Dettson HYDRA09, HYDRA15, HYDRA20, HYDRA24, HYDRA29 Installation Instructions And Homeowner's Manual

Models :

HYDRA09
HYDRA15

Installation Instructions

and Homeowner’s Manual

ELECTRIC BOILER

(3 wires 120/240 - 60 - 1)

HYDRA18
HYDRA20
HYDRA24
HYDRA29

C

Manufactured by:

Dettson Industries Inc

3400, Industrial Boulevard
Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1L 1V8

D

N

S

-

0

9

5

1

A

www.dettson.ca

Attention

Do not tamper with the unit
or its controls. Call a
qualified service technician.

Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper

INSTALLER / SERVICE TECHNICIAN :
Use the information in this manual for the installation / servicing of the

furnace and keep the document near the unit for future reference.
HOMEOWNER :
Please keep this manual near the furnace for future reference.

2012-08-22 X40156 Rev. H

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SAFETY ...................................................................3

1.1 DANGER, WARNING AND CAUTION...................3

1.2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION................................3

2.0 INSTALLATION.......................................................3

2.1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION................................3

2.2 DELIVERY .............................................................3

2.3 POSITIONING AND CLEARANCES......................4

2.4 DANGER OF FREEZING.......................................4

2.5 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM......................................4

2.5.1 Freeze protection (when required)..................4

2.6 INSTALLATION OF THE BOILER .........................4

2.7 ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY................................4

2.7.1 Connecting the circulating pump.....................5

2.7.2 Connecting the thermostat..............................5

2.7.3 Thermostat heat anticipator adjustment (if

required)..........................................................5

2.7.4 Connecting the outdoor sensor.......................5

3.0 OPERATION............................................................5

3.1 ADJUSTMENTS AND START-UP .........................5

3.2 CHECKING THE CONTROLS...............................6

3.3 BCEH DUAL-ENERGY INSTALLATION................6

4.0 MAINTENANCE.......................................................6

TABLES

Table 1: Minimum Clearance ........................................4

Table 2: Dip Switches Position......................................6

Table 3: HYDRA – Technical Specifications .................9

Table 4: Parts List - HYDRA........................................16

FIGURES

Figure 1: Hydra Electronic Board...................................5

Figure 2: Boiler water temperature variation according

to outdoor temperature....................................8

Figure 3: Component Identification.................................9

Figure 4: Typical diagram of a single zone

installation.....................................................10

Figure 5: Multizone electrical diagram with more than

one circulator.................................................10

Figure 6: Multiple zones with motorised valve..............11

Figure 7: Electrical Diagram.........................................12

Figure 8: Ladder Diagram ............................................13

Figure 9: Typical diagram of a dual-energy installation

without 3-way valve.......................................14

Figure 10: Typical diagram of a dual-energy installation

with 3-way valve............................................15

Figure 11: Parts List - HYDRA........................................16

4.1 RESPONSIBILITIES ..............................................6

4.2 PROCEDURE:.......................................................7

5.0 FURNACE INFORMATION......................................7

2

1.0 SAFETY

1.1 DANGER, WARNING AND CAUTION

The words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are used to
identify the levels of seriousness of certain hazards. It is
important that you understand their meaning. You will notice
these words in the manual as follows:

DANGER

Immediate hazards which WILL result in death or
serious bodily and/or material damage.

WARNING

Hazards or unsafe practices which CAN result in death
or serious bodily and /or material damage.

CAUTION

Hazards or unsafe practices which CAN result in minor
bodily and /or material damage.

1.2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WARNING

Non-observance of the safety regulations outlined in
this manual will potentially lead to consequences
resulting in death, serious bodily injury and/or property
damage.

WARNING

Installation and repairs performed by unqualified
persons can result in hazards to them and to others.
Installations must conform to local codes or, in the
absence of same, to codes of the country having
jurisdiction.

The information contained in this manual is intended for
use by a qualified technician, familiar with safety
procedures and who is equipped with the proper tools
and test instruments.

