Growing Spaces AB-6523D User manual

Revised 02/09/2022 Page 1 42’ Install Manual 9-W1 Solar Powered Attic Fan
MATERIALS LIST
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
CUT THE HOLE
Attic Breeze Fan Kit (Model AB-6523D):
14” Self-flashing fan
65W Monocrystalline solar panel with mounting hardware
UV/Weather-resistant power cable
Wooden frame kit
Shutter
Hardware:
1 Thermostat with box
Wire
Wire connectors
Roofing screws
2-1/2” and 3” screws
3/4" Hex head screws
Weatherproof roofing grade sealant
Cordless drill
Reciprocating or jig saw
Ladder and/or scaffolding
Marker
Measuring tape
Wire strippers
Choose a location to install your solar attic fans that allows for balanced air flow throughout the greenhouse. The
solar fan should be installed in a “C1” panel, centered on the “B” strut edge (as shown in Figure 1).
The 65-Watt Attic Breeze models feature a remote mounted solar panel. For optimum performance, mount the
solar panels on the south side of the dome and make sure they are not shaded or blocked from the sun for
extended periods during the day. Target exposure should be for maximum sun in the hottest parts of the day/year.
Roughly, the angle of the panel should match your latitude (the higher the latitude, the higher on the dome). The
solar panel comes with a 25’ cord so you can put the fan away from the windy side of the dome. Your solar attic
fan should not be installed any closer than within 5 feet to an existing passive vent or additional fan unit.
Most people prefer to mount the thermostat near the door, or in another warm location inside the dome to
maximize its operability.
After choosing the installation location for your solar attic fan, find the center of the “B” strut lengthwise and
widthwise. This is important because the attic fan will be anchored to the “B” strut with roofing screws. Measure
13” from this point towards the center of the “C1” panel and make a mark. Partially insert a screw into the panel at
that point. Using the screw as a reference point, trace out a 10" radius circle (20" across) as shown in Figure 1.
Predrill several holes, large enough to insert the saw blade, along the mark. Next, use a reciprocating or jig saw to
cut out the traced hole pattern from the glazing panel. Remove the cut-out material from around the hole as
42’ GROWING DOME
SOLAR POWERED ATTIC FAN

Revised 02/09/2022 Page 2 42’ Install Manual 9-W1 Solar Powered Attic Fan
MOUNT THE FAN OUTSIDE THE DOME
COMPLETE INSTALLATION INSIDE
needed. Note: Some fans come with a cardboard template which may be used to mark the circle. Make sure the
center of the template is 13” from the center of the “B” strut.
Figure 1
Remove all packaging material and tape from your fan. Position the fan so that it is
centered with the hole that was just cut and allow the control cable and remote
power cable connector to hang freely from the bottom of the fan unit.
Lifting the fan unit up at an angle, apply weatherproof caulking to the bottom side of
the fan unit (Figure 2). Align the fan unit with the hole so that the sticker "This Side
Towards Ground" is facing the desired direction. Start by securing the fan flashing
to the “B” strut with roofing screws through the pre-drilled holes in the base flashing.
Remain on the outside of the dome as a second person is needed to assist from
inside.
While one person is working outside the dome, a second person can begin the inside portion of the installation by
pre-building the support frame and shutter assembly.
Remove the shutter from the packaging. Lay the shutter on a flat surface with the louvers opening upward. Begin
by placing the 2x4 frame with the long edge vertically around the shutter. Assemble the vertical 2x4 frame with (8)
3” screws. (Figure 3 & 5) The longest piece should parallel the louvers. Be sure not to squeeze the shutter too
tight as this will inhibit the free opening and closing. Secure the shutter to the frame with (12) 3/4” hex head
screws, 3 per side. There may be pre-drilled holes to use on some sides.
Next, secure the horizontal frame to the bottom of the vertical frame with (8) 2-1/2” screws, 2 per side. The 2x2
should be installed first and parallel the louvers. The 2x4s will lay flat and overhang the vertical frame to the
1st IMPORTANT ASPECT:
Do not cut through any struts while cutting the vent hole. Only cut out the polycarbonate glazing.
2nd IMPORTANT ASPECT:
Keep the solar panel disconnected during the installation.
Figure 2

