Rinnai INFINITY Continuous Flow Water Heaters User Guide

: June 9, 2024
: Rinnai

Table of Contents

Rinnai INFINITY Continuous Flow Water Heaters
Important
Warning about hot water
Safety and important messages
About your water heater
General information
INFINITY controllers
Troubleshooting
Draining the water heater
Limited Warranty
- Warranty terms and conditions
Pro rata heat exchanger warranty table
Water quality
Purchase details
Installer details
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Rinnai INFINITY Continuous Flow Water Heaters

Important

This guide is applicable for continuous flow water heaters manufactured from 2019 onwards serial number 18.12-xxxx. This appliance must be installed in accordance with:

Manufacturer’s installation instructions
Current AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 3500, AS/NZS 5601.1 and G12/AS1

For use with Natural Gas or Universal LPG as indicated on the appliance.

Not suitable as a spa or swimming pool heater.
Not suitable for hydronic applications.
The EF26 and A-Series external models are not suitable for solar installations.

Appliance must be installed, commissioned and serviced by an authorised person, being in New Zealand a licensed gasfitter.

Warning

Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service and maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury or loss of life. For more information about buying, using, and servicing of Rinnai appliances call: 0800 RINNAI (0800 746 624).

Rinnai New Zealand Limited 105 Pavilion Drive, Mangere, Auckland PO Box 53177, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2150

Phone: (09) 257-3800
Email: info@rinnai.co.nz
Web: rinnai.co.nz
youtube.com/rinnainz
facebook.com/rinnainz

Warning about hot water

Excessively hot water is dangerous. Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow water heaters, through the use of water controllers, allow you to control the temperature of hot water to safe levels.

Always

Test the water temperature with your elbow before placing your child in the bath, and feel the water yourself before bathing or showering.
Supervise children whenever they are in the bathroom.
Make sure the hot water tap is turned off.

Consider

Installing child proof tap covers or child resistant taps, both will prevent a child being able to turn on a tap.

Never

Leave a toddler in the care of another child. They may not understand the need to have the water temperature set at a safe level.

Safety and important messages

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a licensed tradesperson. This must be a genuine replacement part available from Rinnai.

DO NOT

Touch the unit cover or the flue outlet
Insert objects into the flue outlet
Spray water directly into the flue outlet
Spray aerosols in the vicinity of this appliance while it is operating
Use or store flammable materials near this appliance
Place articles on or against the water heater
Store pool chemicals near this appliance
Modify this appliance

Keep trees, shrubs, and other obstructions well clear of the flue outlet.

About your water heater

Before using or operating your water heater, ensure your installer talks to you about the use and care of this appliance, and that you understand these instructions. Your installer needs to complete their details at the back of this guide, and the commissioning checklist supplied with the unit—this verifies the water heater has been installed and commissioned correctly. The installer needs to leave the commissioning checklist and this operation guide with you.

Damage prevention in freezing conditions

The Rinnai INFINITY water heaters require power to prevent damage in freezing conditions. DO NOT disconnect the power if there is a likelihood of freezing without draining the water heater. Instructions for draining the water heater can be found on p.10.

How the water heater operates

The burner lights automatically when the hot water tap is opened, and goes out when the tap is closed. Ignition is electronic, there is no pilot light. When the hot water tap is off there is no gas used.

In the event of a power failure

The water heater will not operate without electricity. If the power fails water heating will cease. When the power is restored the water flow may need to be stopped and restarted (and a controller, if fitted, switched on) in order for water heating to continue.

Water flow

The flow will vary slightly depending on the incoming water temperature and temperature selected. For example, the water flow will be higher at 43 °C than at 55 °C.
There is also a minimum flow rate required for the continuous flow unit to start, so if a hot water tap is only opened a fraction, there may not be enough flow to start the unit.

General information

Frost protection

Frost protection is fitted as standard on all models. Frost protection operates automatically, as required, whenever the appliance is connected to power.
If the power has failed and there is a risk of damage from frost, turn off the gas supply to the unit and open a tap to allow flow through the unit, this may prevent damage from freezing.
If the INFINITY is not going to be used for a period and the power supply is disconnected, turn off the water and gas supplies, and arrange for a plumber to drain the water to prevent frost damage. If for practical reasons a plumber is unable to drain the INFINITY, there is an instruction on p.10.

