Facts To Congider About Location; Locating The New Water Heater - Kenmore 153.338400 Owner's Manual

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 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
centralized with the water piping system as possible.
The water heater, as all water heaters, will eventually
leak. Do not install without adequate drainage provi-
sions where water flow will cause damage.
CAUTION
WATER HEATERS EVENTUALLY LEAK: Installation of the
water heater must be accomplished in such a manner
that if the tank or any connecHons should leak, the flow
of water will not cause damage to the structure. When
such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans
are available at your local Sears store. Such a drain pan
must be no greater than 1% inches deep, have a mmP
mum length and width of at least 2 inclies greater than
the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an
adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air
flow. Under no circumstances is the manufacturer or
Sears to be held liable for any water damage in connec-
tion with this water heater.
WARNING
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(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 improper-
ly 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 any-
one in the area, as well as property 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 changes of
flammable vapors from a floor spill being ignited, gasoline
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 producing 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 maybe drawn by air currents
from other areas of the structure to the appliance.
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.
2. The location selection must provide adequate clearances
for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
WARNING
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpet-
ing. Carpeting must he protected by a metal or wood panel
beneath the appliance extending be}_ondthe 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
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 dimen-
sion may be allowed on some models. Refer to the label on
the water heater attached adjacent to the gas control valve
for all clearances.
12" MAX,
6" MI_-'.
[
VENTILATION
AIR
OPENINGS O
DOOR
FRONT VIEW
OF DOOR
Figure 1 ]
6'' MIN.
ii
l " MIN.
TOP VIEW
OF CLOSET
WITHOUT DOOR
i
! 2" MAX,
I
DOOR i
" MIN.
TOP VIEW
OF CLOSET
WITH DOOR
.... _._ 13. MI N
AIR DUCT
WARNING
A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the
correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a
confined area such as a closet, unless you provide air as
shown in Figures 1-5. Never obstruct the flow of ventila-
tion air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call
your gas company or Sears Service Center. Failure to pro-
vide the proper amount of combustion air can result ,'n a
fle 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 cleaning equipment, it is imperative that the
water heater or water heaters be installed so that combus-
tion and ventilation air be taken from outside these areas.
Refer to the "Locating the New Water Heater" section of
this manual and also the latest edition of the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, also referred to as NFPA 54 for
specifics provided concerning air required.