Operating Diesel Heater Unit

Department: Tool Department  Topic: Site Operations  Process: Operating Diesel Heater Unit

Objective 

To provide clear and standardized guidelines for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of diesel-powered heater units used for providing temporary heating in construction sites, warehouses, or the outdoor locations during cold weather conditions. 

Background 

Diesel heaters work by burning diesel fuel to heat a heat exchanger, which then heats air that blown in a space. Here’s how it works: 

1. Cold air is drawn in from outside through an external pipe or opening. 

2. The air is mixed with diesel in the combustion chamber and ignited. 

3. The heat exchanger heats up and exchanges warm air for cool air 

4. A fan blows the hot air into the space. 

5. The exhaust pipe removes harmful combustion gases outside the unit. Recommended location of return air duct. Pulling warm air in unit makes it more efficient, but watch that you are not just circulating the air.  

Things to Consider 

The exhaust and air intake should be routed outside the unit, with the exhaust venting away from the edge of the unit. 

A heater that’s too big will likely spend most of its time idling, which can lead to carbon buildup and shorten service intervals 

A heater that isn’t efficient at burning fuel won’t run for very long before needing to be refilled. 

Regular maintenance includes cleaning or replacing the glow pin, removing carbon deposits from the combustion chamber, replacing the fuel filter, and checking the fuel and exhaust line.  

Operating Diesel Heater Unit   

• Positioning the Unit 

• Place the Unit near the application area on solid, stable, and level ground. 

• For units with trailers, install chocks under the wheels 

• Connecting Power to the Unit 

• Open the access doors (A) 

• Connect the 120V plug (B) to a 120V source. 

• Connect the 230V to a 230V. 

• Close the access doors and run the extension cords out the access hole. 

• Connect Ducting to Unit 

• Use the Screw clamps (A) at the source to connect the two-air supply duct adapter to the unit. 

• Avoid any sharp bends from the supply outlet.  

• Use a stand to keep the duct level for 3-6 ft away from the unit.  

Caution: Do not black supply air adapters. They MUST remain open, or ducting MUST be used. 

• Connecting and Using the Remote Thermostat 

• Open the access panel (A) and located the thermostat receptable (B) 

• Insert the plug (C) of the remote thermostat into the receptable. 

• Run Cord out of the panel through the access hole (D). 

• Place the sensor within the area to be heated 

• Adjust dial to desired temperature. 

• Starting the Generator 

• Open the generator access door (A). 

• Set the circuit breaker (B) to the off position.  

• Turn the key switch © to the PREHEAT position (C1). Hold the key until the glow plug indicator (C2) goes out.  

• Turn the key (C3) until the engine starts. 

• Set the circuit breaker to the ON position. 

• Starting the Unit 

• Check emergency stop (A) is in the disengaged position. 

• Press green start button (B) located in panel.  

• Rotate the control switch to the 1 position if not using the thermostat.  

• If using the remote thermostat turn to position 2. 

• Thermostat should be place inside the building easy to assess and near the ducting coming into the building.   

• The burner will complete a startup sequence, and then will start firing. 

• The burner fire until the air temperature reaches the target temperature set by the remote thermostat. 

• At that time the burner will shut off, but the blower will continue to operate.  

• The burner will refire if the temperature falls below the target temperature set on the remote thermostat. 

• If remote thermostat is not being used, the burner will fire continuously. 

• The blower will start 

• Stopping the Unit 

• Turn the control Switch to the OFF (0) position 

• The burner will shut down 

• The blower will stop when the unit is sufficiently cool.