American Water Heater 71681 Water Heater User Manual


 
6
COMBUSTION/VENT PIPE SYSTEM
Combustion
Combustion air must be free of acid-forming chemicals.
These chemicals are found in aerosol sprays, deter-
gents, bleaches, cleaning solvents, air freshener, paint
and varnish removers, refrigerant, and many other com-
mercial products. When burned, vapors from these
products form highly corrosive acid compounds. These
products should not be stored or used near the water
heater or air inlet.
Venting
Vent pipe installation must be installed according to all
state and local codes, or in the absence of local and
state codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54,
ANSI Z223.1-latest edition. Canadian installations must
be performed in accordance with CAN/CSA-B149.1
It is the responsibility of the installing contractor to
provide a vent adequate in capacity and in good usable
condition. Btu/hr capacity limitations are governed by
the style and height of the vent/chimney. For installa-
tions in the United States, capacity tables are available
in the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1- latest edi-
tion). Canadian installation information can be found in
CAN/CSA-B149.1
U.L. recognized fuel gas and carbon monoxide (CO)
detectors are recommended in all applications and
should be installed using the manufacturer’s
instructions and local codes, rules, or regulations.
Important: Check to make sure the vent pipe is not
blocked in any way.
Venting should be as direct as possible with a
minimum number of pipe fittings.
Exhaust gas vents must be installed with U.L.
listed type B vent pipe according to the vent
manufacturer’s instructions and the terms of its
listing.
Single wall vent connectors must have 6”
(152mm) of clearance from unprotected com-
bustible surfaces.
If sidewall venting is necessary, a power vent
kit is required. For availability contact 1-800-
456-9805.
Vents that run through unconditioned spaces
where below freezing temperatures are expect-
ed should be properly insulated to prevent
freezing.
Existing vent systems must be inspected for
obstructions, corrosion and proper installation.
Vents must be connected to the water heater’s
drafthood by a certified vent connector or by
directly originating at the drafthood opening.
Vertical gas vents must terminate with a listed
cap or other roof assembly and be installed
according to their manufacturer’s instructions.
Horizontal vent connections must have an
upward slope of at least 1/4” (6mm) per
foot (305mm).
Gas vents must be supported to prevent
damage, joint separation, and maintain
clearances to combustible materials.
Vent connection joints should be fastened by
sheet metal screws or by other approved
methods.
Vent and vent connectors should have
adequate support to keep weight off the
draft hood.
All pipe, fittings, and procedures must conform to
American National Standard Institute and American
Society for Testing and Materials (ANSI/ASTM) stan-
dards in the United States.
Important: If you lack the necessary skills required to
properly install this venting system, you should not
proceed, but get help from a qualified service
technician.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Follow all instructions to locate and install
the vent pipe system.
Instructions can be found in this manual,
in state or local codes (or the authority
having jurisdiction), or in the absence of
such, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1, NFPA 54, Latest Edition. Canadian
installations must be performed in
accordance with CAN/CSA-B149.1
Failure to properly locate and install the
vent pipe system can result in death,
explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Index