Dometic CARAVAN B3200, 3253.331 Installation & Operating Instructions Manual

SERVICE OFFICE

Dometic Corporation
For Information
Contact:
www.dometic.com

RECORD THIS UNIT INFORMATION
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE:
Model Number
Serial Number
Date Purchased

Roof-Top Air Conditioner

CARAVAN MODEL B3200

TYPE 3253.331

This manual must be read and understood before installation, adjustment,
service, or maintenance is performed. This unit must be installed by a quali­fied service technician. Modification of this product can be extremely haz­ardous and could result in personal injury or property damage.

INSTALLATION & OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

Form No. 3310147.000
Danish, Dutch, English,
Finnish, French, German,
Greek, Italian, Norwegian,
Portuguese, Spanish & Swedish
©2005 5/05 Dometic GmbH
D-57074 Siegen

Important: These Instructions

must stay with unit.
Owner read carefully.

Model

B3200

22

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

This manual has safety information and instruc­tions to help users eliminate or reduce the risk of
accidents and injuries.

RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION

!

This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this
symbol in this manual, be alert to the potential
for personal injury.

Follow recommended precautions and safe op­erating instructions.

UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS

A signal word , WARNING OR CAUTION is used
with the safety-alert symbol. They give the level
of risk for potential injury .

A. Product features or specifications as described or

illustrated are subject to change without notice.

B. This Air Conditioner Is Designed For:

1. Installation on a Caravan during the timethe Cara­van is manufactured.

2. Mounting on the roof of a Caravan.

3. Roof construction with rafters/joists on minimum of
406mm centers.

4. Minimum of 25mm and maximum of 100mm dis­tance between roof to ceiling of Caravan. Alternate
installation methods will allow for roofs more than
100mm thick.

C. The ability of the air conditioner to maintain the desired

inside temperature depends on the heat gain of the
Caravan.
Some preventative measures taken by the occupants of
the Caravan can reduce the heat gain and improve the
performance of the air conditioner. During extremely
high outdoor temperatures, the heat gain of the Caravan
may be reduced by:

1. Parking the Caravan in a shaded area

2. Using window shades (blinds and/or curtains)

3. Keeping windows and doors shut or minimizing
usage

4. Avoiding the use of heat producing appliances

Operation on High Fan/Cooling mode will give optimum
or maximum efficiency in high humidity or high outside
temperatures.

WARNING

!

indicates a potentially hazard­ous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury .

CAUTION

!

indicates a potentially hazard­ous situation which, if not avoided may result in
minor or moderate injury .

CAUTION

used without the safety alert
symbol indicates, a potentially hazardous situa­tion which, if not avoided may result in property
damage.

Read and follow all safety information and in­structions.

Starting the air conditioner early in the morning and
giving it a "head start" on the expected high outdoor
ambient will greatly improve its ability to maintain the
desired indoor temperature.

For a more permanent solution to high heat gain,
accessories like an outdoor patio and window awning will
reduce heat gain by removing the direct sun. They also
add a nice area to enjoy company during the cool of the
evening.

D. Condensation

Note: The manufacturer of this air conditioner will not be

responsible for damage caused by condensed moisture on
ceilings or other surfaces. Air contains moisture and this
moisture tends to condense on cold surfaces. When air
enters the Caravan, condensed moisture may appear on the
ceiling, windows, metal parts, etc. The air conditioner
removes this moisture from the air during normal operation.
Keeping doors and windows closed when this air conditioner
is in operation will minimize condensed moisture on cold
surfaces.

23

Specifications

Model No. B3200 Electric

Heater

Type 3253.331

Nominal Compressor
Capacity (KW) 3.2 1.5

Electrical Rating 220-240 VAC 50Hz., 1 Ph

Full Load Amps
(Compressor / Motor) 5.2 / 0.8 6.0 / 0.8

B. Choosing Proper Location For The Air

Conditioner

This air conditioner is specifically designed for installation on
the roof of a Caravan. When determining your cooling
requirements, the following should be considered:

• Size of Caravan;

• Window area (increases heat gain);

• Amount of insulation in walls and roof;

• Geographical location where the Caravan will be used;

• Personal comfort level required.

