Other: Boiler tips (part 2 of 3)

Short, practical technician tips on other for boiler. Check each one against the manual for your exact model before acting.

Installer qualification and warranty

Glow Brand · C95 & C140

The boiler must be installed by a licensed, certified and trained heating technician. Otherwise the warranty is void.

1. Confirm the installer is licensed, certified and trained before installing.
2. Follow the manual and the authority having jurisdiction requirements.

Massachusetts carbon monoxide and signage requirements

Glow Brand · Massachusetts installs with side wall horizontal vent under 7 ft

In Massachusetts, horizontally vented gas equipment in residential buildings with a side wall vent termination under 7 ft above grade needs a hard-wired CO detector with battery backup on each level and a required exhaust vent warning sign. The installer must be licensed under 248 CMR 2.00 and 5.00.

1. Confirm a hard-wired CO detector with alarm and battery backup is installed on the appliance level and each additional level served.
2. If the requirement cannot be met at completion, install a battery-operated CO alarm and complete the hard-wired installation within 30 days.
3. Use NFPA 720 and ANSI/UL 2034 listed, IAS certified CO detectors.
4. Mount a metal or plastic sign at least 8 ft above grade in line with the vent terminal, reading 'GAS VENT DIRECTLY BELOW. KEEP CLEAR OF ALL OBSTRUCTIONS' in letters at least 1/2 inch high.

Replace water-damaged components

Glow Brand · C95 & C140

Components damaged by water or flooding must be replaced immediately with new factory-approved parts. Failure to replace them can cause property damage, serious injury or death.

1. Identify any water or flood-damaged components.
2. Replace them with new factory-approved components before operating the unit.

Scald hazard with DHW temperature

Glow Brand · DHW distribution

Hot water scald risk if the thermostatic mixing valve is missing or set too high. Code may require a 120°F or lower maximum setting.

1. Install a thermostatic mixing valve where required.
2. Set the mixing valve maximum to 120°F or lower if local code requires.
3. Follow the mixing valve manufacturer's adjustment instructions.

Storing the boiler

Glow Brand · C95 & C140

Store the boiler horizontally and dry, with no more than three units stacked. Do not let the storage temperature fall below freezing.

1. Store the unit horizontally in dry conditions.
2. Stack no more than three units high.
3. Keep storage temperature at or above 32°F/0°C.

Unpacking and lifting onto the wall bracket

Glow Brand · C95 & C140

Unpack the boiler on the floor and lift it with two people onto the wall mounting bracket.

1. Set the packed unit upright on the floor and open the four box flaps.
2. Turn the box 180 degrees, supporting it from below, then lift the box off.
3. Remove the foam packaging and lay the unit on its back away from the work area.
4. Use two people to lift the boiler onto the wall bracket.

Vent slope, support and terminations

Glow Brand · Exhaust and intake venting

Slope and support rules for exhaust and air-inlet pipe, and termination heights and separations.

1. Slope the exhaust vent up toward the termination at least 1/4 in per foot. Use 1/2 in per foot where condensate is heavy.
2. Support horizontal and vertical vent and intake pipe at least every 5 ft or per local code.
3. Keep the termination at least 12 in above grade or expected snow.
4. Exhaust outlet must be 8 in to 24 in above the combustion air intake.
5. Keep the horizontal distance between intake and exhaust at least 6 in center to center.
6. Roof discharges must point away from the roof pitch and be at least 24 in apart.
7. For vertical terminations through the roof, install a condensate tee with a trap on the vent before the unit.
8. Wall thickness for direct vent terminations: minimum 1 in, maximum 50 in.

Water flow must be present whenever the burner runs

Glow Brand · C95 & C140

The boiler must have water flowing through it whenever the burner is on. Running it without flow will damage the unit and void the warranty.

1. Verify the pump and system flow are working before firing the burner.
2. Do not allow the burner to run without water flow.

Read fault history

HTP · EL-80, EL-110, EL-150, EL-220, EL-299, EL-399 (N/LP)

Last ten lockouts with date and time.

