Rheem Side Inlet - Direct Vent Gas User Manual

Use & Care Manual

LISTED

984U

Gas-Fired Water Heater for Mobile Homes

With Installation Instructions for the Installer

Side Inlet - Direct Vent Gas

Water Heaters

For Manufactured Housing

The purpose of this manual is twofold: one, to provide the installer with the 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 also includes a parts list.

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

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 on “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.

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

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

Printed in USA

AP14561-2 (12/09)

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 3–6

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

Installation Instructions

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

Installation Methods . . . . 8-10

Water Connections . . . . . . . 11

Gas Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installation Checklist . . . . . . .14

Operating Instructions

Lighting Instructions . . . . . . 15

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.

READ THIS MANUAL

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your water heater properly. 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 Troubleshooting Guide. If you review the chart of Troubleshooting Tips first, you may not need to call for service.

Water Temperature . . . . 16, 17

Care and Cleaning

Draining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Burner Inspection . . . . . . . . 19

Extended Shut-Down . . . . . 19

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call

For Service . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21

Customer Service

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Conversion

Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . .23-26

If You Need Service . . . . . . 28

READ THE SAFETY INFORMATION

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

that will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING

could result in death or serious injury

and/or damage to property.

CAUTION

may result in minor or moderate injury.

An imminently hazardous situation

A potentially hazardous situation that

Notice:

specified procedure or maintain a specific condition.

Attention is called to observe a

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

D A N G E R

FLAM MABLES

Flammable Vapors

Vapors from flammable liquids will explode and catch fire causing death or severe burns

Do not use or store flammable products such as gasoline, solvents or adhesives in the same room or area near the water heater.

Keep flammable products:

1. far away from heater,

2. in approved containers,

3. tightly closed and

4. out of children's reach.

Water heater has a main burner and pilot flame. The pilot flame:

1. is on all the time and

2. will ignite flammable vapors.

Vapors:

1. cannot be seen,

2. are heavier than air,

3. go a long way on the floor and

4. can be carried from other rooms to the pilot

flame by air currents.

Installation: Do not install water heater where flammable products will be stored or used unless the main burner and pilot flames

are at least 18" above the floor. This will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of vapors being ignited by the main burner or pilot flame.

Read and follow water heater warnings and instructions. If owners manual is missing, contact the retailer or manufacturer.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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 cost. 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.

DANGER!

INSTALL THE VENT SYSTEM AND PROPERLY VENT THE WATER HEATER…

Failure to install the vent system 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.

Gasoline, as well as other flammable materials and liquids (which include but not limited to 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!

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

DANGER!

WATER TEMPERATURE SETTING

Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of 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.

Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds

D A N G E R

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.

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.

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 thermostat setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.

Maximum water temperatures occur just after 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.

The temperature of the water in the heater can be regulated by setting the temperature dial on the front of the gas control (thermostat). To comply with safety regulations the thermostat was set at its lowest setting before the water heater was shipped from the factory.

The illustration at the left details the

110°F

100°F

90°F

80°F

Temperatures are approximate

DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for

Hot Water SCALDS.

120°F

130°F

140°F

150°F

155°F

45°F

approximate water temperature for each mark on the Gas Control (Thermostat) Temperature Dial.

DANGER!

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM (LP - PROPANE OR BUTANE) AND NATURAL GAS MODELS

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.

● This water heater is supplied with a

thermostatic gas valve that is convertible to LP from natural gas. Be sure to read and carefully follow the Conversion Instructions included in this manual when converting the valve from one type of gas to another.

● After conversion, be certain that the gas

supplied to the heater is the type that the valve has been converted for (LP for heaters converted to LP use, and natural gas for heaters converted to natural gas use). This water heater will not operate safely if connected to a fuel type other than the one the gas valve is converted for.

● 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 an LP leak, be sure to sniff near the floor also.

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.

● Gas detectors are recommended in LP

and natural gas applications and their installation should be in accordance with the 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, be used to detect leaks in LP gas applications.

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 916-324-5315 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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

by a qualified technician in accordance with 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.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installing the water heater.

