ENERGY KINETICS Ascent Combi Boilers - User Manual

ASME certified by EKI. Certificate
plate is on the front center of the
vessel.
Ascent & Ascent Plus
Combi Boilers
Model EK1T & EK1T+ - Gas Fired
USER’S INFORMATION MANUAL
MANUFACTURED BY:
ENERGY KINETICS, INC.
51 Molasses Hill Road
Lebanon, NJ 08833
(908) 735-2066
www.energykinetics.com
INSTALLER: PLEASE HANG THIS INFORMATION MANUAL AND ACCESSORY INSTRUCTIONS VISIBLY
NEXT TO THE BOILER USING THE SUPPLIED POUCH.
CONSUMER: PLEASE RETAIN THIS INFORMATION MANUAL AND ACCESSORY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
WARNING: If the information in this
manual 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
o Do not try to light any appliance.
o Do not touch any electrical
switch; do not use any phone in
your building.
o Immediately call your gas supplier
from a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
o 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.
MH27877
ANSI Z21.13b-2017
Low-Press Boiler
National Board
Listed
For Polypropylene Venting
For Conventional Venting

Summary

Important Safety Warnings

Gas Leak Detection Protocol

Instructions on immediate actions to take if a gas leak is detected.

Qualified Personnel Requirement

Specifies that installation and service must be performed by qualified personnel.

Product Identification and Certifications

Boiler Model and Manufacturer Details

Identifies the Ascent Combi/Plus Combi boilers and Energy Kinetics as the manufacturer.

Regulatory Listings and Certifications

Lists UL, ANSI, ASME, and National Board certifications for the boiler.

User Manual Handling Instructions

Installers Manual Placement

Directs installers to hang the manual visibly near the boiler.

Consumers Manual Retention

Advises consumers to retain the manual for future reference.

Safety Alerts and Precautions

Understanding Safety Flags

Explains the meaning of DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE flags in the manual.

Qualified Service Technician Role

Highlights the necessity of using a qualified technician for operation, servicing, and repairs.

Area Safety and Maintenance

Details requirements for keeping the boiler area clear of flammables and the importance of user monitoring.

Risks of Improper Installation;Service

Warns about severe consequences from incorrect installation, adjustment, or maintenance, including hazardous materials.

Operating Safety Precautions

Ignition Device Safety

Instructs not to light the burner by hand, as it has an automatic ignition device.

Gas Leak Detection and Response

Provides detailed steps for smelling for gas and the correct procedure to follow if gas is detected.

Handling Gas Shutoff Valve

Advises using only hand to turn the gas shutoff valve and calling a technician if it's difficult to operate.

Boiler Submerged in Water Warning

Warns against using the boiler if any part has been underwater, requiring immediate technician inspection.

Boiler Operating Instructions

Initial Setup for Operation

Details setting thermostats, service switch, and gas control to prepare the boiler for operation.

Starting the Boiler Sequence

Outlines the steps to safely start the burner, including waiting for gas clearance and setting controls.

Turning Off Gas Supply

Procedure for Shutting Down

Describes the steps to turn off the gas supply to the burner and boiler.

Massachusetts Installation Requirements

Plumber Licensing Mandate

Mandates installation by a licensed plumber in Massachusetts.

Antifreeze and Backflow Prevention

Requires a reduced pressure backflow preventer if antifreeze is used.

Installer Notes and Codes

Compliance with Installation Codes

Emphasizes adhering to all national, state, and local plumbing, heating, and electrical codes.

Referenced Codes List

Lists applicable codes such as NFPA 70, NFPA 211, and NFPA 54.

Leakage Damage Prevention Measures

Advises installation to prevent water leakage damage and proper piping for relief valve discharge.

Boiler Overview and Operation

Homeowner Guidance Message

Encourages homeowners to read instructions for optimal performance and understanding.

Boiler System Component Description

Describes the basic components of the Ascent Combi and Ascent Plus Combi boilers.

Principle of Boiler Operation

Combination Heat and Hot Water Function

Explains that boilers provide both space heating and domestic hot water, prioritizing hot water.

User-Selectable Operating Modes

Introduces the four user-selectable modes (OP1-OP4) for controlling boiler behavior.

Operating Mode OP1: Maintain Temperature

Describes Option 1, which maintains a minimum temperature for instant hot water but is less efficient.

