Rinnai Energysaver ES38 Quick start guide

/
.,.,_
---,
Owner's Operation and Installation Manual for the
ES38 (RHFE-1004RFA)
Energysaver
Gas Direct Vent Wall Furnace
Table of Contents...........2
Safety Information ..........3
Operating Instructions .... 6
Care and Maintenance ... 10
Fault Codes.................... 12
Installation Instructions ... 14
Parts List ........................32
Consumer Support ......... 42
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not
followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
-Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
-WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical 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. ·
-Installation and service must be performed by a qualified
installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
Register your product at www.rinnairegistration.com
or call 1-866-RINNAl1 (746-6241)

This appliance may be installed as an OEM installation in a manufactured home (USA only) or
mobile home and must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the
Manufactured Home construction and Safety Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280, in the United
States, or the Mobile Home Standard, CAN/CSA Z240 MH Series, in Canada. This appliance
is only for use with types of gas indicated on the rating plate. A conversion kit is supplied with
the. appliance. ·
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket, permanently located, manufactured home
(USA only) or mobile home, where not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate. This appliance
is not convertible for use with other gases, unless a certified kit is used.
Table of Contents
Consumer Safety Information Installation Instructions
Safety Definitions.............................................3 General Instructions....................................... 14
Safety Behaviors andPractices.......................3 Gas Connection............................................. 15
Safety Features................................................4 Clearances to Combustibles.......................... 15
Flue Terminal Clearances ....................... 16, 17
Specifications Dimensions.................................................... 18
Appliance Specifications.............................. 4, 5 Installation Parts ........................................... 19
Features...........................................................5 Drilling Flue Hole ........................................... 20
Flue Manifolds..................................................5 Attach Wall Brackets......................................
20
Attach Back Spacers ..................................... 20
Operating Instructions Flue Manifold Installation......................... 21, 22
Getting to Know your NewHeating Appliance 6 Extension Kit Installation .......................... 23-25
Control Panel ...................................................7 Connecting the Appliance.............................. 26
Operating the Heater .................................. 8, 9 Operating Instructions ................................... 27
Care and Maintenance................................... 10 Cut-Away Diagram......................................... 28
Before Making a Service Call......................... 11 Wiring Diagram.............................................. 29
Fault Codes.................................................... 12 LadderDiagram............................................. 30
Restart Function............................................. 13 Parts List...................................................31-41
Troubleshooting ............................................. 13 Consumer Support
Warranty Information..................................... 42
Limited Warranty...................................... 42, 43
2 Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Safety Definitions
/i\ This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and
L.l.:J others.
ADANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
!A.WARNlNG j 1nd~cate~ ~ potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
_ - -- ·-·-·· -serious mJury.
f~cAuf1'0>N j Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
L- · - - moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Safety Behavior and Practices
• Keep the area around the appliance clear and free
from combustible materials, gasoline, and other
flammable vapors and liquids.
• Never store liquid propane containers indoors.
• 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.
A·cAuflC;}N]
• Do not block the warm air discharge. Do not allow
anyone to sleep directly in front of the appliance.
• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be
located out oftraffic and away from furniture and
draperies.
• Children and adults should be alerted to the
hazards of high surface temperature and should
stay away to avoid burns or clothing ignition.
• Young children should be carefully supervised
when they are in the same room as the appliance.
• Clothing or other flammable material should not be
placed on or near the appliance.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing
must be replaced prior to operating the appliance.
• This appliance is equipped with a three-prong plug
for your protection against shock hazard and
should be plugged directly into a properly grounded
three-prong receptacle. Do not cut or remove the
ground prong from this plug.
• Any alteration to the appliance or its controls can
be dangerous.
• Do not operate appliance with the panels removed,
cracked or broken. Replacement of the panels
should be done by a licensed or qualified service
person.
• Do not insert items into the louvers.
• Do not spray aerosols nearthe appliance while it is
operating. Most aerosols contain butane gas which
is flammable.
• Do not unplug the appliance while it is operating or
while the fans are on.
• Do not use bare hands to touch the front louvers
due to high temperatures which may cause burns.
• Wear hand protection when touching the side back
covers, front louver, and rear intake for the
convection fan.
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 3

