Spectrum RRSHA3 Series User manual
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
Table of Contents
1Product Description and Features.......................................................................................4
1.1 Overview............................................................................................................................4
1.1.1 Safety Considerations.........................................................................................................4
1.1.2 Typical Operation ...............................................................................................................4
1.1.3 Model Comparison.............................................................................................................5
1.2 Factory Provided Features ..................................................................................................5
1.2.1 Snow Sensor.......................................................................................................................6
1.2.2 Control Switches ................................................................................................................7
1.2.2.1 Blower Power-On/Auto ......................................................................................................7
1.2.2.2 Heat Setting High/Low .......................................................................................................7
1.2.2.3 Cold Air On/Off...................................................................................................................8
1.2.2.4 Rod – Crib Heaters On/Off..................................................................................................8
1.2.2.5 GFI Fault Reset ...................................................................................................................8
1.2.3 Circuit Panel .......................................................................................................................8
1.2.3.1 Individual Circuit Breaker Protection ..................................................................................8
1.2.3.2 Individual Ground Fault Protection .....................................................................................9
1.2.3.3 Control Power Transformer ................................................................................................9
1.2.3.4 Customer Connection Terminal Block .................................................................................9
1.2.4 Remote (Dispatch) Activation ...........................................................................................10
1.2.5 Delay Timer......................................................................................................................10
1.3 Optional Equipment .........................................................................................................11
1.3.1 Remote Snow Sensor........................................................................................................11
1.3.2 Crib Heater.......................................................................................................................11
1.3.3 Flat-Jacket Snow Melters..................................................................................................12
1.3.4 Center Duct ......................................................................................................................13
1.3.5 Intake Snorkel ..................................................................................................................13
1.3.6 Main Circuit Breaker.........................................................................................................14
1.4 Accessories.......................................................................................................................14
1.4.1 Height Adjustment Legs....................................................................................................14
1.4.2 Duct Extensions................................................................................................................14
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
1.4.3 Ground Fault and Power-On Indication Lights.................................................................. 14
1.4.4 Wiring Box....................................................................................................................... 15
1.4.5 Wiring Box Post ............................................................................................................... 15
2Installation ...................................................................................................................... 16
2.1 Installing the RRSHA Hot Air Blower................................................................................. 16
2.1.1 Preparing the installation area......................................................................................... 17
2.1.2 Routing power to the main housing unit.......................................................................... 18
2.1.3 Installing the track duct ................................................................................................... 18
2.1.4 Installing nozzles ............................................................................................................. 19
2.1.5 Attaching the track duct to the ties.................................................................................. 19
2.1.6 Attaching the flexible connecting duct............................................................................. 20
2.2 Wiring the main housing unit........................................................................................... 20
2.2.1 Wiring the Circuit Panel................................................................................................... 20
2.2.2 Verifying the blower fan rotation..................................................................................... 20
2.3 Installing Accessories and Optional Equipment ................................................................ 21
2.3.1 Wiring Box and Wiring Box Post....................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Remote (track side) Snow Sensor..................................................................................... 22
2.3.3 Fault and Power-On Indication Lights .............................................................................. 22
2.3.4 Height Adjustment Legs................................................................................................... 22
