Dometic Duo-Therm 59146 Installation & Operating Instructions Manual

R

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RECORD THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
BEFORE INSTALLING THE UNIT:

Model Number
Serial Number
Date Purchased
Place of Purchase

MODEL 59146

Roof-Top Heat Pump

USA

SERVICE OFFICE
The Dometic Corp.
509 So. Poplar St.
LaGrange, IN 46761
[phone]

CANADA

Dometic Dist.
866 Langs Dr.
Cambridge, Ontario
CANADA N3H 2N7
[phone]

For Service Center
Assistance Call:

800-544-4881

used with

Air Distribution Box Kit

THIS UNIT IS DESIGNED FOR OEM OR AFTER MARKET INSTALLATION

ALL INITIAL INSTALLATIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SALES DEPT.

This unit must be serviced by an
authorized serviceman. Modifica­tion of the appliance can be
extremely hazardous and could
lead to serious injury or death.

637G

Cet appareil doit être réparé seule­ment par un réparateur autorisé.
Modification de l'appareil pourrait
être extrèmement dangereuse, et
pourrait causer mal ou mort.

®

®

CERTIFIED
LR 23565

INSTALLATION & OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

Form No. 3107882.007 8/97
©1997 The Dometic Corp.
LaGrange, IN 46761

MODEL

59146

1

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

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A. The roof top heat pump was designed to operate

in a MILD GEOGRAPHICAL AREA for heating
where the heat loss is minimum. The Heat Pump
will operate down to an outside ambient tempera­ture of 40 degrees. At 40 degrees, the outdoor
thermostat will turn off the heat pump circuit. As
long as the temperature remains below 40 de­grees, the main furnace will heat your home. As the
outside temperature increases to 45 degrees, the
outdoor thermostat switches back to the heat
pump circuit.

The advantages of the Heat Pump Air Conditioner
are:

1) User friendly- only one unit for both heating and
cooling.

2) When used in mild climates where the outdoor
temperature range is 40 degrees or higher, an
L.P. furnace is not needed.

3) Heat pump heating uses the campsite electri­cal hookup; therefore, you save on trips to refill
L.P. tanks.

NOTE: Geographical location usage should be

determined before omitting a central fur­nace.

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NO. 59146

Nominal Capacity (BTU/HR) 15,000
Electrical Rating 115 VAC, 60 Hz., 1 PH.
Compressor Rated Load Amps 12.9
Fan Motor Rated Load Amps 2.5
Compressor Locked Rotor Amps 71.0
Fan Motor Locked Rotor Amps 12.8
Power, Cooling (KW) 1.95
SCFM-High Speed Max./Min. 450/300
Refrigerant (R22) oz. 34.5

Minimum Wire Size * 12 AWG Copper Up to 24 ft.
Circuit Protection 20 Amp Time Delay Fuse or

Installed Weight (Pounds) 110
Minimum Generator 1 Unit 3.5 KW
Size ** 2 Units 5.0 KW

For distances over 24 ft. consult the National Electrical Code.

*

The Dometic Corporation 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 must be considered. Also keep in
mind generators lose power at high altitudes and from lack of maintenance.

HACR Circuit Breaker

B. This air conditioner is designed for:

1) Installation on a recreational vehicle at the time the
vehicle is manufactured or aftermarket installations.

2) Mounting on the roof of a recreational vehicle.

3) Connection to an air distribution box system.

4) Roof construction with rafters/joists on minimum of
16 inch centers.

5) Minimum of 1.75 inches and maximum of 4.50 inches
distance between roof to ceiling of recreational ve­hicle. Alternate installation methods will allow for
roofs more than 4.50 inches thick.

6) Read installation and operating instructions care-

fully before starting your air conditioner
installation.

7) The Dometic Corporation will not be liable for any
damages or injury incurred due to failure in following
these instructions.

8) Installation must comply with the National Electrical
Code and any State or Local Codes or regulations.

