Heat Controller VMH09SC-1 User manual

Heat Controller, Inc. • 1900 Wellworth Ave. • Jackson, MI 49203 • [phone] • www.heatcontroller.com
SERVICE MANUAL
Inverter Single Zone
Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump
VMH Series Version C
VMH09SC-1
VMH12SC-1
VMH18SC-1
VMH24SC-1

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CONTENTS
1.Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. Functions ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3. Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Indoor Unit.............................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Outdoor Unit ........................................................................................................................... 11
4. Refrigerant Cycle Diagram ............................................................................................................. 12
5. Wiring Diagrams.............................................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Indoor Unit.............................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 Outdoor Unit ........................................................................................................................... 14
6. Installation Details........................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Power Wiring .......................................................................................................................... 15
6.2 Pipe length and elevation....................................................................................................... 16
6.3 Pressure test and evacuation................................................................................................. 17
7. Operation characteristics ............................................................................................................... 18
8. Electronic functions........................................................................................................................ 19
8.1 Abbreviation............................................................................................................................ 19
8.2 Display function ...................................................................................................................... 19
8.3 Main Protection ...................................................................................................................... 20
8.4 Operation Modes and Functions ............................................................................................ 21
9. Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 35
9.1 Indoor Unit Error Display ........................................................................................................ 36
9.2 Diagnosis and Solution........................................................................................................... 36

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1. Precaution
1.1 Safety Precaution
To prevent injury to the user or other people and property damage, the following
instructions must be followed.
Incorrect operation due to ignoring instruction will cause harm or damage.
Before service unit, be sure to read this service manual at first.
1.2 Warning
Installation
Do not use a defective or underrated circuit breaker. Use this appliance on a dedicated
circuit.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
For electrical work, contact the dealer, seller, a qualified electrician.
Do not disassemble or repair the product, there is risk of fire or electric shock.
Always ground the product.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Install the panel and the cover of control box securely.
There is risk of fire of electric shock.
Always install a dedicated circuit and breaker.
Improper wiring or installation may cause fIre or electric shock.
Use the correctly rated breaker of fuse.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not modify or extend the power cable.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not install, remove, or reinstall the unit by yourself(customer).
There is risk of fire, electric shock, explosion, or injury.
Use caution when unpacking and installing the product.

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Sharp edges could cause injury, be especially careful of the case edges and the fins on the
condenser and evaporator.
For installation, always contact the dealer.
There is risk of fire, electric shock, explosion, or injury.
Do not install the product on a defective installation stand.
It may cause injury, accident, or damage to the product.
Be sure the installation area does not deteriorate with age.
If the base collapses, the air conditioner could fall with it, causing property damage, product failure,
and personal injury.
Do not let the air conditioner run for a long time when the humidity is very high and a
door or a window is left open.
Moisture may condense and wet or damage furniture.
Take care to ensure that power cable can not be pulled out or damaged during operation.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not place anything on the power cable.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not plug or unplug the power supply plug during operation.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not touch (operation) the product with wet hands.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Do not place a heater or other appliance near the power cable.
There is risk of fire and electric shock.
Do not allow water to run into electric parts.
It may cause fire, failure of the product, or electric shock.
Do not store or use flammable gas or combustible near the product.
There is risk of fire or failure of product.
Do not use the product in a tightly closed space for a long time.
Oxygen deficiency could occur.
When flammable gas leaks, turn off the gas and open a window for ventilation before
turn the product on.

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Do not use the telephone or turn switches on or off.
There is risk of explosion or fire.
If strange sounds, or small or smoke comes from product. Turn the breaker off or
disconnect the power supply cable.
There is risk of electric shock or fire.
Stop operation and close the window in storm or hurricane. If possible, remove the
product from the window before the hurricane arrives.
There is risk of property damage, failure of product, or electric shock.
Do not open the inlet grill of the product during operation. (Do not touch the electrostatic
filter, if the unit is so equipped.)
There is risk of physical injury, electric shock, or product failure.
When the product is soaked (flooded or submerged), contact an your dealer.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Use caution that water could not enter the product.
There is risk of fire, electric shock, or product damage.
Ventilate the product from time to time when operating it together with a stove, etc.
There is risk of fire or electric shock.
Turn the main power off when cleaning or maintaining the product.
There is risk of electric shock.
When the product is not be used for a long time, disconnect the power supply plug or
turn off the breaker.
There is risk of product damage or failure, or unintended operation.
Take care to ensure that nobody can step on or fall onto the outdoor unit.
This could result in personal injury and product damage.
CAUTION
Always check for gas (refrigerant) leakage after installation or repair of product.
Low refrigerant levels may cause failure of product.
Install the drain hose to ensure that water is drained away properly.
A bad connection may cause water leakage.

