LAARS LCH75T Installation Manual

Installation and Operation Instructions Document 11041

Installation and
Operation

Instructions for

®

LAARS

TM

Combi Heat

Combination
Water Heaters
with Heating Coils

Models LCH504T
and LCH75T

45 gallons, 72 gallons

GAS-FIRED WATER HEATER

A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting
the company listed on the rating plate.
La version espanola de estas instrucciones se puede obtener al escribirle
a la fabrica cuyo nombre aparece en la placa de especificaciones.

INSTALLATION & OPERATING INSTRUCTION MANUAL

For Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System

Equipped Water Heater

WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not

followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury or death.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable,
combustible, or corrosive vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.

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.

Installation and service must be performed by a qualified
installer, service agency or the gas supplier.

For your family’s comfort, safety and convenience, we
recommend this water heater be installed and serviced by a
plumbing professional.

238-44219-00G REV 05/07

You have just purchased one of the finest water heaters on the market
today!

This installation, operation and instruction manual will explain in detail
the installation and maintenance of your new Flammable Vapor Ignition
Resistant Gas Water Heater. We strongly recommend that you contact a
plumbing professional for the installation of this water heater.

We require that you carefully read this manual, as well as the enclosed
warranty, and refer to it when questions arise. If you have any specific
questions concerning your warranty, please consult the plumbing
professional from whom your water heater was purchased. For your
records we recommend that you write the model, serial number and
installation date of your water heater in the maintenance section in the
back of this manual.

This manual should be kept with the water heater.

Special Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System:

CONGRATULATIONS!

This water heater is equipped with a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System.
In the event of improper usage or storage of gasoline or other flammable materials
in the location where the water heater is installed, the technology will resist ignition
of the flammable vapors outside the confines of the water heater.

The Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System features:

• Advanced Flame Arrestor Design.

• Re-settable Thermal Switch to prevent burner/pilot operation with

restricted airflow.

• Piezo Igniter

• Sight Window to observe operation of pilot and burner.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Activation of the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant
System occurs when flammable vapors are drawn into the water heater and are
combusted. If flammable vapors are detected:

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch; Do not use any phone in your building.

• Leave the premises and immediately call the fire department from a

neighbor’s phone. Follow the fire department’s instructions.

Once the flammable vapor has been evacuated, contact your plumbing
professional or the manufacturer for further instructions. Replacement of a
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant System equipped water heater due to a
flammable vapor shutdown is not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................ 4

INSTALLATION ............................................................................. 6

Locating The Water Heater.................................................... 6

Minimum Clearances.............................................................. 9

Venting..................................................................................... 10

Combustion Air Supply.......................................................... 11

Water Connections................................................................. 13

Gas Connections.................................................................... 16

GENERAL OPERATION................................................................ 17

Lighting and Shutdown Instructions.................................... 18

Thermostat Adjustment ......................................................... 19

Burner Flame Check............................................................... 20

MAINTENANCE............................................................................. 21

INSTALLATION DRAWING FOR POTABLE WATER.................. 24

PARTS LIST DRAWING................................................................ 25

PARTS LIST................................................................................... 26

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE WATER AND

SPACE HEATING.......................................................................... 27

NOTES........................................................................................... 28

page

3

GENERAL INFORMATION

This gas-fired water heater is design certified by CSA International under the
applicable American National Standard, Z21.10.1 or CSA 4.1-(as indicated on
the rating plate), available from CSA International, 8501 East Pleasant Valley
Road, Cleveland, OH U.S.A. 44131-5575.

This water heater must be installed in accordance with local codes. In the
absence of local codes, it must be installed in compliance with the National
Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1-Latest Edition), or in Canada CAN/CGA B149.1
Natural Gas Installation Code (Latest Edition) or CAN/CGA B149.2 Propane
Installation Code (Latest Edition). The warranty for this water heater is in
effect only when the water heater is installed, adjusted, and operated in
accordance with these Installation and Operating Instructions. The
manufacturer will not be liable for any damage resulting from alteration and/or
failure to comply with these instructions.

This water heater is not design certified for installation in a mobile home.
Such an installation may create a hazardous condition and will nullify the
warranty.

This water heater has been designed and certified for the purpose of heating
potable water. The installation and use of this water heater for any purpose
other than the heating of potable water may cause damage to the water
heater, create a hazardous condition, and nullify the warranty.

CAUTION

Incorrect operation of this appliance may create a hazard to life and
property and will nullify the warranty.

Do not use this appliance if any part has been submerged in water.
Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to
replace any part of the control system and any gas control, which has been
under water. Depending upon the individual circumstances, it may be
necessary to replace the entire water heater.

DANGER

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable, combustible, or
corrosive vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.

4

General Information continued-

IMPORTANT

Before proceeding, please inspect the water heater and components for
possible damage. DO NOT install any damaged components. If damage
is evident then please contact the supplier where the water heater was
purchased or the manufacturer listed on the rating plate for replacement
parts.

This water heater has been manufactured for operation at altitudes from sea
level to 2000 feet (610m) (unless otherwise specified on the water heater
rating plate). For use of this appliance at an elevation greater than 2000 feet
(610m), contact the dealer or manufacturer listed on the rating plate for
information on any necessary modification. Uncorrected operation of this
appliance may create a hazard to life and property.

