Clearances3-4Pilot Spark34
Air Requirements5-9Pilot Valve35-36
Contaminated Air10Main Burner Test37
Flammable10Flame Rectification38
Gas Pressure11IID Module39
Gas Valve12Main Gas Valve 40-41
Venting13-15
Sequence of Operation
Mechanical16
Electrical17-18
Troubleshooting
Transformer19
High Limit20-21
Damper (on Standby)22
PC Board22-23
Thermostat24
Damper (call for heat)25-26
Effikal Damper27Comments54
Effikal Harness Test28
Normal Operation28-29
1-2Troubleshooting the Efflkal30-31
Wire Harness Test32
IID Module33
Wiring Schematics
Natural and Propane Gas42
Service Charts
General Questions & Answers44
Parts List
Component Part Information
Service Check List
43
45-50
51
52-53
BTR WORKBOOK INTRODUCTION
This service handbook is designed to aid in servicing and troubleshooting A.O. Smith BTR water heaters in
the field. No duplication or reproduction of this book may be made without the express written authorization
of the A.O. Smith Water Products Company.
The following text and illustrations will provide you with a step by step procedure to verify proper installation,
operation, and troubleshooting procedures. Additional quick reference data is included to assist you in
servicing this product.
The information contained in this handbook is designed to answer common questions encountered in the
operation of the BTR product line and is not meant to be all inclusive. If you are experiencing a problem not
covered in this handbook, please contact the A.O. Smith Technical Information Department at 1-800-5271953 or your local A.O. Smith Water Products Company representative for further assistance.This
handbook is intended for use by licensed plumbing professionals and reference should be made to the
installation manual accompanying the product. This handbook contains supplemental information to the BTR
installation and operation manual.
Installation or service of this water heater requires ability equivalent to
that of a licensed tradesman in the field involved. Plumbing, air supply, venting, gas
supply and electrical testing skills are required.
Tools Required:
Phillips head screwdriver
•
standard screwdrivers
•
a 3/8 and 7/16 inch open end wrench
•
setofmarkeddrillbits
•
an electrical multimeter tester capable of measuring continuity
•
gas pressure gauge or manometer (gauge - AOS pt. no. 8099-2)
Thisportionofthehandbookwillreviewsomeoftenoverlookedinstallation
considerations, taking note of necessary installation requirements for the BTR 120
through 500 model heaters. The installation manual covers most of these items in detail.
A 24 inch clearance for all serviceable parts is recommended.Clearances may vary
between BTR models – See instruction manual or the label on the heater, for clearances
applicable to your specific model.
"Copyright by the American Gas Association. Used by permission of the copyright holder".
This illustrates the exterior roof clearances for BTR units with natural draft venting. The
vent shall extend at least 3 feet above the highest point where it passes through a roof of
a building, and at least 2 feet higher than any portion of a building within a horizontal
distance of 10 feet (for vents of 12" in diameter or less). (NFPA 54 ANSI Z 223.1 SEC
7.5.2a). (Sec 7.6.2a may allow reduction to 8 feet with a “ Listed vent cap”).
Stoichiometric or theoretical complete combustion requires 10 cubic feet of air per 1000
BTUH input of the gas input.The National Fuel Gas Code also recommends an
additional 2.5 cu.ft. of "excess" air. This 12.5 cu.ft minimum supply air per 1000 BTUH
input applies to natural and propane gas models.
T
T
U
U
2.5 CU.
FT.
EXCESS
AIR
U
T
The National Fuel Gas Code also specifies minimum make-up air opening sizes for
various building installations. (Ref: NFPA 54, ANSI Z223.1, sec 5.3)
A fresh supply of make-up air for combustion can be supplied to the heater through
make-up air ducts which directly communicate with the out of doors. Two openings are
required - one within 12 inches of the top of the enclosure and one within twelve inches of
the bottom of the enclosure. Each opening shall have a free area of not less than 1
square inch per 4000 BTUH of the total input of all appliances within the enclosure.
The lower opening is primarily providing combustion air. The upper opening is providing
vent dilution air and acts as a relief opening for flue gases should the vent become
obstructed or a downdraft condition occur. Additionally, when the heater is installed in a
confined space and communicating with the outdoor air, one permanent opening,
commencing within 12 in. (30 cm) of the top of the enclosure, shall be permitted where
the equipment has clearances of at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) from the sides and back and 6 in.
