Suburban NT-16SE - User Manual

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SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY

676 Broadway Street

Dayton, Tennessee 37321

USER’S INFORMATION

MANUAL

For Models

NT-16SE • NT-20SE

This book contains instructions for operating and

maintaining the furnace.

INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE

APPLIANCE.

CONSUMER: RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE

REFRENCE.

Should you require further information, contact your dealer or

nearest Suburban Service Center.

WARNING! Installation of this appliance

must be made in accordance with the

written instructions provided in this

manual. No agent, representative or

employee of Suburban or other person

has the authority to change, modify or

waive any provision of the instructions

contained in this manual.

WARNING! Be sure the furnace and all

ignition systems are “OFF” during any

type of refueling and while vehicle is in

motion or being towed.

WARNING! Improper installation,

adjustment, alteration, service or

maintenance can cause property damage,

personal injury or loss of life. Refer to the

installation instructions and/or owners

manual provided with this appliance.

WARNING: If the information in this

manual is not followed exactly, a fire

or explosion may result causing

property damage, personal injury or

loss of life.

– Do not store or use gasoline or other

flammable vapors and liquids in the

vicinity of this or any other appliance.

– WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Evacuate all persons from the

vehicle.

• Shut off the gas supply at the gas

container or source.

• Do not touch any electrical switch,

or use any phone or radio in the

vehicle.

• Do not start the vehicle’s engine or

electric generator.

• Contact the nearest gas supplier or

qualified service technician for repairs.

• If you cannot reach a gas supplier or

qualified service technician, contact

the nearest fire department.

• Do not turn on the gas supply until

the gas leak(s) has been repaired.

– Installation and service must be

performed by a qualified installer,

service agency or the gas supplier.

Installer: leave this manual with the

appliance.

Consumer: Retain this manual for future

reference.

Due to high temperatures, the unit should be located out of traffic and

away from furniture and draperies.

Children and adults should be alerted to the hazards of high surface

temperatures and should stay away to avoid burns or clothing ignition.

Young children should be carefully supervised when they are in the same

room as the unit.

Clothing or other flammable material should not be placed on or near the

unit.

Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing the unit must be

replaced prior to operating the unit.

The area around the unit must be kept clear from combustible materials,

gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.

Installation and repairs should be done by a qualified service person. The

unit should be inspected before use and at least annually by a qualified

service person. More frequent cleaning may be required due to excessive

lint from carpeting, bedding material, etc. It is imperative that control

compartments, burners, and circulating air passageways of the unit be

kept clean.

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Summary

USERS INFORMATION MANUAL

General Safety Warnings

Key safety precautions for installation, operation, and maintenance to prevent fire or explosion.

Gas Leak Emergency Procedure

Immediate steps to take upon detecting a gas leak to ensure personal and property safety.

Appliance Safety Precautions

Essential safety measures regarding appliance placement, supervision, and clearances for safe operation.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

Maintenance Safety and Cautions

Critical warnings and cautions concerning maintenance, servicing, and component integrity.

Annual Furnace Inspection Guide

Recommended annual checks for furnace installation, venting, gas piping, and combustion integrity.

Operational Safety Tips

Safety guidelines for safe furnace operation, including venting, flame observation, and air flow.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Mandatory safety checks and warnings required before initiating furnace operation.

Furnace Startup Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for safely starting up and operating the furnace.

Gas Supply Shut-Off Procedure

Instructions for safely turning off the gas supply to the appliance when needed.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

Parts Ordering Information

Key details required from the owner when ordering replacement parts from the dealer or service center.

Component Identification

List of furnace components with corresponding part numbers for identification and ordering.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Two-Year Limited Warranty Terms

Details of the warranty covering material and workmanship defects for the initial two years.

Three-Year Heat Exchanger Warranty

Extended warranty coverage specific to the heat exchanger for the third through fifth year.

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations

Specific conditions, damages, and circumstances not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Product Problem Resolution Steps

Guidance for owners on how to address product issues and seek necessary service.

This document is a user's information manual for Suburban NT-16SE and NT-20SE furnace models, manufactured by Suburban Manufacturing Company, a division of Airxcel, Inc. It provides instructions for operation, maintenance, and safety, along with a replacement parts list and warranty information.

Function Description:

The Suburban NT-16SE and NT-20SE furnaces are heating appliances designed for recreational vehicles (RVs). They operate on LP gas and are equipped with an automatic ignition device, eliminating the need for manual lighting. The primary function is to provide warmth within the RV by circulating heated air. The furnace is designed to vent combustion products to the outside atmosphere and draw combustion air from outside, ensuring safe operation within the enclosed space of an RV.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual lists replacement parts for models NT-12SE, NT-16SE, and NT-20SE, indicating a range of furnace sizes or capacities. While specific BTU ratings are not explicitly stated for the NT-16SE and NT-20SE models in the provided text, the inclusion of different orifice sizes (Item 60: Orifice, Main Burner) in the parts list suggests varying heat outputs between models. The furnaces are designed for LP gas only. Key components include a combustion chamber, burner assembly, gas valve, motor, blower wheels (combustion air and room air), and a module board for control. The vent termination is critical for safe operation, ensuring proper exhaust of combustion products.

Usage Features:

The furnace operation is controlled by a thermostat. To operate, the user sets the thermostat to the desired temperature. The appliance automatically lights the burner. A manual shut-off valve is provided for the gas supply. The manual emphasizes several safety precautions during use:

Gas Leaks: If gas is smelled, the user must immediately evacuate all persons, shut off the gas supply, avoid electrical switches or starting the vehicle's engine/generator, and contact a qualified service technician or fire department. Gas supply should not be turned back on until the leak is repaired.
Vehicle Motion: The furnace must not be operated while the vehicle is in motion or being towed.
Initial Firing: During initial firing, a burn-off of excess paint and oils from manufacturing may cause "smoking" for 5-10 minutes.
Vent Obstruction: The furnace vent must not be blocked by any door on the trailer or by add-on rooms, screen porches, or patios. Screens should never be installed over the vent.
Flammable Materials: No clothing or other flammable material should be placed on or near the unit, and the area around the unit must be kept clear of combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids.
Children and Adults: Users should be alerted to the hazards of high surface temperatures, and young children should be carefully supervised.
Lock-out Feature: If the furnace locks out, the blower will turn off after 5 minutes and remain off until the unit is reset by reactivating the thermostat.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The manual recommends annual inspection by a qualified service agency, with particular attention to:

Installation and Venting: Ensure proper securing, termination to the atmosphere, and correct overlap of vent tubes.
Chamber and Venting: Check for physical soundness, absence of holes or excessive corrosion, and adherence to installation instructions.
Combustion Products: Ensure proper venting of combustion products to the atmosphere and that combustion air is drawn from outside.
Base: Check for physical soundness, without sagging or deterioration.
Furnace, Venting, and Gas Piping: Inspect for signs of deterioration.
Combustion Chamber: Check for restrictions in exhaust or intake. Any soot or loose debris should be blown out with compressed air.
Gaskets: Inspect all gaskets for signs of leakage or deterioration and replace if necessary.
Return Air Inlet: Remove any restrictions to ensure adequate airflow.
Monthly User Check: During the heating season, the owner/user should inspect the vent for soot. Presence of soot indicates incomplete combustion and an unsafe condition, requiring immediate shutdown and contact with a qualified service agency.
Main Burner Flame: Periodically observe the main burner flame to ensure it burns with a hard blue flame and well-defined burner ports. A yellow or lazy flame indicates a need for cleaning or replacement of the burner. The burner access door can be removed for inspection and cleaning.
Furnace Cleanliness: Keep the furnace clean, especially control compartments, burners, and circulating air passageways, as excessive lint from carpeting or bedding can accumulate.
Motor Lubrication: The motor is permanently lubricated and requires no oiling.
Damaged Parts: Never attempt to repair damaged parts; always have them replaced by a qualified service agency.

Warranty Information:

The product comes with a Two-Year Limited Warranty covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance. Suburban will replace defective parts and pay a service allowance to recommended service centers. Freight costs for replacement parts are the owner's responsibility. An additional Three-Year Limited Warranty is provided for the heat exchanger, covering the third through fifth year after purchase, with no labor reimbursement. The warranty explicitly excludes normal maintenance, damage from incorrect installation, failure to start due to loose wires or low voltage, routine adjustments, and damage from misuse or unauthorized alterations. The owner is advised to contact a recommended Suburban Service Center for warranty service.