Operating Mode OP2: Cold-start On Demand

Explains Option 2, offering best efficiency by cold-starting and requiring a draw or double pump to preheat.

Advanced Operating Mode Descriptions

Operating Mode OP3: Advanced Learning

Details Option 3, which learns schedules for preheating, balancing efficiency and convenience.

Operating Mode OP4: Advanced Learning (Inconsistent)

Describes Option 4, similar to OP3 but optimized for less consistent schedules.

Important Notices and Troubleshooting

Overheating or Gas Failure Protocol

Instructs to shut off external gas supply, not electrical supply, in case of overheating or gas failure.

Submerged Boiler Safety

Repeats the warning about not using a boiler that has been underwater and requiring technician inspection.

Troubleshooting: No Heat

Burner Control LED Diagnostics

Explains how to interpret burner control LEDs and use the reset button for relighting.

Reset Attempt Limits and Lockout

Details the maximum number of reset attempts allowed before the burner control latches up.

Contacting Service Agency for Issues

Advises contacting a qualified service agency if normal operation cannot be established.

Maintenance Requirements

Annual Maintenance Tune-Up

Stresses the need for an annual tune-up by a qualified service agency for optimal performance.

Periodic User Maintenance Checks

Lists daily area inspection and monthly checks of flue connections, water leaks, and gauges.

Flue Connection Inspection

Chimney Installation Flue Details

Describes flue pipe connections for chimney installations and pressure considerations.

Monthly Flue Deterioration Check

Advises monthly inspection of flue pipes for deterioration and evidence of escaping products.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Three-Year Limited Warranty

Covers defects in material and workmanship for residential heating systems for three years.

Lifetime Pressure Vessel Warranty

Warrants the pressure vessel against defects in material or workmanship for the owner's lifetime.

Proportionate Charge After 10 Years

Details a proportionate charge based on usage time for pressure vessel claims after the first 10 years.

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations

Lists conditions, exclusions, and limitations for warranty claims, including installation and maintenance.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Safety Instructions
5. Maintenance Features
6. Warranty

The Ascent Combi and Ascent Plus Combi Gas-Fired Boilers, models EK1T and EK1T+, are combination heat and hot water systems designed for residential use. Manufactured by Energy Kinetics, Inc., these boilers are engineered for efficient home heating and integrated domestic hot water production. They are equipped with an advanced learning control system and a low-mass hydronic heat exchanger.

Function Description:

The Ascent Combi and Ascent Plus Combi boilers serve as a heat source for residential heating systems and provide on-demand hot water. They feature TT terminals for thermostat connection to manage heat calls and an integrated flow switch to detect hot water flow. When there is a call for heat and/or hot water, the boilers will fire as needed to provide the required temperatures. In cases of simultaneous heat and hot water demand, the system prioritizes hot water production.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Models: EK1T & EK1T+
• Fuel Type: Gas-Fired
• Certification: UL Listed (MH27877), National Board Listed, ASME certified (certificate plate on the front center of the vessel).
• Standards: ANSI Z21.13b-2017 Low-Press Boiler
• Manufacturer: Energy Kinetics, Inc., 51 Molasses Hill Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833, (908) 735-2066.
• Venting: Available for Polypropylene Venting and Conventional Venting.
• Ignition: Equipped with an automatic ignition device; no pilot light.
• Pressure Gauge Reading: Between 5 psi and 30 psi (normal operation).
• Temperature Gauge Reading: No more than 220°F at the end of a heating call.

Usage Features:

The boilers offer four user-selectable modes of operation to control their behavior between active heat and hot water calls:

