Operating instructions
Force-Air Propane Construction Heater Operating Instructions and Owner’s Manual
E-3
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
This is a propane, direct-red, forced air heater. It’s intended 
use is primarily temporary heating of buildings under 
construction, alteration or repair.
Propane is heavier than air. If propane leaks from a 
connection or tting, it sinks to the oor, collecting there 
with the surrounding air, forming a potentially explosive 
mixture. Obviously, propane leaks should be avoided, so set 
up the propane supply with utmost care. Read enclosed Odor 
Fade and Propane Sheet for additional information about 
detecting propane leaks. Leak check new connections or 
reconnections with a soap and water solution and follow all 
connection instructions herein. Also, ask your propane dealer 
for advice on the propane application and supply installation 
and ask him to check it if there are any questions.
This heater was designed and certied for use as a 
construction heater in accordance with ANSI Standard Z83.7/
CGA 2.14-2000. Check with your local re safety authority 
if you have any questions about your applications. Other 
standards govern the use of fuel gases and heat producing 
products in specific applications. Your local authority can 
advise you about these.
Direct-Fired means that all of the combustion products enter 
the heated space. Even though this heater operates very close 
to 100 percent combustion efficiency, it still produces small 
amounts of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (called CO) 
is toxic. We can tolerate small amounts but not a lot. CO can 
build up in a heated space and failure to provide adequate 
ventilation could result in death. 
The symptoms of inadequate ventilation are:
  • headache   
  • dizziness
  • burning eyes and nose   
  • nausea
  • dry mouth or sore throat
So, be sure to follow advice about ventilation in these 
operating instructions.
Forced Air means that a blower or fan pushes the air through 
the heater. Proper combustion depends upon this air ow; 
therefore, the heater must not be revised, modified or 
operated with parts removed or missing. Likewise, safety 
systems must not be circumvented or modified in order to 
operate the heater.
When the heater is to be operated in the presence 
of other people the user is responsible for properly 
acquainting those present with the safety precautions 
and instructions, and of the hazards involved.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.  Check the heater thoroughly for damage. DO NOT operate a 
damaged heater.
2.  DO NOT modify the heater or operate a heater which has been 
modified from its original condition.
3.  Use only propane gas.
4.  Use only VAPOR WITHDRAWAL propane supply. If there is any 
question about vapor withdrawal, ask your propane dealer.
5.  Mount the propane cylinders vertically (shutoff valve up). 
Secure them from falling or being knocked over and protect 
them from damage.
6.  Locate propane containers at least (USA) 7 ft. (2.13m), 
(Canada) 10 ft. (3m) from the heater and do not direct exhaust 
toward containers.
7.   IMPORTANT Use only the hose and regulator assembly 
provided with the heater. Match the color stripe on the 
hangtag attached to the hose assembly with the color on 
the label located near the propane inlet fitting on the heater. 
Inspect hose assembly before each use of the heater. If there 
is excessive abrasion or wear, or hose is cut, replace with hose 
assembly listed on parts list before using heater.
8.  For indoor use only. Area must be well ventilated. Figure 1. 
(also see “Operating Precautions”).
9.  If at any time gas odor is detected, IMMEDIATELY 
DISCONTINUE operation until the source of gas has been 
located and corrected. Read enclosed Odor fade and Propane 
Sheet for additional information about detecting propane leaks.
10.  Install the heater such that it is not directly exposed to water 
spray, rain and/or dripping water.
11.  Maintain minimum clearance from normal combustible material 
(like paper). Figure 2. 
12.  Due to the high surface and exhaust temperatures, adults and 
children must observe clearances to avoid burns or clothing 
ignition.
13.  Operate only on a stable, level surface.
14.  Do not use with duct work. Do not restrict inlet or exit.
15.  Use only the electrical power specied. The electrical 
connection and grounding must comply with National Electrical 
Code - ANSI/NFPA 70 (USA) and CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical 
Code, Part 1 (Canada).
16.  Use only a properly grounded 3-prong receptacle or extension 
cord.
17.  Do not move, handle or service while hot or burning.
18.  Do not adjust the heater combustion tube elevation while 
heater is running or hot. Adjustments to elevation should only 
be made after the heater has cooled to touch.
19.  Use only in accordance with local codes or, in the absence of 
local codes, with the Standard for the Storage and Handling 
of Liqueed Petroleum Gases ANSI/NFPA 58 and CSA B149.1, 
Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
  Opening  Opening
Heater  near floor  near ceiling
Forced air (170 FAVT)  3 ft
2
  3 ft
2
Clearance    Forced Air 170FAVT
From floor .......................................................0 ft
From outlet .....................................................6 ft
From sides ......................................................2 ft
From top .........................................................3 ft
Locate 10 ft. from canvas or plastic tarpaulins or similar 
coverings and secure them to prevent flapping or movement 
due to wind action.
Figure 1
VENTILATION: Minimum openings required
Figure 2: MINIMUM CLEARANCE: From normal combustible materials










