Rinnai Error Code 19: Electrical Grounding
Warning: Your Rinnai water heater is experiencing an electrical grounding issue, which could lead to system damage if not addressed.
How to Fix Rinnai Code 19
- First, check if the ground wire connected to your water heater is securely fastened and not damaged.
- Next, ensure that the grounding electrode (usually a rod or a copper wire connected to a cold water pipe) is properly installed and not damaged.
- If you're not comfortable performing these checks, or if the problem persists, contact a licensed HVAC technician immediately.
How to Reset Rinnai Code 19
- Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
- Turn off the gas supply valve.
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
- Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.
Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.
What Does Rinnai Error Code 19 Mean?
Rinnai error code 19 indicates a problem with the electrical grounding of your water heater. This could be due to a faulty ground wire, a poor connection, or a problem with the grounding electrode. The system has detected a voltage reading that's outside of its normal range, causing it to shut down to prevent potential damage.
Common Causes
- A faulty or disconnected ground wire
- A poor connection at the grounding electrode
- A problem with the grounding electrode itself
- A short circuit in the electrical system
Diagnostic Steps
| If... | Check | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| The water heater is not producing hot water | Measure the voltage between the ground wire and the metal chassis of the water heater | 0 volts |
| You find voltage where there shouldn't be any | Trace the ground wire back to its source and inspect for any damage or poor connections | No voltage reading |
Applicable Rinnai Models
- CU(gas)
- HE(dual_fuel)
- HE++ Series(gas)
- I-SERIES(gas)
- NCB(gas)
- NPE(gas)
- RE(gas)
- REP(gas)
- RL(gas)
- RU(gas)
- RUCS(gas)
- RX(gas)
- RXP(gas)
- Rinnai NCB Series(gas)
- Rinnai NPE Series(gas)
- Rinnai R Series(gas)
- Rinnai RL Series(natural_gas)
- Rinnai RU Series(natural_gas)
- Rinnai RUR Series(gas)
- Rinnai VSP(gas)
- V(gas)
Replacement Parts
| Part | OEM Number | Est. Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Wire | — | — | — |
| Grounding Electrode | — | — | — |
Related Codes on Same Models
Other codes that affect the same Rinnai model families as 19.
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 02 | Stagnant Water Detection | Warning |
| 10 | Air Supply/Exhaust Blockage | Warning |
| 11 | No Ignition | Warning |
| 12 | Flame Failure | Warning |
| 14 | Thermal Fuse | Warning |
| 16 | Over-Temperature | Warning |
| 25 | Condensate Overflow | Warning |
| 29 | Condensate Neutralizer | Warning |
| 31 | Inlet Thermistor Failure | Warning |
| 34 | Combustion Air Thermistor | Warning |