KOHLER K-1652, K-1657, K-1658, K-1659, K-1695 Installation Manual

Installation Guide

Steam Generator

K-1652, K-1657, K-1658,
K-1659, K-1695, K-1708,

K-1733, K-1734

M product numbers are for Mexico (i.e. K-12345M)
Los números de productos seguidos de M corresponden a México
(Ej. K-12345M)
Français, page“ Français-1”
Español, página“ Español-1”

1060226-2-G

Tools and Materials

Plus:

• Drain/spill pan

• 1/2" copper tubing

• Assorted copper fittings; 3/8", 1/2"
and 3/4" copper NPT unions

• Wire Cutters or Wire Strippers

• Conventional woodworking tools and materials

• 45 and 90 degree elbows

• Support Blocks (heat resistant)

Hacksaw or Tube Cutter

Drill w/ 1-1/4" &
2-1/2" Hole Bit

Sealant Tape

Solder

Before You Begin

IMPORTANT! When using this unit, basic precautions should always be followed.

DANGER: Risk of electrocution. Disconnect the electricity to the working area at the main breaker

panel before performing these installation steps.
WARNING: Risk of personal injury. If you become uncomfortable while taking a steam bath, you

should power off the unit. Cool off with the shower, open the door, or exit the unit.
WARNING: Risk of allergic reaction. Before adding any oils, aromatic therapies, or skin care

products to the aromatherapy well, make sure they will not cause an allergic reaction to the user.
WARNING: Risk of personal injury. This steam bath may not be suitable for use if you are

pregnant, have a heart condition, have high blood pressure, have circulatory problems, are under
the influence of alcohol, are taking drugs or are under the care of a physician. A steam bath can put
undue stress on the body, as does any hot bath, shower, or sauna.

WARNING: Risk of personal injury. DO NOT consume alcoholic beverages or take
medications/drugs prior to or when using the steam bath. Alcohol and drugs affect mental
judgement and inhibit bodily functions such as heartbeat and respiration, resulting in potentially
dangerous effects.

WARNING: Risk of injury to children. Do not allow children to use this unit unless they are
closely supervised at all times. The steam generator is not designed to be used by children.

Propane Torch

WARNING: Risk of personal injury. Do not plumb a trap in the steam line or plumb the pressure
relief valve into the steam line. Plumbing the pressure relief valve into the steam line can be
hazardous if the steam outlet is capped.

WARNING: Risk of personal injury or property damage. Avoid coming in contact with the water
tank and/or steam discharge line while the generator is operating or shortly after shutdown. Wear
eye protection and protective clothing when servicing the steam generator. The steam generator
operates at high temperatures.

NOTICE: Use this unit only for its intended use as specified in this manual. DO NOT use attachments not
recommended by Kohler Co.

NOTICE: Do not apply excessive heat to the generator connections when you solder connections. Do not
apply flux or acids directly to the generator, as damage to the seals, plastic components, and trim finish
may result. Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants to the generator components, as damage may result.

1060226-2-G 2 Kohler Co.

Before You Begin (cont.)

Inspect the product for any damage. Contact the KOHLER Customer Care Center using the
information on the back of this guide.

Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes. All electrical work should be done by a qualified
electrician.

Disconnect all power before making any electrical connections.

Kohler Co. reserves the right to make revisions in the design of products without notice, as specified
in the Price Book.

Kohler Co. 3 1060226-2-G

Field Service Box

Water Feed to Steam Generator

Install copper union
in water feed line.

Tee

Recommended In-Line
Water Filter

Shut-Off
Valve

Control Cable
Input

1. Determine the Layout

Pressure Relief Valve

Install copper union as close

Water
Inlet

as possible to steam generator.

Drain Pan

Steam Head

WARNING: Risk of property damage. Allow a minimum of 12″ (30.5 cm) of air space around the
steam generator at all times. This provides an area for the heat generated by the unit to dissipate.

NOTICE: The steam generator will perform best when installed as close as possible to the steam head. The
unit should be installed within 25’ (7.62 m) of the steam head.

NOTICE: For optimum performance install the steam generator below the level of the steam head.

NOTE: When possible, use 45 degree elbows. Performance will be increased when 45 degree elbows are

used.

