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Comparison

Rinnai RU130iN vs RU160iN: Which SENSEI RU Size Fits?

Verdict in brief

Both are indoor condensing natural-gas tankless units from the same Rinnai SENSEI RU family, in the same 26.4 in cabinet and with the same 2 in venting, gas and water connections. The RU130iN is 15,000–130,000 BTU/h at UEF 0.91 with 6.6 GPM rated flow; the RU160iN is 15,000–160,000 BTU/h at UEF 0.95 with 8.0 GPM rated flow. Choose the RU160iN when a second fixture must run alongside the first in winter, and the RU130iN when demand is sequential and the smaller gas draw suits the supply.

Side by side

Published manufacturer figures with units. Storage and flow figures are different measures and are shown on their own rows; blanks mean not applicable or not published.

Comparison of Rinnai RU130iN and Rinnai RU160iN
SpecificationRinnai RU130iNGas tanklessRinnai RU160iNGas tankless
Minimum gas input15,000 BTU/h15,000 BTU/h
Maximum gas input130,000 BTU/h160,000 BTU/h
Rated flow range0.26–6.6 GPM (1.0–24 L/min) at unspecified rise rise0.26–8.0 GPM (1.0–30 L/min) at unspecified rise rise
Maximum flow with parameter adjustment7 GPM (26 L/min) at unspecified rise rise9 GPM (34 L/min) at unspecified rise rise
Minimum activation flow0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)0.910.95
Max. equivalent vent length, 2 in twin pipe65 ft (20 m)65 ft (20 m)
Gas connection3/4 in MNPT (19 mm)3/4 in MNPT (19 mm)
Water connections3/4 in MNPT cold in and hot out3/4 in MNPT cold in and hot out
Condensate drain1/2 in NPT (13 mm)1/2 in NPT (13 mm)
Electrical supply120 V, 60 Hz; 38 W normal, 1.3 W standby, 148 W with freeze protection; 4 A max, 10 A fuse120 V, 60 Hz; 52 W normal, 1.3 W standby, 148 W with freeze protection; 4 A max, 10 A fuse
Height26.4 in (670 mm) cabinet26.4 in (670 mm) cabinet
Width18.5 in (470 mm)18.5 in (470 mm)
Depth11.4 in (290 mm)11.4 in (290 mm)
Weight62 lb (28 kg)62 lb (28 kg)
Maximum altitude10,200 ft (3,109 m)10,200 ft (3,109 m)
CertificationANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3ANSI Z21.10.3 / CSA 4.3

“—” means not applicable to that system type or not published by the manufacturer. Flow figures are only comparable at the same temperature rise; UEF values are only comparable within the same draw pattern.

What actually separates them

The two units share the same platform, so the differences are almost entirely in input and flow. The RU130iN modulates from 15,000 to 130,000 BTU/h and Rinnai publishes a rated flow range of 0.26–6.6 GPM (1.0–24 L/min), adjustable to 7 GPM (26 L/min). The RU160iN runs 15,000–160,000 BTU/h with 0.26–8.0 GPM (1.0–30 L/min) rated and 9 GPM (34 L/min) adjusted. Rinnai states neither figure with a temperature rise, and the curves apply only to inlet water at 21 °C or below, so in Metro Vancouver winter the deliverable flow at the roughly 40 °C rise to a 49 °C shower is well under both headlines.

That winter flow is the deciding number. At about a 40 °C rise a shower-class fixture draws roughly 9 L/min (2.5 GPM); the RU130iN covers one such fixture, while the RU160iN's extra 30,000 BTU/h is what makes a second simultaneous fixture marginal rather than out of reach. The honest test is the demand assessment's flow-at-rise figure, not the adjusted maximum on the spec sheet.

Efficiency runs the opposite way to size: Rinnai rates the smaller RU130iN at UEF 0.91 against 0.95 for the RU160iN on the same sheet, and both carry a legacy EF of 0.95 that is a different test and must not be mixed with UEF. The RU160iN's normal electrical draw is 52 W against 38 W for the RU130iN, both 120 V with 148 W under freeze protection.

Everything else is common: the same 26.4 in × 18.5 in × 11.4 in cabinet, 62 lb (28 kg) shipping weight, 3/4 in gas and water connections, a 1/2 in NPT condensate drain, 65 ft of 2 in twin-pipe venting (150 ft in 3 in), and Circ-Logic recirculation with an external pump rather than a built-in one. Annual descaling remains a warranty condition on both. Whichever size is chosen, the gas supply and vent route are confirmed for the address before the unit is specified, and whether CANRO supplies a given model for a job is confirmed at consultation.

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU130iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
130,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
7 GPM (26 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.91

The Rinnai RU130iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–130,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.91 and up to 7 GPM (26 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and is the smallest residential RU model, suited to one-bathroom homes and suites.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU160iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
160,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
9 GPM (34 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.95

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.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Frequently asked questions

Is the RU160iN worth the step up from the RU130iN?

Only if two fixtures must run at once in winter. The extra 30,000 BTU/h and 1.4 GPM rated flow buy simultaneous capacity, not more hot water for one fixture at a time. Compare both at the winter rise, not at the adjusted maximum.

Why does the smaller RU130iN have a lower UEF?

Rinnai rates the RU130i at UEF 0.91 against 0.95 for the RU160i on the same spec sheet. Both are high-draw-class ratings and the gap is directional, not a savings percentage, and neither should be compared with the legacy EF of 0.95.

Do they need different venting or gas lines?

No. Both take 2 in PVC, CPVC or polypropylene twin-pipe venting up to 65 equivalent feet (150 ft in 3 in), a 3/4 in gas connection and a 120 V outlet, and both include isolation valves for the annual flush.

Not sure which one fits your home?

A consultation includes a hot-water demand review so capacity is right for your winter, not the brochure's.

On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.

Call 604-359-1081Request a consultation

Related

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 21, 2026. Last updated September 21, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

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