(16 cm) from the front of the appliance. The opening shall directly communicate with the
outdoors and shall communicate through a vertical or horizontal duct to the outdoors or
spaces (crawl or attic) that freely communicate with the outdoors, and shall have a
minimum free area of:
a. 1 sq. in. per 3000 BTU per hr (7 cm2per kW) of the total input of all equipment
located in the enclosure, and
b. Not less than the sum of the areas of all vent connectors in the confined space.
Often it is more practical to install vertical make-up air ducts to the out doors. Again, two
openings are required - one within 12 inches of the top of the enclosure and one within
twelve inches of the bottom of the enclosure. Each opening shall have a free area of not
less than 1 square inch per 4000 BTUH of the total input of all appliances within the
enclosure.
When the heater is installed in an interior room with no roof access for vertical ducts,
horizontal make-up air ducts should be installed.When using horizontal ducts, two
openings are required - one within 12 inches of the top of the enclosure and one within
twelve inches of the bottom of the enclosure. Each opening shall have a free area of not
less than 1 square inch per 2000 BTUH of the total input of all appliances within the
enclosure.
Insufficient make-up air is a major cause of combustion problems. One common example
is in a restaurant installation where exhaust vent equipment was not considered in sizing
make-up air requirements. This may result in air being backdrafted by the restaurant
exhaust equipment through the heater causing flue gas spillage, flame roll out, improper
combustion, inconsistent pilot operation, and/or erratic heater shut down.
Along with adequate make-up air, the quality of the air is important. Contaminants in
combustion air can lead to premature heater failure.Vapors from bleaches, soaps,
waxes, salts, etc. are drawn into the combustion chamber with the make-up air and, once
fired, mix with water vapor in the gases to form extremely corrosive hydrochloric or
hydrofluoric acid and other corrosive byproducts.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
Flammable Items
Flammable items, pressurized containers or any other potentially hazardous articles must
never be placed on or adjacent to the heater. Open containers of flammable material
should not be stored or used in the same room with the heater.
The supply gas pressure is normally measured at the dirt leg or at the gas pressure
tapping on the gas supply shutoff valve. This reading must be measured with 'flowing'
gas.
The manifold gas pressure is measured at the manifold pressure tap of the gas valve
when the gas is flowing.
The gas valves used on all BTR water heaters are
24 volt AC combination step opening gas valves.
They incorporate the pilot valve, main valve, and gas
pressure regulators into one body. The inlet view of
the valve features a filter screen and the top knob.
The top knob is a manual on/off gas control for both
the pilot and main gas valves. When the top knob is
placed on the black mark, gas is supplied only to the
pilot valve.
On the top view, we see the pilot solenoid and
pilot and main gas regulators. The top view also
displays the “TH and “TR” terminals. The pilot
gas regulator is found under its cover screw. It is
factory preset at 3.5”w.c. but can be adjusted from
2.5 to 5 inches water column. The main gas
regulator is found under its cover screw. It is
factory preset to 3.5 inches w.c. and adjusts gas
pressure output from 2.5 to 5 inches water
column. The two electrical terminals are marked
TH and TR. The TH terminal is the common
between the pilot valve solenoid coil and the main
valve solenoid coil. The other wire emerging from
the pilot solenoid connects to the pilot valve
electrical output on the IID (terminal PV). The TR
terminal connects directly to the main valve
electrical output from the IID module
(terminal MV).
On the outlet view of the gas valve, we see the
pilot gas connection port, manifold gas connection
port, a limited bleed vent port, the manifold gas and
pressure tap.
A minimum of ¼” rise
per foot of horizontal
vent is required.
All BTR water heaters are classified by ANSI as category I (non-condensing, negative
pressure venting) appliances. They are approved for type B vent.
For larger applications, BTR water heaters can be common vented together either in a
tapered manifold or constant size manifold. (Follow National Fuel Gas Code
requirements for sizing and installation.)
BTRs may be common vented only with other category I appliances. (See venting
section in the National Fuel Gas Code).
Draft inducers can be used with BTR water heaters to mechanically aid a lazy chimney in
vertical vent applications. They are not designed to allow “through-the-wall” vent
installations. (See Power Venter)
SINGLE UNIT INSTALLATION
When mechanically venting, the following items are required:
QtyDescriptionPart No.
