American Water Heater 318935-003 - Manual (Page 21)

21
Operating the Temperature
Control System
Figure 19B: Status Codes
VAC
List of status codes are shown
at top of gas control valve/thermostat.
Water Temperature Adjustment
The water temperature setting can be adjusted from 55°F
to 155°F. Turn the Gas Control/Temperature Knob to the
desired setting/temperature.
NOTE: The temperatures indicated are approximates. The
actual temperature of the heated water may vary. Also,
some models are certified for 180°F outlet temperatures.
See the Data Plate on the front of the water heater for the
maximum outlet temperature.
Operating Modes and Settings
• Standard Mode - The controller adjusts the water
heater to maintain the temperature set by the user.
• Vacation Setting - The Vacation Setting (VAC) sets the
controller at approximately 55°F. This setting is
recommended when the water heater is not in use for a
long period of time. This effectively turns the controller
temperature setting down to a temperature that
prevents the water in the water heater from freezing
while still conserving energy.
Status Light Codes
Normal Flashes:
•
0 Flashes Indicates Control Off/Pilot Out.
• 1 Flash Indicates Normal Operation.
• Continuous Light indicates the gas control
valve/thermostat is shutting down.
Diagnostic Flashes: If the water heater is not working, look
for the following diagnostic flashes after lighting the pilot.
2 Flashes Indicates thermopile voltage is low.
4
Flashes Indicates overheat failure.
5 Flashes Indicates water temperature sensor failure.
7 Flashes Indicates electronic control failure.
8 Flashes See “Status Light Code Troubleshooting Chart.”
9 Flashes Indicates chamber temperature sensor circuit
is open or shorted.
10 Flashes Indicates an LDO occurrence was detected in
the combustion chamber (contaminants).
Operational Conditions
Condensation
Moisture from the products of combustion condenses on
the tank surface and the outside jacket of the water heater
and forms drops of water which may fall onto the burner or
other hot surfaces. This will produce a “sizzling” or “frying”
noise. NOTE: This condensation is normal and should
not be confused with a leaking tank. Condensation may
increase or decrease at different times of the year.
High efficient energy saver water heaters will produce
larger amounts of condensation on initial start-up or when
a large amount of hot water is being used. NOTE: Do not
confuse this with a “tank leak”. Once the water reaches a
temperature of 120°F and the tank warms up (usually 1-2
hours), the condensation will stop.
IMPORTANT: It is always recommended that a suitable
metal drain pan be installed under the water heater
to protect the area from water damage resulting from
normal condensation production, a leaking tank or piping
connections. Refer to “Location Requirements” on page
4. Under no circumstances is the manufacturer to be held
responsible for any water damage in connection with this
water heater.
Water Heater Sounds
During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or
noises may be heard. These noises are common and may
result from the following:
1. Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during
periods of heat-up and cool-down.
2. Condensation causes sizzling and popping within the
burner area and should be considered normal.
3. Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying
amounts of noise and may cause premature tank fail-
ure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under “Drain-
ing and Flushing”.
Smoke/Odor
The water heater may give off a small amount of smoke
and odor during the initial start-up of the unit. This is due to
the burning off of oil from metal parts of a new unit and will
disappear after a few minutes of operation.
Safety Shut-off
This water heater is designed to automatically shut-off in
the event of the following:
1. The pilot flame is extinguished for any reason.
2. The water temperature exceeds 189°F (87°C).
3. Excessive contaminants in the combustion chamber.
4. The ignition of flammable vapors.
A thermopile is used to determine if a pilot flame is present
and will shut off the gas supply to the main burner and pilot
if the flame is absent. This unit is also equipped with a
combustion chamber temperature sensor that will shut off