Failure to carefully read and follow all instructions in
this manual can result in death, bodily injury and/or
property damage.

a. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to engage a

qualified technician for the installation and
subsequent servicing of this boiler;

b. Do not store gasoline or any other flammable

substances, such as paper, carton, etc. near the
boiler;

c. Ask the technician installing your boiler to show and

explain to you the main disconnect switch or circuit
breaker;

d. Before calling for service, be sure to have the

information, section 4, of your manual close by in
order to be able to provide the contractor with the
required information, such as the model and serial
numbers of the boiler.

IMPORTANT: All local and national code requirements

governing the installation of Hydronic Heating Systems,
wiring and flue connections must be followed. Some of the
codes that may be applicable are:

CSA B214-01 Installation Code Hydronic Heating

Systems
CSA C22.2 Canadian Electrical Code
Only the latest issues of the above codes should be used,

and are available from either:
The Canadian Standards Association

178 Rexdale Blvd.
Rexdale, Ontario M9W 1R3

CAUTION

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
Failure to follow this caution may result in

environmental pollution.
Remove and recycle all components or materials (i.e.

oil, electrical and electronic components, insulation,
etc.) before unit final disposal.

2.0 INSTALLATION

2.1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your HYDRA electric boiler was carefully assembled and
checked in our plant, so that it will deliver warmth and
comfort to your home for many years to come.

This manual is intended to provide the necessary information
for the installation of the unit, how it functions, and explain
security measures which are particular to this type of
equipment.

It is essential that the persons installing, operating or
adjusting the boiler carefully read this manual, in order to
completely understand and be familiar with the procedures
to be followed.

Any questions relative to the operation, maintenance or
guarantee should be directed to the company where the
equipment was purchased.

Upon completion of the installation, this manual should be
placed back into its original envelope and kept near the
boiler for future reference.

2.2 DELIVERY
Upon delivery of the boiler, check the nameplate to be

sure that you have received the model with the correct
rating and proper voltage.

The following items are supplied with the unit:

- A pressure relief valve, adjusted to 30 psi;

- A drain valve;

- A ½" NPT to ⅛" NPT reducer for the installation of an air

purge valve;

- Modulating outdoor sensor.

3

2.3 POSITIONING AND CLEARANCES

The unit must be installed in an area that is dry, non­corrosive, without excessive dust, well ventilated and where
the ambient temperature does not exceed 27°C (80°F) .

The boiler can be installed directly on a wall, by way of the
mounting plate, supplied with the unit. Ensure that it is
installed level and that the clearances indicated below are
respected (Table 1).

Table 1: Minimum Clearance

LOCATION CLEARANCE

Access side to elements 0.41 m (16")
Other side 15.24 cm (6")
Above 15.24 cm (6")
Front 0.61 m (24")
Back 0"

2.4 DANGER OF FREEZING

CAUTION

If your boiler is shut down during the cold weather
season, water pipes may freeze, burst and cause
serious water damage. Turn off the water supply and
bleed the pipes.

If the heater is left unattended during the cold weather
season, take the following precautions:

a. Close the main water valve in the house and purge the

pipes if possible. Open all the faucets in the house;

b. Ask someone to frequently check the house during the

cold weather season to make sure that there is sufficient
heat to prevent the pipes from freezing. Tell this person
to call an emergency number if required.

2.5 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The proper functioning of your heating system is directly
related to the quality of the plumbing installation. Therefore,
the entire installation must be performed by qualified
technicians.

See Figure 3 for the functions of the various boiler
connections.

The heating system must be set-up to operate at a maximum
pressure of 28 psi and the operating temperature may range
from 32˚C to 99°C (90˚F to 210°F).

2.5.1 Freeze protection (when required)

WARNING

Only propylene glycol may be used in this hydronic
heating system, to prevent freezing.

It is recommended to add a maximum of 50% of
propylene glycol mixture to ensure proper operation.

Do not use automotive anti-freeze, ethylene glycol or
any undiluted anti-freeze.

If the above recommendations are not followed, severe
personal injury, death or substantial property and/or
equipment damage can result.

All installations must include the following items:
a. 1 pressure regulator, adjusted to 12 psi, installed

between the boiler and the main water supply in the
building;

b. 1 expansion tank, pre-pressurized to 12 psi and of

appropriate size;

c. 1 or more automatic air purge valves;
d. 1 or more circulating pumps of appropriate capacity.

