A.O. Smith ARGSS02708 User Manual

RESIDENTIAL GAS WATER HEATERS

Ashland City, TN 37015

www.hotwater.com

Instruction Manual

POWER VENTED GAS MODELS W/HOT SURFACE IGNITION

NOT FOR USE IN MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) HOMES

• For Your Safety •

AN ODORANT IS ADDED TO THE GAS USED

BY THIS WATER HEATER.

ALL TECHNICAL AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS: SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE WATER HEATER WAS PURCHASED. IF YOU ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, PLEASE WRITE TO THE COMPANY LISTED ON THE RATING PLATE ON THE WATER HEATER.

KEEP THIS MANUAL IN THE POCKET ON HEATER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WHENEVER MAINTENANCE ADJUSTMENT OR SERVICE IS REQUIRED.

PRINTED 1207 197423-002

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE

Your safety and the safety of others is extremely important in the installation, use and servicing of this water heater. Many safety-related messages and instructions have been provided in this manual and on your own water heater to warn you and

others of a potential injury hazard. Read and obey all safety messages and instructions throughout this manual. It is very important that the meaning of each safety message is understood by you and others who install, use or service this water heater .

All safety messages will generally tell you about the type of hazard, what can happen if you do not follow the safety message and how to avoid the risk of injury.

IMPORT ANT DEFINITIONS

• Qualified Installer: A qualified installer must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing, air supply , venting and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the installation of gas fired water heaters. The qualified installer must also be familiar with the design features of water heaters, and have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual.

• Service Agency: A service agency also must have ability equivalent to a licensed tradesman in the fields of plumbing, air supply , venting and gas supply, including a thorough understanding of the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code as it relates to the installation of gas fired water heaters. The service agency must also have a thorough understanding of this instruction manual, and be able to perform repairs strictly in accordance with the service guidelines provided by the manufacturer .

• Gas Supplier: The Natural Gas or Propane Utility or service who supplies gas for utilization by the gas burning

appliances within this application. The gas supplier typically has responsibility for the inspection and code approval of gas piping up to and including the Natural Gas meter or Propane storage tank of a building. Many gas suppliers also offer service and inspection of appliances within the building.

GENERAL SAFETY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFE INSTALLATION, USE AND SERVICE ...........................2

GENERAL SAFETY ............................................................. 3-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................................5

INTRODUCTION .....................................................................5

Preparing for the Installation ............................................5

TYPICAL INST ALLATION .................................................... 6-8

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER ........................... 9-11

Facts to Consider About Location .............................. 9-10

Insulation Blankets .........................................................10

Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances

Located in Unconfined Spaces.......................................10

Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances

Located in Confined Spaces .....................................10-11

INST ALLING THE WATER HEATER ............................... 12-24

Chemical V apor Corrosion .............................................12

Water Piping............................................................. 12-13

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve ...............................13

Gas Piping......................................................................14

Sediment Traps ..............................................................15

Filling the Water Heater .................................................15

Vent Pipe Assembly .......................................................15

Venting ...........................................................................15

Vent Pipe Termination ....................................................16

Planning the Vent System ..............................................17

Condensate .............................................................. 17-18

Blower Assembly Installation..........................................18

Installation of Vent System ....................................... 18-20

Vent Attenuation Assembly Installation Instructions .......21-22

Vent Pipe Preparation .............................................. 23-24

LIGHTING & OPERA TING LABEL ........................................25

TEMPERATURE REGULATION ............................................26

FOR YOUR INFORMA TION ..................................................27

Start Up Conditions

Smoke/Odor ...........................................................27

Thermal Expansion.................................................27

Strange Sounds......................................................27

Operational Conditions...................................................27

Smelly Water ..........................................................27

“Air” in Hot Water Faucets......................................27

High Temperature Shut Off System ........................27

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ............................................ 28-30

Venting System Inspection.............................................28

Burner Operation and Inspection ...................................28

Burner Cleaning .............................................................28

Housekeeping .......................................................... 28-29

Anode Rod Inspection ....................................................29

Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation ..............29

Draining ..........................................................................29

Service ...........................................................................30

LEAKAGE CHECKPOINTS ................................................... 30

REP AIR PARTS .....................................................................31

TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 32-34

WARRANTY ..........................................................................35

INTRODUCTION

Thank Yo u for purchasing this water heater. Properly installed and

maintained, it should give you years of trouble free service. Abbreviations Found In This Instruction Manual:

• CSA - Canadian Standards Association

• ANSI - American National Standards Institute

• NFPA - National Fire Protection Association

• ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers

• GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturer’s Association

• UL - Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

This gas-fired water heater is design certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. under American National Standard/CSA Standard for Gas Water Heaters ANSI Z21.10.3 • CSA 4.3 (current edition).