The installation of this water heater must be in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (Title 24, CFR; Part 3280) and the following instructions; supplied with the roof jack assembly, local codes, and utility company requirements governing the installation of water heaters in manufactured homes (mobile homes) and/or in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.

Location

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.

This water heater must be installed within an enclosure so as to separate the water heater’s combustion and venting system from the interior atmosphere of the manufactured home.

All air for combustion must be obtained from the outside atmosphere, and the products of combustion (flue gases) must be discharged directly to the outside atmosphere through the gas vent roof jack assembly.

Refer to installation illustration as shown on the next page of this manual.

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.

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

Catch pan kits are available from the store where the water heater was purchased, or any water heater distributor. Follow the instructions provided with the catch pan kit for proper installation.

Make certain that the floor underneath the water heater is strong enough to 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.

● 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.

● 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.

Location

Closet 4” 0” 0” 24”

The water heater may be installed on combustible flooring, but not directly on carpeting.

If the water heater must be installed on carpeting, place a wood or metal panel beneath the water heater extending beyond its full width and depth at least 3” in all directions. If the water heater is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor must be covered by the panel.

so that in the event the water heater or one of its fittings were to leak, the resulting flow of water will not cause damage to the manufactured home.

water heater to any water distribution system air pressure test. The water heater should either be isolated with valves at the inlet and outlet water connections or disconnected during the test. Failure to properly isolate the water heater during an air pressure test presents a hazard to life and property. With a water pressure test the water heater need not be isolated.

Front of

Control

CAUTION: Provisions should be made

CAUTION: DO NOT subject the

Sides Rear Ceiling

Installing the water heater.

Installation Methods

For 30 & 40 Gallon Heaters ONLY!!

Center Line of 7¼"

Diameter Hole in Roof

and Ceiling

4¾" for 30 Gallon Heater

5¾" for 40 Gallon Heater

4¾" Diameter Holes

Through Floor and

Sheathing

For 50 Gallon Heater ONLY!!

4¾" to the right of the center line

of heater and

4¾" towards front of heater

4¾" Diameter Holes

Through Floor and

Sheathing

FRONT OF HEATER

Center Point

of Heater

Center Point

of Heater

Inspect shipment.

—

Inspect the water

heater for possible shipping damage.

Placement of water heater.

—

Locate the water heater as desired, make certain the minimum clearances outlined in this manual are observed.

Combustion and ventilation air. — Air

for combustion and ventilation must not be supplied from occupied spaces of the mobile home. The air inlet must not be obstructed under any circumstances. Outside air is necessary for proper and safe operation of the water heater.

Openings for air inlet and gas vent roof

jack assemblies. —

(Refer to illustrations to the left.) Cut a 71/4 in. diameter hole in the ceiling and roof directly above the flue of the water heater. Remove the water heater and drop a plumb line from the center of the hole in the roof to the floor. Mark this water heater center point on the floor. Mark a "new point" on the floor 43/4 in. toward the front from the water heater center point for a 30 gallon model, or 53/4 in. toward the front from the water heater center point for a 40 gallon model. For a 50 gallon model, mark a "new point" 43/4 in. to the right and 43/ in. toward the front from the water heater center point. Cut a 43/4 in. diameter hole in the floor and underside sheathing using the "new point" as the hole center.

AIR INLET ASSEMBLY

— (Refer to

illustrations to the left.)

NOTICE — Installation of this Direct

Vent water heater with the Air Inlet Assembly taking it’s combustion air from a basement atmosphere is a violation of UL 307b, Section 4.3 (c). For installation over a basement structure or unvented crawl space, provisions must be made to provide fresh combustion air from outside the dwelling. A factory manufactured Side Air Inlet Kit (Part No. AP12191) may be purchased from the factory and installed according to the instructions supplied with the kit.

