BROAN B180E75RT (01) PDF Document

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, observe the following when using your BROAN B180E75RT:

1. Use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer.

2. Before servicing or cleaning this unit, disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet.

3. This unit is not designed to provide combustion and/or dilution air for fuel-burning appliances.

4. When cutting or drilling into a wall or ceiling, do not damage electrical wiring and other hidden utilities.

5. Do not use this unit with any solid-state speed control device other than those specified in the manual.

6. This unit must be grounded. The power supply cord has a 3-prong grounding plug. It must be plugged into a mating 3-prong grounding receptacle, grounded in accordance with the national electrical code and local codes and ordinances. Do not remove the ground prong. Do not use an extension cord.

7. Do not install in a cooking area or connect directly to any appliances.

8. Do not use to exhaust hazardous or explosive materials and vapors.

9. When performing installation, servicing or cleaning this unit, it is recommended to wear safety glasses and gloves.

10. When applicable local regulation comprises more restrictive installation and/or certification requirements, the aforementioned requirements prevail on those of this document and the installer agrees to conform to these at his own expense.

Please observe the following cautions to prevent damage to your BROAN B180E75RT unit or its components:

1. To avoid prematurely clogged filters, turn the unit OFF during construction or renovation.

2. Please read the specification label on the product for further information and requirements.

3. Be sure to duct air outside – Do not intake/exhaust air into spaces within walls or ceiling or into attics, crawl spaces, or garage. Do not attempt to recover the exhaust air from a dryer or a range hood.

4. Intended for residential installation only in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 90B (for a unit installed in U.S.A.) or Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada (for a unit installed in Canada).

5. Do not run any air ducts directly above or within 2 ft. of a furnace or its supply plenum, boiler, or other heat producing appliance. If a duct has to be connected to the furnace return plenum, it must be connected 10 ft. away from the plenum connection to the furnace.

6. The ductwork is intended to be installed in compliance with all applicable local and national codes.

7. When leaving the house for a long period of time (more than two weeks), a responsible person should regularly check if the unit operates adequately.

8. If the ductwork passes through an unconditioned space (e.g., attic), the unit must operate continuously except when performing maintenance and/or repair. Also, the ambient temperature of the house should never drop below 65°F (18°C).

9. At least once a year, the unit mechanical and electronic parts should be inspected by qualified service personnel.

10. Do not use your unit during construction or renovation of your house or when sanding drywall. Certain types of dust and vapors may damage your system.

11. Make sure at all times that the outside intake and exhaust hoods are free from any snow during the winter season. It is important to check your unit during a big snow storm, so it doesn’t draw in any snow. If this is the case, please turn the unit OFF for a few hours.

12. Since the electronic control system of the unit uses a microprocessor, it may not operate correctly because of external noise or very short power failure. If this happens, unplug the unit and wait approximately 10 seconds. Then, plug the unit in again.

13. Do not make excessive use of fragrance appliances or chemicals since some may damage the unit components material.

First, choose an appropriate location for the unit:

• Within an area of the house where the ambient temperature is kept between 50°F and 149°F.

• Away from living areas (dining room, living room, bedroom), if possible.

• So as to provide easy access to the interior cabinet for maintenance, and to the control panel on the side of the unit.

• Close to an exterior wall, so as to limit the length of the insulated flexible ducts to and from the unit.

• HRV units only: close to a drain. If no drain is close by, use a pail to collect run-off.

• Away from hot chimneys, electrical panel and other fire hazards.

• Within 6 feet of a power source (standard outlet).

Next, choose a mounting method:

Suspended to the joists or trusses:

• Slightly bend the brackets on the unit to insert the provided chains.

• Hang the unit to the joists (or trusses) using the chains. Springs are not required.

• Always make sure that the unit is no more than 1/4″ off level.

Wall mounted:

• Choose the appropriate location(s) for the mounting brackets according to stud(s) position.

• Insert the provided brackets under the unit frame.

• Fix the bracket using the screw no. 8 x 3/8″.

• Using the 4 no. 8 x 1½” screws provided, secure the unit to the wall making sure that the 4 screws engage into a stud.

• Always make sure that the unit is no more than 1/4″ off level.

NOTE: Keep 3″ clearance on the electrical box side for cooling and servicing.

This configuration allows recirculation mode to operate. For this type of configuration, the T-1 option must be selected on the LCD screen when auto-balancing the unit.

STALE AIR FROM BUILDING:

• Install registers in areas where contaminants and humidity are produced: kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, etc.

• Install registers on an interior wall, 6 to 12 inches away from the ceiling OR in the ceiling.

