Lifebreath METRO 120D User manual

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Pre-Installation Notes
Note
•Due to ongoing research and product development, specifications, ratings, and dimensions are
subject to change without notice. Refer to www.LIFEBREATH.com for the latest product
information.
Attention
•Do not apply electrical power to the unit until after the completion of the installation (including
installation of low voltage control wiring).
•Ensure the installation and wiring is in accordance with CEC, NEC, and local electrical codes.
•Plug the unit into a standard designated (120 VAC) electrical outlet with ground.
•The use of an extension cord with this unit is not recommended. If the installation requires
further wiring, have a licensed electrician make all of the electrical connections. The
recommended circuit is a separate 15 A/120 V circuit.
Caution
•Before installation, careful consideration must be given to how this system will operate if
connected to any other piece of mechanical equipment, i.e. a forced air furnace or air handler,
operating at a higher static. After installation, the compatibility of the two pieces of equipment
must be confirmed, by measuring the airflows of the HRV, by using the balancing procedure
found in this manual. Never install a ventilator in a situation where its normal operation, lack of
operation or partial failure may result in the back drafting or improper functioning of vented
combustion equipment
•Unit must be installed level to ensure proper condensate drainage. Due to the broad range of
installation and operational conditions, consider the possibility of condensation forming on
either the unit or connecting ducting. Objects below the installation may be exposed to
condensate.
•Do not install control wiring alongside electrical wire.
Warning

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Pre-Installation Notes
Note
•Due to ongoing research and product development, specifications, ratings, and dimensions are
subject to change without notice. Refer to www.lifebreath.com for the latest product
information.
Attention
•Do not apply electrical power to the unit until after the completion of the installation (including
installation of low voltage control wiring).
•Ensure the installation and wiring is in accordance with all local electrical codes.
•Plug the unit into a standard designated (120 VAC) electrical outlet with ground.
•The use of an extension cord with this unit is not recommended. If the installation requires
further wiring, have a licensed electrician make all of the electrical connections. The
recommended circuit is a separate 15 A/120 V circuit.
Caution
•Before installation, careful consideration must be given to how this system will operate if
connected to any other piece of mechanical equipment, i.e. a forced air furnace or air handler,
operating at a higher static. After installation, the compatibility of the two pieces of equipment
must be confirmed, by measuring the airflows of the HRV/ERV, by using the balancing
procedure found in this manual. Never install a ventilator in a situation where its normal
operation, lack of operation or partial failure may result in the back drafting or improper
functioning of vented combustion equipment
•Unit must be installed level to ensure proper condensate drainage. Due to the broad range of
installation and operational conditions, consider the possibility of condensation forming on
either the unit or connecting ducting. Objects below the installation may be exposed to
condensate.
•Do not install control wiring alongside electrical wire.
Warning
•Disconnect the power from the unit before cleaning or servicing.
•To prevent electrical shock, it is extremely important to confirm the polarity of the power line
that is switched by the safety (disconnect) switch. The hot line (black) is the proper line for
switching. Use either a voltmeter or test lamp to confirm the absence of a voltage between the
disconnect switch and ground (on the cabinet) while the door is open. This procedure must be
followed, as dwellings are occasionally wired improperly. Always ensure the proper grounding
of the unit.
•Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property
damage, personal injury or loss of life. Installation and service must be performed by a
qualified installer or service agency.

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Table of Contents
1 Location Notes.................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Simplified Installation (Return/Return Method) .................................................................................... 5
3 Partially Dedicated System Installation ................................................................................................ 6
4 Fully Dedicated System Installation..................................................................................................... 7
5 Mounting.......................................................................................................................................... 8
6 Drain Connection (HRVs only) ............................................................................................................ 9
7 Grilles ............................................................................................................................................ 10
8 Grille Fittings .................................................................................................................................. 11
9 Lifebreath Weather Hoods ............................................................................................................... 12
10 Lifebreath Dual Hood ................................................................................................................... 13
11 Main Control Installation (99-DXPL02) ........................................................................................... 14
12 Main Control Installation (99-BC02/3/4) ......................................................................................... 15
13 Interlocking the HRV/ERV ............................................................................................................. 16
14 Additional Controls....................................................................................................................... 17
15 Timers ........................................................................................................................................ 18
15 Repeaters.................................................................................................................................... 20
16 Installer Selectable High Speed Settings ........................................................................................ 21
17 Dimensional Drawings .................................................................................................................. 22
18 Balancing the Airflows .................................................................................................................. 24
19 Balancing the Airflows –Pitot Tube ............................................................................................... 26
20 Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 27
Homeowners Warranty Information
After the installation is complete, fill out the Warranty Information page in the Homeowner’s manual.