Safety Features
• Overheat: The appliance will automatically shut
down when the appliance exceeds a predetermined
temperature.
• Power Surge Fuse: A glass fuse on the PC board
protects against overcurrent. If the fuse blows then
all indicator lamps will be off.
• Flame Failure: The appliance will automatically
shut down if the burnerflame is ~xtinguished. • Spark Detector: The appliance automatically shuts
down ifthere is an abnormal spark at ignition.
• Power Failure: The appliance will cut offthe gas if
it loses electrical power. • Fusible Link:
In case the overheat feature
prevents the temperature from rising then the fusible
link will break shutting off the appliance.
Specifications
Appliance Specifications
Application For manufactured home (USA only)
or mobile home or residential installation
convertible for use with natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases (propane /
LPG) when provision is made for the simple conversion from one gas to the
other.
For commercial setting.
For installation at altitudes up to 10,200 feet (3109 m).
General Description Forced combustion, forced convection, flued gas furnace
Operation Push button electronic
Gas Connection 1/2 in female NPT
Gas Control Electronic
Burners Stainless steel Bunsen burner
Temperature Control Electronic thermostat
Ignition System Electronic spark ignition
Flue System The flue must be terminated to atmosphere with only flue components listed
with the appliance's certification. Warranty will be voided if non listed
components are installed.
HumidifierTray Capacity - 7 pints (3000 cc)
Electrical Connection AC 120V, 60 Hz, 121 watts
Weight 90 lbs (41 kg)
Noise Level 37-47 dB
AFUE Rating Natural Gas: 80.6% Propane: 82.0%
Rinnai is continually updating and improving products. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without
prior notice.
The efficiency rating of this appliance is a product thermal efficiency rating determined under continuous operating
conditions and was determined independently of any installed system.
4 Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Appliance Specifications
Natural Gas Propane Gas
Minimum supply gas pressure 5.0 in (127 mm) W.C. 11.0 in (280 mm) W.C.
Maximum supply gas pressure 10.5 in (267 mm) W.C. 13.0 in (330 mm) W.C.
BTU/hour input Low 10,500 High 38,400 Low 10,500 High 36,500
BTU/hour output Low 8,400 High 30,720
Low8,400 High 29,200
Features
• Restarts automatically when ignition or combustion • Clean the
Air Filter -Indicator Lamp
fails.
• Clean Heating Forced Flue Type
• Easy Operation One-Touch Ignition
• Sensible Temperature Control Feature
• Comfortable Room Temperature Control and
Display
• Energy Saving Economy Setting
• Humidifier Tray
• Air Flow Directional Louvers
• Direct Vent Easily Installed
• Proportional Heating Variable Capacity
• Warm Air Outlet at Floor Level (keeps yourfeet
warm)
• Hush! Quiet Operation
• Modern Design Minimizes Floor Space
Requirements
• Function Lock
• Room Temperature Setting Memory
Flue Manifolds
The following flue manifold sizes are
available for different wall thicknesses:
• Fault Code Message Display
Name Kit No. fits walls
S Vent Kit FOT-150 3 - 4 1/2 in (75 -115 mm)
A Vent Kit FOT-151 4 1/2 - 9 1/2 in (115 -240 mm)
B Vent Kit FOT-152 9 1/2 -15 3/4 in (240 -400mm)
C Vent Kit FOT-153 15 3/4 -23 5/8 in (400 -600 mm)
D Vent Kit FOT-154 23 5/8 -
31 1/2 in (600 -800 mm)
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 5

