Desa RCLP100V User Manual

CANADIAN PROPANE CONSTRUCTION FORCED AIR HEATER

OWNER’S MANUAL

MODEL RCLP100V

VARIABLE 65,000, 85,000, AND 100,000 BTU/HR

IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before
assembling, starting or servicing heater. Improper use
of heater can cause serious injury. Keep this manual for
future reference.

GENERAL HAZARD WARNING:

Failure to comply with the precautions and instructions
provided with this heater, can result in death, serious
bodily injury and property loss or damage from hazards
of fire, explosion, burn, asphyxiation, carbon monoxide
poisoning and/or electrical shock.

Only persons who can understand and follow the instruc­tions should use or service this heater.

If you need assistance or heater information such as an in­structions manual, labels, etc. contact the manufacturer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Information ............................................... 2

Unpacking ........................................................... 3

Product Identification ........................................... 3

Propane Supply ................................................... 3

Theory of Operation ............................................ 4

Ventilation ............................................................

Installation ........................................................... 4

Operation ............................................................. 5

Storage ................................................................ 6

Maintenance ........................................................ 6

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Service Procedures ............................................. 6

Troubleshooting ...................................................

Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List ....... 10

Specifications ....................................................

Technical Service ..............................................

4

Replacement Parts ............................................ 12

Accessory .......................................................... 12

Wiring Diagram .................................................. 13

Warranty and Repair Service ............................

9

12
12

14

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: This product
contains and/or generates
chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer or
birth defects or other reproduc­tive harm.

WARNING: Fire, burn, in­halation and explosion hazard.
Keep solid combustibles, such
as building materials, paper or
cardboard, a safe distance away
from the heater as recommend­ed by the instructions. Never
use the heater in spaces which
do or may contain volatile or
airborne combustibles or prod
ucts such as gasoline, solvents,
paint thinner, dust particles or
unknown chemicals.

WARNING: Not for home or
recreational vehicle use.

The heater is designed for use as a construction
heater in accordance with ANSI Z83.7/CGA

2.14. Other standards govern the use of fuel
gases and heating products for specific uses.
Your local authority can advise you about these.
The primary purpose of construction heaters is
to provide temporary heating of buildings under
construction, alteration or repair. Properly used,
the heater provides safe economical heating.
Products of combustion are vented into the area
being heated.

We cannot foresee every use which may be made of
our heaters. Check with your local fire safety au

thority if you have questions about heater use.

Other standards govern the use of fuel gases and
heat producing products for specific uses. Your
local authorities can advise you about these.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Some people are

more affected by carbon monoxide than others.
Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re­semble the flu, with headaches, dizziness, and/or
nausea. If you have these signs, the heater may not
be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Check
for proper ventilation and have heater serviced.

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Propane Gas: Propane gas is odorless. An odor-

making agent is added to propane gas. The odor
helps you detect a propane gas leak. However, the
odor added to propane gas can fade. Propane gas
may be present even though no odor exists.

Make certain you read and understand all warn
ings. Keep this manual for reference. It is your
guide to safe and proper operation of this heater.

1. Install and use heater with care. Follow all
local ordinances and codes. In the absence
of local ordinances and codes, refer to the

Standard for Storage and Handling of Liq
uefied Petroleum Gas, ANSI/NFPA 58 and
the Propane Installation Code, CAN/CGA
B149.2. This instructs on the safe storage and

handling of propane gases.

2. Use only the electrical voltage and frequency
specified on model plate. The electrical con
nections and grounding of the heater shall fol
low the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA
70 or the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.

3. Electrical grounding instructions — This
appliance is equipped with a three-prong
(grounding) plug for your protection against
shock hazard and should be plugged directly
into a properly grounded three-prong recep
tacle or extension cord.

4. Use only the hose and factory preset regulator
provided with the heater.

5. Use only propane gas set up for vapor with
drawal.

6. Provide adequate ventilation. Before using
heater, provide at least a 3 ft
of fresh, outside air for each 100,000 Btu/Hr
of rating.

7. For indoor use only. Do not use heater out
doors.

8. Do not use heater in occupied dwellings or in
living or sleeping quarters.

9. Do not use heater in basement or below ground
level. Propane gas is heavier than air. If a leak
occurs, propane gas will sink to the lowest

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possible level.

