Rheem Fury Heavy Duty Series Use and Care Manual - Page 7

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. Combustion Air Inlet Openings Max. 2" Diameter of water heater plus 2" min. The auxiliary catch pan installation MUST conform to local codes. Top View Alcove Rear Front Open Sides Top View Closet Rear Sides Front Enclosed ! 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. 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: Location Front Sides Rear Top Alcove 3" 0" 0" 12" (7.62 cm) (0 cm) (0 cm) (30.5 cm) Closet 3" 1" 0" 12" (7.62 cm) (2.5 cm) (0 cm) (30.5 cm) 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 5" in all directions. 7