE IS CORRECTED!
Liquefied petroleum gas/propane gas is 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.
This water heater is supplied with an adjustable thermostat
to control water temperature. Hot water temperatures
required for automatic dishwasher and laundry use can
cause scald burns resulting in serious personal injury and/or
death. The temperature at which injury occurs varies with
the person’s age and the time of exposure. The slower
response time of disabled persons increases the hazards to
them. NEVER allow small children to use a hot water tap or
to draw their own bath water. NEVER leave a child or
disabled person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
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.

6
Important Information continued-
WARNING
Installation is not complete unless a properly sized/capacity
temperature and pressure relief valve is installed into the top of
the water heater. See the General Information section of this
manual for details.
This water heater contains very hot water under high pressure.
Do not unscrew any pipe fittings or attempt to disconnect any
components of this water heater without positively assuring the
water is cool and has no pressure. Always wear protective
clothing and equipment when installing, starting up, or
servicing this water heater to prevent scald injuries. Do not
rely on pressure and temperature gauges to determine the
temperature and pressure of the water heater. This water
heater contains components that become very hot. Do not
touch any components unless they are cool.
Improper installation, adjustments, alteration, service or
maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury or
loss of life. Failure to follow all instructions in the proper order
can cause personal injury or death. Read and understand all
instructions, including all those contained in component
manufacturer’s manuals, which are provided with the
appliance before installing, starting-up, operating, maintaining,
or servicing this appliance. Keep this manual and literature in
legible condition and posted near the appliance for reference by
owner and service technician.
This water heater requires regular maintenance and service to
operate safely. Follow the instructions contained in this
manual.
Installation, maintenance, and service must be performed only
by an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable installer or
service agency.

7
Important Information continued-
WARNING
It is the responsibility of the installing contractor to see that all
controls are correctly installed and are operating properly
when the installation is complete.
DO NOT operate the water heater with jumpered or absent
controls or safety devices.
DO NOT tamper with or alter the water heater and/or controls.
DO NOT operate the water heater if any external part has been
under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to
inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control
system that was under water.
This water heater is suitable for installation on combustible
flooring. DO NOT install this water heater on carpeting.
DO NOT operate this water heater without first being certain it
is filled with water.
Flammable items, pressurized containers, or any other potential
fire hazardous articles must never be placed on or adjacent to
the heater. Containers of flammable gases should not be stored
or used in the same room with this water heater.

8
SECTION II
SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 1 – Heater Layout (40, 52, 75 single exchanger models)
Table 1: Water Heater Dimension (Inches)
MODEL A B C D E F G
40-Gal. 24 5 9-1/2 19 24-5/8 35-1/4 35-1/2
52-Gal. 24 5 9-1/2 19 28-3/8 45-5/8 45-7/8
75-Gal. 24 5 9-1/2 19 28-1/4 63-7/8 64-1/8

9
Specifications continued-
Figure 2 – Tank Layout (120 gallon model)

10
Specifications continued-
Table 2: Water Heater Capacities
MODEL
Tank Cap.
(Gal)
Coil Cap.
(Gal)
Dry Weight
(Lbs)
Wet Weight
(Lbs)
40-Gal. 40 1.2 90 415
52-Gal. 52 1.6 100 525
75-Gal. 75 1.6 125 745
120-Gal. 119 4.6 270 1257
Table 3: AHRI Certified Water Heater Ratings
MODEL
First
Hour
Rating
(Gal/Hr)
Continuous
Draw
Rating
(Gal/Hr)
Standby
Heat
Loss
Rating
(°F/Hr)
Minimum
Output of
Heat Source
(BTU/Hr)
Minimum
Heat
Source
Flow Rate
(Gal/Min)
40-Gal. 158 133 0.9 87,500 8.0
52-Gal. 200 165 0.7 113,000 8.0
75-Gal. 225 165 0.5 113,000 8.0
120-Gal. 360 280 0.6 195,000 11.0
NOTE: These certified ratings were obtained with a heat source
output and flow rate as specified in Table 3 and a 180°F boiler water
supply temperature. Other results will be obtained under different
conditions.
Table 4: Water Heater Performance
MODEL
Maximum First
Hour Rating
(Gal/Hr) @
140 °F 115 °F
Continuous
Draw Rating
(Gal/Min) @
140 °F 115 °F
Approximate
Boiler Output
Needed For
Ratings
(BTU/hr)
40-Gal. 209 279 3.0 4.2 136,000
52-Gal. 276 369 4.0 5.5 180,000
75-Gal. 293 385 4.0 5.5 180,000
120-Gal. 517 683 7.2 10.0 325,000
NOTE: Based on 200°F boiler water temperature and 50°F potable
water inlet temperature.

