Watlow ind, Start up – Watlow FIREBAR Circulation Heater User Manual
Page 4

WATLOW IND.
FIREBAR® Circulation Heater Installation & Maintenance Manual
I&M Number: 316-42-1-1
Page: 4
Date: 06-11-08
Rev: 2.00
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WATLOW IND.n # 6 INDUSTRIAL LOOP RD. n HANNIBAL MO, 63401n PHONE 573-221-2816 n FAX 573-221-3723
When installing piping connections, care should be taken to avoid supporting the tank by the nozzles. 
Mounting blocks are provided to help prevent this. Provisions for thermal expansion and contraction 
should be considered, slotted bolt holes in one of the mating mounting pads would do adequately. 
 
 
Installation of an isolation valve and pressure relief valve is recommended but not provided. Rating of 
valves should not exceed the ANSI class 150 flange rating. Two 1/2" FNPT couplings are provided for 
drainage and installation of valves. 
DANGER: HAZARD OF FIRE. Electric heaters are capable of developing high temperatures so extreme 
care should be taken to locate heaters in safe environments. Mounting heaters in atmospheres 
containing combustible gases and vapors should be avoided. According to article 501 of the NEC, the 
maximum surface temperature of the heater shall not exceed 80 % of the auto-ignition of the surrounding 
atmosphere when the heater is continuously energized. Care should also be taken to keep combustible 
materials far enough away to be free of the effects of high temperatures. 
 
5. Wiring 
 WARNING; HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Any installation involving electric heaters must be 
grounded to earth to eliminate shock hazard.
 
 
Electrical wiring to the heaters must be installed in accordance with the National Electric Code and any 
state and local electrical code by qualified personnel. 
 
 
Consult wiring diagram supplied with the unit for correct feeder or leadwire connections. If wiring 
diagram is not supplied, the factory should be consulted for the appropriate wiring diagram. Feeder wire 
should be properly selected based on amperage, electrical power rating, ambient temperature, and type 
of environment. Feeder wire should also be housed in either rigid or flexible conduit which carries the 
same classification as the heater enclosure. It is the users responsibility to properly size and install 
feeder wire. 
 
 
Feeder wire line connections may be made directly to stud terminals or box type compression fittings. 
Box type compression fittings will accept a #4 AWG maximum wire while stud terminals will accept a 
#10 ring connector(T&B, Amp, etc.). It is essential that these connections be tight. Stud terminals should 
be tightened to a maximum torque of 20 in-lbs while the bottom nut is supported. Ground connection 
(color coded "green") is supplied inside the housing for ground wire. 
 
 
Line voltage must be equal to or less than rating stamped on the heater assembly. Some units are 
supplied as dual voltage . Example: 240V / 480V, check wiring diagram supplied with the unit to make 
sure which scheme was used. In most cases (unless specified by customer) units are wired for the 
higher voltage. 
 
 
Thermostats can be supplied with flange heaters. Consult the wiring diagram supplied with the heater 
for the suggested wiring of thermostats. For safe operation of thermostats, consult Installation and 
Maintenance manual for thermostats that is attached. 
 
 
Thermostats should not be used as an "OFF" device; the use of a disconnect switch or circuit breaker is 
recommended. The disconnect switch will allow isolation of the heater when maintenance of the heater 
is required. 
Start Up
Before energizing the heater the following items should have been checked with the heater power 
disconnected: 
1. Electrical termination is tight and wiring is per wiring diagram supplied with heater 
2. Proper disconnecting means and fusing have been installed 
3. The voltage rating of the heater is the same as that being applied 
