Railway Equipment 955 User manual

P/N R9550-0100 1 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
REV I
11/18
OPERATING MANUAL
MODEL NO. 955 STANDARD
&
MODEL NO. 954 LOW PROFILE
3 HP
230V 1 PHASE
230V 1 PHASE AC DRIVE
460V/575V 3 PHASE
GAS FIRED HOT AIR BLOWER
TRACK SWITCH SNOW MELTER
WITH STEEL TIE DUCT
MANUFACTURED
BY
RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY
15400 MEDINA ROAD
PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
TEL. [phone]
FAX. [phone]
E-Mail:
Technical Support: [email protected]
Sales: [email protected]

P/N R9550-0100 2 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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CAUTION
GENERAL HAZARD WARNING
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED WITH THIS HEATER, CAN RESULT IN DEATH, SERIOUS INJURY
AND PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE FROM HAZARDS OF FIRE,
EXPLOSION, BURN, ASPHYXIATION, CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING,
AND/OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
ONLY PERSONS WHO CAN UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD USE OR SERVICE THIS HEATER.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR HEATER INFORMATION, SUCH AS
INSTRUCTION MANUALS, LABELS, ETC., CONTACT THE
MANUFACTURER.
CAUTION
WARNING: FIRE, BURN, INHALATION, AND EXPLOSION HAZARD.
KEEP SOLID COMBUSTIBLES, SUCH AS BUILDING MATERIALS, PAPER OR
CARDBOARD, A SAFE DISTANCE 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 PARTICLES OR UNKNOWN CHEMICALS.

P/N R9550-0100 3 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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CAUTION
NOT FOR HOME OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE
The heater is designed and approved for use as a construction heater under ANSI
Z83.7
We cannot anticipate every use which may be made of our heaters.
CHECK WITH LOCAL FIRE SAFETY AUTHORITY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
ABOUT APPLICATIONS.
Other standards govern the use of fuel gases and heat producing products in specific
applications. Your local authority can advise you about these.

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PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL ENTIRELY BEFORE
HANDLING THIS MATERIAL OR ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL, OPERATE
OR SERVICE THIS HOT AIR BLOWER SYSTEM.
PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS LISTED BELOW.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
SHEET METAL EDGES MAY BE VERY SHARP AND CAN
CAUSE SEVERE CUTS OR LACERATIONS. PROTECTIVE
GLOVES AND CLOTHING SHOULD BE WORN. USE
CAUTION WHEN HANDLING ALL SHEET METAL
COMPONENTS.
THE HOT AIR BLOWER TRACK SWITCH SNOW MELTER
SYSTEM CAN BE OPERATED REMOTELY OR BY A SNOW
DETECTOR SYSTEM. THEREFORE, OPERATION MAY
BEGIN UNEXPECTEDLY. USE CAUTION WHEN IN THE
AREA.
SYSTEM OPERATES WITH VARIOUS VOLTAGE LEVELS
UP TO 600VAC. CONTACT WITH ELECTRICITY CAN BE
HAZARDOUS OR LETHAL. MAKE SURE THAT THE MAIN
CIRCUIT BREAKER IS TURNED OFF BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE THIS SYSTEM. EVEN WITH
CIRCUIT BREAKER OFF LINE VOLTAGE IS PRESENT AT
THE TOP CIRCUIT BREAKER CONNECTIONS.
THIS SYSTEM CONTAINS A HIGH SPEED AIR FAN
WHICH ROTATES AT UP TO 3600RPM AND CREATES
FORCEFUL SUCTION WHEN OPERATING. DO NOT
OPERATE THE BLOWER SYSTEM IF ANY OF THE
DUCTWORK COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED.
THIS SYSTEM OPERATES WITH NATURAL GAS OR
PROPANE. BOTH ARE GASES WHICH ARE FLAMMABLE
AND EXPLOSIVE. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING IN THE AREA. AVOID ANY OPEN FLAME,
SPARKS OR OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION.

