Whirlpool BFG1J5040T3NOV 5K, W10100870, 6510374, 89263, SG1J4040T3NOV 5K User Manual
Energy Smart Gas
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.
Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable 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.
with the Flame Lock
™
Safety System
Installation
Instructions and
Use & Care Guide
NATURAL GAS MODELS ONLY
To obtain technical, warranty, or service assistance during or after
the installation of this water heater, visit our website at:
http://www.whirlpoolwaterheatersupport.com
or call toll free
1-877-817-6750
When calling for assistance, please have the following
information ready:
1. Model number
2. 7 digit product number
3. Serial number
4. Date of installation
5. Place of purchase
Table of Contents ...................................................... 2
INSTALLER:
• AFFIX THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO OR ADJACENT
TO THE WATER HEATER.
OWNER:
• RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARRANTY
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. RETAIN THE ORIGINAL
RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PURCHASE.
6510374
W10100870
February 2006
1
WATER HEATER SAFETY
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all
safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
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” or
“WARNING.” These words mean:
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
immediately follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t
follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you
what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
Important Instructions
• Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician. Water
heaters subjected to flood conditions or any time the gas controls, main burner or pilot have been submerged in
water require replacement of the entire water heater.
• Hydrogen gas can be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for a long period of time (generally
two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. To
prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, we recommend the hot water faucet be opened for several
minutes at the kitchen sink before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. If
hydrogen is present, there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the faucet as water
begins to flow. Do not smoke or have any open flame near the faucet at the time it is open.
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires the Governor of California to publish a list of
substances known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and requires
businesses to warn of potential exposure to such substances.
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
This appliance can cause low-level exposure to some of the substances listed, including formaldehyde, carbon
monoxide, and soot.
Table Of Contents
Water Heater Safety ..............................................................................1-2
Installing Your Gas Water Heater ........................................................3-16
Unpacking the Water Heater ........................................................... 3
Location Requirements ................................................................... 4
Gas Supply ..................................................................................... 6
Combustion Air Supply and Ventilation ........................................... 7
Water System Piping .................................................................... 12
Installation Checklist ..................................................................... 15
Operating Your Water Heater ............................................................16-19
Lighting Instructions ...................................................................... 16
Operating the Temperature Control System ................................. 18
Operational Conditions ................................................................. 19
Maintenance of Your Water Heater ...................................................20-24
Troubleshooting Charts ..................................................................... 24-26
Repair Parts Illustration ..................................................................... 27-28
PAGE
2
INSTALLING YOUR GAS WATER HEATER
Important Information About
This Water Heater
This gas water heater was manufactured to voluntary
safety standards to reduce the likelihood of a fl ammable
vapor ignition incident. New technology used in meeting
these standards makes this product more sensitive to
installation errors or improper installation environments.
Please review the Installation Checklist found at the end of
the installation instructions section and make any required
installation upgrades or changes.
Consumer Information
This water heater is design-certified by CSA International
as a Category I, non-direct vented water heater which takes
its combustion air either from the installation area or from
air ducted to the unit from the outside.
This water heater must be installed according to all local
and state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes,
the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)latest edition. This is available from the following:
CSA America, Inc.
8501 East Pleasant Valley Road
Cleveland, OH 44131
National Fire Protection Agency
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
Check your phone listings for the local authorities having
jurisdiction over your installation.
Consumer Responsibilities
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the
installation, operation, and maintenance of your gas water
heater and provide important safety information in these
areas.
Read all of the instructions thoroughly before attempting
the installation or operation of this water heater.
Do not discard this manual. You or future users of this
water heater will need it for future reference.
Service to the Flame Lock™ Safety System should only be
performed by a qualified person.
Examples of a qualified person include: licensed plumbers,
authorized gas company personnel, and authorized
service personnel.
IMPORTANT: This water heater has a resettable thermal
switch installed as part of the Flame Lock™ Safety System.
DO NOT attempt to disable or modify this feature in any way.
IMPORTANT: The manufacturer and seller of this water
heater will not be liable for any damages, injuries, or
deaths caused by failure to comply with the installation and
operating instructions outlined in this manual.
If you lack the necessary skills required to properly install
this water heater, or you have difficulty following the
instructions, you should not proceed but have a qualified
person perform the installation of this water heater.
