A.O. Smith BTHS-750A Installation Manual: Article Plan
This comprehensive guide details the installation of the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A‚ covering safety‚ connections‚ startup‚ and iCOMM monitoring features;
The A.O. Smith BTHS-750A is a high-efficiency‚ condensing gas water heater designed for commercial applications. This Cyclone XL model‚ boasting 750‚000 to 1‚000‚000 BTU/H‚ provides substantial hot water capacity. It features a modulating burner for optimal performance and utilizes iCOMM remote monitoring for detailed diagnostics and control via a user-friendly app.
This manual provides crucial installation‚ operation‚ service‚ and maintenance instructions. Servicing should only be performed by qualified technicians‚ ensuring safe and efficient operation. Proper installation is paramount for maximizing the unit’s lifespan and performance.
Safety Precautions
Prior to installing or servicing the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A‚ carefully review all safety information. This unit utilizes gas and electricity‚ presenting potential hazards if improperly handled. Servicing must be performed by a qualified technician to avoid risks of fire‚ explosion‚ carbon monoxide poisoning‚ or electrical shock.
Always disconnect gas and electrical supplies before maintenance. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Follow all local codes and regulations. Failure to adhere to these precautions could result in severe injury or property damage.

General Safety Guidelines
Always prioritize safety during BTHS-750A installation and maintenance. Ensure a well-ventilated workspace‚ free from flammable materials. Read and understand the entire installation manual before beginning any work. Use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain or injury when handling the unit.
Keep the area clean and organized. Never modify the water heater or its components. Regularly inspect for leaks or damage. Adherence to these guidelines will contribute to a safe and successful installation process.
Gas Safety Warnings
Critical gas safety precautions are essential during BTHS-750A installation. Always shut off the gas supply before making any connections. Verify gas line compatibility and use approved gas piping materials. Employ a qualified technician for all gas line connections and leak testing using a suitable solution.
Never use an open flame to check for leaks. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent gas accumulation. Failure to follow these warnings could result in fire‚ explosion‚ or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electrical Safety Warnings
Strict adherence to electrical safety is paramount during BTHS-750A installation. Disconnect all electrical power before commencing any wiring. Ensure proper grounding according to local electrical codes to prevent shock hazards. Only qualified electricians should perform electrical connections‚ referencing the wiring diagram.
Inspect wiring for damage before use. Never work with wet hands or in damp environments. Failure to follow these warnings could lead to severe electrical shock‚ fire‚ or equipment damage.
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully unpack the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A water heater upon delivery. Inspect the unit thoroughly for any visible signs of shipping damage‚ such as dents‚ scratches‚ or broken components. Compare the received components with the parts list in the service handbook to verify completeness.
Report any damage immediately to the carrier and A.O. Smith. Do not install a damaged unit; it may compromise safety and performance.
Checking for Damage
A meticulous damage assessment is crucial before installation; Examine the BTHS-750A’s exterior for dents‚ corrosion‚ or any physical impairments sustained during transit. Inspect all connections and components – gas valve‚ burner assembly‚ and control panel – for cracks or dislodgement.
Document any discovered damage with photographs and detailed notes. Immediately report findings to both the shipping carrier and A.O. Smith to initiate a claim process.
Component Verification
Confirm all necessary components are present before proceeding with the BTHS-750A installation. This includes the water heater itself‚ the iCOMM remote monitoring module‚ pressure relief valve‚ and all associated hardware like gaskets and screws. Cross-reference the packing list with the delivered contents.
Verify the gas valve and burner assembly match the specified model. Ensure the control panel displays no visible damage and that all wiring harnesses are intact. Missing or damaged parts must be reported immediately.
Required Tools and Materials
For a successful BTHS-750A installation‚ gather these essentials: adjustable wrenches‚ pipe wrenches‚ a gas pipe sealant approved for natural gas‚ Teflon tape‚ a multimeter for electrical checks‚ a level‚ and appropriate screwdrivers. You’ll also need a drill with various bits‚ pipe cutters‚ and potentially‚ a lifting device due to the unit’s weight.
Ensure you have sufficient gas piping‚ water piping (copper or PEX)‚ and electrical wiring compliant with local codes. Don’t forget safety glasses and work gloves!
Installation Location Requirements
Select a location that meets specific criteria: a structurally sound floor capable of supporting the unit’s filled weight‚ adequate combustion air supply‚ and protection from freezing temperatures. The area must allow for necessary clearances – top‚ sides‚ and rear – as specified in the manual for safe operation and servicing.
Ensure sufficient ventilation and avoid locating the heater near flammable materials. Access for future maintenance and inspections is crucial.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is critical for safe and efficient operation of the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A. The installation area must provide adequate combustion air‚ complying with local codes and the manufacturer’s specifications. Insufficient air can lead to incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide production.
Consider room volume‚ air infiltration‚ and other fuel-burning appliances when calculating ventilation needs. Follow guidelines for direct and indirect venting systems.
Clearance Specifications
Maintaining proper clearances around the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A is essential for safety and serviceability. Minimum clearances from combustible materials – walls‚ ceilings‚ and floors – must adhere to local codes and the installation manual’s diagrams.
Insufficient clearance can create a fire hazard or impede access for maintenance. Ensure adequate space for gas and electrical connections‚ and allow for future servicing requirements.