1. Normal Location-The air conditioner is designed to
fit over an existing roof vent opening.

Locked Rotor Amps
(Comp / Motor) 24 / 5.0 6.0 / 5.0

Circuit Protection 10 Amp Time Delay Fuse,

or Circuit Breaker

Input Power (KW) 1.35 1.64
Minimum Wire Size Up to 8 meters

use 1mm2, Copper

** Generator Size 1 Unit - 3.5KW

2 Units - 5.0KW

** The Manufacturer gives GENERAL guidelines for gen­erator requirements. These guidelines come from experi­ences people have had in actual applications.
When sizing the generator, the total power usage of your
Caravan must be considered. Keep in mind generators lose
power at high altitudes and from lack of maintenance.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Precautions

FIG. 1

2. Other Locations-When no roof vent is available or
another location is desired, the following is recom­mended:
a. For one unit installation: The air conditioner

should be mounted slightly forward of center
(front to back) and centered from side to side.

b. For two unit installations: Install one Air Condi-

tioner 1/3 and one Air Conditioner 2/3’s from
front of Caravan and centered from side to side.

FIG. 2

1/2L

L

2/3L

L

1/3L

Improper installation may damage equipment,
could endanger life, cause serious injury and/
or property damage.

1. Read Installation and Operating Instructions care­fully before attempting to start your air conditioner
installation.

2. The Manufacturer will not be liable for any damages
or injury incurred due to failure in following these
instructions.

3. Installation must comply with all applicable codes
and/or regulations.

4. DO NOT add any devices or accessories to this air
conditioner except those specifically authorized by
The Manufacturer.

5. This equipment must be serviced by qualified
personnel and some local codes and regulations
require these people to be licensed.

It is preferred that the air conditioner be installed on a
relatively flat and level roof section measured with the
Caravan parked on a level surface.

Note: A 8° slant to either side is acceptable, but a Front to
Back slant is not acceptable.

FIG. 3

Font to Back Slope Is NOT ACCEPTABLE

24

3. After Location Has Been Selected:
a. Check for obstructions in the area where air

conditioner will be installed. See FIG. 4.

b. The roof must be designed to support 65 Kg.

when the Caravan is in motion. Normally
a 100Kg. static load design will meet this
requirement.

CAUTION

It is the responsibility of the installer of this
air conditioner system to ensure structural in­tegrity of the Caravan roof. Never create a low
spot on the roof where water will collect. W a­ter standing around the air conditioner may
leak into the interior causing damage to the
product and the Caravan.

c. Check inside the Caravan for return air kit

obstructions (i.e. door openings, room dividers,
curtains, ceiling fixtures, etc.). See FIG. 4 & 5.

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

105mm

Keep This Area
Free From
Obstructions

510mm

105
mm

102mm

181mm

362mm x
362mm
(± 3.2mm)
Opening

181mm

Center Line Of Unit

75mm

75mm

543mm

102mm

Rear
Of
Unit

305mm

Air Box
Perimeter

362mm x
362mm
(± 3.2mm)
Opening

105
mm

102cm

74cm

28-3/4"

51cm

20"

39"

6.4cm

2-1/2"

56cm

22"

24cm

9-1/2"

283
mm

283
mm

Center Line
Of Opening

C. Roof Preparation

1. Opening Requirements - Before preparing the ceil­ing opening, read all of the following instructions
before beginning the installation.
If an existing roof vent opening will not be used a
362mm x 362mm (± 3.2mm) opening must be cut
through the roof and ceiling of the Caravan. This
opening must be located between the roof reinforc­ing members.

There may be electrical wiring between the
roof and the ceiling. Disconnect 220 - 240 V olt
AC po wer cord and the positive (+) 12 V olt DC
terminal at the supply battery. Failure to fol­low this instruction may create a shock haz­ard causing death or severe personal injury.

The 362mm x 362mm (± 3.2mm) opening is part of
the return air system of the Air Conditioner and must
be finished in accordance with all Nation and local
codes and/or regulations.

2. Roof Vent Removal
a. Unscrew and remove the roof vent.
b. Remove all caulking compound around open-

ing.

c. Seal all screw holes and seams where the roof

gasket is located. Use a good grade of all
weather sealant. See FIG. 6.

25

FIG. 6

CAUTION

d. If the opening exceeds 362mm x 362mm

(± 3.2mm), it will be necessary to re-size the
opening to 362mm x 362mm (± 3.2mm).

e. If the opening is less than 362mm x 362mm

(± 3.2mm), it must be enlarged.

3. New Opening- (Installation Other Than Vent Open­ing)
a. Mark a 362mm x 362mm (± 3.2mm) square on

the roof and carefully cut the opening.

b. Using the roof opening as a guide, cut the

matching hole in the ceiling.

c. The opening created must be framed to provide

adequate support and prevent air from being
drawn from the roof cavity. Lumber 25mm or
more in thickness must be used. Remember to
provide an entrance hole for power supplies at

the front of the opening. See FIG. 7.

D. Wiring Requirements

1. 220 - 240 VAC Supply Line
Route a copper 1mm2, with ground, 220 - 240 VAC
supply line from the time delay fuse or circuit
breaker box to the roof opening.
a. This supply line must be located in the front

portion of the 362mm x 362mm (± 3.2mm)
opening.

b. The power MUST be on a separate 10 Amp time

delay fuse or HACR circuit breaker.

c. Make sure that at least 375mm of supply wire

extends into the roof opening. This ensures an
easy connection at the junction box.

d. Wiring must comply with all National and Local

Wiring Codes and/or regulations.

e. Use a steel sleeve and a grommet or equivalent

methods to protect the wire where it passes into
the opening.

E. Placing Air Conditioner On The Roof

This unit weighs approximately 45 Kilograms.
To prevent back injury, use a mechanical hoist
to place Air Conditioner on roof.

1. Remove the air conditioner from the carton and dis­card carton. See FIG. 8.

FIG. 7

Do Not Cut
Roof Structure
Or Rafters

25mm Min.

Leave Access For Power
Supply Wiring

Good-Rafters
Supported By
Cross Beams

Frame Opening So It
Won't Collapse When
Bolting Down Unit

Good Location­Between Roof
Rafters

375mm Min. At
Front of opening

CAUTION

It is the responsibility of the installer of this
air conditioner system to ensure structural
integrity of the Caravan roof. Never create a
low spot on the roof where water will collect.
Water standing ar ound the air conditioner may
leak into the interior causing damage to the
product and the Caravan.

FIG. 8

2. Place the air conditioner on the roof.

3. Lift and place the unit over the prepared opening
using the gasket on the unit as a guide. See FIG. 9.

FIG. 9

FRONT

Do not slide the unit. This may damage the
roof gasket attached to the bottom and may
create a leaky installation.

26

CAUTION

WARNING

!

4. Place the Mechanical Air Distribution Box Kit inside
the Caravan. This box contains mounting hardware
for the air conditioner and will be used inside the
Caravan.

This completes the outside work. Minor adjustments can be
done from the inside of the Caravan if required.

F. Installing The Air Conditioner

1. Remove air box and mounting hardware from car­ton. The upper duct is shipped inside the lower duct
which is part of the ceiling template.

2. Check for correct alignment and adjust the unit as
necessary (Roof Gasket centers over 362mm x
362mm (± 3.2mm).

FIG. 10

Upper Discharge
Air Duct

3. Remove upper duct from ceiling template and locate
it over blower discharge. See FIG. 10.

Note: Edge without flange installs toward REAR of opening.

4. Use two (2) sharp pointed #10 sheet metal screws
to hold duct to base pan. Screw holes are provided
in bottom of base pan for these screws.

5. Reach up into return air opening of the air conditioner
and pull the unit's electrical cord down for later
connection.

6. Measure the ceiling to roof thickness:
a. If distance is 25mm - 50mm, remove perforated

tabs from both upper and lower ducts. See
FIG. 11.

b. If distance is 50mm - 75mm, remove perforated

tabs from bottom duct only. See FIG. 11.

c. If distance is 75mm - 100mm, install ducts as

received. See FIG. 11.

Rear Of Air
Conditioner

Edge Without
Flange To
Rear Of Unit

7. Install ceiling template by sliding lower duct over
upper duct. See FIG. 12.

FIG. 12

Air Conditioner
Return Air
Opening

Hold Ceiling Template With
One Hand And Install 3
Mounting Bolts Finger Tight

8. Hold the ceiling template with one hand and with the
other, install the three 150mm long mounting bolts
through the template and into the base pan.
a. Finger-tighten the bolts and check alignment.

There should be an equal opening on each side
and the rear flange must be tight against the roof
opening.

b.

EVENLY tighten the three bolts to a torque of

4.5 to 5.5 NM (Newton Meters). This will
compress the roof gasket to approximately
13mm. The bolts are self locking so over
tightening is not necessary.

Slide Lower Air
Discharge Duct
Over Upper Duct

Roof
Gasket

If bolts are left loose there may not be an ad­equate roof seal or if over tightened, damage
may occur to the air conditioner base or ceil­ing template. Tighten to tor que specifications
listed in this manual.

FIG. 11

Step a
Remove At
Perforation

Step c
Use As
Packaged

Upper Discharge
Air Duct

Lower Discharge
Air Duct

Step b
Remove At
Perforation

G. Connection Of Power Supply To Air

Conditioner

Important: The electrical installation must be done

by an authorized electrician. In some areas they must
be licensed.

Disconnect 220 - 240 Volt AC. Failure to follow
these instructions could create a shock hazard
causing death or severe personal injury.

27

1. You may either wire direct into the junction box for
a permanent connection or wire a molded plug into
the junction box for a plug-in connection.
a. If a Permanent Connection: Route the power

supply line, previously installed to the roof
opening, into the junction box on the ceiling
template. Connect as described in paragraph 2.

b. If a Plug-in Connection: Use the electric supply

line, of "D. Wiring Requirements", to power and
electrical outlet installed, according to appli­cable law, at the end of the roof opening furthest
from the junction box.

Important: Do not plug the molded cord in until you

have completely installed the air conditioner and are
ready for an operational check. (Operating Instructions)

• Route the molded plug set from the electric

outlet into the junctions box insuring not to
coil excess wire so it will block air flow.
Connect the plug set to the terminal block
as described in paragraph 2.

2. Connect the power supply line to the air conditioner
at the terminal block provided in the junction box.
Connect white to white, black to black and green to
green or bare copper wire (L. N. and respectively).

3. Tighten the strain relief onto the power supply line to
hold firmly in place. Be careful not to pinch and short
wires.

Note: If optional electric heater is part of this installation, now
is the time to install it. Installation instructions are provided
with the electric heater kit.

4. Carefully push all excess wire back into the junction
box and install cover onto the box with two blunt
screws provided.

5. Plug the electrical conduit from the upper unit into
the mating switch box connector. See FIG. 13.

6. Wrap wire tie around plug connector(s) to prevent
removal in field service.

FIG. 13

Route Power Suppl y
Through Romex
Connector

H. Air Distribution Box Installation

1. Remove the two return air grills and filters.

2. Slide the front end of the air box over the shafts of
the thermostat and selector switch. See FIG. 14.

FIG. 14

Slide Air Box over Controls

3. Install four screws through legs in air box into the
pre-punched holes in the ceiling template.

4. Install the return air grills and filters by simply push­ing them into place.

5. Install the two knobs provided on the ends of the
thermostat and selector switch shafts.

6. The power supply to the air conditioner may now
be turned "ON".

7. Your air conditioner is now installed and ready for
operation. Please read the following instructions be­fore attempting to run the unit.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

A. Controls

1. The Selector Switch has eight positions including
"OFF". This controls fan speed, heating mode, and
cooling modes. See FIG. 15.

FIG. 15

3

3

2

1

Selector Switch

2. The thermostat controls the compressor ON/OFF
operation in cooling temperature range of 18.5° C to

32.5° C. See FIG. 16.

2

1

Plug Conduit Into
Switch Box And

Install

Cover

Secure With Wire
Tie To Prevent
Removal

FIG. 16

Thermostat

Note: The thermostat does not control the unit optional

electric heater if installed.

28

B. Cooling Operation

1. Set the thermostat at the desired temperature level.

2. Select the fan speed that best satisfies your needs:
a. HIGH COOL: Selected when maximum cooling

and dehumidification required. (3

b. MED COOL: Selected when normal or average

cooling required. (2 )

c. LOW COOL: Selected when room at desired

comfort level and needs to be maintained.
Normally this speed used for night time opera-

tion. (1 )

)

Important: When the air conditioner is turned on and

the thermostat calls for cooling, the fan and compressor
start at the same time. After shutting the air conditioner
down manually by either the selector switch or the
thermostat, always wait 2-3 minutes before turning on
the air conditioner. This allows the refrigerant pressures
in the air conditioner system to equalize so the compres­sor may restart.

Note: The blower runs continuously to circulate air and

maintain an even temperature. The compressor will come on
as cooling is required to maintain the selected temperature
level.

C. Fan Operation

1. This will circulate the air in your Caravan without
cooling or heating. There are three positions: HIGH
FAN (3 ), MED FAN (2 ) or LOW FAN (1 ) to
select from, depending upon personal choice. See
FIG.15.