• Install the kitchen register at least 4 feet away from the range.

• Bathroom fans and range hoods can be used to better exhaust stale air.

• Homes with more than one level require at least one exhaust register at the highest level.

FRESH AIR TO BUILDING:

• Install registers in bedrooms, dining room, living room and basement.

• Install registers in the ceiling OR high on the walls with the airflow directed towards the ceiling.

• If a register must be installed in the floor, direct the airflow up the wall.

This configuration allows recirculation mode to operate. For this type of configuration, the T-2 option must be selected on the LCD screen when auto-balancing the unit.

STALE AIR FROM BUILDING:

• Installation is the same as for a Fully Ducted System (T-1).

FRESH AIR TO BUILDING:

• Connect the fresh air distribution duct of the unit to the central forced-air system return duct at least 10 feet away from the central forced-air system.

• This 10-ft. distance applies only in areas where the outside temperature falls below the freezing point (32°F).

NOTE: The central forced-air system blower operation can be synchronized with the unit. It is recommended, but not essential that the central forced-air system blower runs when the unit is in operation.

This configuration does not allow recirculation mode to operate. For this type of configuration, the T-4 option must be selected on the LCD screen when auto-balancing the unit.

STALE AIR FROM BUILDING:

• Connect the stale air intake port of the unit to the central forced-air system return duct at least 3 feet ahead of the fresh air distribution from the unit.

FRESH AIR TO BUILDING:

• Connect the fresh air distribution duct of the unit to the central forced-air system return duct at least 10 feet away from the central forced-air system.

• This 10-ft. distance applies only in areas where the outside temperature falls below the freezing point (32°F).

The use of bathroom fans and a range hood is suggested to exhaust stale air.

Follow these steps to properly connect the drain hose:

• Cut the appropriate length of drain tubing.

• Connect the tubing to the provided adaptor.

• Make a water trap loop in the tube to prevent the unit from drawing unpleasant odors from the drain source.

• Add water in the loop to prevent noise or hiss.

• Make sure there is a distance of at least 2 inches between the unit and the tubing loop.

• Using tie wraps provided, attach the tubing as illustrated.

• Run the tube to the floor drain or to an alternate drain pipe or pail.

• IMPORTANT: If using a pail to collect water, place the tube end approximately 1 inch inside the pail in order to prevent water from being drawn back up into the unit.

• Make sure the intake hood is located at least 10 feet away from any of the following: dryer exhaust, central vacuum vent, gas meter exhaust, gas barbecue-grill, any exhaust vents or chimney from a combustion source, or garbage bin and any other source of contamination.

• For multifamily buildings, make sure the exhaust hood is located at least 3 feet away from property lines and operable openings into buildings (door, window).

• Intake and exhaust hood(s) shall be protected with corrosion-resistant screens, louvers or grilles having openings not less than 1/4 inch and not larger than 1/2 inch.

• Install hood(s) at least at 18 inches away from the ground OR depth of expected snow accumulation, whichever is greater.

To minimize cross-contamination:

• Single detached, attached homes and townhouses: Maintain a 6 feet minimum separation distance between outdoor air intake and exhaust hoods OR use an approved factory-built intake/exhaust combination termination fitting.

• Multifamily buildings: Maintain a 10 feet minimum separation distance between outdoor air intake and exhaust hoods OR use an approved factory-built intake/exhaust combination termination fitting.

Use the following procedure to connect the insulated flexible ducts to the ports of the unit (exhaust to outside and fresh air from outside).

1. Expose the flexible duct by pulling back the insulation, and place it over the inner port ring.

2. Attach the flexible duct to the port using a tie wrap.

3. Seal the joint using duct tape.

4. Pull the insulation and vapor barrier over the joint, tuck them between the inner and outer rings of the double collar and fasten them in place using duct tape.

For correct installation and accurate airflow readings, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure bends in the ducting have a minimum radius (R) of 3 inches.

• Ducting must not be too crushed, as this will affect airflow reading accuracy.

• Insulated ducts must have the same diameter as the ports to ensure proper drainage of water that may accumulate in them.

• Route ducts as straight as possible, minimize the number of elbows, and design and install ducts in accordance with ACCA’s Manual D.

The integrated control panel has three buttons:

• OK button: To confirm a selection.

• + button: To increase a value or scroll up in a selection.

• – button: To decrease a value or scroll down in a selection.

