MrHeater MH12C Assembly instructions

06/03 Revision L1 #73304MR. HEATER INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-881-5500
GAS-FIRED INFRA-RED
PORTABLE HEATER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER’S MANUAL
READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and follow all instructions. Place instructions in a safe
place for future reference. Do not allow anyone who has not read these instructions to assemble,
light, adjust or operate the heater.
MH12C
MH12CS
Model #
If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explo-
sion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
WARNING:
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any
other appliance.
— An LP cylinder not connected for use shall not be stored in the vicinity of this or any other appli-
ance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light appliance.
• Extinguish any open flame.
• Shut off gas to appliance.
— Service must be performed by a qualified service agency.
— DO NOT LEAVE HEATER UNATTENDED OR IN OPERATION WHILE SLEEPING
This is an unvented gas-fired portable heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the area in which it is used.
Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided. Refer to page 3.
CYLINDER NOT INCLUDED MODEL
MH12CS
MODEL
MH12C

2
Mr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
GENERAL HAZARD WARNING:
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PRECAUTIONS AND
INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITH THIS HEATER, CAN
RESULT IN DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND
PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE FROM HAZARDS OF FIRE,
EXPLOSION, BURN, ASPHYXIATION, CARBON MONOX-
IDE POISONING, AND/OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
ONLY PERSONS WHO CAN UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW
THE INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD USE OR SERVICE THIS
HEATER.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR HEATER INFORMATION
SUCH AS AN INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL, LABELS, ETC.
CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.
WARNING:
FIRE, BURN, INHALATION, AND EXPLOSION HAZARD.
KEEP SOLID COMBUSTIBLES, SUCH AS BUILDING
MATERIALS, PAPER OR CARDBOARD, A SAFE DIS-
TANCE AWAY FROM THE HEATER AS RECOMMENDED
BY THE INSTRUCTIONS NEVER USE THE HEATER IN
SPACES WHICH DO OR MAY CONTAIN VOLATILE OR
AIRBORNE COMBUSTIBLES, OR PRODUCTS SUCH AS
GASOLINE, SOLVENTS, PAINT THINNER, DUST PAR-
TICLES OR UNKNOWN CHEMICALS.
WARNING:
COMBUSTION BY-PRODUCTS PRODUCED WHEN
USING THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN CARBON MONOXIDE,
A CHEMICAL KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS (OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM).
WARNING:
NOT FOR HOME OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE
WARNING:
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AND TO OTHERS,
SO PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU
OPERATE THIS HEATER.
CONTENTS
WARNINGS ................................................................................... 2
HOOKUP INFORMATION ............................................................... 3
ODOR FADE WARNING ................................................................. 4
GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................. 4
FOR SAFE OPERATION .................................................................. 4
VENTILATION ................................................................................ 5
MINIMUM CLEARANCE FROM COMBUSTILBE MATERIALS ........... 5
ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE ................................................................ 5
COOKING POSITIONS ................................................................... 5
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................. 6
SHUTDOWN AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS ................................ 6
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST ............................................................ 7
WARRANTY .................................................................................. 8
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING PARTS ......................................... 8
The State of California requires the following warning:
WARNING:
CARBON MONOXIDE CAN KILL YOU
USING A PORTABLE GAS CAMPING HEATER INSIDE A
TENT, RV, CAMPER, VEHICLE, SHELTER OR OTHER
ENCLOSED AREAS CAN PRODUCE DEADLY CARBON
MONOXIDE

3Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater
MODEL MH12C
MODEL MH12CS
HOOK-UP INFORMATION
1.1 Heater models MH12C and MH12CS are packaged completely
assembled except for metal stand. Propane cylinders are not
included with models MH12C and MH12CS.
1.2 Remove heater from carton.
1.3 Hold heater in one hand and with the other hand hold
propane cylinder vertically and carefully turn clockwise into
heater valve-regulator until snug. (Careful not to cross-thread)
– Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
1.4 Use only LP-gas cylinders constructed for use with propane
only (HD-5) and marked in accordance with the specifications
for LP-gas cylinders of the U. S. Department of Transportation
(DOT Spec. 39).
1.5 Use propane fuel cylinders of not more than 75 cubic inches
(2-1/2 pounds nominal water capacity) and connect to cylinder
valve outlet connection No. 600 as specified in the
Compressed Gas Associations Limited Standard Cylinder Valve
Outlet Connection for propane-small valve series.
2.1 Grasp heater model by cylinder and hold wire stand with other
hand. Slide mounting clip on back of heater onto chrome
plated wire stand. Fig. 1 and 2.
2.2 Push igniter lead onto end of Sparklite Igniter on Model
MH12CS-Figure 2.
2.3 Make sure wire stand is on a flat surface in the outdoors. See
paragraph 5 for additional assembly procedure.
2.4 WARNING
Never touch heater while in operation to avoid injury.
Move heater by grasping the propane cylinder carefully.
2.5 Read pages 3 and 4 before lighting heater.
VALVE/REGULATOR/#F273607
PUSH BUTTON
SAFETY SHUTDOWN VALVE
KNURLED LOCK NUT
CYLINDER - NOT SUPPLIED
WIRE STAND
THERMOCOUPLE
FACE GAURD
HEATER
RELECTOR
Figure 1
Figure 2
SPARKLITE IGNITER
IGNITER LEAD

4
Mr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
ODOR FADE WARNING
WARNING
Asphyxiation Hazard
• Do not use this heater for heating human living
quarters.
• Do not use in unventilated areas.
• The flow of combustion and ventilation air must not
be obstructed.
• Proper ventilation air must be provided to support
the combustion air requirements of the heater
being used.
• Refer to the specification section of the heater’s
manual, heater dataplate, or contact the factory to
determine combustion air ventilation requirements
of the heater.
• Lack of proper ventilation air will lead to improper
combustion.
• Improper combustion can lead to carbon monoxide
poisoning leading to serious injury or death.
Symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning can
include headaches dizziness and difficulty in
breathing.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. The Mr. Heater MH12C and the MH12CS are high pressure
propane appliances and are designed to be connected to a 14.1
or 16.4 ounce disposable propane cylinder. Every unit is tested
during manufacturing and shipped fully assembled except for
the wire stand.
B. These heaters are equipped with an automatic Safety Shutoff
Valve. The gas flow will automatically stop if the heater fails to
operate for any reason.
C. Maximum safety and convenience have been built into the Hi-
Med-Lo-Off Control Valve/Regulator. The following table lists
the approximate BTU’s consumed and the operating hours you
can reasonably expect from bulk propane cylinders.
D. Model MH12CS is equipped with an igniter for convenient
heater lite-off.
2. FOR SAFE OPERATION
A. READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY: Read and adhere to these
instructions. Do not allow anyone who has not read the
instructions to assemble, light, adjust or operate the heater.
WARNING
KEEP THE HEATER OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
B. PROPANE IS VERY FLAMMABLE: In the event of a leak,
propane will accumulate and the possibility of a fire is present.
Propane gas is scented and its strong odor is readily detectable.
Never strike a match or bring any flame or create an electric
spark in an enclosure when you smell propane gas. Ventilate
the area thoroughly, move the heater outside, find and correct
the source of the leak before attempting to light any appliance.
If you are unsure of these instructions evacuate immediately
and call for help.
C. GAS LEAKAGE: If the leak cannot be corrected, do not tamper
with the heater, follow the shut down instructions and return
the heater to the dealer or address given on last page.
WARNING
DO NOT STORE PROPANE CYLINDERS NEAR AN OPEN
FLAME OR HEAT
D. LEAK DETECTION: Before each use of the heater check all
fittings and connections with a soap solution to be sure there
are no leaks. NEVER, NEVER USE ANY FLAME FOR LEAK TEST.
E. CONNECTING HEATER TO PROPANE CYLINDER: Always
connect the heater to the cylinder in the outdoors or in a well
ventilated area. NEVER connect this heater to a cylinder near an
open flame.
F. USE OF HEATER: Always operate the heater with the propane
cylinder in an upright position on a level noncombustible
surface. NEVER place the cylinder on its side when operating
the heater. In cooking position cylinder must be 30 degrees
from horizontal.
G. ATTEND HEATER: Do not leave heater unattended while it is in
operation.
H. ALWAYS LIGHT HEATER WITH MATCH or “Sparklite” Igniter.
I. DO NOT TAMPER: Should the heater not perform properly,
such as little or no heat when operating in the “Hi” position, or
for any other reason, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR TAMPER
with the heater. Any tampering could make the use of the
heater unsafe and dangerous. Return the heater to the dealer
or the address given on last page for repair or replacement.
J. FOR STORAGE: The heater Hi-Med-Lo-Off regulating valve
should always be turned to “Off” when the heater is not in use.
Allow at least 15 minutes for cooling before handling and
storing. Detach propane cylinder from heater before storing.
DO NOT store propane cylinders near open flame or heat.
K. DO NOT TRANSPORT OR MOVE APPLIANCE WHILE IN
OPERATION OR WHILE HEATER IS ATTACHED. FOLLOW
SHUTDOWN AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS TO
TRANSPORT OR MOVE THIS APPLIANCE.
Valve Position BTU Input Cylinder 14.1 oz. Cylinder 16.4 oz.
Hi 14,000 1.4 hours 1.6 hours
Med 12,000 1.6 hours 1.8 hours
Lo 8,000 2.3 hours 2.7 hours
Figure 3

5Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater
3. VENTILATION
A. WARNING: This heater is an unvented appliance and MUST be
used ONLY in a well ventilated area. NEVER attempt to operate
the heater inside any vehicle, camper or enclosure.
B. Any combustion process requires and consumes oxygen, and
will produce carbon monoxide. THIS HEATER MUST BE USED
WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. Do not use in a tightly
enclosed area. Two openings directly to the outdoors MUST be
provided. One HIGH and one LOW. Preferably on opposite sides
of the enclosure. EACH OPENING SHALL HAVE A MIMIMUM
FREE AREA OF 24 SQUARE INCHES (6” X 4”). Structures of tight
construction or tents using fire retardant materials will require
larger openings. If any additional fuel burning appliances are
operated, ALWAYS provide additional ventilation. Increase the
area of each opening by at least 2 square inches for each 1,000
BTU’S per hour of additional input rating.
C. WARNING: Provide ample ventilation. This heater consumes air
(oxygen). Do not use this heater in unventilated structures to
avoid endangering your life. Provide additional ventilation for
any additional fuel-burning appliances and additional
occupants.
4. MIMIMUM CLEARANCE FROM
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
A. When operating, the heater surfaces are extremely hot. Keep
sleeping bags, clothing, and all combustible materials clear of
the heater by at least the distances shown in figure 4.
B. WARNING: To avoid injury or property damage never allow
clothing, tents or other combustible materials within 30” of the
heater. This heater must be located at least 18” above the floor
level when in use. Never operate the heater when sleeping.
C. WARNING: Never direct the heat output of this heater toward
any propane tank within 20 feet.
Figure 4
MH12C 14,000 Vertical 18" 30" 30" 30”
and & Horizontal
MH12CS 14,000 Vertical 18" 30" 30" 30"
& Horizontal
CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES
MODEL
NO.
GAS
PROPANE
BTU/HR. RATING NORMAL
OPERATING
PROCEDURE
FROM C.L. OF
HTR. TO FLOOR SIDES REAR CEILING
5. ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
A. Make sure the regulator knob on the heater is “off” by turning
knob clockwise to the “OFF” position.
B. Carefully screw disposable cylinder hand tight into the inlet
tapping of regulator. Make sure gas cylinder is in upright
position.
C. Make sure the heater is firmly placed in the metal stand. (See
Figure 1 and 2).
D. Make sure knurled lock nut is tightened securely – Figure 1.
MODEL MH12C
MODEL MH12CS
COOKING POSITIONS