D. Heating Operation (If so equipped)

Note: This electric heater will not replace a furnace for

heating your Caravan in cold weather. The intent is to remove
the chill on cool days or mornings.

1. Turn the selector switch to "OPT HEAT" ( ).
See FIG. 15.

2. The Heater will come on and begin heating.

3. When desired temperature level in Caravan is
reached, move the selector switch to "OFF" or

"FAN" position.

Note: Thermostat does not control heater ON/OFF cycle. If

the optional heater is not installed and selected, the fan will
run as "LOW FAN" operation.

Note: Never run the air conditioner without return air filter in
place. This may plug the unit evaporator coil with dirt and
may substantially affect the performance of the unit.

2. Clean air box housing and control panel with a soft
cloth dampened with a mild detergent. Never use
furniture polish or scouring powders.

3. The blower motor is factory lubricated and requires
no service under normal use.

4. Under certain conditions, frost may form on the
evaporator coil. If this should occur, inspect the
filter and clean if dirty. Make sure air louvers are not
obstructed. Air conditioners have a greater ten­dency to frost when the outside temperature is
relatively low. This may be prevented by adjusting
the thermostat control knob to a warmer setting
(counter clockwise). Should frosting continue, oper­ate on LOW, MED, or HIGH FAN only setting until
the cooling coil is free of frost.

5. If your unit fails to operate or operated improperly,
check the following before calling your service
center.
a. If Caravan connected to motor generator, check

to be sure motor generator is running and
producing power.

b. If Caravan connected to power supply by a land

line, check to be sure line is sized properly to
run air conditioner load and it is plugged into
power supply.

c. Check your fuse or circuit breaker to see if it is

open.

d. After the above checks, call your local service

center for further help. This unit must be ser­viced by qualified service personnel only.

6. If any wiring or supply cord is damaged and
needs to be replaced, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a similarly
qualified person.

7. When calling for service, always give the following:
a. Air Conditioner Model and Serial Number found

on rating plate located on base pan of air
conditioner bottom.

b. Air Distribution Box Kit Part and Serial Number

found on rating plate located on ceiling tem­plate. Observe this rating plate through the air
box filter grill opening.

E. "OFF" Position

1. This is to turn Unit off.

F. Customer Maintenance

1. Periodically remove the return air filters located
above the removable panels in the air box. Wash the
filters with soap and warm water, let dry and then
reinstall.

29

FIG. 17

Roof Mount Assembly

Air Conditioner

Roof Opening

Rear

Upper Discharge
Duct

Ceiling Template

Mounting Bolts

Air Box

30

AIR CONDITIONER WIRING DIAGRAM

FAN CAP

RUN CAP

COMP STARTER

COMPRESSOR

O.L.

RUN CAP

HEAT ACCESSORY

JUNCTION

LINE SPLICE

FIELD WIRING

TSTAT

USE COPPER CONDUCTORS ONLY

220/240 VAC 50 HZ, 10

FAN CAP

GR/YL

ACTIVE

(L)

NEUTRAL (N)

EARTH

(

)

GR/YL

PASSED

DIELECTRIC

FAN C AP

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

R

RED

COMPRESSOR

C

S

O.L.

RED

3105595.015

GR/YL

ID

BRN

BLK

YEL

RED

BLU

WHT

WHT

GR/YL

BRN

MOTOR

WHT

RUN CAP

WHT

ID

COMP STARTER

START

CAP

*

RED

PTCR

AIR BOX WIRING DIAGRAM

4

1

2

ROTARY

C

H

BLU

4

TSTAT

NEUTRAL (N)

EARTH ( )

SWITCH

WHT

GR/YL

JUNCTION

BOX

GRY

3

L1

BLK

ACTIVE (L)

220/240 VAC 50 HZ, 10
USE COPPER CONDUCTORS ONLY

BLK
YEL
RED

BLU

WHT

WHT

GR/YL

WHT

GR/YL

FACTORY WIRING
FIELD WIRING
LINE SPLICE

FAN CAP

ID

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

GR/YL

1
2
3

31

BRN

BRN

BLK
YEL
RED

BLU
WHT

WHT

BLK

WHT

LIMIT SWITCH

GR/YL

MOTOR

LIMIT SWITCH

BLK

RUN CAP

ID

WHT

COMP STARTER

START

CAP

HEAT ACCESSORY

BLK

ELEMENT

COMPRESSOR

C

WHT

RED

PTCR

*

R

RED

3105580.025

S