GE SG50T12AVH00 User Manual

Part No. AP13204-4 (01/05) Pub. No. 49-50103 JR

Manufactured under trademark license by:

Rheem Manufacturing Company

2600 Gunter Park Drive East, Montgomery, AL 36109-1413

FOR YOUR SAFETY!

— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable

vapors or liquids or other combustible materials
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
To do so may result in an explosion or fire.

— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

● Do not try to light any appliance.

● Do not touch any electrical switch; do not

use any phone in your building.

● Immediately call your gas supplier from a

neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.

● If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call

the fire department.

● Do not return to your home until authorized

by the gas supplier or fire department.

— Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,

service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury or death. Refer to this
manual. Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.

WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or death.

Model: HG Series, GG Series, GP Series, PG Series, SG Series,
SG Series with SmartWater™ Ignition System

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with basic directions and
recommendations for the proper installation and adjustment of the water heater; and two, for the
owner–operator, to explain the features, operation, safety precautions, maintenance and troubleshooting
of the water heater. This manual includes a parts list.

It is imperative that all persons who are expected to install, operate or adjust this water heater read
the instructions carefully so that they may understand how to perform these operations. If you do not
understand these instructions or any terms within it, seek professional advice.

Any questions regarding the operation, maintenance, service or warranty of this water heater should be
directed to the seller from whom it was purchased. If additional information is required, refer to the
section “If You Need Service….”

Do not destroy this manual. Please read carefully and keep in a safe place for future
reference.

Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety Information!

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Residential 30, 40 and 50 Gallon

Use & Care Manual

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Printed in USA

Water Heaters

Gas Residential

WARNING: This water heater is not suitable
for use in manufactured (mobile) homes!

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Safety Information

Safety Precautions. . . . . . . 3–6

LP Gas Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installation Instructions

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Water Supply Connections. . . 9

Gas Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Pipe Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Heat Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installation Checklist . . . . . . . 14

Potable/Space Heating . . . . . 15

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions . . . . . . . 16

Water Temperature. . . . . . 17, 18

Care and Cleaning

Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Burner Inspection. . . . . . . . . . 20

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . . 20

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 22

Customer Service

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

If you need service . . . . . . . . . 26

Product Registration . . . 27, 28

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain
your water heater properly. Just a little preventive care on your part
can save you time and money over the life of your water heater.

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the Before You Call
For Service section. If you review our chart of Troubleshooting Tips
first, you may not need to call for service at all.

READ THIS MANUAL

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

#

#

You can find them on a label on the appliance.

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under
the warranty.

IMPORTANT!

Fill out and return the Consumer Product Registration Card that is
in the back of this manual.

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call
away. For service call 800-431-1549.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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Your safety and the safety of others are very important. There are
many important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. Recognize this symbol
as an indication of Important Safety Information! This
symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or
hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the
word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” or “NOTICE”.

These words mean:

DANGER An imminently hazardous situation that will

result in death or serious injury.

WARNING A potentially hazardous situation that could

result in death or serious injury and/or damage
to property.

CAUTION A potentially hazardous situation that may

result in minor or moderate injury.

Notice: Attention is called to observe a specified

procedure or maintain a specific condition.

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

Be sure to read and understand the entire Use and Care Manual before attempting to install or operate this
water heater. It may save you time and money. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to
follow these warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems understanding
the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get help from a qualified service technician,
or the local gas utility.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

3

Failure to install the draft hood and properly vent the water heater to the outdoors as
outlined in the Venting Section of the Installation Instructions in this manual can result in
unsafe operation of the water heater. To avoid the risk of fire, explosion, or asphyxiation from
carbon monoxide, never operate this water heater unless it is properly vented and has an
adequate air supply for proper operation. Be sure to inspect the vent system for proper
installation at initial start-up; and at least annually thereafter. Refer to the Care and Cleaning
section of this manual for more information regarding vent system inspection.

DANGER!

INSTALL THE DRAFT HOOD AND PROPERLY VENT
THE WATER HEATER…

Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, paint thinners,
etc.), and the vapors they produce are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store
gasoline or other flammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a
water heater or any other appliance. Be sure to read and follow the warning label pictured
below and other labels on the water heater, as well as the warnings printed in this manual.
Failure to do so can result in property damage, bodily injury or death.

WARNING!

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WARNING

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FLAMMABLES

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD

Can result in serious injury or death.

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Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids

in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Storage of or use of gasoline
or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance can result in serious injury or death.

Flammable Vapors

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

Water Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn

120°F More than 5 minutes

125°F 11/2 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 11/2 seconds

155°F About 1 second

Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute

The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for
your home.

