First Co HBQBXR Series Fan Coil Units

WARNING TO INSTALLER, SERVICE PERSONNEL, AND OWNER
Altering the product, improper installation, or replacing parts with unauthorized parts voids all warranty or implied warranty and may result in adverse operational performance or possible hazardous conditions to service personnel and occupants. Company employees or contractors are not authorized to waive this warning.

NOTES:

• Read the entire installation instruction manual before starting the installation.
• These instructions are intended as a general guide and do not supersede national, state, or local codes in any way.
• These instructions must be left with the property owner.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, maintenance, or use can cause explosion, fire, electrical shock, or other conditions which may cause personal injury or property damage. Consult a qualified licensed installer, service agency, or your distributor for information or assistance. The qualified licensed installer or service agency must use factory-authorized kits or accessories when modifying this product. Refer to the individual instructions packaged with kits or accessories when installing.
Follow all safety codes. Wear safety glasses and work gloves. Use quenching cloth for brazing operations. Have fire extinguisher available. Read these instructions thoroughly and follow all warnings or cautions attached to the unit. Consult local building codes and National Electrical Code (NEC) for special requirements.
Recognize safety information. This is the general safety-alert symbol . When you see this symbol on the unit and in instruction manuals, be alert to the potential for personal injury or damage to equipment. The lightning bolt

• WARNING: This WARNING signifies general hazards which could result in personal injury or death.
• WARNING: This WARNING signifies electrical shock hazards which could result in personal injury or death.
• CAUTION: CAUTION is used to identify unsafe practices which would result in product and property damage.
• NOTE: NOTE is used to highlight suggestions which may result in enhanced installation, reliability, or operation.

GENERAL

The manufacturer does not warrant equipment subjected to abuse. Metal chips, dust, drywall tape, paintsovers pray, etc. can void warranties and liability for equipment failure, personal injury, and property damage.
The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for equipment installed in violation of any code requirement.

WARNINGS:

• Always wear eye protection when working on equipment.
• Before servicing unit, always turn off all power to unit. There may be more than one disconnect switch. Electrical shock can cause personal injury or death.
• When fan coil is operating, some components are operating at high speeds. Personal injury can result from touching these items with any object.
• All electrical and service access panels must be secured in their proper place before operating equipment.
• Clear surrounding area of all tools, equipment and debris before operating unit.

CAUTION:

Unit must not be operated during building construction due to excessive airborne dust and debris. Also, the unit must never run under any circumstances without an air filter in place.
These instructions give information for installation of these fan coil units only.
For other related equipment, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Material in this shipment has been inspected at the factory and released to the transportation agency in good condition. When received, a visual inspection of all cartons should be made immediately. Any evidence of rough handling or apparent damage should be noted on the delivery receipt and the material inspected in the presence of the carrier’s representative. If damage is found, a claim should be filed against the carrier immediately.

NOTE: State of MA.-248 CMR code of the state of MA. requires a pump timer (60 seconds on every 6 hours). See diagram.
All models are designed for indoor installation only. The installation of this unit, field wiring, duct system, and other related equipment must conform to the requirements the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (latest edition) in the United States, as well as any state laws and local codes. Local authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted before installation is made. Such applicable regulations take precedence over the general instructions contained in this manual.

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: Some units are very heavy. Use two or more people when moving and installing these units. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or death. Contact with metal edges and corners while applying excessive force can result in personal injury. Use gloves when handling equipment. Use caution during installation or while servicing equipment.
Installation of this fan coil should be performed only by a licensed contractor to ensure proper installation and the safety of the installer. Observe the following precautions for typical installations:

• Always use proper tools and equipment.
• No wiring or other work should be attempted without first ensuring fan coil is completely disconnected from the power source and locked out. Always verify that a good permanent, uninterrupted ground connection exists prior to energizing any power sources.
• Always review the nameplate and wiring diagram on each unit for proper voltage and control configurations. This information is determined from the components and wiring of the unit and may vary from unit to unit.
• When soldering or brazing to the unit, it is recommended to have a fire extinguisher readily available. When soldering close to water valves or other components, heat shields or wet rags are required to prevent damage.
• When the fan coil unit is in operation components are rotating at high speeds.
• Units must be installed level or angled toward the drain nipple to ensure proper drainage and operation.
• Check unit prior to operation to ensure that the condensate water will drain toward the drain connection. An overflow drain or an auxiliary drain pan under the fan coil may be required as a back up to a clogged primary drain.
• Be sure that the drain pan is free from foreign material prior to start up.
• Check filter media installation to ensure that it is installed correctly. Use the directional arrows or other information on the filter to determine the proper flow direction.
• Ensure air distribution system does not exceed the external static rating of the unit.

