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Mr Steam MS90EC1 steam geneartor installed in San Miguel de Allende (C) Daniel Friedman Steam bath Generator Outdoor Location

Install a steam generator in a protected area outdoors?

Installation details protecting an electric steam shower or steambath steam generator when locating it outdoors.

Construction of a weather-tight cover that yet provides air circulation and working space might permit an outdoor location of a steam generator in some climates. However the manufacturer of this equipment does NOT recommend outdoor installations.

This article series describes in more detail the installation of a residential steam generator in the shower of an existing home. We report what went well, how successfully the steam generator operated after installation.

We continue by describing repair of a new but failed steambath steam generator installation: what went wrong, what trouble it caused, and how steam generator problems with small residential steam generators might be diagnosed and repaired.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Installing an Electric Steam Generator Outdoors: weather protection

Outdoor cover for Mr. Steam steam generator (C) Daniel FriedmanThe manufacturer of this equipment expects you to install it in a clean, dry, location protected from the weather. Outdoor installation is not advised in most cases: for the Mr. Steam steambath generator like the MS90E described in this article series, the company warns:

DO NOT install steambath generator outdoors or wherever environmental conditions may result in a shock hazard or affect performance of the generator.

After considering the usually dry climate of central Mexico the owners and their installer speculated that a steam generator might be installed outdoors successfully if in a dry climate and if it were adequately protected from rain, including blowing wet windy rain. In central Mexico the risk of freezing pipes was not a concern.

Watch out: the manufacturer warns that exposure of an electrical steam generator to the weather, particularly rain or to freezing conditions is likely to damage the electronic controls in the unit and could cause damage to components containing water if water in the system freezes.

It is also possible that any installation that violates the manufacturer's recommendations can void the equipment warranty.

The steam generator was kept indoors in a clean dry area until the outdoor installation and weather protection were ready.

A weather-tight but ventilated steel box was constructed by the prime-contractor's metalworker, as we illustrate here. The bottom of the enclosure was left completely open.

Mr. Steam MS90E outdoor cover installation (C) Daniel Friedman

The top and sides were made of solid steel while louvered access doors were designed to resist wind-blown rain but still to permit ventilation. We included locking handles so that a security padlock can be installed if needed to prevent tampering with the unit.

Watch out: in a damp or humid climate or in a climate exposed to salty sea air or to wind-blown rain, an outdoor installation, even with a weather-protective cover is likely to result in damaged equipment. Before trying such an installation, discuss your plans with the manufacturer of your steam generator.

Outdoor cover for Mr. Steam steam generator (C) Daniel Friedman

The size of the steam generator outdoor enclosure was specified to give ample working space to remove the steam generator cover, to access its control valves, and to permit its complete removal if necessary.

Caulk seals the Mr. Steam outdoor cover to the building walls (C) Daniel Friedman

When the enclosure was installed it was also sealed against the building wall using silicone caulk. Below you can see the completed Mr. Steam steambath generator outdoor installation.

Mr. Steam generator outdoor installation cover completed (C) Daniel Friedman

After six months of monitoring including through a wet rainy season we were able to confirm that the equipment was never wet from rain nor from condensation.

Watch out: however, one of the screws used to mount the outdoor cover pierced a control wire and damaged the steam generator, rendering it inoperative.

The process of diagnosing and fixing the unit is described

at Mr.STEAM MS90E TROUBLESHOOTING.

...


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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question: proper setting for a Honeywell PA-404-A 1099 Presstrol on a steam boiler

Does anyone know the proper setting for a Honeywell pa-404-a 1009 prestrol control for a Weil-mclane steam boiler - Rick 9/11/11

Reply:

Rick the exact pressure needed varies by installation but in a low pressure residential steam system the pressure range is usually between 0.2 and 0.4 psi.

See details at STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS & CONTROLS - home

Question: steam pipe configuration question at the boiler

what's the term they call the 2 steam pipes that form an H above a steam boiler. in other words the pipes from both sides of the burner connected together?THANKS,Walter - 9/25/11

Reply: steam pipe header

Walter: sorry we couldn't give an instant reply; sometimes the volume of reader questions is considerable and takes some time to get thorough.

I am guessing you are referring to the steam header or manifold piping that allows steam to enter more than one steam supply line or riser.

A second piping configuration that will be along side, not above, the boiler is the Hartford loop - a loop of piping sort of like an upside down trap that prevents water from siphoning out of the boiler should there be a leak in the condensate return line.

Question: My steam boiler seems to be taking more water than usual

I blow the system down regularly and then make up the water in the sight glass. However I seem to be using significantly more water then years past whereas I'd top the sight glass every couple of weeks in the past compared to every other day now. What do you think the problem is? - Tom C 10.27.11

Reply:

Tom C: a common reason for increased water consumption in a steam heating system is one or more radiator steam vents that are not closing properly. Check also for a leak in the condensate return line.

See details at WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM

Question:

The HomeServ tech just left after installing a new auto water feeder, and the PSI gauge on my steam heater is off the chart, over 30 PSI. I shut it down and called HomeServ and they said leave it on and they'll come in the morning. How do I lower the PSI myself so I can leave it on tonight and my little kids (two with strep) don't freeze? Thanks! 2/22/2012

Reply:

Watch out: If the PSI gauge is showing abnormal pressure and the gauge itself is working properly the system is unsafe and should be shut down. Call someone else and fire that tech - from your description the system sounds unsafe

Question: radiator banging noise repair procedure

I have a one pipe steam system. My dining room radiator air vent was just replaced because the old one was leaking profusely (damaged my floors). The porch radiator air vent was also replaced because of too much steam condensation in the room, but now the open/close valve is leaking at the base. The radiator upstairs in middle bedroom is banging and clanking. The pipe that runs along the basement ceiling (finished basement) also bangs when the heat is coming on. My plumber cannot really give me an answer. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks p Rita 11/21/12

Reply:

Rita,

If you search InspectApedia for


BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS

you can read about the diagnosis & cure of this problem

About the leaking valve - unfortunately that means you need another service call.

Question: relief valve is leaking

cleaned on a vav [?] system is leaking close the cilanod [solenoid ? -Ed] valve need to be replaced

- Anon 11/23/12

Reply:

See RELIEF VALVE LEAKS for procedures to diagnose and fix leaky TP relief valves.

 

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