DANGER:

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.

Maximum water temperatures occur just after the
burner has shut off. To find water temperature being
delivered, turn on a hot water faucet and place a
thermometer in the water stream and read the
thermometer. (See pages 17 and 18 for more details.)

The temperature of the water in the heater can
be regulated by setting the temperature dial
on the front of the thermostat. 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 illustration at the
left details the
approximate water
temperature for each
mark on the Gas
Control (Thermostat)
Temperature Dial.

DANGER: Hotter water increases the Potential

for Hot Water SCALDS.

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DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of a water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F
can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings
outlined on the label pictured below. This label is also located on the water heater.

Notice: 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.

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130°F

Temperatures are

approximate

120°F

140°F

150°F

160°F

110°F

100°F

90°F

80°F
70°F

60°F

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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DANGER

HOT

BURN

Water temperature over 125°F can
cause severe burns instantly or
death from scalds.

Children, disabled and elderly are
at highest risk of being scalded.

See instruction manual before
setting temperature at water
heater.

Feel water before bathing or
showering.

Temperature limiting valves are
available, see manual.

WARNING

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE LIGHTING

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

LP and natural gas have an odorant added to aid in detecting a gas leak. Some people may not
physically be able to smell or recognize this odorant. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with the smell
of LP or natural gas, ask the gas supplier. Other conditions, such as “odorant fade”, which causes
the odorant to diminish in intensity, can also hide or camouflage a gas leak.

DANGER!

LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM (LP—PROPANE OR BUTANE)
AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

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● Water heaters utilizing LP gas are different

from natural gas models. A natural gas
water heater will not function safely on LP
gas and vice versa.

● No attempt should ever be made to

convert the water heater from natural gas
to LP gas. To avoid possible equipment
damage, personal injury or fire, do not
connect the water heater to a fuel type
not in accordance with the unit data plate.
LP for LP units. Natural gas for natural
gas units. These units are not certified for
any other fuel type.

● LP appliances should not be installed below

grade (for example, in a basement) if such
installation is prohibited by federal, state
and/or local laws, rules, regulations or
customs.

● LP gas must be used with great caution.

It is heavier than air and will collect first
in lower areas making it hard to detect at
nose level.

● Before attempting to light the water

heater, make sure to look and smell for gas
leaks. Use a soapy solution to check all gas
fittings and connections. Bubbling at a
connection indicates a leak that must be
corrected. When smelling to detect a gas
leak, be sure to sniff near the floor also.

● Gas detectors are recommended in LP

& natural gas applications and their
installation should be in accordance
with the detector manufacturer’s
recommendations and/or local laws,
rules, regulations or customs.

● It is recommended that more than one

method, such as soapy solution, gas
detectors, etc., be used to detect leaks
in gas applications.

DANGER: If a gas leak is present or

suspected:

●

Do not

attempt to find the cause

yourself.

●

Do not

try to light any appliance.

●

Do not

touch any electrical switch.

●

Do not

use any phone in your building.

● Leave the house immediately and make

sure your family and pets leave also.

● Leave the doors open for ventilation and

contact the gas supplier, a qualified service
agency or the fire department.

● Stay away from the house (or building)

until the service call has been made, the
leak is corrected and a qualified agency
has determined the area to be safe.

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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

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Have the installer show you the location of the gas shut-off valve and how to shut it off
if necessary. Turn off the manual shut-off valve if the water heater has been subjected to
overheating, fire, flood, physical damage or if the gas supply fails to shut off.

● Read this manual entirely before installing

or operating the water heater.

● Use this appliance only for its intended

purpose as described in this Use and Care
Manual.

● Be sure your appliance is properly installed

in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.

● Do not attempt to repair or replace

any part of your water heater unless it is
specifically recommended in this manual.
All other servicing should be referred to
a qualified technician.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or
explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or strapped
to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For residential water
heaters up to 52-gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake bracing instructions can
be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 400 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you
may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater dealer.

However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Installing the water heater.

This water heater must be installed in accordance with these instructions, local codes, utility
company requirements, and/or in the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of the
American National Standard/National Fuel Gas Code. A copy can be purchased from either
the American Gas Association, 400 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 as ANSI
standard Z223.1 or National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269 as booklet NFPA 54.

Location

The water heater should not be
located in an area where leakage
from the tank or connections will
result in damage to the area adjacent
to the heater or to lower floors of the
structure.

When such areas cannot be avoided
it is recommended that a suitable
catch pan, adequately drained, must
be installed under the water heater.

The pan must not restrict air flow to
the combustion air inlet openings
(perforation openings) located around
the lower perimeter of the water heater.

