LAARS Mini-Therm JVi User Manual

Mini-Therm JVi Venting Material 10-27 December 14, 2010

To: Manufacturer’s Representatives, Distributors, Contract Service Centers, Regional Sales Managers

and Internal Departments

From: Tom Gervais, International Sales Director

There has been an instance of confusion regarding suitable venting material for use on the Mini-Therm JVi

product with

in Canada. Therefore, the table used in section “1H-2: Horizontal Venting – Category III” of the

Mini-Them manual has been updated to more clearly indicate what is an allowable vent material.

In Canada: Use "BH-Type" vent materials certified to ULC-S636 Class I (more than 135°C, but not more

than 245°C flue gas temperature), made of AL29-4C stainless steel or equal.

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Addendum to Mini-Therm JVi Manual

This Addendum applies to the following Documents:

Models Affected Sizes Part No. Doc. No.

Mini-Therm JVi, JVH 50-225 H2020900D Doc. 1080D

Page 8 Change to Column 2 Table:

Materials Vent Length

1H-2. Horizontal Venting - Category III
(a) Vent Connections

In U.S.A.: UL type 304, 316 or 294-C Up to a maximum

stainless steel, 26 gauge minimum. of 55' (17m) of
In Canada: Use "BH-Type" vent equivalent pipe
materials certified to ULC-S636 run (including
Class I (more than 135°C, but not required elbows).
more than 245°C flue gas
temperature), made of AL29-4C
stainless steel or equal.

Do not use plastic venting of any kind.

800.900.9276 • Fax [phone] (Customer Service, Service Ad viso rs)

20 INDUSTRIAL WAY, ROCHESTER, NH 03867 • 603.335.6300 • Fax [phone] (Technical Support)

1869 SISMET ROAD, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA L4W 1W8 • 905.238.0100 • Fax [phone]

Installation and Operation Instructions Document 1080D

Installation and
Operation
Instructions for

Mini-Therm JVi

Induced Draft
Residential
Gas-Fired
Hydronic Boilers

Model JVH

These instructions are to be stored next to the boiler for reference purposes.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: This product must be installed and serviced by a professional service technician,

qualified in hydronic boiler installation and maintenance. Improper installation and/or operation could
create carbon monoxide gas in flue gases which could cause serious injury, property damage, or death.
Improper installation and/or operation will void the warranty.

WARNING

If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a nearby phone. Follow the gas supplier's
instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas
supplier.

H2020900D

Page 2

LAARS Heating Systems

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.
General Information

1A. Introduction................................................... 3

1B. Warranty.......................................................3

1C. Heater Identification......................................3

1D. Flow Requirements.......................................3

1E. Boiler Placement ..........................................4

1F. Gas Supply and Piping .................................4

1G. Combustion Air Supply .................................5

1H. Venting .........................................................6

1H-1. Vertical Venting - Category I .........................7

1H-2. Horizontal Venting - Category III ...................8

1H-3. Common Venting System ............................. 9

1I. Water Piping of Boiler System ....................10

1I-1. By-Pass Piping ........................................... 10

1J. Chilled Water Systems ............................... 10

1K. Electrical Wiring .......................................... 12

1L. Filling the System ....................................... 12

SECTION 2.
Operating Procedures

2A. System Start-up ..........................................13

2B. Sequence of Operation ............................... 15

SECTION 3.

3A. Maintenance ...............................................17

3B. Electrical Troubleshooting .......................... 18

Mini-Therm JVi

Page 3

SECTION 1.
General Information

WARNING

The JVi induced draft hydronic boiler must be
installed in accordance with the procedures detailed
in this manual, or the Laars warranty will be voided.
The installation must conform to the requirements of
the local jurisdiction having authority, and, in the
United States, to the latest edition of the National
Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1. In Canada, the
installation must conform with the latest edition of
CAN/CGA B149.1 OR .2 installation codes for gas
burning appliances, and/or local codes.
Any modifications to the boiler, its gas controls, gas
orifices, wiring or draft inducer assembly may void
the warranty. If field conditions require
modifications, consult the factory representative
before initiating such modifications.

1A. Introduction

This manual provides information necessary for
the installation, operation, and maintenance of the
Laars Model JVi induced draft, low pressure, copper
tube hydronic boilers. These boilers are available in
two configurations; the JVH has a hot surface pilot
ignition system and the JVP has an electronic
intermittent ignition device (I.I.D.). Look for the
model designation on the rating plate, which can be
found on top of the boiler.

