Spectrum RRSHA3 Series User manual

USER MANUAL
RRSHA3 & RRSHA5 Series
Track Switch Hot Air Blower
Rail heating solutions to keep you on track
Spectrum Rail Heating Solutions
425 Hanley Industrial Ct., St Louis MO 63144
Phone: [phone]
www.spectruminfrared.com
ENM-3600-00

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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.