Locating the new water heater, Facts to consider about the location, Warning – State GS6 65 XRRT User Manual
Page 7: Caution

Facts to Consider About the
Location
You should carefully choose an indoor location for the
new water heater, because the placement is a very impor-
tant consideration for the safety of the occupants in the
building and for the most economical use of the appli-
ance. This water heater is not for use in manufactured
(mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the
water heater in a new location, the following critical
points must be observed.
1. The location selected should be indoors as close as
practical to the gas vent or chimney to which the water
heater vent is going to be connected, and as central-
ized with the water piping system as possible. The
water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually leak.
Do not install without adequate drainage provisions
where water flow will cause damage.
2. The location selection must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
3"
MIN.
4" MIN.
1" MIN.
1" MIN.
1" MIN.
1"
MIN.
12" MAX.
RECTANGULAR
AIR DUCT
WATER
HEATER
100 Sq. in.
minimum
100 Sq. in.
minimum
12" MAX.
AIR DUCT
TOP VIEW
OF CLOSET
WITH DOOR
WATER
HEATER
TOP VIEW
OF CLOSET
WITHOUT DOOR
FRONT VIEW
OF DOOR
VENTILATION
AIR
OPENINGS
Figure 1
Locating the New Water Heater
7
WARNING
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQ-
UIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR
STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS,
ETC): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents,
propane (LP) or butane, etc.) or other substances (such
as adhesives, etc.), all of which emit flammable vapors,
may be improperly stored or used in such areas. The gas
water heater pilot light or main burner can ignite such
vapors. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death
or serious burns to anyone in the area, as well as prop-
erty damage.
If installation in such areas is your only option, then the
installation must be accomplished in a way that the pilot
flame and main burner flame are elevated from the floor
at least 18 inches. While this may reduce the chances of
flammable vapors from a floor spill being ignited, gaso-
line and other flammable substances should never be
stored or used in the same room or area containing a
gas water heater or other open flame or spark produc-
ing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so
it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
NOTE: Flammable vapors may be drawn by air currents
from other areas of the structure to the appliance.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the
water heater must be accomplished in such a manner
that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow
of water will not cause damage to the structure. For this
reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an
attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot be
avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under
the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local
hardware store. Such a drain pan must be not greater
than 1
1
⁄
2
inches deep, have a minimum length and width
of at least 2 inches greater than the water heater dimen-
sions and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan
must not restrict combustion air flow.
WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpet-
ing. Carpeting must be protected by a metal or wood panel
beneath the appliance extending beyond the full width and
depth of the appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any
direction, or if the appliance is installed in an alcove or
closet, the entire floor must be covered by the panel. Failure
to heed this warning may result in a fire hazard.
WARNING
Propellants of aerosol sprays and volatile compounds,
(cleaners, chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in
addition to being highly flammable in many cases, will
also change to corrosive hydrochloric acid when exposed
to the combustion products of the water heater. The
results can be hazardous, and also cause product failure.
WARNING
Minimum clearances between the water heater and com-
bustible construction are 1
″ at the sides and rear, 4″ at the
front, and 6
″ from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of
the jacket is 18
″ on most models. Note that a lesser dimension
may be allowed on some models, refer to the label attached
adjacent to the gas control valve on the water heater.
WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct
amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a confined area
such a closet, unless you provide air as shown in the “Locating
The New Water Heater” section. Never obstruct the flow of
ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call
your gas company. Failure to provide the proper amount of
combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and can cause
DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
WARNING
If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops,
cleaning establishments, or self-service laundries with dry clean-
ing equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or water
heaters be installed so that combustion and ventilation air be
taken from outside these areas. Refer to the “Locating The New
Water Heater” section of this manual and also the current edi-
tion of the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, also referred
to as NFPA 54 for specifics provided concerning air required.