NOTE: The ″Recommended Layout Options″ sections include information specific to Kohler bath and
shower products. Refer to those sections for additional layout information.

Determine the location of the steam generator. Allow for a 12″ (30.5 cm) air gap on all sides of the
generator. Allow for a drain pan.

Choose a drain pan appropriate for your installation. The drain pan is not supplied.

1060226-2-G 4 Kohler Co.

Control
Kit

12" (30.5 cm)

Control
Kit

21"
(53.3 cm)

21"
(53.3 cm)

Control
Kit

21" (53.3 cm)

Steam
Head

6"
(15.2 cm)

21" (53.3 cm)

4-1/2"
(11.4 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

Steam
Head

K-1569/K-1669

60"
(152.4 cm)

K-1683/K-1684 K-1681/K-1682

6" (15.2 cm)

Control
Kit

4-1/2"
(11.4 cm)

Drain End

Control
Kit

Steam
Head

11"
(27.9 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

6"
(15.2 cm)

K-1687

Steam
Head

Steam
Head

Drain End

Steam
Head

Control
Kit

4-1/2"
(11.4 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

Control
Kit

11"
(27.9 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

6"
(15.2 cm)

K-1688

21" (53.3 cm)

Steam
Head

6"
(15.2 cm)

21" (53.3 cm)

Steam
Head

4-1/2"
(11.4 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

K-9488/K-9496

Steam
Head

6"
(15.2 cm)

4-1/2"
(11.4 cm)

60"
(152.4 cm)

K-9486/K-9489

Drain End

Steam
Head

Drain End

2. Determine the Location of the Steam Hardware

WARNING: Risk of personal injury. Do not install the Steam Control User Interface outside the
steam enclosure. The User Interface must be installed within the enclosure to allow the sensors to
regulate the temperature and control the flow of steam. Refer to the Installation Guide for the
Steam Control Kit.

WARNING: Risk of scalding. Do not block the steam head or locate it near a seat or bench, as the
steam head is hot during operation and may scald the user if touched.

Modules; Steam Head and Control Location

NOTE: All dimensions should be taken from the inside of the shower.

IMPORTANT! Do not install the control directly above or in-line with the steam head.

Review the layout options as an aid to determine the location for the components of the steam
system.

Steam
Head

6"
(15.2 cm)

Kohler Co. 5 1060226-2-G

Determine the Location of the Steam Hardware (cont.)

Identify the model number of the shower module as shown in the illustration.
Determine the location of the steam head and steam control for the module as shown in the

modules illustration.
Ensure clearance between the steam line and any surrounding surfaces.
Refer to the Steam Control Kit Installation Instructions for more information.

For Custom Shower Applications

WARNING: Risk of personal injury. Do not install the Steam Control User Interface outside the
steam enclosure. The User Interface must be installed within the enclosure to allow the sensors to
regulate the temperature and control the flow of steam. Refer to the Installation Guide for the
Steam Control Kit.

NOTE: All dimensions should be taken from the inside of the shower.

IMPORTANT! Do not install the steam control directly above or in-line with the steam head.

It is recommended to locate the steam head and the steam control on the same wall as the plumbing
controls.

Locate the steam head 6″ (15.2 cm) above the shower floor and 4 1/2″ (11.4 cm) from the threshold.
Locate the steam control 60″ (152.4 cm) above the floor of the shower. Refer to the Steam Control Kit

Installation Instructions for more dimensional and installation information.
Make sure there is adequate clearance between the steam line and any surrounding surfaces.

1060226-2-G 6 Kohler Co.

Field Wiring
Service Box

Control
Cable Input

10-1/4"
(26 cm)

Green LED
Diagnostic Light

17-5/8" (44.8 cm)

19-11/16" (50 cm)

3/8" NPT Water In

3/4" NPT
Pressure Relief

1/2" NPT
Steam Outlet

Minimum required access panel is
24" (61 cm) L x 15" (38.1 cm) H.

Allow for a minimum of 12" (30.5 cm) of
space around all sides of the steam generator.
Allow for 3/4" (1.9 cm) space between the
generator and the Drain/Spill Pan.