CAUTION

To avoid water damage and/or scalding due to relief
valve operation, a discharge line must be connected to
the valve outlet and run to a drainage area. The
discharge line shall be installed in such a way that it will
allow for the complete drainage of the valve and the
discharge line.

2.6 INSTALLATION OF THE BOILER

At the time of installation, the following steps should be
followed. Refer to Figures 3 and 4 for additional information.

1.

Choose an appropriate location. Mount the boiler
securely on the wall, with the help of the mounting plate.
Ensure that it is level and that the minimum clearances
are observed;

2.

Install the drain valve and the safety valve as indicated
in Figure 3;

3.

An air vent can be installed on the unit. In such case,
use the ½" NPT to ⅛" NPT reducer, which is provided;

4.

Install the water supply and and return piping with the 1"
NPT fitting;

5.

The heating supply line must include:
a. 1 circulator along with 2 maintenance valves;
b. 1 automatic pressure reducing valve adjusted to 12

c. 1 expansion tank;
d. 1 automatic vent.

6.

The flow of water through the system must be sufficient
to continuously discharge the energy generated by the
boiler. If not, a more or less frequent cycling mode will
be established by the Safety Control (see the Technical
Specifications Table 3;

7.

In order to ensure satisfactory water flow, the friction in
the piping system must not exceed the capacity of the
circulator;

8.

After having completed all piping connections, run water
through the system and purge the air. The automatic
vent should be in operation.

Note: Remove the panel on the right side of the unit and
check to see if the elements and the temperature sensor are
watertight.

2.7 ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY

All electrical wiring must conform to the standards and
regulations in force and the Canadian Electrical Code CSA
C22.1.

Electrical power to the boiler must come from a 120/240V 60
Hz, single phase, 3-wire, grounded circuit, protected by an

psi, with a shut-off valve on the return water line;

4

appropriately sized breaker, based on the total rating of the
boiler. Refer to the boiler nameplate and the technical
specifications in this manual, Table 3, to select the proper
breaker and determine the wire size.

WARNING

RISK OF FIRE.
The conductor sizing must conform to the last edition of

the local or national codes.
Failure to follow this rule can result in death, bodily

injury and/or property damage.

Power supply to the unit can be made using copper or
aluminum wires. The wire size must be decided in
accordance to unit power consumption, the over current
protection type and capacity, the wire type and length, and
the environment where the unit is installed. If an aluminum
wire is used, other precautions (such as the use of a DE-OX
inhibitor) must be taken to insure the conformity of the
installation. In all cases, all the factors affecting the wire
gauge must be considered and the installation codes
followed.

The exterior of the unit must have an uninterrupted ground to
minimize the risk of bodily harm. A ground terminal is
supplied with the control box for that purpose.

In the event that wires inside the unit require replacement,
these must be as same type as originals. (Copper wiring
only).

2.7.1 Connecting the circulating pump

The electronic circuit is designed in such a way that the
circulator functions based on demand by the thermostat, or if
a high limit condition is detected. Refer to Figure 4 for the
connecting of the circulating pump.

2.7.2 Connecting the thermostat
Single heating zone

Connect the low voltage thermostat to W1 and R terminals
located inside the control panel on the electronic board, as
represented on Figure 4.

Multiple heating zones

Connect the contacts of the motorized valves or pump
controls to W1 and R terminals inside the control panel on
the electronic board. See Figures 5 and 6.

The anticipator inside the thermostat must be adjusted
according to the electrical load connected to the thermostat.

2.7.3 Thermostat heat anticipator adjustment (if
required)

Certain thermostats are equipped with a heat anticipator that
must be adjusted according to the instructions supplied.

This is to ensure that the heating mode is comfortable and
economical.

Generally speaking, on a single stage thermostat, a reading
of the current must be taken with an ammeter as follows:

1. Move the anticipator to its highest setting, rendering it
ineffective.

2. Remove the wire from the “W1” terminal and connect an
ammeter between the terminal and the wire.

3. Call for heat by raising the set point on the thermostat
and allow the boiler to run for 3 to 4 minutes to reach its
peak output.

