Rinnai · SENSEI RU (Super High Efficiency Plus condensing) · Gas tankless
Rinnai RU160iN
The Rinnai RU160iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–160,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.95 and up to 9 GPM (34 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and is the mid-size RU model between the RU130i and RU180i.
Key figures
- Max input
- 160,000 BTU/h
- Flow at unspecified rise rise
- 9 GPM (34 L/min)
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
- 0.95
Flow figures depend on temperature rise; compare only at the same rise. Max flow is not guaranteed winter performance.
Rinnai RU160iN in practice
The RU160iN is the 160,000 BTU/h member of Rinnai's SENSEI RU condensing family, sharing UEF 0.95 with the larger RU180i and RU199i models on Rinnai's sheet. Its rated flow is 8.0 GPM (30 L/min), with 9 GPM by parameter adjustment, both stated without a temperature rise and valid only for inlet water at 21 °C or below, so the winter figure at Metro Vancouver's roughly 40 °C rise is the sizing number rather than the headline.
Installation follows the same rules as the other RU models: 2" PVC-family venting to an exterior termination, a 3/4" gas connection, a condensate drain and a 120 V outlet, with isolation valves included for the annual flush. Recirculation is supported through Circ-Logic with an external pump.
Best suited to
- Two-bathroom homes where one fixture at a time dominates the peak
- Sequential-use households wanting the mid-size platform and its 52 W normal draw
- Conversions where 160,000 BTU/h fits the existing gas supply better than the 199,000 BTU/h unit
Limitations to know
- Flow at Metro Vancouver's winter temperature rise is far below the 9 GPM headline
- Two simultaneous showers in January generally exceed one unit
- Requires 120 V power; no hot water during an outage
- Annual descaling is a warranty condition; lime damage is excluded
Applicability and support
- Model number
- RU160iN (REU-N2530FF-US)
- Variants on this page
- RU160iP (Propane, indoor); RU160eN / RU160eP (Outdoor versions)
- Canadian availability
- available
- Production status
- current
- CANRO supplies
- Confirmed at consultation
- CANRO services
- Confirmed at consultation
- Recirculation
- Yes, external pump and piping required
- Warranty
- Series terms
Circ-Logic control supports an external recirculation pump on a dedicated return line or via a crossover valve; the pump cable is sold separately. Recirculation makes hot water quicker at the tap, not instant, and adds gas use.
Where CANRO provides on-site service
On-site service is currently offered across Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Tsawwassen; plus Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island, Abbotsford with travel or ferry arrangements confirmed by phone. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.
Specifications
Published specifications
Values as published by Rinnai. Manufacturer gallon and BTU/h figures are preserved with metric alongside; notes flag conflicting documents and missing figures. Groups expand for detail.
Flow (tankless) 3
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rated flow range | 0.26–8.0 GPM (1.0–30 L/min) at unspecified rise rise | Manual Table 2. Rinnai does not state the temperature rise behind this figure; flow curves apply to inlet water at or below 21 °C. |
| Maximum flow with parameter adjustment | 9 GPM (34 L/min) at unspecified rise rise | Not winter performance: at a 40 °C rise the deliverable flow is much lower. |
| Minimum activation flow | 0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min) | Operating minimum 0.26 GPM; varies with set temperature and inlet temperature. |
Input 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum gas input | 15,000 BTU/h | 4.4 kW. Rinnai labels input as gas consumption. |
| Maximum gas input | 160,000 BTU/h | 46.9 kW. |
Efficiency 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) | 0.95 | Natural gas and propane per the Rinnai spec sheet. ENERGY STAR status is checked per current listing; the draw pattern is not printed on the sheet. |
Temperature 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet temperature setting | 37–49 °C (98–120 °F) default; up to 60 °C (140 °F) with parameter adjustment | Fixtures are limited to 49 °C by BC code. |
Venting and air 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Max. equivalent vent length, 2 in twin pipe | 65 ft (20 m) | 3 in twin pipe: 150 ft (46 m). Room-air 2 in: 50 ft. |
