Rheem RTGH-95X User manual

Tankless Water Heater Recess Box
Installation Instructions
The purpose of this manual is to provide the installer with the
basic instructions necessary to properly install the recess box. This
manual assumes that the installer has basic carpentry skills and
plumbing knowledge. Local codes may apply to this installation;
all local building, electrical, and plumbing codes should be
followed.
It is very important that all persons who are expected to install,
operate or adjust this recess box and/or water heater, read these
instructions along with those instructions provided with the
tankless water heater.
Recognize this symbol as an indication of Important Safety
Information!
Refer to the Use and Care Manual provided with your tankless
water heater for the proper installation procedures and
conditions.
!
WARNING! Gasoline, as well as other ammable materials and liquids (adhesives, solvents, paint
thinners etc.), and the vapors they produce are extremely dangerous. DO NOT handle, use or store gasoline
or other ammable or combustible materials anywhere near or in the vicinity of a water heater or any other
appliance. Be sure to read and follow the labels on the water heater, as well as the warning printed in this manual.
Failure to do so can result in property damage, bodily injury or death.
!
Location
This water heater recess box is for OUTDOOR
installation ONLY, and is intended for use only with
the water heater models listed above. Do not at-
tempt to install a water heater of another brand or
model in this recess box.
Do not attempt to modify this recess box. Doing so
will alter the intended design, potentially causing an
unsafe operating condition.
Consult the Use and Care Manual provided with
your tankless water heater for installation instructions
regarding a suitable location for the water heater. All
guidelines regarding clearances and distances from
overhangs, windows and doors, and air inlets into the
home must be followed.
Recess Box Clearances
This recess box is designed to be installed with a
Zero (0) clearance to combustibles. For service
and proper operation, 24” (61 cm) of clearance is
required in front of the recess box.
Freeze Protection
To help prevent water lines from freezing do not
locate water heater on the side of a building with
prevailing winter winds. Refer to the Use and
Care Manual provided with your water heater for
additional information.
AP16035-4 (04/16)
241418
These models of Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters will t or
function in this recess box. All models listed may be followed
by additional letters or numbers. If your model contains the
characters as shown below, this kit may be used with your water
heater.
RTGH-95X RMTGH95X PHH-32ROF
RUTGH-95X ECOH200X SCTH200X
RTGH-84X RMTGH84X PHH-25ROF
RUTGH-84X ECOH160X SCTH160X
NH-209X NH-159X

2
Water Heater Exhaust Terminal Location
The following information should be used for determining the proper location of the vent terminal for outdoor tankless
water heaters.
D
V
V
E
FI
X
E
D
C
L
O
S
E
D
O
P
E
R
A
B
L
E
O
P
E
R
A
B
L
E
F
I
X
E
D
C
L
O
S
E
D
v
v
B
L
F
C
B
v
vv
X
B
B
B
A
J
C
I
H
X
v
M
K
v
G
A
V
VENT TERMINAL XAIR SUPPLY INLET AREA WHERE TERMINAL IS NOT PERMITTED
Canadian Installations1
Indoor and Outdoor
US Installations 2
Outdoor
A= Clearance above grade, veranda, porch, deck or
balcony.
12 inches (30 cm) above anticipated snow level. 12 inches (30 cm) above anticipated snow level.
B= Clearance to window or door that may be
opened.
6 inches (15 cm) for appliances ≤ 10,000 Btuh (3
kW), 12 inches (30 cm) for appliances > 10,000
Btuh (3kW) and ≤100,000 Btuh (30kW), 36 inches
(91 cm) for appliances > 100,000 Btuh (30kW).
6 inches (15 cm) for appliances ≤ 10,000 Btuh (3
kW), 9 inches (23 cm) for appliances > 10,000
Btuh (3kW) and ≤ 50,000 Btuh (15kW), 12 inches
(30 cm) for appliances > 50,000 Btuh (15kW).
C= Clearance to permanently closed window. * *
D= Vertical Clearance to ventilated soft located
above the terminal within a horizontal distance
of 2 feet (61 cm) from the center line of the
terminal.
* *
E= Clearance to unventilated soft. * *
F= Clearance to outside corner. * *
G= Clearance to corner. * *
H = Clearance to each side of center line extended
meter/regulator assembly.
3 feet (91 cm) within a height 15 feet (4.57 m) above
the meter/regulator assembly. *
I = Clearance to service regulator vent outlet. 3 feet (91 cm) *
J = Clearance to nonmechanical air supply inlet to
building or the combustion air inlet to any other
appliance.
6 inches (15 cm) for appliances ≤10,000 Btuh (3
kW), 12 inches (30 cm) for appliances > 10,000
Btuh (3kW) and ≤ 100,000 Btuh (30kW), 36 inches
(91 cm) for appliances > 100,000 Btuh (30kW).
6 inches (15 cm) for appliances ≤10,000 Btuh (3
kW), 9 inches (23 cm) for appliances > 10,000
Btuh (3kW) and ≤ 50,000 Btuh (15kW), 12 inches
(30 cm) for
appliances > 50,000 Btuh (15kW)
K = Clearance to mechanical air supply inlet. 6 feet (1.83 m) 3 feet (91 cm) above if within 10 feet (3 m) hori-
zontally.
L = Clearance above paved sidewalk or paved drive-
way located on public property. 7 feet (2.13 m) *
M = Clearance under veranda, porch, deck or
balcony. Not Allowed Not Allowed
1In accordance with current CAN/CGA-B149 Installation Code
2In accordance with current ANSI Z223.1/NFPA National Fuel Gas Code.
* If clearances are not specied, then follow local installation codes and the requirement of the gas supplier.
** For condensing appliances: The vent for this appliance shall not terminate over public walkways, near soft vents, crawl space vents, or other areas where conden-
sate or vapor could create a nuisance, hazard or cause property damage, or where condensate or vapor could cause damage or could be detrimental to the operation
of regulators, relief valves or other equipment.
Installation

3
Additional Considerations
1. Do not install water heater under any patio or
deck.
2. To help prevent moisture from freezing on walls
and under eaves, do not locate the water heater
on the side of a building with prevailing winter
winds.
3. To help prevent water lines from freezing do not
locate water heater on the side of a building with
prevailing winter winds.
4. Do not locate water heater too close to shrub-
bery, as  ue gases may damage them.
5. Caulk all cracks, seams and joints within six (6)
feet (1.8 m) of exhaust vent.
6. Guard exhaust vent against accidental contact
with people and pets.
7. Install the water heater such that the air inlet and
exhaust vent are above anticipated snow levels
Recess Box Location
This water heater recess box is intended for an outdoor location only. Follow the guidelines below or in the
Use and Care Manual provided with the water heater for choosing a suitable location.
(1.8 m)
If soffit vent is too close,
block off and install new
vent at another location
Inside
corner
Caulk
Caulk
Caulk
6' (1.8 m)
caulk zone or to edge of
window etc., starting
within 6' (1.8 m)
Rising moisture will collect under eaves
4'
6' (1.8 m) caulk
zone
6'
(1.2 m)
12”
(30 cm)
Installation
WARNING: Moisture in the flue gas will condense
as it leaves the vent terminal. In cold weather this
condensate can freeze on the exterior wall, under the
eaves and on surrounding objects. Some discoloration
to the exterior of the building is to be expected.
However, improper location or installation can result
in severe damage to the structure or exterior finish of
the building
Installation
The recess box is designed to be installed with
a variety of home exterior products for new or
existing construction.
1. Choose a suitable location for the water heater
and recess box. Follow the guidelines listed
on page 2 of this manual, or the Use and Care
Manual for the water heater, regarding location
and clearances. Frame an opening in the exterior
wall of the home for the rough in dimensions
in Figure 3. Local building codes and standard
building practices should be followed.
2. Install the recess box into the opening.
Level and square the box. Test fit the outer
door to make sure it does not bind during
installation. Secure the recess box to the
framing on each side using four or more
self tapping screws (not provided).
Mount the water heater into the recess box. In
the back of the recess box is a channel to support
the bottom mounting bracket of the water heater.
Lift the water heater up and slide the bottom
mounting bracket of the water heater down into
the channel. While holding the water heater in
place, secure the water heater with mounting
screws (provided) into the mounting bracket
located at the top of the water heater.

