Use and Care Manual
18
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
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
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
vapours 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 vapours lighting.
NOTICE: Flammable vapours 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.
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.
!
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 combination gas
control (thermostat) setting
to prevent contact with
HOT water.
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
combination gas control (thermostat).
Safety and energy conservation are factors
to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of the water heater’s
combination gas control (thermostat). The
lower the temperature setting, the greater
the savings in energy and operating costs.
To comply with safety regulations, the
combination 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
combination gas control (thermostat).
Mixing valves are recommended for
reducing point of use water temperature
by mixing hot and cold water in branch
water lines. It is recommended that a
mixing valve complying with the Standard
for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves
for Hot Water Distribution Systems, ASSE
1017 be installed. See page 4 for more
details and contact a licensed plumber or
the local plumbing authority for further
information.
The chart below may be used as a guide in
determining the proper water temperature
for your home.