Behlen Country AHW100 User manual

F-20404-4 TECHNICAL INFORMATION 70118 Rev. 1-10-19 10-3-05
Extreme Weather Poly Electric Drinker
Model AHW100 (54150158)
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER
PO Box 569
Columbus, NE
68602-0569
Ph: 800-447-2751
Fax: [phone]
www.behlencountry.com
Hardware Kit
54900078
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT
Behlen Country has been in the business of providing quality products for more than 80 years.
Our products will provide many years of service when maintained by the owner and used in
accordance with the capabilities of the product. For questions about this product,
or for parts inquiries, please contact our Customer Service Center listed below.
Before beginning, please read the
instructions thoroughly to make sure you
have all of the necessary components for
your installation.
Location of the Drinker
If you are installing your drinker in a new
location some things can be done to enhance
the performance of your drinker and lower your
operating costs. If the drinker can be located in
a sheltered area, especially shielded from the
north wind, then the heater will need to operate
less and livestock will be more likely to drink
more.
However, we realize that it is not always
possible to locate the drinker in a sheltered
area, but even if the drinker is exposed and out
in the open, it would still be advantageous by
locating the drinker with the access door to the
south.
Water Supply Line
When installing your drinker please comply
with all local plumbing codes. The horizontal
underground water supply line should be ¾”
with a ¾” supply riser pipe. A ¾” I.D. pressure
hose is supplied with your drinker. We suggest
connecting the flex hose with 3/4” NPT x 3/4”
hose barb connectors and hose clamps (these
can be purchased locally) to the riser pipe.
If desired, a shut-off valve can be installed
under the drinker to allow for easier servicing.
NOTE: If the heat is going to be shut off during
the winter, a means must be provided to drain
the supply line down below the frost line to
prevent freezing of the riser pipe. Tip: Behlen
Country has a Shut-Off Valve Kit (54130168)
that can be used to shut off the water supply
and drain the riser pipe.
Before hooking up your drinker, the supply
line MUST BE flushed to ensure that no
contaminates will foul the valve upon start up of
your drinker. NOTE: Your drinker is equipped
with an MC valve that is easy to clean and
adjust. If low water pressure conditions exist
and a higher flow rate is desired, a larger inlet is
available (3888247).
Preparing the Mounting Platform
Install the drinker on a 4” (minimum) thick
concrete base, slightly raised above the ground
level for better drainage. (Note: The pad should
be a minimum of 4” larger than the drinker.)
For the AHW100 Drinker, a 24” x 34” minimum
pad is required. If you are replacing a drinker
and going to use an existing platform made
for a different drinker, it must have a 24” x 34”
flat mounting area. If it doesn’t have a large
enough area, you can pour a cap over the
existing platform to enlarge it or replace the
platform.
Extending the platform provides animals with
a secure place to stand while drinking. If you
extend the platform beyond the minimum it is
advisable to slope the platform outside of the
mounting area to promote better drainage.
A smooth surface is recommended for the
mounting area of the drinker and rough surface
on the area where the animals will stand to
drink. If you are pouring a new platform you
have the option of using anchor bolts set into
the concrete when wet or drilling and using
expandable anchor bolts after the concrete
has cured to mount your drinker. Refer to
illustration # 1 for detailed measurements of the
hole pattern.

F-
Illustration #1 - Anchor Bolt Placement
Illustration #2 - Enlarge Hole As Needed
Illustration # 3A - Pull on Latch Handles
Illustration # 3B - Removing Float Cover
Before pouring the concrete, have the water
line routed up through a 4” or larger tile in the
center of the pad for final connections to the
drinker. Tip: Behlen Country poly earth tubes
(54130038) are an excellent way to route water
to your drinker. Also, if electrical power is going
to be routed underground to your drinker, an
appropriate conduit for the electrical service
must be installed at this time also. Please follow
local electrical codes and use the recommended
materials to route power to your drinker. Note: If
you are using an existing platform and the water
supply line is not in the center of the platform,
you can enlarge the existing opening as required
with a jig saw. If this is done, it is recommended
that the exposed foam be coated with silicone
sealant. See illustration 2 for details.
Make sure the tile or earth tube extends below
the frost line for your area. The tile or earth tube
must be left open to give access to warmer air
from below the frost line, thus preventing the
riser from freezing. If the soil in your area does
not drain well it is recommend that a gravel
bed be used under the earth tube to promote
drainage if water happens to get in the earth
tube. The top of the earth tube should be flush
with the platform to allow flush mounting of the
drinker.
Be sure the riser pipe does not touch the sides
of the earth tube. If desired, a shut-off valve can
be installed under the drinker to allow for easier
servicing. NOTE: If the heat is going to be shut
off during the winter a means must be provided
to drain the supply line down below the frost line
to prevent freezing of the riser pipe. Tip: Behlen
Country has shut-off valve kit (54130118) that
can be used to shut off the water supply and
drain the riser pipe.
Mounting the Drinker to the Platform
To make mounting your drinker easier it is best
to disassemble it first. Remove the float cover
by pulling out on the two latches, see illustration
3A and 3B.

