A.O. Smith GPVH-50 Water Heater User Manual


 
11
WATER PIPING
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, cleaning 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
in rm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in
your home ts 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. In addition to using the lowest possible
temperature setting that satis es your hot water needs, a means such
as a *mixing valve, should be used at the hot water taps used by these
people or at the water heater, see Figure 2. Valves for reducing point
of use temperature by mixing cold and hot water are also available:
Consult a Quali ed Installer or Service Agency. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory
setting on the thermostat, read the “Temperature Regulation” section
in this manual.
This water heater shall not be connected to any heating systems or
component(s) used with a non-potable water heating appliance.
All piping components connected to this unit for space heating
applications shall be suitable for use with potable water.
Toxic chemicals, such as those used for boiler treatment shall not be
introduced into this system.
When the system requires water for space heating at temperatures
higher than required for domestic water purposes, a tempering valve
must be installed. Please refer to Figure 2 for suggested piping
arrangement.
CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS
Water supply systems may, because of code requirements or such
conditions as high line pressure, among others, have installed devices
such as pressure reducing valves, check valves, and back flow
preventers. Devices such as these cause the water system to be a
closed system.
THERMAL EXPANSION
As water is heated, it expands (thermal expansion). In a closed system
the volume of water will grow. As the volume of water grows there will be
a corresponding increase in water pressure due to thermal expansion.
Thermal expansion can cause premature tank failure (leakage). This type
of failure is not covered under the limited warranty. Thermal expansion
can also cause intermittent temperature-pressure relief valve operation:
water discharged from the valve due to excessive pressure build up.
The temperature-pressure relief valve is not intended for the constant
relief of thermal expansion. This condition is not covered under the
limited warranty.
A properly sized thermal expansion tank should be installed on all
closed systems to control the harmful effects of thermal expansion.
Contact a local plumbing service agency to have a thermal expansion
tank installed.
NOTE: To protect against untimely corrosion of hot and cold
water ttings, it is strongly recommended that di-electric unions
or couplings be installed on this water heater when connected
to copper pipe.
All gas piping must comply with local codes and ordinances or with the
National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/ NFPA-54) whichever applies.
Copper and brass tubing and ttings (except tin lined copper tubing)
shall not be used.
INSTALLING THE NEW WATER HEATER
FIGURE 10.