To change the operating mode (e.g., MIN, MAX):

1. Press the OK button to change the operating mode.

2. Use the + or – button to select the desired operating mode.

3. Press the OK button to confirm the selection.

To modify MAX CFM, MIN CFM, or Options Configuration:

1. Press the + or – button to navigate to the setting you want to change (MAX, MIN, or CFG OPT).

2. Press and hold the OK button for 4 seconds to enter modification mode. The data will flash.

3. Use the + or – button to increase or decrease the value.

4. Press the OK button to confirm the new value.

To access complementary information (power consumption, running time, airflows):

1. From the main screen, press and hold the OK button for 4 seconds.

2. The screen will cycle through complementary information.

3. Press the OK button to exit and return to the main screen.

PREPARATION

Follow these steps to ensure accurate measurements:

• Seal all the ductwork with tape. Close all windows and doors.

• Turn off all exhaust devices such as range hood, dryer and bathroom fans.

• If the installation is in any way connected to a ductwork of a central forced-air system, make sure that the central forced-air system blower is ON. If not, leave central forced-air system blower OFF.

AUTO-BALANCING PROCEDURE

• Plug the unit in and wait for the maximum CFM to display on the LCD screen. If the unit is colder than ambient temperature, it is normal to experience a 60s longer boot-up since motors have to preheat.

• The maximum CFM will display on the LCD screen. Use (+/-) to adjust the CFM and press OK to confirm.

• The minimum CFM will display on the LCD screen. Use (+/-) to adjust the CFM and press OK to confirm.

• The house icon that flashes on the LCD screen indicates which side currently limits the airflow (supply or exhaust). If the airflow reached is not sufficient, the installer can improve the installation to increase airflow.

INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION SELECTION

• INS will display on the LCD screen. Choose among T-1, T-2, T-3, T-4 or T-5 following the installation configuration.

• Auto-balancing is completed.

PROCEDURE TO MODIFY MIN CFM SETTING

• Go to MIN using (+/-) then press on the OK button for 4 seconds.

• Use (+/-) to increase/decrease CFM and OK to confirm.

PROCEDURE TO MODIFY MAX CFM SETTING

• Go to MAX using (+/-) then press on the OK button for 4 seconds.

• Use (+/-) to increase/decrease CFM and OK to confirm.

PROCEDURE TO MODIFY OPTIONS SETTING

• Go to CFG OPT using (+/-) then press on the OK button for 4 seconds.

PROCEDURE TO MODIFY INDEPENDENT AIRFLOWS SETTING

• Press simultaneously (+/-) buttons for 4 seconds.

• The supply airflow value will flash. Press on + or – button to increase/decrease the value, then press OK.

• The exhaust airflow value will flash. Press on + or – button to increase/decrease the value, then press OK.

• When MAX displays, press the + button to exit independent airflows setting.

If any change is made to the ducting, reset settings to restart the airflow test.

PROCEDURE TO RESET SETTINGS

1. Press on the OK and (-) buttons simultaneously for 4 seconds.

2. Use (+/-) to select Yes or No.

3. Press OK to confirm.

4. Then perform the auto-balancing procedure.

MODE SELECTION

1. To change the mode, use (+/-) to access the Mode screen. Press OK to edit the mode and use (+/-) to change the mode (Standby, Min, Max).

2. Press OK to confirm selection. The airflows will be displayed for both MIN and MAX modes.

NOTE: If an optional auxiliary wall control or the central forced-air system thermostat equipped with external fan activation is used, it overrides the integrated control.

* Factory setting

1. Disconnect the power cord.

2. The door of this unit is hinged and maintained closed by 2 latches. Open them and set aside.

3. Clean the inside of the door with a damp cloth.

4. Clean filters:
• Remove filters.
• Vacuum to remove most of the dust.
• Wash with a mixture of warm water and mild soap. You may add bleach if you wish to disinfect (one tablespoon per gallon). Rinse thoroughly. Shake filters to remove excess water and let dry.

5. Remove the core.

6. Clean the condensing tray with a damp cloth.

7. Check the exterior air intake hood:
• Make sure there are no leaves, twigs, ice or snow that could be drawn into the vent. Clean if necessary.

8. Rotate the blower wheels by hand. If one of the wheels does not rotate easily, contact your installer.

9. Reassemble the components. Pay special attention to the filters by making sure that they are engaged in their slots.

10. Close the unit door and reconnect power supply.

11. Reset filters, if required. If using an optional main wall control, press the INT/AUTO button for 5 seconds to reset the filters. If using the ADVANCED optional main wall control, follow the instructions on the touch screen.

1. Repeat steps 1 to 6 from the quarterly maintenance section.

2. Clean the recovery core:

• HRV MODELS: Remove the core. Let it soak in a mixture of cold or lukewarm water and mild soap (dishwashing liquid). Rinse thoroughly. Shake the core to remove excess water and let it dry.

