NuTone AE60, EA1500, HV 1.5 Installation And User Manual

Installation and User Manual

Address of your installer

06095 rev. A

AE60 / EA 1500 / HV 1.5

VB0063

RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY

INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE HOMEOWNER.

HOMEOWNER: USE AND CARE INFORMATION ON PAGES 20 TO 24.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

2

!

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSON(S)
OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

1. This unit is intented for residential installation only.

2. Use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer. If you have questions,

contact the manufacturer at the address or telephone number listed in the warranty.

3. Before replacing filters, servicing or cleaning unit, disconnect power cord from

electrical outlet.

4. Installation must be done in accordance with all applicable codes and standards,

including fire-rated construction codes and standards.

5. This unit is not designed to provide combustion and/or dilution air for fuel-burning

appliances.

6. When cutting or drilling into wall or ceiling, do not damage electrical wiring and other

hidden utilities.

7. Do not use this unit with any solid-state speed control device other than optional wall

controls C34, CMR or ACCGSC3.

8. This unit must be grounded. The power supply cord has a 3-prong grounding plug for

your personal safety. It must be plugged into a mating 3-prong grounding receptacle,
grounded in accordance with the national electrical code and local codes and
ordinances. Do not remove the ground prong. Do not use an extension cord.

9. Do not install in a cooking area or connect directly to any appliances.

10. Do not use to exhaust hazardous or explosive materials and vapors.

11. Do not run any air ducts directly above or closer than 2 ft (0.61 m) to any furnace or

its supply plenum, boiler, or other heat producing appliance. Do not connect the unit
ducts to the furnace ducts, neither return plenum or supply.

12. When performing installation, servicing or cleaning the unit, it is recommended to

wear safety glasses and gloves.

13. When the federal, provincial or state legislation comprises more restrictive installation

and/or certification requirements, the aforementioned requirements prevail on those
of this document and the installer agrees to conform to these at his own expenses.

CAUTION

1. To avoid premature clogged filters, turn OFF the unit during construction or renovation.

2. Please read specification label on product for further information and requirements.

3. Be sure to duct air outside – Do not intake / exhaust air into spaces within walls or

ceiling or into attics, crawl spaces, or garage.

4. Intended for residential installation only in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 90B.

5. The ductwork is intended to be installed in compliance with all local and national

codes that are applicable.

6. Do not use the AE60, EA 1500 or HV 1.5 unit when varnishing. Furthermore, if the

unit is installed in the attic, it is highly recommended to block the stale air intake and
fresh air register. The varnish vapors may damage the unit.

7. At least once in a year, the unit mechanical and electronic parts should be inspected

by qualified service personnel.

8. If the AE60, EA1500 or the HV 1.5 unit is installed in the attic, the unit should not be

turned off during the winter time in order to avoid condensation inside the unit and
inside the ducts.

9. During snow/rain storm, operate the unit in recirculation mode to prevent water build

up in the ventilator.

WARNING

1. YOUR UNIT AND ITS PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

2. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.1 Basement Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.2 Attic Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.3 Mounting Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

3. INSTALL THE UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3.1 Locating and Mounting the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3.2 Tools and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3.3 How to Hang the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3.4 Planning of the Ductwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

3.5 Installing 6’’ Ducts and Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10

3.6 Insulated Flexible Ducts Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

3.7 Exterior Opening(s) Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-17

4. WALL CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.1 Installation of the Wall Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-20

4.2 Operating the Wall Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21

5. MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

5.1 Biannual Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

5.2 Annual Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

5.3 Master Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

6. TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The purpose of this guide is to help you to install properly your unit, and to show you how to
operate and do the maintenance. Please read completely before starting the installation.

Please note the illustrations are typical ones.
We welcome any suggestions you may have concerning this manual and/or the unit, and

we would appreciate hearing your comments on ways to better serve you. Please forward
all correspondence to us at the address indicated on the product registration card included
with this manual.

This manual uses the following symbols to emphasize particular information:

NOTE: Indicates supplementary information needed to fully complete an instruction.

Finally, we want to congratulate you on your purchase of this excellent unit which will
allow you and your family to enjoy fresh air throughout your home for years to come!

NOTE: The unit does not require balancing because of its design.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL/PRODUCT

WARNING

Identifies an instruction which, if not followed, might cause serious
personal injuries including possibility of death.

!

CAUTION

Denotes an instruction which, if not followed, may severely damage the
unit and/or its components.

