Breakthroughs reported in water heater vapor fires
The water heater industry is addressing the problem of fires caused by gas burners igniting vapors from flammable fluids stored nearby. Several water heater manufacturers are developing devices that will reduce the risk of fire in those situations. One manufacturer introduced its development at an August trade show in Chicago, and a consortium of four other manufacturers is developing its own safety technology.
American Water Heater introduced its Flame Guard Safety System at the National Hardware Show and planned on having the technology available on two lines of its water heaters in October. Flame Guard is a technology incorporated into the design of the water heater burner system. It works by trapping flammable vapors that enter the combustion chamber and preventing them from escaping where the fire can spread.