6
Getting to know your new heating appliance
WARM AIR OUTLET
HUMIDIFIER
OPEN THE DOOR
AND POUR WATER
INTO THE TRAY.
GAS CONNECTION
1/2" NPT
THERMISTOR
POWER CORD
PLUG 120V AC
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual
CONTROL PANEL
OPERATION/TEMPE
RATURE
CONTROL DISPLAY
FILTER LAMP
OPERATION LAMP
RA TING PLATE
MODEL NUMBER,
SERIAL NUMBER,
GAS TYPE, ETC.
AIR FILTER
EXHAUST PIPE
VENT TERMINAL
COMBUSTION/
EXHAUST
COMBUSTION AIR
INTAKE HOSE

Control Panel
All buttons beep when operated.
(CONTROL PANEL)
0
~
Economy
ENERGY SAVING
BUTTON
Lamp is "green"
when this feature is
activated.
(INDICATOR DISPLAY)
TEMPERATURE
DISPLAY
SHOWS EITHER THE
TEMPERATURE OR
CODED ERROR
MESSAGES.
Set Tempo
Room Temp 0
~-~
Function Lock
FUNCTION
LOCK
Lamp is "green"
when this feature
is on.
FILTER LAMP
Flashes when filter
is dirty.
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual
ON/OFF BUTTON
Easy operation
One touch ignition
ON/OFF
'--..____/
TEMPERATURE
BUTTONS
"v" adjust temp. to
lower setting.
"A " adjust temp. to
a higher setting.
OPERATION LAMP
This lamp turns
"green" when power
is on. Lamp will
change to "red"
when burner is on.
7

Operating the Heater
Turning the heater ON
When you press and release the
ON/OFF button, the Temperature
Level lamps will illuminate, the
combustion fan will begin to run,
and the spark will ignite the main
burner.
This heater has an automatic ignition system. When
the main burner has lit, the combustion lamp will glow
red, and the spark will stop.
If ignition does not occur after 15 seconds, the
appliance will automatically turn offand the
Temperature Level lamps will flash indicating a fault
code. This may occur when using the appliance for
the first time or ifit has not been used for a while. Try
operating the appliance again.
There may be a smell of burning dust or oil the first
time the heater is lit or when the heater has been out
of operation for a long time.
The appliance may make noises after ignition orwhen
it is turned off. This is normal and is due to the
thermal expansion or contraction of its components.
Turning the heater OFF
Press the ON/OFF button. Do not
turn off by unplugging at the power
outlet.
The fan will continue to run for a
short time to.prevent the internal
components from overheating.
Adjusting the Temperature
~tTemp o D
R>omTemp O
Function Lock
The first time that the appliance is turned on, the
preset temperature of 72° F will be shown on the
display. Every time the temperature setting is
changed, that temperature setting will be the latest
data appearing on the display the next time the
appliance is turned on.
To change the temperature setting, adjust the
temperature control buttons until the desired setting is
indicated.
When the desired temperature has been set, 10
seconds later, the display will show the current room
temperature.
The thermostat automatically modulates the burner
and the fan to maintain the temperature setting.
The temperature settings available are:
• LO -burner is on minimum combustion
• 60° F - 80° F in two degree increments
• HI -burner is on maximum combustion
Economy Mode
Pressing the Economy button will cause
the appliance to go into Economy Mode
and the green lamp will glow. This
results in the temperature setting being
reduced by 2° F, 30 minutes after the
room temperature has reached the
temperature setting. After another 30
minutes the temperature setting is
reduced another 2° F. This could result
0
Economy
D
in the temperature setting being reduced by a
maximum of4° F. The intent ofthis mode is to save
energy.
When the heater is running at the LO setting, the
Economy Mode does not function.
8 Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Operating the Heater
Lock
This feature locks the
buttons to prevent
unintended operation.
Press the up and
down buttons to
activate and the lamp
will glow. Pressing Function Lock
and holding the up and down
will disengage the Lock. buttons for two seconds
Ifthe Lock is engaged while the unit is operating, all
buttons will be disabled except for the ON/OFF button.
Ifthe Lock is engaged while the unit is off, then all
buttons will be disabled. The Lock must be
disengaged in order to turn the unit on.
Adding Water to the Humidifier
AcAUTION!
Do not fill the tray while the
appliance is in operation.
Close the door after filling.
The humidifiertray and
surrounding area are hot
when the appliance is on.
To fill the tray, open the door as shown in the diagram
and pour water into the tray using the spout built into
the door. The air will be humidified as it passes over
the water in the tray.
During operation a small amount of condensation is
produced in the flue system and drains into the
humidifier tray.
Ifthe water overflows from the water level hole, then
do not add any more water.
Humidifier Tray l
j
Access Door
Pull
Filler Spout
Do not force door open too far.
Close door during operation.
Sensible Temperature Control
The sensible temperature control feature allows
comfortable heating which matches the conditions in
the room.
Based on the information collected by the room
temperature thermistor when the heating starts, the
heating capacity is automatically adjusted to achieve
a comfortable heating effect and to reach the
temperature setting quickly.
Filter Lamp
Ifthe filter lamp flashes
during operation, check Riter
the air filter for dust. If EE83
dust is present, clean the EE83
filter. See the Care and
Maintenance section. Turn the heater offbefore
cleaning the filter.
Adjusting Air Flow Direction
AcAUTIONl
Do not adjust the air flow
louvers while warm air is
flowing.
The vertical louvers may be adjusted to move the air
flow more to the right orto the left.
Use a screw driver or similar object to bend each
louverto the desired position.
Do not bend repeatedly (no more than 5 times) or else
the louver will break.
The horizontal louver (which determines the vertical air
flow direction) is fixed and cannot be adjusted.
I 1, s
f
ii I
ii s
ii S I'S=\
'' -4 It I 1
_,,
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 9