Make sure that you check the rating plate and combination gas control on the
water heater to be certain that the type of gas being supplied corresponds
with the marking on the rating plate and combination gas control.

A sacrificial anode is used to extend tank life. The removal of this anode, for
any reason, will nullify the warranty. In areas where water is unusually active,
an odor may occur at the hot water faucet due to a reaction between the
sacrificial anode and the impurities in the water. If this should happen, an
alternative anode may be purchased from the supplier that installed this water
heater. This will minimize the odor while protecting the tank. Additionally, the
water heater should be flushed with appropriate dissolvers to eliminate any
bacteria.

5

INSTALLATION

LOCATING THE WATER HEATER

WARNING

Water heaters are heat producing appliances. To avoid damage or injury
there shall be no materials stored against the water heater or vent-air
intake system and proper care shall be taken to avoid unnecessary contact
(especially by children) with the water heater and vent-air intake
components. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL FLAMMABLE

MATERIALS, SUCH AS GASOLINE OR PAINT THINNER BE USED OR
STORED IN THE VICINITY OF THIS WATER HEATER, VENT-AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM OR IN ANY LOCATION FROM WHICH FUMES
COULD REACH THE WATER HEATER OR VENT-AIR INTAKE
SYSTEM.

This water heater MUST NOT be installed in any location where gasoline
or flammable vapors are likely to be present, unless the installation is
such to eliminate the probable ignition of gasoline or flammable vapors.

Water heaters in residential garages must be installed and located, or
protected, to avoid physical damage. For other installations refer to
local codes. In the absence of local codes, the water heater must be
installed in compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code, (ANSI Z223.1­Latest Edition), or in Canada CAN/CGA B149.1 Natural Gas Installation
Code (Latest Edition) or CAN/CGA B149.2 Propane Installation Code
(Latest Edition).

The location of this water heater is of the utmost importance. Before installing
this water heater read the Installation section of these instructions. After
reading these Installation and Operating Instructions, select a location for the
water heater where the floor is level and is easily accessible to gas and water
supply lines. DO NOT locate the water heater where water lines could be

subjected to freezing temperatures. Make sure the cold water pipes are
not located directly above the gas control so that condensate during
humid weather does not drip on the controls.

This water heater MUST be installed indoors out of the wind and
weather.

To comply with NSF requirements this water heater is to be:

a) Sealed to the floor with sealant, in a smooth and easily cleanable

way, or

b) Installed with an optional leg kit that includes legs and/or extensions

that provide a minimum clearance of 6” beneath the water heater.

6

Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-

Note: 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.

Water heater corrosion and component failure can be caused by the heating
and breakdown of airborne chemical vapors. Examples of some typical
compounds that are potentially corrosive are: spray can propellants, cleaning
solvents, refrigerator and air conditioning refrigerants, swimming pool
chemicals, calcium and sodium chloride, waxes and process chemicals.
These materials are corrosive at very low concentration levels with little or no
odor to reveal their presence. NOTE: DAMAGE TO THE WATER HEATER

CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE VAPORS IS NOT COVERED
BY THE WARRANTY. DO NOT OPERATE THE WATER HEATER IF
EXPOSURE HAS OR WILL OCCUR. DO NOT STORE ANY POTENTIALLY
CORROSIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE WATER HEATER.

WARNING

Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas are heavier than air and will
remain at floor level if there is a leak. Basements, crawl spaces, closets
and areas below ground level will serve as pockets for accumulation of
leaking gas. Before lighting, smell all around the appliance area for gas.
Be sure to smell next to the floor.

IF YOU SMELL GAS:

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any telephone in your

building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s telephone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

DO NOT OPERATE APPLIANCE UNTIL LEAKAGE IS CORRECTED!

7

Installation (Locating The Water Heater) continued-

WARNING

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT ANY GAS APPLIANCE IF YOU ARE NOT
CERTAIN OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Liquefied petroleum gases/propane gas and natural gas have an
odorant added by the gas supplier that aids in detection of the gas.

• Most people recognize this odor as a “sulfur” or “rotten egg” smell.

• Other conditions, such as “odorant fade” can cause the odorant to

diminish in intensity, or “fade”, and not be as readily detectable.

• If you have a diminished sense of smell, or are in any way unsure of
the presence of gas, immediately contact your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s telephone.

• Gas detectors are available. Contact your gas supplier or plumbing

professional for more information.

Proper venting practices must be considered when selecting a location for this
water heater. For exact venting specifications, please consult the Venting
section of these Installation and Operating Instructions.

This water heater must be located in an area where leakage of the tank, water
line connections, or the combination temperature and pressure relief valve will
not result in damage to the area adjacent to the water heater or to lower floors
of the structure. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
must be installed under the water heater. The drain pan must have a
minimum length and width of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm) greater than the diameter
of the water heater and must not restrict proper combustion air flow to the
water heater. The drain pan, as described above, can be purchased from
your plumbing professional. The drain pan must be piped to an adequate
drain. The piping must be at least 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter and pitched
for proper drainage.

It is recommended that a minimum clearance of four (4) inches (10.2 cm) be
provided on the side of the water heater for servicing and maintenance of the
combination temperature and pressure relief valve.

8