Rinnai Neo Inbuilt and Freestanding Gas Fireplaces

Operation Guide

This guide provides essential information for the operation, maintenance, and safety of your Rinnai Neo gas fire. Please read these instructions carefully before operating the appliance.

Important: The appliance must be installed with a Rinnai approved flue system and in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions, AS/NZS 5601, AS/NZS 5263, and AS/NZS 3000 standards. It is designed for Natural Gas or Universal LPG. Installation, commissioning, servicing, and removal must be performed by an authorized person.

Warning: This appliance requires permanent ventilation for the room in which it is installed. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

For more information, contact Rinnai at 0800 RINNAI (0800 746 624) or visit rinnai.co.nz.

Servicing and Serial Number

Gas fires require regular maintenance. Rinnai gas fires should be serviced every two years, including inspection of the flue system. The serial number, located on the back of this guide, is necessary for registration and app usage (if Wi-Fi module is installed).

Safety

• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised.
• Do not operate if any part of the appliance is damaged.
• Do not place articles on or against the appliance.
• Do not use or store flammable materials near the appliance.
• Do not spray aerosols in the vicinity of the appliance while it is operating.
• Do not modify the appliance.
• The fire must not be located immediately below a power socket outlet.
• Do not allow anyone to post articles through into the heater.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance. Avoid hand or body contact with the appliance.
• Do not use or store flammable materials near the appliance.
• A dedicated 230 V earthed 10 A power point must be used. Do not use power boards or double adaptors.
• This appliance must not be used for any purpose other than heating.
• Do not allow anyone to sit, lean, or sleep directly in front of the appliance.
• Combustible materials must not be placed where the heater could ignite them.
• Do not place containers of liquid on top of the appliance, as water can cause damage and create an electrocution hazard.
• Do not restrict warm air discharge by placing articles in front of the appliance.
• The glass dress guard must be fitted to reduce the risk of serious burns and should not be permanently removed.
• Do not spray aerosols while the appliance is operating, as most contain butane gas which can be a fire hazard.

General Information

• Electrical Connection: The Neo is fitted with a 1.5 m power cord and 3-pin plug. The standard connection is on the right side but can be changed by an electrician. It must be connected to a dedicated earthed power point. The electric isolation switch must be accessible after installation. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a licensed tradesperson using genuine Rinnai parts.
• Installation by a Licensed Tradesperson: Only a licensed tradesperson can install, adjust, maintain, service, and remove this gas fire. Unauthorized work will void the warranty.
• Installer Handover: Ensure your installer explains the use and care of the appliance and that you understand the instructions. The installer must complete the installation checklist and installer details.
• Safety Devices: The Neo is equipped with overheat switches, an electrical fuse, a flame failure sensing system, and automatic shutdown in case of power failure.
• Soot Deposits: Small soot deposits are normal. Significant build-up requires a service call.
• Environmental: The Neo is manufactured from recyclable materials. Consider recycling at the end of its life.
• Care and Maintenance: Clean external surfaces with a soft damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use solvents or clean while the unit is hot.
• Servicing: Rinnai recommends servicing every two years, or annually in dusty environments or where lint is present. Regular maintenance is not covered by warranty.

About your Rinnai Neo gas fire

Congratulations on your purchase of the Rinnai Neo gas fire.

• Interchangeable Frames: Frames can be mixed and matched.
• Infra-red Remote Control: The remote operates via an infra-red signal and has a range of up to 7m. Fluorescent lights may interfere with the signal.
• Glass Dress Guard: Provides protection without obstructing the view.
• Error Display Window: Located on the top fold of the outer frame.
• Infra-red Remote Receiver Window and Ignition Indicator: Beeps when receiving a signal and flashes green during ignition.
• Manual Control Panel: Located on the top left corner of the outer frame, featuring an ON/OFF button and an LED indicator for unit status (Standby: LED red, Power disruption: LED flashes red).

How the Rinnai Neo Starts

Pressing the ON/OFF button initiates the ignition sequence:

1. Infra-red receiver window pulses green.
2. Ignition sparker operates; gas flows to the burner upon spark sensing.
3. Heater modulates flame and heat to maintain a default temperature of 22°C.