4. Once the current has stabilized, a reading should be
taken and the anticipator adjusted to that value. If
longer heating cycles are desired, the anticipator can be
set to a higher value

2.7.4 Connecting the outdoor sensor

Mount the sensor on an outside wall, protected from direct
sunlight, so that it will accurately measure the outside
temperature. Install 2 only #20 wires between the outdoor
sensor and the terminals identified as S1 and S2 on the
electronic board terminal.

3.0 OPERATION

3.1 ADJUSTMENTS AND START-UP

CAUTION

The boiler must be filled with water and all air purged
from the system, before turning on the power.

If the power is turned on before the boiler is filled with
water, the elements will become seriously damaged and
the boiler warranty will be void.

1. With the help of a small screwdriver, adjust the boiler
temperature screw on the board potentiometer located
on the control board, to between "90°F - 120°F - 15 0°F ­180°F - 210°F" (see Figure 1, item B);

Figure 1: Hydra Electronic Board

A: BOARD TERMINAL STRIP
B: POTENTIOMETER
C: TROUBLESHOOTING PORT
D: DIP SWITCHES FOR BOARD CONFIGURATION
E: FUSE 2A (AUTO-RESET)

2. In the event that the modulating capacity feature of
the boiler is desired, an outdoor sensor will need to be
installed and wired onto the Hydra electronic board
(terminals S1 and S2). Once the outdoor sensor is wired

5

to the board, the boiler capacity will modulate if the
outdoor air temperature is between -10˚C (14˚F) and
10˚C (50˚F) (see Figure 2 for more details on
modulation). If capacity modulation of the boiler is not
required for the application, do not proceed with the
installation of the outdoor sensor and leave the
terminals S1 and S2 unwired.

3. Check if the dip switches "NUMBER OF ELEMENTS"
are in the proper position. Refer to Table 2 and Figure 1,
item D to determine the position of the dip switch, based
on the power rating;

4. Turn on the power;

5. Adjust room thermostat according to the required
temperature.

Table 2: Dip Switches Position

Dip switch 1 Dip switch 2 Dip switch

3

New Hydra

with

immersed

OFF ON ON

sensor

Number of

elements

3
4
5
6

Not used

Dip switch 4 Dip switch 5

OFF OFF
OFF ON

ON OFF
ON ON

Dip switch 6 Dip switch 7 Dip switch

8

OFF OFF OFF

3.2 CHECKING THE CONTROLS

Operational Controls

After having made sure that the boiler is completely filled
with water and that there is no call for heat, turn on the
power to the unit.

For this verification, disconnect the outdoor sensor from the
S1 and S2 terminals of the Hydra electronic board. As a
result, all the elements will remain functional, regardless of
the outside temperature;

Set the thermostat in the house to 30°C (85°F). The
circulator should start-up and the elements should start
sequentially, one by one (randomly), at approximately 15
second intervals. Pilot lights located on the control board
provide a visual check of the operation of the boiler;

The circulator stays on for as long as there is a call for heat;
By observing the temperature indicator, allow the water

temperature to rise to 60°C (140°F). Then, turn the electronic
Limit Control counter clockwise to 32°C (90°F). The
elements will stop sequentially, one by one, at 1 second
intervals between each. Now, the water temperature must be
adjusted with the "90°F - 120°F - 150°F - 180°F - 2 10°F" set
screw on the electronic board.

Once the verification is completed, reconnect the outdoor
sensor to S1 and S2 of the Hydra electronic board (if
required).

Mechanical High Limit Control

Use the same procedure as outlined in the preceding
paragraph, but now on the mechanical aquastat, located at
the center left of the control panel (see Figure 7, note 3).
This time the elements will all disengage at the same time.
The mechanical limit aquastat must be set 20°F abov e the
temperature on the electronic board.

Modulation Control

If an outdoor sensor has been installed as specified in
section 1.9.4, the overall capacity of your boiler will be
reduced upon an increase of the outdoor air temperature as
shown on Figure 2. The purpose of this feature is to
considerably reduce the number of heating cycles.

3.3 BCEH DUAL-ENERGY INSTALLATION

In order to obtain a special rate (DT rate) from your hydro­electric power supplier on residential applications, your
HYDRA boiler can be hooked-up to an existing oil heater.

