HOTTER WATER CAN SCALD: Water heaters are intended
to produce hot water. Water heated to a temperature
which will satisfy space heating, clothes washing, dish
washing, and other sanitizing needs can scald and
permanently injure you upon contact. Some people are
more likely to be permanently injured by hot water than
others. These include the elderly, children, the infirm, or
physically/mentally disabled. If anyone using hot water in
your home fits into one of these groups or if there is a
local code or state law requiring a certain temperature
water at the hot water tap, then you must take special
precautions. In addition to using the lowest possible
temperature setting that satisfies your hot water needs,
a means such as a mixing valve, should be used at
the hot water taps used by these people or at the
water heater. Mixing valves are available from your local
plumbing contractor. Follow manufacturer’s instructions
for installation of the valves. Before changing the factory
setting on the thermostat, see Figure 6.
Never allow small children to use a hot water tap or to draw
their own bath water. Never leave a child or handicapped
person unattended in a bathtub or shower.
It is recommended that lower water temperatures be used
to avoid the risk of scalding. It is further recommended,
in all cases, that the water temperature thermostat be
set for the lowest temperature which satisfies your hot
water needs. This will also provide the most energy
efficient operation of the water heater.
KEEPING THE THERMOSTAT SETTING AT 120°F (49°C)
OR LOWER WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF SCALDS.
Figure 6 shows the approximate time-to-burn relationship for
normal adult skin.
temperature reGulation
temperature adjustment
To change the temperature setting:
The white knob on the front of the water heater is the temperature
control. When the “OFF” mark is aligned with the raised indicator
arrow, the water heater is off. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the
temperature, and counterclockwise to decrease the temperature. The
knob is marked with circular indentations of increasing size. The larger
the indentation, the higher the temperature setting. See Figure 6. The
temperature range of this water heater is 68°F at the lowest setting
and 150°F at the maximum setting. This water heater is shipped in the
“OFF” position. Adjust the dial to the desired temperature.
temperature settinGs
It is recommended that the dial be set lower whenever possible.
Temperature
Time to Produce 2nd & 3rd
Setting
Degree Burns on Adult Skin
150°F (66°C)
About 1-1/2 seconds
140°F (60°C)
Less than 5 seconds
130°F (54°C)
About 30 seconds
120°F (49°C)
More than 5 minutes
fiGure 6.
