⚠ WARNING
This conversion kit must be installed by a qualified service agency in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and all applicable codes and requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. The information in these instructions must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death. The qualified service agency is responsible for the proper installation of this kit. The installation is not proper and complete until the operation of the converted appliance is checked as specified in the manufacturer's instructions supplied with the kit.
Models
This manual applies to the following Rinnai tankless water heater models:
| Residential Models | Commercial Models |
|---|---|
| RX199i (REU-NB3237FF-US) | CX199i (REU-NB3237FFC-US) |
| RX180i (REU-NB2934FF-US) | CX160i (REU-NB2530FFC-US) |
| RX160i (REU-NB2530FF-US) | CXP199i (REU-NBP3237FFC-US) |
| RX130i (REU-NB2024FF-US) | CXP160i (REU-NBP2530FFC-US) |
| RXP199i (REU-NBP3237FF-US) | |
| RXP160i (REU-NBP2530FF-US) | |
| Residential models are certified for installation in mobile homes. Commercial models are not certified for installation in mobile homes. | |
1. Safety
For installations in Canada, the conversion must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the provincial authorities having jurisdiction and in accordance with the requirements of the CSA-B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
The appliance must be installed in accordance with:
- Local codes or, in the absence of local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 and/or CSA B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
- The Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280 or CSA Z240 MH Series, Manufactured Homes.
1.1 Safety Symbols
Understanding the safety alert symbols:
⚠ Safety alert symbol: Alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
⚠ WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in personal injury or death.
⚠ DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in personal injury or death.
⚠ CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
2. Technical Data
IMPORTANT: The French manual continues on page 8.
| Model | RX199i, RXP199i, CX199i, CXP199i | RX180i | RX160i, RXP160i, CX160i, CXP160i | RX130i | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Consumption (Btu/h) | Minimum | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Maximum | 199,000 | 180,000 | 160,000 | 130,000 | |
| Gas Supply Pressure | Natural Gas | Minimum: 3.5 in. (0.87 kPa) W.C. Maximum: 10.5 in. (2.61 kPa) W.C. | |||
| Propane | Minimum: 8.0 in. (1.99 kPa) W.C. Maximum: 13.5 in. (3.36 kPa) W.C. | ||||
The input rate can be verified by following the procedure in the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA54 / ANSI Z223.1, 2021 or latest edition).
3. Parts List
The gas manifold is stamped "LP" for Liquid Propane gas or "NG" for Natural Gas.
| Model | Gas Type | Kit Number¹ | Conversion Plate | Conversion Manual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX199i, RXP199i, CX199i, CXP199i | NG/LP | 104000330 | 100000831/100000832 | 100000841 |
| RX180i | NG/LP | 104000331 | 100000833/100000834 | |
| RX160i, RXP160i, CX160i, CXP160i | NG/LP | 104000332 | 100000835/100000836 | |
| RX130i | NG/LP | 104000333 | 100000837/100000838 |
¹ Kit includes conversion plate and conversion manual.
You Will Need (Field-Supplied):
- Gas analyzer
- Metal tape
4. Gas Conversion Steps
4.1 Adjust Parameter Settings
IMPORTANT:
- Confirm that the inlet gas pressure is between the minimum and maximum pressures allowed for this appliance.
- If the tankless unit has recirculation capabilities, the pump does not have to be disabled when performing these steps.
⚠ CAUTION ???
Do not touch any other areas on the PC board other than the described buttons while power is supplied to the appliance. Parts of the PC board are supplied with 120 VAC.
Do not touch the areas at or near the heat exchanger or hot water lines; these areas become hot and could cause burns.
- Remove the front panel by removing the two screws and releasing the two latches.
- Locate the PC board (lower front of unit). (Depiction: A diagram shows the internal components of a tankless water heater, highlighting the PC board at the lower front with two push buttons labeled "A" and "B".)
- Locate the two push buttons (“A” and “B”) on the PC board.
- Press the "A" button for one second to enter into parameter settings mode.
- Press the up and down arrow buttons on the controller until parameter setting 10A appears in the display. (Depiction: A diagram shows a digital controller display with "10A" and "°F/°C" indicators, along with up, down, and "On/Off" buttons.)
- Press the “On/Off” button to change the selection:
- Select 10A for Natural Gas (NG)
- Select 10b for Propane (LP)
- Once the parameter is set accordingly, press and hold the "A" button on the PC Board for one second to save your settings and exit parameter settings mode.
- Proceed to the next section to continue the conversion steps.
4.2 Gas Operating Instructions
The following operating information is required by ANSI Z21.10.3.