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outside. Using 3” screws, toe screw the frame together. Fasten the 2x4 connections with (2) 3” screws and the
2x2 connections with (1) 3” screw. The shutter assembly is now complete (Figure 4).
Working from a ladder or scaffolding, complete the
installation of the fan by holding the shutter assembly
against the glazing with the louvers opening upwards, or
towards the fan. The 2x2 should be against the “B” strut.
The wires from the fan should be between the frame and
glazing, so that connections can be made outside the
frame. Using the remaining (9) roofing screws, the person
outside will screw through the pre-drilled holes in the fan
flashing and into the shutter assembly. Apply caulk around
the fan flashing edge and over any exposed screw heads to
weatherproof your installation. Tape the edges of the fan
flashing with 2-1/2”aircraft tape. Inside the dome, secure
the shutter assembly by screwing (3) 2-1/2” screws through
the strut and into the 2x2/2x4 side of the frame.
While still on the ground, prepare the solar panel by installing the solar panel mounting brackets per the
instructions included with your specific Attic Breeze bracket kit. Begin by locating the power cable included with
your Attic Breeze solar attic fan. Make sure the power cable is long enough to reach the fan from where the
remote solar panel will be installed.
Using the included bootjack flashing piece, cut off the tip and slide the extra length of wire up through the
underside of the bootjack about 1-2’ (Figure 6). Connect the end of the wire that you just slid through the bootjack
to the solar panel and seal the connection with electrical tape (Figure 7). Underneath where the panel will be
situated, drill a hole large enough to get the cable through (approximately 3/8”). Slide the other end of the wire
through the drilled hole, into the dome.
REMOTE MOUNTED SOLAR PANEL
3rd IMPORTANT ASPECT:
Test the shutter by lifting the louvers to ensure they open and close freely. You may need to bend the louver
arms to achieve this. You may also need to adjust the spring location.
Figure 4
Figure 3
Figure 5

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WIRING THE SOLAR ATTIC FAN
Silicone the underside of the flashing piece and secure this to the
glazing with the provided screws (figure 8). Securely mount the
solar panel/bracket assembly to two struts with (3) 2” roofing
screws, utilizing 3 points of contact (figure 9).
Taking the shortest pathway, route the wire along suitable struts on a diagonal to the mounted fan. You will have
to “fish” the wire through the hubs in this process. Staple the wire to the struts using the quantity of staples per
strut shown on the parts list. Hint: If you put the wire on the upper sides of struts, and staple them near the
glazing, the wire will be less noticeable.
Connect the power cable from the solar panel to the fan to test the unit (Figure 10). Be
sure the fan is blowing out (exhaust). Also, be sure it is sunny outside! The fan will only
operate above 68°F at this point and no wires have been cut or altered. Disconnect
the power cable to continue the installation process.
After the power cable has been unplugged, remove the thermal switch (Figure 12: next
page) from the wire connectors and cut them off. Use a wire stripper tool to expose the
bare wire (Figure 11: next page). Connect the white wires to the wires that will be
routed to the thermostat switch using the provided wire connectors (Figure 13: next
page).
The quick connect from the
solar panel to the fan. Wrap
in electrical tape to keep
secure. This connection is
outside the dome.
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10

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When installing multiple fans, two fans may be wired to a single
thermostat. The white wires in Figure 13 will be spliced with the
second fan before running them to the thermostat. Use two
short pieces of the provided auxiliary wire to connect the fans.
There are no positive or negative wires, but be careful, do not
cross the wires. On the 4-way flat connectors, notice the
female port side of the plug. Connect the wires on the female
port side together, then connect the wires on the male port side
together. Connect the remaining long piece of auxiliary wire to
those connections and run it to the thermostat location, stapling
the wire to the struts as done previously with the wire running
from the solar panel to the fan. Refer to Figure 14 and use the
provided wire connectors as needed.
Fan to solar
panel quick
connect should
be
disconnected
before cutting
the white wires
Cut here
Cut here
Remove the
thermal switch
Figure 12
Figure 11
Female Port Side
Female Port Side
Jumper Wires
Wire Connectors
To Thermostat
Figure 13
Figure 14

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Continue installation by running the provided wire towards the location where you want to mount the thermostat,
and just like the solar panel wire, “fish”it behind the hubs and staple the wire to the struts.
Mount the electrical box and run the wire in through the backside.
Using your wire strippers, expose the bare wire and connect the
ends to the appropriate terminals on the back of the thermostat
(Figure 15).
Connect the wire to the thermostat utilizing the COM (bottom)
terminal and the NC (middle) terminal. Unlike the solar intake fan, it
does not matter which wire goes to which terminal.
Complete the installation by mounting the thermostat in the electrical
box and secure the cover. Reconnect the solar panel cable(s) to the
fan(s) and double check that it is blowing air outside the greenhouse.
The fan should now operate properly. As the dome warms, and
when the temperature exceeds the set point, the fan will run. Check
this by setting the thermostat to a low temperature. Turn the dial to
the highest setting to check that the fan shuts off.
Figure 15