Massachusetts code requires this water heater to be
installed in accordance with Massachusetts Plumbing and
Fuel Gas Code 248 CMR Section 2.00 and 5.00.
A data plate identifying your water heater can be found next
to the gas control valve/thermostat. When referring to your
water heater, always have the information listed on the data
plate readily available.
Retain your original receipt as proof of purchase.
Unpacking the Water Heater
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
water heater.
Failure to do can result in back or
other injury.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove any permanent instructions,
labels, or the data label from either the outside of the water
heater or on the inside of water heater panels.
• Remove exterior packaging and place installation components aside.
• Inspect all parts for damage prior to installation and
start-up.
• Completely read all instructions before attempting to
assemble and install this product.
• After installation, dispose of/recycle all packaging
materials.
3
WARNING
FLAMMABLES
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Can result in serious injury or death
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.
Read and follow water heater warnings and
instructions.
Flammable Vapors
Location Requirements
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard
Do not install in a mobile home.
Doing so can result in death or
carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Flame Lock™ Safety System is designed to reduce the
risk of flammable vapor-related fires. The patented system
protects your family by trapping the burning vapors within
the water heater combustion chamber through the special
flame-trap. The burning vapors literally “burn themselves
out” without escaping back into the room. In the event of a
flammable vapor incident, the Flame Lock™ Safety System
shuts off the gas supply to the water heater’s burner and
pilot, preventing re-ignition of any remaining flammable
vapors in the area. This will disable the water heater until
the system is reset. Note: Not following these instructions
and/or an inadequate air supply can cause the Flame
Lock™ Safety System to disable the water heater. Please
make required installation and venting/air supply changes
prior to resetting the system.
IMPORTANT: This water heater has a resettable thermal
switch installed as part of the Flame Lock™ Safety System.
DO NOT attempt to disable or modify this feature in any way.
Do not use or store flammable products such as gasoline,
solvents, or adhesives in the same room or area near the
water heater. If such flammables must be used, all gas
burning appliances in the vicinity must be shut off and their
pilot lights extinguished. Open the doors and windows for
ventilation while flammable substances are in use.
If flammable liquids or vapors have spilled or leaked in the
area of the water heater, leave the area immediately and
call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Do not
attempt to clean the spill until all ignition sources have been
extinguished.
Do not store combustible materials (boxes, magazines,
clothes, etc.) on or in close proximity to the water heater.
Site Location
• Select a location near the center of the water piping
system. The water heater must be installed indoors
and in a vertical position on a level surface. DO NOT
install in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any occupied room
normally kept closed.
• Locate the water heater as close to the chimney or gas
vent as practical. Consider the vent system piping and
combustion air supply requirements when selecting the
water heater location. The venting system must be able
to run from the water heater to termination with minimal
length and elbows.
• Locate the water heater near the existing gas piping.
If installing a new gas line, locate the water heater to
minimize the pipe length and elbows.
NOTE: This water heater must be installed according to all
local and state codes or, in the absence of local and state
codes, the “National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA
54)-latest edition.
4
IMPORTANT: The water heater should be located in
an area where leakage of the tank or connections
will not result in damage to the area adjacent to the
water heater or to lower floors of the structure. Due
to the normal corrosive action of the water, the tank
will eventually leak after an extended period of time.
Also any external plumbing leak, including those from
improper installation, may cause early failure of the tank
due to corrosion if not repaired. If the homeowner is
uncomfortable with making the repair a qualified person
should be contacted. A suitable metal drain pan should
be installed under the water heater as shown below,
to help protect the property from damage which may
occur from condensate formation or leaks in the piping
connections or tank. The pan must limit the water level
to a maximum depth of 1-3/4” and be two inches wider
than the heater and piped to an adequate drain. NOTE:
The pan must not restrict combustion air flow. Locate the
water heater near a suitable indoor drain. Outside drains
are subject to freezing temperatures which can obstruct
the drain line. The piping should be at least 3/4” ID and
pitched for proper drainage. Under no circumstances will
the manufacturer or seller of this water heater be held
liable for any water damage which is caused by your
failure to follow these instructions.
1 3/4” Maximum
Pipe to
adequate
At least 2” greater than the
drain
• The water heater should be located in an area not
subject to freezing temperatures. Water heaters located
in unconditioned spaces (i.e., attics, basements,
etc.) may require insulation of the water piping and
drain piping to protect against freezing. The drain and
controls must be easily accessible for operation and
service. Maintain proper clearances as specified on the
data plate.
