nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual

June 10, 2024
nVent RAYCHEM

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction
Manual

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Fig
A,B,C,D

1. APPLICATION

The VIA-DU-20 is an electronic control device designed to regulate nVent RAYCHEM ramp heating systems in garage driveways, staircases, inclines etc. The buried heating cable is controlled by sensing both ground temperature and moisture. The heater operates only when the temperature falls below the set value and there is moisture. Use of this controller results in significant energy savings if compared to other devices that regulate according to temperature only.

2. FUNCTION

The ground temperature and moisture are measured with the help of one sensor. The sensor is heated so that it can also measure dry snow.
The control device evaluates the data from the sensor and switches the heating on, if the ground temperature falls below a value set by menu and the ground moisture exceeds a value set by menu.
In addition the device is capable of identifying a risk of freezing rain. This function serves to switch the heating on when freezing rain is predicted.
The controller also has what is called an overruling entry. This can be configured using the menu and serves to prevent over-loading or to allow the device to be controlled remotely via the BMS.

3. DISPLAY AND CONTROLS

The device has a display which is lit when the device is being operated (see A). Under normal operating conditions the device alternately shows the moisture, the ground and air temperature and the status of the heating output (on/off). Only the values, which are relevant for controlling, are shown. Air temperature e.g. is only shown, if “sleet precaution” is set to “local detection”.

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - DISPLAY
AND CONTROLS

4. OPERATION

4.1 Selecting a language

You can select a language by pressing the button once or more. The languages available are German, English, French, Italian, Polish, Finnish, Hungarian. The language can be changed regardless of the operating status.

After 2 seconds the device automatically returns to where it was when the language selection procedure was called up (Normal display, test or parameter menu). Example of display when selecting a language:

4.2 Testing mode

Pressing the once switches the heating timer on for 30 min. The display indicates the time remaining, the software version number and the status of the heating output. The test mode can be selected at any stage. It should however be remembered that any heating periods underway will be interrupted. So for example, selecting the test mode will interrupt the post-heating period. The test finishes once the test time has elapsed, but can also be terminated by pressing the button while the test is still underway. When the test mode has been terminated the device will return to the standard display. Display in test mode (example):

4.3 Operation of the parameter menu

The parameter menu can be called up by pressing the the and buttons. button. The parameter displayed may be modified using

If the buttons are pressed down for an extended period the value changes automatically (autorepeat function). Pressing and down at the same time will reset the parameter to the default setting.

Now you can switch to the next parameter with the button button. or you can leave the parameter menu by pressing the If you have changed a parameter and want to switch to the next or leave the menu, there appears “SAVE CHANGES” in the display. You can select “YES” or “NO” using the and buttons. Having confirmed this with the button, device switches to the next parameter or leaves the parameter menu with or without saving changes. Confirming the final parameter, the device goes back to the standard display

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual -
Operation of the parameter menu

The temperature threshold is used to set the value below which the ground temperature must fall for the heating to come on, providing there is sufficient moisture. The temperature threshold also is the set point for the sensor heating, i.e. there is the possibility to control the sensor heating by this value.
Attention: If the temperature threshold is set to 1.0°C or 2.0°C, the sensor may freeze in. In this case reliable detection of moisture can not be guaranteed.
The value of moisture is no longer indicated in the display.

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - The
temperature threshold is used to set the value

The moisture threshold determines the level of moisture which must be exceeded for the heating to come on, providing the temperature is low enough. 1 is the most sensitive setting, i.e. very little moisture is enough to reach EN this value.

If the moisture threshold is set to `OFF’, the control device will always switch the heating on, as long as the temperature falls below the threshold value. No moisture is required. The value of moisture is no longer indicated in the display.

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - The
moisture threshold determines the level of moisture

  • For the purpose of the use of VIA-DU-20 in the UK, `sleet’ is used to describe the condition and effect of freezing rain.