1. From the default screen press the right arrow
2. Press the down arrow to step through the status screens
3. The last ten lockouts follow, newest first, alternating with the fault code

Check input and output states (Input/Output Status)

Navien · Navien NHB-H condensing boilers: NHB-150H, NHB-110H, NHB-080H, NHB-055H

Shows whether the control sees or sends a signal: thermostat inputs, pumps, zone valves, HTL, dual venturi, LWCO, air handler and DHW priority.

1. Hold Back and Menu together for 3 seconds.
2. Choose 2. Input/Output Status.
3. Scroll to the item you want to check.

Read live data (Status Information menu)

Navien · NHB-055H, NHB-080H, NHB-110H, NHB-150H

Read-only list of boiler data items.

1. Press Menu, choose 1. Status Information.
2. Turn the Command dial to scroll, press it to see the value.
3. Press Back to leave.

Read the error history

Navien · NHB-055H, NHB-080H, NHB-110H, NHB-150H

Lists the 10 most recent errors, newest at the top.

1. Press Menu, choose 4. Error History.
2. Select an error and press the dial for details.
3. Press Back to return.

3-way valve motor must be disconnected for heating-only use on TRX150 / TRX199

NTI · TRX150 and TRX199 models, heating-only installs

If the boiler only serves heating and is not connected to an indirect water heater, the 3-way valve motor must be disconnected while the boiler runs in central heating mode. This locks the valve in CH so freeze protection works. Leaving the valve connected can disable freeze protection and cause property damage.

1. Confirm the boiler is heating only, with no indirect water heater.
2. Disconnect electrical power before working on the wiring.
3. Disconnect the 3-way valve motor so it stays locked in central heating mode.

Antifreeze selection

NTI · TRX150

Only use antifreeze made for hydronic systems that contains propylene glycol. Never use automotive or standard ethylene glycol antifreeze, which attacks seals and is toxic. Check the antifreeze is compatible with the stainless steel heat exchanger.

1. Use propylene glycol antifreeze made for hydronic systems.
2. Use the mix and quantities the antifreeze maker gives for your region.
3. Do not use automotive or ethylene glycol antifreeze.

Auto Boost behaviour

NTI · NTI TRX boilers, outdoor reset

Auto Boost (4.7.5 = 1) raises the outdoor reset slope by 10 percent every 10 minutes while a call for heat stays on, up to 2 times the nominal slope (4.2.2). When the call is satisfied, the slope drops 1 percent per minute back to the nominal value. Only works when 4.2.1 = 3 or 4.

Canada vent installation requirements

NTI · Canadian installations

Extra requirements for Canadian installations.

1. Use a vent system certified to ULC-S636.
2. Keep the first 3 ft of vent pipe from the flue outlet readily accessible for inspection.
3. Do not mix components with other vent systems or unlisted pipe or fittings.
4. Keep plastic vent and boiler parts at least 8 in from high heat sources (100 F / 37 C or greater).

Carbon monoxide detector placement

NTI · All installations

Required CO detector placement in the home.

1. On each floor with bedrooms, place a CO detector and alarm in the living area outside the bedrooms.
2. Also place one in the room that houses the boiler.
3. Use detectors that comply with NFPA 720 (latest edition).

Ceramic fiber dust in the combustion chamber

NTI · TRX150

Combustion chamber insulation contains ceramic fiber that can form cristobalite at high temperature. Limit dust exposure.

1. Wet the combustion chamber lining before disturbing it to prevent dust.
2. Wear an N95 NIOSH certified respirator, long sleeves, gloves and eye protection.
3. Wash contaminated clothing separately and rinse the washer.
4. If dust reaches the eyes, irrigate immediately. If breathing is affected, move to fresh air.

Condensate float switch

NTI · TRX boilers

The condensate collection system has a float switch that monitors condensate level and prevents backup into the boiler.

Control panel buttons and display layout

NTI · TRX150 control panel

Front panel has ON/OFF, DHW +/- (item 2), MENU (item 3), HISTORY (item 4), RESET (item 5), OK (item 6), ESC (item 7), CH +/- (item 8) and the display (item 9). The ON/OFF button lights white when the boiler has power and stays dark during an error or power failure. The RESET button lights red on a lockout. A short MENU press opens the user menu and a long MENU press opens the info menu.

1. Press ON/OFF to power the boiler on or off.
2. Press MENU briefly for the user menu.
3. Press and hold MENU for the info menu.
4. Use the CH +/- or DHW +/- buttons to change setpoints from the home screen.