NOISE

These fan coil units are designed for quiet operation, however, all air conditioning equipment will transfer some amount of noise to the conditioned space. This should be taken into consideration when planning the location of the equipment.

FAN COIL UNIT

The installer must adhere strictly to all local and national code requirements pertaining to the installation of this equipment. These units are designed for installation in either an upflow or a horizontal position. All fan coil units are safety agency listed for installation with zero inches clearance to combustible materials. This includes the unit cabinet, discharge plenum and connecting ducts.
Free return installation (non-ducted return air): The closet area must be completely sealed (except return air grille) to ensure that all return air is pulled from the conditioned space and not from other areas of the building structure.
Sufficient clearance must be provided at the front of the fan coil to allow access to electrical controls and removal of the motor/blower assembly for servicing. This clearance distance should be approximately the same as the depth of the fan coil unit.

NOTE: If a condensate overflow shut-off switch, that is designed to be installed in the drain line, is used in place of a secondary drain line then place it in the primary drain line between the fan coil and the P-trap.
CAUTION: Extreme caution must be taken that no internal damage will result if screws or holes are drilled into cabinet.
MOUNTING It is important to ensure fan coils are securely mounted and the structure is sufficient to support the weight of the equipment. All anchors for mounting equipment must be placed and sized to ensure a safe and durable installation.

HORIZONTAL APPLICATION

The units are factory assembled for horizontal left side down application without any modification required. To convert to horizontal right side down, remove horizontal drain pan and A-coil assembly, flip horizontal drain pan over to right side and re-install horizontal drain pan and A-coil into cabinet. Secure forward edge of horizontal drain pan with angle bracket.
The unit should be leveled in such a way that there is slope toward the condensate drain nipple to assure positive drainage.

AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS

All duct work must be installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Codes 90A and 90B. Ducts should be adequately insulated to prevent condensation during the cooling cycle and to minimize heat loss during the heating cycle. All return air must be filtered to prevent dirt buildup on the coil surface. If there is no ducted return, applicable installation codes may limit the unit to installation only in a single story residence. In many cases it is acceptable to use ducting of the same size as the fan coil connections. However, unique arrangements or long duct runs must be confirmed by a local professional. The manufacturer will not be responsible for misapplied equipment.

ELECTRICAL

WARNINGS: Electric Shock Hazard

• Disconnect all power supplies before servicing; lock out/tag out to prevent accidental electrical shock. Note: there may be multiple power sources.
• Use copper conductors only.
• Install all parts and panels before operating.
• Failure to follow these warnings can result in injury or death.

All wiring must comply with local and national code requirements. Units are provided with wiring diagrams and nameplate data to provide information required for necessary field wiring.
These units are provided with a Class 2 transformer for 24-volt control circuits. Should any add-on equipment also have a Class 2 transformer furnished, care must be taken to prevent interconnecting outputs of the two transformers by using a thermostat with isolating contacts.

COOLING COIL PIPING

The units are supplied with a direct expansion refrigerant coil. The suction and liquid refrigerant lines must be sized in accordance with the outdoor unit manufacturer’s recommendations.
CONDENSATE PIPING Condensate drain lines must be installed with adequate slope away from the unit to assure positive drainage. Since the drain pan is located on the suction side of the blower, a negative pressure exists at the drain pan. The units require a minimum trap of 1-1/2 inches provided in the drain line to assure proper drainage.

HOT WATER COIL PIPING PRECAUTIONS

PIPING PRECAUTIONS

1. Flush all field piping prior to connection to remove all debris.

2. Use wet cotton rags to cool valve bodies when soldering.

3. Open all valves (mid-way for hand valves, manually open on motorized valves) prior to soldering.

4. When soldering to bronze or brass, heat the piping while in the socket/cup and begin introducing the solder when the flux boils rapidly. Avoid direct flame into the solder joint.

5. Heat can only be applied to the cup of the valve body for a minimal time before damage occurs (even with the use of wet rags).

6. Avoid rapid quenching of solder joints as this will produce joints of inferior quality

7. Connect all piping per accepted industry standards and observe all regulations governing installation of piping systems.
   CAUTION: Hydronic systems are not designed to hold pressurized air and should only be tested with water. Pressurizing system with air could damage equipment.

8. When all connections are complete, pressure test system. Repair any solder joint leaks and gently tighten any leaking valve packing nuts and piping accessories, as required.
   CAUTION: When connecting piping to fan coil units, do not bend or reposition the coil header tubing for alignment purposes. This could cause a tubing fracture resulting in a water leak when pressure is applied to the system.