Installation by a licensed tradesperson

Only a licensed tradesperson can install, adjust, maintain, and service this water heater. Any work carried out by a non-licensed tradesperson is illegal and will void any warranty.

Safety devices

The Rinnai INFINITY has the following safety devices fitted:

flame failure
boil-dry protection
overheat protection (OHS)
fusible link
pressure relief valve
combustion fan rpm check

Discolouration of flue outlets

The colour of the flue outlet may change over time due to condensate in the exhaust gases. This is normal. The discolouration will not damage the unit and will not affect the performance of the water heater.

Environmental

The Rinnai INFINITY is manufactured from a number of recyclable materials. At the end of its useful life please consider what parts could be recycled, for example scrap metal, PCB etc.

Servicing

Rinnai has a maintenance, service and spare parts network with personnel who are fully trained and equipped to give the best advice on your Rinnai appliance. Servicing and repair should only be carried out by authorised personnel, please call Rinnai (0800 746 624). For reliable operation Rinnai INFINITY water heaters in residential applications should be serviced every two years*. Regular maintenance and servicing is not covered by the Rinnai warranty. Do not attempt to carry out any service work other than that mentioned in this guide. If you have any other faults or problems, please contact your installer or Rinnai.

Including the flue system if you have an internal unit
Installations located in or near coastal areas may require additional maintenance due to corrosive airborne ocean salt

INFINITY controllers

Temperature controllers are available to allow precise digital temperature control—a great safety feature if you have young children. Controllers can be fitted at any time during or after installation of the Rinnai INFINITY.

Solar installations

There is a recommended solar layout for continuous flow water heaters used in solar installations. It is important your installer configures your solar system correctly as water heaters in solar installations produce higher than normal temperatures. INFINITY controllers cannot be used with Rinnai continuous flow water heaters in solar installations as the hot water does not always pass through the unit. The EF26 and A-Series external models are not suitable for solar installations as they cannot be set to 75 °C.

INFINITY controllers

Water controllers are an optional extra. They allow precise temperature control—no need to mix hot and cold water.

General controller information

When used correctly the Rinnai INFINITY, when combined with digital controllers will deliver the selected temperature at the controller, even when the water flow varies, or when more than one tap is in use. Each digital water controller can be individually programmed, though the INFINITY can only deliver one set temperature at a time. For example, someone is showering at a temperature of 43 °C, and another person uses the kitchen tap. The kitchen tap can only deliver 43 °C until the person in the shower is finished.

Available Rinnai controllers

Compact, temperature selection only
Kitchen Deluxe, temperature selection and voice prompting
Bathroom Deluxe, temperature selection, shower saver, bath fill, and voice prompting

Controller configurations

A maximum of four (three for the VCM indoor models, and N-Series) water controllers can be fitted, with the following provisos:

Only one Kitchen Deluxe controller can be fitted. A Kitchen Deluxe is only installed if a Bathroom Deluxe controller is installed.
Only two Bathroom deluxe controllers can be fitted.
Only one controller can be set to deliver 55 °C, this cannot be the controller in the bathroom.

Controllers need to be turned on

The Rinnai INFINITY will not heat the water unless the controller(s) are turned on. If water is flowing before a controller is turned on, the Rinnai INFINITY will not heat the water. Turn off the tap for a few seconds then turn on again.

Ignition problems

If the Rinnai INFINITY fails to ignite the ‘In Use’ indicator will not illuminate. The Rinnai INFINITY will not attempt re-ignition until the water flow is stopped for a few seconds and then restarted. When gas bottles have been changed or the gas supply is disrupted (controller may display error code 11 or 12) ignition may fail and the ‘In Use’ indicator won’t be on. The water flow may need to be stopped and restarted several times before the appliance will operate.

Available temperatures on controllers (°C)

Kitchen (domestic) 351, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 48, 50, 55
Bathroom (hot water) 351, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 50
Bathroom (bathfill) 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48
1 HD 56kWe only

For water temperatures lower than 37 °C, add cold water.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting without controllers

Faults caused by insufficient gas supply, insufficient water supply, gas quality, water quality, installation errors or operation errors are not covered by warranty.