9) DO NOT add any devices or accessories to this air
conditioner except those specifically authorized by
Dometic.

10) This equipment must be serviced by qualified

personnel and some states require these people
to be licensed.

2. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

A. CONTROLS:

1) The Selector Switch controls fan speed, heating
mode, and cooling modes.

2) The thermostat controls the compressor ON/OFF
operation in a temperature range of 65° to 90°F.

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 cool-

ing and dehumidification required.

b) LOW COOL: Selected when room at desired

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

2

NOTE: The blower runs continuously to circulate air and

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

AFTER SHUTTING THE AIR CONDITIONER DOWN
WITH EITHER SELECTOR SWITCH OR THERMO­STAT, WAIT AT LEAST TWO (2) MINUTES BE­FORE RESTARTING. THIS ALLOWS THE RE­FRIGERANT PRESSURE TO EQUALIZE AND COM­PRESSOR TO RESTART EASILY. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION MAY CAUSE CIR­CUIT BREAKER OR FUSE TO OPEN.

C. FAN OPERATION:

This will circulate the air in your RV without cooling or
heating. There are two positions: HIGH FAN or LOW
FAN to select from, depending upon personal choice
and model.

D. HEATING OPERATION:

NOTE: The heat pump will not replace a furnace for
heating your RV in cold weather. The intent is to
warm the coach during mild winter weather.

1) Turn the selector switch to:
a) High heat
b) Low heat

2) Set the thermostat to your comfort level.

3) The fan and compressor will come on and begin
heating.

4) When the desired temperature level is reached,
the compressor will cycle as required to main­tain selected temperature. The blower will run
continuously to circulate air and maintain an
even temperature.

E. "OFF" POSITION: This is to turn Unit off.

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 HIGH FAN setting until the
cooling coil is free of frost.

4. REDUCING HEAT GAIN

The ability of the air conditioner to maintain the de­sired inside temperature depends on the heat gain of
the RV. Some preventative measures taken by the
occupants of the RV can reduce the heat gain and
improve the performance of the air conditioner. Dur­ing extremely high outdoor temperatures, the heat

gain of the vehicle may be reduced by:
A. Parking the RV in a shaded area
B. Using window shades (blinds and/or curtains)
C. Keeping windows and doors shut or minimizing

usage
D. Avoiding the use of heat producing appliances

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.

NOTE

The manufacturer of this air conditioner will not be

responsible for damage caused by condensed mois-

ture on ceilings or other surfaces. Air contains mois-

ture and this moisture tends to condense on cold

surfaces. When air enters the RV, condensed mois-

ture 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 opera-

tion will minimize condensed moisture on cold sur-

faces.

3. MAINTENANCE

A. AIR FILTER:

Periodically remove the return air filter located above
the removable panel in the air box. Wash the filter with
soap and warm water, let dry and the reinstall.

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.

B. AIR BOX HOUSING:

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

C. FAN MOTOR:

D. FROST FORMATION ON COOLING COIL:

Factory lubricated and requires no service under
normal use.

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.

5. SERVICE - Unit Does Not Operate

If your unit fails to operate or operated improperly,

check the following before calling your service center.
A. If RV connected to motor generator, check to be sure

motor generator is running and producing power.
B. If RV 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 serviced by qualified

service personnel only.

When calling for service, always give the following:

1. Air Conditioner Model and Serial Number found

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

2. Air Distribution Box Kit Part and Serial Number

found on rating plate located on ceiling template.
Observe this rating plate through the air discharge
louver of Air Distribution Box.

