CLAGE MCX 3..7 SMARTRONIC® Electronic Instant Water Heater

1. Overview

When ordering spare parts, please always specify the appliance model, power rating, and serial number.

Illustration of the CLAGE MCX 3..7 SMARTRONIC® water heater's internal components, labeled 1-9: 1. Adjusting screw for water flow rate, 2. Hood with control panel, 3. Heating cartridge, 4. Safety temperature limiter (STB), 5. Filter, 6. Water connector, 7. Wall bracket, 8. Safety earthing terminal, 9. Cable grommet.

2. Environment and Recycling

The symbol on products and accompanying documents indicates that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery, and recycling, take these products to designated collection points. Alternatively, in some countries, products can be returned to a local retailer upon purchasing an equivalent new product. Proper disposal helps save resources and prevents negative effects on health and the environment. Penalties may apply for incorrect disposal according to national legislation. Business users should contact their dealer or supplier for disposal information. This symbol is valid only in the European Union.

Symbol: A crossed-out wheeled bin, indicating that the product should not be disposed of with general household waste.

3. Safety notes

Installation, initial operation, and maintenance must be conducted by an authorized professional responsible for adhering to applicable standards and regulations. CLAGE assumes no liability for damages caused by failure to observe these instructions.

• Do not use the appliance until correctly installed and in perfect working order.
• The appliance is suitable for domestic use in closed, frost-free rooms only and must only be used to heat incoming water from the mains supply.
• The appliance must never be exposed to frost.
• The appliance must be earthed at all times.
• The minimal specific water resistance must not fall below the value stated on the label.
• The maximum water pressure must not exceed the value on the label.
• Before commissioning for the first time and each time the appliance is emptied (e.g., due to plumbing work, risk of freezing, or maintenance), the appliance must be vented correctly according to the manual.
• Do not remove the front cover before switching off the mains electrical supply.
• Never make technical modifications to the appliance, electrical leads, or water pipes.

Pay attention that water temperatures exceeding approximately 43°C are perceived as hot, especially by children, and may cause a burning sensation. Fittings and taps can become very hot after prolonged use.

Water inlet temperature must never exceed 70°C.

In case of malfunction, disconnect fuses immediately. In case of leaks, shut off the water supply instantly. Repairs must only be carried out by the customer service department or an authorized professional.

This appliance must not be used by persons (including children) with limited physical, sensorial, or mental abilities, or lacking experience/knowledge, unless supervised by a responsible person or having received instructions. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

Symbol: An exclamation mark inside a triangle, indicating a safety warning.

4. Description of appliance

This instantaneous water heater (Fig. 1) is designed for economical water heating for a single outlet (e.g., kitchen sink or wash basin) and can be installed with any sanitary water fitting.

When the hot-water tap is opened, the heater automatically switches on when the minimum water flow rate is exceeded, heating the water as it passes through. The heater is factory-set to an outlet temperature of about 38°C, ideal for hand washing. The electronic regulator reduces power to maintain this temperature, ensuring constant, safe water temperature for hand washing at any flow rate. Temperatures can be selected via the control panel: 35°C (ECO), 38°C (COMFORT), and 45°C (MAX). Cold water can be added for lower temperatures.

The appliance switches off automatically if the flow rate or water pressure is too low, or if the warm-water tap is closed. For optimal water flow, fit the supplied jet regulator (flow regulator) into the tap outlet (fits M22/24 sleeves). The maximum outlet temperature depends on inlet water temperature, flow rate, and heating power, as shown in the diagram.

Diagram: Graph showing the maximum temperature increase (in Kelvin) versus hot water flow rate (l/min) for different power ratings (3.5 kW, 4.4 kW, 5.7 kW, 6.5 kW) of the CLAGE MCX water heater.

5. Technical specifications

Notes for table:

• 1) Temperature rise (Kelvin) + cold-water temperature = maximum hot-water temperature (°C) ≤ 70°C
• 2) The cable size must not exceed 4 mm²

6. Typical installations

3. Vented installation with special open outlet tap

Diagram illustrating the installation of the CLAGE MCX water heater for a vented system with an open outlet tap. Shows plumbing and electrical connections, dimensions in mm, and key components like angle valve, jet regulator, and wall bracket.

4. Unvented installation (closed outlet) with tap for pressurised appliances

Diagram showing the installation of the CLAGE MCX water heater for an unvented (closed outlet) system with a tap for pressurized appliances. Similar to the vented installation diagram, it details plumbing and electrical connections, dimensions, and key components.

7. The following must be observed

Install the heater near an electrical socket in a frost-free room. CLAGE accessories are recommended for guaranteed operation. Installation must comply with all statutory regulations and local electricity and water company requirements. Check technical data on the rating plate. Ensure all accessories are removed from packaging. Ensure easy access and install an external shut-off valve. Rinse water pipes thoroughly before connection. Optimal operation is ensured at a flow pressure of 0.2 to 0.4 MPa (2–4 bar). The appliance must not be subjected to pressure exceeding 1 MPa (10 bar).

Important notice for closed outlet installations: If a non-return valve is necessary, it must be installed in the hot water outlet line after the instant water heater. A non-return valve must NOT be fitted in the cold inlet line before the appliance!

Diagram: Illustration showing the correct installation of a non-return valve for closed outlet systems, indicating it must be placed on the hot water outlet after the heater, not on the cold water inlet.

8. Flexible connecting hoses

Installation guidelines: Ensure sufficient equipotential bonding. The permissible bending radius Rmin = 27 mm must be observed at all times. If the minimum bending radius cannot be observed, use a different installation method or hose. Refer to the table for minimum hose lengths based on bend angles (60mm for straight, 140mm for 90°, 180mm for 180°, 260mm for 360°).

