This guide on Richmond Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor Reset will describe:
- What causes flammable vapor sensor lockout on a water heater?
- How to reset flammable vapor sensor lockout condition?
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- What Causes Flammable Vapor Sensor Lockout?
- Richmond Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor Reset
- End-Note
What Causes Flammable Vapor Sensor Lockout?
Flammable vapor sensor lockout typically happens when the flammable vapor sensor detects the presence of combustible vapors around the water heater. This safety feature prevents potential water heater explosions or fires that could happen from those easily ignited vapors.
Here are the reasons responsible for flammable vapor sensor lockout:
1. Spilled Fuel
If combustible materials like gasoline, paint thinner, or other flammable liquids are discharged near the water heater, the vapor sensor can detect them and activate the lockout condition.
How To Fix:
Clean the spillover of the combustible materials that spill around the water heater. Never store any flammable objects near the water heater.
2. Improper Storage
The storage of flammable materials like solvents, gasoline, or paints near the water heater can trigger the flammable vapor sensor. To avoid this lockout condition, just keep those objects from your water heater.
3. Poor Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation where you install your water heater could cause a buildup of flammable vapor. And you know the presence of flammable vapor activates the sensor, causing the water heater to shut off.
How To Fix:
Ensure there is enough space around the water heater to avoid poor ventilation. Besides, comply with the venting instructions mentioned in the user manual to let the unit receive sufficient air for proper combustion.
4. Defective Vapor Sensor
A faulty vapor sensor is also responsible for the lockout condition. Due to a defective vapor sensor, the component doesn’t function as intended. As a result, the unit will trigger the vapor sensor when there are actually no flammable objects near the water heater.
How To Test A Flammable Vapor Sensor:
Before replacing the flammable vapor sensor, test the functionality of the sensor:
- Verify that the area around the water heater is well-ventilated and free from any flammable vapors before starting the test.
- Locate the flammable vapor sensor which is located near the burner assembly.
- Follow the vapor sensor wiring and ensure that the wire connection is secure and correct.
- Some water heaters may have a switch on the flammable vapor sensor. Press that switch to see the reaction of your water heater. If the sensor has no reset button, spray some safe flammable vapors like rubbing alcohol near the water heater.
- If the vapor sensor is at fault, it fails to detect the flammable vapor sensor. In this case, you should replace the sensor to resolve this issue.
5. Nearby Appliances Emit the Vapors
If you install other gas appliances like a gas stove or boiler near your water heater and they emit vapors, the water heater may trigger the vapor sensor.
Read Also: Richmond Water Heater Troubleshooting
Richmond Water Heater Flammable Vapor Sensor Reset
The status light on the gas valve will blink seven flashes, which indicates flammable vapor sensor failure. You can reset this error code to bring the unit back into working condition by following these steps:
- Flip the switch on the gas control valve to Off.
- Set the gas control thermostat knob to the Off position to clear the unburned gas.
- Turn on the gas control valve switch by flipping it to Up.
- Move the gas control thermostat knob from Low to Very Hot. Repeat this seven times.
- Finally, turn the thermostat knob to your desired temperature setting, which should reset the flammable vapor sensor.
Discover:
End-Note
Your Richmond Water Heater will go into the flammable vapor sensor lockout if the sensor detects the presence of flammable vapors near the unit. When this occurs, the status light will blink seven times to alert you. You can resolve this issue by resetting the flammable vapor sensor. Follow those steps I mentioned to reset the flammable vapor sensor failure. Good Luck!
Eric Alvarez is the head of content on LilDutchUncle.Com. He is an HVAC guy based in El Paso, Texas, United States. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University Of Texas at El Paso. Years of experience in the HVAC field have taught him many lessons, not the least of which is that the value of quality and knowledge far exceeds any promised initial savings. He has a good standing reputation for superior skills in heating, air conditioning, hot water tanks, and indoor air quality systems.