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Keep level even when installing the product.
To avoid vibration of water leakage.
Use two or more people to lift and transport the product.
Avoid personal injury.
Do not install the product where it will be exposed to sea wind (salt spray) directly.
It may cause corrosion on the product. Corrosion, particularly on the condenser and evaporator fins,
could cause product malfunction or inefficient operation.
Operational
Do not expose the skin directly to cool air for long periods of time. (Do not sit in the
draft).
This could harm to your health.
Do not use the product for special purposes, such as preserving foods, works of art, etc.
It is a consumer air conditioner, not a precision refrigerant system.
There is risk of damage or loss of property.
Do not block the inlet or outlet of air flow.
It may cause product failure.
Use a soft cloth to clean. Do not use harsh detergents, solvents, etc.
There is risk of fire, electric shock, or damage to the plastic parts of the product.
Do not touch the metal parts of the product when removing the air filter. They are very
sharp.
There is risk of personal injury.
Do not step on or put anything on the product. (outdoor units)
There is risk of personal injury and failure of product.
Always insert the filter securely. Clean the filter every two weeks or more often if
necessary.

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A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner and could cause product malfunction or
damage.
Do not insert hands or other object through air inlet or outlet while the product is
operated.
There are sharp and moving parts that could cause personal injury.
Do not drink the water drained from the product.
It is not sanitary could cause serious health issues.
Use a firm stool or ladder when cleaning or maintaining the product.
Be careful and avoid personal injury.
Replace the all batteries in the remote control with new ones of the same type. Do not
mix old and mew batteries or different types of batteries.
There is risk of fire or explosion.
Do not recharge or disassemble the batteries. Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.
They may burn of explode.
If the liquid from the batteries gets onto your skin or clothes, wash it well with clean
water. Do not use the remote of the batteries have leaked.
The chemical in batteries could cause burns or other health hazards

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2. Function
When the power supply is
interrupted and then restored, the
unit automatically restarts at the
previous function setting.
Maintains the room temperature according
to the set temperature
The mode can be change by the room temperature
The louver can be set at the desired position or
swing up and down automatically
The function is usually used in rainy
days in springtime or damp areas
The fan is turned to low speed in both
cooling and heating
The unit will decide the louver direction according
to operation mode
Turbo, high, med, low, breeze
Restart is for approx. 3 minutes
Prevents condensate from freezing on evaporator
by sensing the evaporator pipe temperature
in cooling mode
Room temperature sensor
Pipe temperature sensor
Indoor unit
Operation by remote controller
Sensing room temperature
Room temperature control
Anti-freeze protection in cooling
Time Delay Safety control
Indoor fan speed control
Two-direction air vane
Sleep mode auto control
Independent dehumidification
Air flow Direction control
Auto mode
Temp. Compensation
Auto defrost
Anti-cold function
Self-diag. function
Auto-restart function
Timer function
Ionizer
Prevent the cold wind at the
beginning of unit start.
Self clean
Indoor golden fin
Follow me
Ionizer
Indoor golden n

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Protects the valves and prevents water from dripping.
3 minute time delay between ON/OFF operation.
Outdoor unit
Compressor delay
Hydrophilic aluminum fin
Energized in the heating mode except
when in defrost.
Anti-rust cabinet
Valve protection cover
4 way valve control
Made from electrolytic zinc steel and
anti-rust coated components.
Low noise air flow system
Bird tail propeller fan makes the outdoor unit run more
quietly.
Discharge pipe temperature protection
Operates down to 5°F(15°C)
Crankcase heater chassis heater for some full DC
inverter outdoor units

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3. Dimension
3.1 Indoor Unit
Model
Dimension (mm)
W H D
B-VMH09SC
B-VMH12SC
845
(33.3in)
286
(11.3in)
165
(6.5in)
B-VMH18SC
B-VMH24SC
1080
(42.5in)
320
(12.6in)
200
(7.9in)