Care and Maintenance
Maintenance
All maintenance and service are to be performed by a
qualified service technician, preferably one who has
attended Rinnai service training classes on the Direct
Vent products.
The appliance should be inspected annually by a
qualified service technician. More frequent cleaning
may be required due to excessive lint from carpeting,
bedding material, etc. It is imperative that control
compartments, burners, and circulating air passage
ways ofthe appliance be kept clean.
Any screen or guard removed for servicing the
appliance must be replaced prior to operating the
appliance. Clean as follows:
1. Turn heat off. Allow to cool for one hour.
2. Remove the front panel by removing two screws.
3. Use pressurized air to remove dust from the main
burner, heat exchanger, and fan blades.
4. Use soft dry cloth to wipe cabinet.
Do not use wet cloth or spray cleaners on the burner.
The flue should be inspected annually for blockages or
damage.
Motors are permanently lubricated and do not need
periodic lubrication. Keep fan and motor free of dust
and dirt by cleaning annually.
Verify proper operation after servicing.
Care of Exterior
Dampen soft cloth with warm water. Wring water out
well and wipe the unit.
Do not use volatile substances such as benzene or
thinners. They cause fading ofthe paint and
deformation ofthe resin.
AcAur10Nl
Prevent dust from accumulating on the power cord, ·
side covers, and parts behind the appliance.
Snow Accumulation
Keep the area around flue terminal free of snow and
ice. The appliance will not function properly if the
intake air or exhaust is impeded by obstructions.
Refer to the Flue Terminal Clearances. The clearance
in Ref. A should be maintained from any snow
accumulation.
Filters
Dirty filters reduce the air flow and the appliance's
ability to produce heat. The filters should be cleaned
frequently during the heating season. Ifthe filters
become blocked the filter indicator.lamp will flash and
the appliance will beep. Eventually the appliance will
turn off and the Temperature Level lamp 14 will light,
indicating a fault code.
To clean the filters, the AJRFJLTffiS
appliance should be OFF ~~~~=:
and cool. Remove the 1
filter and clean it using a ~~5'"/I
soft dry cloth or vacuum.
Ifthe filter is greasy wash
with warm soapy water,
rinse, and dry
completely.
Visual Inspection
of Flame
Check that the burner flames are operating normally.
The flame can be seen through the circular window
through the louvers.
When operating normally the burner flame should
appear as long, clear, blue, stable, streaks. Yellow
flames or an orange color is abnormal and
maintenance is required.
VISUAL CHECK
SATISFACTORY
FRONT VIEW
BLUE FLAME
~EROC
UNSATISFACTORY
FRONT VIEW
YELLOW FLAME
10 Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Before Making a SeNice Call
Before making a service call please check the following:
• At Ignition:
) Heater does not operate.
..
Warm air does notflow when the burner at
lights.
Smoke or strange smells are produced at
on the first trial light up after installation.
Sharp clicking noises at ignition, or when at
unit cuts down on the thermostat, or goes
out.
• During Combustion:
Clunking noise when the thermostat
operates.
..
IUnit is not heating room. at
Air filter is blocked or the louvers are at
blocked or obstructed.
Heater will not re-ignite after overheating. at
• When the unit is turned off.
Convection fan continues to run after
turning OFF.
• Other Points:
..
ISteam is discharged from the flue terminal . at
IUnit cuts off without apparent reason.
..
IPower Failure.
..
Is the heater plugged in?
Have the fuses or breaker blown at the fuse box/ breaker panel?
Is there a power failure?
Is the air filter blocked?
Is anything blocking the outlet for the hot air?
Is the flue blocked?
The fan is started automatically aftera short delay.
This is to allow the heat exchangerto warm up, helping to avoid cold draughts.
This is caused by grease or oil and dust on the heat exchanger and will stop
after a short time.
This is simply expansion noise from the heat exchanger.
This is the sound of the solenoid gas valves opening and closing.
Is the air filter blocked?
Is the set temperature high enough?
Is the warm air outlet blocked by anything?
Are the doors and windows of the room closed?
Was the appliance correctly sized for the space?
Allow heater to cool, clean air filter, operate again.
Even after unit has cooled down, the heater does not ignite again. Repair is
necessary.
Contact a qualified / authorized service provider.
This is to remove the residual heat from the heat exchanger. The fan will stop
when the heater cools down.
High efficiency appliances tend to discharge water vapor on cold days. This
is normal.
Check whether filters are blocked. Dirty filters will cause the heater to overheat.
Switch OFF, then ON again when power is restored to re-set controls.
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual
11

