Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Gas Conversion Manual

Safety Information

WARNING: Installation and conversion must be performed by a qualified service agency in accordance with manufacturer instructions and all applicable codes. Failure to do so may result in fire, explosion, property damage, personal injury, or death.

Safety Symbols:

• Safety Alert Symbol: Alerts to potential hazards.
• WARNING: Potential hazard that could result in personal injury or death if not avoided.
• DANGER: Imminent hazard that will result in personal injury or death if not avoided.
• CAUTION: Potential hazard that could result in minor or moderate injury if not avoided, or may alert against unsafe practices.

Installation must comply with local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54), CSA B149.1, and the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (Title 24 CFR, Part 3280 or CSA Z240 MH).

Models Covered

This manual applies to the following Rinnai tankless water heater models:

• Residential: RX199i, RX180i, RX160i, RX130i, RXP199i, RXP160i
• Commercial: CX199i, CX160i, CXP199i, CXP160i

Residential models are certified for mobile homes; commercial models are not.

Technical Data

Input rate verification follows National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA54 / ANSI Z223.1).

Parts List

¹ Kit includes NG and LPG gas conversion labels and this manual.

You Will Need (Field-Supplied):

• Gas analyzer
• Metal tape

Gas Conversion Steps

4.1 Adjust Parameter Settings

Adjust settings using one of two options:

• Option 1 (Recommended): Use a Bluetooth®-capable Smart Device with the Rinnai Central™ app. Ensure your device has Bluetooth 4.0 or newer.
• Option 2: Use the tankless water heater's integrated controller.

Option 1: Using the Rinnai Central™ App

1. Download the Rinnai Central™ app.
2. Open the app, create an account, and log in.
3. Power cycle the water heater (turn off and then on electrical power).
4. Push the Bluetooth button on the controller; the LED light will turn solid.
5. Connect to the water heater via the app. A beeping sound confirms pairing.
6. Follow app instructions to change the gas type.
7. Adjust any other parameters if needed.
8. Proceed to Section 4.2.

Option 2: Using the Integrated Controller

1. Remove the water heater front panel.
2. Power cycle the water heater.
3. Locate the PC board and the push buttons (“A” and “B”).
4. Press button “A” for one second to enter parameter settings mode.
5. Use the up/down arrow buttons on the controller to select parameter 10A (Natural Gas) or 10b (Propane Gas).
6. Press the “On/Off” button to confirm the selection.
7. Press and hold button “A” on the PC board for one second to save settings and exit.
8. Proceed to Section 4.2.

CAUTION: Do not touch the PC board except for the described buttons. Avoid touching areas near the heat exchanger or hot water lines as they can be hot.

Note: If error code 21 appears, contact Rinnai at 1-800-621-9419.

4.2 Gas Operating Instructions

FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE OPERATING

• This appliance has an automatic ignition system; do not attempt to light the burner manually.
• Before operating, smell for gas around the appliance, especially near the floor.
• WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS: Do not light any appliance, do not use electric switches or phones. Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. If unable to reach the supplier, call the fire department.
• Use only your hand to operate the gas control valve. Do not use tools. If the valve is stiff, call a qualified service technician.
• Do not use the appliance if any part has been under water. Call a qualified service technician for inspection and replacement of control system parts.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read safety information.
2. Set temperature controller to the lowest setting.
3. Turn off all electric power to the appliance.
4. Turn the manual gas control valve to the OFF position (clockwise).
5. Wait five minutes for gas to clear, then smell for gas. If gas is detected, follow safety instructions. If no gas is detected, proceed.
6. Turn the manual gas control valve to the full ON position (counter-clockwise).
7. Turn on all electric power to the appliance.
8. Set the temperature controller to the desired setting.
9. If the appliance does not operate, turn off the gas and call a qualified service technician or gas supplier.

TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE: Set temperature to lowest, turn off electric power, turn manual gas control valve to OFF position.

4.3 Check Operation

Follow the safety instructions in Section 4.2 before starting.

IMPORTANT: Ensure inlet gas pressure is within specified limits. Recirculation pump does not need to be disabled.

Check operation using one of the following options:

• Option 1 (Recommended): Use a gas analyzer.
• Option 2: Observe burner flames.

Option 1: Check Operation Using a Gas Analyzer

1. Remove the water heater front panel.
2. Remove the rubber cap and insert a gas analyzer probe into the opening.
3. WARNING: Exhaust gas may leak. Seal the opening with metal tape. Ensure adequate ventilation.
4. Press the “On/Off” button to start the unit.
5. Set water temperature to 120°F (49°C) or higher and turn on faucets/showers.
6. The combustion fan will start, and the spark will ignite the burner. The “In Use” light will glow red.
7. Let the unit run for at least five minutes.
8. Measure CO2 or O2 concentration in the exhaust system using the gas analyzer. Compare readings to the table below:

7. If CO2/O2 levels are within range, turn off faucets/showers.
8. Turn off the unit using the “On/Off” button.
9. Reinstall the rubber cap.
10. Reinstall the front panel.
11. CAUTION: Avoid touching hot surfaces.
12. Enter required information on the gas conversion label.
13. Apply the gas conversion label to the left side of the water heater, above existing labels.
14. Conversion steps are complete.

Option 2: Check Operation by Observing Burner Flames

1. Remove the water heater front panel.
2. Press the “On/Off” button to start the unit. Set water temperature and turn on faucets/showers.
3. The combustion fan will start, and the spark will ignite the burner. The “In Use” light will glow red.
4. Let the unit run for at least five minutes.
5. Observe burner flames through the circular window. Flames should be even, clear, blue, and stable. Yellow flames indicate a problem.
6. If flames are satisfactory, turn off faucets/showers.
7. Turn off the unit using the “On/Off” button.
8. Reinstall the front panel.
9. CAUTION: Avoid touching hot surfaces.
10. Enter required information on the gas conversion label.
11. Apply the gas conversion label to the left side of the water heater, above existing labels.
12. Conversion steps are complete.