10. Keep appliance area clear and free from com
bustible materials, gasoline, paint thinner, and
other flammable vapors and liquids. Dust is
combustible. Do not use heater in areas with
high dust content.

11. Minimum heater clearances from combustible
materials: Outlet: 8 Ft. (2.40 m), Sides: 2 Ft. (60
cm), Top: 6 Ft. (1.80 m), Rear: 2 Ft. (60 cm)

12. Keep heater at least 6 ft. (1.80 m) from pro
pane tank(s). Do not point heater at propane
tank(s) within 20 ft. (6 m).

2

(2.7 m2) opening

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SAFETY INFORMATION

Continued

13. Keep propane tank(s) below 100° F (38˚ C).

14. Check heater for damage before each use. Do
not use a damaged heater.

15. Check hose before each use of heater. If highly
worn or cut, replace with hose specified by
manufacturer before using heater.

16. Locate heater on stable and level surface if
heater is hot or operating.

17. Never block air inlet (rear) or air outlet (front)
of heater.

18. Keep heater away from strong drafts, wind,
water spray, rain, or dripping water.

19. Keep child ren and animals away from
heater.

20. Never move, handle, or service a hot or operat
ing heater. Severe burns may result. You must
wait 15 minutes after turning heater off.

21. To prevent injury, wear gloves when handling
heater.

22. Never attach duct work to heater.

23. Do not alter heater. Keep heater in its original
state.

24. Do not use heater if altered.

25. Turn off propane supply to heater and unplug
when not in use.

26. Use only original replacement parts. This
heater must use design-specific parts. Do
not substitute or use generic parts. Improper
replacement parts could cause serious or fatal
injuries.

UNPACKING

1. Remove all packing items applied to heater for
shipment. Keep plastic cover caps (attached to
inlet connector and hose/regulator assembly)
for storage.

2. Remove all items from carton.

3. Check all items for shipping damage. If heater
is damaged, promptly inform dealer where you
bought heater.

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Hot Air Outlet (Front)

Control Knob

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Hose /Regulator
Assembly

Propane gas and propane tank(s) are to be fur­nished by the user.
Use this heater only with a propane vapor
withdrawal supply system. See Chapter 5 of the

Standard for Storage and Handling of Liquefied
Petroleum Gas, ANSI/NFPA 58 and the Propane
Installation Code CAN/CGA B149.2. Your local

library or fire department will have this booklet.
The amount of propane gas ready for use from
propane tanks varies. Two factors decide this
amount:

1. The amount of propane gas in tank(s)

2. The temperature of tank(s)
The chart below shows the number of 100 lb. (45
kg) pound tanks needed to run this heater.

Average Temperature Number Of Tanks

At Tank (100 lb/45 kg)

Above 20° F (-6.7° C) 2
20° F (-6.7° C) to 0° F (-18° C) 3
Below 0° F (-18° C) Use larger tank

Less gas is vaporized at lower temperatures. You
may need two or more 100 lb. (45 kg) tanks or one
larger tank in colder weather. Your local propane
gas dealer will help you select the proper supply
system. The minimum surrounding air temperature
rating for each heater is -20° F (-29° C).

Smaller tanks can be used for limited run times
but it is recommended to use larger tanks for
optimum performance.

PRODUCT

IDENTIFICATION

Handle

Fan Guard

Inlet Connector

Figure 1 - 100,000 Btu/hr Model

PROPANE SUPPLY

Motor
Mount

Power
Cord

Air For Combustion
And Heating

Fuel

THEORY OF OPERATION

The Fuel System: The hose/regulator assembly attaches to the propane gas supply. The propane gas

moves through the automatic control valve and out the nozzle.

The Air System: The motor turns the fan. The fan pushes air into and around the combustion chamber.

This air is heated and provides a stream of clean, hot air.

The Ignition System: The spark transformer ignitor lights the main burner.
The Safety Control System: This system causes the heater to shut down if the flame goes out.

Combustion Chamber

Clean
Heated
Air Out
(Front)

Nozzle

Fan

Cool
Air In
(Back)

Power Cord

Note: Some parts are located
differently on some models.