11
Specifications continued-
Table 5: Water Heater Performance
MODEL
Hot Water
Availability
(Minutes)
Coil Heat
Transfer
Area (Sq Ft)
Pressure Drop
(Feet of Head)
40-Gal. 7.3 7.6 6.0 @ 8 gpm
52-Gal. 9.7 10.0 6.2 @ 8 gpm
75-Gal. 14.3 10.0 6.2 @ 8 gpm
120-Gal 23.8 21.3 8.5 @ 11 gpm
NOTICE
If the boiler takes longer to heat up from a cold start than the
water availability as noted above, hot water shortage may
occur.
Hot water availability is based on drawing 80% of the heated
tank volume at 4 gallons per minute flow rate.
The maximum heat transfer through the coil (heat input) of
the water heater at 240°F boiler water supply temperature
and 210°F potable water temperature is below 77,500 Btu/hr
for the 40, 52 and 75 gallon single heat exchanger models.
Heat transfer is below 139,500 Btu/hr for the 120 gallon
models. Potable water temperature is limited to below
210°F and nominal water-containing capacity is below 120
gallons for all indirect-fired models.
Accordingly, per Part HLW-101.2, Section IV of the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, all indirect-fired products
listed are exempted from compliance with the code.

12
SECTION III
GENERAL INFORMATION
FEATURES
This water heater contains the following features:
HEAT EXCHANGER -- The heat exchanger (coil) has 3/4” NPT
female fittings.
These water heaters with stainless steel single-wall heat
exchangers meet the Uniform Plumbing Code for installation in
all potable water systems provided that:
The boiler water (including additives) is practically non-
toxic, having toxicity rating of class of 1 as listed in
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
The boiler water pressure is limited to maximum 30 psig
by approved relief valve.
The heat transfer medium is potable water or contains only
substances that are recognized as safe by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
The pressure of the heat transfer medium is maintained
less than the normal minimum operating pressure of the
potable water system.
ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT – The temperature may be
adjusted from approximately 80°F (27°C) to approximately
160°F(72°C). The aquastat (thermostat) is factory set at
120°F(49°C). It is recommended that lower temperatures be used
to avoid the risk of scalding. Refer to the Section VII of this
manual. It is further recommended, in all cases, that the water
temperature be set for the lowest temperature that satisfies your
hot water needs. This will also provide the most energy efficient
operation of the water heater and minimizes scale formation.
Setting the water heater temperature at 120°F(49°C) will reduce
the risk of scalds. Some locations require settings to specific
lower temperatures.

13
General Information continued-
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
WARNING
Keep clear of the combination temperature and pressure relief
valve discharge line outlet. The discharge may be hot enough to
cause scald injury. The water is under pressure and may splash.
For protection against excessive temperatures and pressure, install
temperature and pressure protective equipment required by local
codes, but not less than a combination temperature and pressure
relief valve certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment
or materials as meeting the requirements of the Standard for Relief
Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices for Hot Water Supply
Systems, ANSI Z21.22 and the Standard CAN1-4.4 Temperature,
Pressure, Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves and Vacuum
Relief Valves. The combination temperature and pressure relief
valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to exceed
the maximum working pressure of the water heater. The
combination temperature and pressure relief valve must also have
an hourly rated temperature steam BTU discharge capacity not less
than the hourly rating of the water heater. The supplied
combination temperature and pressure relief valve, when properly
installed and unrestricted, will discharge the maximum input
produced by a 240°F (115°C) boiler supply temperature. A lower
boiler supply temperature will reduce the input required to be
discharged in the event of excessive potable water temperatures.
Install the combination temperature and pressure relief valve into
the opening provided and marked for this purpose on the water
heater.
Some models may already be equipped or supplied with a
temperature and pressure relief valve. Verify that the combination
temperature and pressure relief valve complies with local codes. If
the temperature and pressure relief valve does not comply with
local codes, replace it with one that does.

14
General Information continued-
WARNING
Install a discharge line so that water discharged from the
temperature and pressure relief valve will exit within six (6) inches
above, or any distance below, the structural floor and cannot
contact any live electrical part. The discharge line is to be installed
to allow for complete drainage of both the temperature and pressure
relief valve and the discharge line. The discharge opening must not
be subjected to blockage or freezing. DO NOT thread, plug, or cap
the discharge line. It is recommended that a minimum clearance of
four (4) inches be provided on the side of the water heater for
servicing and maintenance of the combination temperature and
pressure relief valve.
Do not place a valve between the combination temperature and
pressure relief valve and the tank!

15
SECTION IV
PRE-INSTALLATION
UNPACKING
INSPECT SHIPMENT carefully for any signs of damage. If
damage is noted, do not install the product. Contact the shipper
or manufacturer. All equipment is carefully manufactured,
inspected, and packed. Our responsibility ceases upon delivery of
the packaged water heater to the carrier in good condition.
NOTE: Any claims for damage or shortage in shipment must
be filed immediately against the carrier by the consignee.
This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind
and weather.
IMPORTANT DECISIONS REQUIRED
BEFORE INSTALLATION
SIZING
1. Boiler DOE Heating Capacity – The indirect-fired
water heater will provide the rated performance only if
used in conjunction with a heat source with a DOE
heating capacity (Heat Output) at least as much as the
minimum noted in Table 3. If the heat source has less
capacity, the output of the tank will be reduced. To
determine the approximate reduction in output from the
tank use the following formula:
New Rating = (maximum continuous draw rating) x
Actual Output of Heat Source
Minimum Output of Heat Source
For example, what would the continuous draw rating be if
a 52-gallon indirect-fired water heater were installed with
a heat source having a DOE heating capacity of 85,000
BTU/h?
Answer:
New Rating
= 165 gal/hr x (85,000 BTU/h)/(113,000 BTU/h)
= 165 gal/hr x 0.752 = 124 gal/hr

16
Pre-installation continued-
NOTICE
Increasing the boiler DOE heating capacity above the
values listed in Table 3 will not increase the rating of
the water heater.
2. Circulator Sizing – Refer to Table 5 for the
corresponding pressure drop through the coil for the
given model. Calculate the pressure drop of all straight
pipe and fittings on the supply and return of the water
heater at the selected flow rate. Add the piping/fitting
pressure drop to the pressure drop through the water
heater coil.
Select a circulator that will provide an appropriate flow rate
at the combined pressure drop.
SYSTEM ZONE CONTROL
The indirect-fired water heater must be installed as a zone
separate from the space heating system. The domestic hot water
zone’s piping and circulator must be sized for a minimum flow
rate with all zones in use and a maximum flow rate with only the
water heater in use. For this reason, the preferred method of
zone control is with circulators.
1. Circulators – With space heating zones using
circulators, the indirect-fired heater should be added as
an additional zone with a circulator.
2. Zone Valves – Select a valve with a low-pressure drop to
assure adequate flow through the water heater.
3. Hybrid – The space heating zone can be zoned using
zone valves and the indirect-fired heater zoned with a
circulator.
DOMESTIC HOT WATER PRIORITY
Two options are available, Priority and Non-Priority.
1. Priority – Demand for space heating is interrupted or
postponed until the domestic hot water demand is
satisfied. This option provides maximum delivery of
domestic hot water. Priority is recommended when:

17
Pre-installation continued-
a) Boiler DOE heating capacity is 100,000 Btu per
hour or less, or
b) When boiler output required to satisfy domestic hot
water demand is at least 50% of the boiler output
required to satisfy space heating demand, or
c) When an interruption in space heating can be
tolerated during a long domestic hot water draw.
2. Non-Priority – Boiler output is divided between space
heating and domestic hot water heating. Delivery of
domestic hot water can be reduced during simultaneous
space and domestic hot water heating operations,
depending on such factors as boiler output, boiler over-
sizing, number of space heating zones calling for heat,
and the ratio of domestic hot water load to space heating
load.
Component Location
Minimum Clearance from Combustible Materials
Top Sides Front Rear
0” 0” 0” 0”
Table 6 – Minimum Combustible Material Clearances
Recommended Service Clearances
Non-Piping
Side
Front
(Aquastat) Rear Top
6”(15.2cm) 30”(76.2cm) 1”(2.5cm) 12”(30.5cm)
Table 7 – Service Clearances
CAUTION
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of
the tank, water line connections, or the 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 must be
installed under the water heater. The drain pan depth must be
suitable for draining and collecting water. The drain pan 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 in diameter and pitched for proper drainage.