• Do not locate the water heater near an air-moving
device. The operation of air-moving devices such as
exhaust fans, ventilation systems, clothes dryers,
fireplaces, etc., can affect the proper operation of
the water heater. Special attention must be given to
conditions these devices may create. Flow reversal of
flue gases may cause an increase of carbon monoxide
inside of the dwelling.
• If the water heater is located in an area that is
subjected to lint, dirt, and oil, it may be necessary
to periodically clean the flame-trap (see “External
Inspection & Cleaning of the Flame-trap,” Page 22).
Figure 1
Air-moving
Devices
Exhaust
Fan
Reverse flow
of gases
Clearances and Accessibility
NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible materials
are stated on the data plate adjacent to the gas control
valve/thermostat of the water heater.
The water heater is certified for installation on a
combustible floor.
• IMPORTANT: If installing over carpeting, the carpeting
must be protected by a metal or wood panel beneath
the water heater. The protective panel must extend
beyond the full width and depth of the water heater by
at least three inches (76.2mm) in any direction; or if in
an alcove or closet installation, the entire floor must be
covered by the panel.
• Figure 2 may be used as a reference guide to locate
the specific clearance locations. A minimum of 24
inches of front clearance should be provided for
inspection and service.
Figure 2
Minimum Clearance
Locations
Back
Top
View
Sides
Front
24” minimum
for service
Top
to
ceiling
Sides
State of California
NOTE: The water heater must be braced, anchored, or
strapped to avoid moving during an earthquake.
Contact local utilities for code requirements in your area
or call 1-877-817-6750 and request instructions.
Vent
5
Gas Supply
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Use a new CSA approved gas supply line.
Install a shut-off valve.
Do not connect a natural gas water heater to
an L.P. gas supply.
Do not connect an L.P. gas water heater to a
natural gas supply.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death, explosion, or
carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas Requirements
IMPORTANT: Read the data plate to be sure the water
heater is made for the type of gas you will be using in
your home. This information will be found on the data
plate located near the gas control valve/thermostat. If the
information does not agree with the type of gas available,
do not install or light. Call your dealer.
NOTE: An odorant is added by the gas supplier to the gas
used by this water heater. This odorant may fade over an
extended period of time. Do not depend upon this odorant
as an indication of leaking gas.
Gas Piping
The gas piping must be installed according to all local and
state codes or, in the absence of local and state codes, the
“National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1(NFPA 54)-latest
edition.
Table 1 on page 7 provides a sizing reference for commonly
used gas pipe materials. Consult the “National Fuel Gas
Code” for the recommended gas pipe size of other materials.
Refer to Figure 3
NOTE: When installing gas piping, apply approved pipe joint
compound.
1. Install a readily accessible manual shut-off valve in the
gas supply line as recommended by the local utility.
Know the location of this valve and how to turn off the
gas to this unit.
2. Install a drip leg (if not already incorporated as part of
the water heater) as shown. The drip leg must be no
less than three inches long for the accumulation of dirt,
foreign material, and water droplets.
3. Install a ground joint union between the gas control
valve/thermostat and the manual shut-off valve. This
is to allow easy removal of the gas control valve/
thermostat.
4. Turn the gas supply on and check for leaks. Test all
connections by brushing on an approved noncorrosive
leak-detection solution. Bubbles will show a leak.
Correct any leak found.
Figure 3
Gas Piping
Manual Gas
Shut-off Valve
Check with local
utility for
minimum height
Ground
Joint
Union
3” Minimum
Drip Leg
Gas Pressure
IMPORTANT: The gas supply pressure must not exceed
the maximum supply pressure as stated on the water
heater’s data plate. The minimum supply pressure is for the
purpose of input adjustment.
Gas Pressure Testing
IMPORTANT: This water heater and its gas connection
must be leak tested before placing the appliance in
operation.
• If the code requires the gas lines to be tested at a
pressure exceeding 14” W.C., the water heater and its
manual shut-off valve must be disconnected from the
gas supply piping system and the line capped.
• If the gas lines are to be tested at a pressure less than
14” W.C., the water heater must be isolated from the
gas supply piping system by closing its manual shut-off
valve.