1Draft Inducer (up to 300,000Btuh)90909
1Draft Inducer (up to 305,000 thru 500,000 Btuh)90910
1Draft Prover Switch95220
1Relay Switch96695
BTR water heaters can be used
with power vent kits for sidewall
venting. A.O. Smith offers power
vent kits for use on installations with
a maximum of 100 equivalent feet
of vent piping. The power vent kits
also use type B vent materials.
When power venting, specific
exterior clearances must be
maintained, as outlined in the
National Fuel Gas Code. (NFPA
54, ANSI A223.1, sec 7.8)
To understand BTR tank type water heaters, an examination of their sequence of
operation is necessary.
When the thermostat calls for heat, the relay in the draft hood assembly activates, deenergizing the flue damper motor. The damper opens and power flows to the IID
(Intermittent Ignition Device). This activates the IID module to open the pilot valve
and begin sparking at the pilot burner assembly. Once the pilot flame is established
and confirmed back to the IID, the sparking is stopped and the main gas valve is
opened, allowing gas flow to the main burner. When the thermostat satisfie’s, main
and pilot gas is shut off.
from the On/Off Switch – if not, replace
switch.
Check that the 120 VAC is supplied
•
from transformer.
Go to step 2.
•
19
Page 21
BTR TANK TYPE HEATERS
SERVICE HANDBOOK
STEP 2HIGH LIMIT, LEFT TERMINAL TEST
STEP 2. HIGH LIMIT, LEFT TERMINAL TEST.
Test for 24 VAC between the left high
limit terminal and ground.
IFTHEN
The meter does not read 24 VAC:
Check wiring between transformer and
•
high limit.
The meter reads 24 VAC:
Note: The high limit (Energy Cut Off) opens if the tank water temperature exceeds 205
degrees.The control is resettable (manually) when the tank water temperature drops
below 185 degrees.
. Ensure that the jumper wire
between the high limit and thermostat is connected, and the damper motor power line is
connected. Test for 24 VAC between the high limit right terminal and ground.
IFTHEN
The meter does not read 24 VAC:
Push the reset button and redo the test (storage
•
water temperature below 185 degrees).
The meter reads 24 VAC:
Go to step 4.
•
After Push in Reset - 24 VAC is now present
Reasons For Resetting
ConditionCauseSolution
High limit openNever set on initial
Push high limit button
installation
Excessive water temperatureFaulty thermostatReplace dual control
Heater shut down before
Faulty high limitReplace dual control
reaching thermostat setting
Note: The right terminal of the high limit has a jumper wire connected to the left terminal of the
thermostat. There is also a black wire connecting to the damper motor assembly. This black wire
supplies power to the motor to close the damper during periods of standby.
Note: If the water temperature in the tank is below 120 degrees F, temporarily disconnect the
jumper wire between the high limit and thermostat to simulate a satisfied thermostat.
STEP 5CHECK THE PC BOARD
Lower the thermostat setting so the unit will not be
terminals of the PC board. Disconnect the wires for this test.
IFTHEN
24 VAC is not present:
Replace the board (AOS part # 6522)
•
and go to step 7. The board and relay
are one piece. Regardless of which
part is defective, both parts should be
changed.
Voltage is present:
•
This verifies that the motor is receiving
power but not closing the damper.
•
Replace the motor (AOS part # 6521)
and go to step 7.
Note: The service switch may be used to bypass the damper, while waiting for a replacement part.
WARNING -
In the event of damper motor failure, verify that the damper is in the "open"
position before utilizing the service switch. (BTR Series 106/107 and some prior series –
changed from momentary push button to service switch).
On a call for heat, the damper relays receives
power through the yellow wire and power to the motor is interrupted.Then, the motor
clutch is disengaged and the damper opens. The damper proves it is open via an end
switch before power flows through the red wire from the PC board.
Place the red test probe on the solder joint of the red wire connection to the damper PC
board.
IFTHEN
The meter does not read 24 VAC and the
Replace the PC board
•
end switch is closed:
The meter reads 24 VAC
Note: The spring rotates the damper blade assembly to the open position. This closes an end
switch.
