Temperature Regulation - Kenmore 153.556300 Use & Care Manual

Temperature Regulation

The thermostat is adjusted to the pilot position when
it is shipped from the factory. Water temperature can
be regulated by moving the temperature dial to the
preferred setting. The preferred starting point is 120°F
at the "HOT" setting. Align the knob with the desired
water temperature as shown in Figure 22. There is a
hot water scald potential if the thermostat is set too high.
NOTE: Temperatures shown on the gas control valve/
thermostat are approximates. The actual temperature of
the heated water may vary.
Due to the nature of the typical gas water heater, the water
temperature in certain situations may vary up to 30F° (16.7 C°)
higher or lower at the point of use such as, bathtubs, showers,
sink, etc.
HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended to
produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature which will
satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, and other
sanitizing needs can scald and permanently injure you upon
contact. Some people are more likely to be permanently injured
by hot water than others. These include the elderly, children,
the infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using
hot water in your home fits into one of these groups or if there is
a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water
at the hot water tap, then you must take special precautions.
Use the lowest possible temperature setting that satisfies
your hot water needs. Also, to reduce the risk of scalding, the
manufacturer of this water heater recommends installing a
mixing valve at each point of use. Mixing valves are available
at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Follow manufacturer's
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the
factory setting on the thermostat, see Figures 21 and 22.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap, or to draw
their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped person
unattended in a bathtub or shower.
NOTE: A water temperature range of 120°F-140°F (49°C-60°C)
is recommended by most dishwasher manufacturers.
IMPORTANT: Adjusting the thermostat past the 120°F bar on
the temperature dial will increase the risk of scald injury. Hot
water can produce first degree burns within:
Water Time for 1st
Temperature Degree Burn
°F (Less Severe Burns)
110 (normal shower temp.)
116 (pain threshold)
116 35 minutes
122 1 minute
131 5 seconds
140 2 seconds
149 1 second
154 instantaneous
(U.S. Government Memorandum, C.P.S.C., Peter L. Armstrong, Sept. 15,1978)
GAS CONTROL /
TEMPERATURE KNOB
VAC
IGNITER
NOTE: During low demand periods when hot water is not being
used, a lower thermostat setting will reduce energy losses and
may satisfy your normal hot water needs. If hot water use is
expected to be more than normal, a higher thermostat setting
may be required to meet the increased demand. When leaving
your home for extended periods (vacations, etc.), turn the
temperature dial to the vacation (VAC) setting. This will maintain
the water at low temperatures with minimum energy losses and
prevent the tank from freezing during cold weather.
21
Time for Permanent Burns
2nd & 3rd Degree
(Most Severe Burns)
45 minutes
5 minutes
25 seconds
5 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
FIGURE 21.
120°F
APPROX.
MARK 155°F
STATUS
LIGHT
APPROX.
55°F
FIGURE 22.