12-1/2"
(31.8 cm)

3/4"
(1.9 cm)

Inside surface of Drain/Spill Pan

6-1/8" (15.6 cm)

3/8" NPT Drain

3. Determine the Location of the Steam Generator

IMPORTANT! The minimum required access panel is 24″ (61 cm) L x 15″ (38.1 cm) H. Allow for a
minimum 12″ (30.5 cm) space around all sides of the steam generator. Allow for 3/4″ (1.9 cm) space
between the generator and the drain pan.

Ensure clearance between the steam line and any surrounding surfaces.
Allow for access to the steam generator after installation.
Allow for a 12″ (30.5 cm) air gap on all sides of the generator.
Allow for a drain or spill pan.
For optimum performance, install the steam generator below the level of the steam head and as

close as possible to the steam head. The steam generator should be installed within 25 ft (7.62 m) of
the steam head in a dry, well-ventilated area

4. Install the Electrical Supply

Model K-1652 , K-1695 K-1657, K-1708 K-1658, K-1733 K-1659, K-1734
Ordering Information
Required Electrical Service

Generator ­Dedicated
Circuit Required

Product Information

Weight 21 lbs (9.5 kg) 21 lbs (9.5 kg) 21 lbs (9.5 kg) 21 lbs (9.5 kg)
Electrical Rating 240 V, 27 A, 60 Hz 240 V, 36 A, 60 Hz 240 V, 45 A, 60 Hz 240 V, 46 A, 60 Hz

5kW,240V40A,
50/60 Hz

7 kW, 240 V, 50 A,
50/60 Hz

9 kW, 240 V, 60 A,
50/60 Hz

11 kW, 240 V, 60 A,
50/60 Hz

Kohler Co. 7 1060226-2-G

Install the
Electrical
Supply (cont.)

Water Supply 3/8″ copper line

(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

Steam Line 1/2″ copper line

(1/2″ NPT thread)

Pressure Relief
Valve (supplied)

Drain Line
Valve

3/4″ NPT female
thread

3/8″ copper line,
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

3/8″ copper line
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

1/2″ copper line
(1/2″ NPT thread)

3/4″ NPT female
thread

3/8″ copper line,
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

3/8″ copper line
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

1/2″ copper line
(1/2″ NPT thread)

3/4″ NPT female
thread

3/8″ copper line,
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

3/8″ copper line
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

1/2″ copper line
(1/2″ NPT thread)

3/4″ NPT female
thread

3/8″ copper line,
(3/8″ NPT female
thread)

Sizing The Steam Room

56 cu ft (1.6 cu m) 112 cu ft (3.2 cu m) 240 cu ft (6.8 cu m) 317 cu ft (9 cu m)

DANGER: Risk of electrocution. Disconnect the electricity to the working area at the main breaker
panel before performing these installation steps.

Follow all local electrical codes. All electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician.
Review the illustration showing specific Steam Generator Installation Requirements for your Steam

Generator.
Install the appropriate electrical supply.

1060226-2-G 8 Kohler Co.

Maintain a 12" (30.5 cm) space around the unit.

Control Cable
Input

3/4" (1.9 cm) Min

Drain Pan

Steam Outlet

Pressure Relief Valve

Inlet

Drain

(install per

applicable codes.)

5. Install the Steam Generator

WARNING: Risk of property damage. Allow a minimum of 12″ (30.5 cm) of air space around the
steam generator at all times. This provides an area for the heat generated by the unit to dissipate.

NOTICE: For optimum performance, install the steam generator as close as possible to the steam head.
The steam generator must be installed within 25’ (7.62 m) of the steam head.

Install the desired drain pan at the steam generator location.

IMPORTANT! The support blocks should be constructed of heat resistant material.

Position support blocks so the steam generator will have 3/4″ (1.9 cm) of clearance from the drain
pan.

Position the steam generator on the support blocks.

Kohler Co. 9 1060226-2-G

Tee

Shut-Off
Valve

Pressure Relief Valve

Copper
Union

Copper
Union

Pitch toward generator.

Water
Inlet

Recommended
In-Line Water Filter

Control Cable
Input

Steam Trap

Provide clearance
from wall.

Do not run steam line down and then up.
This will create a steam trap.

6. Install the Water Supply Line and Steam Line

WARNING: Risk of personal injury or property damage. Do not plumb the pressure relief valve
into the steam line. Plumbing the pressure relief valve into the steam line can create a hazard if the
steam line is blocked or obstructed.

