Lifebreath RNC120F, 120ERV User Manual

Package 1 of 1 contains:
1 - Assembled ventilator
1 - Bag assembly containing:

4 - Hanging straps
1 - Installation manual
1 - Remote electrical control box
1 - Bag containing sealant putty

Installation Tools

• tin snips • large zip ties

• assorted screw drivers • fabric flexible duct

• electric drill

- class II rated

• hammer • mastic tape

• wire strippers • alum. foil duct tape

• knife • zip ties

• caulking gun •

1

/2” I.D. drain hose

• smoke pencil

Balancing Tools

•

Pitot Tube Balancing Kit
[Case, 8 ft. vinyl tubing, Pitot tube,
magnehelic gauge (0 - 0.25”), and
mounting plate]

or

•

Pitot Tube with instructions
and Digital Manometer

(with resolution of

0 - 0.25” - must read to 1/100ths of an inch)

Optional Accessories

•

20 Minute Fan Timer

• Wall Mounted Dehumidistat

•

Weather hood Kit

• Round Diffuser
4” (100mm)
5” (125mm)
6” (150mm)
8” (200mm)

• Kitchen Grille

- may be required by code for kitchen applications

- contains removable grease filter

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) are designed to provide
fresh air while exhausting an equal amount of stale air.

The HRV is equipped with an aluminum core. The device
uses the stale air that is being exhausted to condition the
fresh air as it is being brought in.

These instructions are intended as a general guide and do
not supersede local codes in any way. Consult authorities
who have jurisdiction before installation.

Shipping and Packaging List ......................................1

Required Tools............................................................1

Application ..................................................................1

General .......................................................................1

Engineering Data.....................................................2-5

Installation Instructions ...............................................6

Clearances & Requirements.......................................7

Installation..............................................................7-10

Application Illustrations........................................11-16

Remote Control Devices...........................................17

Wiring the Controls ...................................................18

Electrical ..................................................................19

Operation ..................................................................20

Wiring Diagrams .......................................................21

Interlocking HRV to Furnace.....................................22

Air Flow Balancing...............................................24-25

Troubleshooting ........................................................26

Maintenance ............................................................27

Shipping and Packing List

Application

General

Table of Contents

Required Tools

* LEAVE FOR HOMEOWNER

NOTE: Due to ongoing research and product development, specifications,

ratings and dimensions are subject to change without notice.

TI-CCU-001

0108

Models RNC120F/120ERV

2

3

2

1

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0 .4 0.5 0.6 0 .7 0.8 0.9

Static Pressure (in w.g.)

Air Flow (c fm)

3 - High Speed
2 - Medium Low Speed
1 - Low speed

Engineering Data

Model RNC120F

THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE, PATENTED ALUMINUM CORE

The cross-flow heat recovery core transfers heat between the two airstreams. It is easily
removed for cleaning or service.

MOTORS AND BLOWERS

Each Air stream has an independent motorized impeller. 3 speed operation 120VAC

FILTERS

Washable air filters in exhaust and supply air streams.

MOUNTING THE HRV

Four threaded inserts at corners of case designed to accept four reinforced polyester
straps that are supplied with the unit.

DEFROST

Fan defrost system. Fresh air motor turns off and Exhaust motor switches to high speed
to defrost core.

CASE

Twenty gauge prepainted galvanized steel (G60) for superior corrosion resistance.
Insulated to prevent exterior condensation. Drain connection 1 -1/2" (12 mm) OD.

CONTROLS

Unit is supplied with a remote HRV control box which can be conveniently located within
3’-0” of the HRV.

HRV System Control

HRV defaults to LOW SPEED when plugged in. HIGH SPEED option is accessible by
connecting remote controls to designated terminals inside electrical box of HRV.

Standard LOW SPEED SETTING can be increased to medium low.
Off (Standby)/Low or OFF/HIGH speed operation is also available.

DUCT CONNECTIONS

5” duct connections with “field” selectable standard airflow or reverse airflow for limited
room installations.