For curved installations, ensure sufficient hose length for open loops to prevent kinking. Hose length may change slightly due to pressure or heat; compensate for straight installations. Never twist or kink flexible connections. Avoid external tensile or compressive forces. Do not overtighten rigid connections. The installer is responsible for ensuring tight joins.

The installer should check sealing materials for suitability. Hose manufacturers may not account for all connection variants.

Diagrams: Illustrations demonstrating correct and incorrect methods for installing flexible hoses, including proper bending radius, avoiding kinks, and correct connection techniques.

9. Installing the appliance

Install the heater with vertical water connectors upwards for direct connection to the sanitary tap. Secure the wall bracket to the wall using suitable screws and wall plugs (Fig. 5). Place the appliance on the wall bracket and snap it into position (Fig. 6); it may only be operated when properly seated. For tap connection (Fig. 7), cold water inlet (blue) and hot water outlet (red) are marked on the rating plate. Connect the appropriate pipe or hose from the tap to the red marked hot water outlet, avoiding mechanical stress.

After installation, check all connections for leaks and rectify if necessary. For optimal water jet at low flow rates, insert the enclosed jet regulator into the tap outlet sleeve (fits M22 or M24 threads).

Removing the appliance from the wall bracket: Insert a wide screwdriver tip into the interlock between water connections, press upwards slightly, tilt the appliance forward by max. 15°, and remove upwards (Fig. 8).

Diagrams: Fig. 5 - Securing the wall bracket; Fig. 6 - Placing the appliance onto the bracket; Fig. 7 - Tap connection details showing seal, strainer, cold water inlet, hot water outlet, and rating plate cover; Fig. 8 - Step-by-step illustration showing how to remove the appliance from the wall bracket.

10. Electrical connection

Crucial Step: Fill the appliance completely with water by repeatedly opening and closing the hot-water tap before connecting to electrical power to prevent damage to the heating element. Check that the power supply is switched OFF. The MCX 3 (3.5 kW) may come with a factory-fitted power cable and plug; ensure the cable is adequately dimensioned and the socket is accessible. Cable replacement must be done by an authorized electrician. For other MCX models, permanently connect the mains cable via a junction box as per the circuit diagram (Fig. 9). The earth conductor must be connected. A circuit breaker according to IEC with a contact opening gap of at least 3 mm per pole is required. Wiring cross-section must match the power rating. A fuse element with a tripping current commensurate with the nominal current is required for protection.

Diagram: Fig. 9 - Circuit diagram illustrating the electrical connections for CLAGE MCX water heaters, showing electronic regulator, heating element, safety thermal cut-out, and power supply connections for different voltages.

11. Purging

To prevent appliance damage, the water heater must be purged of air before first use. Repeat purging if the appliance is emptied (e.g., after plumbing work, risk of freezing, or repairs). Steps: 1. Disconnect the appliance from the electrical supply. 2. Open and close the hot water tap until no more air emerges and all air is eliminated from the heater. 3. Reconnect the power supply.

12. Commissioning

Do not switch on the electric power yet! 1. Open the hot-water tap and allow water to flow until it emerges free of air bubbles. 2. Close the circuit breaker to connect the electrical supply; water heats up after a short delay. 3. Set the desired outlet temperature and adjust water flow rate if the temperature is not reached. 4. Explain the heater's functions to the user and ensure they know how to use it. Hand over these operating instructions. 5. Register the appliance via the provided card or online at www.clage.com.

13. Rating plate cover

Removing the cover: Under this cover are the rating plate and the flow rate adjustment screw. Push the cover at the corrugation towards the wall bracket. Press down at the rear corners until the front edge lifts, then pull the cover forward (Fig. 10).

Rating plate contents: The inner part of the cover shows the appliance type (1), serial number (2), and article number (3).

Replacing the cover: Push the cover flat towards the wall bracket under the water connection edges. Press down the front edge and push it forward to secure it (Fig. 11).

Diagrams: Fig. 10 - Illustrations showing how to remove the rating plate cover. Fig. 11 - Illustrations demonstrating how to replace the rating plate cover.

14. Adjusting the water flow

Decreasing the flow rate: Turning the adjusting screw clockwise reduces the flow rate, increasing the possible outlet temperature.

Increasing the flow rate: Turning the adjusting screw counter-clockwise increases the flow rate, reducing the possible outlet temperature.

Diagram: Table illustrating the effect of adjusting the flow rate screw: clockwise reduces flow and increases temperature (+), counter-clockwise increases flow and decreases temperature (-).

15. How to use

Temperature setting: The touch key allows selection of three preset temperatures: 35°C (ECO), 38°C (COMFORT), and 45°C (MAX). Each press cycles to the next level. The current temperature is indicated by one of three colored LEDs.

Key lock and temperature lock: The currently selected temperature can be locked against unintended alteration. Activate/deactivate by pressing the touch key for approximately 5 seconds until the active LED goes out.

Diagram: Illustration of the CLAGE MCX water heater control panel, showing three colored LEDs and the touch key for temperature selection and locking.

16. Cleaning and maintenance

Clean the appliance and fittings with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, chlorine-based agents, or solvents. Keep the control panel dry. Clean the jet regulator or hand-shower regularly and replace as needed. Dirt and scale can affect performance (reduced flow, noise); have the heater inspected by a technician. Clean the cold water inlet filter regularly if the water source is risky.

17. Troubleshooting and service

The following tables help determine and rectify possible problems:

Faults and Causes

Contact CLAGE GmbH Central Customer Service:

Pirolweg 1–5, 21337 Lüneburg, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 4131 - 89 01-40

Fax: +49 (0) 4131 - 89 01-41

E-mail: service@clage.de

Internet: www.clage.com

If faults cannot be rectified using this table, please contact CLAGE GmbH for service.