Steam
Head

1" (2.5 cm) Min

Temporary
Nipple

Wall Stud

6" (15.2 cm)
from Floor

2-1/2" (6.4 cm)

WARNING: Risk of scalding. Do not plumb a trap, shut-off valve, or pressure relief valve into the
steam line. Plumbing the pressure relief valve into the steam line can be hazardous, if the steam
outlet is capped.

WARNING: Risk of personal injury or property damage. Do not direct the pressure relief valve to
the enclosure. In the event the pressure relief valve activates, the hot water may spray causing
burns to the user and/or damage the enclosure. Therefore, the pressure relief valve should be
directed to an area where damage will not occur from contact with hot water and should conform
to national and local plumbing codes.

Install the Water Supply Line to the Generator

NOTE: For all NPT threaded connections, use pipe tape or pipe sealant. Do not overtighten the fittings.

Connect to an existing cold water line, and run a 3/8″ cold water line to a shut-off valve before the
in-line water filter.

Before final connection to the steam generator, flush out the water supply line into a large pail. This
removes any debris, silt, sand, or other material that may be in the line.

Install 3/8″ copper tubing with a union fitting between the in-line water filter and the water inlet to
the steam generator.

Connect the water supply line to the steam generator.
Make sure that the water drain valve on the generator is closed.

1060226-2-G 10 Kohler Co.

Install the Water Supply Line and Steam Line (cont.)

Fill the steam generator with water and check for leaks.

NOTICE: Steam generators are equipped with an automatic shut-off. The water will stop after the unit is
full. If the water flows out of the steam outlet shut off the water and consult the ″Troubleshooting Guide″
or contact the Customer Care Center using the number located on the back of this document.

If the water supply line exceeds 10’ (3 m) or is exposed to cold areas, insulate the piping with
appropriate insulation.

Install the Steam Line

WARNING: Risk of scalding. Do not locate the steam head near a seat or bench or scalding may
occur upon contact with the steam head.

NOTICE: Never run the steam line down, then up. Running the steam line down and then up will create
a steam trap, blocking the flow of steam. The steam line should run up to the steam head from the steam
generator, at a pitch of 3/8″ (1 cm) to 1/2″ (1.3 cm) per 12″ (30.5 cm) of pipe.

NOTICE: Provide clearance between the back wall and the elbow leading into the steam housing. The
elbow must not contact any wall material.

NOTICE: Provide clearance between the steam line and surrounding surfaces.

NOTICE: Do not apply excessive heat to the generator connections when you solder connections. Do not

apply flux or acids directly to the steam generator, as damage to the seals, plastic components, and trim
finish may result. Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants to the steam generator components, as damage
may result.

NOTE: For all the threaded connections, use thread sealant tape or pipe sealant. Do not overtighten the
fittings.

NOTE: Use 1/2″ copper tube for the steam line.

NOTE: Always install a union fitting as close to the steam generator as possible.

Add blocking behind the desired steam head location.
Install and secure a 1/2″ NPT elbow to the blocking directly behind the desired steam head

location.
Cut a hole through the wall material to accept a temporary 1/2″ copper tube nipple.
Add a temporary 1/2″ copper tube nipple.

Kohler Co. 11 1060226-2-G

240 VAC Source

N

L1

L2

Breaker Box

Typical Two-Pole
Circuit Breaker
without GFCI

*L2

120V

Neutral Bus
(In Breaker Box)

240V

*L1

120V

240V

*Equipment Ground

Ground
Green

7. Connect the Power

DANGER: Risk of electrocution. Disconnect all power before performing these installation steps.

NOTICE: All electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician.

Black - L2

Ground

Black - L1

Wire Connector (3)

Electrician to provide
suitable strain relief cable.

L1
L2

Generator

NOTICE: All electrical wiring must be done in accordance with local codes.

NOTICE: Each steam generator requires a dedicated circuit.

Connect the Power

Turn off all electricity to the working area at the main circuit breaker panel.
Connect 240 VAC electrical line to the wires labeled ″L1″, ″L2″, and the green (ground) wire coming

out of the steam generator field service box located on top of the steam generator.
Confirm the ground connection has been made in the field service box.
Close the field service box.
Turn on the main power.
The function light should display a green light. If the function light is not green, consult the

″Troubleshooting Guide″ or contact the Customer Care Center using the number located on the back
of this document.

