Install Instructions

34
5 System piping
System water piping methods
Observe a minimum of one inch clearance around all
un-insulated hot water pipes when openings around the pipes
are not protected by non-combustible materials.
2. If this water heater is installed in a closed water supply
system, such as the one having a backflow preventer in
the cold water supply, provisions must be made to control
thermal expansion. DO NOT operate this water heater in
a closed system without provisions for controlling thermal
expansion. Warranties do not cover damages from thermal
expansion such as pressure bulges and/or deformities.
Your water supplier or local plumbing inspector should be
contacted on how to control this situation.
3. After installation of the water lines, open the main water
supply valve and fill the water heater. While the water
heater is filling, open several hot water faucets to allow air
to escape from the water system. When a steady stream of
water flows through the faucets, close them and check all
water connections for possible leaks.
4. Never operate the water heater without first being certain it
is filled with water.
Scalding
This water heater can deliver scalding temperature water at any
faucet in the system. Be careful whenever using hot water to
avoid scalding injury. Certain appliances such as dishwashers
and automatic clothes washers may require increased
temperature water. By setting the thermostat on this water
heater to obtain the increased temperature water required by
these appliances, you may create the potential for scald injury.
To protect against injury, you should install an ASSE approved
mixing valve in the water system. This valve will reduce point of
discharge temperature by mixing cold and hot water in branch
supply lines. Such valves are available from the local plumbing
supplier.
 WARNING
Failure to install and maintain a new,
listed temperature and pressure relief valve
will release the manufacturer from any
claim, which might result from excessive
temperature and pressures.
Keep clear of the combination temperature
and pressure relief valve discharge line
outlet. The discharge may be hot enough
to cause scald injury. The water is under
pressure and may splash.
Hydrogen gas can be produced in an
operating water heater that has not
had water drawn from the tank for a
long period of time (generally two
weeks or more). HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. To prevent
the possibility of injury under these
conditions, we recommend the hot water
faucet to be open for several minutes at the
kitchen sink before you use any electrical
appliance, which is connected to the hot
water system. If hydrogen is present, there
will be an unusual sound such as air
escaping through the pipes as hot water
begins to flow. Do not smoke or have an
open flame near the faucet at the time it
is open.
General piping information
Basic steps are listed below along with illustrations on the
following pages (FIG.’s 5-2 thru 5-4), which will guide you
through the installation of the Shield water heater.
1. BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE INSTALLATION,
CLOSE THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY VALVE. After
shutting off the main water supply, open a faucet to
relieve the water line pressure to prevent any water
from leaking out of the pipes while making the water
connections to the water heater. The COLD water inlet
and HOT water outlet are identified on the water heater.
Make the proper plumbing connections between the
water heater and the plumbing system to the building.
Install a shutoff valve in the cold water supply line.
Water temperatures over 125°F (52°C) can cause severe
burns instantly or death from scalds.
Children, disabled, and elderly are at highest risk of being scalded.
See instruction manual before setting the thermostat at the
water heater.
Feel water before bathing or showering.
Temperature limiting valves are available, consult local plumbing
su
pp
lier.
Figure 5-1 Scald Warning
Installation & Service Manual