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3.2 Outdoor Unit
Model Dimension (mm)
W D H W1 A B
A-VMH09SC 760
(29.9in)
285
(11.2in)
590
(23.2in)
823
(32.4in)
530
(20.9in)
290
(11.4in)
A-VMH12SC
A-VMH18SC 845
(33.3in)
335
(13.2in)
695
(27.4in)
918
(36.1in)
560
(22.0in)
335
(13.2in)
A-VMH24SC 895
(35.2in)
330
(13.0in)
860
(33.9in)
975
(38.4in)
590
(23.2in)
333
(13.1in)

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4. Refrigerant Cycle Diagram:
INDOOR OUTDOOR
LIQUID SIDE
GAS SIDE
HEAT
EXCHANGE
(EVAPORATOR)
HEAT
EXCHANGE
(CONDENSER)
COMPRESSOR
2-WAY VALVE
3-WAY VALVE
CHECK VALVE
(Heating Model only)
CAPILIARY TUBE
REVERSING VALVE
(Heating Model only)
COOLING
HEATING
ACCUMULATOR

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5. Wiring Diagrams:
5.1 Indoor Units
B-VMH09SC-1 B-VMH12SC-1
B-VMH18SC-1 B-VMH24SC-1

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5.2 Outdoor Unit
A-VMH09SC-1 A-VMH12SC-1
A-VMH18SC-1

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A-VMH24SC-1
6. Installation details:
6.1 Power Wiring
•Consult local building codes, NEC (National Electrical Code) or CEC (Canadian Electrical
Code) for special requirements.
Connection Cable: Voltage drop on the connecting cable should be kept to a minimum.
The operating voltage will vary between – 24V to +24V DC.
Use cable size listed below:
MODEL
SIZE POWER SOURCE
MIN CKT AMP
MAX FUSE/CB
AMP
AW G ( mi n )
Connecting Cable**
(outdoor to indoor)
9K
208/230-60-1 15/20
14/4
COPPER
STRANDED
12K
18K
24K

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6.2 Pipe length and the elevation:
1. Single Zone “V” Series Inverter System:
Capacity Pipe Size Standard Max Total Additional
Btu/h Gas Liquid Length Elevation Line Length (ft) Refrigerant
(in) (in) (ft) (ft) Min. Max. oz/ft
9k 3/8 1/4 *16.5 26 10 65.5 .2
12k 1/2 1/4 *16.5 26 10 65.5 .2
18k 1/2 1/4 *16.5 32 10 82 .2
24k 5/8 3/8 *16.5 32 10 82 .4
Refrigerant Charge (oz)
Unit Model # Heat Pump
VMH09SC 38.8 oz.
VMH12SC 44.1 oz.
VMH18SC 58.2 oz.
VMH24SC 67.0 oz.
*Unit charge located on rating plate includes enough refrigerant for 16.5 feet of line set.
*Charge adjustment is not required on line set lengths less than 16.5 feet.
*Capacity is based on standard line set lengths and maximum length is based on reliability.
Oil Traps:
It is not necessary to install oil traps when outdoor unit is located lower than indoor unit.
It is recommended that a trap be installed when outdoor unit is installed 16.5’ higher than indoor unit.
ABA

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6.3 Pressure Test & Evacuation
Air and moisture in the refrigerant system have undesirable effects as below:
●Pressure in the system rises.
●Operating current rises.
●Cooling or heating efficiency drops.
●Moisture in the refrigerant circuit may freeze and block capillary tubing.
●Refrigerant lines and indoor coil should be evacuated using the recommended deep vacuum
method of 500 microns. The alternate triple evacuation method may be used if the procedure
outlined is followed.
1. System Evacuation and Charging
1) Completely tighten the flare nuts of the indoor and outdoor units, connect manifold gauge low side
hose to low side service valve.
2) Connect the manifold gauge charge hose to the vacuum pump.
3) Fully open the low side of manifold gauge.
4) Start vacuum pump.
5) Evacuate using either deep vacuum or triple evacuation method.
6) After evacuation is complete, fully close the low side of manifold gauge and shut off vacuum pump.
7) The factory charge contained in the outdoor unit is good for up to 16.5 ft. of line length. For line set
lengths over 16.5 ft., adjust charge according to chart in section 6.2.
8) Disconnect charge hose from low side service valve.
9) Fully open both high and low side service valves and securely tighten caps.
(Indoor unit)
(Liquid side)
(Gas side)
Vacuum
pump
Vacuum
pump
Lo Hi
HI Side
Two-way valve
Close
Manifold valve
500 Microns
Low Side
Charge hose Charge hose
(Outdoor unit)
Close
Three-way valve