2.3.5 Crib Heaters .................................................................................................................... 23
2.3.6 Flat-Jacket Snow Melters................................................................................................. 24
2.4 Initial Activation of the Hot Air Blower............................................................................. 25
2.4.1 Manual Activation ........................................................................................................... 25
2.4.2 Snow Sensor Activation ................................................................................................... 25
2.4.3 Remote (Dispatch) Activation .......................................................................................... 25
3Adjusting Hot Air Blower Settings .................................................................................... 26
3.1 Adjusting Snow Sensor settings ....................................................................................... 26
3.2 Adjusting the rod/crib circuit startup delay timer............................................................. 27
3.3 Adjusting GFI Sensitivity (rod/crib circuit only)................................................................. 27
3.4 Adjusting the blower fan circuit shutdown delay timer.................................................... 28
4Seasonal Maintenance..................................................................................................... 29
4.1 Pre-Winter Maintenance ................................................................................................. 29
4.1.1 Hot Air Blower Main Housing Unit ................................................................................... 29
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
4.1.2 Circuit Panel .................................................................................................................... 29
4.1.3 Manual Activation ........................................................................................................... 29
4.1.4 Snow Sensor Activation ................................................................................................... 30
4.1.5 Remote (Dispatch) Activation (if installed) ....................................................................... 30
4.2 Post-Winter Maintenance................................................................................................ 31
4.2.1 Hot Air Blower Main Housing Unit ................................................................................... 31
4.2.2 Circuit Panel .................................................................................................................... 31
4.2.3 Snow Sensor.................................................................................................................... 31
5Specifications .................................................................................................................. 32
5.1 RRSHA3 Series Specifications........................................................................................... 32
5.2 RRSHA5 Series Specifications ........................................................................................... 32
5.3 RRSHA Part Number Decoder .......................................................................................... 32
6Schematics ...................................................................................................................... 33
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
1
Product Description and Features
1.1 Overview
Spectrum’s RRSHA Track Switch Hot Air Blower
prevents snow and ice from accumulating on
railroad track switches. The RRSHA Hot Air
Blower supplies high-velocity heated air to critical
switch components during inclement weather.
The RRSHA Hot Air Blower can also control
optional equipment such as Crib Heaters or Flat-
Jacket Snow Melters for optimal snow melting
capabilities.
1.1.1 Safety Considerations
Fig. 1
RRSHA Hot Air Blower
Installed at Track Site
oThis is a guidance document for the convenience of the railroad. When installing electrical
equipment, it is important that you meet the NFPA 70: National Electric Code requirements
to protect people and property from electrical hazards. Follow all railroad safety
procedures, related railroad standards, and any applicable third-party standards. Spectrum
does not assume the obligation of enforcing National, State, or City electrical code
requirements.
oRead the entire manual before operating the RRSHA Hot Air Blower.
oMaintenance personnel must always exercise caution when removing access
panels. Personal injury from electrical shock or from the moving blower blade may result if
all power sources are not disconnected before servicing. Only qualified personnel should
perform maintenance work.
oThe operator should avoid contacting the RRSHA Hot Air Blower and track duct during and
for some time after operation. Portions of the RRSHA Hot Air Blower and track duct become
quite hot and could cause serious burns if the operator contacts them.
oDo not allow objects to enter or block the air intake or exhaust of the RRSHA HotAir
Blower. A blockage will cause overheating. If an object enters the screens, it will damage the
resistor elements, possibly shorting them and causing shock and fire hazards. The track duct
should be checked periodically for blockages by rodents or debris.
1.1.2 Typical Operation
Spectrum delivers the RRSHA Hot Air Blower as a factory-assembled unit ready for
immediate installation. The RRSHA Hot Air Blower is activated in any of the following ways:
oAutomatically, when the integrated Snow Sensor detects both precipitation and a
temperature at or below the preset activation level. The default activation temperature is
38° Fahrenheit, and can be set between 34°F and 44°F.
oRemotely, via an external switch such as a three-wire signal interface relay in a control
house
oManually, via the Blower Power switch in the main housing unit
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
1.1.3 Model Comparison
The Hot Air Blower comes in two models, the RRSHA3 and RRSHA5.
RRSHA3 Series
RRSHA5 Series
Pressure Blower Horsepower
3.0 HP
5.0 HP
Air flow in cubic feet per minute
750 CFM
1476 CFM
Average temperature above ambient air
in degrees Fahrenheit
102⁰ F
175⁰ F
Dimensions of main housing unit
(approximate)
30” W,
60” L,
25” H
35” W,
77” L,
32” H
Weight in pounds of main housing unit
244 lbs
324 lbs
Both models are available in multiple voltage systems (240V, 480V, and 600V). For complete
electronics specifications, see page 32.