All application and installation procedures
should be reviewed completely before proceeding
with the installation. Consult the Laars factory, or
local factory representative, with any problems or
questions regarding this equipment. Experience has
shown that most operating problems are caused by
improper installation.

1B. Warranty

The Laars Model JVi induced draft boilers are
covered by a limited warranty. A copy of the warranty

is printed on the back cover of this manual. The owner
should fill out the warranty registration card and
return it to Laars.

All warranty claims must be made to an
authorized Laars representative or directly to the
factory. Claims must include the boiler serial number
and model (this information can be found on the
rating plate), installation date and name of the
installer. Shipping costs are not included in the
warranty coverage. Some accessory items are shipped
in separate packages. Verify receipt of all packages
listed on the packing slip. Inspect each item for
damage immediately upon delivery, and advise the
carrier of any shortages or damage. Any such claims
should be filed with the carrier. The carrier, not the
shipper, is responsible for shortages and damage to
the shipment whether visible or concealed .

1C. Heater Identification

Consult the rating plate on the boiler. The
following example simplifies the heater identification:

123456

JV H 125 N C S

Table 1. Heater Identification.

1. Basic boiler series model

2. Ignition system: (H) Hot surface pilot ignition

3. Input rate X 1000 BTU/Hr

4. Gas Type: (N) Natural (P) Propane

5. Firing rate: (C) On/off, induced draft

6. Options: (S) Standard, (P) with Pump,

(A) Extra Aquastat

1D. Flow Requirements

All high recovery, low volume water boilers
must have adequate flow for proper operation. Pump
selection is critical to this goal, and pumps should be
selected to provide for correct system design water
temperature rise. Table 2 details temperature rise and
water flow for the Mini-Therm boilers.

8°C

15°F

Size

50 5.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 4.0 0.3 0.2 0.1 3.2 0.2 0.1 0.0

75 8.0 0.5 0.6 0.2 6.0 0.4 0.3 0.1 4.8 0.3 0.2 0.1
100 10.7 0.7 1.3 0.4 8.0 0.5 0.7 0.2 6.4 0.4 0.5 0.2
125 13.3 0.8 2.2 0.7 10.0 0.6 1.3 0.4 8.0 0.5 0.8 0.2
160 17.0 1.1 2.5 0.8 12.8 0.8 1.8 0.5 10.2 0.6 1.2 0.4
225 24.0 1.5 5.0 1.5 18.0 1.1 3.1 0.9 14.4 0.9 1.9 0.6

ft = Pressure drop (headloss) through the boiler in feet of water. m = Pressure drop (headloss) through the boiler in meters of water.

Flow Rate Headloss Flow Rate Headloss Flow Rate Headloss

gpm l/s ft m gpm l/s ft m gpm l/s ft m

gpm = Water Flow in gallons per minute. l/s = Water flow in liters per second.

Note: Shaded area is the recommended flow and temperature rise.

Table 2. Temperature Rise (degrees °F, degrees °C).

20°F

11°C

25°F

14°C

Page 4

LAARS Heating Systems

Damage from improper flow is not warranted.

Failure to insure proper water flow through the
heat exchanger of the boiler will void the Laars
warranty. Flow can be verified by measuring the
difference in water temperatures between the boiler
inlet (system return) and outlet (system supply). For
example: For a JV-100 installation, the inlet water
temperature is 160°F (71ºC), and the outlet temp­erature is 180°F (82ºC). That means there is a 20ºF
(11ºC) temperature rise through the boiler. According
to Table 2, that would indicate a flow rate of 8 gpm
(0.5 l/s). Temperature rise must be measured with the
longest (highest head) zone calling for heat alone.

Other factors to be considered before selecting a
pump are pipe size, the number and type of fittings
throughout the system, smoothness of the interior
surface of the pipe, the quantity of water flowing
through the pipe, whether a glycol solution (for freeze
protection) is being used, and the total length of
piping in the system. Table 3 can help in proper pump
selection.

1/2" Pipe 3/4" Pipe 1" Pipe 1-1/4" Pipe

Size

Pump

H.P.

