Installation and service must be performed by a qualified service installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
IMPORTANT: THIS MANUAL CONTAINS INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF THIS EQUIPMENT. READ AND FOLLOW THE INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL AND ALL OTHER
PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS, LABELS AND MARKINGS BEFORE INSTALLING, OPERATING OR SERVICING THIS UNIT.
PLUS WATER HEATER
TO THE INSTALLER: After installation, these instructions must be given to the equipment user or left near the appliance.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE OWNER: Retain this manual for future reference. These instructions contain
important information that will help you in maintaining and operating this appliance.
PVI INDUSTRIES, LLC - Fort Worth, Texas 76111 - Web www.pvi.com - Phone 1-800-433-5654
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Safety Considerations
2. Standard Features and Equipment
2.1 Performance
2.2 Pressure Vessel
2.3 Heat Exchanger
2.4 Code and Standards
2.5 Burner, Operating Controls & Safeties
2.6 Warranty and Service Policy (see warranty and service policy for details)
2.7 Miscellaneous
3. Product Descriptions
4. Water Heater Installation
4.1 Checking Equipment Before You Install
4.2 Codes
4.3 Electrical Requirements
4.4 Handling and Location
4.5 Service Clearances
4.6 Clearances to Combustible Surfaces
5. General Piping Guidelines
5.1 Inlet and Outlet Connections
5.2 Building Return Piping
6. Condensate Drain, Trap & Disposal
6.1 Condensate Neutralization System (optional)
7. Gas Supply and Piping
7.1 Gas Train and Controls Certification
7.2 Gas Control Trains
7.3 Inlet Pressure
7.4 Manifold Pressure
7.5 Gas Piping Size
7.6 Appliance Isolation during Gas Supply Piping Pressure Test
7.7 Gas Connection
8. Combustion and Ventilation Air
8.1 Equipment Located in Confined Spaces
8.2 Maximum Allowed Remote Combustion Air Inlet Length
8.3 Remote Combustion Air Cap
8.4 Vertical or Horizontal Remote Air Duct Termination
8.5 Remote Air Consideration for Combined Remote Air Ducting
9. Venting
9.1 Venting the Power VT Plus “SANI” Model
9.2 Venting the Power VT Plus
9.3 Maximum Category IV Vent Length
9.4 CPVC Vent System Design, Construction and Assembly
9.5 Vertical or Horizontal Vent Termination
9.6 Combining Category IV Vents
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10. Operating and Safety Controls
10.1 Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve(s)
10.2 Operating Temperature Control
10.3 High Water Temperature Limit Control
10.4 Cathodic Protection
10.5 Electronic Low Water Cut-off (optional)
11. TEMPTRAC Electronic Controller Panel
11.1 Principal of Operation
11.2 Upper LED Readout
11.3 Lower LED Readout
11.4 Control Buttons
11.5 To View the Setpoint
11.6 To Change the Setpoint
11.7 To Change Other Parameters
11.8 LED Display Alarm Messages
12. Remote Connections – Terminal Strip
12.1 Making BMS/BAS Remote Connection for Analog and Binary Signals
12.3 Terminal Functions
13. Sequence of Operation
14. Initial Startup
14.1 Initial Startup Requirements
14.2 Tools and Instrumentation Required
14.3 Resources
14.4 On Site Considerations
14.5 Startup Procedure
15. Troubleshooting Guide
16. Replacement Parts
16.1 Control Panel
16.2 Control Panel Components
16.3 Burner Assembly
16.4 Burner Assembly Components
17. Periodic Maintenance
18. Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Warranty forms ship separately with each product.
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1 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
WARNING: If the information in the supplied manual(s) is not followed exactly, a fire, explosion or exposure to
hazardous materials may result, causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors or 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 electric switch; do not use any phone in your building.
Immediately call your gas supplier from a location away from your building and the smell of gas. 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.
This product contains, or may come to contain materials that have been identified as carcinogenic, or possibly carcinogenic
to humans. Before installing, servicing or removing this product, read and follow the supplied instructions.
WARNING: Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier,
who must read and follow the supplied instructions before installing, servicing or removing this appliance. Refer to
the information contained in this manual. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can
cause property damage, personal injury, exposure to hazardous materials or loss of life.
WARNING: Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service
technician to inspect the unit and to replace any part of the control system, all gas contro ls and all other items
affecting safe appliance operation and which has been under water.
WARNING: In an emergency shut the main gas supply valve to the appliance from a location safely away from the
emergency. Failure to follow these instructions can cause property damage, personal injury, and exposure to
hazardous materials or loss of life.
PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product contains or may come to contain crystalline silica, which has been identified by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans. This product also contains
refractory ceramic fibers, which have been identified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Avoid
breathing fiber particulates and dust.
RISKS:
Air borne fibrous insulation is a possible cancer hazard by inhalation.
Airborne crystalline silica may cause silicosis (lung disease) by inhalation.
May cause temporary irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
Minimize airborne fibers with engineering controls.
Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators as required (see MSDS).
Wear long sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, eye protection and gloves.
FIRST AID MEASURES: (If any of the irritations listed persists, seek medical attention)
Eyes: Flush with water.
Skin: Wash with soap and warm water.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention if gastrointestinal symptoms develop.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh clean air.
WARNING: If you are unfamiliar with the safe handling of refractory ceramic fiber products, or if you wish additional
information prior to beginning any disassembly of the water heater or boiler th at might expose refractory ceramic
fiber materials, contact: Unifrax Corporation, 2351 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305-2413, 1-800-322-2293.
IDENTIFICATION OF REFRACTORY CERAMIC FIBER MATERIALS (RCF):
The burner, lower tank and upper and lower flue collector assemblies utilize RCF material. (The RFC materials are located
within the product and not generally exposed except during service, disassembly or assembly.)
REFRACTORY CERAMIC FIBER PRODUCT WITH CRYSTALLINE SILICA
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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
It takes only 5 seconds of skin contact with 140°F water to cause a
second degree burn! You must protect against high water temperatures at all
lavatories, tubs, showers and other points of hot water contact.
Accidental scalding from high water temperatures is a greater
risk in some types of installations. Some examples are:
HOMES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
HOMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES
ELDER CARE FACILITIES AND REST HOMES
ORPHANAGES AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES
OTHER INSTALLATIONS - WHERE RESPONSE TO CONTACT WITH HOT
WATER MAY BE SLOWER OR WHERE THE DANGER OF HOT WATER
CONTACT IS GREATER
Thermostatically controlled mixing valves must be used in the
design of the potable hot water system.
Potable hot water should be tempered to no more than
110°F when used for bathing or other personal uses.
Good engineering practice mandates the use of thermostatically controlled
mixing valves set at 120°F or less to keep the delivered water temperature
below scalding temperatures.
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2 STANDARD FEATURES AND EQUIPMENT
2.1 Performance
95% thermal efficiency at full fire from 40° to 140°F
Up to 99% thermal efficiency with modulation
< 20 ppm NOx
Ducts direct combustion air up to 100 equivalent feet through 6-inch diameter material (requires UL approved
vent cap, see optional equipment list)
Vents up to 100 equivalent feet through 6-inch diameter material
2.2 Pressure Vessel
AquaPLEX
tank (unlined duplex alloy)
Storage tank ASME stamped and National Board registered for 150 psi MAWP
Nonferrous, removable fittings at all tank connections
Hand hole cleanout
Secondary economizer for low temperature flue gas
2.4 Codes And Standards
Intertek / ETL listed to US and Canadian safety standards
Intertek / ETL listed for use with CPVC vent material (SANI models require listed Cat IV SS vent)
Intertek / ETL certified as low-lead compliant
FM compliant
ASHRAE 90.1 compliant
2.5 Burner, Operating Controls & Safeties
Pre-mix surface burner with self-adjusting, proportionate gas/air ratio
UL 795 compliant gas train
Electronic flame safeguard with pre- and post-purge
Combustion sequence panel lights including lockout
Programmable electronic operating control with digital temperature readouts,
adjustable from 70°F to 180°F
Immersion temperature limiting device (high limit control)
ASME-rated temperature and pressure relief valve
NEMA-1 control enclosure
Terminals for remote on-off
Flame failure audible alarm and indicating light with remote contacts
Seamless VFD modulation with 10-to-1 turndown
2.6 Warranty and Service Policy (see warranty or service policy for details)
Factory-equipped for connection to direct inlet air (requires UL listed vent termination cap, see options list)
Condensate “P” trap (provided for field installation)
Direct inlet air filter
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3 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Component, Controls and Connection Locations
(Locations May Vary)
250 SERIES
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300 SERIES
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4 WATER HEATER INSTALLATION
4.1 Checking Equipment Before You Install
Inspect the unit completely upon receipt from the freight carrier before signing the bill of lading. Inspect the
appliance and all accompanying parts for signs of impact or mishandling. Verify the total number of pieces shown
on packing slips with those actually received. Contact the freight carrier immediately if any damage or shortage is
detected.