Catch pan kits are available from the store
where the water heater was purchased, or
any water heater distributor.

Make certain the floor underneath the
water heater is strong enough to
sufficiently support the weight of the
water heater once it is filled with water.

A gas fired water heater or any other
appliance should not be installed
in a space where liquids which give off
flammable vapors are to be used or
stored. Such liquids include gasoline, LP
gas (butane or propane), paint or
adhesives and their thinners, solvents or
removers.

When installed in a closet, DO NOT
block or obstruct any of the combustion
air inlet openings located around the
perimeter of the water heater. A
minimum of 1” is required between
these combustion air inlet openings
and any obstruction.

Because of natural air movement in a
room or other enclosed space, flammable
vapors can be carried some distance from
where liquids which give off flammable
vapors are to be used or stored. The open
flame of the water heater’s pilot or main
burner can ignite these vapors and create
a shut down condition of the water

heater which will not allow the water
heater to ignite until examined by a
Qualified Service Technician.

The water heater must be located so it is
not subject to physical damage, for example,
by moving vehicles, area flooding, etc.

If local codes require the use of a stand
kit to raise the water heater 18” above the
floor, please contact the store where the
water heater was purchased, or any water
heater distributor. These kits must
comply with local codes.

● The water heater should be installed as

close as practical to the gas vent or
chimney.

● Long hot water lines should be insulated

to conserve water and energy.

● The water heater and water lines

should be protected from exposure
to freezing temperatures.

● Do not install the water heater in

bathrooms, bedrooms, any occupied
rooms normally kept closed, or in
unprotected outdoor areas.

● Minimum clearance from combustible

construction:

If the clearances stated on the
Instruction/Warning Label, located on
the front of the heater differ, install
the water heater according to the
clearances stated on the label.

● If the water heater is installed in an

alcove or closet, the entire floor must
be covered by a wood or metal panel.
A minimum of 24” clearance from the
front and top should be available for
adequate inspection and servicing.

● The water heater may be installed on

combustible floors, but not directly on
carpeting. If the water heater must be
installed on carpeting, place a metal or
wood panel beneath the water heater,
extending beyond its full width and
depth at least 3” in all directions.

The auxiliary catch pan
installation MUST conform
to local codes.

Max.

2”

Diameter of

water heater

plus 2” min.

WARNING: Combustible
construction refers to
adjacent walls and ceilings
and should not be
confused with combustible
or flammable products and
materials. Combustible
and/or flammable products
and materials should never
be stored in the vicinity of
this or any gas appliance.

Combustion Air Inlet Openings

Location Front Sides Rear Top

Alcove

3”

(7.6 cm)0”(0 cm)0”(0 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

Closet

3”

(7.6 cm)1”(2.5 cm)0”(0 cm)

12”

(30.5 cm)

Rear

Sides

Front Open

Sides

Front Enclosed

Top View Closet

Top View Alcove

Rear

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

Combustion Air Inlet
Openings

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Installing the water heater.

Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Care and Cleaning Operating Instructions Installation Instructions Safety Instructions

Combustion and Ventilation Air

Proper operation of the water heater
requires air for combustion and
ventilation. Provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must comply with
referenced codes and standards.

When installed in a closet, DO NOT
block or obstruct any of the combustion
air inlet openings located around the
perimeter of the water heater. A
minimum of 1” is required between
these combustion air inlet openings and
any obstruction.

NOTICE: If the water heater is installed

in an unconfined space within a building
of conventional frame, masonry or metal
construction, infiltration air is normally
adequate for proper combustion and
ventilation. If the water heater is installed
in a confined space, provisions for
combustion and ventilation air must be
made.

A confined space is one having a volume of
less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 Btuh of
the aggregate input of all appliances within
that space.

The air must be supplied through two
permanent openings of equal area.
One is to be located within 12” above
the floor and the other is to be located
within 12” from the ceiling.

The minimum net free area of each opening
must not be less than one square inch per
1000 Btuh of the total input rating of all

the appliances in the enclosure (but not
less than 100 square inches), if each
opening communicates with other
unconfined areas inside the building.

Buildings of unusually tight construction
shall have the combustion and ventilation
air supplied from outdoors, or a freely
ventilated attic or crawl space.

If air is supplied from outdoors, directly
or through vertical ducts, there must be
two openings located as specified above
and each must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch per
4000 Btuh of the total input rating of
all the appliances in the enclosure.

If horizontal ducts are used to
communicate with the outdoors, each
opening must have a minimum net free
area of not less than one square inch per
2000 Btuh of the total input rating of all
the appliances in the enclosure. If ducts
are used, the minimum dimensions of
rectangular air ducts shall not be
less than 3”.