Contact your Hydro office to find out if your property is
eligible to receive this rate and how to go about obtaining it.

BCEH dual-energy controls are specially designed to Hydro
standards. The BCEH control selects the least expensive
energy source, either oil or electricity, based on outside
temperature or a signal from Hydro.

The BCEH dual-energy control will start-up the oil burner
when the contact in the outdoor dual-energy sensor closes
(due to a drop in temperature or other signal), even if the
thermostat in the house is not calling for heat. It will stop
when the temperature in the boiler reaches its target on the
Limit Control. Only in such a case is an anti-gravity valve
(flow check valve) or are motorized zone valves required.

A three-way motorized valve will direct the water flow either
to the oil fired heater or to your electric HYDRA boiler,
depending on the signal received from the outdoor dual­energy sensor.

To install boiler, refer to Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 and remove
jumper as shown on Figure 7, note 4.

4.0 MAINTENANCE

4.1 RESPONSIBILITIES

The property owner has the following responsibilities:
a. To maintain the area around the boiler clean at all times

and free from combustible and highly flammable
material;

b. To ensure that the ambient air at the boiler is not

excessively dusty or humid;

c. To have all water leaks repaired in the system as they

arise;

d. To ensure that the ambient temperature in the area

where the unit is installed does not exceed 27°C (8 0°F).

It is recommended that the boiler be purged annually, in
order to eliminate sediment and sludge that may have
accumulated at the bottom of the boiler and covered the
heating elements.

6

CAUTION

The boiler warranty may be void if: water leaks in the
system are not repaired, the boiler is used as a source
of domestic hot water or a significant amount of new
water or air is introduced into the system.

4.2 PROCEDURE:

1. Let the boiler cool down;

2. Close the maintenance valves, which are installed at the

water inlet and outlet of the boiler. N.B.: It is not
recommended to drain the water from the heating pipe
system;

5.0 FURNACE INFORMATION

Model :
Installation date of the electric boiler :
Service Telephone # – Day :
Dealer Name and Address :

3. Hook-up a garden hose to the drain valve and place it
close to a floor drain;

4. Open the purge valve until the water comes out clean
and clear;

5. Close the valve.

It is recommended to perform a visual inspection of the
boiler electrical compartment annually, during the heating
season. The items to check are the water tightness of the
elements, signs of overheating of the electrical components
and the wiring. Corrective measures must be undertaken as
required, as soon as possible.

Defective components should always be replaced with the
Original Equipment Manufacturer’s parts.

Serial Number :

Night :

7

GRAPH 1

GRAPH 2

Figure 2: Boiler water temperature variation according to outdoor temperature

Range of water temperature variation according to potentiometer adjustment

210

190

F)

o

F)

o

170

150

Tmax eau
Tmax water

Tmin eau
Tmin water

130

110

Water temperature (

Température de l'eau (

90

70

90 110 130 150 170 190 210

Ajustement potentiomètre (oF)

Potentiometer setpoint (oF)

Water temperature variation according to outdoor temperature

Tmax eau
Tmax water

Tmin eau
Tmin water

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15

Température extérieure (oC)

Outdoor air temp (oC)

APPLICATION EXAMPLE FOR GRAPHS 1 AND 2

Potentiometer adjustment (Tpot) = 210˚F
Based on graph 1, the water temperature will vary between 210˚F (Tmax water) and 170˚F (Tmin water)

•

If outdoor temperature is greater or equal to 10˚C (50˚F):

Graph 2 indicates that the boiler will maintain a water temperature of 170˚F (Water temperature = Tmin water)

•

If outdoor temperature is lower or equal to -10˚C (14˚F):
Graph 2 indicates that the boiler will maintain a water temperature of 210˚F (Water temperature = Tmax water)

•

If outdoor temperature is between -10˚C (14˚F) and 10˚C (50˚F):
Graph 2 indicates that the boiler will maintain a water temperature between 210˚F and 170˚F. At 0˚C (32˚F), the water
temperature will be mid-way between Tmax water and Tmin water. Therefore, we can expect a water temperature of
approximately 190˚F.

