IHP FBK-250 - User Manual

NOTE: DIAGRAMS AND ILLUSTRATIONS NOT TO SCALE
FBK-250 BLOWER
ACCESSORY KITS
P/N 750029M
Rev. H, 10/2019
HEARTH PRODUCTS
KITS AND ACCESSORIES
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR FBK-250 BLOWER KIT
[FOR USE WITH MODELS ALTAIR (-B & -C) 40/45, ARIES (-B,-C & -D) 33/35/40/45, ARIESCD 33/35/40/45, COMPASS 35/45, COMPASSDLX 35/45, DRC2000 33/35/40/45, DRL2000
35/45, DRL3500 35/45, DRT2000 (-B & -C) 33/35/40/45, DRT3000 (-B & -C) 33/35/40/45, DRT4000 (-B) 40/45, DRT35 ST/PF, DRT40 ST/PF/CR/CL, DRT4000 (-B & -C) 40/45, DVF
36/42, EROS35 ST/PF, GEMINI (-B & -C) 35/40/45, LIBRA40 ST/PF/CR/CL, MHD 35/40, MHD40 ST/PF AND VARIOUS LHP LEGACY APPLIANCES]
Blower Kits
Cat. No. Model Description
80L86 FBK-250
Blower Kit, Variable Speed with
Thermo Snap Switch
KIT CONTENTS
1 ea. Blower Assembly
2 ea. Screws #6-32 x 1/4
1 ea. Blower Speed Control
Module
1 ea. Instruction Sheet
GENERAL INFORMATION
This blower kit may be used with gas fireplaces. The FBK-250 blower kit
is used when unit-mounted variable speed blower control is desired. The
blower is installed beneath the firebox. Room air is drawn in through the
bottom area of the fireplace, heated as it passes across the firebox, and
discharged through the upper panel/louver area at the top of the fireplace.
This kit contains one blower, one speed control module, two speed control
module securing screws and these instructions.
READ ALL THE STEPS BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION THE
FIREPLACE MUST BE OFF AND COLD BEFORE BEGINNING.
ALL WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL PROVIDED WITH THE
APPLIANCE APPLY TO THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
If you encounter any problems, need clarification of these instructions or
are not qualified to properly install this kit, contact you local distributor
or dealer.
If any of these parts are missing or damaged, contact your dealer or IHP.
us.com for referral information.
WARNING
• Blower accessory must be grounded. Blower comes
with a three-prong, grounding plug. The plug is your
protection against electrical shock. Plug it into a stan-
dard, three-hole, grounded, outlet. If cord needs re-
placing, use only a cord with a three-prong, grounding
plug.
• Failure to connect all wires as indicated may cause
electrical shock or personal injury.
CAUTION
Verify proper operation after servicing.
1
unit-mounted variable
speed blower control
module not shown here
WARNING
Reinstall any barrier removed before operating the fire-
place. The barrier is designed to reduce the risk of burns
from hot glass. Do not operate the fireplace without the
barrier installed.
CAUTION
Wear cut resistant gloves and protective clothing during
this process.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Turn OFF the fireplace and allow it to cool before proceeding.
2. If the appliance is connected to 120 volt power, disconnect the
power.
3. Shut off the gas supply to the fireplace.
4. Open the lower compartment door (either a radiant panel or louver
assembly) by pushing in simultaneously the left and right side of the
door, or simply lower door down (some doors have hinge pins that
allow the door to be completely removed by pulling pins). Fireplaces
with facades will require the entire facade be removed.
5. D-400, D-500, D-600 and D-800 series; B-500, B-600, and B-800
series; and MDT3328 and MDR3328 Fireplaces - Remove the bot-
tom panel or louver assembly by removing the screw at each end of
the panel or louver assembly, retain the end spacers, and then pull the
panel or the louver assembly from the unit.
Elite-2 Series Fireplaces - Remove the bottom compartment door
(on Multi-Open fireplaces, the modesty-panel-side door) by sliding the
hinge pin, located at the door’s left side, to the right until it disengages
from the left corner post hole. Pull the door diagonally to the left, away
from the fireplace.

Summary

FBK-250 Blower Kit Installation Instructions

Kit Contents

Lists the components included in the FBK-250 blower accessory kit.

General Information

Explains the blower kit's application, operation, and components.

Safety Warnings and Cautions

Details critical safety warnings, precautions, and cautions for installation.

Initial Installation Steps (1-5)

Covers initial steps like turning off power, gas, and removing fireplace panels.

Blower and Control Module Installation

Blower Assembly Mounting (Steps 6-7)

Describes mounting the blower assembly for different fireplace types.

Control Module Installation (Steps 8-10)

Details installing the control module for various fireplace configurations.

Finalizing Installation and Testing

Final Connections and Checks (Steps 11-13)

Covers adjusting the thermal sensor and making final electrical connections.

Reassembly and Testing (Steps 14-17)

Guides on reassembling the fireplace and testing the blower's operation.

J-Box Wiring and Grounding

Explains proper junction box wiring and the importance of grounding.

Overview

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

The FBK-250 Blower Accessory Kit is designed for use with a variety of LHP (Innovative Hearth Products) gas fireplaces, including models from the ALTAIR, ARIES, COMPASS, DRC2000, DRL2000, DRL3500, DRT2000, DRT3000, DRT4000, DVF, EROS, GEMINI, LIBRA, and MHD series. This kit enhances the heating efficiency of the fireplace by circulating warm air into the room.

Function Description:

The primary function of the FBK-250 blower kit is to improve the heat distribution from a gas fireplace. It draws room air in through the bottom of the fireplace, circulates it across the hot firebox where it is heated, and then discharges the warmed air through the upper panel or louver area back into the room. This process helps to more effectively distribute the heat generated by the fireplace, making the living space more comfortable. The kit includes a variable speed blower control module, allowing users to adjust the airflow and, consequently, the heat output to their desired level. A thermal element sensing disk, which touches the underside of the firebox floor, is integrated into the control module. This disk senses when the fireplace has reached a sufficient temperature to activate the blower, and also signals when to shut off the blower after the fireplace cools down.

Kit Contents:

The FBK-250 kit (Cat. No. 80L86) includes:

• 1 Blower Assembly
• 2 Screws (#6-32 x 1/4) for securing components
• 1 Blower Speed Control Module (variable speed with thermo snap switch)
• 1 Instruction Sheet

Important Technical Specifications:

• Electrical Requirements: The blower operates on 120V, 60Hz, 1PH power. It requires a grounded outlet, and the ground lead must be connected to the green screw on the junction box for proper operation and safety.
• Wiring: The blower control circuit wiring involves connecting the blower to the module and the module to the top receptacle in the junction box. The junction box typically provides 120 VAC (black hot, white neutral, green ground). If any original wire needs replacement, it must be type AWM 105 degree C - 14 gauge wire.
• Blower Activation/Deactivation Times:
  • Direct-vent Units: Approximate blower start time is 15 minutes from main burner startup. Approximate blower shut-off time is 10 minutes after main burner shut down.
  • B-vent Units: Approximate blower start time is 20 minutes from main burner startup. Approximate blower shut-off time is 20 minutes after main burner shut down.
• Safety: The blower assembly comes with a three-prong, grounding plug to protect against electrical shock. It is crucial to plug it into a standard, three-hole, grounded outlet. Failure to connect all wires as indicated can lead to electrical shock or personal injury.

Usage Features:

• Variable Speed Control: The included speed control module allows users to adjust the blower's fan speed, providing flexibility in managing heat distribution and noise levels.
• Automatic Operation: The thermal element sensing disk automatically turns the blower on once the fireplace reaches an optimal operating temperature and turns it off as the fireplace cools, ensuring efficient and hands-free operation.
• Compatibility: Designed for a wide range of LHP gas fireplaces, ensuring broad applicability.
• Installation: The kit is designed for installation beneath the firebox. Installation involves sliding the blower assembly into the cabinet base, securing it with tabs, and mounting the control module. Specific instructions are provided for different fireplace types (front-open direct-vent, multi-open direct-vent, B-vent, and Elite-2 Series).

Maintenance Features:

• Grounding: Proper grounding is a critical maintenance and safety feature. The appliance must be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes or, in the absence of local codes, the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-latest edition (In Canada, the current CSA C22-1 Canadian Electrical Code).
• Pre-Installation Check: Before installation, it is important to ensure all parts are present and undamaged. Any missing or damaged parts should be reported to the dealer or IHP.
• Post-Installation Verification: After installation, users should verify the proper operation of the blower, including its start-up, shut-down, and variable speed features, by following the fireplace's lighting instructions.
• Safety Precautions: Always turn off the fireplace and allow it to cool before beginning any installation or servicing. Wear cut-resistant gloves and protective clothing during the process. Disconnect 120V power and shut off the gas supply if the appliance is connected to them.
• Barrier Reinstallation: Reinstall any barrier removed before operating the fireplace. The barrier is designed to reduce the risk of burns from hot glass, and the fireplace should not be operated without it.

The FBK-250 Blower Accessory Kit is an essential addition for fireplace owners looking to maximize the heating potential and comfort provided by their LHP gas fireplace, combining efficient heat distribution with user-friendly controls and robust safety features.

IHP FBK-250 Specifications

General

Brand	IHP
Model	FBK-250
Category	Blower
Language	English