Tjernlund RMS160 User Manual

TJERNLUND PRODUCTS, INC.

1601 Ninth Street • White Bear Lake, MN 55110-6794
PHONE [phone] • [phone] • FAX [phone]
Visit our web site • www.tjernlund.com

Radon VACTMSide Wall Radon Mitigation System

READ OWNERS INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

THESE INSTRUCTIONS MUST REMAIN WITH EQUIPMENT. DO NOT DESTROY.

Model RMS160

DESCRIPTION

The Radon Vac

TM

Radon Mitigation System is designed to reduce radon levels in homes by removing radon gas from
beneath the home and discharging it to the outdoors. The Radon VacTMeliminates intrusive PVC pipe runs vertically through
living areas or ugly PVC runs up the home exterior. It reduces radon across a variety of sub-slab soil types (dirt, gravel,
etc.). It features a sealed, galvanized housing & PSC permanently lubricated, quiet-low watt motor. The corrosion-proof,
Variable Aspiration Control Hood dilutes radon gas with infused outdoor air & propels it away. Airflow velocity easily adjusts
for various pipe lengths and extraction point from a sump pit or below basement floor.

PERFORMANCE & SPECIFICATIONS

RMS160 Performance

MODEL RMS160

Motor: 115 Volts ~ 50/60 Hz
Watts: 50
Amps: 0.80 maximum

©2011 TJERNLUND PRODUCTS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED P/N: 8504183

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RMS160 FAN DIMENSIONS

RMS160 HOOD DIMENSIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each Radon VACTMis factory line tested before shipment. After opening carton, inspect thoroughly for shipment damage.
Fan should rotate freely and all electrical wires and connections should be secured. If any damage is found, notify freight
carrier and your distributor immediately and file a concealed damage claim.

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

The RMS160 must be installed by a qualified installer in accordance with these instructions and all local codes or in their
absence in accordance with the latest editions of the International Residential Code and International Electrical Code.
Improper installation can create a hazardous condition such as fire, electric shock or personal injury. To reduce these risks
significantly, use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer. If you have questions, contact Tjernlund
Products. Always disconnect the RMS160 from its power source before installation and servicing.

CAUTION: For general ventilation use only. Do not use to exhaust hazardous or explosive materials and vapors. No main­tenance is required for the RMS160, but regular radon testing is recommended to verify levels remain low.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Do not
plug in fan without PVC attached in order to avoid contact with rotating blower wheel.

The Radon VAC

TM

radon mitigation system is an important part of limiting the entry of radon gas into your home. However,

minimizing your home's exposure to radon requires a comprehensive approach and includes, but is not limited to:

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• Sealing cracks in foundation floors and walls

• Sealing ductwork that may create a negative pressure in basement or crawlspace

• Providing make-up air for combustion appliances and other exhaust sources to reduce the negative pressure
inside the home

• Diluting crawlspace or basement air with fresh air, (See Companion Products Section on page 7).

Radon fans work by actively depressurizing the soil under the foundation or crawl space vapor barrier. The lower pressure
created by the fan forces radon gas into the system's piping and to the outside rather than allowing it to leak into the home.

A fan can only effectively depressurize within a certain square foot range and this range is affected by many factors beyond
the performance of the fan (different soil types, densities, and foundation sizes). Note that some homes may require multiple
floor penetrations and/or fans. Use these guidelines to maximize the area covered by the fan:

• Minimize pipe run length and elbows

• Use larger diameter PVC pipe when practical

• Use appropriate PVC glue that matches PVC type to ensure sealed pipe joints & connections

• Seal all cracks in the foundation

• Seal PVC pipe penetration (around top of slab, sump pit, or vapor barrier)

• For sub-slab penetrations, provide 5-10 gallons of pea gravel under the slab to improve the air path area to the pipe

• Avoid structural restrictions to flow (e.g. foundation walls or footings)

• Avoid interfering with plumbing and heating pipes such as infloor heat or ductwork

Proper installation is critical at the point of penetration under the home. Below are general guidelines by penetration type.

Sub-membrane

Ensure that the entire sub-membrane is sealed and air tight. Seal penetration of PVC pipe into submembrane with commer­cial grade builder’s tape or other permanent means.

Sub-slab

Once penetration is made, promote proper flow by clearing out 5-10 gallons of dirt/clay from beneath foundation and replace
with pea gravel. IMPORTANT: PVC pipe should not "dead end" into dirt/clay, but rather should have some room to
"breathe" (the pea gravel allows this). Fittings are available so PVC is supported in the pea gravel and does not “dead end”
into the dirt. Use caulk or other means to seal the penetration around the pipe.

Sump Pit

Ensure that the sump pit cover is air tight and that pipe penetration is sealed. Some sump pit covers are available with
molded holes designed for PVC pipe. Install PVC pipe just inside the cover to avoid pulling water from the sump pit.