3

6. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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A. PRECAUTIONS

! DANGER

IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY DAMAGE
EQUIPMENT, COULD ENDANGER LIFE,
CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

12.7"

4"

2-5/8"

34.4"

4-1/8"

22-1/4"

2-1/2"

7-3/4"

15"

7-3/4"

18"

3107209
AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX

29.5"

REAR

OF

UNIT

14" x 14"
OPENING

3105975 AIR
DISTRIBUTION
BOX

19-3/4"

3107209 AIR
DISTRIBUTION
BOX

KEEP THIS AREA FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS

5-3/8

14-1/4" X 14-1/4"

OPENING

3105975
AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX

FRONT

19-3/4"

4-1/8"

3-1/8"

14-1/4" X 14-1/

OPENING

1) Read Installation and operating instructions care­fully before starting your air conditioner installa­tion.

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

3) Installation must comply with the National Electri­cal Code and any State or Local Codes or regula­tions.

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

5) This equipment must be serviced by qualified
personnel and some states require these people
to be licensed.

B. CHOOSING LOCATION FOR

THE AIR CONDITIONER

This air conditioner is specifically designed for instal­lation on the roof of a recreational vehicle (RV).

1) NORMAL LOCATIONS:
The air conditioner is designed to fit over an
existing roof vent opening. When the vent is
removed, it normally creates a 14" x 14" open
ing.

2) OTHER LOCATIONS:
When no roof vent is available or another
location is desired, the following is recommended:
For one unit installation: The air conditioner
should be mounted slightly forward of center
(front to back) and centered from side to side.
For two unit installations: Install one air
conditioners 1/3 and one air conditioner 2/3's
from front of RV and centered from side to side.

It is preferred that this air conditioner be installed in a
relatively flat and level roof section measured with the RV
parked on a level surface; however,

a) Up to a 15° slant to either side or front-to-

3) AFTER LOCATION SELECTION:
a) Check for obstructions in the area where air

conditioner will be installed.

b) The roof must be designed to support 130

pounds when the RV is in motion. Normally a
200 lb. static load design will meet this require­ment.

c) Check inside the RV for air box obstructions.

(i.e. door openings, room dividers, curtains,
ceiling fixtures, etc.)

back is acceptable on 591 Series Heat
Pumps.

11-1/8"

11-1/8"

4

C. ROOF PREPARATION

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1) ROOF VENT REMOVAL:
a) Unscrew and remove the roof vent.
b) Remove all caulking compound around

opening.

c) Seal all screw holes and seams where the roof

gasket will be located. Use a good grade of all
weather sealer.

2) NEW OPENING:

(Installations Other Then Vent Openings)

3/4" MIN.

LEAVE ACCESS
FOR POWER
SUPPLY WIRING

FRAME OPENING SO IT
WON'T COLLAPSE WHEN
BOLTING DOWN AIR
CONDITIONER

DISCONNECT ALL POWER SUPPLIES AND THE POSI­TIVE (+) TERMINAL FOR THE SUPPLY BATTERY. FAIL­URE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION MAY CREATE A
SHOCK HAZARD.

a) A 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" opening must be cut through

the roof and ceiling of the RV. It is recom­mended this opening be located between roof
reinforcing members.

b) Mark a 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" square on the roof and

carefully cut the opening.

c) Using the roof opening as a guide, cut the

matching hole in the ceiling.

There may be electrical wiring between the roof and
ceiling.

3) OPENING PREPARATION:

a) If the opening exceeds 14-1/2" x 14-1/2",

it will be necessary to install spacers.

b) If the opening is less than 14-1/4" x 14-1/4", it

must be enlarged.

c) Route a copper 12 AWG, with ground, supply

line from the fuse or circuit breaker box to the
roof opening.

1. The power supply must be on a separate 20
amp Time Delay Fuse or HACR Circuit
Breaker.

2. Wiring must comply with all National, State
and Local wiring codes.

3. Make sure at least 20" of wire extend into the
roof opening. This insures easy air condi­tioner attachment.

4. If vent fan was removed, the existing wire
may be used provided it is of proper size and
correctly fused.

d) The opening must be framed to provide ad-

equate support and prevent air from being
drawn from the roof cavity. Lumber 3/4" thick or
more and long enough to bridge the opening
must be used. Remember to provide and
entrance hole for the power supply wire.

NEVER create a LOW SPOT on the roof where water will
collect. Water standing around the air conditioner may
leak into the RV interior.

e)The 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" roof opening is part of the

return air duct and must be finished in accor­dance with NFPA standard 501C, Standard for
Recreational Vehicles, Section 2-7.

D. PLACING THE AIR CONDITIONER ON THE

ROOF

1) Remove the Air Conditioner from the carton and
discard the carton.

2) Place the air conditioner on the roof.

This unit weighs approximately 100 pounds.

3) Lift and place the unit over the prepared opening
using the gasket as a guide. The condenser coil
goes toward the rear of the RV.

Use care in lifting.

5

a)Remove upper duct from ceiling template and

D

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locate it over blower discharge.

NOTE: Edges without flanges install toward REAR and

SIDE of opening.

b)Use two (2) sharp pointed #10 x 1/2" sheet metal

screws (A) to hold duct to base pan. Holes
provided in bottom of basepan for these screws
to go into.

2) Check for correct alignment and adjust the unit as
necessary (Roof Gasket centers over 14" open­ing).

3) Reach up into return air opening of the air condi­tioner and pull the unit electrical cord down for later
connection.

4) Measure the ceiling to roof thickness:

CENTER A/C
FROM BELOW

! CAUTION

DO NOT slide the unit. This may damage the neoprene
gasket attached to the bottom and create a leaky
installation.

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

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

E. DISCHARGE DUCT AND CEILING

TEMPLATE

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.

UPPER

A

FRONT O F
COACH

SIDE WITHOUT
TAB TO R EAR A N
SIDE OF A IR
CONDITIONER

A

MEASURE
CEILING
THICKNESS

a)If distance is 1"-2", remove perforated tabs from

both upper and lower ducts.

b)If distance is 2"-3", remove perforated tabs from

bottom duct only.
c) If distance is 3"-4", install ducts as received.
d)If distance is 4"-6", use optional duct adaptor,

Part No. 313606.000 and Bolt Kit, Part No.

3100895.006.

5) Install ceiling template by sliding lower duct over
upper duct.

6) Start each mounting bolt by hand before tightening
any of them. The four (4) threaded inserts in the
base pan can be seen to aid in starting the bolts.
EVENLY TIGHTEN MOUNTING BOLTS TO A
TORQUE OF 40 TO 50 INCH POUNDS.
This will compress the roof gasket to approxi­mately 1/2". The bolts are self locking so over
tightening is not necessary.

7) Install wood screws (C) in each end of ceiling
template and into junction box. This insures a tight
fit of air box to ceiling.

GASKET

PULL DOWN
ELECTRICAL CORD

LOWER

NOTE: All wiring must comply with the National

Electrical Code and any State or Local Codes
or regulations.

1) Route supply line into junction box thru provided
Romex Connector. Six (6) inch leads are sufficient
for connection to unit wires and ground screws.

6

F. CONNECTION OF POWER SUPPLY

RETAINER

3105975 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX 3107209 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX

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CORNER
REINFORCEMENT
(TYP.)

MOUNTING BOLT (B)

UNIT
JUNCTION
BOX

MOUNTING
BOLT (B)

WOOD SCREW
(C)

2) Connect white wire in junction box to white or
neutral wire from supply line.

3) Connect black wire in junction box to black or hot
wire from supply line.

4) Connect supply ground wire to identified ground
screw in junction box.

5) Install junction box cover with two (2) blunt point
screws.

6) Plug unit electrical cord into the mating connector
on control box.

S

CORNER NUT

MOUNTING
BOLT (B)

WOOD SCREW (C)

DISCHARGE AIR
DUCT

G. INSTALL AIR BOX
3105975 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX:

1) Remove return air grille from air box by pulling out
on push/pull fasteners.

2) Install air box over two (2) weld studs on ceiling
template and secure with nuts (G).

3) Install machine screw (F) in round air box hole.

4) Install four (4) wood screws (C) that hold air box
tight to ceiling.

5) Reinstall return air grille and snap cover plate (H)
into air box.

6) The air conditioner installation is now complete.
Turn on power to the unit for operational check.
Please read Unit Operating Instructions before
proceeding.

MOUNTING BOLT
(B)

UNIT
ELECTRICAL
CORD

FRONT OF
COACH

3107209 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX:

1) Remove return air grille from air box by pulling in
on half-round finger catches.

2) Hold air box up to ceiling template and install three
(3) #10 x 3/8" screws at air box mounting point.

3) Snap hole plug (E) into place at rear of air box.

4) Install four (4) wood screws (B) that hold air box
tight to ceiling if so desired.

5) Reinstall return air grille and filter into air box.

6) The air conditioner installation is now complete.
Turn on power to the unit for operational check.
Please read Unit Operating Instructions before
proceeding.

7

CEILING TEMPLATE

3105975 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX 3107209 AIR DISTRIBUTION BOX

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WOOD SCR EW (C)

WOOD SCR EW (C)

MACHINE
SCREW (F )

COVER PLATE (H)

PUSH/PULL
FASTENERS

MOUNTING PARTS

A. (2) #10 x 1/2" long sharp point sheet metal screws.

WELD STUDS

RETURN AIR GR ILLE

NUT (G)

WOOD SCR EW (C)

WOOD
SCREW (C)

MOUNTING PARTS

A. (4) 1/4" - 20 x 7" Bolts

B. (4) 1/4" — #20 x 7" bolts

B. (4) #8 x 5/8" long sharp point wood screws

C. (7) #8 x 5/8" long sharp point wood screws

C. (4) #10 x 3/8" blunt point tapping screws

D. (4) #10 x 3/8" blunt point tapping screws

D. (1) Romex connector

E. (1) Romex connector

F. (1) Machine screw, 3/8" long

G. (2) #10 — 24 Hex nuts

E. (1) Hole Plug

H. Cover plate

(Continued on Page 9)

8

AIR CONDITIONER

H. INSTALLATION ON TENT CAMPER

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ROOF

1) The permanent wiring leading to unit junc­tion box may originate in a flanged surface
inlet located in roof section near the side
wall.

2) A unique outlet receptacle for air condi­tioner should be located in the side wall of
vehicle beneath the flanged surface inlet.

3) A cord set fabricated from an oil, water, and
ozone resistant material, such as Type

AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

AIR BOX

CORD SET
(Type SJOW-A
or Equivalent,
Must be V isible)

PERMANENT
WIRING IN
ROOF OR
RACEWAY

UNIQUE PLUG

JUNCTION
BOX

UNIQUE
RECEPTACLE
SO N O O THER
PLUG M AY B E
PUT I NTO T HIS
CIRCUIT

SJOW-A, shall be used to connect the
flanged surface inlet and the air condition­ing receptacle. This cord set shall be visible
during use and shall not be installed in
raceways or placed behind walls or cabinet
panels.

AIR BOX WIRING DIAGRAM

115 VAC

60 HZ 1 PH

USE COPPER

CONDUCTORS

ONLY

FIELD WIRING

FACTORY WIRING
LINE SPLICE

ELECTRICAL BOX WIRING DIAGRAM

WHT

BLK

ELEC CONN

FROM A/C

3106006.004

1

2

BLK

3

YEL

4

RED

5

6

GRN/YEL

BLU

ROTARY

SWITCH

L1

H

C

GRY

3

2

1

THERMOSTAT

BLK

BLU

9

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This Manual is Compliments of

Northwest RV Supply

86325 College View Road

Eugene, OR 97405

Local: 541-746-9092

Toll-Free: 866-678-7467

Fax: [phone]

http://www.nwrvsupply.com

[e-mail]

Northwest RV Supply carries a large spectrum of surplus, used, and new

RV parts and components. Please feel free to visit our website for

additional information.