Gas Connection Procedures
Proper gas line connection is critical for safe operation of the A.O. Smith BTHS-750A. Always shut off the gas supply before beginning. Use a qualified technician to ensure compliance with local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Verify correct gas type and pressure. Apply pipe joint compound approved for gas lines to all threaded connections. Perform a leak test using a soap solution after connection is complete.
Gas Supply Pipe Sizing
Correct gas pipe sizing is essential for optimal BTHS-750A performance. Consult local codes and the manufacturer’s specifications for appropriate pipe diameter based on the heater’s BTU input (750‚000 BTU/hr) and gas supply pressure.
Insufficient pipe size can cause pressure drops‚ impacting heating efficiency. Longer pipe runs require larger diameters. Always prioritize safety and adhere to established gas fitting practices for a reliable connection.

Connecting the Gas Line
Before connecting‚ ensure the gas supply is OFF. Use a qualified technician for this critical step. Apply gas-rated pipe joint compound or Teflon tape to all threaded connections‚ avoiding interference with gas flow. Connect the gas line to the heater’s gas inlet‚ tightening securely.
Perform a leak test using a soap solution after connection. Bubbles indicate a leak; tighten connections until they disappear. Never use an open flame for leak detection.
Electrical Connection Procedures
Prior to electrical work‚ disconnect power at the breaker. Refer to the wiring diagram for correct connections – typically requiring 120V power. Ensure proper grounding using the provided grounding screw. Connect the power wires‚ matching color codes (black to hot‚ white to neutral).
Verify all connections are secure before restoring power. Double-check grounding for safety. Improper wiring can damage the unit and void the warranty.
Wiring Diagram Overview
The wiring diagram‚ crucial for correct installation‚ illustrates power supply connections – typically 120V. It details the grounding point‚ essential for safety‚ and identifies the hot‚ neutral‚ and ground wires. Pay close attention to the iCOMM remote monitoring interface connections‚ if utilized;
Understanding the diagram prevents electrical hazards and ensures proper unit operation. Incorrect wiring can lead to malfunction or damage. Always consult a qualified technician if unsure.
Grounding Instructions

Proper grounding is paramount for safety‚ protecting against electrical shock and ensuring stable operation. Connect a dedicated grounding wire (typically green or bare copper) to the designated grounding terminal on the water heater. Verify the electrical service panel is also correctly grounded.
A secure ground path diverts fault currents‚ tripping breakers and preventing hazards. Never interrupt or bypass the grounding connection. Consult a qualified electrician if unsure about grounding procedures.
Water Connection Procedures
Before connecting water lines‚ ensure the gas supply is shut off. Utilize dielectric unions to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. Connect the cold water inlet to the designated port‚ and the hot water outlet accordingly. Apply pipe dope or Teflon tape to threaded connections for leak-proof seals.
Flush the lines to remove debris before connecting to the heater; Install a full-flow shut-off valve on the cold water inlet for maintenance. Pressure test the connections after installation.

Inlet and Outlet Pipe Connections

Proper pipe sizing is crucial for optimal performance; consult local codes and the technical specifications. Use appropriately sized nipples and couplings for both inlet and outlet connections. Ensure connections are free of burrs and debris before applying Teflon tape or pipe dope. Tighten fittings securely‚ avoiding over-tightening which can damage threads.
Consider using dielectric unions to prevent corrosion. Support piping adequately to prevent stress on the water heater connections. Verify proper flow direction before finalizing connections.

