When installing a Kickspace heater it is recommended that a directional flow tee be installed on the return
piping of the unit. For one pipe up feed systems, one tee installed on the return should be sufficient. For
one pipe down feed systems, the application will require a tee on the supply and return piping. Series loop
systems do not require scoop or venturi tees. Consult your heating professional for your specific application
as some one pipe up feed systems will require two tees.
What is a directional flow Tee?
There are two types of directional flow tees, scoop style and venturi style. When installing a scoop tee on the
supply side, the arrow on the tee should point in opposition to water flow* (opposite direction of return installation).
This will direct water up into the kickspace heater (Figure 6). The scoop tee, when installed on the return, will direct
the water back to the return piping on the system and create a pressure drop towards the supply tee forcing water
up into the unit. The arrow on the tee should point in the direction of water flow* (Figure 7).
Figure 6 (cutaway)
Figure 7 (cutaway)
A venturi style tee has an internal cone. Our illustrations show a B&G monoflo (venturi) tee. The red ring on
the tee should always be installed between the risers, regardless of return or supply installation. Figure 8 is a
supply installation. Figure 9 shows installation for the return side (red ring between risers). The return tee is
installed opposite of the supply tee with the red ring between the risers when two tees are used.
Figure 8 (cutaway)
Figure 9 (cutaway)
For any questions on your installation, please consult your local plumber or plumbing supply house.
*Due to various manufacturers of scoop tees, look inside the tee to verify the orientation of the scoop to
ensure proper installation.
DIRECTIONAL FLOW TEE INSTALLATION USING SCOOP OR VENTURI TEES
5.
SUPPLY
SIDE
RISER
DIRECTION OF WATER FLOW
DIRECTION OF WATER FLOW
DIRECTION OF WATER FLOW
DIRECTION OF WATER FLOW
SUPPLY
SIDE
RISER
RETURN
SIDE
RISER
RETURN
SIDE
RISER
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
Properly installed, the Kickspace
heater should require very little attention. Since the heating element is
carefully constructed and tested, and of non-ferrous materials, it should never require service. The cross-
flow blower has been thoroughly engineered, with ball bearings for 10,000 hrs. bearing life expectancy. As
with any electrical rotating device, a yearly inspection and cleaning is recommended. Wherever
there is air movement, there will be some accumulation of dust and lint. In this case it will collect on the
rotor blades and air passage of the unit. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner tool is advised, with
frequency determined by prevailing conditions. Always make sure that the air grille is not blocked by
foreign objects or materials.
