Bradford-White Corp BWCV User Manual

Internet Version for Reference Only

Page 8

Copper Brute II

Page 9

Depending upon desired Copper Brute II venting, 

it may be considered a Category I or a Category III 

appliance. In general, a vertical vent system will 

be a Category I system. However, in rare instances, 

a Copper Brute II vertical vent system may be 

considered Category III. In the U.S., the National Fuel 

Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1-Latest Edition), or in Canada 

the CSA B149.1 (latest edition), defines a Category 

I vent system, and includes rules and tables to size 

these vent systems. If the Copper Brute II vertical 

vent system does not satisfy the criteria for Category I 

venting, it must be vented as a Category III system.

All Copper Brute II vent systems which 

discharge horizontally (without the use of a power 

venter) are considered Category III vent systems.

When vented as a category I appliance, the 

vent system must conform to the National Fuel Gas 

Code (ANSI Z223.1-Latest Edition) in the U.S., or 

in Canada, to CSA B149.1 (latest edition). The vent 

system must be sized and installed for a Category I 

Fan-Assisted Appliance.

If chimney height is greater than 25 feet, or 

if multiple units are vented into the same vertical 

vent, a barometric damper must be installed on each 

appliance, such that the flue draft does not exceed 

(negative) 0.1" w.c.

If using a power venter for any type of Category 

I venting, the draft should be set between (negative) 

0.01 and 0.10" w.c.

Copper Brute II heaters are Category I fan-

assisted when vented vertically and adhering to all 

applicable codes. Copper Brute II heaters are not 

allowed to be vented into a common horizontal vent 

system, unless a properly sized vent fan is used, and 

the common vent system is properly designed by the 

vent fan manufacturer or a qualified engineer. When 

common venting Copper Brute II fan-assisted unit 

with other appliances through one shared vertical duct 

called a “common vent”, special care must be taken by 

the installer to ensure safe operation. In the event that 

the common vent is blocked, it is possible, especially 

for fan-assisted devices, to vent backwards through 

non-operating appliances sharing the vent, allowing 

combustion products to infiltrate occupied spaces. 

Operation of appliances with a blocked common 

vent may lead to serious injury or death. Safety 

devices must be implemented to prevent blocked 

common vent operation. If safe operation of all 

appliances connected to a common vent cannot 

be assured, including prevention of spillage of flue 

gasses into living spaces, common venting should 

not be applied, and appliances should each be 

vented separately.

It is for this reason that, in addition to 

following proper vent sizing, construction and safety 

requirements from the National Fuel Gas Code, 

ANSI Z223.1 or in Canada, from CSA B149.1 as 

well as all applicable local codes, it is required that 

installers provide some means to prevent operation 

with a blocked common vent. It is suggested that a 

blocked vent safety system be employed such that if 

the switch from one appliance trips due to excessive 

stack spill or back pressure indicating a blocked vent 

condition, that all appliances attached to the vent be 

locked out and prevented from operating. Note that 

the Copper Brute II is equipped with a blocked vent 

safety (pressure) switch, as shipped. However, this 

safety switch has only been designed and tested to be 

effective in installations where the Copper Brute II 

is vented separately and NOT common vented with 

other appliances. As an additional precaution, it is 

recommended that a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm be 

installed in all enclosed spaces containing combustion 

appliances. If assistance is required in determining 

how a blocked vent safety system should be connected 

to a Bradford White product, please call the Bradford 

White Service Department at (800) 334-3393. Refer 

to the installation and operating instructions on all 

appliances to be common vented for instructions, 

warnings, restrictions and safety requirements. If safe 

operation of all appliances connected to a common 

vent cannot be assured, including prevention of 

spillage of flue gasses into living spaces, common 

venting should not be applied, and appliances should 

each be vented separately.

When the Copper Brute II is vented with 

horizontal discharge, it must be installed per 

this installation manual and the venting system 

manufacturer’s installation instructions. The vent 

system must be sealed stainless steel, per Table 5.

Route the vent pipe to the heater as directly as 

possible. Seal all joints and provide adequate hangers 

as required in the venting system manufacturer’s 

Installation Instructions. Horizontal portions of the 

venting system must be supported to prevent sagging 

and may not have any low sections that could trap 

condensate. The unit must not support the weight of