P/N R9550-0100 5 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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CAUTION
A HIGH TEMPERATURE LIMIT SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCORPORATED INTO ALL
RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY GAS SNOW MELTER SYSTEMS BEGINNING IN
1999. RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY ALSO HAS A HIGH TEMPERATURE LIMIT
MODIFICATION KIT THAT CAN BE ADDED TO GAS SNOW MELTER SYSTEMS
MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO 1999. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS HIGH
TEMPERATURE LIMIT SYSTEM BE INSTALLED AND USED. CONSULT RAILWAY
EQUIPMENT TO ORDER THE HIGH TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION KIT, OR IF
YOU NEED ASSISTANCE REGARDING THE HIGH TEMPERATURE LIMIT SYSTEM.
THIS SNOW MELTER SYSTEM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEPENDABLE
EFFECTIVE OPERATION IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS WITHOUT SWITCH COVERS.
SWITCH COVERS MAY CAUSE HIGHER AIR TEMPERATURES. IF SWITCH COVERS
ARE USED, YOU MUST DETERMINE A SAFE OPERATING AIR TEMPERATURE AND
ADJUST BURNER PARAMETERS ACCORDINGLY. ADJUSTMENT OF BURNER
PARAMETERS MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT BURNER PERFORMANCE AND
COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS TO THE EXTENT THAT THE BURNER MAY BE
UNABLE TO MAINTAIN COMBUSTION. CONSULT RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY
REGARDING BURNER OPERATING PARAMETERS.
TWO (2) COMPLETE INSTRUCTION MANUALS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THIS
SNOW MELTER SYSTEM. PLEASE KEEP ONE OF THE MANUALS WITH THE SYSTEM
AFTER INSTALLATION. ANYONE OPERATING OR SERVICING THIS SNOW MELTER
SYSTEM SHOULD READ THE MANUAL ENTIRELY BEFORE PROCEEDING.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE MANUFACTURE, DESIGN,
FUNCTION, INSTALLATION, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE, CONTACT
RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY BEFORE PROCEEDING.
THE OUTLET AIR TEMPERATURE FROM THIS GAS
SNOW MELTER SYSTEM SHOULD NOT EXCEED 375°F
FROM ANY NOZZLE OR DUCT. DO NOT OPERATE
THIS BLOWER SYSTEM IF THE OUTLET
TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 375°F. AN ACCURATE
THERMOMETER SHOULD BE USED TO REGULARLY
CHECK THE OUTLET AIR TEMPERATURE. IF THE
OUTLET TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 375°F, CHECK TO
MAKE SURE THAT THE FLOW OF AIR IS NOT
RESTRICTED AT ANY POINT, THAT THE
BLOWER/MOTOR ARE OPERATING PROPERLY, THAT
THE CORRECT ORIFICE IS USED FOR THE TYPE OF
FUEL USED, AND THAT THE REGULATOR(S) ARE
PROPERLY ADJUSTED FOR THE FUEL BEING USED.
CONSULT RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY IF YOU
ARE UNABLE TO OPERATE THIS GAS SNOW MELTER
SYSTEM BELOW 375°F.

P/N R9550-0100 6 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. GENERAL INFORMATION 8
A. MODEL NUMBER DESCRIPTION 8
B. STANDARD FEATURES 8
II. COMPONENT DESCRIPTION 10
A. MAIN HAB UNIT 10
B. STANDARD DUCTWORK 11
C. OPTIONAL DUCTWORK 12
III. INSTALLATION 14
A.TIEDUCT 14
B.MAINHABUNIT 15
C. POINT NOZZLES AND TRACK DUCTS 16
D.GASCONNECTION 17
E. CHANGING THE GAS ORIFICE 21
F. ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 22
IV. CONTROL MODULE 24
A.DESCRIPTION 24
B. SET-UP AND ADJUSTMENTS 25
C. LED STATUS INDICATING LIGHTS 33
D. OPERATION 34
E. FAULT CONDITIONS 35
V. SEASONAL MAINTENANCE 38
VI. LOW PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUSTMENT 39
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING 40
A. UNIT DOES NOT START 40
B. UNIT DOES NOT MAINTAIN OPERATIONS 40
C. LOW HEAT LEVEL 40
D.LOWAIRFLOW 41
E.GASVALVE 41
F. HIGH HEAT LEVEL 41
VIII. SNOW DETECTOR 42
A.INSTALLATION 42
B.OPERATION 43
C.MAINTENANCE 43
D. TROUBLESHOOTING 44

P/N R9550-0100 7 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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IX.SPECIFICATIONS 45
X.DRAWINGS 46
XI. LIMITED WARRANTY 47

P/N R9550-0100 8 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. MODEL NUMBER DESCRIPTION
OPTIONS
0= STANDARD
1= GE IN TIE SWITCH
2= GE SNF IN TIE SWITCH
3= TRACK DUCT NOZZLES FOR SNF DUCT
4= 3/5 PANEL CONFIGURED
10X10 ADAPTOR FLANGE
AND NOZZLE (NO TIE DUCT)
5= 2HP PANEL CONFIGURED
10X10 ADAPTOR FLANGE
AND NOZZLES (NO TIE DUCT)
6= 2HP USING 10X10 TIE DUCT
7= STANDARD WITH FLEX NOZZLES
REVISION
LEVEL
XXX X X X 9 XXX
GAS
ASSEMBLY
3= DUAL STAGE WITH SENSORS
4= DUAL STAGE WITH SENSORS
AND TANK LEVEL
OUTLET DUCT
K= STEEL TIE DUCT WITH 115# PLATES 9'
N = STEEL TIE DUCT WITH 136# PLATES 9'
G= STEEL TIE DUCT WITH 115# PLATES FOR SNF
H= STEEL TIE DUCT WITH 136# PLATES FOR SNF
T= NO TIE DUCT
C- CUSTOM TIE DUCT
9= LARGE TRACK
DUCT NOZZLE
OPENING
TRACK DUCT LENGTH
0 = NO TRACK DUCT
1= 10' TRACK DUCT
2= 20' TRACK DUCT
3= 30' TRACK DUCT
4= 40' TRACK DUCT
5= 15' TRACK DUCT
MODEL
950 2HP High Profile
951 2HP Low Profile
952 5HP Low Profile
953 5HP High Profile
954 3HP Low Profile
955 3HP High Profile
960 2HP Bungalow Enclosed
963 5HP Bungalow Enclosed
2009 Gas Hot Air Blowers
2.13.09 TM
INCOMING
POWER
2= 230VAC 1PH
3 = 230VAC 3PH
4= 480VAC 3PH
5= 575VAC 3PH
6= 230VAC 1PH
with 3PH Drive
B. STANDARD FEATURES OF TRACK SWITCH HOT AIR BLOWER
1. GHAB complies with AREMA 12.6.10.
2. Gas fired operation, allows for both propane and natural gas
(convertible in the field)
3. Two stage operation that allows savings on fuel costs. Second stage runs
at 50% output of the first stage.
4. Direct drive motor, totally enclosed fan cooled.
5. High efficiency, quiet operation blower.
6. Remote operation via contact closure (low voltage, low current) with
timed shut off.
7. Built-in snow detector system (requires Snow Detector assembly option).
8. Auto-Off-Local switch.
9. High temperature limit thermostat/shut off.
10. Adjustable air temperature control.
11. Adjustable rail temperature control.
12. Reply indication via GHAB contact closure.
13. Fail indication via GHAB contact closure.
14. Main circuit breaker.
15. Audible tone before blower startup
16. Weather tight gasketed control enclosure
17. Status indicating lights for all control functions