1.2 Factory Provided Features
Both models of the Hot Air Blower, the
RRSHA3 and RRSHA5 include the following
components except where noted otherwise:
•Main Housing Unit: Houses the
relays, breakers, sensors, and controls
to power the heating elements and
high-pressure blower.
Fig. 2
Main Housing Unit
•Track Duct: A rigid aluminum duct
mounted to the railroad ties. The
track duct is electrically isolated with
gaskets and fiberglass bushings that
are low in moisture absorption and
high in dielectric strength.
•Directional Nozzles: Rigid aluminum
nozzles attached to the track duct
which can be moved to direct airflow
onto the switch points.
•Flex Duct: Flexible and expandable
stainless-steel insulated duct
connecting the main housing unit to
the track duct. The connecting hose
allows for the convenient placement
of the main housing unit relative to
the rail switch and isolates the track
duct from the electronics in the main
housing unit. Placement examples for
the main housing unit can be found
in 2.1.1 Preparing the installation
area on page 17.
CAUTION:
Do NOT cut the Stainless
Steel Hose. The typical
length of the hose is 60”
and can expand to
approximately 66”. Custom
lengths are available.
•The main housing unit, track duct,
and directional nozzles are
manufactured from heavy-wall
corrosion-resistant aluminum
providing high strength and durability
with reduced weight. All fasteners are
manufactured from either corrosion-
resistant aluminum or plated steel.
•Both the impeller and housing are
manufactured from spark-resistant
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
cast aluminum for corrosion
resistance. The impeller contains a
self-cleaning radial blade, dynamically
balanced for low vibration and long
bearing life.
•The high-efficiency National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
motors are completely enclosed and
fan-cooled.
•The connecting flexible duct is
manufactured with silicone-packed
and spiral-interlocked stainless steel
for minimal pressure loss and a high
level of corrosion resistance.
1.2.1 Snow Sensor
Fig. 3
Snow Sensor
Attached to the back end of the main housing
unit, the Snow Sensor automatically activates
the RRSHA Hot Air Blower when precipitation
occurs and the temperature falls to a preset
activation level (default 38°F). The Snow
Sensor is a self-contained unit incorporating a
heated precipitation sensing grid,
temperature probe, sensor electronics, and
internal relay. A green LED on the Snow
Sensor illuminates when power is available to
the RRSHA Hot Air Blower, and this green LED
blinks when environmental activation
conditions are met.
After activating the RRSHA Hot Air Blower,
the Snow Sensor keeps the unit activated
while precipitation continues and
temperatures remain below the preset
activation level.
When precipitation stops and/or the
temperature rises above the preset activation
level, the Snow Sensor keeps the Hot Air
Blower active for a preset time (default two
hours) to ensure complete ice and snow
removal. When the preset time has elapsed,
the Snow Sensor de-activates the RRSHA Hot
Air Blower.
A second Snow Sensor can be installed
remotely from the RRSHA Hot Air Blower.
This optional second sensor is typically
positioned trackside. For more information,
see 1.3.1 Remote Snow Sensor on page 11.
The values controlling when the Snow Sensor
activates and de-activates the RRSHA Hot Air
Blower can be adjusted on a settings panel
accessed by removing the Snow Sensor’s
front cover. For more information, see 3.1
Adjusting Snow Sensor settings on page 26.
Fig. 4
Snow Sensor Settings Panel
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
1.2.2 Control Switches
Lifting the hinged cover door of the RRSHA
Hot Air Blower provides access to the unit’s
interior components.
Fig. 5
Interior of Main Housing Unit
The control box on the right side of the
interior contains the unit’s Circuit Panel.
Switches on the front of the control box allow
direct control of system functions.
Fig. 6
Control Switches
Model RRSHA5 Shown
with Optional Rod/Crib Circuit & GFI
1.2.2.1 Blower Power-On/Auto
The Blower Power switch has two positions:
•On (upper position): Power is
provided to the air blower and
heating elements until the Blower
Power switch is set to Auto.
•Auto (lower position, set by default):
Power is only provided to the air
blower and heating elements when
the RRSHA Hot Air Blower is
activated by either the Snow Sensor
or Remote (Dispatch) Activation, if
the latter optional feature is used.
1.2.2.2 Heat Setting High/Low
The Heat Setting switch has two positions:
•High (upper position, set by default):
When the primary heating elements
are activated, power is provided to all
heating elements.
•Low (lower position): When the
primary heating elements are
activated, power is only provided to
half of the available heating
elements.
The Low setting conserves energy at times
when environmental conditions are less
severe and do not require the full heater
output of the RRSHA Hot Air Blower. The
chart below shows the energy required for
each setting of the Heat Setting switch:
RRSHA300
(3.0 HP)
RRSHA500
(5.0 HP)
High (default)
19.5kW
45.0kW
Low
9.75kW
22.5kW
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
1.2.2.3 Cold Air On/Off
The Cold Air switch has two positions:
•On (upper position): The RRSHA Hot
Air Blower blows cold air only, i.e.,
power is not provided to the blower
heating elements.
•Off (lower position, set by default):
Whenever power is provided to the
air blower, power is also provided to
the blower heating elements.
1.2.2.4 Rod – Crib Heater Circuit On/Off
(Model with Suffix “R”)
This feature is factory installed only
when specified. It can be identified in
the model numbering with included
Suffix “R”. Rod – Crib Heater circuit
switch has two positions:
•On (upper position):
Whenever power is provided to the
heating elements, power is also
provided to one additional Rod/Crib
circuit. This switch can be used to
energize optional equipment such
as Crib Heaters or Flat-Jacket Snow
Melters. Consult factory if more
than one Rod/Crib circuit is
required.
•Off (lower position, set by default):
Power is not provided to optional
equipment.
1.2.2.5 GFI Fault Reset
(Model RRSHA5 with Suffix “R”only)
This feature is only factory installed on
RRSHA5 series heaters as an additional safety
feature when the Rod-Crib Circuit is included
(RRSHA5 series with Suffix “R”). The GFI
Fault Reset switch is a momentary switch set
to the down position by default. After the
cause of a ground fault is found and
corrected, press the switch up for two
seconds to reset the circuit.
1.2.3 Circuit Panel
Fig. 7
Circuit Panel
Removing the top panel of the control box
provides access to the Circuit Panel. In
addition to the primary circuit for the RRSHA
Hot Air Blower’s heating elements and air
blower, the Circuit Panel may contain a
secondary circuit for powering optional
equipment, such as a Crib Heater and Flat-
Jacket Snow Melter Rods.
1.2.3.1 Individual Circuit Breaker Protection
Fig. 8
Circuit Breakers
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
The heating circuit(s) and rod/crib circuit are
each protected by its own circuit breaker. If
the components on a circuit are drawing too
much current, only the breaker on that circuit
trips, allowing the other circuit to continue
operation.
By default, the circuit breaker for the optional
rod/crib circuit is set to the tripped position.
If no optional equipment requiring power is
installed with the RRSHA Hot Air Blower, the
rod/crib circuit can remain in the tripped
position without affecting the unit’s blower
circuit. If optional equipment requiring power
is later added, the circuit breaker on the
rod/crib circuit must be reset.
1.2.3.2 Individual Ground Fault Protection
(Model RRSHA5 with Suffix “R”only)
Fig. 9
Ground Fault Sensor
A ground fault sensor protects the rod/crib
circuit on the Circuit Panel. If a ground fault is
detected on this circuit, the sensing relay trips
and illuminates its associated fault indication
light. The fault relay can be monitored
remotely or connected to an optional external
indication light.
The sensitivity (number of milliamps required
to trip the sensor) of either ground fault
sensor can be adjusted. See 3.3 Adjusting GFI
Sensitivity on page 27 for more information.
1.2.3.3 Control Power Transformer
Fig. 10
Control Power Transformer
A transformer connected to the main power
distribution block provides 120VAC power to
the Circuit Panel’s electrical components. The
transformer is protected with fuses on the
high and low voltage sides.
