American Water Heater Residential Gas Water Heater with the Flame Guard Safety System Benutzerhandbuch

5

• 

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 

Reverse flow 

of gases

Exhaust

Fan

Figure 3

Air-moving

Devices

Back

Sides

Sides

Top

View

Top

to

ceiling

Vent

Front

24” minimum 

for service

Figure 4

Minimum Clearance

Locations

NOTE: Minimum clearances from combustible surfaces 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 4 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.

NOTE: For California installation, this water heater must 

be braced, anchored, or strapped to avoid falling or moving 

during an earthquake. Correct installation procedure 

instructions may be obtained from California’s Office of the 

State Architect, 1102 Q street, Suite 5100, Sacramento, 

CA 95811. Instructions can also be downloaded to your 

computer at www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Pubs.

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 an adequate indoor drain. 
The discharge pipe must terminate a maximum of six 
inches above a floor drain or external to the building.  In 
cold climates, it is recommended that the discharge pipe 
be terminated at an adequate drain inside the building. 
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.

 

Figure 2

Drain Pan 

Installation

• 

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)-current edition.

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” section).