4
Installation
Plumbing and Piping
Follow all instructions in the Use and Care Manual
for installation of gas and water lines. Knock outs are
provided in the bottom of the recess box for all piping
and wiring. These knock outs line up with the ttings
on the bottom of the water heater.
1. Stub the water lines and gas pipe up through
the bottom of the box (See Figure 5). It is
recommended that shut off valves and unions
be installed in the piping for future service
requirements.
Connect the water lines and gas piping to the
water heater in accordance with the instructions
in the Use and Care Manual provided with the
water heater.
2. Seal the holes around the piping with a silicone
based sealant to prevent any water from leaking
into the wall behind the recess box. Insulate
pipes with foam insulation.
Typical Rough in Framing
Cripple Stud
King Stud Trimmer
Stud
Blocking
Header
Wall Stud
Sill
Rough In Dimensions
Height 47”; Width 20”; Depth depends upon siding on home.
Recess Box Dimensions
A
B
C
D
F
E
* Approximate
Dim.* Inches
Siding Lap/Brick Stucco
A 46”
(117 cm)
46”
(117 cm)
B 19 1/4
(49 cm)
19 1/4
(49 cm)
C 9 1/4”
(24 cm)
9 1/4”
(24 cm)
D 1”
(2.0 cm)
1”
(2.0 cm)
E 23 1/4”
(59 cm)
26 1/4”
(67 cm)
F 48 3/4”
(124 cm)
51 3/8”
(131 cm)
Hot Water
Line
Electrical/
Thermostat
Wiring
Openings
Condensate
Drain line
Relief Valve Drain
(Alternate)
Gas Line
Cold Water
Line
Plumbing and Piping Knock Outs
Relief Valve
Drain

5
Power Disconnect
Install a suitable means to disconnect power from
the unit for service. This disconnect should be
weather resistant and meet any and all local codes.
In the absence of local codes, the National Electrical
Code should be followed. Refer to the Use and Care
Manual for instructions in connecting the power to
the water heater.
Thermostat Wiring
A hole is provided for the Thermostat wire(s).
Route the wire through the hole and connect
the wire to the water heater according to the
instructions in the Use and Care Manual.
Typical Installation and Finish-
Side View
Drip Ledge
Siding or Brick
Recess Box
Side View
Brick Lintel
Lap Siding Brick Siding
Installation
Relief
Valve
Typical Installation and Finish-
Front View
Manual Gas
Shut off Valve
Cold Water
Supply Shut off
Valve
Power Supply
Remote Control Wire
Service Valve
Relief Valve
Condensate
Drain
Hot Water
Supply

6
Installation
Warning - All openings in the bottom of the
recess box must be sealed to prevent water inltration
in to the wall. Failure to do so could result in damage
to the wall.
Weather Sealing Recess Box
Drip Ledge
Outer Door
Caulk Joint Between Siding
and Recess Box
Siding or Brick
!
Final Assembly and Inspection
Follow the Use and Care Manual for complete
details about the water heater. Check all water and
gas connections for leaks.
Seal all openings around pipes and wires with an
outdoor grade silicone sealant. Seal the joint between
the recess box and the siding or brick of the house with
a silicone based sealant to prevent water from getting
behind the box into the wall.
Caulk Joint Between Brick and
Recess Box
Relief
Valve
Seal all openings around pipes and
wires with a silicone sealant
Drip Ledge
Stucco Siding
Flange behind
Stucco Siding

7
Secure Door with Suitable Means
Padlock
Outer Door
Installation
Installing the Door
Lift the door up from the bottom at a slight angle.
Slip the door into the channel at the top of the
recess box. Next push the bottom of the door ush
with the recess box and slide down into the channel
at the bottom of the enclosure. Do not block any air
openings on the door.
Once the door is in place, secure with a suitable
means (small padlock, security tag, etc.).

8
Notes: