Ritchie Fresh Water For Life OmniFount Series User manual

Installation Instructions for
OmniFount
Congratulations, you have just purchased the finest watering
fountain on the market. This unit is built to give you excellent
service when properly installed and maintained. Please follow
instructions carefully. Read and understand all instructions
before installing
Ritchie Industries, Inc.
800-747-0222
www.ritchiefount.com Part # 17835
January 1, 2020
@RitchieWaterers

OmniFount 1, 2 and 2 SP; OmniFount 3, 5 and 10
Installation Instructions
A. Location - Putting the fountain in a location that offers protection from the wind will enhance the
performance of the fountain. Livestock will tend to gather in this protected area, enticing them to drink more.
Access panel should be opposite of prevailing winter wind to give additional protection to the supply line.
B. Water Supply Line - Horizontal underground water line should be sized to account for pressure drop,
relating to distance, and placed one foot below frost line. A one-inch vertical supply pipe is recommended. A
shut-off valve should be installed under fountain to allow for easier servicing. For optimum serviceability, a stop
and waste valve can be installed below frost level to drain water when unit is not in use. Vertical supply line must
be centered in riser tube to provide an air space between the line and frozen ground outside of tube. Flush water
supply line thoroughly before connection to fountain. Water supplies with foreign material such as sand, rust, etc.
may require a filter to keep fountain valve working properly.
C. Electric Supply – It is generally most cost effective to run your electrical supply line at the same time you are
trenching for your water supply.
WARNING: ANY ELECTRICAL SERVICE MUST BE INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED BY A
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.
D. Riser Tube - Install a riser tube and extend it at least one foot below frost line or
down to horizontal underground water line. For optimum water line protection, use
the 12” diameter insulated Ritchie Thermal Tube, part numbers and sizes are shown
to the right. Tube opening must be kept clear.
NOTE: The supply line touching the riser tube is the most common cause of
the supply line freezing. Do not surround the supply line with insulation, wood,
or other foreign material. Any foreign material in the tube may cause frost to
migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.
Ritchie Thermal Tube
Part #
Description
18158
1’ Top Section
16417
2’ Top Section
16612
4’ Top Section
16416
2’ Extension
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E. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform must be provided for all fountains. Use a minimum of 4” thick,
(6” recommended thickness), large enough to accommodate fountain, and additional 4” step (on top of the
platform) extending 18” out from each side of the unit. This will protect the unit from manure handling
equipment, as well as discouraging animals from defecating in the fountain. Extending the platform provides
animals a place to stand while drinking, consider the size of your animals when determining the dimensions of
your platform. The concrete step and platform should slope away from the fountain for drainage. A rough broom
finish to concrete surface provides better footing for livestock.
F. Hose Connection - Connect hose fitting to shut-off valve at top of concrete. Slip on barb fitting with
furnished clamps. Hose should not touch insulation or outside surface of fountain. Place the hose under the
fountain as you move the unit in place over the riser tube.
G. Preparing the bottom - Apply the provided foam weather stripping to the bottom of the unit, along the
outside edge of the fountain.
H. Anchoring Fountain – OmniFount 1 is provided with 3 hold-down pockets to anchor the unit securely to the
concrete. OmniFount 2, OmniFount 2 SP & OmniFount 3 are provided with four hold-down pockets and the
OmniFount 5 & 10 have 6 molded hold-down pockets. The use of 3/8” x 5” stainless steel expansion anchor bolts
(not included) is recommended. Anchor bolts are available from Ritchie in a two pack, part #16555. Large
diameter fender washers are included and should be used with anchor bolt to prevent damage to the plastic casing.
Remove the side access panel to prepare for the remainder of
the installation process.
I. Valve Assembly for Omni 3, Omni 5 & Omni 10 – The
valve assembly can be put together before proceeding. The
following instructions apply to the OmniFount 3, 5 & 10 (Omni
1, 2 & 2 SP are pre-assembled)
1. Install standpipe into hole in trough. Rubber washer is
to be on inside of trough. Tighten nut hand tight to
allow for adjustment after valve assembly is installed.
2. Feed hose up through standpipe and attach to valve
bracket. The hose may be shortened if necessary.
Tighten the hose clamp securely to prevent leaks.
3. The lower front peg on valve bracket should be
inserted into hole on standpipe first. Compress valve
clip to snap in opposite hole on standpipe.
4. Remove pin from valve assembly.
5. Install float assembly on valve assembly using
previously removed pin.
6. Rotate standpipe in trough until center of float aligns
with center of trough. DO NOT allow float to be too
close to cover when installed as this may hamper valve performance.
7. Tighten standpipe nut hand tight plus one-quarter turn. Use no joint compound for this fitting.
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J. Final Water Connection– Connect the top of the supplied hose to the valve, cut hose to proper length, and
slip onto the barb fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection.
K. Cable Heater – Uncoil cable heater and loop around the valve.
Attach the remaining part of the cable heater to the water supply, as far
down the riser tube as possible with the cable twist ties provided. This
heater is water tight, but should not be immersed in water. Heater may
cross over itself, but should not be tightened at those locations.
CAUTION: Installation must not cause any strain on heater wiring connections. Avoid heater
damage caused by hot spots due to its leads lying too close to each other. Also, do not wrap
additional insulation around heater.
L. Electrical Connection - The electrical installation should be made and maintained by a qualified electrician
conforming to national and local codes. A means for disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring in
accordance with the wiring rules. For wiring connections, see wiring diagram. Make connections according to
the wiring diagram below.
WARNING: DISCONNECT POWER IF THE WATER SUPPLY IS TO BE SHUT OFF FOR AN
EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME. FAILURE TO TURN OFF POWER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO
THE WATERING FOUNTAIN.
WARNING: THIS INSTALLATION MUST BE MADE AND MAINTAINED IN STRICT CONFORMITY
WITH NATIONAL/LOCAL PLUMBING CODES AND NATIONAL/LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES
(CSA IN CANADA). THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THESE CODES TAKE PRECEDENT.
FAILURE TO MAKE AND MAINTAIN ALL INSTALLATIONS PROPERLY MAY RESULT IN LOSS
OF LIVESTOCK, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
NOTE: National/Local electrical codes may require livestock waterers installed in feedlots in open
feeding area to be grounded by a separate stranded copper grounding conductor or at least no.6 AWG
terminating at a point where the branch circuit receives its supply. Check with local authorities.
1/2" Valve Cable Heater Setup
3/4" Valve Cable Heater Setup
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WIRING DIAGRAM 120V SINGLE PHASE
WIRING DIAGRAM 240V SINGLE PHASE
WARNING! –
Check the
nameplate for your unit. Only
connect 120VAC to a 120V Unit.
WARNING! – Check the nameplate
for your unit. Only connect 230-
240VAC to a 240V Unit.
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Fenwal Thermostat – (Omni 3, Omni 5 & Omni 10) The adjustable range is from 0o. F (-18oC) to
100oF (38oC). Thermostat is not preset at factory. Fill the trough to proper water level. Check the
water temperature with a thermometer. The next morning, check the water temperature again. If the
water is warmer than desired, turn the thermostat down. If there is ice forming on the surface of the
water, turn the thermostat up. Only slight adjustments should be made to the thermostat at any time.
A 1/16 turn on the thermostat will change the water temp. 7oF (4oC). 44oF (7o C) in the trough
represents the most economical operation. Counter clockwise raises the thermostat setting.
M. Disc Thermostat – (Omni 1, Omni 2 and Omni 2 SP) The disc thermostat is mounted
in a bracket under the trough, which allows it to be moved relative to the heater. To ease
movement of thermostat turn ¼ turn. To lock in position after adjustment turn ¼ turn
back. As the thermostat is moved toward the heater, the water temperature
in the trough is lowered.The best location is determined by checking the trough
temperature several times during the heating season.
N. Final Water Connection for Omni 1, Omni 2 and Omni 2 SP Only – Connect the
top of the supplied hose to the valve, cut hose to proper length and slip onto the barb
fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection. (This connection was
already made in step “H” for the Omni 3 & 5.)
O. Seal the Base - After the unit is completely installed, apply a bead of caulking around the base of the fountain
to ensure no wind enters through the base of the unit.
NOTE: Sealing the bottom of the unit from cold air is an important aspect of the unit's thermal
performance.
P. Drain Plug – Insert the drain plug firmly into the drain hole in the center of the trough.
Q. Water Seal Drain – Install the small drain plug into the drain hole in the water seal groove around the valve
chamber seal. This plug may be removed during the non-freezing periods to allow the water seal groove to drain.
R. Valve Frame and Cover – (OmniFount 3 & 5) Before installing the valve chamber frame, the weather seal
must be installed on the frame (see picture below). The seal is installed by removing the paper backing from the
adhesive side and then starting at the midpoint of the frame leg; attach the seal to the frame. Work your way
around the frame with the seal as close to the inside edge as possible and then up the other leg to the halfway
point. At this time cut any extra foam seal as needed then repeat for other side. The frame can then be attached to
the casing using the screws and nuts provided in parts bag. A washer should be used on the head of the screw as
well as under the nut. Tighten securely.
NOTE: The foam seal must be placed on the
omni 3 & 5 frame as shown in the picture to the
right. The foam seal istoprevent cold airfrom
leaking into the valve chamber and causing the
valve to freeze.
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S. Float Adjustment – Open water-supply shut-off valve, check for and fix any leaks. Adjust float for a water
depth of 2 inches below top of trough or overflow pipe by adjusting the thumbscrew or wing-nut. With the valve
functioning properly and the water level set at the proper level, you may install the valve cover. The water seal
groove between the frame and valve cover must be filled with liquid to create a protective seal from cold winter
air getting to the valve.
T. Install Side Access Panel – Once all water line connections have been checked for leaks and electrical hook-
up is complete, the side access door may be installed.
U. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance – This appliance is not
intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of
experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instructions concerning use of the
appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
V. Cleaning Your Fountain – To clean your watering fountain you will need a good stiff bristled brush.
Remove the cover then brush the water seal groove to remove any build-up then brush the tank. Remove the plug
that is located in the valve chamber area under the float to drain out the water and debris. You can shut off the
water with the shut-off valve located under the unit or by holding the float in the up position. After the water and
debris has drained reinstall the plug and let the tank refill. Now is a good time to readjust the float if needed.
Reinstall cover and you are done.
Ritchie Valves
Ritchie valves come in various sizes and pressure ratings as shown below - green for high supply line
pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and white for low-pressure applications. Differences in the size of
trough also impacts valve choice. Although different pressure rated valves may be used in a fountain, each
fountain will only accommodate one size and configuration of valve. Your individual situations may require a
change from the standard valve supplied with your fountain, see your Ritchie Dealer if this is needed.
NOTE: The red ½” valve is standard on the OmniFount 1, 2 & 2 SP and the green ¾” valve is standard
on the OmniFount 3, 5 & 10.
1/2”
Part #
GPM
Pressure Range
White
12574
4.8
Low, 5-40 psi. (34-275 kPa)
Red
12575
3.4
Moderate, 40-60 psi. (275-414 kPa)
Green
13597
1.45
High, 60-80 psi. (414-552 kPa)
3/4”
Part #
GPM
Pressure Range
White
16697
33
Low, 5-40 psi (34-275 kPa)
Red
11101
20
Moderate, 40-60 psi (275-414 kPa)
Green
15377
16.5
High, 60-80 psi (414-552 kPa)
NOTE: Maximum inlet water pressure for each valve is shown above. If water pressure is extremely
high, and if the valve does not shut off, a pressure-reducing valve may be needed.
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For units manufactured
prior to 2012 only.
OmniFount 1
Part # 18359
Item Part # Description Qty Item Part # Description Qty
118422 Omni 1 Cover 1 15 11515 Valve Bracket 1/2" w/ Scrws pkg 1 pkg
218473 Omni 1 Frame pkg 1 pkg 16 18066 Screws Valve Bracket (6/ pkg) 1 pkg
18474 Omni 1 Cover & Frame pkg 1 pkg 17 12575 Red Valve 1/2" pkg 1 pkg
3 18361 Omni 1 Casing 1 18 13613 Float with Short Arm pkg 1 pkg
418368 Omni 1 Trough 1 pkg 19 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
518370 Access Panel 10"x10" 1 20 17500 Drain Pipe Guard 1
6 18147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg 21 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel (2/pkg) 1 pkg
7 11885 Disc Thermostat pkg 1 pkg NS 13830 Cable Htr 120V 48W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
8 18266 Frame Bolt,nut&wshr SS(3/pkg) 1 pkg NS 16627 Omni 1 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18655 Ritchie Decal 7.5" (1/pkg) 1 pkg NS 16523 Seal Foam 1/4"x3/4"x25' Roll 1
10 18628 Drain Plug (2/pkg) 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 1/2"x3/4"x10' Roll 1
11 14150 Heater 120V 125W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
12 18075 Drain Washer (6/pkg) 1 pkg 18362 OMNI 1 240V 1 pkg
13 11471 Drain Pipe with Elbow 1 NS 16664 Heater 240V 200W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
14 16866 Standpipe pkg 1 pkg NS 16424 Cable Htr 240V 48W (1/pkg)
14
1
2
4
8
10
7
12
13
19
3
5
6
9
11
20
15
16
17
18
21
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OmniFount 2 SP
Part # 18680
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
118424 Omni 2 Cover 1 15 18066 Screws Valve Bracket (6/ pkg) 1 pkg
218347 Omni 2 Frame pkg 1 pkg 16 12575 Red Valve 1/2" pkg 1 pkg
18348 Omni 2 Cover & Frame pkg 1 pkg 17 13613 Float with Short Arm pkg 1 pkg
3 18684 Omni 2 SP Casing 1 18 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
416616 Omni 2 Trough 1 pkg 19 18653 Ritchie Decal 12" (1/pkg) 1 pkg
516621 Access Panel 6"x14" 1 20 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel (2/pkg) 1 pkg
6 18147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg NS 13830 Cable Htr 120V 48W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
7 11885 Disc Thermostat pkg 1 pkg NS 16627 Omni 2 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
8 18266 Frame Bolt,nut&wshr SS(3/pkg) 1 pkg NS 16523 Seal Foam 1/4"x3/4"x25' Roll 1
9 18628 Drain Plug (2/pkg) 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 1/2"x3/4"x10' Roll 1
10 14150 Heater 120V 125W (1/pkg) 2 pkgs
11 18075 Drain Washer (6/pkg) 1 pkg
12 11471 Drain Pipe with Elbow 1 18681 OMNI 2 SP 240V
13 16866 Standpipe pkg 1 pkg NS 16664 Heater 240V 200W (1/pkg) 2 pkgs
14 11515 Valve Bracket 1/2" w/ Scrws pkg 1 pkg NS 16424 Cable Htr 240V 48W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
13
1
2
49
11
12
3
5
18
7
10
8
6
19
20
16
15
14
17
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For units manufactured
prior to 2012 only.
OmniFount 2
Part # 16619
Item Part # Description Qty . . Item Part # Description Qty
1 18424 Omni 2 Cover 1 15 11515 Valve Bracket 1/2" w/ Scrws pkg 1 pkg
2 18347 Omni 2 Frame pkg 1 pkg 16 18066 Screws Valve Bracket (6/ pkg) 1 pkg
18348 Omni 2 Cover & Frame pkg 1 pkg 17 12575 Red Valve 1/2" pkg 1 pkg
3 16620 Omni 2 Casing 1 18 13613 Float with Short Arm pkg 1 pkg
4 16616 Omni 2 Trough 1 pkg 19 18318 Bolt Down Washer (4/pkg) 1 pkg
516621 Access Panel 6"x14" 1 20 17500 Drain Pipe Guard (Before 2012) 1
6 18147 Access Panel Hardware pkg 1 pkg 21 18633 Plug #3 - Water Channel (2/pkg) 1 pkg
7 11885 Disc Thermostat pkg 1 pkg NS 13830 Cable Htr 120V 48W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
8 18266 Frame Bolt,nut&wshr SS(3/pkg) 1 pkg NS 16627 Omni 2 Accessory pkg 1 pkg
9 18653 Ritchie Decal 12" (1/pkg) 1 pkg NS 16523 Seal Foam 1/4"x3/4"x25' Roll 1
10 18628 Drain Plug (2/pkg) 1 pkg NS 14866 Seal Foam 1/2"x3/4"x10' Roll 1
11 14150 Heater 120V 125W (1/pkg) 2 pkgs
12 18075 Drain Washer (6/pkg) 1 pkg 16844 OMNI 2 240V
13 11471 Drain Pipe with Elbow 1 NS 16664 Heater 240V 200W (1/pkg) 2 pkgs
14 16866 Standpipe pkg 1 pkg NS 16424 Cable Htr 240V 48W (1/pkg) 1 pkg
6
8
11
7
10
19
5
13
12
3
42
1
14
9
20
15
16
17
18
21
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