WEIGHT 42 lbs. (19 kg)
SHIPPING WEIGHT 45 lbs. (20.5 kg)

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

99-132 20 Minute Fan Timer - initiates high speed ventilation for 20 minutes. (3 wire)

20 gauge wire (min.) 100’ length

99-101 Crank Timer
99-116 Dehumidistat Ventilation Control - Dehumidistat with ON/OFF
99-130 Dehumidistat Control - Dehumidistat
99-185 Weatherhoods, Two - 5” (125mm) c/w1/4” (6mm) mesh screen
99-2040 20/40 ON/OFF Dehumidistat

WARRANTY

Units carry a lifetime warranty on the heat recovery core and a five year replacement
parts warranty.

All Duct Collars are
5" diameter (127 mm)

Date: ______________________________________________

Tag: ________________________ Qty: __________________

Project:_____________________________________________

Engineer: ___________________________________________

Contractor: __________________________________________

Supplier:____________________________________________

Quote#: ____________________________________________

Submitted by: ________________________________________

*Sensible Efficiency - thermal **Latent Efficiency - moisture

Note: Effectiveness - based on temp. differential between the 2 airstreams
Efficiency - takes into account all power inputs

Performance

Net supply air flow in cfm (L/s) against external static pressure

E.S.P

(external static pressure) [cfm (L/s)]

@ 0.1" (25 Pa) 125 (59)
@ 0.2" (50 Pa) 120 (56)
@ 0.3" (75 Pa) 114 (54)
@ 0.4" (100 Pa) 109 (51)
@ 0.5" (125 Pa) 106 (50)
@ 0.6" (150 Pa) 99 (47)
@ 0.7" (175 Pa) 94 (44)
@ 0.8" (200 Pa) 89 (42)

Sensible Effectiveness
@ 65 cfm (30 L/s) 32°F (0°C) 72%

*Sensible Efficiency
@ 65 cfm (30 L/s) 32°F (0°C) 55%

*Sensible Efficiency
@ 65 cfm (30 L/s) -13°F (-25°C) 45%

VAC @ 60HZ 120

WATTS / Low speed. 63

WATTS / High speed 150

Amp rating 1.5

All units conform to CSA
and UL standards.

TOP VIEW

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

18”

FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

9”

19”

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

Engineering Data

Model RNC120F

Option 1 - Standard Duct Configuration Dimensions inches

Option2-ReverseDuct Configuration Dimensions inches

3

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

TOP VIEW

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

18”

FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

9”

19”

ALL DUCT CONNECTION COLLARS ARE 5" DIAMETER

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

HANGING
STRAPS

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

PLUG-IN CONNECTOR
FOR CONNECTING TO
REMOTE ELECTRICAL
BOX

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

DRAIN
CONNECTION

TOP VIEW

FRESH AIR
FROM

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

OUTSIDE

18”

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

9”

19”

ALL DUCT CONNECTION COLLARS ARE 5" DIAMETER

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

HANGING
STRAPS

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

PLUG-IN CONNECTOR
FOR CONNECTING TO
REMOTE ELECTRICAL
BOX

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

DRAIN
CONNECTION

4

Engineering Data Model 120ERV

Latent Recovery/Moisture Transfer Core

The cross flow energy recovery core transfers heat and water vapor between the two air
streams. It is easily removed for cleaning and service.

MOTORS AND BLOWERS

Each Air stream has an independent motorized impeller. 3 speed operation 120VAC.

FILTERS

Washable air filters in exhaust and supply air streams.

MOUNTING THE ERV

Four threaded inserts at corners of case designed to accept four reinforced polyester straps
that are supplied with the unit.

CASE

Twenty gauge prepainted galvanized steel (G60) for superior corrosion resistance. Insulated
to prevent exterior condensation.

CONTROLS

Unit is supplied with a remote ERV box which can be conveniently located within 3’ of the
ERV.

ERV System Control

ERV defaults to LOW SPEED when plugged in. HIGH SPEED option is accessible by con­necting remote controls to designated terminals inside electrical box of ERV.

Standard LOW SPEED SETTING can be increased to medium low. Off (Standby)/Low or
OFF/HIGH speed operation is also available.

DUCT CONNECTIONS

5” duct connections with ‘field’ selectable standard airflow or reverse airflow for limited room
installations.

WEIGHT 42 lbs. (19 kg) SHIPPING WEIGHT 45 lbs. (20.5 kg)

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

99-132 20 Minute Fan Timer - initiates high speed ventilation for 20 minutes. (3 wire) 20

gauge wire (min.) 100’ length

99-101 Crank Timer
99-116 Dehumidistat Ventilation Control - Dehumidistat with ON/OFF
99-130 Dehumidistat Control - Dehumidistat
99-185 Weatherhoods, Two - 5” (125mm) c/w 1/4” (6mm) mesh screen
99-2040 20/40 ON/OFF Dehumidistat

WARRANTY

Units carry a lifetime warranty on the heat recovery core and a five year replacement parts
warranty.

All Duct Collars are
5" diameter (127 mm)

Date: ______________________________________________

Tag: ________________________ Qty: __________________

Project:_____________________________________________

Engineer: ___________________________________________

Contractor: __________________________________________

Supplier:____________________________________________

Quote#: ____________________________________________

Submitted by: ________________________________________

3

2

1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0 .4 0.5 0.6 0 .7 0.8 0.9

Static Pressure (in w.g.)

Air Flow (c fm)

3 - High Speed
2 - Medium Low Speed
1 - Low speed

*Sensible Efficiency - thermal **Latent Efficiency - moisture

Note: Effectiveness - based on temp. differential between the 2 airstreams
Efficiency - takes into account all power inputs

Performance

Net supply air flow in cfm (L/s) against external static pressure

E.S.P

(external static pressure) [cfm (L/s)]

@ 0.1" (25 Pa) 113 (53)
@ 0.2" (50 Pa) 110 (52)
@ 0.3" (75 Pa) 103 (49)
@ 0.4" (100 Pa) 99 (47)
@ 0.5" (125 Pa) 96 (45)
@ 0.6" (150 Pa) 89 (42)
@ 0.7" (175 Pa) 86 (41)
@ 0.8" (200 Pa) 81 (38)

Cooling Mode @ 50 cfm (24 L/s) 95°F (35°C)
*Sensible Effectiveness 62%
**Latent Transfer 35%
Total Efficiency 44%

Heating Mode @ 50 cfm (24 L/s) 32°F (0°C)
*Sensible Effectiveness 65%
**Latent Transfer 38%
Total Efficiency 56%

VAC @ 60HZ 120

WATTS / Low speed. 63

WATTS / High speed 150

Amp rating 1.5

All units conform to CSA
and UL standards.

TOP VIEW

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

18”

FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE

8”

19”

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

5

Engineering Data Model 120ERV

Option 1 - Duct Configuration Dimensions inches

Option 2 - Duct Configuration Dimensions inches

TOP VIEW

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

18”

FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

8”

19”

ALL DUCT CONNECTION COLLARS ARE 5" DIAMETER

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

HANGING
STRAPS

PLUG-IN CONNECTOR
FOR CONNECTING TO
REMOTE ELECTRICAL
BOX

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

TOP VIEW

FRESH AIR
FROM

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

OUTSIDE

18”

EXHAUST
AIR FROM
BUILDING

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

8”

19”

ALL DUCT CONNECTION COLLARS ARE 5" DIAMETER

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

SERVICE CLEARANCE FROM

BOTTOM OF UNIT IS MINIMUM 3'0"

HANGING
STRAPS

PLUG-IN CONNECTOR
FOR CONNECTING TO
REMOTE ELECTRICAL
BOX

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

6

Installation Instructions

The RNC120F model can be setup in two different airflow
configurations as illustrated in the engineering data sec­tion of the manual. Because of this, it is extremely
important that the unit be connected properly. The remote

electrical control box contains two receptacles labelled
“Fan Connection A” and “Fan Connection B”. It is critical

that the proper fan be plugged into the proper recepta­cle.

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE

DRAIN
CONNECTION

FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING

DRAIN
CONNECTION

7

Location Selection

The HRV must be located in a heated space where it will
be possible to conveniently service the unit. Typically the
HRV would be located in the mechanical room or an area
close to the outside wall where the weather hoods will be
mounted. If a basement area is not convenient or does not
exist, a utility or laundry room may be used.

Attic installations are not normally recommended due to:

A) the complexity of work to install

B) freezing conditions in the attic

C) difficulty of access for service and cleaning

The HRV unit must be installed in a horizontal position as
shown in the illustration below. The unit should be sus­pended using the provided hanging straps. The unit must
be level for proper condensate drainage. Sufficient
clearance below the access door is required for servicing
the air filters and core. A minimum of 25" (635mm) clear­ance is recommended so the door can be removed. Four
PVC reinforced polyester hanging straps are provided for
hanging the HRV.

Suspending the Unit

The hanging straps should be attached to the unit at the
top end corners (mounting screws are already located on
the HRV case). Securely fasten the other end of the straps
to the ceiling making sure the UNIT IS LEVEL. The straps
are designed to reduce the possibility of noise, resonance
or harmonics; therefore using the full length of the strap
between the HRV and the floor joists is recommended.

Weatherhood Location and Installation

Weatherhood kit includes two fixed-cover hoods with a
1/4” (6mm) mesh screen.

Exhaust Weatherhood Requirements

• At least 6' (2 m) from the ventilation air intake*

• At least 18" (460mm) above ground or above the
depth of expected snow accumulation*

• At least 3' (1 m) away from the corner of the building*

• At least 3’ away from gas meter, electric meter or a
walkway where fog or ice could create a hazard*

• Not into a garage, workshop or other unheated space

Installation

Connecting Appliances to the HRV

The following appliances should not be connected to the
HRV:

• clothes dryer

• range top

• stovetop fan

• central vacuum system

NOTE: Connecting any of these to the HRV will

invalidate your warranty.

Clearances and Requirements

WARNING

Before installation, careful consideration must
be given to how this system will operate if
connected to any other piece of mechanical
equipment, i.e. a forced air furnace or air handler,
operating at a higher static. After installation, the
compatibility of the two pieces of equipment
must be confirmed, by measuring the air flows of
the ventilator, by using the balancing procedure
found in this manual.

CAUTION

It is always important to assess how the operation
of any HRV may interact with vented combustion
equipment (i.e. Gas Furnaces, Oil Furnaces,
Wood Stoves, etc.)

NEVER install a ventilator in a situation where its
normal operation, lack of operation or partial
failure may result in the backdrafting or improper
functioning of vented combustion equipment!

WARNING

Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Installation and service must be performed by a
qualified installer or service agency.

WARNING

Electric shock hazard. Can cause
injury or death. Before attempting to
perform any service or maintenance,
turn the electrical power to unit OFF
at disconnect switch(es). Unit may
have multiple power supplies.

Lint, dust or grease will collect in the HRV
damaging the unit.

8

When installing the weather hood, its outside perimeter
must be sealed with exterior caulking.

* Local code may require greater distances.

Intake Weatherhood Requirements

• Should be located upstream (if there are prevailing
winds) from the exhaust outlet

• At least 6' (2 m) from the exhaust weather hood *

• At least 6' (2 m) away from dryer vents and air handler
exhaust (medium or high efficiency furnaces)*

• A minimum of at least 6' (2 m) from driveways, oil fill
pipes, gas meters, or garbage containers, swimming
pools*

• At least 18" (460mm) above the ground, or above the
depth of expected snow accumulation*

• At least 3' (1 m) from the inside/outside corner of the
building*

• Do not locate in a garage, attic or crawl space

* Local code may require greater distances.

Weatherhood Clearances

)

Suspending the Unit using the
Provided Hanging Straps

Weatherhood Installation

Installation

CAUTION

Unit must be installed level to ensure proper
condensate drainage. Due to the broad range of
installation and operational conditions,
consideration must be given for the possibility
of condensation forming on the unit or
connecting ducting. Objects below the
installation may be exposed to condensate.

FASTENERS
(not supplied

STRAPS
AND

DETAIL

Unit is designed for
horizontal installation
only as shown.

Using full length hanger
straps is recommended
for vibration control, but
can be shorter if required.

Note: Illustration depicts unit suspended from wood floor joists. If
a different ceiling system is used, securing straps to floor will be
different.

SCREEN

(sideview)

12"galvanized

pipesupplied

COLLARISSUPPLIEDTO

ENSUREVAPOURBARRIER

SCREWS
(supplied)

IS100%SEALEDTO

WALLPLATE

OUTSIDE CORNER

36" (1m)

recommended min.

INTAKE

18" (460mm) min.

6' (2m)

recommended min.

36" (1m)

recommended min.

EXHAUST

18" (460mm) min.

INSIDE CORNER

EXTERIOR

1/4"(6mm)SCREEN

(frontview)

WALL

1. ThermalCollarslidesovergalvanized
sleeveofWeatherhood.

2. FastenThermalCollartoBelt.

3. SlidetheInsulatedFlexibleDuctingover
theWeatherhood'sgalvanizedsleeveand
fastenittotheThermalCollar.

4. Hoodishingedtoallowforeasyaccess

 forcleaningofbirdscreen.

CAUTION

Weather hood arrangement - requires a minimum
of 6’ (2m) separation and a minimum of 18" (460mm)
clearance above grade or anticipated snow level.

9

Air Duct Design and Installation

A well designed and installed ducting system will allow the
HRV to operate at its maximum efficiency.

Always try to keep duct runs as short and straight as pos­sible. See Installation Diagrams for various installation
options.

The inner and outer liners of the flexible insulated duct
must be clamped to the sleeve of the weather hoods (as
close to the outside as possible) and the appropriate port
on the HRV. It is very important that the fresh air intake
line be given special attention to make sure it is well
sealed. A good bead of high quality caulking (preferably

silicone sealant) will seal the inner flexible duct to both the
HRV port and the weather hood prior to clamping with a
large zip tie.

To minimize air flow restriction, the flexible insulated duct
that connects the two outside weather hoods to the HRV
should be stretched tightly and be as short as possible.

Twisting or folding the duct will severely restrict air flow.
See below for the recommended connection of flexible
insulated ducts to the the outside weather hoods and the
HRV.

Installing the Ducting Between

the HRV & Living Areas in the Home

To maximize airflow in the duct system, all ducts should
be kept short and have as few bends or elbows as possi­ble. Forty-five degree elbows are preferred to 90° elbows.
Use “Y” tees instead of 90° elbows whenever possible.

All duct joints must be fastened with screws, rivets or duct
sealant and wrapped with mastic or a quality duct tape to
prevent leakage. Mastic is preferred but if duct tape is
used, we recommend aluminum foil duct tape.

Galvanized ducting from the HRV to the living areas in the
house is recommended whenever possible, although flexi­ble duct can be used in moderation if necessary.

To avoid possible noise transfer through the duct system,
a short length (approximately 12 inches or 300mm) of non­metallic flexible insulated duct should be connected
between the HRV and the supply/exhaust duct system.

The main supply and return lines to/from the HRV must be
the same size or larger than the duct connection collar.
Branch lines to the individual rooms may be as small as 4
inches (100mm), but 5 inch (125mm) lines are preferred .

All ducts running through attics and unheated spaces must
be sealed and insulated to code.

Fresh Air Ducting

In applications that do not include an air handler, fresh air
should be supplied to all bedrooms and living areas,
excluding bathrooms, kitchen and utility areas. Grilles
should be located high on a wall or in ceiling locations.

Grilles that diffuse the air comfortably such as the Round
Diffuser are recommended.

If the floor is the only option available, then special care
should be taken in locating grilles. Areas such as under
baseboard heaters will help to temper the air. Also option­al inline duct heaters are available for mounting in the
supply duct work to add heat if required.

Direct Connection to Air Handler Duct System

Should you wish to hard duct the fresh air from the HRV
directly into the cold air return of the air handler, remem­ber to check the air flow balance of the HRV with the air
handler fan both "ON" and "OFF" to determine that it does
not imbalance the unit more than 10%.

Indirect Connection to Air Handler Duct System

If permitted by local codes, an indirect connection may be
made between the HRV fresh air duct and the air handler
return plenum. The fresh air from the unit may be directed
at a grille installed in the cold air return duct of the air han­dler. The fresh air outlet from the HRV should be no closer
than 4 inches (100mm) and no more than 12 inches
(300mm) from the grille.

Installation

WARNING

Include a short length of fabric, flex duct or
other non-metallic connector in the “Fresh Air to
Building” hard ducted line in order to keep the
HRV separately grounded (electrically) from the
air handler. This will avoid a possible shock
hazard to service people if a short to ground
develops in one of the devices.

FRESH AIR
FROM HRV

HRV

4" MINIMUM

12" MAXIMUM

RETURN AIR
DUCT FOR
AIR HANDLER