1.2.3.4 Customer Connection Terminal Block
Fig. 11
Customer Connection Terminal Block
The terminal block TB2- has six poles and
provides connection points for optional
equipment and accessories, as well as remote
control and monitoring capabilities for the
RRSHA Hot Air Blower
TB2- (pole 1 to pole 2):
Continuity indicates Heater On.
TB2- (pole 3 to pole 4):
For a Remote Heater On Switch
TB2- (pole 5 to pole 6):
Continuity indicates a Fault if Heater is On.
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
1.2.4 Remote (Dispatch) Activation
Using connections on the Customer
Connection Terminal Block, an external switch
can be added to activate and de-activate the
RRSHA Hot Air Blower from a remote location,
such as a control house.
NOTE:
For information on installing a
remote switch, contact Spectrum.
1.2.5 Delay Timer
The RRSHA3 and RRSHA5 Hot Air Blower
utilizes a Delay-On timer when the optional
rod/crib circuit is included (Suffix “R”). The
Delay Timer delays the
start of the rod/crib
circuits for between
one second to several
minutes after power is
directed to the primary
circuit. This helps
reduce the startup
current draw, which is
especially useful with
lower-voltage systems
like 240V single-phase
systems. The timer is
factory set for a Delay-
On (A/Ai) with a two
second delay (2), (1s)
and can be adjusted on
site if necessary, for a
specific location.
The default delay time
can be changed. For
more information, see
3.2 Adjusting the
rod/crib circuit startup
delay timer on page 27.
Fig. 12 Delay-On Timer-
Rod/Crib Circuit
(Model Suffix “R”)
The RRSHA5 Series Hot Air Blower additionally
utilizes a Delay-Off timer as a standard feature
for the blower fan. The Delay-Off Timer
maintains airflow across the heating elements
to evacuate excess residual heat from the
blower compartment and helps to increase
product lifespan. The delay is adjustable
between one second to three minutes.
The timer is factory set at 120 which
indicates 120 second (two minute) delay
before the blower fan shuts off and can be
adjusted during initial startup testing and on
site if necessary, for a specific situation.
For more information, see
3.4 Adjusting the blower fan circuit startup
delay timer on page 28
Fig. 13 Delay -Off Timer
Blower Circuit
(Model RRSHA5 Only)
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
1.3 Optional Equipment
The following optional features can be
purchased to supplement the RRSHA Hot Air
Blower as needed.
1.3.1 Remote Snow Sensor
A second Snow Sensor can be ordered and
installed separately from the main housing
unit. The Remote Snow Sensor can be
mounted trackside or any other desired
location. Like the integrated Snow Sensor
attached to the top of the main housing
unit, the Remote Snow Sensor is a self-
contained unit incorporating a heated
precipitation sensing grid, temperature
probe, sensor electronics, and internal
relay.
The Remote Snow Sensor activates the Hot
Air Blower when precipitation occurs and the
temperature falls to a preset activation level
(default 38°F). After activating the RRSHA
Hot Air Blower, the Remote Snow Sensor
keeps the unit activated while precipitation
continues and temperatures remain below
the preset activation level. When
precipitation stops and/or the temperature
rises above the preset activation level, the
Remote Snow Sensor keeps the RRSHA Hot
Air Blower active for a preset time (default
two hours) to ensure complete ice and snow
removal. When the preset time has elapsed,
the Remote Snow Sensor de-activates the
RRSHA Hot Air Blower.
For information on installing the Remote
Snow Sensor, see page 22.
Values that control when the Remote Snow
Sensor activates and de-activates the Hot Air
Blower are adjustable. For more information,
see 3.1 Adjusting Snow Sensor settings on
page 26.
NOTE:
If the Remote Snow Sensor activates
the RRSHA Hot Air Blower,
1.3.2 Crib Heater
Fig. 134
Crib Heater
Fig. 145
Crib Heater Mounting Hardware
In locations that experience heavy snowfall or
frequent blowing and drifting, a Crib Heater
provides additional heat to critical switch
components, such as switch rods.