F-20406 10-3-05
Illustration 7 - Caulking Bottom
Illustration 5 - Removing Basin
Illustration 4 - Removing Screws From Top
Illustration 6 - Transfer & Drilling Holes
Next remove the four screws from the rim of the
basin, illustration 4.
You can now remove the basin with the heat pad
assembly by lifting up on the rim of the basin
opposite of the drain, illustration 5.
You will now have three pieces, the float cover
assembly, the basin assembly and the base
assembly.
If you are using expandable anchor bolts,
proceed as follows: Center the drinker base
assembly on the pad and transfer the mounting
hole locations to the pad, illustration 6.
Following these marks drill four 3/8” dia. x 2”
deep holes in the concrete platform. Turn the
drinker on its side and apply caulking around
the bottom outer edge and center opening.
Make sure to apply enough caulking to seal
any irregularities between the drinker and the
platform, see Illustration # 7.
Secure the drinker base to pad using four 3/8”
x 4” expandable anchor bolts with 3/8” fender
washer (purchased locally),
While the basin is off, it is good time to install
the ¾” hose barb connection to the riser pipe.
Reinstall the basin assembly to the base and
remove the side access door. You can leave the
float cover off until the water level is adjusted.
Electrical Connections
NOTE: Electrical connections should be
made by a qualified electrician and all local
codes need to be followed. The heating pad
is 220 watt, 120 volt AC, 1.8 amp unit. It is
thermostatically controlled so it only operates
when there is a demand for heat. It is
recommended that you shut off the power to the
drinker during warm weather when heat is not
required.
A 120 volts of AC power that is grounded and
contains Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI)
is required to operate this drinker. Normally,
a 15 amp power supply is used to power the
drinker. CAUTION: This drinker contains live
electrical components, disconnect the power
before servicing.
There are three connections and a ground that
are required to connect your drinker. These
connections are to be made with the three
supplied DRYCON wire nuts. These wire

F-20407 10-3-05
nuts are silicone filled and provide maximum
protection against moisture. They are a
one time use connector so, if reconnection
is necessary new wire nuts will need to be
obtained. All connections should be made
inside the electrical box.
Ground Connection: The green (ground) wire
from the supply line connects to the grounding
lug inside the electrical box. The wiring will be
easier if you hook up the ground wire first.
First Connection: A black and a white come
from the heating pad. The white wire connects
to the White (neutral) wire of the supply line.
Second Connection: The black wire from the
heating pad connects to either one of the two
black wires of the thermostat.
Third Connection: The other black wire from
the thermostat connects to the black (hot) wire
of the supply line.
Refer to the illustration below for details and
schematic of this wiring connection.
Do NOT turn on the power until after the water
connections have been made and tested to
assure that there are no leaks.
NOTE: The use of the riser pipe as the
grounding rod is not recommended. This is
due to the extensive use of plastic pipe on
the farmsteads and the unknown grounding
properties of the existing pipe on the site.
WARNING: Compliance with the national
electric code (CSA in Canada) and local
electrical codes must be made and maintained
when installing the drinker. Failure to comply
and maintain the drinker to code could result in
loss of livestock, severe personal injury, or even
death.

F-20408-2 Rev. 1-10-19 10-3-05
Illustration 9 - Foam Sealing Ring Installed
Illustration 8 - Installing Foam Sealing Ring
Illustration 10 - Setting Water Level
1/4”
Water Hookup and Float Adjustment
When cutting the flex hose, leave a little extra
length to allow for movement of the platform
during cold weather. However, do not leave too
much length or the hose will kink and restrict
the water flow. Slide the hose over the barb and
secure it with the hose clamp. Make sure all
connections are tight.
Insert the foam sealing ring coneside first from
the outside of the drinker. Push the edges of the
ring with finger so that the ring is in a quarter of
an inch past the rim. The drain plug is installed
in the end of the drain spout from the outside of
the drinker. See Illustrations #8 & 9).
The water can now be turned on and the float
level set.
Adjust the float by using the two thumb screws.
Set the float to maintain a water level in the
trough of 1” to 1½” below the top of the rim of
the trough. See illustration 10.
Check all connections for leaks and if none are
present the power can be turned on to the unit
and the access door installed.
NOTE: Your drinker is equipped with an MC
Valve that is easy to clean and adjust. If low
water pressure conditions exist and a higher
flow rate is desired, a larger inlet is available
(3888247).
If you encounter problems after hooking up your
drinker, please refer to the trouble shooting chart
for information on possible solutions.
Warranties
All Behlen Country Electric Drinkers carry a 5
year limited warranty on the body and a 1 year
limited warranty on the valve and controls.

