American Water Heater 317994-002 Manual De Usuario

7

The FVIR System is designed to reduce the risk of 

flammable vapor-related fires. Flammable liquids (such as 

gasoline, solvents, propane, etc,) emit flammable vapors 

which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s hot surface 

igniter or main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can 

cause death or serious burns to anyone in the area. 

This heater is equipped with a FV sensor for detecting the 

presence of flammable vapors. When the sensor detects 

those vapors, the unit will shut down and not operate. 

Should this happen, please refer to the troubleshooting 

guide on pages 31-32 (numbers 9,11,12). Even though this 

water heater is a flammable vapors ignition resistant water 

heater and is designed to reduce the chances of flamm-

able vapors being ignited, gasoline and other flammable 

substances should never be stored or used in the same 

vicinity or area containing a gas water heater or other open 

flame or spark producing appliance.

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.

Keep combustibles such as boxes, magazines, clothes, etc. away 
from the water heater area. 

• 

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. 

• 

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 water heater.

• 

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 condi-

tions these devices may create. Flow reversal of flue 

gases may cause an increase of carbon monoxide 

inside of the dwelling (Figure 1).

• 

The water heater is to be located as close as possible 

to a 120VAC outlet.  NOTE: all electrical wiring should 

be in accordance to the NEC and all local/state 

electrical codes (extension cord is not allowed).

 
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 and the “National Electrical Code”, ANSI/

NFPS 70 current edition.

FV Sensor