Never operate the heater unless it is vented to the outdoors and has adequate air supply to avoid risks of
improper operation, fire, explosion or asphyxiation.
DO NOT ins tall this water heater directly on a carpeted floor. A f ire hazard may result. The water heater shall
be installed on a metal or wood panel extending beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by at least 3
inches (76.2mm) in any direction or, if the water heater is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor shall be
covered by the panel.
For safe operation, an ample supply of air must be provided for proper combustion and ventilation in accordance
with the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code CSA/B149.1 Natural Gas and
Propane Installation Codes or applicable provisions of the local buil ding codes. An insuffic ient supply of air may
result in a yellow, luminous burner flame, carboning or sooting of the heat exchanger, or create a risk of
asphyxiation. Do not obstruct the flow of combustion and ventilation air.
This unit is not intended to operate at gas supply pressures other than those shown on the rating plate.
Exposure to higher gas supply pressure may cause damage to gas valves, which can result in fi re or explosion.
If over-pressure has occurred, such as through improper testing of gas lines or emergency malfunction of the
supply system, the gas valves must be checked for safe operation.
A thermostatic mixing valve must be added to this system to prevent scalding, if regulated by local codes and
authorities.
Check the Rating Plate
FLOW MAX units come from the factory configured for use with natural gas. Prior to installation, check the
rating plate of the water heater to ensure the unit matches gas type, gas pressure, water pressure and electrical
supply. If the unit does not match the requirements, do not install.
Be sure the gas type and electricity voltage match the rating plate.
There is a risk i n using fuel burning appliances in rooms or areas where gasoline, other flammable liquids or
engine-driven equipment or vehicles are stored, operate or are repaired. Flammable vapours are heavy and
travel along the floor and may be ignited by the igniter or main burner flames causing fire or explosion. Some
local codes permit operation of gas appliances if ins talled 18 inches or more above the floor. This may reduce
the risk if loc ation in such an area cannot be avoided. Flammable items, pressurized containers or any other
potential fire hazardous articles must never be placed on or adjacent to the water heater. Open containers of
flammable materials should not be stored or used in the same room with the water heater.
Do not install the FLOWMAX water heater in areas with excessive high humidity.
Do not install the unit in location where there is excessive humidity, such as a bathroom, damp crawl space and
other areas with high levels of humidity. This may cause the unit to malfunction.
To avoid possible electrical s hock, DO NOT touch the internal components of the water heater or the power
cord with wet hands.
DO NOT splash excessive water on the water heater when cleaning, as they are water resistant, not water
proof.
Professionally qualified personnel in accordance with current laws and standards and in line with the
manufacturer’s instructions must install the appliance.
The commissioning of the water heater and any subsequent works carried out on the appliance must be
effected by an appropriately qualified technician.
The appl iance must be used solely for the purpose f or which it has been designed and manufactured: central
heating and domestic hot water production. Any other use is deemed as improper and as such dangerous.
Under no circumstances will the manufacturer be held responsible for damage or injury to persons or animals
caused by errors in the installation and/or use of the appliance, or through non-compliance with current local
and national standards and/or the manufacturer’s instructions.
The install ation, operation and maintenance manual forms are an integral and essential part of the product and
must be kept with the appliance always.
The warnings contained i n this chapter have been written for the appliance user, the installer and the service
technician.