To accommodate variations of installation configurations, an adjustable Air Inlet Assembly is available (Purchased separately). To adjust it, measure the distance from the 43/4 in. diameter hole in the floor (refer to number 4) and the approximate midpoint of the space between the bottom sheathing and the ground, and record the dimension. Adjust the telescopic lower tube of the inlet assembly until the distance between the bottom of the floor flange to the bottom of the telescopic tube is equal to the dimension below the floor recorded earlier. With the tube adjusted to the correct length, secure the lower telescopic tube in place with the screws provided. A silicone rubber sealing band is provided with the inlet assembly, and must be pulled up over the joint between the tubes to ensure leak proof seal.

Now drop the Air Inlet Assembly into the 43/4 in. diameter hole in the floor and fasten in place at this time with the screws provided.

Relocate the water heater so the air inlet collar, that extends below the

water heater bottom pan, aligns with the Air Inlet Assembly tube projecting through the floor. Close off the opening between the top of the Air Inlet Assembly tube and the water heater air inlet collar with the clamp provided

Align the water heater flue with the opening previously cut in the ceiling and roof. The opening around the Air Inlet Assembly and the bottom sheathing must be sealed to prevent the entrance of rodents. When the mobile home is tightly skirted, an air inlet opening in the skirt must be provided. The opening must have a minimum free area of at least 9 square inches. If the opening is screened or covered with a louver, the total free area must be at least 9 square inches.

This appliance must be installed in accordance with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (Title 24, CFR; Part 3280), the following instructions, local codes and utility company requirements governing the installation of water heaters in manufactured homes (mobile homes), and/or in the absence of local codes, the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.

This water heater complies with Section 3280.707(d) (2) of H.U.D. Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards.

Roof Jack

(Purchased Separately)

NOTICE - All sizes of Roof Jacks have an adjustable tilt Roof Flange to accommodate installation on a pitched roof. Maximum roof pitch is 5½ - 12. For roof pitches greater than 5½ - 12, the use of a ”wedge” under the roof ange is acceptable provided it is sealed and secured.

Adjustable Tilt

Roof Flange

25° Max.

(51/2 -12 Pitch)

Roof Flange

Roof Jack

Adjustment Range

"X" Dimension

(See Table Below)

Secure Strapping (AP11154) to Water Heater Top Pan and Enclosure Sides with S.M. Screws provided

S.M. Screw (2 Supplied) to Secure Legs to Floor

Floor

Bottom Sheathing

2" ª

6" Min.

Roof Ceiling

Telescopic Vent Connector Pipe (Supplied with Roof Jack)

Silicone Rubber Seal (Supplied with Roof Jack)

Clamp (AE28924) and Gasket (AP12014) Supplied with Heater

Access Door (Right or Left) No Openings Required

Clamp (AE28924) Supplied with Heater

S.M. Screws to Secure Flashing to Floor

Legend

6" Minimum distance between bottom edge

• of the roof jack outer pipe and the top of the

water heater.

ª 2” is minimum distance between ceiling and "Must be installed below ceiling" line on Roof Jack.

Roof Jack Sizing Table

Roof Jack Kit

Part No.

AP12032B* AP12118B* 98" Min./126" Max. 16" Min./ 32" Max.

AP12032C* AP12118C* 112" Min./154" Max. 30" Min./60" Max.

AP12032D* AP12118D* 130" Min./ 189" Max. 48" Min./95" Max.

AP12032E▲ AP12119B* 94" Min./ 106" Max. 12"

Roof Jack ONLY

Part No. §

"X" Dimension (See

Illustration)

Roof Jack Adjustment

Range (See

Illustration)

Ground Level

* Adjustable Length Roof Jacks

▲ Fixed Length Roof Jacks Roof Jack Kits contain specied Roof Jack AND Air Inlet Assembly.

§ These Part No.’s are for Roof Jack ONLY.

Silicone Rubber Seal (Supplied with Air Inlet Assembly )

Air Inlet Assembly

NOTICE: Opening of Air Inlet Assembly must be below bottom sheathing and unobstructed to provide adequate combustion air supply to heater.

NOTICE: 24” Minimum distance from the top of the water heater to the ceiling.

NOTICE - A Roof Jack Extension Kit (Part Number AP12021) is recommended for roof pitches of 5½ -12 or greater, or for installations where local codes require the Roof Jack to be installed above the peak of the roof. Installation instructions are provided with the kit.

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