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE OPERATING
If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
- This appliance does not have a pilot. It is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the burner. Do not try to light the burner by hand.
- BEFORE OPERATING, smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
- WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
- Do not try to light any appliance.
- Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any phone in your building.
- Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.
- If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
- Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control valve. Never use tools. If the gas control valve will not turn by hand, do not try to repair it, call a qualified service technician. Force or attempted repair may result in a fire or explosion.
- Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- STOP! Read the safety information above.
- Set the temperature controller to lowest setting.
- Turn off all electric power to the appliance.
- This appliance does not have a pilot. It is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the burner. Do not try to light the burner by hand.
- Turn the manual gas control valve located at gas inlet of appliance clockwise (right turn) to the OFF position. (Depiction: A diagram shows a gas valve with a handle, indicating "CLOSE" when turned clockwise and "OPEN" when turned counter-clockwise.)
- Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow "B" in the safety information above. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.
- Turn the manual gas valve located at gas inlet of appliance counterclockwise (left turn) to the full ON position.
- Turn on all electric power to the appliance.
- Set the temperature controller to desired setting.
- If the appliance will not operate, follow the instructions "To Turn Off Gas To Appliance" and call your service technician or gas supplier.
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
- Set the temperature controller to lowest setting.
- Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed.
- Turn the manual gas control valve located at gas inlet of appliance clockwise (right turn) to the OFF position.
4.3 Check Operation
⚠ WARNING: Follow the section "For Your Safety Read Before Operating" in section "4.2 Gas Operating Instructions" before starting the steps below.
Check operation of the tankless water heater by choosing one of the following options:
- Option 1: Check operation by using a gas analyzer (recommended)
- Option 2: Check operation by observing the burner flames
Option 1: Check Operation by Using a Gas Analyzer (Recommended)
- Remove the rubber cap and insert a gas analyzer probe (field-supplied) into the opening. (Depiction: A detailed diagram shows the top-right internal section of the water heater, with an arrow pointing to a rubber cap that needs to be removed to access an opening for a gas analyzer probe.)
⚠ WARNING: Exhaust gas may leak from the opening while the burner is on. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, which can cause personal injury or death. Seal the opening with metal tape or other appropriate methods while the gas analyzer measures the exhaust gas. Also, sufficient ventilation is required to avoid a potential hazardous situation.
- Press the "On/Off" button on the controller to start the unit. The LED display will illuminate, the combustion fan will begin to run if water is flowing, and the spark will ignite the main burner. (Depiction: A digital controller display with "On" button, up/down arrows, and "°F/°C" indicator, highlighting the "On/Off" button.)
- Set water temperature to 120°F (49°C) or higher, and turn on two or three faucets or showers. Refer to the "Tankless Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual" for steps on adjusting water temperature. (Depiction: A digital controller display with "In Use" light, up/down arrows, and "°F/°C" indicator.)
- This water heater has an automatic ignition system. When the main burner is lit, the "In Use" light will glow red and the spark will stop.
- Let a unit run for at least five minutes, and then measure the concentration of carbon dioxide by the gas analyzer to confirm measured carbon dioxide is within the following ranges:
- Converting from Propane to Natural Gas: 7.0 – 11.0%
- Converting from Natural Gas to Propane: 7.9 – 11.9%
- If the measured carbon dioxide is within the appropriate range, turn off water faucets or showers.
- Turn off the unit by pressing the "On/Off" button on the controller.
- Reinstall the rubber cap.
- Reinstall the front panel using the two screws and two latches to secure it.
- Enter the required information on the conversion plate. (Depiction: A form for the conversion plate with fields for Model, Conversion Kit #, Gas Supply Pressure (Min/Max), Manifold Pressure, Input Rating (Max/Min BTU/H), conversion date, kit #, and organization name/address. It specifies "PROPANE Gas" for use.)
- Affix the conversion plate as close as possible to the existing rating plate on the appliance.
Option 2: Check Operation by Observing the Burner Flames
- Press the "On/Off" button on the controller to start the unit. The LED display will illuminate, the combustion fan will begin to run if water is flowing, and the spark will ignite the main burner. (Depiction: A digital controller display with "In Use" light, up/down arrows, and "°F/°C" indicator, highlighting the "On/Off" button.)
- Set water temperature to 120°F (49°C) or higher, and turn on two or three faucets or showers. Refer to the "Tankless Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual" for steps on adjusting water temperature.
- This water heater has an automatic ignition system. When the main burner is lit, the "In Use” light will glow red and the spark will stop.
- Let the tankless unit run for at least five minutes.