Figure 2 - Cross Section Operational View

Air for
Combustion
and Heating

VENTILATION

WARNING: Follow the mini­mum fresh, outside air ventila­tion requirements. If proper
fresh, outside air ventilation is
not provided, carbon monoxide
poisoning can occur. Provide
proper fresh, outside air ventila­tion before running heater.

Provide a fresh air opening of at least 3 ft2 (0.28 m2)
for each 100,000 Btu/Hr rating. Provide extra fresh
air if more heaters are being used.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: Review and un­derstand the warnings in the
Safety Information section, page

2. They are needed to safely op­erate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.

Hose/Regulator
Assembly

Fuel

WARNING: Test all gas piping
and connections for leaks after
installation or servicing. Never
use an open flame to check for
a leak. Apply a mixture of liquid
soap and water to all joints.
Bubbles forming show a leak.
Correct all leaks at once.

1. Provide propane supply system (see Propane
Supply, page 3).

2. Connect fuel gas connector fitting on hose/
regulator assembly to propane tank(s). Turn
counterclockwise into threads on tank valve.
Tighten firmly using wrench. IMPORTANT:
Tighten regulator with vent pointing down.
Pointing vent down protects regulator from
weather damage.

3. Connect hose to inlet connector. Tighten
firmly using a wrench. IMPORTANT: Extra
hose or piping may be used if needed. Install
extra hose or piping between hose/regulator
assembly and propane tank. You must use the
regulator supplied with heater.

4. Open propane supply valve on propane tank(s)
slowly.

Note: If not opened slowly, excess­flow check valve on propane tank will stop
gas flow. If this happens, close propane supply
valve and open again slowly.

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INSTALLATION

Continued

5. Check all connections for leaks.

6. Close propane supply valve.

Supply Valve

Regulator

Propane
Tank

Figure 3 - Regulator With Vent Pointing

Down

100,000 Btu/Hr
Model Shown

Inlet
Connector

Figure 4 - Hose and Inlet Connector

Hose

Vent
(pointing
down)

Fuel Gas
Connector

Hose

OPERATION

WARNING: Review and un­derstand the warnings in the
Safety Information section, page

2. They are needed to safely op
erate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.

TO START HEATER

1. Follow all installation, ventilation and safety
information.

2. Locate heater on stable and level surface.
Make sure strong drafts do not blow into front
or rear of heater.

3. Make sure the control knob is in the OFF
position.

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4. Plug power cord of heater into a three-prong,
grounded extension cord. Extension cord must
be at least 6 ft. (2 m) long, UL/CSA listed, and
of a proper size.

Extension Cord Size Requirement
Up to 100 ft. (30 m) long, use 16 AWG rated

cord.

101 to 200 ft. (31 to 60 m) long, use 14 AWG

rated cord.

5. Plug extension cord into a 120 volt/60 hertz,
3-hole, grounded outlet. Motor will start. Fan
will turn, forcing air out front of heater.

6. Open propane supply valve on propane tank(s)
slowly.

Note: If not opened slowly, excess­flow check valve on propane tank will stop
gas flow. If this happens, close propane supply
valve and open again slowly.

7. Press and hold in control knob. Turn counter
clockwise to the LOW position. Heater should
ignite within a few seconds.

Note: If heater fails to ignite, hose may have

air in it. If so, keep automatic control valve
button pressed and wait 20 seconds. Release
automatic control valve button and wait 20
seconds for unburned fuel to exit heater.
Repeat step 7.

8. After heater ignites, wait 30 seconds then
release the control knob. This activates the
automatic control system.

9. When burner remains lit, set heater at the
desired heat level by turning the control valve
counterclockwise. If burner goes out, turn off
gas. Turn control knob fully clockwise to the
lowest position. Check fuel supply. If adequate
fuel is available, restart heater beginning at
step #1.

TO STOP HEATER

1. Tightly close propane supply valve on propane
tank(s).

2. Wait a few seconds. Heater will burn gas left
in supply hoses.

3. Turn control knob to the OFF position.

4. Unplug heater.

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STORAGE

CAUTION: Disconnect heater

from propane supply tank(s).

1. Store propane tank(s) in safe manner. See
Chapter 5 of Standard for Storage and Han

dling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, ANSI/
NFPA 58 and the Propane Installation Code
CAN/CGA B149.2. Follow all local codes.

Always store propane tanks outdoors.

