RIDGID kt-190 User Manual
Pipe Thawing
Units
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
• Castellano – pág. 11
KT-190
KT-200
WARNING!
Read this Operator’s Manual
carefully before using this
tool. Failure to understand
and follow the contents of this
manual may result in electrical shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury.
Table of Contents
Recording Form for Machine Serial Number ..............................................................................................................1
General Safety Information
Work Area Safety........................................................................................................................................................2
Electrical Safety...........................................................................................................................................................2
Personal Safety...........................................................................................................................................................2
Tool Use and Care......................................................................................................................................................3
Service ........................................................................................................................................................................3
Specific Safety Information
Tool Safety..................................................................................................................................................................3
Description and Specifications
Description ..................................................................................................................................................................3
Specifications..............................................................................................................................................................3
Standard Equipment....................................................................................................................................................4
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................4
Cables and Clamps.....................................................................................................................................................4
Problem Diagnostics
Main Service Lines......................................................................................................................................................4
Tap Water Lines..........................................................................................................................................................4
Tool Assembly...............................................................................................................................................................5
Tool Inspection..............................................................................................................................................................5
Tool Set-Up ....................................................................................................................................................................5
Operating Instructions
Thawing Tap Water Lines ...........................................................................................................................................6
Tool Removal..............................................................................................................................................................7
Thawing Frozen Hydronic Systems.............................................................................................................................7
Single Zone System..................................................................................................................................................7
Multi-Zone System ....................................................................................................................................................8
Isolating Multi-Zone Systems....................................................................................................................................8
Special Applications Procedure
Increasing Thawing Capacity on KT-200 Only............................................................................................................8
Series Operation .....................................................................................................................................................8
Parallel Operation....................................................................................................................................................9
Maintenance Instructions .............................................................................................................................................9
Tool Storage...................................................................................................................................................................9
Service and Repair ........................................................................................................................................................9
Electrical Schematics..................................................................................................................................................10
Lifetime Warranty..........................................................................................................................................Back Cover
Ridge Tool Companyii
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Record Serial Number below and retain product serial number which is located on nameplate.
Serial
No.
KT-190 and KT-200
Pipe Thawing Units
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Ridge Tool Company2
General Safety Information
WARNING! Read and understand all instructions. Failure
to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious
personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Work Area Safety
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate these tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Electrical switches may create
sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a Pipe Thawing Unit. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
• Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the
grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do
not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified
electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If the tool should electrically
malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low
resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is
grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering an electrical tool will increase the
risk of electrical shock.
• Do not abuse cord. Never use the cord to carry the
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electrical shock.
• When operating an electrical tool outside, use an
outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”.
These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce
the risk of electrical shock.
• Use only three-wire extension cords which have
three-prong grounding plugs, and three-pole receptacles which accept the tools plug. Use of other
extension cords will not ground the tool and increases
the risk of electrical shock.
• Use proper extension cords. (See chart.) Insufficient
conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop, loss
of power, and overheating.
• Keep all electric connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plugs or tool with wet hands.
Reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Personal Safety
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a tool. Do not use tool
while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol
or medications. A moment of inattention while oper-
ating tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF
before plugging in. Plugging in machines that have
the switch ON invites accidents.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Tool Use and Care
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it ON or
OFF. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Store idle tools out of the reach of children and
other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools with care. Properly maintained tools
are less likely to cause injury.
• Check for breakage of parts, and any other condition
that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents
are caused by poorly maintained tools.
Grounding prong
Cover of
grounded
outlet box
Grounding prong
Minimum Wire Gauge for Cord Set
Total Length (in feet)
0 – 25 14 AWG
26 – 50 12 AWG
Over 50 ft.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Ridge Tool Company 3
• Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your tool. Accessories that may be
suitable for one tool may become hazardous when
used on another tool.
• Inspect tool and extension cords periodically and
replace if damaged. Damaged cords increase the risk
of electrical shock.
• Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil and
grease. Allows for better control of the tool.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or
storing the unit. These preventative safety measures
reduce the risk of accidentally starting the unit.
Service
• Tool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified repair personnel could result in injury.
• When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
Section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or
failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a
risk of electrical shock or injury.
• Disconnect all power from the unit before servicing. Eliminates the risk of electrical shock and
accidental starting.
Specific Safety Information
WARNING
Read this operator’s manual carefully before using
the Pipe Thawing Tools. Failure to understand and
follow the contents of this manual may result in
electrical shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
Call the Ridge Tool Company, Technical Service Department at (800) 519-3456 if you have any questions.
Tool Safety
• Tool is made to thaw frozen iron or copper water
pipes. Follow the instructions on proper use. Other
uses may increase the risk of injury.
• Do not leave the unit unattended while thawing.
Such preventive measures reduce the risk of injury or
fire.
• Do not touch the clamp tips or cable connections.
Reduces the risk of burns.
• Do not operate unit with housing removed.
Exposure to internal parts may result in injury.
• Make both pipe connections before plugging in
unit. Prevents electrical arcing between the clamps and
the pipe.
