GSW Polaris® High-Efficiency Residential Gas Water Heater

The perfect choice for combi systems

Polaris® features a high-grade 444 stainless steel tank with brass connections for dependable, trouble-free service, eliminating the need for an anode rod. Its submerged combustion chamber with a spiral flue achieves up to 96% thermal efficiency and ultra-low standby heat loss of approximately 1%.

SEALED COMBUSTION WITH WOVEN FIBRE PREMIX BURNER

The metal fibre burner is engineered for clean combustion in a high-intensity blue flame mode. Manufactured from refractory steel, it resists corrosion and thermal/mechanical shock, ensuring uniform combustion and excellent heat transfer.

WHISPER QUIET OPERATION

An ultra-quiet blower and burner minimize noise. The unit requires a 120-volt, 60Hz power supply and draws less than 5 Amps.

POWER/DIRECT VENT USING 2" OR 3" PLASTIC PIPE

The water heater can be direct-vented up to 120 feet using ULC S636 PVC or CPVC pipe, suitable for through-the-wall or through-the-roof installations. An optional concentric vent kit is available.

PLUG AND PLAY TECHNOLOGY

Initial setup requires no special adjustments. Simply connect the air inlet, exhaust outlet, water, electricity, and gas, set the temperature, and the system operates correctly.

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC CONTROL SYSTEM

Three external LED lights indicate the water heater's operational status. A microprocessor monitors nine critical functions, and an LED troubleshooting light, visible through a view port, signals the heater's status.

FULL SERVICEABILITY FROM THE FRONT

Two front-located access panels provide access to all serviceable components, which are designed for easy modular removal.

ENERGY STAR® QUALIFIED

The PR100-34-2NV model meets ENERGY STAR® requirements.

OTHER FEATURES

Thermister Temperature Sensor
24-Volt Thermostat Control
Hot Surface Ignition
Full Flow Brass Drain Valve
Zero Clearance to Combustibles
Factory Installed T&P Valve
Factory Provided Condensate Trap
Multiple 1" Brass Tank Connections

WARRANTY

10 year limited tank warranty
1 year parts

UP TO 96% EFFICIENT

Internal Components and Operation

The Polaris water heater features a submerged combustion chamber and a spiral flue for high thermal efficiency. Key components and their functions include:

1. Burner: A metal fibre burner designed for clean, high-intensity blue flame combustion.
2. Hot Surface Igniter: Energizes and glows red hot to initiate combustion.
3. DC Blower: Purges the chamber, then mixes air and gas for combustion, forcing it through the burner.
4. Combustion Chamber: Transfers high temperature heat from the flame to the water.
5. Spiral Coil: The blower pushes hot combustion gases through this coil, extracting remaining heat.
6. Heat Transfer: Up to 96% of the heat from the flame is transferred to the water as gases pass through the spiral coil.
7. Venting: Combustion gases are vented through ULC S636 plastic pipe.
8. Condensate Trap: Captures condensation from cooled combustion air and drains it.

Ignition Sequence and Operation Indicators

The unit includes indicator lights for power, igniter, and burner operation. A control panel features a temperature control knob (LOW to HIGH) and indicates heating water, burner, and ignition sequence status.

THE QUIET WAY TO EFFICIENTLY HEAT WATER

An ultra-quiet radial blower combined with a submerged burner ensures whisper-quiet operation. Indicator lights provide visual feedback on the unit's status.

THE BEST CHOICE FOR HOT WATER

Polaris is ideal for large homes, providing ample hot water for dishwashing, showers, baths, clothes washing, and hot tubs. Polaris models can heat up to 255 GPH at a 90°F/50°C temperature rise, significantly more than standard gas water heaters (41 GPH).

FORCED AIR HYDRONIC HEAT

Polaris can be integrated with an air handler for comfortable forced air hydronic space heating and potable hot water. Hot water circulates through a coil in the air handler, warming the air blown into the home via ducts. With up to 199,000 BTUs, it can heat most homes.

RADIANT HYDRONIC HEAT

For homeowners preferring radiant hydronic heat, Polaris is an excellent choice. In radiant floor systems, potable hot water circulates through tubes under the floor, radiating heat into the room. For radiant baseboard systems, hot water circulates through finned tube baseboard heaters. All water components must be approved for potable water use.

Product Views and Connections

The Polaris water heater is designed with accessible connections for easy installation and maintenance. Key connection points are indicated in the Left View, Front View, and Top View diagrams:

Left View

Shows Air Inlet, Heating System Outlet, Heating System Return, and Gas Supply connections.

Front View

Highlights Hot Water Outlet, Air Inlet, Heating System Outlet, Heating System Return, Gas Supply, Cold Water Inlet, Exhaust Outlet, Condensate Drain Connection, and the Temperature Control Knob.

Top View

Illustrates Hot Water Outlet, Air Inlet, Gas Connection, Heating System Taps, Cold Water Inlet, Exhaust Outlet, and the T&P Valve. An optional Concentric Vent Kit is also shown.

Technical Specifications

Model Number	Gal. Cap.	Input BTU/Hr.	GPH Recovery (90°F/50°C Rise)	Thermal Efficiency	Exterior Diameter (in.)	Vent Connections (in.)	Water Connections (in.)	T&P Height (in.)	Gas Supply (in.)	Approx. Ship Weight (lbs)
PR100-34-2NV	34	100,000	129	96%	48-1/2	2 or 3	15-3/4	40-1/2	41	6-1/8	150
PR130-34-2NV	34	130,000	168	96%	48-1/2	2 or 3	15-3/4	40-1/2	41	6-1/8	150
PR150-34-2NV	34	150,000	192	95%	48-1/2	2 or 3	15-3/4	40-1/2	41	6-1/8	150
PR130-50-2NV	50	130,000	166	95%	62-1/2	2 or 3	15-3/4	54-1/2	55	6-1/8	176

Note: For propane models, substitute "P" for "N" in the model number. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Consult the installation, operation, and service manual for detailed information. Gas supply line requirements vary by BTU input.

General Specifications

Residential gas-fired water heaters are direct/power vent Polaris models manufactured by GSW Water Heating. They feature a 10-year limited tank warranty and a 1-year limited parts warranty. Units are designed for natural or propane gas and are CSA International certified. They are condensing type with a minimum thermal efficiency of 95-96% and power vented with ULC S636 pipe. The water heaters offer combined vent capabilities up to 120 feet for both exhaust and air inlet. They utilize a low-noise combustion system with a woven fibre steel burner, producing low NOx emissions. The tank is constructed of 444 stainless steel with a submerged combustion chamber, rated for 150 PSI working pressure and 300 PSI test pressure. The tank is insulated with two inches of non-CFC foam. Operating controls include a 24-volt integrated control circuit, an immersed thermistor temperature sensor, a recycling energy cut-off switch, and external temperature adjustment. LED lights indicate operational status, and a microprocessor monitors nine critical functions. All models include a factory-installed temperature and pressure relief valve and a factory-provided water thermostatic tempering valve.

For more information, visit www.gsw-wh.com.