2. Place plastic cover caps over brass fittings on
inlet connector and hose/regulator assembly.

3. Store in dry, clean, and safe place. Do not
store hose/regulator assembly inside heater
combustion chamber.

4. When taking heater out of storage, always
check inside of heater. Insects and small
animals may place foreign objects in heater.
Keep inside of heater free from combustible
and foreign objects.

MAINTENANCE

WARNINGS

• Never service heater while it
is plugged in, connected to
propane supply, operating, or
hot. Severe burns and electri
cal shock can occur.

• Keep heater clear and free
from combustible materials,
gasoline, and other flammable
vapors and liquids.

• Do not block the flow of com­bustion or ventilation air.

1. Keep heater clean. Clean heater annually or as
needed to remove dust and debris. If heater is
dirty or dusty, clean heater with a damp cloth.
Use household cleaners on difficult spots.

2. Inspect heater before each use. Check connec
tions for leaks. Apply mixture of liquid soap
and water to connections. Bubbles forming
show a leak. Correct all leaks at once.

3. Inspect hose/regulator assembly before each
use. If hose is highly worn or cut, replace with
one specified by manufacturer.

4. Have heater inspected yearly by a qualified
service agency.

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5. Keep inside of heater free from combustible
and foreign objects. Remove motor and other
internal parts if needed to clean inside of
heater (see Service Procedures).

6. Clean fan blades each season or as needed (see

Fan, page 7).

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SERVICE PROCEDURES

WARNING: Never service
heater while it is plugged in,
connected to propane supply,
operating, or hot. Severe burns
and electrical shock can occur.

MOTOR

1. With heater on its side, remove base tray.

2. Access ground screw through underside of
heater base. Remove ground screw. Disconnect
the green motor wire and the green power cord
wire from underside of shell (see Figure 5).

3. Remove black and white motor wires from
terminal board (see Figure 5).

4. Carefully push motor wires through hole in
bottom of shell.

5. Remove screws holding motor mount to shell.
Use nut-driver (see Figure 6).

Ground Screw

Motor
Green
Lead

Figure 5 - Location of Ground Screw

Motor
Mount
Screw

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Hole in Shell
for Wires

Motor Mount

Figure 6 - Removing Motor, Motor Mount,

and Fan Guard from Heater

Transformer
Green Lead

Power Cord
Green Lead

Terminal
Board

Fan
Guard

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SERVICE PROCEDURES

Continued

6. Carefully pull motor and fan out of shell.
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to damage fan.
Do not set motor and fan down with the weight
resting on fan. This could damage fan pitch.

7. Use hex wrench to loosen setscrew which
holds fan to motor shaft.

8. Remove fan. Be careful not to damage the fan
blade pitch.

9. Use nut driver to remove two nuts that attach
motor to motor mount.

10. Discard old motor.

11. Attach motor to motor mount with two nuts.
Tighten nuts firmly.

12. Replace fan on motor shaft. Make sure set
screw contacts flat surface on motor shaft.

13. Tighten set screw firmly (40-50 inch-pounds)
(4.5192-5.649 N•m).

14. Carefully route motor wires through hole
in shell (see Figure 7). Place motor, motor
mount, and fan guard into rear of heater
shell.

15. Insert screws through heater shell and into
motor mount. Tighten screws firmly.

16. Turn heater on its side to access opening in
bottom of base. Connect green wires from
motor, transformer, and power cord to heater
shell using ground nut (see Figure 5, page 6).

17. Attach black and white wires to terminal board
(see Wiring Diagram, page 13, for correct
locations).

18. Replace base tray.

FAN

1 Remove motor, motor mount, and fan (see

Motor, page 6, steps 1 through 8).

2. Clean fan using soft cloth moistened with
kerosene or solvent.

3. Dry fan thoroughly.

4. Replace fan on motor shaft. Make sure set
screw is touching back of flat surface on motor
shaft (see Figure 8).

5. Place setscrew on flat of shaft. Tighten set
screw firmly (40-50 inch-pounds) (4.5192-

5.649 N•m).

6. Place motor, motor mount, and fan guard
into rear of heater shell (see
through 18).

Fan

Motor
Shaft

Figure 8 - Fan, Motor Shaft, and

Setscrew Location

Hub

Setscrew

Figure 9 - Fan Cross Section

Motor, steps 14

Setscrew

Fan

Motor Shaft

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Hole in Shell for
Motor Wires

Figure 7 - Replacing Motor, Motor Mount,

and Fan Guard into Heater

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SERVICE PROCEDURES

Continued

SPARK TRANSFORMER

1. Remove base tray.

2. Locate and disconnect white, black, and
orange wires from spark transformer.

3. Remove two screws holding spark trans
former to base. Remove sheet metal nuts on
transformer and install on new transformer.
Discard spark transformer.