BTR Series 110 and 111 began using the motor open; motor close, Effikal Damper. The
wiring colors from the damper PC Board are different from previous series BTR(C) and
BTC Models.
Motor
Service
Switch
Adapter
Plug
Heater
Harness
Service
Switch
Motor
Lead
Terminal
Lead
Motor
Effikal Control Cover (Photo of kit mounting)Effikal Style
The heater harness wires still serve the same function:
Black – 24V Constant if high limit closed
Yellow – 24V To damper if the thermostat is closed
Red – 24VFrom damper to IID if damper closes end switch
White–Neutral(common
Note: This test may be easier to conduct by removing the red wire from the IID terminal. Test for 24
VAC between the red wire and ground. Reconnect the red wire to the 24V terminal after the test.
If pilot assembly is sparking but no pilot flame
is established, disconnect the pilot valve solenoid leads. Using a multimeter, (set to read
ohms) test for 20* ohms resistance +/- 5 through the solenoid coil.
IFTHEN
The meter dose not read 20 ohms plus or
Replace gas valve
•
minus 5:
The meter does read 20 ohms plus or
minus 5:
Gas valve should work. Also check that
•
pilot gas is present and pilot tube or
orifice are not blocked
The MV/PV wire on the IID is connected to the white wire
The MV wire on the IID is connected to the red wire.
PILOT GAS
MANIFOLD
PRESSURE
TAP
BLUE
WHITE
RED
STEP 14B.PILOT VALVE TEST – BTR 500 ONLY.
MANIFOLD
GAS
Testing the two coils of the
MANIFOLD
PRESSURE
TAP
Honeywell VR8404P 5004 gas valve used on the model BTR 500 only. Because of built
in diodes, it is difficult to test for ohms resistance through these coils. The following is a
DC amperage check of the main and pilot coils.
Condition:
•
Tank calls for heat
•
PV terminal of module has 24 Vac
•
No Pilot flame
Test Procedure:
•
Turn off power to heater
•
Meter set to test for DC amperage (on AOS meters, the black wire is in the
“com” port, the red wire is in the “10A” port, the dial is set to 20M/10A in the DC
AMP test area).
•
Blue “PV” wire is disconnected from the ignition PV terminal.
•
Install meter in series between gas valve and ignition module – 10A wire to
blue gas valve lead, common wire to PV module terminal.
•
Turn power on to heater, after module receives 24V
Test DC Amperage through Pilot coil of gas valve
IFTHEN
.75 to .85 DCA is not present:
.75 to .85 DCA is present
Replace the gas valve
•
Pilot should work if gas (not air) is present to pilot
•
Power off, reattach blue gas valve wire to PV terminal of module.
Note: Flame rectification means that an alternating current (AC) signal is changed to a direct current (DC)
signal. The pilot flame is the 'switch' which connects the pilot hood to the igniter and ground. If the pilot
hood and igniter sensor had the same surface area, the flame 'switch' would conduct an AC signal.
Because the pilot surface is greater than the igniter surface, the signal becomes a DC current that the
module can interpret. The pilot hood must be properly grounded and the pilot flame must remain in
contact with both surfaces for the flame proving signal to remain constant.
If the signal is broken for just 8 tenths of a second, the heater will cycle off.
Sparking at the pilot will continue if an insufficient signal is received by the module.
Sparking at the pilot will stop almost immediately after the ignition module senses the pilot flame.
Q.What changes caused series 106/107 and 108/109 to be implemented?
A.The 106 and 107 series units changed from the momentary push button to a slide
switch. The 108 and 109 series implemented a new main burner construction process. The
damper boards with service switch and new style main burners will automatically be
replacement parts for previous series heaters if parts are ordered.
Q.What is unique about the Canadian – BTRC – models vs. U.S. BTR models?
A.The Canadian models have different dimensions to meet Canadian code requirements.
Q:How much electrical power is required for a BTR water heater?
A:The BTR models draw approximately .7 Amps at 120VAC.
Q:The units require "leg kits" to meet National Sanitation Foundation standards. What are the
part numbers for these kits?
A:The BTR model heaters need AOS kit numbers:
BTR 120-400 (except BTR 197&198 series 100) = Part # 6570-0
BTR 197&198 Series 100 = Part # 6570-5
BTR 500 = Part # 6570-7
Q:When should BTRs be delimed?