Fault Codes
Ifthere is a malfunction the appliance may shut down
as a safety precaution and display a fault code to
assist in diagnosing the problem. The fault code will
flash in the display on the control panel. When making
a service call, this code will assist with diagnosing the
fault.
You may be able to clear the fault code by turning the
heater off and then on again. Ifthe fault code remains
or returns on the next operation, contact Rinnai or your
nearest service agent and arrange for a service call.
CODEDISPLAYED FAULT REMEDY
Check that gas is turned ON.
Check that the vent termination is not
11 Ignition Failure blocked.
Refer to the Restart Function explanation.
Service call if repeated.
14 Overheat Clean filter.
Service call if repeated. [1]
16 Room Overheat Lower room temperature to less than 104°F
(40°C).
31
Room Temperature Sensor Service call.
32 Faulty
33 Overheat Temperature Sensor Service call.
34 Faulty
49 Sensor Breakdown Service call.
53 Sparker Failure Service call.
61 Combustion Fan Failure Service call.
70 Faulty ON/OFF Switch Service call.
71 Faulty Solenoids Service call.
72 Faulty Flame Rod Service call.
73 Communication Error Turn heater OFF, then
ON again.
99 Flue Block Check around the flue terminal for blockage.
[2]
[1] Remove any obstructions. The flue needs to be kept clear to expel exhaust gases. Ifthe appliance fails to
operate contact a qualified service agency.
[2] Ifthe fusible link needs replacement, it must be done by a qualified service agency. In addition, the cause of
the overheat needs to be determined. The fusible link is a one use safety device that breaks to shut off the
appliance.
12
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Restart Function
Ifthe appliance fails to ignite, the appliance will attempt ignition after 1 hour. The "Ignition Failure" fault code, 11,
will appear during that hour and disappears after a successful ignition. Ifignition fails again, then the fault code
will remain and another attempt to ignite will occur in 1 hour. The fault code is not stored in the fault code history.
Ifthe flame is extinguished during forced combustion then the appliance will attempt ignition after 1 hour. The
"Ignition Failure" fault code, 11, will appear during that hour and disappears after a successful ignition. Forced
combustion takes place for about 15 seconds after ignition. After this time, the temperature control logic controls
the combustion.
Ifthe flame is extinguished (burner combustion failure) while the temperature control logic is operating the
appliance, then the appliance will immediately attempt ignition. No fault code will appear.
Troubleshooting
Problem Q)
C:
-
·c
0
:;:::; en
L.
-~
en
C. C:
0
-
0 -
:J
.8 0
0> E Remedy
-
"c:
.c
en :;::::;
C1l
E
C:
C: 0
(..)
en
C: ~
en
0
.Q e
:a
Q) 0 0 Q)
C1l
:;:::;
Cause
.!::
0 (..)
:;:::; C.
Ol
·c
0 Q)
"O
ci'i
en o -
-~
.8 :E
z
L.
E gi
0
Q)
:J
>,
en
0
C:
en
ai
Q) E
:J
E ·-
en
L.
0 L.
E
·a
~ L.
0 :J C:
C1l C1l
z CD
:::>
() -5
(J) z
1-- :s:
Not Plugged In
• • Plug
In
Power Failure • • • Push On/Off button to attempt
restart after power is restored.
(Initial Installation) Purge air
Air In Gas Pipe • (Installer)
Gas Filter Blocked • • • Service Call
Miss Ignition • • Service Call
Flue terminal obstructed • • • Clearobstruction
Flue manifold not connected • • Service Call
Louver obstructed • • Clear obstruction
Air filter blocked • • Clean filter
Gas Escape • Service Call
Function Lock Set • Cancel Function Lock
Gas turned off at meter, tank, • • Turn gas on
or valve.
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 13