4.2 Codes
The equipment must be installed in accordance with those installation regulations in force in the local area where
the installation is to be made. Authorities having jurisdiction must be consulted before installation is made. In the
absence of such requirements, the installation shall be in accordance with the instructions in this manual, appliance
markings and supplemental instructions and in compliance with the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1. Where required by the Canadian authority having jurisdiction, the equipment must be installed in
accordance with the latest edition of the Installation Code for Gas Burner Appliances and Equipment CAN/CSA
B149.1 and/or B149.2 and applicable Provincial Regulations. All appliances conform to the latest edition of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IV, Part HLW.
4.3 Electrical Requirements
See appliance rating decal for electrical service requirements. The appliance must be electrically supplied and
grounded in accordance with the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction or in the absence of such
requirements, with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA No. 70. In Canada, the electrical
service must conform to local electrical codes and/or CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.
All wiring between the unit and field installed devices must be made with type T copper wire.
Line voltage wire exterior to the appliance must be enclosed in approved conduit or approved metal clad cable.
To avoid serious damage, DO NOT energize the unit until the system and appliance is full of water.
4.4 Handling and Location
WARNING: Use industry standard safe rigging methods, such as including the use straps and spreader
bars and lifting from the water heater base skid assembly, when attempting to lift or move this product.
Failure to follow industry safe rigging methods could result in property damage, serious injury or death.
1 Check the data decal on the appliance. Be sure the electrical, water, oil, or gas supply is adequate for the
installation.
2 Carefully remove all shipping supports and bracing.
3 These units are suitable for indoor installation only.
4. Installing the water heater on a 4 inch to 6 inch housekeeping pad is recommended to ensure proper
condensate drainage.
5. Locate the unit so that if water connections should leak, water damage will not occur. When such locations are
unavoidable, install a suitable drain pan, and plumb pan to ensure adequate drainage in the event of a leak.
Under no circumstances is the manufacturer responsible for water damage in connection with this unit, or any of
its components. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover water damage.
6. Protect associated electrical components and electrical connections from water (dripping, spraying, rain, etc.)
during appliance operation and service.
7. Place the appliance on a level, non-combustible floor. Concrete over wood is not considered non-combustible.
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8. Do not install on carpet or other combustible floor coverings. If installation over a combustible floor is required,
follow these guidelines:
Use a base of hollow clay tile or concrete blocks from 8" to 12" thick and extending 24" beyond the sides.
Place the blocks in line so that the holes line up horizontally to provide a clear passage through the blocks.
Install 1/2” fireproof millboard with a 20-gage sheet metal cover over the block base.
Center the unit on the base. Also follow this procedure if electrical conduit runs through the floor, and
beneath the appliance. A field-installed base must meet all local fire and safety code requirements.
4.5 Service Clearances
Allow sufficient space to provide adequate clearances on all sides for service and inspection. At least 24” above the
water heater is required for filter replacement and burner/gas control service, 18” at left and right sides of the
appliance. Optional equipment may increase the clearance requirements. Allow sufficient space for installing and
servicing connections such as water, gas, vent, combustion air, electrical, pump and other auxiliary equipment.
4.6 Clearances To Combustible Surfaces
Minimum 1” clearance must be provided from any vent surface to adjacent combustible material. The minimum
clearances to unprotected combustible material are 24” be provided at the front, 8” be provided at the rear and 8” at
top, left and right sides of the appliance.
5 GENERAL PIPING GUIDELINES
5.1 Inlet and Outlet Connections
1. Use only non-ferrous water piping and fittings. Do not use galvanized pipe or fittings. Use of ferrous or
galvanized pipe or fittings can cause rust to form.
2. Install shut-off valves and unions on the inlet and outlet water piping for servicing. Use caution when
threading pipe nipples into tank connections to prevent cross threading, or over-tightening. Always use a
back-up wrench on tank nipples when tightening unions, valves, etc.
3. Insulate hot water and return circulation lines. Insulate cold water supply lines if subject to freezing during
shutdown periods. IMPORTANT: Do not use the plumbing connected to the appliance as a ground for
welding or any other purpose.
4. Pipe the drain valve to a suitable open drain.
5.2 Building Return Piping
To maximize water heater efficiency, connect the building return (≈ 5 gpm) directly to the return fitting located at the
rear of the tank.
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SINGLE WATER PIPING
SINGLE STORAGE WATER HEATER WITH SUPPLEMENTAL STORAGE TANK
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TWO WATER HEATERS WITH REVERSE RETURN PIPING
6 CONDENSATE DRAIN, TRAP & DISPOSAL
The POWER VT PLUS water heater is designed to produce significant amounts of condensate because of its high
efficiency. Condensate occurs naturally when water vapor in combustion gases is cooled below the dew point. Two
3/4” NPT drain connections are provided. A trap with three inches of standing water below the bottom of the heater
(3” above the base of the I-Beam skids), and no higher than the bottom of the heater must be field installed as part
of the condensate piping.
WARNING: A trap with three inches of standing water as described in these instructions must be included
as part of the condensate piping system. This trap is required to keep hazardous products of combustion
from continually entering the room through the condensate piping. Failure to provide this trap can cause,
personal injury, exposure to hazardous materials or loss of life.
1. Installing the water heater on a 4 inch to 6 inch housekeeping pad is recommended to ensure proper
condensate drainage.
2. Attach a 3/4” CPVC Coupling and Tee to the economizer condensate drain, then use 3/4” CPVC pipe to plumb
from the heater condensate outlet to economizer Tee, to a 3” CPVC trap and on to a suitable floor drain or
collection system. Each condensing appliance must drain separately. Do not combine condensate drains from
multiple condensing appliances into a single drain pipe.
3. Each condensate drain must contain a trap or siphon/pigtail to provide at least 3 inches of standing water, to
prevent flue gas flow through the condensate piping. To construct the trap, connect to the 3/4” condensate
drain, route the piping downward until the standing water in the trap is not higher than the bottom of the water
heater.
4. Install the condensate plumbing as shown in the following diagram.
5. All condensate plumbing must be protected from freezing. Do not locate the condensate piping such that an ice
dam of frozen condensate can block the outlet.
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Condensate Piping and Trap with Optional Condensate Neutralizer
6.1 Condensate Neutralization System (optional)
Although only slightly acidic (3-5 PH), condensate can be routed through an optional Condensate Neutralization
System (see image below) to become pH neutral allowing for disposal into any drain or sewer system without
concern for corrosion. Condensate slowly flows through a neutralization bath filled with renewable crushed limestone
becoming neutralized thus avoiding chemical treatment or dilution using substantial quantities of tap water. To obtain
a Condensate Neutralization System, please contact your local PVI representative.
1. Follow the steps 1 through 4 in the Condensate Drain, Trap & Disposal section above.
2. Locate the Condensate Neutralization System in the condensate piping, as shown in the FIELD INSTALLED
CONDENSATE DIAGRAM above.
3. Position with removable crushed limestone fill-cap in vertical position only. The bottom of the condensate
neutralization system outlet pipe must not be higher than the bottom of the water heater.
4. For proper operation, the water heater condensate outlet must be plumbed with CPVC plastic pipe to the lowest
fitting of the Condensate Neutralization System, connecting to the “INLET” as shown in the graphic below.
5. Keep the Condensate Neutralization System closed at all times, except for maintenance.
Optional Condensate Neutralization System
WARNING: Keep the Condensate Neutralization System closed at all times the appliance is operating. The
system must remain closed to prevent hazardous products combustion from continually enter the room.
Failure to keep the Condensate Neutralization System closed can cause property damage, personal injury,
exposure to hazardous materials or loss of life.
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7 GAS SUPPLY AND PIPING
Verify that the type of gas specified on rating plate is supplied to the unit. This unit is orificed for operation up to
2000 feet altitude. Appliance Btuh output derates 4% per 1000 feet elevation above sea level. Consult Factory for
installations above 2000 feet elevation.
7.1 Gas Train and Controls Certification
NOTE: The gas train and controls assembly provided on this unit have been tested under the applicable American
National Standard to comply with safety and performance criteria such as proper ignition, combustion and safety
shutdown operation.
7.2 Gas Control Trains
All models include gas control trains with the following components: main manual shutoff valve, two safety shutoff
valves, proportionator regulator and a final manual valve with the manifold pressure tap on the side of the valve.
These components may be separate or two or more may be combined in a common housing.
Caution: Do not adjust or remove any screws or bolts on gas train control components which are sealed
with a red or blue colored compound. Doing so will void all approvals and warranties.
7.3 Inlet Pressure
Measure at the inlet pressure tap located at the main gas cock. The inlet pressure must remain within the minimum
and maximum values while the unit is at rest and while the unit is operating at maximum firing rate.
Measure at the pressure tap located downstream side of the manual valve closest to the burner. The rated manifold
pressure appears on the product data label located near the front of the appliance.
7.5 Gas Piping Size
Use the values in “Convert Fittings To Equivalent Straight Pipe” to add the equivalent straight pipe for each elbow or
tee to obtain the total distance from the meter.
Use this corrected total distance from the meter for determining the suggested pipe size in the “Single Unit
Installation Suggested Gas Pipe Size” table.