HOT WATER COIL PIPING

Figure 1 illustrates a typical piping schematic for an Aqua Therm System.
The hot water coil connections are 3/4 inch nominal (7/8 inch OD) copper except the 60 HBQB is 1 inch nominal (1-1/8 inch OD). The hot water supply to the fan coil should be on the right when facing the fan coil upright and from the front.

WARNING: An expansion tank may be required if a back-flow preventer is installed in the system.

HBQB / HBQBX – FOR TANK WATER HEATER All piping between the water heater and fan coil unit is recommended to be 3/4” nominal (7/8” OD) copper pipe on 18-48HBQB units and 1” nominal (1-1/8” OD) copper pipe on 60HBQB units to prevent excessive head pressure loss. Refer to table below for available pressure drop vs GPM. The installer must calculate all piping pressure drop within the water loop and size the pipe and overall length accordingly.

60HBQB units require 1” nominal pipe

HBQBR / HBQBXR – FOR TANKLESS WATER HEATER – W/ 008 CIRCULATOR

For tankless applications, all piping between the water heater and fan coil unit is recommended to be 3/4” nominal (7/8” OD) copper pipe on 18-48 HBQBR units to prevent excessive head pressure loss. Refer to tankless manufacturer’s specifications on system piping requirements and flow requirements. Refer to table below for available pressure drop vs GPM. The installer must calculate all piping pressure drop within the water loop and size the pipe and overall length accordingly.

It is also recommended that all piping be adequately insulated to prevent freezing when piping is run in an unconditioned space.
Solder Connections- All copper joints in the water lines must be made with low temperature – non lead solder.
“T” Connections (at the water heater)-
Water lines to and from the fan coil unit must be taken from the horizontal connection of the “T” fittings in the vertical hot and cold water supply lines at the water heater. This ensures that any air in the system will be purged each time water is used in the dwelling.
Isolation Valves- Two valves are recommended to be installed within the circulating loop to permit servicing of the system if required and to assist in purging the system.

NOTE: Hot water coil freeze protection is available for applications where the fan coil is located in ambient air locations (attics, crawl spaces, etc.) or within structures that may be unoccupied during freezing conditions. Consult the factory for additional information.

PRE-STARTUP CHECKS

WARNINGS:

• Electrically ground fan coil. Connect ground wire to ground terminal marked “GND”. Failure to do so can result in injury or death.
• Do not touch any rotating component with any object. Damage to the equipment and personal injury can occur.

CAUTION: Any device such as a fan switch or thermostat that has been furnished by the factory for field installation must be wired in strict accordance with the wiring diagram that is supplied with the unit. Failure to do so could result in damage to components and will void all warranties.
Prior to starting the unit:

1. Ensure supply voltage matches nameplate data.

2. Ensure unit is properly grounded.

3. With power off, check blower wheel set-screws for tightness and ensure blower wheels rotate freely and quietly. Remove the motor blower shipping brace on the 60 HBQB blower assembly.

4. Ensure fan coil is properly and securely installed.

5. Ensure unit will be accessible for servicing.

6. Ensure unit is sloped toward drain line.

7. Ensure condensate line is properly sized, run, trapped, pitched and tested.

8. Ensure all cabinet openings and wiring connections have been sealed.

9. Ensure all access panels are in place and secured.

10. Check that the water coil, valves and piping have been leak checked and insulated as required.

11. Ensure that all air has been vented from the hot water coil.
    NOTE: It may require purging several gallons of water so have a means of discarding the water.

12. Install any filters which may have been removed during the installation process.
    NOTE: The blower door must be in place for the unit to operate due to the door safety  switch.
    Before start-up, all of the components should be given a thorough check. Optimal operation of this equipment requires cleanliness. Often after installation of this equipment additional construction activities occur. Care must be taken to protect the equipment from debris during these construction phases.

MAINTAINING LOW AIR LEAKAGE RATE During installation, ensure that all grommets and gaskets remain intact on all surfaces as shipped with the unit. Any knockouts, penetrations, and holes that were exposed must be sealed to prevent air leakage. All access panels and covers must be flush with each other and the cabinet. With these requirements satisfied, the unit will maintain and achieve less than 2% air flow leakage when tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 193.

HEATING CYCLE START-UP

WARNING: To prevent pump damage, the fan coil unit should not be energized for heating until the hot water coil and all water lines have been purged of air.
WARNING: Hot water can cause scalding. A hot water mixing valve can be applied to the system to temper domestic water draw.

1. Fill the water heater. Open a hot water faucet while filling the water heater to vent the air. When the tank is full and all the air is purged, close the faucet.

2. Ignite the water heater and set the thermostat to 140 degrees.

3. Purge the air handler’s hot water coil and lines.
   NOTE: It may require purging several gallons of water so have a means of discarding the water.
   Close valve number 1 and open valve number 2. (See Figure 1)
   Next, open the air bleed valve. When all of the air is purged from the lines close valve number 2 and open valve number 1. After all the air is purged from the coil and lines, open both valve number 1 and 2 and close the air bleed valve.