I_
Installation Instructions
General Instructions
AwARNINGI
Do not use substitute materials.
Use only parts certified with the appliance.
• A qualified service technician should install the
appliance and inspect it before use.
• If you move, check the gas type in your new area.
The local gas authority will be able to advise on
local regulations.
• The installation must conform with local codes or, in
the absence of local codes, with the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223. 1/NFPA 54, orthe Natural
Gas and Propane Installation Code, CSA 8149.1.
• A manufactured home (USA only) or mobile home
OEM installation must conform with the
Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280, or, when such a
standard is not applicable, the standard for
Manufactured Home Installations, ANSI/NCSBCS
A225. 1, or the standard for Gas Equipped
Recreational Vehicles and Mobile Housing, CSA
Z240.4.
• The appliance, when installed, must be electrically
grounded in accordance with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, with the National Electrical
Code, ANSIINFPA 70, or the Canadian Electrical
Code, CSA C22.1.
• Appliance input ratings are based on sea level
operation and need not be changed for operation up
to 2000 ft (609.9 m) elevation. For operation at
elevations above 2000 ft (609.9 m), refer to the
Conversion Manual.
• The appliance and its appliance main gas valve
must be disconnected from the gas supply piping
system during any pressure testing of that system at
test pressures in excess of 1/2 psi (3.5 kPa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply
piping system by closing its equipment shutoff valve
during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping
system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2
psi (3.5 kPa).
• Ifthe flooring is carpet, tile, or other combustible
material other than wood, then the appliance must
be installed on a metal orwood panel extending the
full width and depth of the appliance.
• This appliance discharges a large volume of warm
air next to the floor. Any particles in the air such as
cigarette smoke could cause discoloration in nylon
carpets containing dyes or vinyl surfaces.
• This appliance is not designed to built in.
• This appliance is only for use with the type of gas
indicated on the rating plate. This appliance is not
convertible for use with other gases unless a
certified kit is used. Ifconversion of the unit is
needed, conversions must be performed by a
qualified service provider at the owner's expense.
• This appliance must not be connected to a chimney
flue serving a separate solid-fuel burning appliance.
• Rinnai suggests that a dedicated electrical circuit
with a 120VAC, 60 hz, 10 amp power source be
used.
• A test plug are provided for testing of manifold
differential pressure. It is located on the modulating
gas valve.
• The appliance should be correctly sized for the
space it is required to heat.
• Follow the installations instructions and those in
Care and Maintenance for adequate combustion
and ventilation air.
• The flow of combustion and ventilation air shall not
be obstructed.
• Clearances to access the appliance during servicing
are 2 inches (50 mm) from the sides, 40 inches (1
m) from the front, and 10 inches (250 mm) from the
top.
NOTICE IIf installation is at a location above
~-----' 2001 ft (610 m), then follow the Adjust
Gas Pressure Settings procedure in
the Conversion Manual.
If installation is at or below 2000 ft
(610 m) then the pressure settings do
not need to be adjusted.
14 Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual

Gas Connection
j\WARNINGj
When connecting the gas valve or other gas
components in the gas line, use a backup wrench to
ensure the connection is gas tight.
• The gas supply line shall be gas tight, sized and so
installed as to provide a supply of a gas sufficient to
meet the maximum demand of the heater without
loss of pressure.
• A shut off valve and appliance connector valve
should be installed in the upstream ofthe gas line to
permit servicing.
• Flexible pipe and any appliance connector valve
used for gas piping shall be types approved by
nationally recognized agencies.·
• Any compound used on the threaded joint of the gas
piping shall be a type which resists the action of
liquefied petroleum gas (propane / LPG).
Clearances to Combustibles
When determining where to install the appliance the
clearances to combustibles shown in the figure must
be followed. Also refer to the Safety Behaviors and
Practices section. The clearance to combustibles from
the top is zero.
Rinnai recommends 10" (250 mm) clearance on both
sides for servicing.
• After completion of gas pipe connections all joints
including the heater must be checked for gas
tightness by means of leak detector solution, soap
and water, or an equivalent nonflammable solution,
as applicable. (Since some leak test solutions,
including soap and water, may cause corrosion or
stress cracking, the piping shall be rinsed with water
after testing, unless it has been determined that the
leak test solution is non-corrosive.)
• Check the gas supply pressure immediately
upstream at a location provided by the gas
company. Supplied gas pressure must be within the
limits shown in the Specifications section.
• Refer to an approved pipe sizing chart if in doubt
about the size of the gas line.
• Install manual gas cut-off valve so that it can be
accessed for easy operation. Do not conceal
manual cut-off valve behind back spacer.
10"(250mm)
0 ~O"
(50~m~ ~ ~
2
,,
Y{5omm)
~
40" (1m)
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 15

.....
O'l
::0
5·
::,
Q!.
()
0
-,
"O
0
§.
6"
::,
m
C/)
c.,J
CXl
s::
Ill
::,
C
e?..
Clearance in
Ref.A also
applies to
anticipated
snow line
rJ·
@ AIR SUPPLy INLET
I VI VENT TERMINAL
~ AREAWHERE
~ TERMINAL IS NOT
PERMITTTED