NOTE:
For additional instructions on the
installation, operation, maintenance and
troubleshooting of
Crib Heaters see
Spectrum Document number ENM
-3585
Crib Heaters come in multiple sizes, from 4 feet
to 10 feet long. Each Crib Heater contains a
resistance-heating element within an
aluminum housing designed to go under the
switch machine rods. Vent holes designed for
air flow are placed face down towards the
ballast.
only that sensor can de-activate the unit.
If the Remote (Dispatch) Activation
feature is used, the remote switch cannot
de-activate the RRSHA Hot Air Blower if
the Remote Snow Sensor has activated
the unit. However, the remote switch can
activate the Hot Air Blower after it has
been de- activated by the Remote Snow
Sensor.
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
If the Rod-Crib Circuit switch, has been
included in the RRSHA Hot Air Blower as
Model Suffix “R”, Flat-Jacket or Crib Heaters
can always be installed after the RRSHA Hot
Air Blower has been installed.
NOTE:
If a Crib Heater is installed, the
Rod – Crib Circuit switch must be
set to On for the equipment to
operate.
1.3.3 Flat-Jacket Snow Melters
Fig. 156
Flat-Jacket Snow Melter Rod
Flat-Jacket Snow Melter Rods are resistance-
heating elements in a stainless-steel sheath.
They attach to the stock rail using SnapTite
rail clips or bolt-on clips. The flat-jackets are
single ended (both leads come out of one
side) and are rated to a specific voltage (+/-
5%).
Use clips between every tie to attach the Flat-
Jacket Snow Melter Rod to the rail. This
assures proper heating at the switch point
and extends the life of the Flat-Jacket Snow
Melter.
NOTE:
Failure to use these clips properly
will result in poor snow clearance
and premature element failure.
SnapTite rail clips clamp on to the bottom of
the field side of the rail and to the Flat-Jacket
Snow Melter Rod.
Fig. 167
SnapTite Rail Clips
Bolt-on clips are bolted directly to the field or
gauge side of the rail and clamp on to the
Flat-Jacket Snow Melter Rod.
Fig. 178
Bolt-On Clips
NOTE:
1. For additional instructions on the
installation, operation, maintenance
and troubleshooting of Flat-Jacket
Snow Melter Rods see Spectrum
Document number ENM-2957
2. If Flat-Jacket Snow Melter Rods are
installed, the Rod – Crib Heaters
switch must be set to On for the
equipment to operate.
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
1.3.4 Center Duct
Fig. 189
Center Duct
A 12-foot Center Duct can be installed to
distribute additional heat along the rails.
Center ducts are designed for steel-tie
applications and specifically to provide
heat over the push rods. The Center Duct
is available when required and will replace
the standard Track Duct as described on
page 5. The RRSHA Hot Air Blower is
provided from the factory with a Center
Duct when Suffix “C” is identified in the
model code during the initial specification
process.
NOTES:
1. For information on
purchasing and installing an
additional Center Duct to
replace an existing Track
Duct, contact Spectrum.
2. Center Duct Installation is
similar to Track Duct
Installation as identified in
Section 2.1.3, page 18.
1.3.5 Intake Snorkel
Fig. 191
Intake Snorkel
The optional Intake Snorkel attaches to the
outside of the main housing unit and redirects
the air intake from the side of the unit to the
top.
In areas with large amounts of blowing snow,
an Intake Snorkel prevents the air intake from
being blocked by snow and the blower from
pulling in snow during operation, prolonging
the life of the blower motor.
The RRSHA Hot Air Blower Track is provided
from the factory with an Intake Snorkel when
Suffix “S” is identified in the model code
during the initial specification process.
NOTE:
For information on purchasing and
installing an Intake Snorkel
where it
was not originally installed
contact
Spectrum.
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RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
1.3.6 Main Circuit Breaker
An additional main circuit breaker can be
field installed between the power source
and the Circuit Panel. This circuit breaker
can be mounted on the exterior of the main
housing unit or in a remote location to allow
power to be disconnected prior to opening
the RRSHA Hot Air Blower for service.
