Elgena Nautic Compact Luft LE water heater, 10 l, 230 V / 500 W + warm air - pressure-resistant boiler for motorhomes, caravans and boats
- Pressure-resistant Elgena Nautic Compact Luft LE, 10 l, 230 V / 500 W + warm air water heater for motorhomes, caravans and boats. V4A stainless steel tank, 0-3 bar working pressure, for pressure, submersible, foot or hand pumps.
The Elgena Nautic Compact Luft LE, 10 l, 230 V / 500 W + warm air is a pressure-resistant water heater with a capacity of 10 litres, designed for motor and sailing yachts, motorhomes, caravans and food trucks. Unlike small low-pressure heaters it withstands a working pressure of up to 3 bar, so you can connect it to a submersible, foot or hand pump as well as to a pressure pump, with several taps. The tank and heat exchanger are made of acid-resistant V4A stainless steel and fully insulated, so the water stays warm for a long time. The electric element has a fixed temperature of about 70 °C and is controlled automatically. The heater has no frost protection function. The heater is made in Germany by Elgena of Munich.
Key features
- capacity 10 l, dimensions 54 x 22 x 23 cm
- type LE: warm-air heat exchanger and electric element, power supply 230 V / 500 W
- connection to warm-air heating with a 65-75 mm hose
- working pressure 0-3 bar, for pressure and submersible pumps
- V4A stainless steel tank, fully insulated
- Ø 10 mm connections for pressure hose
Power supply and heat-up time
The heater has two heat sources. While driving, or when parked with the warm-air heating on, the water is heated by warm air from the vehicle heating, led through a 65-75 mm hose to the heater inlet. The water then reaches roughly the temperature of the air stream. When parked with 230 V, the built-in 500 W element heats the water to a fixed temperature of about 70 °C and switches off by itself. The manufacturer states a heat-up time of about 54 min with the electric element. The 1 m electric cable has no plug, and the manufacturer recommends fitting a switch with an indicator lamp.
How to connect the water
The heater is pressure-resistant and can be fitted as original equipment or added later to any cold water system with hoses. Use 10 mm pressure hoses suitable for drinking water and secure them with stainless steel hose clamps. If the system pressure exceeds 2 bar, fit a pressure reducer set to max. 2 bar between the pump and the heater. The heater is supplied without the safety valve set. With a pressure pump the set is mandatory: only the original Elgena 3 bar safety valve may be fitted to the water drain. The valve outlet must never be blocked, and you can connect a hose to it that leads outside or to a tank. With a submersible, foot or hand pump the set is not required. Insulating the hot water line further reduces heat loss. The heater may only be operated with drinking water.
Installation and first start
The heater must be mounted horizontally only, never vertically, on the floor. A storage box, the space under a seat or a locker are good places, as close as possible to the taps to limit heat loss in the hoses. After making all connections, switch on the pump and open the hot tap. The heater is full only when water flows from the hot tap. Only then connect the power.
Everyday use
- the element keeps the temperature at about 70 °C by itself
- while the warm-air heating runs, the water heats up even without 230 V
- thanks to its design the tank stays full even when the water tank is empty, so the element does not run dry in normal use
- fully heated and mixed with cold water at the tap, you get two to three times more warm water than the tank holds
In winter: frost protection
The heater has no frost protection, so it must be drained before winter. First be sure to disconnect the 230 V supply. Then open the drain valve and leave it open. If the water does not run out, open the taps so that air can enter the lines. Before using it again, fill the heater with water and only then switch on the power.
Related Elgena products
- Elgena Nautic Compact Luft LE, 6 l, 230 V / 500 W - pressure-resistant heater, same series
- Elgena Nautic Compact, 10 l, 230 V / 330 W - pressure-resistant heater, same series
- Elgena 3 bar safety valve set - 3 bar valve, T-piece and drain valve, mandatory with a pressure pump
Technical data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Elgena |
| Model | Nautic Compact Luft LE |
| Type | pressure-resistant water heater |
| Capacity | 10 l |
| Power supply / output | 230 V / 500 W (electric element) |
| Power cable | 1 m, no plug |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 54 x 22 x 23 cm |
| Weight | approx. 5 kg |
| Mounting | horizontal, on the floor |
| Working pressure | 0-3 bar |
| Pressure reducer | required above 2 bar |
| Water temperature | approx. 70 °C (electric element), with warm air depending on the air temperature |
| Warm-air connection | for 65-75 mm hose |
| Frost protection | none, drain before winter |
| Heat-up time | approx. 54 min (500 W element) |
| Heating element | V4A stainless steel / Incoloy |
| Tank | V4A stainless steel |
| Insulation | EVP |
| Safety valve | 3 bar, sold separately, mandatory with a pressure pump |
| Water connections | Ø 10 mm for pressure hose |
| Drain | manual drain valve |
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect the heater to a pressure pump?
Yes. The heater withstands a working pressure of up to 3 bar. With a pressure pump the original Elgena 3 bar safety valve on the water drain is mandatory.
Do I need a pressure reducer?
Yes, if the system pressure exceeds 2 bar, for example when connected to the mains in a marina or on a campsite.
Is the safety valve set included?
No. The heater is supplied without the safety valve set. With a pressure pump you need to buy it separately.
How hot does the water get?
The electric element keeps a fixed temperature of about 70 °C. With warm air the water reaches roughly the air temperature.
What should I do with the heater in winter?
Disconnect the power and drain the heater completely through the drain valve, because it has no frost protection.
Manufacturer
Elgena, Margaretenplatz 2a, 81373 München, Germany.