Abstract: A water heater includes a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent said water container having at least one inlet to admit air and extraneous fume species into the combustion chamber, at least one inlet comprising a metal plate having a thickness of about 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters and through which pass a plurality of ports, each port having a quenching distance not greater than about 0.6 mm, and being capable of confining ignition and combustion of the extraneous fume species within the combustion chamber; and a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent said water container having at least one inlet to admit air and extraneous fume species into the combustion chamber, at least one inlet comprising a metal plate having a thickness of about 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters and through which pass a plurality of ports, each port having a quenching distance not greater than about 0.6 mm, and being capable of confining ignition and combustion of the extraneous fume species within the combustion chamber; and a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; and a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and/or extraneous gases into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure.

Abstract: A water heater comprising a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a flue connected to the combustion chamber; a blower assembly positioned to receive combustion products from the flue and including a blower; at least one inlet having a plurality of ports which permit air and extraneous fumes to enter the combustion chamber and prevent combustion of extraneous fumes outside of the combustion chamber; a temperature sensor positioned adjacent the inlet; and a controller connected to the blower and the temperature sensor, the controller being capable of activating the blower in response to temperature changes detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.