hole 4 or more feet below the frost line. For
example, if the frost line is 4 ft, the hole
should extend down 8 or more feet. If the
heat well does not generate enough ground
heat to protect the waterline from freezing, you
can purchase Nelson’s Waterline Insulation,
accessory 1004 direct from the factory. It
retains the heat in the waterline while allowing
the ground heat to rise and circulate around
the waterline.
C.
Obstructions In Heat Well
Waterline freeze-up can result from the heat
well being blocked with an obstruction. It’s
not uncommon for people to choke off the
naturally rising geothermal heat by filling the
heat well with insulation, sand or dirt. This
prevents ground heat from circulating and
causes the waterline to freeze.
D.
Vertical Water Line Makes Contact With
Heat Well
A vertical waterline that is bowed and
makes contact with the wall of the heat well or
mounting base above the frost line can freeze
at point of contact. This is common with free-
standing models not wall-mounted models.
Nelson Waterline Insulation Acc. 1004 over the
vertical waterline prevents direct contact
between waterline and heat well. Insert
insulation between the wall of the hole and the
waterline if contact is unavoidable.
E.
Air Gaps
Free-standing models - It’s common for
models mounted to a concrete pad or to a
concrete pipe to have air gaps between the
housing and concrete base. Air gaps in these
areas can freeze the waterline and also cause
the heater to run excessively, substantially
increasing the cost of operation and reducing
heater and thermostat life. Seal the air gaps
by caulking with an all-weather sealant where
the waterer and base contact.
Wall-mounted models - It’s common for
models mounted to the wall to have air gaps
underneath where the waterline comes into the
waterer and in the back where the waterer
mounts against the wall. Air gaps in these
areas can freeze the waterline and also cause
the heater to run excessively, substantially
increasing the cost of operation and reducing
heater and thermostat life. Gaps underneath
the waterer can also allow easy entry for mice.
Material used to seal the area depends on the
size of the gap. Sheet metal and or chalking
with an all-weather sealant may be necessary.
F.
Heat Tape
Locating heat tape or heat cable too close to
the waterer’s thermostat can warm the
thermostat, preventing it from activating the
heater when the temperature is cold.
Conversely, heat tapes often come with
thermostats. If the heat tapes thermostat is
located too close to the waterers heater, the
heat tape my not be activated when
necessary. Waterline freeze-up can result.
G.
Copper Water Spout Tube Makes
Contact With Cover
DO NOT allow the copper water spout tube
to come in contact with the top cover of
waterer. Water may freeze at point of contact.
The copper water spout tube may be bent
slightly to eliminate contact or be covered with
electricians tape to insulate.
H.
Water Level In Drinking Bowl
The water level in the drinking bowl should
be adjusted such that water does not come
into contact with the cover. The aluminum
cover may conduct heat away from the water
in the bowl, causing the water to freeze.
I.
Voltage Drop
Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage in an
electrical ciruit between the source and the
waterer. If the proper sized wire is not used
to accommodate for voltage drop, inadequate
voltage will result. The heater will not heat to
capacity and freeze-up will result. This
problem is more common when the waterers
are located a long distance from the electrical
source.
TAKING WATERER TEMPORARILY
OUT OF SERVICE
Waterer is not going to be used for an
extended period.
1.
Remove top cover and lock down
balance beam with beam lock lever.
2.
Remove and empty drinking bowl.
3.
Inspect area below drinking bowl and
cross beam. Remove debris with wet/dry
shop vacuum if necessary. See Section
“Cleaning Waterer”.
4.
Turn-off water at brass shut-off valve.
5.
Place drinking empty drinking bowl back
into waterer.
6.
Place top cover on housing and latch
securely.
7.
Over top cover install Nelson Thermal
Cap Accessory. The Nelson Thermal Cap is
designed to reduce energy consumption and
to keep the waterer clean when not in service.
WARRANTY
Nelson Manufacturing Company will repair
or, at its option, replace without charge, any
parts found defective upon examination at the
factory if returned within the guarantee period,
transportation charges prepaid. Replacement
shipment will be made transportation charges
prepaid. Nelson Waterers are guaranteed
against defects in workmanship and/or
materials for one year. Nelson heaters and
thermostats are guaranteed against defects in
workmanship and/or materials for three years.
WARNING! TURN OFF
ELECTRICITY WHEN SERVICING
WATERER.
Always turn off power to waterers
when using a tool to service or
maintain waterer to eliminate risk
of electrocution. Read all warnings
on page 12.
6
Nelson
Thermal
Cap
ACC.#TC730 for Models 730
ACC.#TC760 for Models 760
Q
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estio
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n
e: 888-844-6606
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iday 7:30-5:00 CST
