Section 13.4
Sizing example: off-grid outdoor shower on an Eccotemp portable heater
A summer outdoor shower on an off-grid lot in Ohio is fed by a well at 52 F and heated by an Eccotemp portable on a 20 lb cylinder. Eccotemp lists a burner input and a maximum flow for these units and no temperature rise[1][2][3][4][5]. The table gives the highest possible outlet temperature.
| Model | Input BTU/h | Maximum rise at maximum flow | Maximum outlet at maximum flow | Highest flow for a 105 F outlet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L5 portable | 37,500 | 50 F | 102 F | 1.4 GPM |
| Luxe EL5 portable | 37,500 | 50 F | 102 F | 1.4 GPM |
| Luxe EL7 portable | 52,500 | 57 F | 109 F | 2.0 GPM |
| L10 portable | 75,000 | 50 F | 102 F | 2.8 GPM |
| Luxe EL10 portable | 75,000 | 50 F | 102 F | 2.8 GPM |
13.4.1 Result
At full flow with 52 F water, every unit reaches 102 to 109 F at most, before losses. The actual outlet temperature is lower. A lower-flow showerhead raises the outlet temperature. A 1.5 GPM head on an L10 or EL10 is well under the unit's 3.0 GPM maximum flow. None of these units has a rated rise, so the sizer lists them and does not count them as a match.
Placement and use limits are in each unit's manual, and the manual governs. Eccotemp's L5 page says the rain cap is not recommended for permanent outdoor installation[1].