 Gas water heater should sit 18" above floor Some gas control valves can be reset after Flammable vapor lockout. Some require a part Which is best FVIR system? |
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 Install 18" above floor  Do not set on or against flammable materials like carpet, cardboard, etc. Sheetrock is ok within 3" of gas water heater side and 15" from front. |
High risk. Water heaters draw room air into the combustion chamber.... for that matter, all gas appliances draw air into the combustion chamber ... so there is a risk when using any gas appliance around gasoline ...  If
gasoline is kept in garage, or storage area, near the water heater, the
gasoline container should be a safety-type can with sealed lid that
allows no vapor to escape.Rule of thumb: If you can smell gasoline vapor then the water heater can smell gasoline. Same rule of thumb applies to project materials like contact cement, lacquers, kilz. WD40 or any other flammable material that is frequently used near a gas appliance. The one advantage is that gasoline vapors tend to fall to the floor. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air, so they hug the floor. This means if you can smell gasoline at head level of sitting level, then vapors near the floor are much stronger. To help offset risk of gasoline vapors at their highest concentration, the safety code requires gas water heaters to sit 18 inches above floor level. Even so.. there is NO way to guarantee safety when water heater is exposed to flammable vapors. Vapors can come from paints, glues, solvents, and fuels. Open the garage door and let in fresh air to help prevent problems. Always use approved storage cans for gasoline. Turn off water heater burner when using any solvent-based paint, adhesive, or fuel. Buy: Water heater stand Do not install LP gas water heater below grade (in basement). Read water heater safety precautions before starting Water heater precautions/ pdf |
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History and general information: 1) Older water heaters had open air intake located directly on front of combustion chamber. So gasoline vapors, and other flammable vapors, could freely enter combustion chamber and be ignited by the flame... and people would hear a small whoomph sound and think it was funny... until the whoomph ignited a room filled with flammable vapors. 2) After 2006, all residential-grade water heaters are mandated to have FVIR system that 'retards, resists and possibly prevents' flammable vapor ignition. Each manufacturer offers a different design to comply with FVIR safety mandate. Some earlier designs required full replacement of water heater. The issue of full replacement has been mitigated by changing design changes like adding a TCO or thermal cut off that trips off if temperature inside the combustion chamber exceeded ordinary heating of water. Other improvements with the advent of electronic gas control valves have also helped.. Which is best FVIR system? 3) Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance. RESISTANCE is not a guarantee. Water heaters are generally designed to suppress the flame spread once vapor is ignited. So they don't really stop the ignition of flammable vapor inside the water heater, but instead they stop the fire from spreading into your home or into the room.... usually this works, but not always. 4) FVIR systems cause the water heater to lock out. Some gas control valves can be reset. The TCO can often be reset, and full functionality restored. The need for repair can range from major to minor part replacement, or replacement of whole heater, again depending on age of water heater and brand. 5) More recent development is the flammable vapor sensor located at the bottom on front of water heater, inside a small plastic enclosure. The sensor is a switch that trips OFF when flammable vapors are detected. Afterwards, the small part is replaced without further repair required. Description of sensor: "the chemi-resistive flammable vapor sensor was custom designed for the Water Heater Industry Joint Research and Development Consortium to meet Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance (FVIR) requirements of ANSI Z21.94/CSA 6.31 standard." The 25VS is a silicone-based sensor that detects the presence of a specific concentration of flammable vapors released during a typical gasoline spill. The sensor is required to detect flammable vapors in less than a minute after a spill enabling the gas valve control module to prevent the supply of gas and burner ignition. It is a passive device that requires no power and continually senses for vapors. Additionally, the sensor’s compatible signal can be readily adapted as an input by any electronic control device using standard technology." Resource: How FV sensor works How to test FV sensor Troubleshoot FV by brand |
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If
flammables materials are used, then all gas burning appliances in the
vicinity must be shut off and pilot lights extinguished. Open doors and
windows for ventilation while flammable substances are in use. The FV sensor is located inside a plastic case to keep it dry and clean... if the sensor is blocked, or has been covered with dust, leaves, water etc, it will not function. Replace part. The FV sensor must have continuity, so a small current of electricity can pass through the sensor and signal to gas control valve that all is ok. Failure of part, or FV event will 'short out' the sensor and shut off gas. Dirty environment will cause problems with all modern gas appliances. Replace the part and clean out water heater as described farther down on page. Buy: Flammable sensor kit Resources: How FV sensor works How to test FV sensor |
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Installed it yourself ? Amazing Took it apart and fixed it? Gas appliances are dangerous and subject to local and national safety codes. Protect yourself. Do NOT store flammables near tankless, or in same room. This is clear fire hazard. Read product manual. Follow installation requirements, safety advisories, and perform required maintenance. Provide adequate air supply, and proper venting, and do not expose to flammable vapors. Improper installation and lack of maintenance will cause error codes, shutdowns, shorter lifespan and more repairs. If you smell gas, leave building immediately and call gas company. Gas water heater with dirty combustion parts can leave unburned gas... the explosive gas can travel up hot flue pipe. Whoomph. Do not install propane appliances below grade (basement) With propane gas, the gas is heavy and will fill tankless burner, or fall out onto the floor, or fill basement. Install gas detector at correct height for type of gas. Buy Gas detector Resource: How to install gas water heater |
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