PREP ARING FOR THE INST ALLATION

1. Read the “General Safety” section, page 3 and 4 of this manual first and then the entire manual carefully . If you don’t follow the safety rules, the water heater will not operate properly. It could cause DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

This manual contains instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the gas-fired water heater. It also contains warnings throughout the manual that you must read and be aware of. All warnings and all instructions are essential to the proper operation of the water heater and your safety. Since we cannot put everything on the first few pages, READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE

ATTEMPTING TO INST ALL OR OPERATE THE W A TER HEATER.

2. The installation must conform with these instructions and the local code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes, installations shall comply with the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54) or the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code (CAN/CSA B149.1) and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), or the Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1). These publications are available from The National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

3. The water heater when installed must be grounded in accordance with the local codes, or in the absence of local codes: the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) or the Canadian Electrical Code (C22.1).

4. If after reading this manual you have any questions or do not understand any portion of the instructions, call the local gas utility or the manufacturer whose name appears on the rating plate.

5. Carefully plan the place where you are going to put the water heater. Correct combustion, vent action, and vent pipe installation are very important in preventing death from possible carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, see Figures 1 and 2.

Examine the location to ensure the water heater complies with the “Locating the New Water Heater” section in this manual.

6. For California installation this water heater must be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving during an earthquake. See instructions for correct installation procedures. Instructions may be obtained from California Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

7. Massachusetts Code requires this water heater to be installed in accordance with Massachusetts 248-CMR 2.00: St ate Plumbing Code and 248-CMR 5.00.

8. Complies with SCAQMD rule #1146 and districts having equivalent NOx requirements.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER HEATER - GAS MODELS

A Vent Pipe B Anode C Hot Water Outlet D Outlet (120 VAC) F Gas Supply G Main Manual Gas Shut Off Valve H Ground Joint Union

J Dirt Leg K Outer Door L Union M Inlet Water Shut Off Valve N Cold Water Inlet O Inlet Dip Tube P Temperature & Pressure

Relief Valve

Q Rating Plate R Insulation S Vent Terminal T Drain Valve U Igniter And Main Burner

W Drain Pan

X Control

Y Control Harness* AA Motor & Blower CC Condensate Fitting

(4 Places Shown)**

D D Plastic Top

E E On/Off Switch

FF Exhaust Tee

GG Elbow

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND DELIMING PRODUCTS

Replacement parts and recommended delimer may be ordered through authorized servicers or distributors. When ordering parts, provide complete model and serial numbers (see rating plate), quantity and name of part desired. Standard hardware items may be purchased locally.

HH Bushing

II Nipple

JJ Condensate Tee

KK Hose Barb

LL Plug MM Vent Pipe Assembly #1 NN Vent Pipe Assembly #2

OO Vent Pipe Assembly #3

PP Side Recirculation Loop

Inlet***

QQ Side Recirculation Loop

Outlet*** (not shown)

RR Vent Attenuation

Assembly (VAA) (Optional)

SS Access Door

CONDENSATE ASSEMBLY

(U) NATURAL GAS MAIN BURNER

WITH IGNITER ASSEMBLY

VACUUM RELIEF

VALVE

*INSTAL L P ER

LOCAL CODES

* CAUTION HARNESS HAS 120 VAC. IN OPERATION.

** See "PLANNING THE VENT SYSTEM", "CONDENSATE" and "BLOWER ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION" for

more information.

***The side recirculation loop connections may not be used as the primary water inlet and outlet connections.

For your convenience, plugs are installed in these fittings at the factory . Remove these plugs if needed for your specific installation. Otherwise (as with all connections) check for leaks while filling the tank with water and after completing the installation.

FIGURE 1

SIDE VIEW

TEMPERATURE INDICATORS

(X)

TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT BUTTONS

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

CONDENSA TE HOSE AND DRAIN PAN

*Note: Condensate Trap Loops must be oriented in a vertical plane as shown. The traps

also must be primed by filling half of the loop with water prior to operating the water heater. Carefully plan the location of the loops and straight sections of hose prior to cutting hoses. If necessary, secure the hoses to the side of the water heater or some other rigid structure to prevent crimping. While securing the hoses, do not pierce or crimp the hoses.

FIGURE 1 (continued).

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

MIXING VAL VE USAGE

FIGURE 2.