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2. Deep Vacuum Method
The deep vacuum method requires a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum of 500 microns and a
vacuum of 500 microns and vacuum gage capable of accurately measuring the vacuum depth. The
deep vacuum method is the most positive way of assuring a system is free of air and liquid water.
1. Vacuum pressure should pull down below 500 microns in 2 minutes.
2. Evacuate system for 30 minutes.
3. Shut valve to vacuum pump off.
4. After 10 minutes read pressure.
If pressure remains below 1000 microns, system is ready.
If pressure is between 1000 and 2000 microns continue evacuation for additional 30 minutes.
If pressure is above 2000 microns, there is a leak in the system.
3. Triple Evacuation Method
The triple evacuation method should only be used when vacuum pump is only capable of pumping
down to a 28” Hg. vacuum and system does not contain any liquid water.
1. Pump system down to 28”Hg. and allow pump to continue operating for an additional
15 minutes.
2. Close high and low side valves on gauge manifold and shut off vacuum pump.
3. Connect a nitrogen cylinder and regulator to system and open until system pressure is 2 psig.
4. Close service valve and allow system to stand for 1 hour. This will allow dry nitrogen to
diffuse throughout the system absorbing moisture.
5. Complete this procedure until system until it is able to hold a deep vacuum then release
charge into system.
4. Final Tubing Check
IMPORTANT: Check to be certain factory tubing on both indoor and outdoor unit has not shifted
during shipment. Ensure tubes are not rubbing against each other or any sheet metal. Pay close
attention to feeder tubes, making sure wire ties on feeder tubes are secure and tight.
7. Operation characteristics
CAUTION:
1. Operation of air conditioner beyond the above conditions may cause certain protections to occur.
2. Room relative humidity should be less than 80%. If the air conditioner operates in excess of this
value, the surface of the air conditioner may cause condensation. If condensation does occur,
place the vertical air louver to it’s maximum angle (vertically to the floor) and set the fan to high
speed.

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8. Electronic function
8.1 Abbreviation
T1: Indoor room temperature
T2: Coil temperature of evaporator
T3: Coil temperature of condenser
T4: Outdoor ambient temperature
T5: Compressor discharge temperature
TS: Preset temperature.
8.2 Display function
8.2.1 Icon explanation on indoor display board.
TIMER display
Illuminated during Timer operation.
CLEAN AIR display(optional)
Illuminated when Ionizer is activated.
TURBO operation display
Illuminated when TURBO function is selected in cooling or in heating
mode.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
Display’s the current set temperature or fault error code when the air
conditioner is in operation. When the SELF CLEAN feature is activated, it
display’s.“SC”
FAN SPEED display
Display’s the selected fan speed: LOW( ), MED( ) and
HIGH( ).
Operation Frequency display
This display is separated into five zones. The zones illuminate based on
the compressor current frequency. For example, higher frequency will
illuminate more zones.

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8.3 Main Protection
8.3.1 Three Minute Time Delay at restart for compressor.
1 minute delay for 1st time start-up and 3 minute delay for others.
8.3.2 Temperature protection of compressor top.
Protector cuts off compressor for 30 seconds and restarts after 3 minute delay.
8.3.3 Temperature protection of compressor discharge.
When the compressor discharge temperature increases, the compressor frequency will be limited as
indicated below:
•Compressor discharge temp. T5>239°F/115°C for 5 seconds, compressor stops.
•If T5<239°F/115°C, decreases compressor frequency to the lower level every 3 minutes.
•T5>194°F/90°C, cancels the frequency limit control and restarts the compressor.
8.3.4 Fan Speed is out of control.
When indoor fan speed is lower than 300 RPM for 50 second, the whole unit stops and LED displays error
code E3, and the unit will not resume operation automatically.
8.3.5 Inverter module Protection.
Inverter module protection has a protection function against current, voltage and temperature. If any of
these conditions occur, the corresponding code will display on indoor unit LED and A/C will stop. Once the
code is cleared unit will restart after the 3 min delay.
8.3.6 Indoor fan delayed open function
When the system starts up, the louver will be active immediately and the indoor fan will open 10 seconds
later.
If the system is in heating mode, the anti-cold wind function has priority.
8.3.7 Compressor preheating functions.
Preheat conditions:
•If the main relay closes, T4＜37°F/3°C and the unit is powered on, or T4＜37°F/3°C and
compressor has stopped over 3 hours, the compressor heating cable will operate.