Do not unplug or turn off the main power supply immediately after turning off the fire, as the convection fan needs time to cool the unit down.

Power Cut or Power Disruption:

If power is disrupted, the fire will enter flame failure mode upon restoration. Flashing zeros will appear in the error display. To reset, press the ON/OFF button twice.

Position of the Rinnai Neo Inbuilt on a Wall:

The Neo Inbuilt performs best when installed close to the floor. Higher installations may cause drafts due to convection fan air movement.

Wall Surface Above the Fire:

The wall surface above the appliance may become warm and could discolour paint or distort vinyl. Contact the manufacturer for surface specifications.

Operation Using the Remote

The remote control functions are available when the appliance's On/Off button is in the On position.

• Signal Transmission: The unit beeps and flashes to confirm received settings.
• Lost or Misplaced Remote: The fire can still be operated using the control panel's power button, but with limited capacity.
• Remote Safety: Keep the remote away from children. Ensure batteries are inaccessible. Replace the remote if the housing is broken. Avoid getting the remote wet.
• Batteries: The remote uses two Lithium cell CR2450 batteries. Never mix old and new batteries. Pull the clear tab to activate. Remove batteries if the remote is not used for an extended period.

Changing the Batteries:

1. Slide a fingernail under the bottom corner and gently pry apart the back cover.
2. Unscrew the two small screws holding the black retaining bridge between the batteries.
3. Replace batteries with the printed side facing up. Take care as battery contact edges can be sharp.
4. Replace the black bridging plate to prevent children accessing the batteries.

Flame and Heat Setting:

The flame setting defaults to level five (high). Use the up and down buttons to control flame height and heat output. The fan speed is preset and linked to the flame height.

• Flame height 1: low fan speed
• Flame height 2: low fan speed
• Flame height 3: high fan speed
• Flame height 4: high fan speed
• Flame height 5: high fan speed

Indicative Room Temperature Display:

Displays room temperature and a low battery symbol. The backlight stays on for approximately five seconds. Note that temperature readings from the remote and the app may differ.

Temperature Sensor Position:

The temperature sensor is at the bottom of the remote and can be affected by direct sunlight, drafts, and body heat.

Positioning

Maintain minimum clearances as specified. The Neo must not be installed where curtains or other combustible materials can contact the fire. For inbuilt models, side clearance is measured from the edge of the inner glass.

• Floor Protection: Heat may affect flooring materials like vinyl, carpet, cork, or timber. A mat in front is recommended.
• Hearths: Hearths are optional for decorative purposes but must not obscure or obstruct the fire.

Mantels and Surrounds - Inbuilt Models

Combustible mantels and surrounds require clearance to minimize fire risk. Minimum clearances are specified:

• A: Mantel must be a minimum of 400 mm from the edge of the inner glass.
• B: Maximum mantel depth at 400 mm (A) is 250 mm.
• C: Surround must be a minimum of 150 mm from the edge of the inner glass.

For every 50 mm of added mantel depth, an additional 100 mm of clearance is required.

TV Installation

The Neo's fan distributes warm air outwards, making TV installation possible. The bottom of the television should be at least 400-450 mm above the fire. For TVs mounted directly above, the mantel must be at least the TV's depth to deflect heat.

Always check with the TV manufacturer regarding installation above a fireplace, as some have warranty conditions that prohibit this. Rinnai is not responsible for damage to TVs.

Abnormal Flame Pattern

Each Rinnai flame fire has a distinct flame pattern that should be consistent after an initial warm-up period. Abnormal patterns may indicate issues like blocked gas injectors or shifted burn media. Warning signs include unusual smells, difficulty establishing a flame, very short or long flames, flames only burning partway across the burner, or severe soot build-up on the glass.

If any of these signs occur, contact Rinnai.

• Normal Flame Pattern: Should look consistent.
• Abnormal Flame Pattern: Indicates a potential issue.
• Soot Build-up: May occur on logs or glass. Severe build-up requires attention.