This appliance has been design certified as complying with American National Standard/CSA S tandard for water heaters and is considered suitable for:

Water (Potable) Heating and Space Heating: All models are considered suitable for water (potable) heating and space heating.

HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD:

Water heaters are intended to produce hot water. W ater heated to a temperature which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish washing, 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 infirm, or physically/mentally handicapped. If anyone using hot water in your home fits 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 satisfies your hot water needs, a means such as a Mixing Valve, shall be used at the hot water taps used by these people or at the water heater. Mixing valves are available at plumbing supply or hardware stores. Consult a Qualified Installer or Service Agency. Follow mixing valve manufacturer ’s instructions for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory setting on the thermostat, read the “T emperature Regulation” section in this manual, see Figure 26.

LOCATING THE NEW WATER HEATER

FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE LOCA TION

Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater, because the placement is a very important consideration for the safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical use of the appliance. This water heater is not for use in manufactured

(mobile) homes or outdoor installation.

Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed:

1. Select a location indoors as close as practical to the vent terminal or location to which the water heater vent piping is going to be connected, and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.

2. Selected location must provide adequate clearances for servicing and proper operation of the water heater.

Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are available at your local hardware store. Such

a drain pan must have a clearance of at least 1.0" (2.5cm) greater than any point on the water heater’s outer jacket and must be piped to an adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow . For example, if a circular pan is used, it must be a minimum of 27" (69cm) in diameter. See Figure 1.

Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in various ways:

• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn off

the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is detected.

• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply

to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.

• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water

pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes connected to the water heater.

• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater

while at the same time shutting off its water supply.

INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED (GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane (LP or butane, etc.) and other substances (such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s hot surface igniter or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area.

Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.

This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting. Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the appliance by at least 3" (7.6 cm) in any direction, or if the appliance is installed

in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may result in a fire hazard.

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible construction are 0 inch at the sides and rear, 5.5 " (14.0 cm) from the front and 12" (30.5 cm) from the top. (Standard clearance.) If clearances stated on the heater differ from standard clearances, install water heater according to clearances stated on the heater.

Adequate clearance 24" (61.0 cm) for servicing this appliance should be considered before installation, such as changing the anodes, etc.

A minimum clearance of 5.5" (14.0 cm) must be allowed for access to replaceable parts such as the thermostats, drain valve and relief valve.

When installing the heater , consideration must be given to proper location. Location selected should be as close to the wall as practicable and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.

If this water heater will be used in beauty shops, barber shops, cleaning establishments, or self-service laundries with dry cleaning equipment, it is imperative that the water heater or water heaters be installed so that combustion and ventilation air be taken from outside these areas.

Propellants of aerosol sprays and volatile compounds, (cleaners, chlorine based chemicals, refrigerants, etc.) in addition to being highly flammable in many cases, will also react to form corrosive hydrochloric acid when exposed to the combustion products of the water heater. The results can be hazardous, and also cause product failure.

INSULA TION BLANKETS

Insulation blankets are available to the general public for external use on gas water heaters but are not necessary with these products. The purpose of an insulation blanket is to reduce the standby heat loss encountered with storage tank heaters. Your water heater meet s or exceeds the Energy Policy Act standards with respect to insulation and standby loss requirements, making an insulation blanket unnecessary .

Should you choose to apply an insulation blanket to this heater, you should follow these instructions (For identification of components mentioned below, see Figure 1). Failure to follow these instructions can restrict the air flow required for proper combustion, potentially resulting in fire, asphyxiation, serious personal injury or death.

FIGURE 4.

A gas water heater cannot operate properly without the correct amount of air for combustion. Do not install in a confined area such as a closet, unless you provide air as shown in the “Locating The New Water Heater” section. Never obstruct the flow of ventilation air. If you have any doubts or questions at all, call your gas supplier. Failure to provide the proper amount of combustion air can result in a fire or explosion and cause death, serious bodily injury, or property damage.

FIGURE 5.

• Do not apply insulation to the top of the water heater, as this will interfere with safe operation of the blower assembly. Do not cover the outer door, thermostat or temperature & pressure

• relief valve. Do not allow insulation to come within 2" (5.1 cm) of the floor to

• prevent blockage of combustion air flow to the burner. Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the

• water heater or nearby for future reference. Do obtain new warning and instruction labels from the manufacturer

• for placement on the blanket directly over the existing labels. Do inspect the insulation blanket frequently to make certain it

• does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow.

