Bradford White RG1PV50S6X19-264 User manual

238-53846-00A REV 12/19
POWER VENT 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 be installed and serviced by a plumbing professional.
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
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.

2
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have 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 Power Vented
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.
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;
 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 and/or sensed:
 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. ................................................................................ 5
Locating The Water Heater ........................................................ 5
Minimum Clearances .................................................................. 8
Venting ........................................................................................ 8
Specifications for 40 Gal (151.4 L) / 50 Gal (189.2 L) / 60 Gal
(227.0 L) ....................................................................................... 12
Vent Pipe Preparation and Joining ........................................... 16
Combustion Air Supply .............................................................. 18
Water Connections ..................................................................... 20
Gas Connections ........................................................................ 23
Electrical Connections ............................................................... 24
Wiring Diagram ........................................................................... 25
GENERAL OPERATION .................................................................... 26
Lighting & Shutdown Instructions ............................................ 27
Thermostat Adjustment ............................................................. 28
Burner Flame Check ................................................................... 29
MAINTENANCE ................................................................................. 29
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................... 34
PARTS DIAGRAM ............................................................................. 37
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE WATER AND
SPACE HEATING .............................................................................. 38
NOTES .............................................................................................. 39

4
GENERAL INFORMATION
This gas-fired water heater’s design is certified by CSA International under the
American National Standard Z21.10.1 and CSA 4.1-M, most current editions at
the time of manufacture. This is a category III water heater.
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.
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.
CAUTION
Incorrect operation of this appliance may create a hazard to life
and propert
y
and will nullif
y
the warrant
y
.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT
Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and its components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any water heater with 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.

5
General Information continued-
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(s) is used to extend tank life. Removal of any anode, except
for inspection and/or replacement, 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 impurities in the water. If this should
happen, an alternative anode(s) 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
DO NOT install the water heater in any location where gasoline or
flammable vapors are likely to be present.
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).
C
A
UTION
This water heater must not be used as a source of construction
heat or durin
g
the construction phase of an
y
buildin
g
.
WARNING
This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, bi
r
th defects, or reproductive harm.
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 SHOULD 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-
A
IR INTAKE SYSTEM.

6
Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-
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.
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.
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.
WARNING
Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gases 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!

7
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. Locate the water heater as close as possible to the vent opening.
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 piped for proper drainage must be installed under the
water heater. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. 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.
This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind and weather.
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 the DSA Headquarters Office: 1102 Q Street, Suite 5100,
Sacramento CA 95811.
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
Minimum Clearances
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 extending beyond the full
width and depth of the appliance 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. The minimum clearances to combustibles for this water
heater are: 0 in (0 cm) from the sides and rear, 5 in (12.7 cm) from the front of
the jacket, 0 in (0 cm) from the vent connector and 15 in (38.1 cm) from the
jacket top. Increased distances provide greater clearances for servicing.
Venting
Figure 1 - Vent Terminal Clearances
WARNING
Failure to adhere to these installation and operating instructions
may create a hazard to life and property and will nullify the
warrant
y
.

9
Venting continued-
Canadian
Installations1
US
Installations2
A= Clearance above grade, veranda, porch, deck or
balcony
12 inches
(30 cm) 12 inches (30 cm)
B=
Clearance to window or door that may be opened
12 inches
(30 cm)
4 feet (1.2 m)
below or to the
side of
opening;
12 inches
(30 cm) above
opening
C= Clea
r
ance to permanently closed window
*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
*b *b
E= Clearance to unventilated soffit
*b *b
F=
Clearance to outside corner
*b *b
G= Clearance to inside corne
r
*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
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)
4 feet (1.2m)
below or to
side of
opening;
12 inches
(30 cm) above
opening.
K= Clearance to a mechanical air supply inlet
6 feet
(1.83 m)
3 feet (91 cm)
above if within
10 feet (3.1 m)
horizontally
L= Clearance above paved sidewalk or paved
driveway located on public property
7 feet
(2.13 m) † 7 feet (2.13 m) †
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
5.21.1 of ANSI Z21.10.1, latest edition.
*b) “Clearance in accordance with local installation codes and the requirements of
the gas supplier”.

10
Venting continued-
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” (25.4 cm) 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 codes.
Clearance to combustibles for all venting pipes
and terminals
For installations in the US
0” minimum
For installations in Canada
Refer to vent pipe and terminal
manufacturer’s installation
instructions for clearances to
combustibles
DO NOT place insulation or other materials in the required clearance spaces
between the venting to combustible material unless otherwise specified.
WARNING
Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire due to joint separation
or pipe breaka
g
e.
This water heater must be properly vented and connected to an
approved vent system in good condition. DO NOT operate water heater
with the absence of an approved vent system. A clean and
unobstructed vent system is necessary to allow noxious fumes that
could cause injury or loss of life to vent safely and will contribute toward
maintaining the water heater’s efficiency. The acceptance of the venting
system is dependent upon full compliance with these installation
instructions.
Ventin
g
s
y
stem must NOT pass throu
g
h rated fire separations.
The venting system must be free to expand and contract. This venting
s
y
stem must be supported in accordance with these instructions.