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18. Start delay timer for sequential startup
19. Run timer for timed operation
20. Selectable "Transparent" snow detector operation
21. Snow detect timer
22. All ductwork and nozzles are thermally and electrically isolated from
tracks
23. Quick-release track duct
24. Blower motor starter with overload protection
25. Remote auxiliary gas valve (115vac) supplied connection
26. Gas line accessories:
A. Manual gas valve
B. Gas line strainer
C. Low pressure regulator
D. Flexible gas line connection pipe
27. Elevated air intake
28. Adjustable delay for start up (10 Sec. -5 Min.)
29. Complete flame safeguard control:
A. Pre-ignition air purge.
B. Air flow proving switch
C. Direct spark ignition
D. Flame proving sensor
E. Post shut off air purge 4 Min.
F. Automatic shut off on loss of flame or air flow
G. Leaky gas valve detection
H. Automatic retry on flame loss
I. Automatic reset on flame safeguard control
J. All flame safeguard controls CSA listed.
30. All components mounted and wired within main unit – no external wiring
required except for remote control, indications, optional snow
detectors, external gas valve and rail temp sensor.
31. Galvanized case constructed of 14-gauge steel, high temperature powder
coated finish.
32. Convenient panel access to high efficiency burner, flame sensor and spark
igniter.
33. Galvanized steel adjustable mounting foundations.
34. Standard ductwork: flame duct with straight insulated flexible
duct and heavy duty insulated offset duct connects to main tie duct
electrically insulated between rails, 24 inch (minimum) switch point
nozzles.
The following items are recommended for use with propane gas service:
Tank "pigtail" with POL/POL fittings (P/N 45038-12” or 60127-36”)
High pressure regulator (P/N 45103)
Gas line strainer (P/N 45040)
Remote solenoid valve (P/N 45036) OR
Complete Propane Package (P/N 9458-0100)

P/N R9550-0100 10 © 2018 RAILWAY EQUIPMENT CO.
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II. COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
A. MAIN HOT AIR BLOWER (HAB) UNIT
1. MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER: Provides main over-current protection and
manual on-off control of electrical power.
2. MOTOR CONTACTOR: Provides automatic blower motor control, with high
current contacts.
3. MOTOR OVERLOAD RELAY: Protects the blower motor from an over-
current condition.
4. CONTROL MODULE: Provides complete control of operation. See separate
description and details, section IV.
5. CONTROL TRANSFORMER: Provides control power for the control module
and other control components. The multi-tapped secondary provides, 36VAC CT
and 17VAC CT. The primary has 115VAC input plus a 230VAC step-up winding
and 12.6 VAC CT windings.
6. IGNITION TRANSFORMER: Provides 6000VAC to the spark igniter during
the ignition sequence.
7. AIRFLOW SWITCH: Located in the flame duct, the pressure switch indicates
proper airflow before and during burner operation.
8. BURNER: Contains the actual flame. Also holds the spark igniter and the flame-
sensing rod.
9. PROPANE/NATURAL GAS ORIFICE PLATE: Controls the rate of flow of
gas to the burner.
10. SPARK IGNITER: The spark plug type igniter provides spark for the burner.
The spark igniter is momentary - sparks only until the flame has been established.
11. FLAME DETECTION ROD: The flame detection rod monitors the flame at the
burner nozzle using the rectification principle. This provides a signal to the
control module if a proper flame exists.
12. AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR: This is a thermocouple sensor for monitoring
the ambient air temperature. The flexible magnetic end of the sensor should be
placed so it is shaded by the GHAB unit, generally on the north side.