- Check that the burner flames are operating normally. The flame can be seen through the circular window below the burner. When operating normally, the burner flame should burn evenly over the entire surface. The flame should be clear, blue and stable. A yellow flame is abnormal and maintenance is required. (Depiction: Two diagrams showing a front view of the flame rod and burner. One shows "SATISFACTORY" with blue flames, the other "UNSATISFACTORY" with yellow flames.)
- If the flame looks satisfactory, turn off water faucets or showers.
- Turn off the unit by pressing the "On/Off" button on the controller.
- Reinstall the front panel using the two screws and two latches to secure it.
⚠ CAUTION ???
Do not touch the areas at or near the heat exchanger or hot water lines; these areas become hot and could cause burns.
- Enter the required information on the conversion plate. (Depiction: A form for the conversion plate with fields for Model, Conversion Kit #, Gas Supply Pressure (Min/Max), Manifold Pressure, Input Rating (Max/Min BTU/H), conversion date, kit #, and organization name/address. It specifies "PROPANE Gas" for use.)
- Affix the conversion plate as close as possible to the existing rating plate on the appliance.
Key Points for a Successful Installation (Summary from pages 17-18)
Before Proceeding
- Read the Installation and Operation Manual.
- Use the Installation Checklist in the Installation and Operation Manual after completing the installation.
- Refer to the "Water Quality Guidelines" section in the manual for important water quality information.
- Pay close attention when unpacking the water heater carton box as the packing includes additional components.
- Confirm all included parts are located inside the water heater carton box.
Initial Settings
Confirm or change settings of the tankless water heater by choosing one of two options:
Option 1: Using a Bluetooth®-Capable Smart Device
- Supply power to the tankless water heater.
- Display shows "SEt" and Priority button LED is blinking.
- Download and install the Rinnai Central™ app.
- Open the Rinnai Central™ app, create an account, and log in.
- Push the Bluetooth button on the controller. The Bluetooth LED light turns solid.
- Tap "Connect to a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater" on the Rinnai Central™ app.
- Follow the steps in the Rinnai Central™ app to confirm and/or change tankless water heater settings.
- Display will turn off.
- Tankless water heater setup is complete. Press the on/off button to turn on the tankless water heater.
Option 2: Using Integrated Controller
- Supply power to the tankless water heater.
- Display shows "SEt" and Priority button LED is blinking.
- Press the Priority button.
- Display shows "nG" (Natural Gas).
- Toggle between gas types "nG" (Natural Gas) or "LPG" (Liquid Propane Gas) by pressing the up or down arrow buttons.
- Select desired gas type to display.
- Confirm selection of gas type by pressing the On/Off button.
- Display shows "in" (Indoor Installation).
- Toggle between "In" (indoor) and "Out" (outdoor) by pressing the up or down arrow buttons.
- Select desired location to display ("in" or "Out").
- Confirm installation location by pressing On/Off button.
- Display flashes desired selections for gas type and location. Priority button LED also flashing.
- To restart the selection process, press up arrow button or press Priority button to confirm gas and location selections.
- Display will briefly show "888" and sound a beep.
- Display will turn off.
- Initial settings are complete. Press the on/off button to turn on the tankless water heater.
Venting (For Indoor Installations Only)
- Ensure vent pipe slopes 1/4" per ft. (21 mm per meter) toward the water heater.
- Ensure vent system doesn't exceed maximum length allowed.
- Room air installations: Remove the air inlet cap and install elbow and vent screen. (Depiction: Diagrams show removing an air inlet cap and installing an elbow and vent screen for room air installations.)
Recirculation Pump (RXP199i, RXP160i, CXP199i and CXP160i Models Only)
Select the appropriate recirculation mode (Dedicated or crossover) in the parameter settings.
- Dedicated mode (parameter setting 04b)
- Crossover mode (parameter setting 04c)
Install crossover valve at the furthest fixture from the tankless water heater.
NOTE: To remove air, open a hot water fixture during pump operation. If the air is not fully removed, the pump could run dry.
| Maximum Pipe Length (Crossover and Dedicated Mode) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Diameter | 3/4 in. | 1/2 in. |
| Total | 400 ft | 100 ft |
Gas Conversion
If converting from NG to LPG, apply the supplied gas conversion label at an open space above the existing label on the left side of the water heater. (Depiction: A diagram shows the left side of a water heater with an existing label and an arrow pointing to where the new gas conversion label should be applied.)
Condensate
The end of the condensate drain should be open to atmosphere. (Depiction: A diagram shows a condensate drain pipe ending in an open air gap, with a crossed-out diagram showing the pipe submerged in water and another crossed-out diagram showing an external condensate trap.)
- ❌ DO NOT submerge end of pipe in water.
- ❌ DO NOT install an external condensate trap.
