"RJ" wrote in message
...
Helping a friend replace a water heater in a mobile home.
( standard dimensions, 30 gal. natural gas )
Everyone I've spoken to insists
that ONLY a mobile water heater
can be installed in a mobile home.
Firstly; they're hard as hell to find.
Secondly; there's a $100 premium on the price.
But no one can tell me "why"
or, what is the difference between "mobile" and "regular"
????
rj
Often, there is not enough room to install a larger tank.
http://www.maytagwaterheaters.com/ideas/glossary.html
Mobile Home Water Heaters - Gas or electric water heaters designed
specifically to meet HUD requirements for manufactured housing installation.
A gas mobile home water heater features a gas control that is convertible
for natural or propane gas operation. Only water heaters that meet HUD
manufactured housing standards can be installed in mobile homes. A standard
residential water heater should never be installed in a mobile home.
And more
Mobile home water heaters
It is very important to install the correct type of
gas water heater in a mobile home ( or manufactured
housing). If your mobile home has an
exterior access door you may use a standard
mobile home water heater with an open draft
hood (atmospheric vent). If your water heater
access door opens to the interior or your water
heater is located in a cabinet or closet, you
must install a direct vent mobile home water
heater. A direct vent water heater is designed to
prevent the accidental spillage of flue gases into
the home. The letters "DV" will appear in the
model number.