Alva GCH001 User manual

INSTANT INFRARED HEATER
IDEAL FOR CAMPING AND DOMESTIC USE
GAS HEATER

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
As with all gas appliances, misuse of this appliance or failure to
fully follow these instructions may cause re, injury or death. Please
read all the instructions before using your gas heater. Retain this
manual for future reference.
• THIS UNIT MUST BE THOROUGHLY CHECKED BEFORE
USE.
• Ensure that all the gas ttings are correctly and rmly tted
before every use.
• DO NOT use this heater if you do not clearly understand the
instructions and/or how to operate the controls.
• Phone the customer care line at 086 100 ALVA (2582) for
assistance.
• FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY
• Use only in well ventilated areas.
• DO NOT use in basements, conned space or underground
areas.
• Some parts of this heater may get excessively hot during
operation. Keep infants, young children and the inrm at a safe
distance from the the heater while in operation.
• DO NOT leave the heater unattended while in use.
• Ensure that the gas supply is turned OFF after use and while
the heater is unattended.
• DO NOT move the heater while in use.
• DO NOT place objects on or against the heater.
• DO NOT attempt to use the heater for any purpose other that
for which it is intended (e.g. DO NOT attempt to cook on the
heater)
• DO NOT use a naked ame to test for leaks. Follow the Leak
Testing procedure outlined under ‘LEAK TEST’.
• NEVER use this heater with a cylinder other than the size
recommended.
• DO NOT touch the dress guard (front wire grill), as it gets very
hot, while in use or after it has been switched off and is cool-
ing. The dress guard does not give protection. No part of the
dress guard should be removed or changed.
• DO NOT unscrew the heater while the heater is on or if the
cylinder valve is open.
• DO NOT use a heater you suspect is faulty.
• For safety reasons, only a qualied technician may execute
maintenance and repairs.The guarantee for the heater will be
rendered void if the heater is serviced or repaired by any one
other than an Alva appointed technician.
• The heater should be inspected once a year by a qualied
technician, to make sure the unit is safe and fault free.
• The operator is responsible for the safety of all third parties
while the heater is in use.
• Note: There is a small hole in the mesh. This is normal.
Please read the
instructions carefully
before use.
Retain this manual for
future reference.

INDEX
INDEX
WARRANTY
GENERAL INFORMATION
METHOD OF ASSEMBLY (USE WITH PARTS LIST)
PARTS LIST
IGNITION
END OF OPERATION (TO TURN OFF YOUR HEATER)
MAINTENANCE
FLASHBACK (ames in the burner tube)
LEAK TEST
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TROUBLESHOOTING
AFTER SALES SERVICE
TECHNICAL DATA
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
6
7
7
8
KEY
Important information
Cautions and
warnings.
Danger
Contact an approved
ALVA technician.
Do It Yourself

Thank you for your
purchase of this
instant infrared heater.
Please read these
instructions carefully
before use and keep
them in a safe place,
for future reference.
Not using gas and/
or gas appliances
according to the
instructions is
extremely dangerous
and can lead to
property damage,
injury or death.
WARNING
This heater operates
directly on a domestic
cylinder with a 3/8”
VERTICAL exit valve.
(ALVA 3kg or 4.5kg
domestic cylinder size)
It is NOT to be used
on an industrial cylin-
der with a 5/8” HORI-
ZONTAL exit valve.
2
WARRANTY
This unit is covered by a 12-month repair warranty from date
of purchase. Proof of purchase will be required with all war-
ranty claims. Any repairs, modications or tampering with this
appliance by an UNAUTHORISED person will void the 12-month
repair warranty.This heater is intended for domestic use only, not
for any industrial use.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE PLACE OF
PURCHASE.
If you have any questions while setting up or using this heater,
please visit www.alva.co.za or call 086 100 ALVA (2582) or e-mail
[e-mail].
GENERAL INFORMATION
Before using this heater, please read through this manual and
make sure you understand everything. If you are not sure, please
call 086 100 2582 or visit www.alva.co.za for help.
This heater is a safe and efcient form of heating when used
according to these instructions.
Reading and understanding this manual should give you a good
indication of what to expect from your Alva gas heater. If this
product is not what you want or need, please help Alva and
the environment by not damaging or destroying any part of the
packaging, the manual or the Styrofoam inserts. Always keep
your proof of purchase.
Keep these instructions for future use. If you lose this copy, you
can obtain a new copy from your dealer or online at
www.alva.co.za
METHOD OF ASSEMBLY (USE WITH PARTS LIST)
1. Before screwing the connecting adaptor (8) into the cylinder
valve (11), Check:
• That the sealing washer (7) is in good order and
securely tted on the adaptor (8).
• Make sure that there are no obstructions in the Venturi
portholes.