U.L. recognized fuel gas and carbon monoxide (CO)
detectors are recommended in all applications and should
be installed using the manufacturer’s instructions and local
codes, rules, or regulations.
NOTE: Air may be present in the gas lines and could
prevent the pilot from lighting on initial start-up. The gas
lines should be purged of air by a qualified person after
installation of the gas piping system.
6
Table 1
Natural Gas Pipe Capacity Table (Cu. Ft./Hr.)
Capacity of gas pipe of different diameters and lengths in cu. ft. per hr. with pressure drop of 0.3 in. and specific gravity
of 0.60 (natural gas).
Nominal Iron Pipe Length of Pipe, Feet
Size, in.
1-1/4
1-1/2
After the length of pipe has been determined, select the pipe size which will provide the minimum cubic feet per hour
required for the gas input rating of the water heater. By formula:
The gas input of the water heater is marked on the water heater data plate. The heating value of the gas (BTU/FT )
may be determined by consulting the local natural gas utility.
Additional tables are available in the latest edition of the "National Fuel Gas Code", ANSI Z223.1.
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 125 150 175 200
1/2
3/4
132
278
1
520
1050
1600
92
73
190
152
350
285
730
1100
Cu. Ft. Per Hr. Required=
590
890
63
130
245
500
760
56
50
46
43
11 5
105
215
195
440
400
670
610
Gas Input of Water Heater (BTU/HR)
Heating Value of Gas (BTU/FT³)
96
180
370
560
170
350
530
90
40
84
160
320
490
38
79
150
305
460
34
72
130
275
410
31
64
120
250
380
28
59
11 0
225
350
26
55
100
210
320
3
Combustion Air Supply and
Ventilation
WARNING
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Follow all the local and state codes or, in
the absence of local and state codes, the
“National Fuel Gas Code”, ANSI Z223.1
(NFPA 54)- latest edition to properly install
vent system.
Failure to do so can result in death,
explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
IMPORTANT: Air for combustion and ventilation must not
come from a corrosive atmosphere. Any failure due to
corrosive elements in the atmosphere is excluded from
warranty coverage.
The following types of installation (not limited to the
following) will require outdoor air for combustion due to
chemical exposure and may reduce but not eliminate the
presence of corrosive chemicals in the air:
• beauty shops
• photo processing labs
• buildings with indoor pools
• water heaters installed in laundry, hobby, or craft rooms
• water heaters installed near chemical storage areas
Combustion air must be free of acid-forming chemicals
such as sulfur, fluorine, and chlorine. These elements are
found in aerosol sprays, detergents, bleaches, cleaning
solvents, air fresheners, paint, and varnish removers,
refrigerants, and many other commercial and household
products. When burned, vapors from these products form
highly corrosive acid compounds. These products should
not be stored or used near the water heater or air inlet.
Combustion and ventilation air requirements are
determined by the location of the water heater. The water
heater may be located in either an open (unconfined) area
or in a confined area or small enclosure such as a closet or
small room. Confined spaces are areas with less than 50
cubic feet for each 1,000 BTUH of the total input for all gasusing appliances.
7
Unconfined Space
A water heater in an unconfined space uses indoor air for
combustion and requires at least 50 cubic feet for each
1,000 BTUH of the total input for all gas appliances. The
table below shows a few examples of the minimum square
footage (area) required for various BTUH inputs.
Table 2
BTUH
Input
Minimum Square
Feet with
8' Ceiling
Typical Room
with 8' Ceiling
Figure 4
Opening LocationsConfined Spaces
Permanent
openings to
the outside or
additional
rooms within
the building
12” maximum
Closet
or
other
confined
space
30,000
45,000
60,000
75,000
90,000
105,000
120,000
135,000
188
281
375
469
563
657
750
844
9x21
14x20
15x25
15x31
20x28
20x33
25x30
28x30
IMPORTANT:
• The area must be open and be able to provide the
proper air requirements to the water heater. Areas that
are being used for storage or contain large objects may
not be suitable for water heater installation.
• Water heaters installed in open spaces in buildings with
unusually tight construction may still require outdoor
air to function properly. In this situation, outside air
openings should be sized the same as for a confined
space.
• Modern home construction usually requires supplying
outside air into the water heater area.