1.4.2 Duct Extensions
The stainless-steel duct connecting the main
housing unit to the track duct is flexible and
extends up to 66”. If the main housing unit
must be installed at a greater distance or
elevation from the track rails, flexible duct
extensions made of stainless steel and high-
temperature silicone packing are available.
Fig. 214
Duct Extension
1.4 Accessories
Accessory equipment can be included to place
the main housing unit of the RRSHA Hot Air
Blower in the optimal location relative to the
switch area, to allow greater access or to
provide a visual verification of system
function.
1.4.1 Height Adjustment Legs
Height Adjustment Legs are
recommended in areas where standing
water can pool or accumulate.
Legs also allow for stable and level footing on
an otherwise uneven ground. The main
housing unit can be raised to a maximum of
18” with the height adjustment legs.
The RRSHA Hot Air Blower is provided from
the factory with Height Adjustment Legs
when Suffix “M” is identified in the model
code during the initial specification process
Fig. 203
Height Adjustment Legs
.
1.4.3 Ground Fault and Power-
On Indication Lights
Fig. 222
Indication Light
The RRSHA Hot Air Blower can be
provided from the factory with
indication lights. When Suffix “P1” is
identified in the model code during the
initial specification process the
indication light is mounted outside the
main housing unit and configured to
provide a visual signal when a circuit
breaker trips or when a ground fault
occurs on the rod/crib circuit.
Alternatively, when Suffix “P2” is
identified in the model code, the
indication light can be configured to
illuminate when the RRSHA Hot Air
Blower is powered. If desired, two
separate indication lights can be
installed, one for ground faults and the
other for power. The default light color
is white, with additional colors available
on request.
NOTE:
For information on purchasing and
installing a duct extension for field
installation, contact Spectrum.
NOTE:
For information on purchasing an
additional main circuit breaker for
field installation contact Spectrum.
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
1.4.4 Wiring Box
Fig. 235
Wiring Box (Hinged Lid)
A Wiring Box can be used to connect optional
equipment such as a Crib Heater and/or Flat-
Jacket Snow Melter Rods to the main housing
unit. Using a Wiring Box reduces the number
of cables running out of the main housing
unit. The Wiring Box comes in two designs:
Each Wiring Box comes with a weather-tight
lid with either a hinged and lockable lid (TH)
or machine screws (TBO). A variety of
fittings, from cord grips to barbed fittings,
can be installed on the 12 ports of the wiring
box run wires through. Each wiring box also
comes with terminal blocks installed for
simpler wire connections.
1.4.5 Wiring Box Post
A recommended accessory for the
Wiring Box is a Wiring Box Post. This
post bolts to the bottom of the box
and provides riser pipe that can be
buried in the ground for a secure
mounting position. Power wires
can be run through the bottom of
the post and into the Wiring Box.
The Wiring Box Post comes in
two variations.
Part No.
Description
WB-100
Standard Pipe Post
WB-101
Slotted Pipe Post
Fig. 246
Wiring Box
Post
NOTE:
For information on purchasing and installing a
wiring box or wiring box post for field
installation, contact Spectrum.
Interior Dimensions
Part No.
Width
Depth
Height
WB-12TH
12”
12”
4”
WB-12TBO
12”
12”
4”
16
RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual ENM-3600-00
2Installation
The typical installation consists of:
•Installing the RRSHA Hot Air Blower (Base Unit, Flex Duct & Track Duct) at track side
•Wiring the heater base unit
•Installing optional equipment and accessories
•Activating the RRSHA Hot Air Blower for the first time
2.1 Installing the RRSHA Hot Air Blower
Fig. 257a
Installation Diagram
Figure 257a identifies the components of the RRSHA Hot Air Blower that are installed at track side.
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ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
2.1.1 Preparing the installation area
1. Use the following criteria to identify
the installation area for the main
housing unit.
•Do not install the main housing
unit in any area where standing
water can pool or accumulate. Do
not install near a drainage basin,
surface/ground/roof runoff,
sewer collection, or any location
where water can back up or
collect. If flooding can occur, we
recommend the addition of
Height Adjustment Legs or a
raised platform sufficiently above
high-water level. Do not operate
if any portion of the main housing
unit is submerged. Always install
above grade.
