Rinnai Sapphire - User Manual

This document describes the Rinnai Sapphire 24 Flued Gas Space Heater, providing both customer operating information and installation instructions.

Function Description

The Rinnai Sapphire 24 is a fan-assisted, radiant convection space heater designed for efficient heating of living spaces. It operates on natural gas, towns gas, or propane, utilizing a surface combustion system with a jewel cut plaque burner design for maximum efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The heater features a forced convection and natural draught flue system, ensuring safe and effective removal of combustion byproducts.

The core function of the Sapphire 24 is to convert gas into heat, which is then distributed throughout the room. It achieves this through a combination of radiant heat from its burner plaques and convection heat, circulated by a large capacity fan. The fan plays a crucial role in circulating warm air effectively, ensuring even heat distribution.

The heater incorporates several safety devices to ensure reliable and secure operation. An electronic automatic ignition system simplifies startup, while a flame failure device automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame is extinguished, preventing gas leaks. An overheat switch protects the unit by cutting off the gas if the heater exceeds a predetermined temperature, which could be caused by obstructions, a blocked fan filter, or a power cut. The fan switch automatically turns the fan on when the heat exchanger warms up and off when it cools down, preventing cold draughts and enhancing efficiency.

The control system allows for three heat settings: Ignition/Low, Medium, and High, corresponding to different burner patterns and heat outputs. This provides flexibility in managing the room temperature and energy consumption. The fan speed is also automatically controlled, running at a lower speed for low and medium heat settings and a higher speed for the high setting, optimizing comfort and efficiency.

Usage Features

Operating the Rinnai Sapphire 24 is designed to be straightforward, with controls conveniently located under a cover on the top right-hand side of the heater.

Ignition: To ignite the heater, firmly press the front control button. This action activates the built-in safety device and initiates the electronic spark, lighting the center burner. It is important to hold the button down for approximately 15 seconds to allow the burner to establish itself. The spark will continue as long as the button is held. After 15 seconds, release the button. If the burner does not remain alight, release the button to return it to the "OFF" position, wait 30 seconds, and then repeat the ignition procedure. It's crucial that the ignition button is in the "OFF" position before attempting re-ignition. Upon successful ignition, the heater will be at its lowest setting with one burner alight.

Increasing Heat: To increase the heat output, press the control buttons in order from front to rear. Each press will ignite additional burners, progressively increasing the heat from Ignition/Low to Medium, and then to High. There is no need to hold the buttons for 15 seconds when increasing the heat.

• Ignition/Low: Activates one burner.
• Medium: Activates additional burners for a moderate heat output.
• High: Activates all burners for maximum heat output.

Decreasing Heat: To decrease the heat, simply release the control buttons in order from rear to front until the desired setting is reached.

Turning Off: To turn the unit off, press and release the buttons in order from back to front until all three buttons are in the "OFF" (UP) position. Ensure all burners are extinguished. The fan will continue to run until the heat exchanger cools down, then it will stop automatically.

Automatic Fan Operation: The fan starts automatically once the heat exchanger has warmed up, preventing cold draughts. Its speed is also automatically regulated: at low and medium heat settings, the fan runs at a low speed, and at the high setting, it runs at a high speed. This intelligent control ensures optimal comfort and efficiency. After the heater is turned off, the fan will continue to operate until the heat exchanger is cool, then it will stop automatically.

Safety Precautions:

• Do not use the heater for any purpose other than heating.
• Maintain specified clearances (150mm from sides and top, 1000mm from the bottom) from walls and other objects.
• Do not allow curtains or other flammable materials to come into contact with the heater.
• Do not allow young children or infirm individuals to sleep directly in front of the heater.
• Do not store flammable products or combustible materials near the heater where they could ignite.
• Supervise children near the heater.
• Do not allow children to "post" articles in the louvres.
• Do not place articles containing liquid on top of the heater.
• Do not spray aerosols on the unit while it is in operation, as most aerosols contain butane gas and can be a fire hazard.
• Do not sit on the heater.
• Do not place articles on or against the heater.
• The guard on the appliance is designed to prevent risk of fire or injury from burns, but it does not give full protection to young children or the infirm. No part of it should be permanently removed.

Maintenance Features

The Rinnai Sapphire 24 requires minimal maintenance to ensure it remains in good condition and operates efficiently.

Fan Filter Cleaning: To protect the fan from lint and dust, the Sapphire 24 is equipped with a fan filter located inside the bottom louvre opening, just below the lowest louvre.

• Removal: To remove the filter, lift its front edge slightly and gently pull it forward and out of the heater.
• Cleaning: Clean the filter using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust and lint.
• Replacement: To replace the filter, simply slide it back into its original position, ensuring it clips into place securely. Weekly cleaning of the fan filter is recommended during the heating season to maintain optimal performance and prevent the overheat switch from activating due to restricted airflow.

Outer Case Cleaning: The outer case of the heater should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth.

• Important: Do not use aerosol polishes to clean the casing while the heater is in operation.
• Do not clean plastic parts with solvents; always use a soft, damp cloth.

General Maintenance Advice:

• The appliance must be installed, serviced, and removed by an Authorised Person. This ensures that all work is carried out safely and in accordance with local gas fitting regulations, municipal building codes, A.G.A. Installation Code for Gas Burning Equipment, and any other relevant statutory regulations.
• No parts or functions should be modified or permanently removed from the unit.
• Keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference, especially for troubleshooting or service needs.

Troubleshooting (Pre-Service Check List): The manual includes a pre-service check list to help users identify and potentially resolve common issues before calling for service. This can help avoid unnecessary service calls, which may be chargeable even if the unit is under guarantee. Common issues and their remedies include:

• Not plugged in: Plug in the unit.
• Power Cut: Allow the unit to cool, then re-ignite when power is restored.
• Air in gas pipe (Initial Installation): Purge air (installer task).
• Gas Filter blocked: Service Call.
• Not pushing ignition button firmly enough: Push button firmly.
• Louvre obstructed: Remove obstruction.
• Gas Escape: Service Call.
• Room too large: Check with retailer.
• Fan Filter Blocked: Clean filter (weekly).
• Faulty fan: Service Call.
• Auto fan switch operating: Normal Operation (fan continues to run until cool).
• Gas turned off at meter: Turn gas on.

Safety Device Checks:

• Overheat Switch: If this device cuts off the gas, turn the unit off, remove any obstruction (e.g., clean the fan filter), and allow the unit to cool before re-operating. If the cause was a power cut, let it cool and relight when power is restored.
• Flame Failure Device: If the flame goes out during operation, this device automatically cuts off the gas.
• Fan Switch: This device ensures the fan operates automatically when needed, preventing cold draughts and improving efficiency.

Rinnai Australia maintains a service network with trained and equipped personnel to provide the best service for Rinnai appliances. Contact numbers for service are provided in the manual.