F-20201-2 Rev. 1-101-9 11-4-04
STEP 5
Replace the
Cover to
complete the
cleaning of
the Valve.
STEP 3
If the Rubber Seal is grooved but
still pliable (not hard and brittle),
you may flip it over and use the
backside of the seal. If both sides
of the Seal are hard, replacement
Seals are available. In some
instances both the Plunger
and the Seal may need to be
replaced.
STEP 2
Clean the Rubber Seal in the
Plunger and opening to the
Valve of any mineral deposits
or dirt buildup that may
be obstructing the normal
operation of the Valve.
Rubber Seal is
inserted inside Plunger
Rubber Seal
Plunger
Upper Arm
Plunger
w/seal
Cover
Pins
STEP 1
Slide off Cover,
pivot Upper
Arm up, and
remove the
Plunger.
Upper
Arm
Lower
Arm
Pins
STEP 4
Replace the Plunger with the nipple facing
out, and the rubber facing the valve. Pivot
Upper Arm down over Plunger.
Float
Float Arm
Thumb
Screw
Complete
Assembly
Instructions for Cleaning the MC Valve
and Replacing the Plunger & Seal

F-20569-2 Rev. 1-10-19 3-17-08
Instructions How To Assemble The Float And Arm To
The MC Valve And How To Adjust The Valve
The MC Valve is already attached to the
drinker. The float and arm assembly is with the
hardware kit. They are packaged separately to
prevent undue wear to the valve caused by the
arm bouncing up and down during shipping.
The float and arm are attached to the valve by
a thumb screw. The float can be positioned
either closer or further away from the valve (see
photo below left for the two float positions).
Further away increases the shut off force of
the valve. However depending upon which
drinker is being used, the closer position may
be required to maintain proper clearance for
the float to the side of the drinker. A clearance
of at least 1/2” should be maintained to ensure
smooth operation of the valve.
When attaching the float arm to the valve, be
sure to attach the arm to the correct side of the
valve. The grooves on the valve and float arm
must match. Please note that the valve has
coarse grooves on one side and fine grooves
on the other. The fine grooved side is used with
the float arm (see below for details).
To adjust the water level in the drinker, loosen
the thumb screws and position the float and arm
so that the valve is turned off when the water is
at the desired level (see photo at left). It may
take a couple of adjustments to get the correct
level (1-1½” below the top of the trough). To
speed the adjustment process, remove the drain
plug and drain a little water out so that the valve
turns on. Put the drain plug back and let water
fill until the valve shuts off. If the level is not
correct, repeat the process until the correct level
is obtained and then replace the float cover.
Your drinker is now ready for use.
Adjust
Adjust
Fine Coarse
Parts for MC Valve
MC Valve Only
3888245S
MC Valve & Float Ass’y
3888244S
MC Float Ass’y
3888251S
Rubber Seals for MC
Valve 54300988
(Pkg of 5)

F-20409 10-3-05
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
For Behlen Country Electric Drinkers
Ice in
Trough
•Check fuses or circuit breakers.
•Check to see if there are any gaps that allow cold air to enter the base of the
drinker.
- Make sure the fountain is sealed from wind between the concrete platform and
bottom of the drinker.
- Make sure there are no air leaks around the access door.
•Check to make sure that you have a full 120 volts at the drinker and that the 120
volts are maintained when the heater is on.
•Check the heating elements to make sure they are working and hot.
•Check that heater is wired properly.
•Check voltage after thermostat to fountain with and without electrical load (Note: to
close the thermostat to complete the circuit, hold a piece of ice in a plastic bag next
to sensing surface).
•Adjust thermostat to higher temperature by moving it further away from the heat
pad (make moves in 2” steps).
Water
Freezing in
the Valve or
Supply Line
•Make sure supply line is properly installed.
- Riser tube with supply line centered, and there is an air space between riser tube
and supply line.
- Horizontal supply line is at least 1’ below frost line.
• Check for missing or damaged insulation.
• Check for air gaps against wind penetrations.
- Make sure the fountain is sealed from wind between the concrete platform and
bottom of the drinker.
- Make sure there are no leaks around the access door.
- Make sure that the latches are holding the float cover securely to drinker. If the
latches are loose, adjust spring tension on the latch and, if necessary, bend the
latch ends in vise thus enabling the latches to hold the cover tighter.
Valve
Won’t
Stop
Dripping
or
Shut Off
•Check the float adjustment. Check for waterlogged float, or float rubbing on side of
the valve compartment. Ensure that the float moves freely.
•Disassemble valve and check for sand or scale in valve rubber. Also check valve
orifice outlet for wear and damage. A screen or filter may be required with sandy
or scaly water. Please refer to the valve cleaning instructions supplied with your
drinker.
•Turn valve rubber over and re-assemble.
•Check for excessive water system pressure (greater than 55 psi). If needed, change
to our higher pressure APEX valve, or install a pressure regulator, available at most
plumbing shops.
Low Water
Flow
•Check that the valve inlet is not plugged or supply hose is not kinked.
•Check system pressure from supply hose by installing a tee and a pressure gauge
directly in front of the valve and then check pressure drop when valve is open. A
severe pressure drop indicates a restriction or undersized supply system.
•Check that shut off valves are fully open.