Error Codes

The Neo has self-diagnostic electronics. Faults are indicated by flashing numbers in the error display window:

• 00: Mains power failure. Reset the fire by pressing the On/Off button twice.
• 11: Ignition failure. Check gas supply, turn off/on. Service call if problem persists.
• 12: Incomplete/interrupted combustion. Check gas supply, turn off/on. Service call if problem persists.
• 14: Overheat safety device. Possible fan fault or heat buildup. Service call required.
• 16: Room overheat. Lower room temperature below 40°C.
• 31, 32, 33: Temperature sensor faulty. Service call required.
• 53: Spark sensor faulty. Service call required.
• 61: Combustion fan motor faulty. Service call required.
• 70: Model error. Incorrect PCB. Service call required.
• 71: Solenoids faulty. Service call required.
• 72: Flame detection circuit fault. Service call required.
• 73 (Wi-Fi): Communication error. Service call required.
• 90 (Wi-Fi): Communication error between main PCB and Wi-Fi module. Reset Wi-Fi module.
• 91 (Wi-Fi): Communication error between smart device and Wi-Fi module. Check Wi-Fi settings and range.

Troubleshooting

• Initial Burning-in Period: Some smoke and smell are normal for the first few hours of operation.
• Overheat Safety Switch: If the appliance repeatedly shuts off, servicing may be required.
• First Use/Long Non-Use: Ignition may fail due to air in gas pipes. Try operating again.
• Noises: Clicking or clunking noises during start-up, shutdown, or operation are due to expansion/contraction of components or gas valve operation and are normal.
• Unusual Smells: Can be caused by grease, oil, dust, or external sources like paint fumes or cooking odors. These should dissipate.
• Smell of Gas: Indicates a potential leak. Turn off gas at the meter or cylinder and call your installer immediately.
• Soot Marks and Condensation on Glass: Small soot deposits on logs are normal. Severe deposits or condensation may indicate installation or gas pressure issues, requiring a service call.
• Performance Problems:
  • Warm air not coming from unit on startup: The fan starts with a delay to allow the fire to warm up and prevent cold drafts.
  • Fan continues to run after unit is turned off: This is for residual heat removal and will stop when the fire cools.
  • Fire will not light: Ensure power cord is plugged in and gas supply is on.
  • Unit stops during operation: Could be due to power failure or gas supply being turned off.
• Remote Problems:
  • Remote control doesn't work: Ensure the unit is plugged in and on. Check if the remote signal is out of range, obstructed, or if batteries are low.

Limited Warranty

Rinnai offers a 5-year firebox warranty and a 2-year warranty on all other parts and labor, effective from the date of first installation. Proof of purchase and installation date is required for warranty claims. This warranty is valid only in the country of purchase.

• Warranty Terms and Conditions: Appliances must be installed, operated, and maintained according to manufacturer instructions and local regulations by authorized personnel. Servicing should be done by Rinnai authorized service centers. The warranty applies only to Rinnai-supplied components.
• Warranty Exclusions: The warranty may be voided by accidental damage, acts of nature, abuse, misuse, improper maintenance, unauthorized installations or repairs, issues related to installation or utility failures, minor noises, building work costs for access, subjective issues within normal operating parameters, or variances in appearance.

Installation Checklist

The installer must complete this checklist and provide it to the homeowner, along with instructions on use and safety. The glass dress guard must be fitted and not permanently removed.

• Appliance positioned correctly with required clearances.
• Rinnai flue system installed and tested.
• Gas pressures checked and set.
• Commissioned as per instructions.
• Burn media installed correctly.
• Manual on/off button operational.
• Glass dress guard fitted and homeowner advised.
• Customer instructed on operation and safety.
• Customer advised on servicing schedule.
• Appliance tested for correct operation and gas leaks.

Installer Details

Company name, installer name, address, phone, mobile, and certificate of compliance number must be recorded.

Purchase Details

Record retailer, address, date of purchase, and product details. Register your fire online at www.rinnai.co.nz/register/ using the model and serial number.

For warranty claims, contact Rinnai on 0800 RINNAI (0800 746 624) or email info@rinnai.co.nz.

Visit Rinnai.co.nz, call 0800746624, or find them on YouTube (youtube.com/rinnainz) and Facebook (facebook.com/rinnainz).

Serial number / Wi-Fi code: Neo RIB2312 operation guide: 12149-B