8

RATING AND PERFORMANCE

Table 3: HYDRA – Technical Specifications

Power (Kw) 9 15 18 20 24 29
Net capacity (BTU/h) 30 708 51 180 61 416 68 240 81 888 98 948

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Volts - Hertz - Phase
Electrical element #1 (Kw) 3 5 5 5 4 5
Electrical element #2 (Kw) 3 5 5 5 4 5
Electrical element #3 (Kw) 3 5 5 5 4 5
Electrical element #4 (Kw) N/A N/A 3 5 4 5
Electrical element #5 (Kw) N/A N/A N/A N/A 4 5
Electrical element #6 (Kw) N/A N/A N/A N/A 4 4
Consumption (Amp) 38 62 75 83 100 120

Minimum circuit ampacity (wire sizing)
Maximum recommended circuit breaker / fuse (Amp)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Supply - Return
Minimum water flow USG/min (L/min.) 3.25 (12.3) 5.15 (19.5) 6.44 (24.4) 6.84 (25.9) 8.2 (31.0) 9.9 (37.6)
24 VAC output ("C-24 VAC" terminals)
Overall dimensions (width x depth x height)

1

1

Shipping weight

1

Always refer to applicable local and national codes.

Figure 3: Component Identification

120 / 240 - 60 - 1

48 78 94 104 125 150
50 80 100 125 125 150

1" NPT male - 1" NPT female

20 VA

25.5" x 12.5" x 16.5"
50 kg / 110 lbs

9

Figure 4: Typical diagram of a single zone installation

Figure 5: Multizone electrical diagram with more than one circulator

10

Figure 6: Multiple zones with motorised valve

11

Figure 7: Electrical Diagram

12

Figure 8: Ladder Diagram

3

13

Figure 9: Typical diagram of a dual-energy installation without 3-way valve

14

Figure 10: Typical diagram of a dual-energy installation with 3-way valve

15

Figure 11: Parts List - HYDRA

DESCRIPTION

Table 4: Parts List - HYDRA

ITEM No DESSIN

1A B20246-03 ELECTRIC BOILER ASSEMBLY HYDRA 24
1B B20246-02 ELECTRIC BOILER ASSEMBLY HYDRA 18/20
1C B20246-01 ELECTRIC BOILER ASSEMBLY HYDRA 09/15

2 B20197 LEFT SIDE INSULATION
3 B02293-20 INSULATION
4 B20170-01 LEFT CABINET PANEL
5 B20239 ELECTRICAL BOX COVER ASSEMBLY
6 B20245 ELECTRICAL BOX
7 G11F012 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE, 30# 3/4 x 3/4
8 G11Z001 SEDIMENT FAUCET, 1/2

9 R02L001 TRIDICATOR, 0-75PSI 1/4" NPT
10 B20221-01 CABINET
11 B20171-01 RIGHT CABINET PANEL
12 R02Z008 THERMISTOR PROBE
13 L99H001 WATER ELEMENT, 240V / 5KW
14 L99H002 WATER ELEMENT, 240V / 3KW
15 L99H003 WATER ELEMENT, 240V / 4KW
16 A20015 OUTDOOR SENSOR, -12?C
17 B20179-01 MOUNTING PLATE ASSEMBLY

B50080 Rév C

ITEM No DESSIN DESCRIPTION

18 B02293-24 INSULATION
19 L02G001 FUSE HOLDER, BUSS
20 L01G007 FUSE 15A
21 R02F016 SINGLE ACTION AQUASTAT

22 K16012 ELECTRONIC BOARD
23A B20251 ELECTRONIC KIT (6 ELEMENTS)
23B B20252 ELECTRONIC KIT (4 ELEMENTS)
23C B20253 ELECTRONIC KIT (3 ELEMENTS)

24 L99F001 TERMINAL BLOCK

25 A20024-04 ELECTRICAL WIRE, RED

26 L01H030 RELAY, DPST 22 VDC

27 A20009-01 ELECTRICAL WIRE, RED

28 A20009-03 ELECTRICAL WIRE, BLACK

29 R99G006 RECTIFIER

30 A20024-01 ELECTRICAL WIRE, BLACK

31 L05F004 TERMINAL STRIP 4, 0.35"

32 L01H009 RELAY, SPST 24 VAC

33 L01F009 TRANSFORMER, 120-24 Volts, 40VA

16