Many variables affect the liming up process including:
water temperature
nearly 2 times greater if water is stored at 140 degrees F than at 120 degrees F. A 180
degree setting will build up lime about seven times as fast as a 140 degree F setting.
volume of water
accumulation.
hardness
"soft", 3.5 to 7 grains per gallon is "moderate", 7 to 10.5 grains per gallon is "hard" and 10.5 +
grains per gallon is "very hard". (An aspirin is about 5 grains. One grain is equal to 17.1 parts
per million.)
A:Deliming should be done when a slight rumbling or popping sound is detected when the main
burners are on.
Q:What effect will lime build-up have on the BTR water heater?
A:One eighth inch of scale build-up may reduce efficiency as much as 22%; a 1/4 inch build-up,
as much as 38%.
A:Less efficient heat transfer means more bottom head expansion/contraction stress and
premature leakage.
A:Heavy build-up on the bottom head and bottom portion of the flue pipes leads to more heat
transfer at the top of the flues. This can lead to stacking or erratic thermostat operation.
Q:Anode rods provide additional protection against corrosion.When should these be
replaced?
A:When large gouges or pits appear in the anodes, replace them. It is recommended that
these be inspected every 6 months.
– The harder the water the faster lime build up occurs. 1 to 3.5 grains per gallon is
- The amount of lime accumulation during the same period of time will be
- The more gallons flowing through the BTR, the more rapid the
(This service checklist may be photo copied to assist with BTR service call.)
This checklist is intended to aid the Service Agent in determining that the A.O. Smith
BTR Water Heater has been properly installed and is operating correctly. Because the
circumstances of each installation may vary greatly, it is not intended to be an allinclusive list of the problems that the Service Agent may encounter. Any item checked
"no" on this list should be thoroughly investigated and corrective action taken, if
required.
SERVICE AGENTINSTALLATION DATE
MODEL NUMBERSERVICE DATE
SERIAL NUMBERLOCATION ADDRESS
GAS TYPE - CHECK ONE
NATURALPHONE()___ -____
PROPANE
I.Check Clearances (circle answer)
A. Are exterior clearances adequate?yesno
B. Are interior clearances adequate?yesno
Comments:
II.Check Makeup Air Requirements
A. Is the quantity of make-up air adequate per the National Fuel Gas Code?yesno
Comments:
B. Is the quality of make-up air adequate?yesno
Comments:
III.Gas Pressure (fill in blank)
A.Supply gas pressure
B.Manifold gas pressure (main burner)
Comments:
IV.Venting (check)
A.Properly sized per the National Fuel Gas Code?yesno
B.Does the installation have mechanically assisted venting?yesno
Is the system properly sized?yesno
Is the system properly installed?yesno
Are there any water leaks?yesno
Does the installation have a recirculating system?yesno
If so, is it operational?yesno
VI.PROPER SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
During standby does damper close on standby?yesno
During standby is pilot flame off?yesno
On a call for heat does thermostat close?yesno
On a call for heat does damper open completely?yesno
Does sparking begin at pilot?yesno
Is pilot flame established?yesno
If so, does sparking stop?yesno
Does main burner ignite?yesno
Does the thermostat satisfy?yesno
Does damper close?yesno
Comments:
VII.SAFETY
A. Gas
B. Water Temperature
Is the thermostat adjusted to the lowest acceptable temperature?yesno
Does the installation have a mixing valve?yesno
NOTE:
Is a properly rated temperature and pressure relief valve installed?yesno
C. Electrical
Is the 120 VAC electrical power supply properly wired?yesno
Are all the BTR control covers in place?yesno
Is the 120 VAC electrical power supply properly fused?yesno
D. Flammables
Are flammable materials located in the area of the water heater?yesno
Are flammable vapors located in the area of the water heater?yesno
Does pilot flame prove before main burner ignites?yesno
Does damper blade fully open before ignition sequence occurs?yesno
Is burner cover plate in place?yesno
Is burner floor shield in place?yesno
Does IID lockout occur after 30 sec. trial for ignition? (Propane models only)yesno
If so, is it operational?yesno
What is the outlet temperature of the mixing valve?
(To minimize the risk of scalding, the manufacturer recommends storing water at 120°F.)
Comments:
(This service checklist may be photo copied to assist with BTR service call.)