• Option 1 (OP1) - Maintain Temperature: This is the default and least efficient mode. The boiler maintains a minimum temperature (factory set to 145°F) for instant hot water production. While less efficient than other options, it offers significant savings over traditional tankless coil boilers.
• Option 2 (OP2) - Cold-start On Demand Hot Water: This is a more efficient mode where the boiler operates as a cold-start system. It does not maintain temperature continuously, meaning hot water may not be instantly available. A hot water draw of at least 30 seconds is required to activate the boiler, which then takes 2-3 minutes to reach full operating temperature. To speed up preheating, a "double pump" action (turning the hot water on and off twice quickly) can be used. This option is recommended for Heat-Only installations.
• Option 3 (OP3) - Advanced Learning (Consistent Schedules): This mode balances efficiency and convenience. The boiler learns the user's schedule over two weeks and preheats when a hot water draw is anticipated. It uses more fuel than OP2 but provides significant savings over OP1 for consistent schedules. If the schedule is not correctly anticipated, the OP2 draw patterns (30-second draw or double pump) will activate the boiler.
• Option 4 (OP4) - Advanced Learning (Inconsistent Schedules): Similar to OP3, this mode learns the schedule over two weeks, identifying periods of no hot water demand (e.g., nighttime). It preheats when a hot water draw is anticipated based on past usage, making it ideal for less consistent schedules. It uses more fuel than OP2 and OP3 but offers savings over OP1. If the schedule is not correctly anticipated, the OP2 draw patterns will activate the boiler.

Safety Instructions:

• Gas Leaks: If gas is smelled, do not try to light any appliance, touch electrical switches, or use a phone in the building. Immediately call the gas supplier from a neighbor's phone or the fire department.
• Operation: Do not attempt to light the burner by hand. Use only your hand to turn the gas shutoff valve; never use tools.
• Water Damage: Do not use the boiler if any part has been under water. A qualified service technician must inspect and replace any damaged control system or gas control parts.
• Flammable Materials: Keep the area around the burner/boiler free from gasoline, other flammable vapors, liquids, laundry products, paint, varnish, thinner, or combustible materials. These chemicals can cause the creation of acids, leading to severe damage.

Maintenance Features:

• Annual Tune-up: An annual tune-up by a qualified service agency is required to maintain top efficiency, peak performance, and verify proper functioning of all safety devices.
• Daily Inspection: Inspect the area around the burner/boiler daily to ensure it is clean and free of flammable or combustible materials.
• Monthly Inspection (Owner/User):
  • Inspect flue connections for deterioration or escaping flue products.
  • Check for evidence of water leakage (e.g., from the safety pressure relief valve).
  • Verify the pressure gauge reads between 5 psi and 30 psi.
  • Verify the temperature gauge reads no more than 220°F at the end of a heating call.
  • Watch the boiler's operation through an operating cycle to verify normal functioning.
• Troubleshooting (No Heat): If there's no heat, remove the burner cover and check the three LEDs on the burner control. If the red LED is constant, press and hold the reset button for one second to attempt relighting. A maximum of three reset attempts are allowed per call for heat before the burner control "latches up." If normal operation cannot be established after three resets, contact a qualified service agency.
• Shutting Down: To turn off gas to the burner, set thermostats to their lowest setting, turn the service switch to "OFF," and turn the Gas control knob clockwise to the "OFF" position without forcing it.
• Installer Responsibilities: Installations must comply with all national, state, and local plumbing, heating, and electrical codes, including N.F.P.A. No. 70 (National Electrical Code), N.F.P.A. No. 211 (Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances), and A.N.S.I. Z223.1/N.F.P.A. No. 54 (National Fuel Gas Code). In Massachusetts, installation must be by a licensed plumber, and if antifreeze is used, a reduced pressure backflow preventer device must be used.
• Relief Discharge Pipes: All relief discharge pipes (from the boiler pressure relief valve, hot water storage tank T&P relief valve, backflow preventer, and radiant heating systems) must be properly placed to safely contain hot water, boiling water, or water treated with boiler chemicals/antifreeze, and piped to the nearest drain.

Warranty:

Energy Kinetics provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty for the pressure vessel to the original owner in the original place of installation, covering defects in material or workmanship under normal usage. For the first 10 years, Energy Kinetics will repair or replace the pressure vessel at its option. After 10 years, a proportionate charge based on the trade list price will apply. A three-year limited warranty covers other residential water boiler parts (Model EK1T and EK1T+), excluding Honeywell Zone Valves. Additional components carry limited warranties from their original manufacturers. The warranty is subject to proper installation and servicing according to Energy Kinetics instructions, building codes, and good industry practice. It excludes issues caused by improper installation, burner adjustments, control settings, care, maintenance, labor for removal/reinstallation, transportation, and failures due to lack of water, freezing, excessive pressure, floods, fire, acts of God, corrosion, improper water conditioning, or operation with defective fuels/additives.

ENERGY KINETICS Ascent Combi Boilers Specifications