COMBUSTION AIR AND VENTILA TION FOR APPLIANCES LOCA TED IN UNCONFINED SP ACES

UNCONFINED SPACE is space whose volume is not less than

50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 cubic meters per kW) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space. Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed, through openings not furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.

In unconfined spaces in buildings, infiltration may be adequate to provide air for combustion, ventilation and dilution of flue gases. However, in buildings of tight construction (for example, weather stripping, heavily insulated, caulked, vapor barrier, etc.), additional air may need to be provided using the methods described in “Combustion Air and Ventilation for Appliances Located in Confined Spaces.”

COMBUSTION AIR AND VENTILA TION FOR APPLIANCES LOCA TED IN CONFINED SP ACES

CONFINED SPACE is a space whose volume is less than 50 cubic

feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 cm per kW) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space.

When drawing combustion air from inside a conventionally constructed building to a confined space, such a space shall be provided with two permanent openings. ONE WITHIN 12 INCHES (30 cm) OF THE ENCLOSURE T OP AND ONE WITHIN 12 INCHES (30 cm) OF THE ENCLOSURE BOTTOM. Each opening shall have a free

area of one square inch per 1000 Btu/hr (22 cm2/kW) of the total input of all appliances in the enclosure, but not less than 100 square inches (645

If the confined space is within a building of tight construction, air for combustion and ventilation must be obtained from outdoors. When directly communicating with the outdoors or communicating through vertical ducts, two permanent openings, located in the above manner , shall be provided. Each opening shall have a free area of not less than one square inch per 4000 Btu/hr (5.5 cm

/kW) of total input of all appliances in the enclosure. If horizontal ducts are used, each opening shall have a free area of not less than one square inch per 2000 Btu/

hr (11cm

/kW) of the total input of all appliances in the enclosure. A. ALL AIR FROM INSIDE BUILDINGS: (See Figure 5 and 6) The confined space shall be provided with two permanent openings

communicating directly with an additional room(s) of sufficient volume so that the combined volume of all spaces meets the criteria for an unconfined space. The total input of all gas utilization equipment installed in the combined space shall be considered in making this determination. Each opening shall have a minimum free area of one square inch per 1,000 Btu per hour (22 cm

equipment in the confined space, but not less than 100 square inches (645 cm

). One opening shall commence within 12 inches

/kW) of the total input rating of all gas utilization

(30 cm) of the top and one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) of the bottom of the enclosures.

FIGURE 8.

4. When ducts are used, they shall be of the same cross-sectional area as the free area of the openings to which they connect. The minimum short side dimension of rectangular air ducts shall not be less than 3 inches (7.6 cm), see Figure 9.

FIGURE 6.

B. ALL AIR FROM OUTDOORS: (See Figures 7, 8 and 9)

The confined space shall be provided with two permanent openings,

one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) of the top and one commencing within 12 inches (30 cm) from the bottom of the enclosure. The openings shall communicate directly , or by ducts, with the outdoors or spaces (crawl or attic) that freely communicate with the outdoors.

1. When directly communicating with the outdoors, each opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 4,000 Btu per hour

(5.5 cm

/kW) of total input rating of all equipment in the enclosure,

see Figure 7.

FIGURE 7.

2. When communicating with the outdoors through vertical ducts, each opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 4,000 Btu per hour (5.5 cm

/kW) of total input rating of all equipment in the

enclosure, see Figure 8.

3. When communicating with the outdoors through horizontal ducts, each opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 2,000 Btu per hour (1 1 cm

/kW)) of total input rating of all equipment

in the enclosure, see Figure 9.

FIGURE 9.

5. Alternatively a single permanent opening may be used when communicating directly with the outdoors, or with spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors. The opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 3,000 BTU per hour (8.3 cm total input rating of all equipment in enclosure. See Figure 9A.

FIGURE 9A.

6. Louvers and Grilles: In calculating free area, consideration shall be given to the blocking effect of louvers, grilles or screens protecting openings. Screens used shall not be smaller than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) mesh. If the free area through a design of louver or grille is known, it should be used in calculating the size opening required to provide the free area specified. If the design and free area is not known, it may be assumed that wood louvers will be 20-25 percent free area and metal louvers and grilles will have 60-75 percent free area. Louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open position or interlocked with the equipment so that they are opened automatically during equipment operation.

7. Special Conditions Created by Mechanical Exhausting or Fireplaces: operation of exhaust fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers or fireplaces may create conditions requiring special attention to avoid unsatisfactory operation of installed gas utilization equipment.

/kW) of

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A.O. Smith ARGSS02708 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual