Suburban NT-24SP - User Manual

uburban
Manufacturing Company
]Is
CERTIFIED
USER'S INFORMATION MANUAL
For
Models
NT-24SP NT-30SP NT-34SP
NT-12s NT-16s NT-20s
This book contains instructions covering the operation and
maintenance of your furnace. Keep with unit at all times.
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
andlor owners
manual provided with this appliance.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
in which it was shipped from the factory or if the appliance is not used
solely for its intended purpose or if appliance is not maintained in
accordance with the instructions in this manual, then the risk of a fire
andlor the production of carbon monoxide exists which can cause
CAUTION: Label all wires before disconnecting for servicing. Proper polarity
must be observed so the furnace motor will run with the proper direction of
rotation to insure correct air delivery (See Wiring Diagram.)
CAUTION: Label all wires prior to disconnection when servicing controls.
Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous furnace operation.
Always verify proper operation of furnace after
servicing.
You, as the ownerluser, should inspect the furnace monthly during the
heating season for presence of soot on vent.
Operat~ng the furnace under this
condition could lead to serious
propew damage, personal injury or loss of life. If
soot is observed on the vent, immediately shut furnace down and contact a
qualified service agency.
Listed below are several safety related items that you should follow during the
heating season to assure continued safe operation of the furnace.
1. lnspect furnace venting. Venting must be free of obstructions, void of soot and
properly terminated to the atmosphere. (Refer to installation manual.)
SUBURBAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Post Office Box 399
Dayton, Tennessee 37321
ignition systems are "OFF" during any
type of refueling and while vehicle is in
motion or beina towed.
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
Extinguish any open flame.
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.
WARNING! Do not install screens over the vent for any reason. Screens
will become restricted and cause unsafe furnace operation. Accessories
are being marketed for RV products which we do not recommend. For
your safety, only factory authorized parts are to be used on your furnace.
2. Periodically inspect the vent for obstructions or presence of soot. Soot is
formed whenever combustion is incomplete. This is your visual warning that the
furnace is operating in an unsafe manner. If soot is present, immediately shut
furnace down and contact your dealer or a qualified service person.
3. Periodically observe the main burner flame to assure it is burning with a hard
blue flame with well defined burner ports (See Figure
2). If flame appears yellow
or burner has a lazy flame, shut furnace down. It is possible that burner needs
cleaning or replaced. To Inspect the main burner, remove the four (4) screws (A.
8. C and D) securing the burner access door to the combustion chamber (See
Figure 1) If excessive rust and corrosion are present on burner surface, the
burner must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. The burner may be cleaned using
a steel wire brush and blown clean using high compression air. Contact a qualified
service person for assistance.
NOTE: To observe flame, cabinet front must be removed. Operation of burner can
then be observed through the viewing window on front of chamber (See Figure 1).
4. Keep furnace clean. 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 appl~ance be kepi
clean.
Form No.
2497-C

Summary

Users Information Manual

Models Covered

Lists the specific Suburban furnace models for which this manual provides operation and maintenance instructions.

General Safety Warnings

Crucial safety advice including turning off ignition systems during refueling and vehicle movement.

Gas Leak Safety

Instructions on what to do if you smell gas to prevent fire or explosion.

Installation and Service Requirements

Emphasizes that installation and service must be performed by qualified personnel.

Maintenance and Cleaning Guidelines

Importance of Maintenance

Highlights risks like fire and carbon monoxide if the appliance is not maintained properly.

Wiring Precautions

Advises labeling wires before servicing to ensure correct operation and prevent errors.

Vent Inspection

Recommends monthly inspection of the furnace vent for soot or obstructions.

Burner Flame Observation

Guidance on checking the main burner flame for proper blue color and identifying issues.

Keeping Furnace Clean

Stresses the need to keep control compartments, burners, and air passageways clean.

Operating and Safety Precautions

General Operating Safety

Covers various safety rules, including keeping the area clear, not operating if gas is smelled, and proper repair practices.

Annual Inspection Requirements

Details essential yearly checks for furnace installation, venting, chamber integrity, and gas piping.

Pre-Operation Safety Checks

Mandates smelling for gas, not lighting the burner manually, and proper use of controls.