2. Clean the cylinder valve (11) by blowing clean with
compressed air or brushing with a small brush, making
sure there is no dust or dirt in the valve exit. Failure to
do this may result in the blockage of the jet (6).
3. Screw the heater directly into the cylinder valve (11),
ensuring a gas tight seal.
(Hand tighten only - DO NOT use a spanner).
4. Place the cylinder on a at sturdy surface.
5. Perform Leak Test. (see Page 5)
PARTS LIST
3
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
Front Grill
Burner Mesh
Rear heat guard
Neoprene sealing
washer
Venturi Portholes
Cylinder valve
Rear guard reector
Ignition hole (point)
Jet
Connecting adaptor
Burner tube
2
1
Hole in Mesh
2
1

IGNITION
1. Stand behind the heater
2. Strike a match or ignite your lighter rst
3. Direct the ame into the ignition hole/point (4)
4. Open the cylinder valve slightly. You will hear gas owing.
DO NOT OPEN THE VALVE FULLY. Open the valve only
enough to achieve a good burn.
5. Make sure the heater ignites (an even red glow will form on
the burner mesh) before opening the cylinder valve further
for the desired heat setting.
END OF OPERATION (TURNING OFF YOUR HEATER)
Close the cylinder valve and allow the heater to cool down before
storing in a cool, dry place.
MAINTENANCE
On a regular basis (we recommend every time the cylinder is
changed), CHECK the following:
1. That the sealing washer (7) is in good order and that the
Venturi portholes are clear of debris, spider webs and other
insect nests.
2. If poor performance is observed, the jet is probably blocked.
Unblock by using compressed air or replace the jet. Jets are
available from your local gas dealer.
3. If either the heater or the cylinder is faulty, please consult
your dealer or call the ALVA after sales service department
on the number provided: 086 100ALVA (2582)
4. Clean the rear guard/reector with a warm, damp cloth and
a little dishwashing liquid. DO NOT allow water to get into
the burner section.
4
NEVER store your
gas cylinder inside the
house, in a cupboard
or in warm areas
exposed to direct
sunlight
DO NOT TAMPER
WITH THE JET SIZE
BY OPENING WITH A
SHARP OBJECT I.E.
NEEDLE, ETC.

FLASH BACK (FLAME INSIDE BURNER TUBE)
In the event of a ash black occuring in the burner tube (10),
(i.e. when the ame burns inside the tube with a roaring sound,
instead of outside the burner mesh (3))
1. Immediately turn OFF the gas supply at the cylinder.
1. Once cooled, check for blockages in the burner tube (10) or
any obstruction of the Venturi portholes.
2. If any blockage is found, clean with compressed air, a small
brush or a pipe cleaner.
3. If the problem re-occurs, take the heater to your local gas
dealer for service and repair or phone the ALVA service
number provided: 086 100 ALVA (2582).
LEAK TEST
The leak test must be carried out in a well-ventilated area, free
from any ames or other sources of ignition.
• With the cylinder connected to
the heater. Open the cylinder
valve.
• Brush the connections (heater
to cylinder) with a solution of
equal parts soap and water
(make sure it’s foamy).
• A stream of bubbles forming
indicates a gas leak. (See
Fig.14)
• If bubbles appear, turn the
cylinder valve OFF (clockwise)
and disconnect the heater from
the gas cylinder.
• Tighten the connection and
retry the leak test.
• If you are unsure or if you
cannot tighten the connection,
place the cylinder outside in a
cool, well-ventilated area and
contact Alva on 086 100 ALVA
(2582).
• A leak between the heater and
cylinder can lead to a high
pressure re, which is very
dangerous and can result in
extensive injury or even death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Turn off the gas
supply at the
bottle.
• Extinguish all
nakedames.
DO NOT operate
any electrical
appliances.
• Ventilate the
area.
• Perform a leak
test.
• If odour per-
sists, contact
your dealer or
local gas supplier
immediately.
5
Leak testing
Foamy
bubbles
indicate a
leak
Connection
in assembly
Connections to be leak tested
Regulator into cylinder
Hose to regulator
Hose to appliance