Flue Terminal Clearances
Ref Description Canadian Installations US Installations
Clearance above grade, veranda,
A porch, deck, or balcony. (Take into 12 inches (30 cm) 12 inches (30 cm)
account the anticipated snow line)
6 inches (15 cm) for 6 inches (15 cm) for
appliances ::: 10,000 BTUh; appliances ::: 10,000 BTUh;
Clearance to window or doorthat may
12 inches (30 cm) for 9 inches (23 cm) for
B appliances > 10,000 BTUh appliances > 10,000 BTUh
be opened
and:::_ 100,000 BTUh, and::: 50,000 BTUh,
36 inches (91 cm) for 12 inches (30 cm) for
appliances > 100,000 BTUh appliances> 50,000 BTUh
C Clearance to permanently closed * *
Vertical clearance to ventilated soffit,
D located above the terminal within a * *
horizontal distance of 2 feet (61 cm)
from the center line of the terminal
E Clearance to unventilated soffit * *
F Clearance to outside corner * *
G Clearance to inside corner 20 inches (50 cm) 20 inches (50 cm)
Clearance to each side of center line 3 feet (91 cm) within a height
H extended above meter/regulator 15 feet (4.5 m) above the *
assembly meter/regulator assembly
I Clearance to service regulator vent 3 feet
(91 cm) *
6 inches (15 cm) for 6 inches (15 cm) for
appliances::: 10,000 BTUh; appliances::: 10,000 BTUh;
Clearance to nonmechanical air supply 12 inches (30 cm) for 9 inches (23 cm) for
J inlet to building
or the combustion air appliances > 10,000 BTUh appliances > 10,000 BTUh
inlet to any other appliance and ::: 100,000 BTUh, and::: 50,000 BTUh,
36 inches (91 cm) for 12 inches (30 cm) for
appliances> 100,000 BTUh appliances > 50,000 BTUh
K Clearance to a mechanical air supply 6 feet (1.83 m) 3 feet
(91 cm) above if within
inlet 10 feet (3 m) horizontally
L Clearance above paved sidewalk
or
7 feet (2.13 m) CD
*
paved driveway located on public
12 inches (30 cm) to non- 12 inches (30 cm) to non-
M Clearance under veranda, porch, deck, flammables @ flammables @
or balcony 24 inches (60 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm) to
flammables @ flammables
(?)
CD A vent shall not terminate directly above a sidewalk or paved driveway that is located between two single
family dwellings and serves both dwellings.
@ Permitted only if veranda, porch, deck, or balcony is fully open on a minimum of two sides beneath the floor.
*For clearances not specified in ANSIZ223.1/NFPA 54 or CSA B149.1, clearances are in accordance with local
installation codes and the requirements of the gas supplier.
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual 17

Dimensions
inches (mm)
o~o
0
~
,-------e:=:i
C)~o
I
~
141/16" (357.5)
--
36 5/8" (930)
28 7/16" (723)
1113/16" (300)
i
G\S ro-.JNECTION
~
&,
?.i
~
i']_ I ~ *
<o ---
§ I c::::::J
"'n;;;t I c:::::il
&,
i?;
I!)
~
18 Rinnai Corporation
ES38 Manual
12 7/16' (316)
13" (330
49/16"(116
f5
0
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
®=
ii

Installation Parts
The following items are included with the appliance:
Flue Manifold .......................1
"A" Vent Kit, FOT-151
Back Spacer
Set 1
Air inlet hose 1
~
/ ,.-
Vent adaptor lt
,' ~·-
1
;' 1/
··J'. 1 ~
-,0,J
~
Pipe stopper 2
A&S
'-
Pipe stopper
E
~
1
On/OffValve 1
Spare rubber seal...........................1
Wall
Brackets
Insulation
Clip
Plastic tie for
air inlet
(M4)
(M5)
(M4x 20)
(M4)
(M4.8x 32)
Wood Screws
('A' Flue units only)
(;!A
'0!J)
(For weatherboard installations)
~
.
~
~
[nm
For Back Spacer Set
@JD
For Wall Brackets
©>HJJJJJJlll
For Flue Lock Stopper
@JmlD
For Flue Manifold
([)m""/J)J>
Wall Bracket Screws
Owner's Manual
Conversion Manual
Template
Elbow (gas)
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual
2
1
7
4
3
7
1
1
19

Drilling Flue Hole
Ensure that there are no gas orwater lines, or
electrical circuits in the wall location where the flue
hole is to be drilled.
Drill the flue hole using a 3 1/8 inch (80 mm) drill. A
template is provided. The center ofthe hole must
be located anywhere within the shaded area, unless
extension kits are used. See the dimensions
diagram.
For weatherboard walls, drill through the center of
the weatherboard from the outside first and then
through the plasterboard.
Attach Wall Brackets
Attach the wall brackets as shown. A template is
provided.
Attach Back Spacers
Attach side back spacers to both sides of the
appliance with 2 screws each.
Flue Hole
~·
-
00
....._
T"""
30 723
flc,iblu Placlio Iloso (C)
20
Rinnai Corporation ES38 Manual
...-
E
E
0
00
-...,
_j