18
Pre-installation continued-
Appliance Location
1. Boiler Location – Locate the indirect-fired water heater as
close to the boiler as practical.
2. Fixture Locations – For fastest delivery of hot water, place
the indirect-fired water heater close to points of use.
Additional Recommended Components
1. Shut-off Valves – Allows isolation of water heater from
domestic water system and/or boiler system during service.
2. Unions – Allows water heater movement during service if
adequate clearance cannot be provided.
3. Thermal Expansion Tank – If the water heater is installed
in a closed water supply system, such as one having a back-
flow preventer in the cold water line, provide thermal
expansion control. Contact the water supplier or local
plumbing inspector for additional information.
MOVE THE WATER HEATER TO A PERMANENT
POSITION BY SLIDING OR WALKING.
CAUTION
Do not drop water heater. Do not bump water heater jacket against
floor.
WARNING
Do not plug the inlet and outlet tappings of tankless heater left
installed in the boiler.
NOTICE
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.

19
SECTION V
WATER CONNECTIONS
INSTALL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE (if not factory installed)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE CONNECTIONS
1. BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE INSTALLATION,
CLOSE THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY VALVE. After
shutting off the main water supply, open a faucet to relieve
the water line pressure to prevent any water from leaking
out of the pipes while making the water connections to the
water heater. After the pressure has been relieved, close the
faucet. The DRAIN/COLD water inlet and HOT water
WARNING
FAILURE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A NEW, LISTED
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WILL
RELEASE THE MANUFACTURER FROM ANY CLAIM
WHICH MIGHT RESULT FROM EXCESSIVE
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURES.
Keep clear of the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge
line outlet. The discharge may be hot enough to cause scald injury.
The water is under pressure and may splash.
CAUTION
This Stainless Steel tank requires a premium grade of thread
sealant, Loctite 565, to ensure leaks do not occur from the tank
fittings after installation.
WARNING
Temperature and pressure relief valve discharge piping must be piped
near the floor to eliminate potential of severe burns. Do not pipe in
any area where freezing could occur. Do not install any shut-off
valves, plugs or caps to the temperature and pressure relief valve or
piping.

20
Water Connections continued-
outlet are identified on the side and top of the water heater,
respectively. Make the proper plumbing connections
between the water heater and the plumbing system to the
house. Install a shut-off valve in the cold water supply line.
2. If this water heater is installed in a closed water supply
system, such as one having a back-flow preventer in the
cold water supply, provisions must be made to control
thermal expansion. DO NOT operate this water heater in a
closed system without provisions for controlling thermal
expansion. Warranties do not cover damages from thermal
expansions such as pressure bulges and/or deformities. A
properly sized expansion tank will alleviate most problems.
Your water supplier or local plumbing inspector should be
contacted on how to control this situation.
3. After installation of the water lines, open the main water
supply valve and fill the water heater. While the water
heater is filling, open several hot water faucets to allow air
to escape from the water system. When steady
streams of water flow through the faucets, close them and
check all water connections for possible leaks.
4. NEVER OPERATE THE WATER HEATER
WITHOUT FIRST BEING CERTAIN THAT IT IS
FILLED WITH WATER.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOILER CONNECTIONS
The indirect-fired heater connection labeled “To Boiler Return”
should be piped to the boiler return piping as close to the boiler as
possible and especially after any flow control or check valves in
the space heating return piping. The use of a union and a shut-off
valve is recommended. The use of a flow control or check valve
is required to prevent back flow through the water heater during
operation of the space heating system. Pipe and fittings between
the boiler and indirect-fired water heater should be ¾” diameter
or larger.
CAUTION
Maximum boiler water supply temperature to the indirect heat
exchanger must not exceed 240°F (116°C).