6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why is there an odour when I use a gas heater?
A: All gas appliances give off an odour. This could be
harmful if inhaled for extended periods of time. This
“smell” is normal, and it does not mean that you have
a gas leak. The smell of raw gas (just before you ignite
the appliance) differs to the smell coming from the
heater when it is in use. The odour is added to allow
easy gas detection.
Q: Why must there be ventilation when using a gas
heater?
A: Whenever fuel (LP Gas in this case) is burned,
ventilation is needed. Any re needs oxygen to burn.
Think of a replace, you require a chimney or ue for
the smoke to exit the house. Even though a gas heater
does not generate smoke, it still generates carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous
if not diluted by fresh air. Always ensure adequate
ventilation by leaving a door or window open in the
same room.
Q: How long will the gas in my cylinder last?
A: This depends on how you use your heater. It is easy to
calculate your gas consumption. Take the capacity of
the gas cylinder in grams (i.e. 4500g for a 4.5kg
cylinder) and divide it by the gas consumption of the
heater, on your desired setting (refer to the Technical
Data section in this manual (page 6). The answer to the
calculation is the approximate number of hours that
your heater will burn for.
Q: What do I do if I have an over-lled cylinder?
A: The best method to determine if your cylinder is over-
lled is to weigh it.Subtract the ‘tare’ mass from the
cylinder weight – this gives you the weight of your gas.
If this gas weight exceeds your cylinder design weight
(3kg or 4.5kg) then return the cylinder to your gas
supplier.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Odour Combustion N/A - The
combustion process
will always cause an
odour
Strong odour Incorrect gas
mixture
Unburned gas leak
Obtain LPG only
from reputable LPG
dealers
Perform a leak test
Always ensure there
is proper ventilation
Burns then dies Over-lled cylinder
Ventilation
Empty cylinder
Return to gas
supplier
Make sure the room
has adequate
ventilation
Replace with a full
cylinder
Heater does not
light up
Empty cylinder
No gas ow
Replace with a full
cylinder
Open cylinder valve
AFTER SALES SERVICE
MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY
Alva Marketing (Pty) Ltd
P.O. Box 30014
Tokai, 7966
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.alva.co.za
@StingrayGroupSA
www.facebook.com/AlvaGas
TOLL FREE NUMBER
086 100 ALVA (2582)
If you are still unable
to correct the problem
with the information
in this guide , then
you need to contact
your nearest dealer or
manufacturer.
Should you experience
problems with this
gas cooker, carry out
the necessary checks
as per the Trouble
Shooting Guide .
If you are still unable
to correct the problem
with the information
in this guide, then
you need to contact
your nearest dealer or
manufacturer.
7

SPECIFICATIONS
Model GCH001
Type of Gas LPG
Jet Size 0.35mm
Gas consumption at Max 369gr/hr
Operating Pressure Cylinder pressure
Heat output at Max 17 500 BTU
This heater has been tested and is LPGSASA approved
under specications SANS 1539 (appliance)
and SANS 1237 (regulator)
Any modication to the heater may cause injury
or property damage.
Any modication to the heater will invalidate the guarantee
on this appliance.
8