Day and night room setpoints

NTI · NTI TRX boilers with room sensor

Daily comfort setpoint factory 70 F, night reduced setpoint factory 61 F. Only applies with NTI room sensor. Zones 1 and 2 can have different setpoints, applied with the selected mode and time program. Allowed target ranges depend on each other as shown in the setpoint graph.

Display icons and what they mean

NTI · TRX150 control panel

The display shows boiler status, temperature in °F with a bar level, error codes with the word ERROR, a RESET request on lockout, and menu settings. Icons show: technical assistance request, flame with power level, CH heating set or active, DHW set or active, hot water comfort (combi only), antifreeze active (boiler off or on), AUTO outdoor reset control, error signal, outdoor sensor connected (optional) and WiFi active.

1. If the error icon is lit, read the code and description on the display.
2. If the RESET request appears, press RESET after the cause is fixed.
3. If the technical assistance icon shows, call for service.

Do not add cold make-up water to a hot boiler

NTI · TRX boilers, system fill and service

Adding cold water to a hot boiler causes thermal shock that can crack the heat exchanger. This damage is not covered by warranty. Also, continual fresh make-up water shortens boiler life and must be stopped by repairing leaks at once.

1. Let the boiler cool before adding make-up water.
2. Repair leaks in the boiler or piping right away.

Do not adjust excess flow valve screws without analyzer

NTI · NTI TRX150 gas valve

Screws 2 (offset) and 4 (throttle) on the gas valve must not be removed or adjusted without a calibrated combustion analyzer. Doing so can cause fire, property damage or serious injury.

1. Leave the EFV offset and throttle screws alone unless a calibrated combustion analyzer is connected.

Do not use solvents or operate with missing parts

NTI · TRX150

Solvents can damage boiler components. Missing condensate trap parts make the boiler unsafe to run.

1. Clean boiler components with water or approved solution only.
2. If any condensate trap part is missing, do not run the boiler. Replace the whole trap assembly.

Exhaust vent slope, support and terminations

NTI · Exhaust vent and intake installation

Support the vent so it does not carry its own weight on the boiler connections, and keep it draining back to the boiler.

1. Pitch the exhaust vent at least 1/4 inch per foot back toward the boiler so condensate drains.
2. Do not use vent connections to support the piping.
3. Insert the supplied exhaust and intake screens into both terminations to stop debris and birds getting in.
4. Pipe exhaust and intake separately. Do not share a common exhaust or intake with other appliances.

Freeze protection is off when the boiler has no power

NTI · TRX boilers

The control's freeze protection does not work if power is lost. Plan piping and location with freeze risk in mind. Freeze damage is not covered by warranty.

Glycol limits for DHW and IWH loops

NTI · TRX boilers with glycol

Use only food grade propylene glycol rated GRAS for indirect water heater loops. Glycol content must not exceed 50% unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Non-GRAS glycol is only allowed in closed loop CH applications. Check glycol periodically so it does not turn acidic. Never use automotive or standard ethylene glycol.

1. Use food grade propylene glycol (GRAS) for IWH loops.
2. Keep glycol at or below 50% of the liquid.
3. Test glycol periodically for acidity.

Massachusetts venting requirements

NTI · Massachusetts and local code installations

Signage and piping labels required in Massachusetts and where state or local codes require them.

1. Do not take combustion or dilution air from a bedroom or bathroom.
2. Where a through-the-wall vent is less than 7 ft above grade, mount a metal or plastic sign at least 8 ft above grade in line with the vent.
3. Sign text must read 'GAS VENT DIRECTLY BELOW. KEEP CLEAR OF ALL OBSTRUCTIONS' with letters at least 0.5 in high.
4. Label exposed piping every 10 ft and concealed piping every 3 ft, at all direction changes, and on both sides of any wall or ceiling penetration.
5. Labels must be black lettering at least the pipe diameter in height, up to 2 in maximum.

Overheat cutoff and lockout at 212°F

NTI · TRX boilers

The temperature controls are UL 353 listed. They shut off the fuel when the set point is reached. At 212°F, the boiler goes into safety shutdown and lockout and needs a manual reset.