Gas Pool Heater and Elevation/Altitude

[rjmac]

I'm getting ready to replace my leaky old gas heater with a new Raypak digital 406 model. I've been searching the internet to find the best deal. In one website, I notice that there was a difference in the 406 model based on elevation: 0-2000 ft and 2000 - 5000 ft, and there is about a $150 price difference between the two. I'm at about 3700 ft. Other websites don't mention elevation at all in the description. Does this really make a difference?

Thanks,
Jill

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

Someone is pulling your chain on elevation. There are no part differences due to elevation.

Scott

 

[bk406]

Someone is pulling your chain on elevation. There are no part differences due to elevation.

Scott

Absolutely not true. If you try and use a gas heater at elevation that is not rated for altitude, very nasty things can happen.
High altitude requires smaller orifices on the gas inlet and burner. For a good burn, you need roughly 1:10 gas to air. At higher altitude, the ratio is off. This means the burning gas can make CO instead of CO2, the flame wont burn as hot, and the potential for a asty explosion to occur if soot builds up because of incomplete combustion. The other way to fix the issue is to devalue the BTU of the fuel. In areas like Colorado, Wyoming, utah, etc where the elevation is over 3000 feet or so, the gas company de rates the fuel so you dont need to smaller orfice. Check withe the gas company in your area to see if you need the conversion on the heater, or if they have already de-rated the fuel. If they have de-rated the fuel, you dont need to change the orifice.

They also require a high altitude pressure switch if you get the high altitude model. Which means the one that comes standard has to be replaced. It's easier to just buy the high altitude model rather than get the conversion kit. But like i said, talk to your gas company first and see what they say.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

AFAIK, there are no High Altitude models. Turning the pressure down to the manifold is how it's done typically.

Scott

 

[bk406]

AFAIK, there are no High Altitude models. Turning the pressure down to the manifold is how it's done typically.

Scott

The high altitude models just come with the conversion parts already in the heater.
And turning down the manifiold pressure is not the way to fix the issue. The combination of lower air density and lower manifold pressure will cause incomplete combustion, possible flashback, and yellow tip flame. Thats as dangerous as doing nothing. The proper fix is a smaller orifice, with a modified pressure switch, or de-rated BTU on the gas, period.

 

[JamesW]

Sea Level/high altitude installation: The H-Series heaters may be installed up to 2,000 feet of elevation above sea level.

http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/manual183.pdf

FDXLHAK1930 Conversion Kit, H150FD-H400FD High-Altitude, 2,000-10,100 ft.
http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/Parts%2 ... %20NOx.pdf

http://www.rheem.com/docs/FetchDocument ... 5b1ce9371e

As BK406 noted, you need to check with your gas company or gas contractor to see how they handle the high altitude.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

Missed it with the Hayward. I don't sell them though which is why.

Scott

 

[bk406]

They all have high altitude parts. Any gas fired appliance has to be fitted for high altitude unless the gas is de-rated. Even then a modified pressure switch is needed.

Understandable you didn't kbow about it because you're not a gas fitter and you live in relatively flat NJ.

 

[racket]

They all have high altitude parts. Any gas fired appliance has to be fitted for high altitude unless the gas is de-rated. Even then a modified pressure switch is needed.

Understandable you didn't kbow about it because you're not a gas fitter and you live in relatively flat NJ.

IIRC Forced combustion heaters like the Master temp, Hi e2, and the LXI are good at altitudes up to ~9,000 feet.

 

[JamesW]

IIRC Forced combustion heaters like the Master temp, Hi e2, and the LXI are good at altitudes up to ~9,000 feet.

LOW ALTITUDE 0-4500 FT 0-4500 FT
HIGH ALTITUDE 4501-10,000 FT
When an LXi heater is to be installed in a high altitude application, the burner throat pressure will need to be adjusted to achieve 1.0"WC. See Section 10.4.3 for instructions on how to do this.
http://www.zodiacpoolsystems.com/Produc ... 86900.ashx

Installation at High Elevation
The Hi-E2 has a venturi-type combustion system which does not require modification for operation at high elevation. In this type of system, air and fuel gas density changes are automatically compensated for, assuring proper air/fuel mixture. Heating capacity is reduced about 3 percent per 1000 feet (305 meters) above sea level. In general, efficiency at high elevation is equal to or better than at sea level.
http://www.zodiacpoolsystems.com/Produc ... 05000.ashx

The Pentair Mastertemp is good to 9,000 feet.

The Raypak Standard Digital is good to 2,000 feet.
The Raypak Digital low NOx is good to 5,000 feet.

Atmospheric heaters: Rated inputs are suitable for up to 2,000 feet elevation. For elevations above 2000 feet, reduce input 4% for each 1,000 feet above sea level, as high elevation reduces combustion performance.
Lo NOx heaters: Rated inputs are suitable for up to 5,000 feet elevation. For elevations above 5000 feet, consult the factory.
http://www.rheem.com/documents/rheem-di ... i-o-manual

The Jandy Hi-E2 Heater has a rated 95% heating efficiency. It is expensive, but it might be a good choice for someone who uses a lot of heat.

The Jandy LXi low NOx is rated at 88 % efficiency and would be a good choice.

 

[rjmac]

Thank you all for your responses. We're going with the RayPak Lo NOx heater which is good to 5,000 feet.

Jill