1/25 1/12 1/25 1/12 1/6 1/25 1/12 1/6 1/25 1/12 1/6
50 50 99 390 680 * * * * * * *
75 * 35 160 300 460 640 * * * * *

100 * * 77 150 260 330 620 * * * *
125 * * 27 80 140 170 360 600 * * *
160 * * * 25 72 57 160 330 190 480 *
225 * * * * * * * 110 * 69 330

*A circular and/or primary/secondary piping are required. Consult factory.

1. Chart is based on 30°F (17°C) maximum temperature rise.

2. Calculations are based on Type L copper tubing with one zone valve and
eight elbows.

3. Typical circulating pumps: 1/25 HP=Taco 007, B&G LR-20 or SLC-25,
Grundfos UP15-42F, or equivalent. 1/2 HP=B&G LR-12, Grudnfos
U26-42F, or equivalent. 1/6 HP=B&G series HV, Grundfo UP43-75,
or equivalent.

Table 3. Maximum Suggested Circuit Length in Feet.

Pump H.P. Pump H.P. Pump H.P.

1E. Boiler Placement

WARNING

This boiler is intended for indoor installation only.

1. The boiler must be placed to provide clearances
on all sides for maintenance and inspection.
There must also be minimum distances
maintained from combustible surfaces. Avoid
locations which can be damaged by water or
moisture.

2. A minimum of 15" (381mm) access must be
available in front of the boiler for burner tray
removal. Consult local codes for clearances to
hot water pipes and accessories.

4

(102)

6

(152)

Air

Openings

Figure 1. Closet Installation.

MIN

2

(51)

6

(152)

2

(51)

5

(127)

23

(584)

TOP

VIEW

SIDE
VIEW

Dimensions in
inches (mm).

3. If the boiler is to be installed in a garage, all
burners and burner ignition devices must have a
minimum 18" (457mm) clearance above the floor.

4. The Model JVi-50 through JVi-225 boilers can
be installed in a closet as long as the minimum
clearances shown in Table 4 are observed.
Special attention should be paid to clearances
between the front of the boiler and the closet
door when it is closed (see Figure 1).

Caution

Do not install this boiler in a location subject to
negative pressure, or improper operation will occur.

Boiler
Sizes:

50 to

225

*1" (25mm) clearance using Type B double wall vent pipe.

Left Right

Side Side

2" 5" 2" 4" 6" 23"

51mm 127mm 51mm 102mm 152mm 584mm

Table 4. Minimum Boiler Clearances

From Combustible Surfaces.

Rear Front Flue* Top

5. All boilers are designed and certified for

installation on a combustible floor. Ensure that the
boiler is level from all sides. NEVER store objects on
or around the boiler. Boilers must NEVER be
installed on carpeting.

1F. Gas Supply and Piping

Review the following instructions before

proceeding with the installation.

1. Verify that the boiler is fitted for the proper type
of gas by checking the rating plate. Laars boilers

Mini-Therm JVi

Page 5

are normally equipped to operate below a 2000'
(610m) altitude. Boilers equipped to operate at
higher altitudes have appropriate stickers or tags
attached next to the rating plate.

2. Use the figures in Table 5 to provide adequate
gas piping from the gas meter to the boiler.

3. A trap (drip leg) must be provided ahead of the
gas controls (see Figure 3). A manual gas shutoff
valve approximately 5' (1.5m) above the floor
must also be provided for service, convenience
and safety. Check the local codes.

4. Disconnect the boiler from the gas supply pipe
before pressure testing the pipe for gas leaks.

5. Provide gas supply pressure to the boiler per
Table 6. The regulator is pre-set at the factory,
and normally requires no further adjustment.

NOTE : The boiler and all other gas appliances

sharing the boiler gas supply line must be firing at
maximum capacity to properly measure the inlet
supply pressure. Low gas pressure could be an
indication of an undersized gas meter and/or
obstructed gas supply line.

Distance
From
Gas
Meter in
Feet (m)

0-50'
(0-15)

50-100'
(15-30)

100-200'
(30-60)

NOTE: These figures are for Natural Gas (.65 Sp. Gr.), and are based
on 1/2" water column pressure drop. Check supply pressure with a
manometer, and local code requirements for variations. For LPG,
reduce pipe diameter one size, but maintain a 1/2" minimum diameter.
A 'normal' number of Tees and elbows have been taken into allowance.

50 75 100 125 160 225

1/2 3/4 3/4 3/4 1 1
3/4 3/4 3/4 1 1 1-1/4
3/4 1 1 1 1-1/4 1-1/4

Boiler Size

Inches

Table 5. Gas Piping Sizes.

Gas Pressure

Minimum Supply

Pressure

Maximum Supply

Pressure

Manifold Gas

Pressure

Natural Gas Propane (LP)

in. W.C. kPa in. W.C. kPa

5.5 1.4 10 2.5

9 2.2 14 3.4

4 1 9 2.2

Table 6. Gas Pressure Measurement.

6. Before operating the boiler, the complete gas
supply system and all connections must be tested
for leaks using a soap solution.

1G. Combustion Air Supply

The boiler location must provide sufficient air

supply for proper combustion, and ventilation of the
surrounding area as outlined in the latest edition of

TEMPERATURE GAUGE

2.4

(6.1)

25

(635)

REF

INDUCED
DRAFT
BLOWER/
MOTOR

PULL-OUT
GAS
MANIFOLD
BURNER
TRAY

C

4

(102)

DIA.

B

Size A B C

mm

50

75
100
125
160
225

in.

13-3/8
13-3/8
16-7/8
16-7/8
20-3/8
25-5/8

340
340
429
429
518
651

in.

3-1/8
2-1/4
5-3/4
5-1/2
7-1/4

10

Table 7. JVi Dimensions.

TEMP./PRESSURE
GAUGE

mm
79

57
146
140
184
254

(178)

Water

Connection

mm

in.

73

2-7/8

2

2-7/8

2
2
2

7

11.8

(298)

51
73
51
51
51

6

(152)

1-1/4
1-1/4
1-1/4
1-1/4
1-1/4
1-1/4

1-1/4" NPT TEE
2X

DRAIN

Gas

Connection

1/2
1/2
1/2
1/2
1/2
3/4

4.9

(124)

8.9

(226)

A

Figure 2. Dimension Information.

Dimensions in
inches (mm).

18 (457) REF.

24 (610)

REF.

Page 6

LAARS Heating Systems

U.S. ANSI standard Z223.1 or in Canada, CAN/CGA­B149.1 or .2, and any local codes that may be
applicable.

In general, these requirements specify that the
boiler rooms which represent confined spaces should
be provided with two permanent air supply openings;
one within 12 inches (305mm) of the ceiling, the other
within 12 inches (305mm) of the floor.

Outside Air Supply: When combustion air is
supplied directly through an outside wall, each
opening should have a minimum free area of one
square inch per 4,000 BTU/h (6 sq. cm per 1.2 kW)
input of the total input rating of all appliances in the
enclosed area.

Inside Air Supply: When combustion is
supplied from inside the building, each opening
should have a minimum free area of one square inch
per 1,000 BTU/h (6 sq. cm per 0.3 kW) input of the
total input rating of all appliances in the enclosed
area. These openings should never be less than 100
square inches (645 sq. cm).

NOTE: In Canada, follow Canadian Standard,
CAN/CGA-B149 or local codes.

Boiler Size Outside Air Area Inside Air Area

sq. in

50

75
100
125
160
225

*Area indicated is for one of two openings: one at floor level
and one at the ceiling, so the total net free area would be
double the figures shown. For special conditions, refer to
NFPA54 ANSI Z223.1. In Canada, refer to the National
Standard CAN1-B149.1 or .2, which differs from this table.
NOTE: Check with louver manufacturers for Net Free Area of
Louvers. Correct for screen resistance to the Net Free Area if a
screen is used.

15
20
25
32
40
60

Table 8. Minimum Recommended

Air Supply to Boiler Room.

sq. cm

97
129
161
206
258
387

sq. in.

100
100
100
125
160
225

sq. cm

645
645
645

807
1032
1452

Exhaust Fans or Vents: Any equipment which

exhausts air from the boiler room can deplete the
combustion air supply or reverse the natural draft
action of venting system. This could cause flue
products to accumulate in the boiler room. Additional
air must be supplied to compensate for such exhaust.

The information in Table 8 is not applicable in
installations where exhaust fans or blowers of any
type are used. Such installations must be designed by
qualified engineers.

If a blower or fan is used to supply air to the
boiler room, the installer should make sure it does not
create drafts which could cause nuisance shutdowns. If
a blower is necessary to provide adequate combustion
air to the boiler, a suitable switch or equivalent must
be wired into the boiler control circuit to prevent the
boiler from firing unless the blower is operating.

The boiler must be completely isolated and
protected from any source of corrosive chemical
fumes such as those emitted by trichloroethylene,
perchloroethylene, chlorine, etc.

1H. Venting

WARNING

This boiler must be vented in accordance with Part
7, Venting of Equipment, of the latest edition of the
National Fuel Gas code, ANSI Z223.1 and all
applicable local building codes. In Canada, follow
CAN/CGA B149 Installation codes. Improper venting
of this appliance can result in excessive levels of
carbon monoxide which can result in severe
personal injury or death!

The boiler vent collar must be fastened directly
to an unobstructed vent pipe of the same diameter
with rustproof sheet metal screws no longer than 1/2"
(13mm) and located to prevent interference with the
inducer damper.

DROP

HORIZONTAL

3" (76mm)

MIN.

Figure 3. Gas Supply Piping.

TO BOILER

SEDIMENT TRAP
OR DRIP LEG

SEDIMENT TRAP
OR DRIP LEG

TO BOILER

RISER

3" (76mm)

MIN.

Mini-Therm JVi

Page 7

Do not weld the vent pipe to the boiler collar.
The weight of the stack must not rest on the boiler.
The boiler top must be easily removable for normal
boiler service and inspection.

Avoid terminating boiler vents near air
conditioning or air supply fans. The fans can pick up
exhaust flue products from the boiler and return them
to the building, creating a possible health hazard.

Avoid oversized vent pipe or extremely long
runs of the pipe, which may cause excessive cooling
and condensation.

1H-1. Vertical Venting - Category I

The Mini-Therm JVi series boiler can be vented
into a masonry chimney, (see Figure 4) provided
several conditions are met:

1. The chimney must have an appropriate tile lining

that is clean, properly constructed and properly

sized.

2. The chimney passage way shall be examined to

ascertain that it is clear and free of obstructions.

3. If a chimney rebuild is required, it shall conform

to nationally recognized standards (see National

Building Code or ANSI/NFPA 211).

4. The boiler must not be connected to a fireplace,

wood stove or other solid fuel burning

equipment.

5. When the boiler and a hot water heater are to be

connected to the same chimney, they must have

their own vent connector and enter the chimney

at least 6" (152mm) apart.

(a) Vent Connections

Use type B double wall or type C single wall (26
gauge, minimum thickness), gas vent pipe from the
boiler to the chimney. Installation of a riser, with a

minimum 12" (305mm) height above the boiler, is
recommended. The vent system should be sloped up
toward the chimney 1/4" per foot (20mm per meter).
The vent connector must be supported for the design
and weight of the material employed, to maintain
clearances and prevent physical damage and
separation of joints.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always provide a

minimum clearance of 6" (152mm) between Type C
(single wall) vent pipe and any combustible materials.

WARNING

Single wall vent pipe must NEVER pass through
interior walls or through floors or ceilings! Failure to
comply with this warning could result in a fire
causing property damage, personal injury, or death!

When installing the vent system all applicable
national and local codes must be followed! The use of
thimbles, firestops and other protective devices, when
penetrating combustible or noncombustible
construction, must be in accordance with all
applicable national and local codes.

Vertical vents of the induced draft JVi boilers
must be installed in accordance with the code
requirement for Category 1, Fan Assisted Appliances.
Follow the requirements as indicated in the latest
edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, sizing of Category
I Venting System and Appendix G, or in Canada,
follow the instruction of CAN/CGA-B149 installation
code.

An unused lined chimney can be used as a
raceway for single wall vent pipe, (see Figure 5).
Never run vent pipe through a flue that has another
appliance attached to it.

CHIMNEY

LINER

THIMBLE

CLEANOUT

Figure 4. Chimney Venting. Figure 5. Vertical Venting.

1/4"

PER FT.

(20mm PER M)

SLOPE

VENT

SYSTEM

BOILER

CHIMNEY

LINER

THIMBLE

CLEANOUT

1/4"

PER FT.

(20mm PER M)

SLOPE

VENT

SYSTEM

12" (305mm)

BOILER