Operating Instructions Step-by-Step

Provides a numbered sequence for starting, operating, and turning off the furnace.

Warranty Information

Two Year Limited Warranty

Details the warranty coverage for parts and service, and customer responsibilities for proof of purchase.

Three Year Limited Warranty on Heat Exchanger

Specifies the warranty period for the heat exchanger, excluding labor reimbursement.

Limitations of Warranties

Outlines what is not covered by the warranty, including normal maintenance and improper installation.

Product Problem Resolution

Guides owners on how to address product issues, starting with the RV manufacturer and then contacting Suburban.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Safety Warnings and Precautions
6. Warranty Information

This document is a user's information manual for Suburban Recreational Vehicle (RV) furnaces, specifically models NT-24SP, NT-30SP, NT-34SP, NT-12S, NT-16S, and NT-20S. It provides instructions for operation, maintenance, and safety, along with warranty information.

Function Description

The Suburban RV furnace is designed to provide heating for recreational vehicles. It operates on LP gas and features an automatic ignition device, eliminating the need for a pilot light. The furnace draws combustion air from outside and vents exhaust gases to the atmosphere, ensuring safe operation within the RV. The manual emphasizes the importance of proper installation, maintenance, and adherence to operating instructions to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life due to fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide production.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual does not list specific technical specifications like BTU output, voltage, or current draw for each model. However, it highlights critical operational aspects:

• Fuel Type: LP gas.
• Ignition System: Automatic ignition device; no pilot light.
• Venting: Requires proper venting to the atmosphere for combustion products and drawing combustion air from outside. Screens over the vent are explicitly prohibited as they can restrict airflow and cause unsafe operation.
• Electrical Supply: The furnace requires an electrical supply for the blower and ignition system. Users are instructed to turn off all electric power for servicing.
• Gas Supply: The furnace connects to the vehicle's LP gas container or source, with a manual shut-off valve.

Usage Features

The manual outlines a clear, step-by-step process for operating the furnace:

1. Initial Setup: Ensure the manual gas valve (if equipped) or the valve at the outside LP tank is in the "OFF" position.
2. Blower Purge Cycle: Set the thermostat above room temperature to initiate blower operation. A slight delay occurs before the blower starts. The blower runs for 5 minutes for a combustion chamber purge cycle.
3. Blower Shut-off: After 5 minutes, move the thermostat lever below room temperature. The blower will remain on for approximately 2 minutes before shutting off.
4. Gas Supply Activation: Open the manual shut-off valve (if equipped) or the valve at the outside LP tank. The valve must be fully open for correct operation.
5. Desired Temperature Setting: Set the thermostat to the desired temperature. There will be a delay (approximately 30 seconds) before the motor operates, gas flows, and sparks occur.
6. Main Burner Ignition: Allow 30 seconds for the main burner to light after the blower comes on. The automatic ignition device lights the burner; manual lighting is not required or permitted.
7. Troubleshooting Ignition: If the burner does not light, repeat steps 1 through 8. If the appliance still does not operate, users are instructed to follow the "To Turn Off Gas to Appliance" instructions and contact a service technician or gas supplier.
8. Lock-out Feature: If the furnace locks out, the blower will turn off in 5 minutes and remain off until the unit is reset by reactivating the thermostat.

To turn off the gas to the appliance:

1. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting, then move the lever to the "OFF" position.
2. Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed.
3. Turn the shut-off valve to "OFF" without forcing it.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides detailed maintenance instructions crucial for safe and efficient operation:

• Monthly Inspection: Users should inspect the furnace monthly during the heating season for soot on the vent. Soot indicates incomplete combustion and an unsafe operating condition. If soot is observed, the furnace must be shut down immediately, and a qualified service agency contacted.
• Venting Inspection: Venting must be free of obstructions, void of soot, and properly terminated to the atmosphere. Screens over the vent are strictly prohibited.
• Burner Flame Observation: Periodically observe the main burner flame. It should be a hard blue flame with well-defined burner ports (as depicted in Figure 2, "Correct Flame"). A yellow or lazy flame indicates a problem, requiring the furnace to be shut down and the burner cleaned or replaced by a qualified service person. To inspect the burner, the four screws securing the burner access door to the combustion chamber must be removed.
• Burner Cleaning: If excessive rust or corrosion is present, the burner must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. Cleaning can be done with a steel wire brush and high-compression air.
• General Cleanliness: Keep the furnace clean, especially control compartments, burners, and circulating air passageways, as excessive lint from carpeting or bedding can accumulate.
• Annual Inspection: A qualified service agency should inspect the furnace yearly before the heating season. This includes checking the furnace installation, vent termination, chamber, venting, ducting, gas piping for physical soundness, corrosion, and proper overlap of vent tubes.
• Combustion Chamber Inspection: Check for restrictions in exhaust or intake. Soot or loose debris should be blown out using compressed air (as shown in Figure 3).
• Gasket Inspection: All gaskets should be inspected for signs of leakage or deterioration and replaced if necessary, as tight gaskets are essential for safe operation.
• Return Air Inlet: Ensure return air inlet openings are free of restrictions to assure adequate airflow.
• Motor Lubrication: The motor is permanently lubricated and does not require oiling.

Safety Warnings and Precautions:

The manual contains numerous warnings:

• Gas Leaks: If gas is smelled, extinguish all open flames, evacuate the vehicle, shut off the gas supply, avoid electrical switches/phones/radios, do not start the vehicle's engine or generator, and contact a gas supplier or qualified service technician (or fire department if unreachable). Do not turn on gas until leaks are repaired.
• Flammable Materials: Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors/liquids near the appliance. Clothing or other flammable materials should not be placed on or near the appliance.
• Refueling/Motion: Ensure the furnace and all ignition systems are "OFF" during refueling and while the vehicle is in motion or being towed.
• Installation/Service: Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or gas supplier. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
• Vent Obstruction: Do not block the furnace vent, especially with an open door or add-on rooms/patios. Never operate the furnace with the vent covered.
• Combustion Air/Warm Air Restriction: Do not restrict the flow of combustion air or warm air circulation to the furnace, as this can cause personal injury and/or death.
• Damaged Parts: Never attempt to repair damaged parts; always have them replaced by a qualified service agency.
• Ducting/Air Boosters: Do not restrict installed ducting or install air boosters, as this can cause improper furnace operation and erratic sail switch operation.
• Water Submersion: If any part of the appliance has been submerged in water, immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect and replace affected control system and gas control parts.
• Unauthorized Parts: Only factory-authorized parts are to be used on the furnace.
• Operating in Motion: Do not operate the furnace while the vehicle is in motion or being towed.

Warranty Information

The Suburban RV furnace comes with a two-year limited warranty on material and workmanship from the date of purchase. Suburban will replace defective parts and pay a warranty service allowance to authorized service centers. Proof of purchase date (e.g., Bill of Sale) is required. There is also a three-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger, covering defects in material and workmanship during the third through fifth year after original purchase. A replacement heat exchanger will be provided under the same conditions as the two-year warranty, but without labor reimbursement.

The warranty specifically excludes:

• Normal maintenance (e.g., cleaning orifices and burners).
• Initial checkouts or diagnosis without repair.
• Damage from faulty or incorrect installation/application.
• Failure due to loose wires, dirt in controls, fuel line issues, restricted airflow, or low voltage.
• Routine adjustments to the thermostat, electrode, or burner.
• Costs incurred in gaining access to the furnace.
• Parts not supplied by Suburban.
• Freight charges for parts replacements.
• Damage from misapplication, abuse, unreasonable use, unauthorized alteration, improper service, or failure to provide reasonable maintenance.
• Products with altered, defaced, or removed serial numbers.
• Products installed or warranty claims originating outside the Continental U.S.A., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
• Damage from floods, winds, lightning, accidents, corrosive atmosphere, or other conditions beyond Suburban's control.
• Any special, indirect, or consequential property, economic, or commercial damage.

The manual advises owners to contact the nearest authorized Suburban Service Center for warranty service, providing model and serial numbers. If an authorized service center cannot be located, Suburban's Service Department should be contacted for authorization.

Suburban NT-24SP Specifications