4. Install new spark transformer. Position new
spark transformer in same manner as old
transformer.

5. Connect white, black, and orange wires to new
spark transformer. Connect wires to correct
terminals as noted in step 2.

6. Replace base tray.

WARNING: Make sure heater
is disconnected from propane
supply. Heater could ignite caus­ing severe burns.

Plug into extension cord and watch for spark

between ignitor electrode and target plate.

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9. Place motor, motor mount, and fan guard
into rear of heater shell (see
through 18, page 7).

Ignitor
Mounting
Screw

Motor, steps 14

Ignitor
Wire

Spark
Transformer

Figure 10 - Removing Ignitor Wire from

Spark Transformer

IGNITOR

1. Remove motor, motor mount, and fan guard
(see Motor, page 6, steps 1 through 6) .

2. Remove orange ignitor wire from ignitor.

3. Remove ignitor mounting screw from rear
head using nut-driver or standard screwdriver
(see Figure 11).

4. Remove ignitor from rear head.

5. Install new ignitor. Attach ignitor to rear head
with ignitor mounting screw.

6. Attach ignitor wire.

7. Check gap between ignitor electrode and
target plate to 0.13"/0.15" (3.3/3.8 mm) (see
Figure 12).

8. Test for spark.

Ignitor

Figure 11 - Removing Ignitor Mounting

Screw and Ignitor

Burner Nozzle

Gap
Area

Figure 12 - Clearance between Ignitor

Electrode and Target Plate

Rear
Head

Ignitor
Electrode

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TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING: Never service heater while it is plugged in, connected
to propane supply, operating, or hot. Severe burns and electrical
shock can occur.

OBSERVED FAULT

Fan does not turn when heater is
plugged in

Heater will not ignite

Heater shuts down while run
ning

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. No electrical power to heater

2. Fan hitting inside of heater
shell

3. Fan blades bent

4. Defective motor

1. User did not follow installa
tion or operation instructions
properly

2. No spark at ignitor. To test for
spark, follow step 8 under Ig-
nitor, page 8. If you see spark
at ignitor, have heater serviced
by qualified service person. If
no spark seen:

A) Loose or disconnected

ignitor wire

B) Wrong spark gap
C) Bad ignitor electrode
D) Bad spark transformer

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1. Propane supply may be inad
equate

2. High surrounding air tem
perature causing thermal limit
device to shut down heater.

3. Restricted air flow

4. Damaged fan

5. Excessive dust or debris in
surrounding area

REMEDY

1. Check voltage to electrical
outlet. If voltage is good, check
heater power cord for breaks

2. Adjust motor/fan mount to
keep fan from hitting inside of
heater shell. Bend fan mount
if necessary

3. Replace fan. See Fan, page 7

4. Replace motor. See Motor
page 6

1.

Repeat installation and operation

­instructions. See Installation,
page 4 and Operation, page 5

2. A) Check ignitor wire. Tighten
or reattach loose ignitor wire.
See Figure 10, page 8 for
ignitor wire location

B) Assure gap between ignitor

electrode and target plate is

0.13"/0.15" (3.3/3.8 mm). Do
not bend electrode. Doing so
may cause it to break

C) Replace ignitor electrode.

See Ignitor, page 8
D) Replace spark transformer.
See Spark Transformer, page 8

1. A) Refill tank

­ B) Provide additional and/or

larger tanks. See Propa ne
Supply, page 3

2. This can happen when running

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heater in temperatures above
85°F (29˚C). Run heater in
cooler temperatures

3. Check heater inlet and outlet.

Remove any obstructions

4. Replace fan. See

5. Clean heater. See Mainte

nance, page 6

Fan, page 7

,

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WARNING: Use only in areas

free of high dust content.

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