| Vent material | 2 in PVC/CPVC/polypropylene or 3 in/5 in concentric | Direct vent, room air or common vent per manual tables. |
Connections 3
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gas connection | 3/4 in MNPT (19 mm) | Supply pressure NG 3.5–10.5 in. w.c.; LP 8.0–13.5 in. w.c. |
| Water connections | 3/4 in MNPT cold in and hot out | Isolation valve and PRV kit MIVK-T-LW included. |
| Condensate drain | 1/2 in NPT (13 mm) | Condensate is acidic; drain to an approved location, with a neutralizer where required. |
Electrical 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | 120 V, 60 Hz; 52 W normal, 1.3 W standby, 148 W with freeze protection; 4 A max, 10 A fuse |
Recirculation 1
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation | Capable with external pump (Circ-Logic); no built-in pump | Dedicated return line or crossover-valve mode; pump cable sold separately. |
Physical 4
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26.4 in (670 mm) cabinet | |
| Width | 18.5 in (470 mm) | |
| Depth | 11.4 in (290 mm) | |
| Weight | 62 lb (28 kg) |
Operating limits 2
| Specification | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 10,200 ft (3,109 m) | |
| Certification | ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3 |
Manuals
- Rinnai Canada — RU199iN product page (Canadian listing, manuals and spec links)
- Installation and Operation Manual 100000467 — RU199i/RU180i/RU160i/RU130i100000467 · June 2020 (07 rev. Feb 2021 on rinnai.ca)
- SENSEI Condensing Residential Indoor Spec SheetRUi-SP-4 · 05/2023
- Isolation Valves and PRV Kit MIVK-T-LW100000894
Maintenance the manufacturer specifies
- Flush (descale) the heat exchanger at least once a year using the included isolation valves; Rinnai states lime damage is not covered by warranty and hard water needs more frequent flushing.
- Set the Service Soon reminder (parameter 03: 0.5, 1 or 2 years) so the display prompts the next flush.
- Clean the cold-water inlet filter screen periodically.
- Register within 90 days of installation to keep the 5-year labour warranty; otherwise labour defaults to 1 year.
Fault codes documented for this model
- Code 10 Air supply or exhaust blockage, or full condensate trap
- Code 12 No flame (burner lit, then flame lost or not sensed)
- Code 14 Heat exchanger overheat
- Code 16 High outgoing temperature (safety shutdown)
- Code 19 Electrical grounding fault
- Code 11 No ignition (heater not turning on)
- Code 25 Condensate pump fault (accessory)
- Code 52 Gas valve fault
- Code 61 Combustion fan fault
- Code 63 Recirculation low flow
- Code 65 Water flow control fault (bath-fill valve)
- Code 71 Solenoid valve circuit fault
- Code 72 Flame rod fault
- Code FF Maintenance indicator (service history marker)
- Code SS Service Soon (flush the heat exchanger)
Services
Hot water and scalding
- Water above 49 °C at a tap can scald in seconds, and children and older adults are at most risk. BC's plumbing code limits shower and bathtub water to 49 °C.
- Storage tanks are normally kept hotter (Health Canada advises 60 °C) to limit Legionella growth, with a thermostatic mixing valve tempering the water to the fixtures.
- Never bypass or remove a mixing valve, thermostat or high-limit control to get hotter water.
Official guidance: Government of Canada on water temperature and scalds and HealthLinkBC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the RU160iN and the RU199iN?
The RU160iN is capped at 160,000 BTU/h and 8.0 GPM rated flow (9 GPM adjusted) against the RU199iN's 199,000 BTU/h and 9.8 GPM (11 GPM adjusted). Both share UEF 0.95, the same cabinet and the same installation requirements.
Is the RU160iN sold in Canada?
Yes. rinnai.ca lists the RU160iN with its own product page, and installation manual 100000467 covers the full RU indoor range.
Can two bathrooms run at once?
Only if the combined flow fits the unit at the winter rise; the demand assessment measures simultaneous flow before the unit is specified.
Questions about the Rinnai RU160iN?
Describe what the water heater is doing and get a straight answer about the next step.
On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.
Sources and verification
- Rinnai Canada — RU160iN product page · Canadian source · accessed September 7, 2026
- SENSEI Condensing Residential Indoor Spec Sheet · RUi-SP-4 (05/2023) · accessed September 7, 2026
- Installation and Operation Manual 100000467 · 100000467 · accessed September 7, 2026
Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.