•The installation area must be
close enough to connect the main
housing unit with the track duct,
which is positioned one or two tie
spaces in front of the switch
point.
•The installation area must be a
compact and stable surface
composed of concrete, ballast, or
dirt. The surface must also be
level, with a tolerance of ±5°.
•The recommended installation
area is 6’ x 6’ with no part within
the foul zone, the area four feet
outside of the nearest rail.
•Position the main housing unit
with a minimum of 36 inches of
clearance on the air intake side.
Fig. 268
Main Housing Unit
Installed on Ballast Surface
2. It is recommended to use a picker
truck or other means to place the
main housing unit track-side. Load
handles (Figure 268) may be used
with lifting straps. Because the
connecting duct is flexible and
extends up to 66”, the main housing
unit is typically positioned parallel
with the rail. However, a
perpendicular position works as well.
Ensure no objects are within 18” of
motor inlet so there are no
obstructions.
Fig. 279
Parallel Installation Examples
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ENM-3600-00
power cable and for cables of any
optional equipment.
3. Route the cables through the holes.
Ensure each hole is completely sealed
with a water-tight solution.
Fig. 30
Perpendicular Installation Example
3. For the safety of the internal
components and personnel, the
RRSHA Hot Air Blower must be
grounded to earth. Install a ground
rod and connect it to one of the
grounding lugs inside the control box.
2.1.2 Routing power to the main
housing unit
The power supply was determined before the
RRSHA Hot Air Blower was ordered and is
included within the Model numbering. The
power supply must deliver the required
voltage and load carrying capacity.
1. Make sure the power supply cable is
sized properly for the RRSHA Hot Air
Blower, and that the electrical service
allows the unit to operate properly.
Low voltage reduces the unit’s
effectiveness and shorten its life
span.
2. Drill holes into the bottom plate of
the main housing unit and into the
circuit panel for the main
2.1.3 Installing the track duct
The track duct is comprised of two sections.
The Outboard Track Duct has one closed end
and one open end. The Inboard Track Duct
has two open ends. These two sections are
connected and tested for electrical isolation
prior to shipment.
Fig. 292
Track Duct
Install the track duct one or two tie spaces in
front of the switch point, with the nozzle ends
five to ten inches from the tip of the switch
point.
1. Clear the installation area of ballast to
allow the track duct to slide in
position under the rail.
2. Pass both sections of the track duct
under the stock rail.
3. Position the Outboard Track Duct so
that it is approximately 6” from the
outside rail and centered between
the two existing ties.
NOTE:
Do not connect the cable
from the power source to
the Circuit Panel at this
time.
RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User
19
ENM-3600-00 RRSHA Series Hot Air Blower User Manual
5. Once the nozzles are in the correct
position, securely tighten the nozzle
clips.
Fig. 303
Track Duct
Assembled at Switch Point
2.1.4 Installing nozzles
The track duct has two 4” nozzle holes, with
four nozzle clips around each hole.
1. Turn all nozzle clips outward from the
nozzle holes.
Fig. 314
Nozzle Hole with Clips Turned Out
2. Set the nozzles into the holes.
3. Turn all nozzle clips inward, but do
not tighten the clips.
Fig. 325
Nozzle Installed with Clips Turned In
4. Turn the nozzles in the holes to
maximize the air flow to the web of
the rail.
6. Nozzles may be trimmed up to 3” if
necessary. Please note that trimming
will eliminate the rodent screen on
the nozzle.
2.1.5 Attaching the Track Duct or
Center Duct to the ties
1. Attach the duct tie-down straps to
the track duct, using two 5/16"-18
hex head screws.
Fig. 336
Connecting the Duct Tie-down Straps
2. Attach duct tie-down straps to the
ties on either side of the track duct,
using hardware appropriate for the
tie material.
oFor wood ties, attach the tie-
down straps with the
provided lug bolts.
oFor metal or concrete ties,
contact Spectrum for
recommendations.
This manual suits for next models
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