Preface
This publication represents a basic standard for safe operation, substantial and durable construction, and acceptable performance of storage gas water heaters with input ratings of 75,000 Btu per hour or less. It is the result of years of experience in the manufacture, testing, installation, maintenance, inspection and research on storage gas water heaters with input ratings of 75,000 Btu per hour or less designed for utilization of gas. There are risks of injury to persons inherent in appliances that, if completely eliminated, would defeat the utility of the appliance. The provisions in this standard are intended to help reduce such risks while retaining the normal operation of the appliance.
Scope
1.1.1
This Standard applies to newly produced, automatic storage water heaters having input ratings of 75,000 Btu/hr (21 980 W) or less (see Part IV, Definitions), hereinafter referred to as water heaters or appliances, constructed entirely of new, unused parts and materials: a. For use with natural gas; b. For use with manufactured gas; c. For use with mixed gas; d. For use with liquefied petroleum gases; e. For use with LP gas-air mixtures; f. For recreational vehicle installation for use with liquefied petroleum gases only (see 1.2.25); g. For manufactured home (mobile home) installation convertible for use with natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases when provision is made for the simple conversion from one gas to the other (see 1.2.24); h. For recreational vehicle installation convertible for use with natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases when provision is made for the simple conversion from one gas to the other (see 1.2.25); and i. For use with combination potable water/space heating applications.
1.1.2
This Standard also applies to water heaters incorporating heat pipe heat exchangers (see 1.5, Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers).
1.1.3
Direct vent water heaters anticipated by this standard are essentially balanced flue appliances with the air intake and vent outlet in close proximity. Other designs shall be subjected to such additional tests as believed necessary at the discretion of the testing agency.
1.1.4
Water heaters for installation in recreational vehicles shall be of the direct vent type.
1.1.5
This Standard also applies to water heaters with draft hoods which are factory equipped with automatic vent damper devices (see Part IV, Definitions), hereinafter referred to as vent damper devices.
1.1.6
This Standard also applies to water heaters of other than the direct vent type which are factory equipped with electrically operated or mechanically actuated automatic flue damper devices (see Part IV, Definitions), hereinafter referred to as flue damper devices.
1.1.7
If a value for measurement as given in this standard is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated value is to be regarded as the specification, except as noted in 1.31.1 and 1.32.1.
1.1.8
All references to psi throughout this standard are to be considered gauge pressures unless otherwise specified.
1.1.9
Exhibit F contains provisions that are unique to the United States.
1.1.10
Exhibit G contains provisions that are unique to Canada.
1.1.11
Special construction provisions applicable to a water heater designed for use with an optional listed conversion kit are outlined under Exhibit H, Optional Provisions of Listed Appliance Conversion Kits.
1.1.12
Exhibit I, List of Reference Standards, contains a list of standards specifically referenced in this standard, and sources from which these reference standards may be obtained.