Troubleshooting with controllers

Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow water heaters have self-diagnostic capability. If a fault occurs, an error code will flash in the digital water controllers (or status monitor on selected models). This assists in diagnosing the fault—please state the code displayed when contacting Rinnai. In all cases you may be able to clear the error code by turning the hot water tap off, then on again. If this does not clear the error code, trying pushing the On/Off button Off, then On again. If the error code remains, contact Rinnai for advice.

Service reminder: Rinnai recommends commercial appliances are serviced annually. N-series models display a scheduled service reminder code 55 (when programmed to do so) when the annual service period has elapsed as a reminder that the water heater is due to be serviced. The reminder code flashes intermittently on the status monitor and water controllers (if fitted)—normal operation of the appliance is not affected.

Draining the water heater

Frost protection is fitted as standard on all Rinnai INFINITY water heaters. Frost protection operates automatically, as required, as long as the appliance is connected to the power supply.

If you live in an area prone to frost and will be away for an extended period with the power supply disconnected, Rinnai recommend draining your appliance to prevent frost damage, which is not covered by warranty. We strongly recommend having your water heater drained by a plumber or gasfitter, but understand that remote locations and cost may prohibit this.

About these instructions

These instructions are intended as a guide only. Rinnai does not accept liability for issues arising from the use of this information. In particular Rinnai will not be responsible for damage caused by water freezing where this procedure was not followed and insufficient water was drained from the unit.

Procedure

You will need

A bucket if water cannot be drained into a garden or drain
Approximately 15 minutes to complete the procedure

Wait until the water cools before draining as hot water will drain from the unit if there has been recent hot water use.

Turn off any water controllers in the building and then turn off the water, gas, and power to the unit.
To flush the water heater open all hot water taps in the building.
If required, place the bucket under the unit and unscrew the water filter and hot water drain plug.
Drain the water heater—the unit and surrounding pipes can hold up to one litre of water.

Refilling the Rinnai INFINITY

Check the gas and power are turned off. Turn off any open hot water taps.
Screw in the water heater drain plugs and the water filter in the cold water inlet.
Turn on the cold water at the water heater.
Turn on the hot tap to purge air from the pipe work and unit, then turn off the hot tap.
Turn on the gas and power at the Rinnai INFINITY and turn on any digital controllers (if fitted).

When the water heater or external pipes have frozen

DO NOT operate the Rinnai INFINITY if the water heater or the external pipes have frozen. Close the gas and water valves, and turn off the power. Wait until the water thaws, check this by opening the water supply valve. Check the Rinnai INFINITY and pipes for leaks.

Please note: The hot water drain plug and water filter positions will vary depending on the model. The images below are to highlight what they look like.

Limited Warranty

Rinnai INFINITY Continuous Flow Water Heaters

Rinnai warranty summary table

This warranty is applicable for all Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow water heaters manufactured from 2019 onwards. All terms of the warranty, subject to the conditions below, are effective from the date of first installation. The attending service person reserves the right to verify this by requesting a copy of the gas certificate of compliance prior to commencement of any warranty work. Proof of purchase and installation date will be required at the time of any warranty claim. This warranty is only valid within the country of purchase.

Under a pro rata warranty, if the heat exchanger fails before the end of the warranty, Rinnai will replace the heat exchanger at a cost that depends on the age of the heat exchanger at the time of the fault. For further details refer to the pro rata table on p.14.
Whichever comes first

Residential application

A residential application is defined as an installation where a continuous flow unit is set to 55 °C3 or lower, delivering hot water to a single residential dwelling (not used for commercial purposes4). All other installations are defined as commercial applications. For constant use applications, such as circulating ring mains, the water heater, must be sized and installed according to written guidelines from Rinnai.