This can be done in two different ways:

1. Local detection freezing rain warning
If the device is set to LOCAL DETECTION, i.e. local detection of risk of freezing rain, the device will heat the surface as soon as it notices a sharp rise in temperature after a lengthy period of cold weather.
The rise in air temperature is performed by an air temperature sensor which is delivered together with the device.
The device can recognise a lengthy period of cold weather by means of a ground temperature sensor, if the ground temperature has been below a set value for 18 hours. See also the sections on the rise in temperature and the low ground temperature for an 18 hour period in the paragraphs relating to the following parameters.

2. Freezing rain warning via the weather service With this function, the device waits for a logic signal sent from an additional device to the terminals of the air temperature sensor. The additional device, which is not part of the standard package, evaluates information from the weather service and converts these into the relevant logic status.
The control device expects the following logic status:

Logic status 0 1
Input in control device open short circuit
Reaction of the control device Heating OFF (no risk of freezing rain) Heating ON (risk of freezing rain)

Instructions for early recognition of freezing rain

  • If it has recognised the possibility of a fall of freezing rain, the device switches on for 5 hours. If the warning has come via the weather service, the five-hour period begins from the moment the logic status signal changed from 0 to 1. The heating is switched off as soon as the ground temperature reaches the threshold value or the five hours have elapsed. If however, after five hours, the ground temperature and moist conditions are present for heating to continue, the heating is not turned off, i.e. following the five-hour period the device continues to operate under normal operating conditions.
  • If the device is set for the local detection freezing rain warning, you should ensure that the base temperature is lower than the 18-hour ground temperature value, since otherwise the temperature will never fall below the 18-hour value and the freezing rain warning will not function.
  • The reliability of the early recognition function heavily depends on the correct setting of the parameters. It is possible that ice may build up on the surface or the device may come on unnecessarily.

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - The
reliability of the early recognition function heavily
depends

The OVERRULING parameter is used to configure the relevant logic input. If the parameter is set to OFF’ the input is not evaluated by the control device. The control device is not affected. In theON’ setting the control device cannot switch the heating on for 10 min. if the input is or was short-circuited. This prevents peakloads in buildings. If the input is still short-circuited or has short-circuited again after 10 minutes have elapsed, the device cannot turn on the heating for another 10 minutes.
If the device is set to `BMS’ the heating output is remote controlled. If the input is short-circuited, the control device switches the heating off. If the input is open, the device will switch on the heating in any event.
The sensor values of the ice indicator are not displayed and not evaluated.

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - The
OVERRULING parameter is used to configure the relevant logic
input

5. ADVICE, FAULT MESSAGES AND SERVICING

5.1 What to do during set up

When the device is first put into operation it carries out an auto-test. During this test the display indicates, “POWER-UP TESTS”. If the device finds a fault during this test, it displays a number on the second line of the display. FR Otherwise the device goes into the standard operating mode.
IT * This parameter is indicated only when “local detection” is selected.
If a fault is identified, you should carry out another test by switching the device off and on again. If the fault message is displayed again, the device is faulty and must be replaced. If the fault message is displayed indicating the number `6′, perhaps one of the buttons is stuck. In this case, the keyboard must be checked. Then switch the device off and on again for another test.

5.2 What to do in the event of a loss of power

If there is a loss of power, all parameters will remain saved in the memory. Both relays (heating and alarm) will stop working. After the power failure, the device will continue to operate in its state when the power loss occurred. The timers will remain constant during power loss (no reserve power supply).

5.3 Sensor monitoring

The ground temperature and moisture sensor and the air temperature sensor are monitored for faults (breakage and short circuits) by the control device. If a fault occurs, the alarm relay switches and the display indicates, “SENSOR FAULT” and a corresponding fault message is emitted. The following fault messages are used:

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Sensor
monitoring

A failure will interrupt heating times, such as the post-heating period. The heating output will be turned on or off as set under the parameter “IN THE CASE OF FAILURE HEATING…”

  • The monitoring of air temperature is only active when “local detection” is selected.
5.4 Trouble shooting

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Trouble
shooting nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Trouble
shooting

Attention: Please change settings step by step to ensure reliable function. Also with careful settings it can’t be guaranteed, that the heated area is always free of snow and ice.

5.5 Servicing

Neither control device nor any of the sensors require any servicing. The surface of the ground sensor needs to be cleaned regularly, to ensure that it gives correct moisture measurements. A flannel and tap water may be used. The surface of the sensor must not be scratched with sharp objects. It is recommended that you check that the device is working before the onset of winter.

6. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Only for electricians! Attention: mistakes made when connecting up the device can cause damage to the control unit. nVent is not liable for any damage caused by faulty connections and/or incorrect handling.
­ – Before working on the device, switch off the power supply.
– The device may only be connected up and serviced by authorised, trained personnel.
– The device is only designed to be connected to fixed cables.
– When installing the device, make sure that high-voltage cables, such as the mains supply and extensions do not come into contact with low-voltage cables such as sensor cables.
– Moreover, you must ensure adequate protection against all the extension leads disconnecting in compliance with the requirements of EN 60730, part I. This can be achieved for example by fixing the cables with cable clips.
– Local standards for electrical connection must be observed.
– If the device does not work, please first check all connections and the mains power supply

7. INSTALLATION

7.1 Installation of the control device

This device is installed in a housing to be snapped onto DIN rails (DIN EN 50022-35). It is designed to be mounted in switchboxes and distribution panels.
The housing has the following dimensions: see B

7.2 Installation of the ground temperature and moisture sensor VIA-

DU-S20

RU The sensor is yellow and can be recognised by its 5-core connection lead.

It has the following dimensions: see C

The ground temperature and moisture sensor is to be installed within the heated area at least 2.5 cm and maximum 15 cm away from the heating cables (see diagram). The sensor must be able to directly detect weather conditions (rain, snow, melted snow and ice). The sensor may not be covered up (e.g. when clearing snow). Take care that VIA-DU-S20 is not installed in an area which is continuously flooded with water (e.g. drain line), neither in an area which is continuously under ice due to external parameters (e.g. freezing of condensation water in cooling rooms). The piece of wood is placed into the ground surface as a dummy for the sensor. A metal protective pipe is to be installed up to the wooden piece.

The pipe is to be secured on the wooden piece to prevent concrete, asphalt, etc. from getting in. Once the material has been put on and if necessary cooled, the piece of wood is removed and the sensor fitted into the hole. The sensor must be mounted absolutely horizontal. The remaining space around the sensor is to be filled with, for example, silicon, mortar or asphalt. The temperature of the filling material must not exceed 80°C. Furthermore, it has to be ensured that there is a good connection without hollow space between the sensor and the filling material. The sensor connection lead may be extended from 15 m (standard length) to a maximum of 50 m with a diameter of 1.5 mm² .

7.3 Installation of air temperature sensor VIA-DU-A10

The sensor has the following dimensions: see D
The air temperature sensor should be installed approx. 2-3 m above the ground in a protected place (with a shelter). It must not be exposed to direct sunlight. It must also be protected from external influences, i.e. it must not be installed above doors or windows or near lamps or headlights. The sensor connection lead may be up to 100 m long, given a diameter of 1.5 mm².

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual -
Picture nVent
RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual -
Picture

8. TECHNICAL DATA

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual -
TECHNICAL DATA nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual -
TECHNICAL DATA

Ground temperature and moisture sensor VIA-DU-S20

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Ground
temperature and moisture sensor VIA-DU-S20

*Air temperature sensor VIA-DU-A10**

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Air
temperature sensor

VIA-DU-A10 and VIA-DU-S20 (yellow- brown wire)

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - VIA-
DU-A10 and VIA-DU-S20

9. WIRING DIAGRAM

9.1 VIA-DU-20 with contactor DE L1 FR L2

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - VIA-
DU-20 with contactor

When using MI heating cables a 300 mA RCD should be used.

  • Local values, standards and rules require two- or four-pole switching using a electrical protection
    ** Depending on the application, both one- and three pole circuit breakers of contactors are possible.

* Optional and can be activated in a BMS.
**
Air temperature sensor will be needed only if in menu freezing rain precaution the parameter “local detection” has been selected. When weather forecast has been selected you have to connect the vulture contacts of additional device to these terminals.

9.2 Alarm output

nVent RAYCHEM VIA-DU-20 Electronic Control Unit Instruction Manual - Alarm
output

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RAYCHEM-IM-INST197-VIADU20-ML-2301

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