Confined Space
For the correct and proper operation of this water heater,
ample air must be supplied for the combustion, ventilation,
and dilution of flue gases. Small enclosures and confined
areas must have two permanent openings so that sufficient
fresh air can be drawn from outside of the enclosure. One
opening shall be within 12 inches of the top and one within
12 inches of the bottom of the enclosure as shown in
Figure 4.
The size of each opening (free area) is determined by the
total BTUH input of all gas utilization equipment (i.e., water
heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, etc.) and the method by
which the air is provided. The BTUH input can be found on
the water heater data plate. Additional air can be provided
by two methods:
1. All air from inside the building.
2. All air from outdoors.
12” maximum
All Air from Inside the Building
When additional air is to be provided to the confined area
from additional room(s) within the building, the total volume
of the room(s) must be of sufficient size to properly provide
the necessary amount of fresh air to the water heater
and other gas utilization equipment in the area. If you are
unsure that the structure meets this requirement, contact
your local gas utility company or other qualified agency for
a safety inspection.
Each of the two openings shall have a minimum free area
of 1 square inch per 1,000 BTUH of the total input rating of
all gas utilization equipment in the confined area, but not
less than 100 square inches (Figure 5).
Confined
Space
Permanent
Openings
1 square
inch/1000
BTUH
(minimum
100 sq. In.)
Figure 5
All Air from Inside Building
Confined Space Installation
8
All Air from Outdoors
Outdoor fresh air can be provided to a confined area either
directly or by the use of vertical and horizontal ducts. The
fresh air can be taken from the outdoors or from crawl or
attic spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors.
Attic or crawl spaces cannot be closed and must be
properly ventilated to the outside.
Ductwork must be of the same cross-sectional area as
the free area of the opening to which they connect. The
minimum dimension of rectangular air ducts cannot be less
than three inches.
The size of each of the two openings is determined by the
method in which the air is to be provided. Refer to Table
3 to calculate the minimum free area for each opening.
Figures 6, 7, and 8 are typical examples of each method.
Louvers and Grilles
In calculating free area for ventilation and combustion
air supply openings, consideration must be given to the
blocking effect of protection louvers, grilles, and screens.
These devices can reduce airflow, which in turn may
require larger openings to achieve the required minimum
free area. Screens must not be smaller than 1/4” mesh. If
the free area through a particular design of louver or grille
is known, it should be used in calculating the specified free
area of the opening. If the design and free area are not
known, it can be assumed that most wood louvers will allow
20 - 25% of free area while metal louvers and grilles will
allow 60 - 75% of free area.
Louvers and grilles must be locked open or interconnected
with the equipment so that they are opened automatically
during equipment operation.
Keep louvers and grilles clean and free of debris or other
obstructions.
Gable vent
to outdoors
Install above
insulation
Confined
Space
Alternate
Air Inlet
1 sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Figure 6
All Air from Outdoors; Inlet Air from Ventilated
Crawl Space/Outlet Air to Ventilated Attic
Confined
Space
Outlet
air to attic
1 Sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Inlet air
from the
crawl
space
Open
Foundation
Vent
Gable vent
to outdoors
Install above
insulation
Outlet air
to attic
1 Sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Inlet air duct
1 sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Table 3
Minimum Free Area of Permanent Openings for Ventilation and
Combustion Air Supply - All Air from Outdoors Only.
Based on the total BTUH input rating for all gas utilizing equipment
within the confined space.
Opening
Source
Direct to
outdoors
Vertical ducts
Horizontal ducts
Example: A water heater with an input rate of 50,000 BTUH using
horizontal ducts would require each opening to have a minimum
free area of 25 square inches.
Minimum free area = 50,000 BTUH x 1 sq. in. / 2000 BTUH = 25
Sq. Inches.
These openings connect directly with the outdoors
*
Per Opening
(sq. in.)
1 Square inch per 4000
BTUH
1 Square inch per 4000
BTUH
1 Square inch per 2000
BTUH
Minimum Free Area
Reference
Drawing
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
through a ventilated attic, a ventilated crawl space, or
through an outside wall.
Consult the local codes of your area for specific ventilation
and combustion air requirements.
Figure 7
All Air from Outdoors
Through Ventilated Attic
Confined
Space
Figure 8
All Air from Outdoors
Using Horizontal Ducts
12” maximum
1sq.inch
per
2000 BTUH
Outlet
Outdoor
Air Ducts
Inlet
1 sq. Inch
per
2000 BTUH
9
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