General warranty terms

Rinnai reserves the right to make modifications and change specifications and its parts without notice. For the purposes of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Rinnai only guarantees the availability of repair facilities and spare parts for the express warranty period recorded in the table above. This warranty does not limit any consumer rights or guarantees that may apply under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. If the product is being acquired for the purposes of a business, the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 do not apply and no other warranties (either express or implied by law) apart from those stated in the warranty will apply.
A solar installation using a Rinnai INFINITY continuous flow unit (excluding EF26 and A-Series models) in a single residential dwelling is considered a residential application.
Examples of a commercial application in a residential dwelling; hair salon, catering kitchen, communal care facility etc. An accommodation business such as a motel, where a continuous flow unit serves the equivalent of a single family dwelling, is deemed to be a residential application.

Warranty terms and conditions

All terms of the warranty are effective from the date of first installation. The attending service person reserves the right to verify this by requesting a copy of the gas certificate of compliance prior to commencement of any warranty work. The installer must issue a certificate of compliance by law in New Zealand. Warranty claims may be invalid if not accompanied by details of the installing or supervising gasfitter’s registration number and the gas certification number.
All Rinnai appliances must be installed, commissioned, serviced, repaired and removed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, local regulations, and building codes by persons authorised by local regulations to do so.
All appliances must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Servicing of the product is to be carried out by a Rinnai authorised service centre.
The warranty applies only to the components supplied by Rinnai. It does not apply to components supplied by others, such as electrical switches, electrical cables, fuses, isolating valves, pipework, and where applicable flue systems, but it is not limited to these.
Where the appliance has not been sited in accordance with the installation instructions or installed such that normal access is difficult, a service charge will apply. If at the discretion of the attending service person the installation is deemed illegal or access is dangerous, service will be refused. Any work required to gain reasonable access to the appliance will be chargeable by the attending service person (for example, removal of cupboards, doors, walls, or the use of special equipment to move components, but not limited to these).
Where the failed component is replaced under warranty, the balance of the original warranty will remain effective.
Rinnai reserves the right to transfer functional components from defective appliances if they are suitable.
Rinnai reserves the right to have installed product returned to the factory for inspection.
Where the water heater is installed outside the metropolitan area or further than 40 km from a Rinnai authorised service centre, travel costs shall be the owner’s responsibility.

Warranty exclusions

The following exclusions may cause the warranty to become void and will result in a service charge and costs of parts (if required).

Accidental damage, defects or failure caused by acts of God, fire, wind, lightening, flood, storm, hail storm fallout, vandalism, earthquake, war, civil unrest, misuse, abuse, negligence, pests, animals, pets, insects, or entry of foreign objects or matter into the product such as dirt, debris or moisture.
Failure due to abuse or misuse, improper maintenance or improper storage.
Failure due to incorrect or unauthorised installations.
Failure or damage caused by alterations, service or repair work carried out by persons other than Rinnai service persons or service centres.
Where the water heater has failed directly or indirectly as a result of poor water quality outside the limits specified.
Where it is found that there is no fault with the appliance and the issue is related to the installation or is due to failure of electric or gas supplied.
Subjective issues such as noise or smell that Rinnai have investigated (or a Rinnai service centre has investigated) and are established to be within normal operating parameters.
Subject to any statutory provisions to the contrary, Rinnai does not accept
liability for consequential damage or incidental expenses resulting from any breach of the warranty.
claims for damage to building or any other consequential loss either directly or indirectly due
to leaks from the appliance or any other faults.

Pro rata heat exchanger warranty table

Under a pro rata warranty, if the heat exchanger fails before the end of the warranty, Rinnai will replace the heat exchanger at a cost that depends on the installation application and the age of the heat exchanger at the time of the fault.

The percentages above relate to the heat exchanger component only. It does not include labour.

Water quality

Water quality outside the limits (as set down below) will void this warranty.

Water quality and impurity limits

Most metropolitan water supplies fall within these limits. If sludge or foreign matter is present in the water supply, a suitable filter should be incorporated in the water supply.

Some examples of water quality issues where water may need to be treated:

Hard water (areas including Whanganui)
Aggressive water (areas including Christchurch)
Both hard and aggressive water (some bore water)

Purchase details

Record your purchase details below

Register your Rinnai INFINITY online at https://rinnai.co.nz/after-sales /product-registration for service reminders, product updates and special offers—you can unsubscribe at any time.