Rheem Manufacturing Co., Bradford White Corp. and A.O. Smith Water Heaters have introduced water heater products that comply with Phase II of the American National Standards Institute Standard (ANSI) governing the flammable vapor ignition resistance (FVIR) protocol. Effective July 1, 2006, 30-, 40- and 50-gallon power-vented residential gas water heaters with less than 75,000 BTU input must meet the FVIR requirement.

The Water Heating Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co. unveiled a line of power-vented residential gas water heaters that incorporate its Guardian System™ technology for FVIR. Among the new features are more models, including 40- and 50-gallon short models in addition to Rheem's tall power-vent models; a vent-run capability that is 37% longer than Rheem's previous power-vent models; a new quiet blower; and more easily accessible electronic ignition and controls that can help with diagnosing operating conditions.

Bradford White Corp. said many of its power-vented, through-the-wall water heaters would be manufactured with the Defender Safety System® starting July 1. The new TTW® water heaters feature a different version of the Defender Safety System combustion and control system that includes a new spark-to-pilot ignition system and an integrated immersion gas control valve with an LED indicator to assist in troubleshooting. The blower motor of the TTW® unit also has been modified to offer better resistance to outside winds and to eliminate venting problems. They also feature an electronic sensor to prevent operation if flammable vapors are detected.

A.O. Smith's new ProMax® Power-Vent water heaters equipped with C3 (Corderite Combustion Containment) Technology were made available to customers starting in June 2006. The new water heaters are equipped with A.O. Smith's Intelli-Vent gas control, which was modified to work in conjunction with the new flammable vapor sensor at the base of the unit, external to the combustion chamber. ProMax Power-Vent units use hot surface ignition to light the burner. There is no standing pilot.