• ERV MODELS: Remove the dust on the core using a vacuum cleaner and a soft brush attachment. CAUTION: DO NOT SOAK THE ENERGY RECOVERY CORE IN WATER.

3. Clean the blower assemblies. Do not disassemble the blower assemblies. Remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.

4. Reassemble the components.

5. Reconnect power supply.

If the unit does not work properly, first try resetting the unit by unplugging it for one minute, then plugging it back in.

If nothing works, please check the following:

• See if the unit is plugged in.

• See if the unit is receiving power from the house circuit breaker or fuse.

If your unit is making excessive noise, try cleaning the unit as described in the maintenance section. If the problem is not solved, contact your installer.

If you are experiencing condensation inside your windows during cold weather conditions, try these steps:

• Operate the unit at MAX speed during activities generating excess humidity (family gatherings, extra cooking, etc.).

• Leave curtains half-open to allow air circulation.

• Store all firewood in a closed room with a dehumidifier or in a well-ventilated room, or store the wood outdoors.

• Keep the temperature in your house above 64°F.

If you have excess humidity inside during hot/humid weather conditions, try the following:

• Operate the unit in MIN speed.

• Temporarily switch to INT mode (if available).

• Use a dehumidifier.

If the air is too dry, you can adjust your ventilation settings:

• Operate the unit at MIN speed.

• Temporarily switch to INT mode (if available).

• Temporarily use a humidifier.

If the supply air feels too cold, check the following:

• Make sure the outdoor hoods are not blocked.

• Operate the unit at MIN speed.

• Install a duct heater (contact your installer).

These errors relate to the supply damper. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

STEP 1: Unplug the unit, inspect the damper system, and remove any undesirable obstacle or dirt. The filters and core may need to be removed to access the damper system. Plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, open the electrical compartment and check if connector J5 (white) is well inserted. Check for any loose wires.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem and the damper is not moving at all, unplug J7 (red) from the electronic assembly and connect the white damper system connector into J7. If the damper moves but the error persists, the electronic assembly must be replaced. Otherwise, replace the damper system.

These errors relate to the exhaust damper. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

STEP 1: Unplug the unit, inspect the damper system, and remove any undesirable obstacle or dirt. The filters and core may need to be removed to access the damper system. Plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, open the electrical compartment and check if connector J7 (red) is well inserted. Check for any loose wires.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem and the damper is not moving at all, unplug J5 (white) from the electronic assembly. If the damper moves but the error persists, the electronic assembly must be replaced. Otherwise, replace the damper system.

These errors relate to the recirculation damper. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

STEP 1: Unplug the unit, inspect the damper system, and remove any undesirable obstacle or dirt. The filters and core may need to be removed to access the damper system. Plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, open the electrical compartment and check if connector J6 (blue) is well inserted. Check for any loose wires.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem and the damper is not moving at all, unplug J5 (white) from the electronic assembly and connect the blue damper system connector into J5. If the damper moves but the error persists, the electronic assembly must be replaced. Otherwise, replace the damper system.

This error indicates an issue with the supply airflow. Try the following steps:

STEP 1: Unplug the unit. Perform a visual inspection of the supply damper system. Clean filters, distribution registers and the outside supply hood. Inspect ducting to ensure it is not squeezed or bent. Plug the unit in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, remove ducting from the supply path. On the LCD screen, select MAX to check if the unit is able to reach the selected flow. If so, review the ducting path.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem, on the LCD screen, select the MIN and MAX flow setting values then reset the unit. The MAX flow value will display on the LCD screen. If MAX flow is above desired MAX flow, set MAX and MIN flows.

STEP 4: If STEP 3 did not fix the problem, replace the supply blower and repeat STEP 3.

STEP 5: If STEP 4 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

These errors relate to the supply motor (over current, foc duration, speed feedback, startup). Follow these steps:

STEP 1: Unplug and plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, remove the core and clear the ventilation wheel from any dirt or obstacles.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem, disconnect J2 (white) and connect a spare blower system. If it works, replace the supply blower.

STEP 4: If STEP 3 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

These errors indicate an over voltage (E24) or under voltage (E25) condition in the supply motor drive. These can be detected with severe in-house power supply fluctuation and will stop the motor for protection.