4. Switch the room thermostat to the “Heat” position and raise the temperature setting to a position approximately ten degrees above room temperature. NOTE: The door switch must be activated to operate the unit.
   NOTE: The heating cycle has a time delay relay to delay the blower on a call for heat.
   The pump should energize and begin circulating the hot water through the coil. If the pump is operating properly and the water temperature in the water heater has reached the set point, then the hot water inlet at the fan coil unit will be hot. If the pump is running but hot water is not circulating, open the air bleed valve long enough to purge any remaining air from the hot water lines and coil. This will allow the pump to begin circulating hot water.

5. The water heater thermostat should be adjusted so that the water temperature entering the hot water coil is as close to 140 degrees as possible with the system energized and operating long enough for all temperatures to stabilize.

FIGURE 1. TYPICAL PIPING SCHEMATIC

CONTROL BOARD FEATURES/FUNCTIONS

HEATING CYCLE DELAY
On a call for heat the board will energize the circulator 45 seconds prior to energizing the fan coil blower. Once the zone has satisfied, the blower will continue to run 20 seconds after the board has de-energized the circulator.
PUMP TIMER Energizes the circulator four times a day for 60 seconds to increase circulator bearing performance and purge the coil circuit loop.
BLOWER SPEED OPTION
Jumper set at factory for low speed operation on heating. Can be field adjusted to permit high speed fan operation on heating.
FAN DELAY (COOLING CYCLE)
Board permits the fan coil blower to operate 45 seconds after cooling cycle termination.
FREEZE PROTECTOR (OPTIONAL)
Board has connection for an optional freeze protector sensor that is attached to the hot water coil. If the sensor detects a near freezing condition it would activate the circulator to circulate hot water through the water coil.
HEATER BOOSTER (OPTIONAL)
Board has connection for an optional ambient sensor. Sensor would sense ambient temperature and energize the fan coil blower on high speed if the ambient drops below its set point.
PRIORITY SENSOR (OPTIONAL)
Board has connection for an optional priority sensor. Sensor would sense domestic hot water draw and de-energize the fan coil while a hot water draw is occurring.

PUMP REPLACEMENT

Disconnect electrical power before servicing the unit.
To replace the circulator pump, close the isolation valves and relieve the water pressure within the heating loop. Disconnect the pump’s 115 volt power lines within the control box and remove the four hex head screws securing the pump motor to the pump’s volute.
Reverse the above steps for reassembling the pump, however make sure that the pump or volute has the rubber o-ring in place before assembling.

CHECK VALVE REPLACEMENT

Disconnect electrical power before servicing the unit. To replace the internal check valve, close the isolation valves and relieve the water pressure within the heating loop. Remove the four hex head screws securing the pump motor to the pump’s volute and remove. The check valve is located in the volute. Rotate while pulling the check valve to release and remove from the volute.
Reverse the above steps for reinstalling a check valve, however make sure that the pump or volute has the rubber o-ring in place before assembling.

MAINTENANCE

FAN The fan should be inspected and cleaned annually, in conjunction with maintenance of the motor and bearings. It is important to keep the wheels
clean in order to avoid imbalance and vibration.
MOTOR Check motor connections to ensure that they are secure and made in accordance with the wiring diagram.
The blower motor should be cleaned annually.
WARNING: Units with ECM motors have line voltage power applied at all times. Make sure power is disconnected before servicing.
FILTER The air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30 days or more frequently if severe conditions exist. Always replace the filter with the same type as originally furnished.
COIL Any dust or other contaminants which accumulate on the heat transfer surfaces interferes with the air flow and impairs heat transfer. The coil must be kept clean by any of the following methods.

• Cleaning with low-pressure compressed air.
• Flushing or rinsing with water (a detergent is advisable for greasy surfaces).
  Inspect annually or more frequently if required.

DRAIN PIPING The drain should always be:

• Connected or piped to an acceptable disposal point sloped away from the unit at least 1/8-inch per foot.
• Checked before summer operation.
• Periodically checked during summer operation.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE To achieve maximum performance and service life of each piece of equipment, a formal schedule of regular maintenance should be established and maintained.

MAINTENANCE UPDATES
Contact factory for current Maintenance Program information.

MASSACHUSETTS COMBO SYSTEM LAYOUT

P.O. BOX 270969, Dallas, TX 75227
www.firstco.com or www.ae-air.com

The manufacturer works to continually improve its products. It reserves the right to change design and specifications without notice.
©2022 First Co., Applied Environmental Air

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