API 15N - User Manual

ALLIED PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC.
705 E. North Street
Elburn, IL 60119
Instructions for Sinking De-icers
Model 15N and Model 10N
Setup and Operation
Specifications
Model 15N: 1500 watts, 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Model 10N: 1000 watts, 120 VAC, 60 Hz
CAUTION
1. To insure continued protection against electric shock, connect to properly grounded
outlets only.
2. Unplug the heater at receptacle outlet when not in use or before removing from
tank or pond
WARNING
1. Read all instructions.
2. Inspect the cord before using.
3. Do not use extension cords.
4. Do not immerse the plug.
5. Store indoors after winter season.
6. Connect only to a circuit that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI). This is a sensitive device that cuts off the electricity if there
is any leakage of current. This device may be obtained from any electrician or
hardware store.
Maintenance
Do not allow lime or other impurities in the water to build up on the heating element.
The frequency of cleaning depends directly upon the composition of your water
supply. To remove buildup, soak the heating element in vinegar or a lime removing
cleaners obtained at any farm or hardware store. Then use a non-metallic brush to
remove any remaining build-up. Inspect the element for any cracks before
reinstalling.
IMPORTANT
This product is approved for use only with the LOCKNDRY Listed Detachable
Power Supply Cord. The plug on this product is specially designed to mate with the
LOCKNDRY detachable power supply cord to form a water resistant seal. Mating
receptacles can be identified by the red locking nut on each cord. The back of this
sheet shows how the plug mates with the LOCKNDRY cord.
IMPORTANT
The use of the Model 88R guard is mandatory to prevent the heating element from coming into
contact with combustible materials such as the side or bottom of a non-metallic tank. See the
back of this sheet for instructions on attaching the guard.
Read and follow all instructions in this sheet.
Installation
1. If the unit is to be used in a non-metallic tank, a Model 88R guard must be
attached in order to prevent the heating element from coming in contact with the
walls of the tank. See back of this sheet for instructions on attaching the guard.
2. The unit should be placed in a tank with water and then plugged into a Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI) protected circuit.
3. Some animals--particularly horses--may try to remove the de-icer from the tank.
To prevent this from happening, you may wish to run the cord through PVC or
galvanized tubing extending over the tank or use the Model 23ST De-icer Safety
Tether from API. Be sure to allow slack in the cord to compensate for varying
water level.
4. This de-icer is UL approved for use only with the LOCKNDRY detachabled power
supply cord--see back of this sheet for details. Do not use extension cords.
5. The unit is thermostatically controlled so that it will not turn on until the temper-
ature drops to around 40°F. If it is removed from the tank, it will turn on and then
shut itself off in about 60 seconds. It will then cycle on and off in this manner.
TM
Warranty
This de-icer is warranted for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. If you
believe your de-icer is defective and still within the warranty period, return it to the
factory or place of purchase for inspection and possible replacement. The warranty is
voided if (1) the cord has been modified in any way, (2) excessive deposits have been
allowed to accumulate on the heating element, or (3) there is evidence of general
abuse such as animals chewing on the cord. This warranty does not cover incidental
or consequential damage resulting from either a defect in parts, materials, or operation
failure. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of the above damages so
the above limitation may not apply to you. No agent, employee, or representative of
Allied Precision has any authority to bind Allied Precision to any affirmation,
representation or warranty directed towards any products bearing the Allied Precision
name, except as stated herein. This warranty gives you specific legal rights--you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
10-96© 2009 ALLIED PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC.

Summary

Setup and Operation

Installation

Steps for installing the de-icer, including guard attachment and placement in the tank.

Maintenance

Procedures for cleaning the heating element to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Warranty

Information regarding the de-icer's warranty period and conditions for coverage.

Attaching the Guard to the De-icer

Attaching the LOCKNDRY Detachable Power Supply Cord

Troubleshooting

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Warranty

This document describes the "Sinking De-icers Model 15N and Model 10N" manufactured by ALLIED PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC. These devices are designed to prevent water from freezing, particularly in tanks or ponds, and are intended for use with livestock.

Function Description

The de-icers are thermostatically controlled heating elements that activate when the water temperature drops to approximately 40°F (4.4°C). If removed from the tank, the unit will turn on and then shut itself off in about 60 seconds, cycling on and off in this manner. A mandatory Model 88R guard must be attached when using the de-icer in a non-metallic tank to prevent the heating element from contacting the tank walls. The de-icer is UL approved for use exclusively with the LOCKNDRY™ Listed Detachable Power Supply Cord, which forms a water-resistant seal and prevents separation during use.

Important Technical Specifications

• Model 15N:
  • Wattage: 1500 watts
  • Voltage: 120 VAC
  • Frequency: 60 Hz
• Model 10N:
  • Wattage: 1000 watts
  • Voltage: 120 VAC
  • Frequency: 60 Hz
• Power Supply Cord: Exclusively uses the LOCKNDRY™ Listed Detachable Power Supply Cord. This cord features a plug that mates with the de-icer's specially designed receptacle to form a water-resistant seal. The cord itself has a red locking nut for identification.
• Safety: Must be connected to a circuit protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

Usage Features

• Installation:
  1. Guard Attachment (for non-metallic tanks): Turn the unit upside down. Place the Model 88R guard as shown in the diagram. Rotate the short spring to thread it onto the guard and the straight section of the heating element. The spring should capture the cross-wire on the guard and be centered around the copper strap.
  2. Placement: Place the unit in a tank with water.
  3. Power Connection: Plug the unit into a GFCI-protected circuit.
  4. Animal Tampering Prevention: To prevent animals (especially horses) from removing the de-icer, consider running the cord through PVC or galvanized tubing extending over the tank, or use the Model 23ST De-icer Safety Tether from API. Ensure to allow slack in the cord to accommodate varying water levels.
  5. Cord Connection (LOCKNDRY™):
     • Insert the plug into the receptacle fully.
     • Slide the large nut forward to engage the threads on the plug.
     • Rotate the large nut to hand-tighten the plug against the receptacle.
     • Slide the second, thinner, red nut forward to engage the threads.
     • Rotate the red nut snugly against the larger nut, hand-tightening only.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Connect only to properly grounded outlets.
  • Unplug the heater when not in use or before removal from the tank/pond.
  • Read all instructions before use.
  • Inspect the cord before each use.
  • Do not use extension cords.
  • Do not immerse the plug.
  • Store indoors after the winter season.
  • Connect only to a GFCI-protected circuit.
• Troubleshooting (Tank/Pond Freezes Over):
  • Unplug the de-icer and test the outlet with another electrical device (e.g., lamp, power tool).
  • Check for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
  • If the breaker/fuse is okay, check the wiring to the outlet.
  • If the de-icer is far from the breaker box, a significant voltage drop might reduce power output; consult a qualified electrician if suspected.
  • If ice forms quickly due to rapid temperature drops, wait up to 2 hours for melting. If no melting occurs, return the unit.
• Troubleshooting (Livestock Being Shocked):
  • DO NOT TOUCH THE WATER. Unplug the unit and remove it from the tank.
  • If the GFCI has tripped, return the unit.
  • If not plugged into a GFCI, locate one to test the unit.
  • To test the de-icer: Place the unit in a freezer for 30 minutes to activate the thermostat. Then, place the unit in water (e.g., sink or bathtub) and, without touching the unit or water, plug it into a GFCI for 15 seconds. If the GFCI trips, return the unit.
  • If the GFCI does not trip, the unit is operating properly, and the shocking is likely due to voltage leakage in the electrical supply, possibly from the utility company. Contact Allied Precision at (800) 627-6179 for assistance.

Maintenance Features

• Cleaning: Prevent lime or other impurities from building up on the heating element. The cleaning frequency depends on water composition. To remove buildup, soak the heating element in vinegar or a lime-removing cleaner (available at farm or hardware stores). Use a non-metallic brush to remove any remaining buildup.
• Inspection: Inspect the heating element for any cracks before reinstalling.

Warranty

• Duration: 12 months from the date of purchase.
• Procedure: If defective and within warranty, return to the factory or place of purchase for inspection and possible replacement.
• Void Conditions:
  1. Cord has been modified.
  2. Excessive deposits have accumulated on the heating element.
  3. Evidence of general abuse, such as animals chewing on the cord.
• Limitations: Does not cover incidental or consequential damage resulting from defects in parts, materials, or operation failure. Some states may not allow these exclusions.
• Authority: No agent, employee, or representative of Allied Precision has authority to bind Allied Precision to any affirmation, representation, or warranty beyond what is stated in this document.
• Rights: This warranty grants specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state.

API 15N Specifications

General

Brand	API
Model	15N
Category	Lawn and Garden Equipment
Language	English