Pressure Relief Valve Installation
Install a properly rated pressure relief valve (PRV) on the designated opening‚ using Teflon tape on the threads. Ensure the PRV’s discharge pipe is the same diameter as the valve outlet and terminates within six inches of the floor. Avoid threading or reducing the discharge pipe’s size;
Direct the discharge towards a safe location‚ preventing scalding. Do not cap‚ plug‚ or restrict the discharge pipe. Regularly test the PRV for proper operation to guarantee safety.
Initial Startup and Testing
Before initial startup‚ double-check all connections – gas‚ water‚ and electrical – for tightness and proper installation. Slowly open the gas supply valve‚ checking for leaks with a soap solution. Then‚ fully open the cold water inlet valve to fill the tank completely.
Monitor for leaks around all fittings as the tank fills. Once full‚ power on the unit and verify proper ignition and operation. Observe the iCOMM display for any fault codes.
Filling the Water Heater
Before energizing the BTHS-750A‚ the tank must be completely filled with water. Slowly open the cold water inlet valve‚ allowing air to bleed from the system. Monitor the water flow at a hot water tap until a steady stream is present‚ indicating full displacement of air.
Ensure all connections are checked for leaks during this process. Complete filling prevents damage to heating elements during initial operation. Proper filling is crucial for optimal performance.
Checking for Leaks
After completing water and gas connections‚ a thorough leak check is essential. Apply a soap solution to all gas pipe joints and fittings‚ observing for bubble formation‚ indicating a leak. Inspect water connections – inlet‚ outlet‚ and the pressure relief valve – for any drips or signs of moisture.
Tighten connections as needed‚ but avoid over-tightening. Address any leaks immediately before proceeding. Regular leak checks during initial operation are recommended for continued safety and efficiency.
iCOMM Remote Monitoring Setup

The A.O. Smith BTHS-750A features iCOMM‚ enabling remote monitoring via a free mobile app. Download the A.O. Smith app and follow the in-app instructions to connect the water heater to your Wi-Fi network. This setup provides detailed diagnostic fault notifications and allows remote control of the set point and differential.
Utilize iCOMM for proactive maintenance and quick identification of potential issues‚ maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the BTHS-750A isn’t operating correctly‚ first check the gas and electrical connections. Utilize the iCOMM app for diagnostic fault notifications‚ which pinpoint potential problems. Low water pressure can cause issues; verify adequate supply. Inspect the pressure relief valve for leaks or malfunctions.

For burner issues‚ ensure proper gas supply and ventilation. If problems persist‚ consult a qualified service technician; servicing should only be performed by professionals.
Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance of the BTHS-750A. Annually‚ inspect the burner assembly for corrosion and debris‚ and verify proper combustion. Check the venting system for obstructions and ensure adequate airflow. Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup‚ improving efficiency.
Periodically examine the pressure relief valve‚ testing its functionality. Utilize iCOMM for monitoring and early detection of potential issues‚ preventing costly repairs. Professional servicing is recommended every two years.
Understanding Diagnostic Fault Notifications
The iCOMM remote monitoring system provides detailed diagnostic fault notifications via the A.O. Smith app. These alerts pinpoint specific issues‚ like flame rollout‚ gas valve problems‚ or high limit activation. Understanding these codes streamlines troubleshooting‚ reducing downtime. Refer to the manual for a complete list of error codes and their corresponding solutions.
Promptly addressing notifications prevents further damage. iCOMM also tracks operational data‚ aiding in preventative maintenance and optimizing performance; Qualified technicians should handle complex repairs.
Condensing Water Heater Specifics
The BTHS-750A is a high-efficiency condensing water heater‚ requiring a dedicated condensate drain line. This line must be constructed of appropriate materials to resist corrosion from acidic condensate. Proper venting is crucial; use only approved venting components for condensing appliances. Ensure the drain line is pitched correctly to prevent freezing.
Condensation occurs due to the high efficiency‚ extracting more heat. Regularly inspect the condensate system for blockages. Follow local codes regarding condensate disposal;
Technical Specifications (BTHS-750A)
The A.O. Smith BTHS-750A boasts a 750‚000 BTU/hr input‚ suitable for commercial applications. It features a 120-gallon tank capacity and operates on natural gas. Dimensions vary‚ so consult the installation manual for precise measurements. The unit’s weight is substantial‚ requiring appropriate handling equipment. Gas connection size is ¾ inch. Electrical requirements are 120V/60Hz.
Efficiency ratings exceed standard models‚ offering significant energy savings. Minimum inlet water pressure is 30 PSI‚ maximum 80 PSI.
Warranty Information
A.O. Smith provides a limited warranty on the BTHS-750A‚ covering defects in materials and workmanship. Tank warranties typically range from several years to lifetime‚ depending on the specific model and registration. Parts are generally covered for a shorter period‚ often one or two years from the installation date.
Warranty claims require proof of purchase and proper installation by a qualified technician. Registration of the product is crucial for maximizing warranty benefits. See the full warranty document for complete details and exclusions.