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1LOCATION NOTES
Install the unit in a heated space that provides clearance for service access. A typical location is in
either a mechanical room or an area close to the outside wall within proximity to where the weather
hoods are mounted. If a basement area is inconvenient or non-existent, install the unit in a utility
room or laundry room.
Leave enough clearance at the front of the access door for servicing the air filters and core. The
recommended clearance is a minimum of 25 in. (635 mm) for opening and closing the door. Four
straps are provided with the unit for hanging it from the basement floor joists.
Attic installations are not recommended due to:
•The complexity of work to install
•Difficulty of access for servicing and cleaning
•Freezing conditions in the attic
If attic installation is necessary, the unit must be situated in a conditioned space.

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2SIMPLIFIED INSTALLATION (RETURN/RETURN METHOD)
Installation Notes:
•The HRV/ERV must be balanced.
•Unit should be balanced on high speed with the furnace
blower on.
•It is mandatory that the furnace blower run continuously
or HRV/ERV operation be interlocked with the furnace
blower.
•The duct configuration may change depending on the
HRV/ERV model.
•A backdraft damper is recommended in the exhaust air
duct to prevent outdoor air from entering the unit.
•The airflow must be confirmed on site using the balancing
procedures found in this guide.
Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
Install the Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on the “Stale Air to Outside”
Collar.
Warning
•Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation
requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
•Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having
jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents
outdoor air from entering the HRV/ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the
HRV/ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

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3PARTIALLY DEDICATED SYSTEM INSTALLATION
Installation Notes:
•The HRV/ERV must be balanced.
•Unit should be balanced on high speed with the furnace
blower on.
•It is recommended that the furnace blower run
continuously or HRV/ERV operation be interlocked with
the furnace blower. Refer to building code.
•The duct configuration may change depending on the
HRV/ERV model.
•A backdraft damper is recommended in the exhaust air
duct to prevent outdoor air from entering the unit.
•The airflow must be confirmed on site using the
balancing procedures found in this guide.
Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
Install the Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on the “Stale Air to Outside”
Collar.
Warning
•Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation
requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
•Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having
jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents
outdoor air from entering the HRV/ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the
HRV/ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

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4FULLY DEDICATED SYSTEM INSTALLATION
Installation Notes:
•The HRV/ERV must be balanced.
•When balancing, all external exhaust systems should be
turned off (i.e. range hood, exhaust, bathroom vents).
•All exhausting appliances should have their own make-up
air, as this is not an intended use for the HRV/ERV
system.
•The duct configuration may change depending on the
HRV/ERV model.
•The airflow must be confirmed on site using the balancing
procedures found in this guide.
Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
There is a location for an optional Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on
the “Stale Air to Outside” Collar.
Warning
•Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation
requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
•Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having
jurisdiction for acceptance.
•Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents
outdoor air from entering the HRV/ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the
HRV/ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

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5MOUNTING
Mounting the METRO HRV/ERVs:
(1) Mounting Brackets
1. Using the hardware provided, install the mounting brackets to the unit. It is important to isolate the
mounting bracket from the attached surface to minimize vibration.
2. Install the unit to the mounting surface.
Attention
•Do not drill additional holes in the HRV/ERV

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6DRAIN CONNECTION (HRVS ONLY)
The HRV's have a 4-position drain spout to allow for easy and quick installation of the condensate
drain hose (see below). The HRV may produce some condensation during a defrost cycle. This water
should flow into a nearby drain or be taken away by a condensate pump.
Figure Callouts:
(1) Drain Spout
(2) Drain Pan Inside Door
(3) 1/2 in. Drain Hose
Installation Steps:
1. Position drain spout towards desired drainage direction and fasten to HRV cabinet with 4 sheet
metal screws provided.
2. Seal drain spout to bottom of HRV cabinet with silicone.
3. Cut one length of 1/2 in. drain hose (not included) and connect to the drain spout.
Caution
•The HRV and all condensate lines must be installed in a space where the temperature is maintained above the
freezing point or freeze protection must be provided.
•Drain trap and tubing must be below bottom of door with 1/4 in per foot downwards slope away from unit.
•A secondary drain pan may be required to protect from condensate leakage.
Note
•The HRV is to be mounted with door and drain down.

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7GRILLES
Installation Notes:
Adjustable grilles should be used to balance the flow rates into and out of various rooms. The grilles
should not be adjusted after balancing the unit.
Grilles or diffusers should be positioned high on the wall or in the ceiling. Kitchen exhaust should
never be connected to the range hood. They should be installed at least 4 ft (1.2 m) horizontally
away from the stove.
Field supplied balancing dampers should be installed external to the unit to balance the amount of
stale air being exhausted with the amount of fresh air being brought into the house. Refer to airflow
balancing section.
The Kitchen Grille
The Kitchen Grille includes a removable grease
filter. Most building codes require that kitchen
grilles are equipped with washable filters.
•Part# 99-10-002, 6 in x 10 in
The TechGrille
The TechGrille is a round, fully adjustable grille, which provides quiet air distribution.
•Part # 99-EAG4, 4 in (100 mm)
•Part # 99-EAG5, 5 in (125 mm)
•Part # 99-EAG6, 6 in (150 mm)
•Part # 99-EAG8, 8 in (200 mm)