STEP 1: Unplug and plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

This error indicates an issue with the exhaust airflow. Try the following steps:

STEP 1: Unplug the unit. Perform a visual inspection of the exhaust damper system. Clean filters, distribution registers and the outside exhaust hood. Make sure no non-return damper is installed in the exhaust hood since it can freeze in winter. Inspect ducting to ensure it is not squeezed or bent. Plug the unit in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, remove ducting from the supply path. On the LCD screen, select MAX to check if the unit is able to reach the selected flow. If so, review the ducting path.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem, on the LCD screen, select the MIN and MAX flow setting values then reset the unit. The MAX flow value will display on the LCD screen. If MAX flow is above desired MAX flow, set MAX and MIN flows.

STEP 4: If STEP 3 did not fix the problem, replace the exhaust blower and repeat STEP 3.

STEP 5: If STEP 4 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

These errors relate to the exhaust motor (over current, foc duration, speed feedback, startup). Follow these steps:

STEP 1: Unplug and plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, remove the core and clear the ventilation wheel from any dirt or obstacles.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem, disconnect J3 (red) and connect a spare blower system. If it works, replace the exhaust blower.

STEP 4: If STEP 3 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

These errors indicate an over voltage (E34) or under voltage (E35) condition in the exhaust motor drive. These can be detected with severe in-house power supply fluctuation and will stop the motor for protection.

STEP 1: Unplug and plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

These errors indicate that the supply or exhaust motor drive is over its temperature limit.

STEP 1: Validate if the air exchanger is exposed to ambient temperatures within the operating limits (50°F to 149°F).

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

This error indicates a problem with the outside air thermistor.

STEP 1: Check if the thermistor is well connected in connector J7A.

STEP 2: If the problem persists, disconnect connector J7A and check if the measured resistance (at the thermistor connector) is within 5 kOhms to 120 kOhms. If outside the range, replace the thermistor.

STEP 3: If the resistance is within range, replace the electronic assembly.

This error indicates a problem with the distribution air thermistor.

STEP 1: Check if the thermistor is well connected in connector J7B.

STEP 2: If the problem persists, disconnect connector J7B and check if the measured resistance (at the thermistor connector) is within 5 kOhms to 120 kOhms. If outside the range, replace the thermistor.

STEP 3: If the resistance is within range, replace the electronic assembly.

Error E42 indicates a fault with the main circuit board’s thermistor.

• For E42: Replace the electronic assembly.

Error E43 indicates the main circuit board’s temperature is over the limit.

• For E43, STEP 1: Validate if the air exchanger is exposed to ambient temperatures within the operating limits (50°F to 149°F).

• For E43, STEP 2: If the ambient temperature is acceptable, replace the electronic assembly.

This error means the unit has lost communication with the optional wall control.

STEP 1: Unplug the unit, inspect the wires, then plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 doesn’t work, remove the wall control from the wall installation and test it with a short cable. If it works, run a new cable to the wall installation location.

STEP 3: If the test with a short cable fails, test the air exchanger with a spare wall control. If that works, replace the original wall control.

STEP 4: If a spare wall control also fails to communicate, replace the electronic assembly in the main unit.

This error indicates a problem with the sensor in the optional wall control.

STEP 1: Unplug the unit, inspect the wires, then plug the unit back in.

STEP 2: If the problem persists, replace the wall control.

This is not a critical error, but an indication that the unit has entered a protection mode. Perform a general inspection of the unit (dampers, core, filters).

These warnings indicate an issue with the supply or exhaust airflow. The troubleshooting steps are the same for both.

STEP 1: Unplug the unit. Perform a visual inspection of the relevant damper system (supply for W22, exhaust for W32). Clean filters, distribution registers, and the outside hood. Inspect ducting to ensure it is not squeezed or bent. Plug the unit in.

STEP 2: If STEP 1 did not fix the problem, remove ducting of the supply path. On the LCD screen, select MAX to check if the unit is able to reach the selected flow. If so, review the ducting path.

STEP 3: If STEP 2 did not fix the problem, on the LCD screen, select the MIN and MAX flow setting values then reset the unit. The MAX flow value will display on the LCD screen. If MAX flow is above desired MAX flow, set MAX and MIN flows.

STEP 4: If STEP 3 did not fix the problem, replace the relevant blower (supply for W22, exhaust for W32) and repeat STEP 3.

STEP 5: If STEP 4 did not fix the problem, replace the electronic assembly.

This warning indicates that the initial setup was not completed.

STEP 1: Press + or – to access the selection menu.

STEP 2: Complete the configuration procedure as described in the “Unit First Boot” section.

This means the unit is currently in protection mode due to electronics temperature. The power transmitted to the motor is deliberately reduced to decrease the temperature. The unit will exit this mode by itself once conditions are back to normal. It is normal to observe a reduction in airflows during this period. This condition should appear only when the unit is set in high speed and located in a warmer environment, for example over 86°F (30°C).