What Is FVIR?
July 26, 2021
Post by Taylor Powell
Our newest Rheem® Ultra Low NOx models go above and beyond to protect your home. Safety is a top concern for homeowners and our line’s ability to avoid ignition of flammable vapor makes it a product that sets the bar in safety. We’re the only ones with auto air-and-fuel shutoff if flammable vapors are present at this time.
Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance
Improper use and storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids pose a safety hazard to homeowners. When volatile liquids are spilled near a gas-burning appliance, the vapors can ignite, causing fires. Even though gas-storage water heaters are safe, the water heater industry – in cooperation with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) – established a safety standard for residential water heaters called FVIR (Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance) in 2003. The standard mandates that gas-fired residential water heaters must not ignite flammable vapors outside the water heater from gasoline spilling onto the floor.
Unparalleled Safety Through Superior Technology
Should a spill incident occur, Rheem’s best-in-class Guardian System provides DOUBLE protection to our customers by shutting off the gas supply and the air supply, preventing a sustained vapor burn in the combustion chamber. This one-of-a-kind, air-and-fuel shutoff device provides extra reliability and ultimate safety for homeowners. In addition, there are also no filters to service, replace or clean.
Preventing the flame arrestor from becoming clogged by lint, dust and oil (LDO) is a challenge faced by all water heater manufacturers. Rheem’s Guardian System provides a maintenance-free way to assure an uninterrupted supply of hot water. A specially-designed flame arrestor plate prevents ignition of vapors outside the combustion chamber. Air enters the combustion chamber from the sides of the water heater, not from below, where lint, dust and oil tend to accumulate. A unique air pathway has special baffles that cause a significant amount of LDO to drop down and away, so it won’t clog the arrestor plate. The Guardian System incorporates a standard gas valve and thermocouple for easy replacement for the plumber.
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