VF0035

OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES

4

1. YOUR UNIT AND ITS PURPOSE

VF0034

CIRCULATION WITH AIR EXCHANGE:

While continually circulating the air within the house, the unit also evacuates part of this
stale air and replaces it with fresh dry air from the outside. The following extra benefits
are thus obtained: expelling the excess of humidity during the winter months, ventilate the
house on hot summer nights, elimination of stale air.

The air exchanger is designed to eliminate problems of excessive humidity, to steady the
temperature and the humidity and to filter and purify the air inside your house. The air
exchanger carries out the following operations:

AIR RECIRCULATION:

The system recirculates the air inside the house, without exchanging with the outside.
This operation steadies the temperature and the humidity throughout.

FILTRATION:

When the air flows through the system, a mechanical filter traps dust particles.

F

RESH AIR TO

BUILDING

FILTERED AIR

TO BUILDING

STALE AIR TO

OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR

FROM OUTSIDE

STALE AIR

FROM BUILDING

STALE AIR

FROM BUILDING

5

2. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS

VH0053

Only one outside connection is needed when
using the Tandem® transition* and the dual
outside port*, simplifying the installation. These
two components are included in the installation
kit no. 15273 (purchase separately).

NOTES: 1. See Point 2.3

MOUNTING

CONSIDERATIONS

on next page

for required joists opening.

2. The installation kit no. 15273 is not
available in the U.S.A.

*Patented.

If the unit is installed in the attic, this unit must
always be in operation during the winter season.
Use the installation kit no. EA20130 (purchase
separately).

NOTE: The installation kit no. EA20130 is not

available in the U.S.A.

2.1 BASEMENT INSTALLATION

VH0004

2.2 ATTIC INSTALLATION

Use the following illustrations as guidelines to help you decide where your unit will be
installed. The unit should be hung to the joists, using chains and springs (included). If
needed, this unit can be installed upside down. For more details, see Point 3.

INSTALL

THE UNIT

.

In every case, bathroom fan and a range hood should be used to exhaust stale air. Also,
for homes with more than one level, we recommend one exhaust register at the highest
level.

NOTE: An electrical outlet (standard 3-prong grounding outlet) has to be available within

3 feet from the unit.

6

2. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS (CONT’D)

This unit can be used for a retrofit application. Connect the existing ducts to the corresponding
unit ports. If the previous stale air to outside duct and fresh air from outside duct are 5’’
diameter, install the 5’’ diameter adapters (included) over each of the corresponding unit
ports. Also, if using the installation kit no. 15273 or no. EA20130 (not available in the
U.S.A.), install these 5’’ diameter adapters. Use 4 screws (included) per adapter to attach
them to the unit. See figure below.

The joists opening needed to install the Tandem transition must be 9¾’’ (248 mm)
minimum. Also, the maximum heigh of the tandem transition is 8¾’’ (222 mm). See
Tandem transition end view below.
NOTE: The Tandem transition is included in the installation kit no. 15273 (not

available in U.S.A.).

2.3 MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS

VJ0030

VD0118A

8¾”

222 mm

9¾”

248 mm

7

3. INSTALL THE UNIT

Choose an appropriate location for the unit, far from the areas of the house where peace
and quiet are desired.

• So as to provide easy access for filter maintenance (sometimes, by
installing the unit upside down, it becomes easier to get at the filter).

• Close to an exterior wall, so as to limit the length of the insulated flexible
ducts to and from the unit.

• Away from hot chimneys and other fire hazards.

• Allow for a power source (standard 3-prong grounding outlet).

3.1 LOCATING AND MOUNTING THE UNIT

• Phillips screwdriver no. 2 or Robertson no. 2

• Scissors or utility knife (to cut duct tape and flexible ducts)

• Duct tape

• Jig saw

• A pair of metal shears (if the exterior covering of the house is aluminum
or vinyl)

• A chisel and hammer (if the exterior covering of the house is brick)

• Caulking gun and caulking

3.2 TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Use the 4 chains and springs in the hardware pack provided with the unit. According to
your needs, the unit can be installed upside down.

3.3 HOW TO HANG THE UNIT

VD0156

CAUTION

Make sure the unit is level.

8

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

• Keep it simple. Plan for a minimum number of bends and joints. Keep the
length of the insulated ducts to a minimum.

• Do not use wall cavities as ducts. Do not use branch lines smaller than
4’’ (102 mm) diameter.

• Do not ventilate crawl spaces or cold room. Do not attempt to recover the
exhaust air from a dryer or a range hood, this would cause the clogging of
the unit.

• Be sure to plan at least one exhaust register on the highest lived-in level of
the house, if it has 2 floors or more.

3.4 PLANNING OF THE DUCTWORK

• Install the stale air exhaust register(s) in the main area where the contaminants
are produced: kitchen, living room, etc. Position the register(s) as far from
the stairway as possible and in such a way that the air circulates in all the
lived-in spaces in the house.

• If a register is installed in the kitchen, it must be located at least 4 feet (1.2 m)
from the range.

• Install the register(s) 6 to 12 inches (152 to 305 mm) from the ceiling on an
interior wall OR install it in the ceiling.

• Attach one end of the 6’’ flexible duct to the stale air exhaust register, and
the other end to the unit stale air from building port, using tie wrap and duct
tape.

3.5 INSTALLING 6’’ DUCTS AND REGISTERS

WARNING

Never install a stale air exhaust register in a room where a combustion
device operates, such as a gas water heater, a gas furnace or a fireplace.

!

3.5.1 STALE AIR EXHAUST DUCTWORK

• Install the fresh air distribution register(s) in a large, open area in the lowest
level to ensure the greatest possible air circulation. Keep in mind that the fresh
air register(s) must be located as far as possible from the stale air register(s).

• Install the register(s) in the ceiling OR 6 to 12 inches (152 to 305 mm) from
the ceiling on an interior wall. The duct length should be at least 15’ (4.6 m).
(The cooler air will then cross the upper part of the room and mix with room
air before descending to occupant level.)

• Attach one end of the 6’’ flexible duct to the fresh air distribution register,
and the other end to the unit fresh air to building port, using tie wrap and
duct tape.

3.5.2 FRESH AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTWORK

CAUTION

If ducts have to go through an unconditioned space, always use insulated
ducts (purchase separately).

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.5 INSTALLING 6’’ DUCTS AND REGISTERS (CONT’D)

3.5.3 SUGGESTED REGISTER LOCATIONS

VA0032

BUNGALOW

Basement stairwell (A): Open, lateral.
One stale air exhaust register (1) in the highest

lived-in level of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house.

1

2

A

VA0033

BUNGALOW

Basement stairwell (A): Closed.
One stale air exhaust register (1) in the highest

lived-in level of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house. For the closed stairwell, use
floor grilles (A).

1

2

A

VA0034

BUNGALOW

Basement stairwell (A): Open, central.
Two stale air exhaust registers (1) in the highest

lived-in level of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house.

2

A

1

9

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.5 INSTALLING 6’’ DUCTS AND REGISTERS (CONT’D)

3.5.3 SUGGESTED REGISTER LOCATIONS (CONT’D)

VA0035

MULTI-LEVEL

Stairwell (A): Open, central.
Two stale air exhaust registers (1) in the upper

lived-in levels of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house.

1

1

2

A

VA0036

COTTAGE

Basement stairwell (A): Open.
Two stale air exhaust registers (1) in the upper

lived-in levels of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house.

1

1

2

A

A

VA0037

COTTAGE

Basement stairwell (A): One part open, some
parts closed (B).

One stale air exhaust register (1) in the highest
lived-in level of the house and one fresh air
distribution register (2) in the lowest lived-in
level of the house.

For the closed stairwell, use floor grilles (B).

2

A

B

B

1

10

11

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.6 INSULATED FLEXIBLE DUCTS INSTALLATION

3.7 EXTERIOR OPENING(S) INSTALLATION

If the joists are perpendicular to the ducts, or if the connection to the exterior hood is in
a limited area, the installation will need 2 exterior hoods (or soffit grilles). Go to Point 3.7.2
or 3.7.4 for more details.

Use the following procedure for connecting the insulated flexible ducts to the unit ports
(exhaust to outside and fresh air from outside).

a) Pull back the insulation to expose the flexible duct.
b) Connect the interior flexible duct to the port using a tie wrap.
c) Carefully seal the connection with duct tape.
d) Pull the insulation over the joint.
e) Apply duct tape to the joint making an airtight seal

. Avoid compressing
the insulation when pulling the tape tightly around the joint; compressed
insulation loses its R value and causes water dripping due to condensation
on the exterior surface of the duct.

a) b) c) d) e)

NOTE: In a retrofit installation, there maybe only one insulated duct already installed for

the unit ports.

• If the unit is installed in the attic, connect this insulated duct to the exhaust to
outside port.

• If the unit is installed in the basement, connect this insulated duct to the fresh
air intake port.

CAUTION

Make sure the vapor barrier on the insulated ducts does not tear during
installation to avoid condensation within the ducts.

3.7.1 TANDEM TRANSITION WITH DUAL EXTERIOR HOOD

VJ0010

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.7 EXTERIOR OPENING(S) INSTALLATION (CONT’D)

1. For each duct, pull back the insulation to expose the interior flexible duct.

2. Connect the interior flexible duct to the smaller part of the Tandem transition (5’’ oval)

using a tie wrap.

3. Pull the insulation over the joint. Pull the vapor barrier over the insulation.

4. Apply duct tape gently to the joint in order to make an airtight seal

. See figures below.

VJ0025

VJ0022

VJ0023

VJ0024

1

2

3

4

EXHAUST AIR TO

OUTSIDE DUCT ON

TOP SECTION

12

3.7.1 TANDEM TRANSITION WITH DUAL EXTERIOR HOOD (CONT’D)

CAUTION

Always connect the exhaust air to outside duct on top section of the
Tandem transition.

Dual exterior hood requires assembly. Using 2 no. 8 x 3/4” screws, assemble the top metal
screen and the plastic grille to the dual exterior hood. Then, slide the bottom metal screen to
the dual exterior hood. See illustration below.

VO0024

The dual exterior hood must be installed at a minimum
distance of 18 inches (457 mm) from the ground.
See illustration beside.

1. Using a jig saw, cut a 6’’ diameter hole

in the exterior wall and insert the
Tandem transition through this hole.

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.7 EXTERIOR OPENING(S) INSTALLATION (CONT’D)

3.7.1 TANDEM TRANSITION WITH DUAL EXTERIOR HOOD (CONT’D)

VD0083A

18”

(457 mm)

WARNING

Make sure this hood is at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away (or more, as per applicable
building codes or standards) from sources of contamination such as:

• High efficiency furnace vent

• Any exhaust from a combustion source

• Gas meter exhaust, gas barbecue-grill

• Garbage bin

!

VD0084

1

CAUTION

The Tandem transition must be inserted in such a way that the exhaust air
to outside duct will be located on the top.

13

1) Exhaust air to outside duct

4. Snap the assembled exterior hood on its

backplate and secure with 2 provided
screws (no. 8 x 3/4” long).

3. Lean the exterior backplate to the exterior

wall. Using 4 no. 8 x 1½” screws, fix it to
the wall. Seal the outline with caulking.

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.7 EXTERIOR OPENING(S) INSTALLATION (CONT’D)

3.7.1 TANDEM TRANSITION WITH DUAL EXTERIOR HOOD (CONT’D)

2. Join the end of the Tandem transition to

the rear of the exterior backplate.
Secure with 2 Xmas tree pins and seal
properly with duct tape.

VD0085

CAUTION

The exterior backplate must be installed with the word “TOP” pointing
upward.

Xmas tree pin

VD0086

VD0087

screw

14

3. INSTALL THE UNIT (CONT’D)

3.7 EXTERIOR OPENING(S) INSTALLATION (CONT’D)

3.7.2 LOCATING 2 EXTERIOR HOODS

If this unit installation needs to have 2 exterior hoods, an additional exterior hood must
be bought (sold separately, single exterior hood, part number 13940). Choose an
appropriate location for installing the exterior hoods.

• The dual exterior hood must be located at a minimum distance of 4 inches
(102 mm) from the ground.

• The single exterior hood must be located at a minimum distance of 18 inches
(457 mm) from the ground.

• There must be a minimum distance of 6 feet (1.8 m) between the hoods to avoid
cross-contamination. See figure below.

15

CAUTION

Due to its particular design, the dual exterior hood must be used only for
exhaust hood when performing an installation using 2 exterior hoods.
Use the single exterior hood for supply air.

VD0094

EXHAUST

HOOD

INTAKE

HOOD

4’’

(102

MM)

6’

1.8

M)

6’

(1.8

M)

18’’

(457

MM)

4’’ (102 MM)

OPTIONAL

LOCATION

WARNING

Make sure the single exterior hood is at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away (or more, as
per applicable building codes or standards) from sources of contamination
such as:

• High efficiency furnace vent

• Any exhaust from a combustion source

• Gas meter exhaust, gas barbecue-grill

• Garbage bin

!