• Use cable and clamps provided with unit. Incorrect
cables may result in overheating of the wires.
• Keep clamps away from combustible materials or
articles that can be damaged by heat. Clamp tips be-
come hot during use.
Description and Specifications:
Description
The RIDGID Pipe Thawing Machines are easy-to-use,
and versatile for thawing 1/2″ to 11/2″ copper or steel/iron
pipe up to 150 feet (KT-200). Both the KT-190 and KT-200
use low voltage and high amperage to quickly thaw frozen
tap water lines and frozen heating systems.
This method does not require that you know exactly
where the frozen section is nor do you have to have direct
access to the area. The KT-190 and KT-200 will thaw copper or steel pipe that is underground, beneath the floor or
behind walls. Multiple voltage settings on the KT-200
allow for maximum amperage to provide the shortest
thawing time. Vinyl coated clamps with 25 foot cables,
standard with both units, permit thawing of a 50′ section of
pipe. Additional 25′ cable extensions are available for
longer runs.
Specifications
Line Capacity:
Primarily recommended for all indoor copper or steel
pipes from 1/2″ to 11/2″. Thawing units will not work with
plastic pipe or lines containing plastic or rubber couplings.
Thawing Unit:
Input ..............................115 Volts, 15 Amps
KT-190 KT-200
Output............................6.0 Volts 4.5 - 7.6 Volts
Output............................300 Amps 300 Amps
Minimum Reach ............15′ 4′
Maximum Reach ..........75′ 150′
Weight ..........................25 lbs 29 lbs
Weight ..........................11.4 kgs 13.2 kgs
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Ridge Tool Company4
Problem Diagnostics
Main Service Lines
If there is no running water anywhere in the house, the
main service from the curb valve to the house is frozen.
The service can be thawed by placing one clamp on a tap
water line in the basement and the other on the curb key
attached to the curb valve. Make sure there is contact between the curb key and valve. Extension Cables are
required if runs exceed 50 feet. Additional thawing units
may be required to reduce thawing time. Refer to Special
Application Procedure for Series Set-Up.
Tap Water Lines
Locate the frozen line by opening faucets and checking for
water flow. The frozen section will normally be in an outside wall or in a crawl space with poor insulation. If one
faucet does not have running water and the next faucet
does, frozen section is between faucets. Place clamps on
either hot or cold water lines, not on faucets.
Refer to Thawing Tap Water Lines for procedure.
Standard Equipment
Qty. Item
1........Thawing Unit, Model KT-190 or KT-200. 115
volts, 15 Amps.
2........Cables, 25 feet in length, with a vinyl coated
spring clamp on one end and a mounting loop
on the other.
Accessories
• Extension Cable, 25 feet, # 1/0 AWG c/w nut & bolt.
Catalog No. 62772
• Series Cable, 3 feet, # 1/0 AWG Catalog No. 62812
Figure 1 – KT-200 Pipe Thawing Tool
Cables and Clamps
25 feet in length with vinyl coated clamp.
KT-190 KT-200
Size ....................#2 AWG #1/0 AWG
Weight ................19 lbs/Pair 23 lbs/Pair
(8.6 kgs) (10.5 kgs)
Pipe Thawer
Frozen Section
Earth
Street Valve
Curb Shut
Off Rod
Figure 2 – Thawing Main Service Lines
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Ridge Tool Company 5
Tool Assembly
WARNING
To prevent serious injury, proper assembly of the
Thawing Tool is required. The following procedures should be followed:
Figure 3 – Thawing Tool with Cables Installed
Installing Cables with Clamps
1. Remove retaining nut from one of the lugs on back of
unit.
2. Slip looped end of cable onto lug bolt with flat side towards unit.
3. Reinstall lug nut and secure tightly.
4. Ensure looped end of cable does not contact housing.
5. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for remaining lug.
NOTE! If cable leads are not securely fastened to thaw-
ing unit, thawing time may be extended and/or
unit may not function properly.
Tool Inspection
WARNING
To prevent serious injury, inspect your Pipe
Thawing Tool. The following procedures should
be followed.
1. Make sure Pipe Thawing Tool is unplugged and the
control switches are in the OFF position.
2. Inspect the power cord and plug for damage. If the
plug has been modified, is missing the grounding
prong or if the cord is damaged, do not use the
Thawing Tool until the cord has been replaced.
3. Inspect the cables and clamps for damage. Be sure
cable leads are securely fastened to thawing unit. If
cable or clamps are damaged, do not use the
Thawing Tool until they are replaced. Only use cable
and clamps provided with the unit.
4. Clean any oil, grease or dirt from handles, controls
and clamps.
5. Inspect the Thawing Tool for any broken or missing
parts as well as damage to the metal enclosure. If any
of these conditions are present, do not use the Thawing Tool until any problem has been repaired.
Tool Set-Up
WARNING
To prevent serious injury, proper set-up of the tool
and work area is required. The following procedures should be followed to set-up the Pipe Thawing
Tool.
1. Check work area for:
• Adequate lighting
• 15 Amp grounded electrical outlet
• Clear path to the electrical outlet that does not
contain any sources of heat or oil, sharp edges or
moving parts that may damage electrical cord.
• Dry place for tool and operator. Do not use the
tool while standing in water.
• Flammable liquids, vapors or dust that may ignite.
2. Position KT-190 or KT-200 Pipe Thawer near the
area suspected of having a frozen section of pipe.
3. Make sure unit is unplugged and turned OFF. (Switch
on KT-190 is in the down (OFF) position. Center
switch on KT-200 is in the middle (OFF) position).
4. Uncoil both cables completely and insure they are not
overlapping or in contact.
5. Follow instructions on proper placement of clamps.
Making pipe connections before plug-
ging in unit prevents arcing between clamp and pipe.
NOTE! Whenever making connections, clean pipe of
paint, scale rust, etc. to ensure good amperage
flow from the clamps to the pipe. Poor connections will cause the clamps to get much hotter
than normal.
WARNING
Ridge Tool Company6
6. When plugging the Pipe Thawing Tool into the electrical outlet, making sure to position the power cord
along the clear path selected earlier. If the power
cord does not reach the outlet, use an extension cord
in good condition.
To avoid electric shock and electrical
fires, never use an extension cord that is damaged or
does not meet the following requirements:
• The cord has a three-prong plug similar to shown in
Electrical Safety section.
• The cord is rated as “W” or “W-A” if being used out-
doors.
• The cord has sufficient wire thickness (14 AWG below
25′/12 AWG 25′ - 50′). If the wire thickness is too small,
the cord may overheat, melting the cord’s insulation
or causing nearby objects to ignite.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, keep all
electrical connections dry and off the ground. Do not
touch plug with wet hands.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
To reduce risk of electrical shock, keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground. Do not
touch plug with wet hands.
Be very careful when thawing frozen pipes. Clamp
tips and cable connections become hot during use.
Avoid contact with skin as burns can result.
Keep clamps away from combustible materials or
articles that can be damaged by heat.
Do not leave the unit unattended while thawing.
Thawing Tap Water Lines
NOTE! It is recommended that there be standard water
pressure on one side of the frozen section of
pipe and an open faucet on the other side of the
frozen section (Figure 4). As the pipe warms to
above freezing point, the water, with pressure
behind it, will seep along the inside walls melting
and flushing the remaining ice out of the faucet.
1. Make sure unit is unplugged and turned OFF and
cables are completely uncoiled.
2. Place one clamp on each side of the frozen section of
pipe. Open the faucet where no water flows.
Making pipe connections before plug-
ging in unit prevents arcing between clamps and pipe.
3. Plug unit into a grounded 15 amp outlet making sure
to position the power cord along the clear path selected earlier.
4. Move switch to ON (up position on KT-190. Center
switch down to low position, left switch to A on KT-200).
5. If current is below 15 amps on KT-200, switch to B. If
current is still below 15 amps, switch to high position
on center switch and right switch up to C.
6. Continue until 15 amps is reached but not exceeded,
D switch setting is used with long runs.
Thawing time may vary from a few seconds to several
hours depending on length and diameter of pipe being
thawed. If time seems unreasonable, check clamps for
proper placement.
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Figure 4 – Thawing Tap Water Lines
Kitchen Sink
Bathroom Sink
Frozen Section
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
Model KT-190 and KT-200 Pipe Thawing Units
Ridge Tool Company 7
NOTE! The electrical output current of both the KT-190
and KT-200 can take two paths. The shortest
distance between the clamps, or the long path
around the pipe loop. Therefore, in some systems it is required to break the pipe to eliminate
the short path (Figure 7).
Single Zone System
1. Circulating pump must be operating.
2. Make sure unit is unplugged and OFF and cables
are completely uncoiled.
3. Place one clamp near the furnace and the second
clamp next to a radiator.
Making pipe connections before plug-
ging in unit prevents arcing between clamps and pipe.
4. Plug unit into a grounded 15 amp outlet, making
sure to position the power cord along the clear path
selected earlier.
5. Position switch to ON. (Up position on KT-190. Center
switch down to low and left switch to lower A position
on KT-200).
NOTE! This tool is equipped with a thermal overload for
added safety. If thawing for long periods of time at
maximum current, the unit may shut down automatically. Unit will resume operations automatically after approximately 3 minutes.
Tool Removal
1. When water lines have thawed, turn switch to the
OFF position and unplug power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove clamps from the pipe.
Clamp tips are hot and can cause burns.
3. Allow clamps to cool before coiling cables and placing
the unit in storage. While the clamps are hot, keep
them away from combustible materials or articles
that can be damaged by heat.
Thawing Frozen Hydronic Systems
NOTE! Hydronic systems are harder to thaw due to the
lower pressure produced by the circulating pump
and the greater lengths of pipe required in a single or multi-zone system.
Figure 5 – Single Zone System
Figure 6 – Single Zone System
Pipe Thawer
Radiator
Radiator
Furnace
Circulating
Pump
Water
Flow
Radiator
Pipe Thawer
Radiator
Radiator
Furnace
Circulating
Pump
Water
Flow
Radiator
WARNING
WARNING
Loading...