Suburban NT-16SQ - User Manual

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SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY

676 Broadway Street

Dayton, Tennessee 37321

423-775-2131

www.RVComfort.com

USER’S INFORMATION MANUAL

NT-16SQ ● NT-20SQ

This book contains instructions covering the operation and maintenance of your furnace.

INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE APPLIANCE.

CONSUMER: RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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! 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! 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! If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a re or explosion

may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable vapors and liquids in teh vicintiy of this or

any other appliance.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

Extinguish any open ame

•

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 qualied service technician for repairs.•

If you cannot reach a gas supplier or qualied service technician, contact the nearest •

re department.

Do not turn on the gas supply until the gas leak(s) has been repaired.

•

Installation and service must be performed by a qualied installer, service agency or •

the gas supplier.

Part Number 204874

8-1-2011

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Summary

Safety Information

General Safety Warnings

Key safety warnings regarding installation, operation, and potential hazards.

Gas Leak Procedure

Immediate steps to take to ensure safety in case of a gas leak.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Routine Maintenance Checks

Periodic inspections and cleaning of furnace components for safe operation.

Yearly Inspection Requirements

Annual checks by a qualified service agency for furnace and venting integrity.

Operating Instructions

Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Essential safety steps before operating the furnace, including gas smell checks.

Ignition and Operation

Details on the furnace's automatic ignition device and initial operation.

Furnace Operation Procedures

Startup and Normal Operation

Step-by-step guide for starting and operating the furnace.

Shutdown Procedure

Procedure for safely shutting down the furnace and gas supply.

Warranty Information

Two-Year Limited Warranty

Details of the limited warranty for material and workmanship for two years.

Heat Exchanger Warranty

Specific warranty coverage for the heat exchanger from year three to five.

Warranty Limitations

Conditions and situations not covered by the appliance warranty.

Product Problem Resolution

Steps to follow if a problem arises with the furnace, including service contact.

This document is the User's Information Manual for Suburban NT-16SQ and NT-20SQ furnaces, providing instructions for operation and maintenance. Suburban Manufacturing Company, located at 676 Broadway Street, Dayton, Tennessee 37321, can be reached at 423-775-2131 or through their website, www.RVComfort.com. The manual emphasizes that installation must strictly adhere to the provided written instructions, and any unauthorized changes or modifications are prohibited. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can lead to property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

Function Description:

The Suburban NT-16SQ and NT-20SQ are recreational vehicle (RV) furnaces designed to provide heating. They operate on LP gas and are equipped with an automatic ignition device, eliminating the need for manual lighting. The furnace is designed for safe and efficient heating within an RV, with specific instructions for proper venting and combustion air supply to prevent hazards.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual does not explicitly list detailed technical specifications such as BTU output, voltage, or current draw. However, it does mention that the NT-16SQ and NT-20SQ models are equipped with a valve shut-off switch, which, when in the "OFF" position, prevents gas flow to the burner and furnace operation. This indicates a safety feature integrated into the gas control system. The furnace operates with an ignition device that automatically lights the burner, and a combustion chamber purge cycle is initiated by the blower before ignition.

Usage Features:

Automatic Ignition: The furnace features an automatic ignition device, eliminating the need for manual lighting. Users are explicitly warned not to attempt to light the burner by hand.
Thermostat Control: Operation is controlled via a thermostat. To start, the thermostat lever is set above room temperature, which initiates blower operation and a combustion chamber purge cycle. To turn off, the thermostat is set to the lowest setting, then moved to the "OFF" position.
Safety Shut-off: A manual shut-off valve (or the valve at the outside LP tank) is used to control the gas supply. For models NT-16SQ and NT-20SQ, a built-in valve shut-off switch prevents gas flow when in the "OFF" position.
Pre-Operation Safety Checks: Before operating, users must smell around the appliance area for gas, especially near the floor, as LP gas is heavier than air. If gas is detected, a strict protocol must be followed, including extinguishing open flames, evacuating the vehicle, shutting off the gas supply, avoiding electrical switches, and contacting a qualified service technician or fire department.
Initial Firing "Smoking": During the initial firing, a burn-off of excess paint and oils from the manufacturing process may cause "smoking" for 5-10 minutes, which is normal.
Troubleshooting Ignition: If the burner does not light after 30 seconds, users are instructed to repeat the starting steps. If ignition fails after three attempts, the user should contact a dealer or service agency and not continue cycling the furnace.
Water Submersion Protocol: If any part of the appliance has been submerged under water, it must not be used. A qualified service technician must inspect and replace any affected control system or gas control parts.
Refueling Safety: The furnace and all ignition systems must be "OFF" during refueling or while the vehicle is in motion or being towed.

Maintenance Features:

Monthly Inspection: Owners should inspect the furnace monthly during the heating season for soot on the vent. Soot indicates incomplete combustion and an unsafe operating condition, requiring immediate shutdown and contact with a qualified service agency.
Vent Inspection: The furnace venting must be free of obstructions, soot, and properly terminated to the atmosphere. Screens over the vent are prohibited as they can cause unsafe operation.
Burner Flame Observation: Periodically observe the main burner flame. It should be a hard blue flame with well-defined burner ports (as illustrated in Figure 2). A yellow or lazy flame indicates a problem, potentially requiring burner cleaning or replacement. The burner access door can be removed for inspection.
Cleanliness: The furnace, control compartments, burners, and circulating air passageways must be kept clean. More frequent cleaning may be needed due to lint from carpeting or bedding.
Motor Lubrication: The motor is permanently lubricated and does not require oiling.
Clearance: The furnace area must be kept clear of combustible materials, gasoline, or other flammable vapors and liquids. The furnace vent must not be blocked by any door on the trailer.
Airflow: Do not restrict the flow of combustion air or warm air circulation to the furnace, as this can cause personal injury or death.
Ducting: Do not restrict the ducting installed by the trailer manufacturer or install air boosters, as these can cause erratic furnace operation and cycling on limit.
Annual Inspection: A qualified service agency should inspect the furnace annually before the heating season. This includes checking the installation, vent termination, chamber, venting for physical soundness and corrosion, furnace base, and gas piping for deterioration.
Combustion Chamber Cleaning: The combustion chamber should be inspected for restrictions in exhaust or intake and cleaned with compressed air to remove soot or loose debris (as illustrated in Figure 3).
Gasket Inspection: All gaskets should be inspected for leakage or deterioration and replaced if necessary to ensure safe operation.
Return Air Inlet: Return air inlet openings must be free of restrictions to ensure adequate airflow.
Professional Service: Users are warned against attempting to repair damaged parts or the furnace themselves, emphasizing that repairs should only be performed by a qualified service agency.

The manual also includes a two-year limited warranty for the furnace, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance. A three-year limited warranty is provided for the heat exchanger. The warranty specifies that Suburban will replace defective parts and cover a service allowance for repairs performed by recommended Suburban Service Centers. It explicitly states that the owner should not pay the service agency for warranty repairs, as these will not be reimbursed. The warranty also outlines limitations, such as not covering normal maintenance, faulty installation, damage from external factors (floods, accidents), or products with altered serial numbers. It also disclaims responsibility for special, indirect, or consequential property, economic, or commercial damage.