Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 1
1
/2 to 2 minutes
130°F About 30 seconds
135°F About 10 seconds
140°F Less than 5 seconds
145°F Less than 3 seconds
150°F About 1
1
/2 seconds
155°F About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
DANGER:
Hotter water
increases the Potential
for Hot Water SCALDS.
Households with small
children, disabled, or
elderly persons may require
a 120°F or lower gas control
(thermostat) setting to
prevent contact with HOT
water.
!
Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service
17
Operating the water heater.
CAUTION: Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system served by this water heater that has not been
used for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!! To
dissipate such gas and to reduce risk of injury, it is recommended that the hot water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system. If hydrogen is
present, there will be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to flow. Do not
smoke or use an open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
!
Safety Precautions
Do turn off manual gas shut-off valve if water heater
has been subjected to over heating, fire, flood,
physical damage or if the gas supply fails to shut off.
Do Not turn on water heater unless it is completely
filled with water.
Do Not turn on water heater if cold water supply
shut-off valve is closed.
Do Not allow combustible materials such as
newspaper, rags or mops to accumulate near
water heater.
Do Not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids, such as adhesives or paint
thinner, in vicinity of this or any other appliance.
If such flammables must be used, open doors and
windows for ventilation, and all gas burning
appliances in the vicinity should be shut off including
their pilot burners, to avoid vapors lighting.
NOTICE: Flammable vapors can be drawn by air currents
from surrounding areas to the water heater.
If there is any difficulty in understanding or following
the Operating Instructions or the Care and Cleaning
section, it is recommended that a qualified person or
serviceman perform the work.
Water Temperature Setting
The temperature of the water in the water
heater can be regulated by setting the
temperature dial on the front of the gas
control (thermostat).
Safety and energy conservation are
factors to be considered when selecting
the water temperature setting of the
water heater’s gas control
(thermostat(s)). The lower the
temperature setting, the greater the
savings in energy and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations the gas
control (thermostat) was set at its
lowest setting before the water heater
was shipped from the factory. The
recommended starting point temperature
is 120°F.
Water temperatures above 125°F can
cause severe burns or death from
scalding. Be sure to read and follow the
warnings outlined in this manual and on
the label located on the water heater near
the gas control (thermostat).
Mixing valves are available for reducing
point of use water temperature by mixing
hot and cold water in branch water lines.
Contact a licensed plumber or the local
plumbing authority for further information.
(See page 4 for more details).
The chart below may be used as a guide in
determining the proper water temperature
for your home.
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds