Navien · Tankless water heater

E517 DIP switch setting abnormal

Medium severity Navien NPE-2

What the control is telling you

The DIP switch settings are not valid for this unit.

Applies to: Navien NPE-A2 (built-in recirculation) and NPE-S2 condensing tankless water heaters: NPE-150S2, NPE-180A2/S2, NPE-210A2/S2, NPE-240A2/S2

Likely causes

  • Front panel DIP switch changed
  • PCB model DIP switches changed

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: turn off power before touching DIP switches.
  2. Front panel 2-switch block switch 1 = gas type (OFF natural gas, ON propane), switch 2 = temperature lock.
  3. The PCB DIP switches set the model at the factory and must not be changed - return them to factory position if moved.
  4. Reset once with the Back button on the front panel and note whether the code returns.
  5. Fix given phone Navien Technical Support, 1-800-519-8794.

Settings for these units

Installation clearances (indoor / outdoor) · Navien NPE-2

SideIndoorOutdoor
Top9 in. (229 mm)36 in. (900 mm)
Back0.5 in. (13 mm)0.5 in. (13 mm)
Front4 in. (100 mm)24 in. (600 mm)
Sides3 in. (76 mm)3 in. (76 mm)
Bottom12 in. (300 mm)12 in. (300 mm)

Vent clearance to combustibles is 0 in.

Outdoor: use the Navien Outdoor Vent Kit; keep 3 ft from an eave to the top of the vent terminals; mild climates only.

Water quality limits and flushing schedule · Navien NPE-2

Hardnessgrains/gal (mg/L)TreatmentFlush frequency
Soft0-4 (0-60)NoneNone
Moderately hard4-7 (61-120)None requiredOnce a year
Hard7-9 (121-160)Softener or Navien PeakFlow recommendedOnce a year
Very hard9-12 (161-200)Softener or PeakFlow highly recommendedResidential once a year; commercial twice a year
Extremely hard>12 (200)Softener or PeakFlow required-

Other max levels: hardness 200 mg/L, chloride 250, copper 1.0, iron 0.3, manganese 0.05, sulfate 250, TDS 500, zinc 5, chlorine 4 mg/L; aluminum 0.05-0.2 mg/L; pH 6.5-8.5.

Flushing is advised when no treatment device is installed; use white vinegar or a tankless descaler.

Models that show this code

7 models in Navien NPE-2

NPE-150S2NPE-180A2NPE-180S2NPE-210A2NPE-210S2NPE-240A2NPE-240S2

Other codes on the same units

  • E439 Flow sensor abnormal
  • E441 Hot water inlet 2 thermistor open or shorted
  • E445 Bypass mixing valve abnormal
  • E515 PCB abnormal
  • E593 Front panel key abnormal
  • E594 EEPROM abnormal
  • E615 Input and memory abnormal
  • E736 Cascade communication abnormal

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Source: Navien NPE-A2/S2 User's Information Manual (20049624A), 5.2 Understanding Error Codes, p.17. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.