6
Mr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
6. LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
A. Before attempting to light the heater, check all fittings and
connections with a soap solution NEVER USE A MATCH TO
CHECK FOR LEAKS. Should a gas leak occur, do not attempt
to repair or use heater. Return the heater to your dealer or the
address given on last page.
B. Fuel – this heater must be used with propane fuel cylinders as
stated in paragraph 1.4 and 1.5 on page 2.
WARNING
USE HD.5 PROPANE GAS ONLY. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER
TYPE FUEL. SEE YOUR PROPANE DEALER IF YOU HAVE
ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING FUEL.
C. Turn the heater’s “Hi-Med-Lo-Off” regulator knob to “Med”
(counterclockwise.)
D. To light MH12C, place a lit match across the mesh screen
where you see “light here” on reflector. (See Fig. 5) THEN
push in valve button on Safety Shutoff Valve. After the heater
is lit, continue to hold valve button in for 30 seconds, then
release the button slowly. CAUTION: DO NOT PUSH IN VALVE
BUTTON BEFORE INSERTING LIT MATCH.
E. To light MH12CS, press “Sparklite” igniter Safety Shutoff Valve
button at the same time. (See Fig. 5a) Prior to pressing
"Sparklite" igniter. After the heater is lit, continue to hold valve
button in for 30 seconds, then release the button slowly.
F. If burner does not light within 30 seconds, turn the heater’s
regulator knob to “off” (clockwise) and allow at least five
minutes for gas to dissipate before attempting to relight.
G. NOTE: Should the orifice become clogged as indicated by low
volume of gas when operating on “Hi” with a full cylinder, or
should the heater fail to operate properly for any reason,
return the heater to the dealer or the address given on last
page for repair or replacement. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR
OR TAMPER WITH HEATER.
H. Adjust heat output by turning knob to desired position.
7. SHUTDOWN AND STORAGE
INSTRUCTIONS
A. The valve should ALWAYS be completely turned “OFF” when
the heater is not in use.
B. When shutting off the heater, turn the regulator knob on the
heater to “OFF” (clockwise). (See Figure 5 and 5a).
C. CAUTION: After turning unit off, heater will remain extremely
hot. Allow at least 15 minutes for cooling before handling and
storing. Detach heater from cylinder before handling and
storage.
D. HEATER STORAGE: Always remove the propane cylinder from
the heater when not in use. Always store propane cylinders in
a cool, well ventilated place away from any flame or heat and
in a location not used for habitation. DO NOT STORE PROPANE
CYLINDER WITHIN 60 FT. OF OPEN FLAME OR HEAT.
E. See Figure 6 for spare parts list.
Figure 5
MODEL MH12C Figure 5a
MODEL MH12CS

7Operating Instructions and Owner’s ManualMr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater

8
Mr. Heater | Gas-Fired Infra-Red Portable Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
WARNING:
USE ONLY MANUFACTURER’S REPLACEMENT PARTS. USE OF ANY OTHER PARTS
COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE
DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY AND MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE
AGENCY.
PARTS ORDERING INFORMATION:
PURCHASING: Accessories may be purchased at any Mr. Heater local dealer or
direct from the factory
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE
Please call Toll-Free 800-251-0001 • www.mrheater.com
Our office hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.
Please include the model number, date of purchase, and description of problem in
all communication.
LIMITED WARRANTY
The company warrants this product to be free from imperfections in material or
workmanship, under normal and proper use in accordance with instructions of The
Company, for a period of one year from the date of delivery to the buyer. The Company, at
its option, will repair or replace products returned by the buyer to the factory,
transportation prepaid within said one year period and found by the Company to have
imperfections in material or workmanship.
If a part is damaged or missing, call our Technical Support Department at 800-251-0001.
Address any Warranty Claims to the Service Department, MR. HEATER INC., 4560 W. 160TH
ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135. Include your name, address and telephone number and
include details concerning the claim. Also, supply us with the purchase date and the name
and address of the dealer from whom you purchased our product.
The foregoing is the full extent of the responsibility of the Company. There are no other
warranties, express or implied. Specifically there is no warranty of fitness for a particular
purpose and there is no warranty of merchantability. In no event shall the Company be
liable for delay caused by imperfections, for consequential damages, or for any charges of
the expense of any nature incurred without its written consent. The cost of repair or
replacement shall be the exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty. There is no warranty
against infringement of the like and no implied warranty arising from course of dealing or
usage of trade. This warranty will not apply to any product which has been repaired or
altered outside of the factory in any respect which in our judgment affects its condition or
operation.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER’S MANUAL
Model #
MR. HEATER INC., 4560 W. 160TH ST., CLEVELAND, OHIO 44135 • 216-881-5500
Mr. Heater and Portable Buddy are registered trademarks of Enerco Group, Inc.
© 2003, Enerco/Mr. Heater. All rights reserved
Mr. Heater Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or
obligation, in colors, specifications, accessories, materials and models.
MH12C
MH12CS