Bradford White RG1D Installation instructions

238-51004-00A REV 11/14
DAMPER EQUIPPED
GAS WATER HEATER
A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting
the company listed on the rating plate.
La version espanola de estas instrucciones se puede obtener al escribirle
a la fabrica cuyo nombre aparece en la placa de especificaciones.
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, we recommend this
water heater to be installed and serviced by a plumbing professional.
INSTALLATION & OPERATION INSTRUCTION
MANUAL For Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant
System Equipped Water Heater
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.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed
exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage,
personal injury or death.

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 Damper Equipped
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant 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.
Special Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System:
This water heater is equipped with a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant
System. In the event of improper usage or storage of gasoline or other
flammable materials in the location where the water heater is installed, the
technology will resist ignition of the flammable vapors outside the confines of
the water heater.
The Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System features:
Advanced Flame Arrestor Design
Re-settable Thermal Switch/Intelligent Diagnostic Control to prevent
burner/pilot operation with restricted airflow
Flammable Vapor Sensor
Automatic Ignition Device
Sight Window to observe operation of pilot and burner
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Activation of the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant
System occurs when flammable vapors are drawn into the water heater and
are combusted. If flammable vapors are detected:
Do not try to light any appliance.
Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your
building.
Leave the premises and immediately call the fire department from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the fire department’s instructions.
Once the flammable vapor has been evacuated, contact your plumbing
professional or the manufacturer for further instructions. Replacement of a
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System equipped water heater due to a
flammable vapor shutdown is not covered under the terms of the limited
warranty.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
GENERAL INFORMATION...................................................................4
INSTALLATION ....................................................................................6
Locating the Water Heater...............................................................6
Minimum Clearances .......................................................................9
Venting ............................................................................................10
Combustion Air Supply .................................................................11
Water Connections.........................................................................13
Gas Connections............................................................................16
Electrical Connections...................................................................17
Wiring Diagram...............................................................................18
GENERAL OPERATION.....................................................................20
Lighting and Shutdown Instructions............................................21
Thermostat Adjustments ...............................................................21
Burner Flame Check ......................................................................23
MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................25
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................29
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE WATER .............34
PARTS LIST........................................................................................35
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE WATER AND
SPACE HEATING ...............................................................................39
NOTES ................................................................................................40

4
GENERAL INFORMATION
This gas-fired water heater is design certified by CSA International under the
applicable American National Standard, Z21.10.1-Latest Edition or CSA 4.1-
Latest Edition, available from CSA International, 8501 East Pleasant Valley
Road, Cleveland, OH 44131-5575, USA.
This water heater must be installed in accordance with local codes. In the
absence of local codes, it must be installed in compliance with the National
Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-Latest Edition, or in Canada, Natural Gas
Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149.1-Latest Edition, or Propane Installation
Code, CAN/CGA B149.2-Latest Edition. 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 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 void 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, create a hazardous condition, and void the warranty.
CAUTION
Incorrect operation of this water heater may create a hazard to life and
property and will void the warranty.
WARNING
Prior to connecting the gas supply line to a gas fired water heater, ensure
that the gas supply line does not have moisture/water or dirt/scale inside
the gas line. Commonly this check is done at the lowest point in the gas
distribution system prior to gas burning appliances.
Do not use this appliance if any external part to the tank 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. See the Gas
Connections section of this manual before servicing or replacing a water
heater that has had any external part to the tank submerged in water.
DANGER
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or corrosive
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

5
General Information continued-
IMPORTANT
Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any damaged components. If damage
is evident, please contact the supplier where the water heater was
purchased or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate for replacement
parts.
This water heater has been manufactured for operation at altitudes from sea
level to 2000 feet (610 m) (unless otherwise specified on the water heater
rating plate). For use of this water heater at an elevation greater than 2000
feet (610 m), contact the dealer or manufacturer listed on the rating plate for
information on any necessary modifications. Uncorrected operation of this
water heater may create a hazard to life and property.
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 void 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.

6
INSTALLATION
Locating the Water Heater
WARNING
Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury,
there must be no materials stored against the water heater or vent-air intake
system, and proper care must be taken 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.
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, Natural Gas Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149.1-Latest Edition, or
Propane Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149.2-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 Operation 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.

7
Installation (Locating the Water Heater) continued-
Note: For California installations, 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 DSA
Headquarters Office, 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, California
95811.
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.
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 touch any electrical 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 leakage is corrected!

8
Installation (Locating the Water Heater) continued-
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 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.
Proper venting practices must be considered when selecting a location for this
water heater. For exact venting specifications, please consult the Venting
section of these Installation and Operating Instructions.
This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank, water
line connections, or 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
must be installed under the water heater. 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 in. (1.9 cm) in diameter and pitched for proper
drainage.
It is recommended that a minimum clearance of 4 in. (10.2 cm) be provided on
the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the combination
temperature and pressure relief valve.

9
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 MUST allow access to the front of the water heater and
adequate clearance must 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
must be installed on top of a metal or wood panel (or equivalent) extending
beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by at least 3 in. (7.6 cm) in
any direction or, if the appliance is to be installed in an alcove or closet, the
entire floor must be covered by the panel. If the rating plate or the label on the
front of the heater specifies minimum clearances less than those listed in the
below table, the water heater must be installed in accordance with the
minimum clearances listed on the rating plate or the label on the front of the
heater. Increase distances to provide clearance for servicing.
If it is necessary to install this water heater in an alcove, use the clearances
listed in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Minimum Clearances for an Alcove Installation.

10
Venting
WARNING
The venting system must be installed properly following all local codes or
in the absence of local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-
Latest Edition, or in Canada, The Natural Gas and Propane Installation
Code, B149-Latest Edition. Failure to properly install the venting system
could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
This water heater has been shipped with a draft hood, also called a draft
diverter, for which it was designed. The water heater must be operated with
this draft hood properly installed on the damper bracket. If ever removed, the
draft hood must be replaced in the same position and properly secured.
WARNING
Carefully inspect the venting system of a replacement water heater
installation before connecting to the venting system. All joints in the vent
connector must be securely fastened with screws and fit tightly together.
Inspect the venting system for signs of deterioration (rust and perforation)
and replace any sections that are not in good condition.
The chimney must be lined and in good condition. Check to make sure the
venting system is properly sized for the water heater. If the venting system
was previously sized for another gas appliance that has been removed, the
venting system may now be too large. Refer to the National Fuel Gas Code
ANSI Z223.1-Latest Edition, or in Canada, the Natural Gas and Propane
Installation Code, B149-Latest Edition, for the correct sizing of venting
systems and common venting with another gas appliance.
Do not vent this water heater into the venting system of another gas
appliance designed to vent under positive pressure.
The water heater should be installed as close as practical to the venting
system to minimize the vent connector length required. Refer to local codes
for the distance limitations on vent connector lengths.
At the completion of the water heater installation, the burner and venting
system must be checked for proper operation with all other commonly
vented appliances in operation. Check for spillage of flue products around
the outside relief opening of the draft hood after several minutes of
operation. The flame from a match should be drawn into the draft hood. Do
not use the water heater or connected equipment if spillage is detected until
the problem is corrected. Refer to the latest edition of the National Fuel
Gas Code, or in Canada, the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code for
complete details on the “Procedure to Be Followed to Place Equipment in
Operation.”