ALLIED PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC.
705 E. North Street
Elburn, IL 60119
Instructions for Floating De-icers
Models 7521, 7621, 521G, and 621G
Setup and Operation
Specifications
Models 7521 & 521G: 1500 watts, 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Models 7621 & 621G: 1000 watts, 120 VAC, 60 Hz
CAUTION
1. Have a qualified electrician install a properly grounded receptacle outlet,
acceptable for outdoor use and protected from snow and rain, immediately
adjacent to the location where the heater will be used.
2. Route the supply cord and locate the heater so as to be protected from damage.
3. Inspect the cord before using.
4. Do not use extension cords. Approved for use only with the API LOCKNDRY
detachable power supply cord.
5. Unplug the heater at receptacle outlet when not in use or before removing from
tank or pond.
6. Store heater indoors after winter season.
7. Connect to properly grounded outlets only.
8. Connect only to a ciruit that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI). This is a sensitive device that cuts off the electricity if there is any leakage
of current. This device may be obtained from any electrician or hardware store.
Maintenance
Do not allow lime or other impurities in the water to build up on the heating element.
The frequency of cleaning depends directly upon the composition of your water supply.
To remove buildup, soak the heating element in vinegar or a lime removing cleaners
obtained at any farm or hardware store. Then use a rough brush to scrub the element.
Do not use steel wool or something that will scratch the element. Inspect the element
for any cracks before reinstalling.
Installation
1. If the unit is to be used in a non-metallic tank, a Model 88R guard must be
attached in order to prevent the heating element from coming in contact with the
walls of the tank. Models 521G and 621G include the 88R guard. For Models
7521 and 7621, the guard must be purchased separately.
2. The unit should be placed in a tank with water and then plugged into a Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupter.
3. Some animals--particularily horses--may try to remove the deicer from the tank.
To counteract this, you may wish to run the cord through PVC or galvanized
tubing extending over the tank or use the API Deicer Safety Tether Model 23ST.
Be sure to allow slack in the cord to compensate for varying water level.
4. The unit is thermostatically controlled so that it will not turn on until the
temperature drops to around 40°F. If it is removed from the tank, it will turn on
and then shut itself off in about 60 seconds and will then cycle on and off.
IMPORTANT
The use of the Model 88R guard is mandatory to prevent the heating element
from coming into contact with combustible materials such as the side or bottom
of a non-metallic tank. See the back of this sheet for instructions on attaching
the guard. Read and follow all instructions.
7521-96
Troubleshooting
The de-icer has been fully tested and is guaranteed to perform to specifications; there are
no user adjustments or modifications on the unit. However, you can perform certain
checks for the following conditions.
- The tank or pond freezes over:
Unplug the unit and plug in an electrical device such as a lamp or power tool. If no power
is present, check that a breaker has not been tripped or a fuse blown. If the breaker or
fuse is ok, check the wiring to the outlet, otherwise remove the unit from the tank or pond
before resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse, and test the unit with a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) as described below.
If the de-icer is located far from the electrical breaker box, there could be a significant
voltage drop in the wiring to the outlet which could reduce the power output of the
de-icer.You should consult a qualified electrician if you suspect this is a problem.
If the air temperature has dropped quickly, some ice may form before the unit senses the
change in temperature. If, however, the ice has not started to melt within 2 hours, you
should return the unit to the place of purchase.
- The livestock are being shocked:
If you suspect that the animals are being shocked when they contact the water, DO NOT
TOUCH THE WATER. Instead, unplug the unit and remove it from the tank for testing.
- To test the unit:
Place the de-icer in a freezer for 20 minutes to make sure that the thermostat is turned on.
Locate a GFCI outlet (typically found in a bathroom in newer homes) and run some water
into a bucket, sink, or bathtub near the outlet. Quickly remove the unit from the freezer,
place it into the water, and plug the unit into the GFCI while taking care not to touch the
water. If the unit trips the GFCI, it is defective and should be returned to the place of
purchase. If it does not trip the GFCI, it is operating properly and is not leaking electricity
to the water. However, there could be electricity entering the tank via the ground wire due
to presence of voltage on the ground circuit in the electrical supply from the building.
Many times, this voltage is coming directly from the electric utility company. For help with
this problem, contact Allied Precision at (800) 627-6179 or (630) 365-0340.