NOTICE:

If the duct openings which
supply combustion and ventilation air
are to be covered with a protective
screen or grill, the net free area
(openings in the material) of the
covering material must be used in
determining the size of the openings.
Protective screening for the openings
MUST NOT be smaller then 1/4” mesh to
prevent clogging by lint or other debris.

Corrosive Atmospheres

The air in beauty shops, dry cleaning
establishments, photo processing labs,
and storage areas for liquid and powdered
bleaches or swimming pool chemicals often
contain such halogenated hydrocarbons.

An air supply containing halogenated
hydrocarbons may be safe to breathe,
but when it passes through a gas flame
corrosive elements are released that
will shorten the life of any gas burning
appliance.

Propellants from common spray cans
or gas leaks from A/C and refrigeration
equipment are highly corrosive after
passing through a flame.

The water heater warranty is voided when
failure of the heater is due to operation in
a corrosive atmosphere.

NOTICE: The water heater
should not be installed
near an air supply
containing halogenated
hydrocarbons.

Inspect Shipment

Inspect the water heater for possible damage. Check the markings on the rating plate of
the water heater to be certain the type of gas supplied corresponds to the water
heater requirements.

COLD

HOT

COLD

HOT

Drain valve

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Safety Instructions Installation Instructions Operating Instructions Care and Cleaning Troubleshooting Tips Customer Service

Thermal Expansion

Determine if a check valve exists in the inlet water line. Check with your local water
utility. It may have been installed in the cold water line as a separate back flow preventer, or it

may be part of a pressure reducing valve, water meter or water softener. A check valve located in
the cold water inlet line can cause what is referred to as a “closed water system”. A cold
water inlet line with no check valve or back flow prevention device is referred to as an “open”
water system.

As water is heated, it expands in volume and creates an increase in the pressure within the water
system. This action is referred to as “thermal expansion”. In an “open” water system,
expanding water which exceeds the capacity of the water heater flows back into the city main
where the pressure is easily dissipated.

A “closed water system”, however, prevents the expanding water from flowing back into the
main supply line, and the result of “thermal expansion” can create a rapid and dangerous
pressure increase in the water heater and system piping. This rapid pressure increase can quickly
reach the safety setting of the relief valve, causing it to operate during each heating cycle.
Thermal expansion, and the resulting rapid, and repeated expansion and contraction of
components in the water heater and piping system can cause premature failure of the relief
valve, and possibly the heater itself. Replacing the relief valve will not correct the problem!

The suggested method of controlling thermal expansion is to install an expansion tank in the cold
water line between the water heater and the check valve (see illustration below). The expansion
tank is designed with an air cushion built in that compresses as the system pressure increases,
thereby relieving the over pressure condition and eliminating the repeated operation of the relief
valve. Other methods of controlling thermal expansion are also available. Contact your installing
contractor, water supplier or plumbing inspector for additional information regarding this subject.

Combustion Air
Inlet Openings

Water Supply Connections

Refer to the illustration below for suggested typical installation. The installation of unions or
flexible copper connectors is recommended on the hot and cold water connections so that the
water heater may be easily disconnected for servicing if necessary. The HOT and COLD water
connections are clearly marked and are 3/4” NPT on all models. Install a shut-off valve in the cold
water line near the water heater.

IMPORTANT: Do not apply
heat to the HOT or COLD
water connections. If sweat
connections are used,
sweat tubing to adapter
before fitting adapter to
the cold water connections
on heater. Any heat applied
to the cold water supply
fittings will permanently
damage the dip tube.

Typical Installation

Heat trap
6” minimum

Heat trap

6” minimum

Union

Hot water outlet

to fixtures

Temperature and

pressure relief valve

Relief valve
discharge line to
suitable open drain.

To gas supply

Cap

Jacket door

Auxiliary catch pan

Ground joint union

To cold water
supply

6” air gap

Draft hood

Pitch up 1/4”
per foot

Union

Thermostatic gas valve

Anode

Vent connector

to chimney

Manual gas shut-off

Shut-off valve

Thermal expansion

tank (if required)

Sediment trap

Shut­off
valve

Drain Pan Pipe to

suitable drain

NOTICE: The National Fuel
Gas Code (NFGC)
mandates a manual gas
shut-off valve: See (NFGC)
for complete instructions.
Local codes or plumbing
authority requirements may
vary from the instructions
or diagrams provided and
take precedent over these
instructions.

Vacuum Relief Valve

(Not Supplied)

If required, install per local codes

and valve manufacturer’s

instructions.