8. Complete the Installation

Install the steam housing and steam head following the instructions packed with the Steam Control
Kit.

Install the steam control following the instructions packed with the Steam Control Kit.

1060226-2-G 12 Kohler Co.

Complete the Installation (cont.)

To operate the steam control, follow the operation instructions provided with the Steam Control
Kit.

Warranty

KOHLER Steam Generator
THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Kohler steam generator units manufactured after September 15, 2001, are warranted to the original consumer
purchaser to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship during normal residential usage
for three (3) years from the date of installation. This warranty only applies to KOHLER steam generator units
installed in the United States of America, Canada or Mexico (″North America″).

If a defect is found in normal residential usage, Kohler Co. will, at its election, repair or replace the unit, or
make appropriate adjustment. Damage caused by accident, misuse or abuse is not covered by this warranty.
Proof of purchase (original sales receipt) must be provided to Kohler Co. with all warranty claims. Kohler
Co. is not responsible for labor charges, removal charges, installation, or other consequential costs. In no
event shall the liability of Kohler Co. exceed the purchase price of the unit.

If this unit is used commercially or installed outside of North America, Kohler Co. warrants the unit to be
free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of installation with all other
terms of this warranty applying except duration.

To obtain warranty service contact Kohler Co., either through your Dealer, Plumbing Contractor, Home
Center or E-tailer or by writing Kohler Co., Attn: Customer Care Center, 444 Highland Drive, Kohler, WI
53044, USA, or by calling 1-800-4-KOHLER (1-800-456-4537) from within the USA and Canada, and
001-800-456-4537 from within Mexico, or visit www.kohler.com within the USA, www.ca.kohler.com from
within Canada, or www.mx.kohler.com in Mexico.

KOHLER CO. AND/OR SELLER ARE PROVIDING THESE WARRANTIES IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KOHLER CO.
AND/OR SELLER DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. Some states/provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the
exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which
vary from state/providence to state/providence.

This is Kohler Co.’s exclusive written warranty.

Troubleshooting Guide

CAUTION: Troubleshooting steps involving internal wires or electrical components should be
performed by a qualified electrician.

NOTE: This troubleshooting only applies to the steam generator. For issues involving the steam control,
consult the troubleshooting guide provided with the Steam Control Kit documentation.

The troubleshooting guide is for general aid only. For service and installation issues and concerns, contact
the Customer Care Center using the information on the back of this guide.

Kohler Co. 13 1060226-2-G

Troubleshooting Guide (cont.)

Symptoms Probable Causes Recommended Action

1. The green LED light is

not on.

A. No electrical power at generator. A1. Reset the power at the breaker.

A2. Have a qualified electrician verify

that 240 V of power is present at
the generator.

B. Circuit breaker is in the ″Off″

B. Turn on the power at the breaker.

position.

C. Circuit breaker is not the correct

size.

C. Verify the circuit breaker is sized

appropriately. If it is the wrong
size, replace it.

D. Electrical connection in the field

service box on the generator is
loose.

D. Turn off all electrical power to the

generator. Have a qualified
electrician open the field service
box and check all connections.
Have a qualified electrician repair
any poor connections.

2. There is a continuous

flow of water from the
steam head. Water flow
during the power clean
cycle is normal.

A. Components internal to the

generator are not functioning
properly.

A1. Shut off the water supply and

drain the water from the generator.
Close the drain valve.

A2. Partially open the supply shut-off

valve a small amount.

A3. Allow the water to gradually fill

the tank inside the generator (may
take several minutes). If the water
continues to flow from the steam
head, A1.

A4. Fully open the water supply

shut-off valve.

A5. On models with power clean

option only, if water continues to

flow from the steam head, run the
power clean cycle.

A6. If water continues to flow from the

steam head, contact the Customer
Care Center using the information
on the back of this guide.

B. The water supply is incorrectly

connected to the generator.

B. Review the installation guide and if

necessary reconnect the water
supply to the proper location.

1060226-2-G 14 Kohler Co.