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Rinnai Discontinues INFINITY Composite Recess Box

Rinnai Corporation, leading manufacturer of tankless gas water heaters, announces the discontinuation of its INFINITY™ composite recess box (R1406).

The composite recess box was introduced as an affordable alternative to the metal recess box designed for housing some units from the INFINITY™ range. Composite products are known for being incredibly strong and corrosion resistant, making them perfect for external applications. Despite this, the Rinnai NZ team explains that demand for the composite recess box is low, hence their decision for its discontinuation.

Meanwhile, the metal recess box will continue to be available.

INFINITYTM Metal Recess Box

The Rinnai metal recess box allows you to virtually hide your INFINITYTM unit, pipe work and power supply into a cavity, ensuring a smooth and neat finish to the job.

It allows a continuous flow gas water heater to be partially or fully recessed into an external wall, unlike the composite recess box which can only be semi recessed. The composite recess box is also not suitable for fire rated walls. These are probably why the metal recess box proved to be a more popular option.

Constructed of folded galvanised steel and powder coated white, the metal recess box can easily be painted to match or complement the exterior cladding. It is suitable for the following external Rinnai INFINITY gas water heaters:

rinnai_composite_recess_box_discontinuedR1405 recess box:

  • A-Series: A16-A26 (current range)
  • VT16-VT26 (discontinued)
  • XR16-XR26 (discontinued)
  • V16-V24 (discontinued)

R1407 recess box:

  • EF24 (current model)
  • HD200 (current model)
  • HD250 (current model)
  • XR32 (discontinued)

Installing a metal recess box

The INFINITYTM metal recess box is ideal for new builds or major renovations as it needs to be installed during the framing stage, i.e. before the internal linings, claddings or building wrap are applied.

The Rinnai continuous flow gas water heaters are designed for external installation, and thus your metal recess box must be located in an above ground, open-air situation. The area must have natural ventilation, where flue gases are safely expelled and rapidly dispersed by wind and natural convection.

Generally, it can be mounted on any vertical structure with water and gas connections and enough clearance for the pipe work. You can install it on an outside wall below eaves, balconies and other areas, but you might want to reconsider siting it near bedrooms since water heaters inside a recess box operates at a slightly louder level than units located externally. In most cases, the metal recess box is better located near the kitchen where there is a high demand for instant hot water.

In addition to general clearances, you need to consider your local building codes regarding this type of installation. To make sure your INFINITYTM water heater is compliant and installed properly, consult a licensed gasfitter familiar with the system prior to installation.

For Rinnai installation advice and consultation, you may call us at 0800 TEAM EURO. For more information about the Rinnai metal recess box and gas water heaters, click here.

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When Pressure Relief Valves Leak And What To Do

Recently there have been several claims against ‘leaking’ TPR valves. Upon testing it has been found that the relief valve is neither passing nor failing to reseat, the ‘leak’ appears to be water passing out of the blow-out cage which has opened when the easing lever has been operated too quickly during maintenance.

THE EASING LEVER SHOULD BE OPERATED SLOWLY

The purpose of the blow-out cage is to act as a ‘back-up’ relief valve which may (in certain circumstances) open when a high flow rate is passing through the TPR valve during emergency relief conditions and is normal.

Incorrectly sized or partially blocked relief drains causing back pressure may also cause the blow-out cage to activate again releasing water at the cylinder. The relief pressure of the blow-out cage is roughly 50% of the pressure rating of the TPR valve.

This new plastic device is manually resettable as opposed to the previous model which had a ‘one shot’ non-resettable metallic mechanism.

To reset the blow-out mechanism please follow the instructions belo

  1. (Fig 1) Once the water flow has ceased to turn the blow-out cage anti-clockwise to remove the device from the TPR valve body.
  2. (Fig 2) Push the valve stem back through the cage until both the stem and the washer are completely removed from the cage (a resonable amount of force will be required to push the bevelled end of the shaft through cage, lubricating oil will prevent the rubber washer from being pinched).
  3. (Fig 3) Fit the washer onto the stem and insert fully into the cage until the bevelled end ‘clicks’ back into position.
  4. (Fig 4) Fit the device into the TPR valve body and SLOWLY re-test the valve.

leaking_tpr_valves

One thing to note is that sometimes there may be a case where the valve can be genuinely faulty. Depending on age the valve may or may not be under warranty. In such cases, give us a call to book an inspection in.

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Product Review: Paloma External Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are becoming a more and more popular option as time goes. They provide endless instantaneous hot water without the need for a storage tank, and prove to be more energy efficient than a traditional electric water heater.

If you are looking at upgrading to a gas water heater, Paloma water heaters are an excellent option. Established in 1911, based in Nagoya, Japan, Paloma is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of gas appliances and offer an excellent solution to your water heating needs in New Zealand.

THE PALOMA EXTERNAL GAS WATER HEATER

The Paloma external gas water heater systems are compact, stylish and inconspicuous systems made to provide efficient water heating. They are designed to take up the minimal required space outdoors, resulting in minimal impact on your home and surrounds. Loaded with features to ensure efficient water heating, Paloma gas water heaters compete with the best and provide an excellent alternative to electric water heaters, with 6 star energy efficiency, instant heat at the touch of a button, precise temperature control and an endless supply of hot water for your home.

paloma_continuous_flow_external_gas_water_heaterKey features and benefits:

  • Available in 16L, 24L and 27L options
  • Hot water circulating system compatible
  • Over heat limit switch
  • Water pressure relief valves
  • Flamesafe over-heat protection system
  • Flame failure device
  • Digital diagnostic display
  • Q function
  • Error code recall
  • LPG or NG models available

Specifications

Recommended Outlets: 1-3
Litres: 16-27L
Size: 520H x 350W x 163D – 651H x 331W x 254D (mm)
Weight: 21-26Kg
Output: 27.9 kW – 40.0 kW

CONCLUSION

Gas water heaters add value to your property and reduce running costs, and the Paloma is an excellent option if you want to convert to gas. Gas water heating is becoming highly desired both for the lifestyle and cost savings provided to us here in NZ. If you would like to upgrade to a Paloma gas water heater, talk to us today!