SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, setup, and maintenance of your SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater. The SF120 is a 120,000 BTUs portable industrial heater designed for heating areas up to 2,800 sq. ft. It operates on diesel or kerosene fuel, offering a quiet and odorless heating experience.

Figure 1: Front view of the SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater.

2. Safety Information

The SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater incorporates several safety features for user protection and optimal performance:

• No Smell & No Fumes: Designed to burn 99% of the fuel, minimizing odors and fumes in the work area. When properly maintained, it produces zero to 1 ppm of carbon monoxide, making it suitable for indoor commercial applications.
• Automatic Shutoff: Equipped with a tip-over switch that promptly turns off the heater if accidentally knocked over. A built-in flame sensor monitors flame quality, automatically shutting down the heater and initiating a post-purge cool-down mode if it senses the flame go out or a poor flame.
• Quiet Operation: Unlike forced-air heaters, radiant heaters are not subject to wind and operate with significantly lower noise levels, making them suitable for various indoor and outdoor environments such as shops, pole barns, garages, warehouses, or job sites.

3. Setup

3.1. Assembly

The SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater comes mostly pre-assembled. The main components requiring assembly are the front hood/grill and the optional top handle. Always wear protective gloves when handling metal components due to potentially sharp edges.

• Front Hood/Grill: This component comes flat and needs to be bent around the front cone of the heater. Secure it using the provided self-tapping metal screws.
• Top Handle: An optional handle can be installed at the top of the heater frame. This handle is designed for attaching to lifting equipment (e.g., a loader or jib) to move the heavy unit, not for manual lifting.
• Adjustable Feet: The heater features two adjustable feet at the rear and two solid-core wheels at the front. Use the included 9/16" wrench to adjust the feet to ensure the heater is level before operation. Do not operate the heater if it is tilted.

3.2. Fueling

The SF120 is a dual-fuel heater, capable of running on Diesel/#2 fuel oil or Kerosene. These fuels can also be mixed in any ratio. The heater has a 14-gallon fuel tank. Ensure at least 5 gallons of fuel are in the tank for the fuel level indicator to function accurately.

• WARNING: DO NOT USE GASOLINE. Using gasoline can cause serious damage to the heater and pose a significant safety risk.
• For optimal performance in frigid conditions (below 15 degrees Fahrenheit), it is recommended to add some kerosene to your tank as it has a lower gel rate.

Figure 2: Side view of the heater, highlighting the fuel tank and filter.

3.3. Priming the Fuel System

Before the first use or after changing the fuel filter or running out of fuel, the system must be primed:

1. Plug the heater into a standard 120V outlet. Ensure you use a heavy-gauge extension cord if necessary, and avoid overloading the circuit.
2. Locate the "FUEL PRIMER" switch, typically found near the blower assembly.
3. Press and hold the primer switch for up to 60 seconds. You will hear the fuel pump operating. When the pump's sound becomes quieter, it indicates that the fuel system is fully primed and ready for operation.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Startup

Once the fuel system is primed and the heater is plugged in:

1. Turn the ON/OFF switch to the "ON" position.
2. The heater will typically ignite and begin heating within 15 seconds.
3. If the heater fails to fire, press the "RESET" button for 1 second and attempt to restart.

Figure 3: Control panel showing the ON/OFF and RESET buttons.

4.2. Shutdown

To safely shut down the heater:

1. Turn the ON/OFF switch to the "OFF" position.
2. The flame will extinguish, but the blower will continue to run for approximately 5 minutes to cool down the unit.
3. Do not unplug the heater until the blower has completely stopped. This ensures proper cooling and prevents damage to components.

4.3. Thermostat Compatibility

The SF120 Radiant Heater is compatible with any standard manual or battery-operated wall thermostat. This allows for precise temperature regulation, optimizing fuel consumption and maintaining a consistent desired temperature in your workspace.

5. Maintenance

The SF120 features a "Rapid Access" maintenance hatch, designed to make routine tune-ups and component replacement quick and simple. Regular maintenance ensures the heater continues to operate efficiently and safely, maintaining its quiet and odorless performance.

• Tune-ups: The rapid access design allows for easy inspection and adjustment of internal components.
• Electrode Cleaning: Electrodes can be cleaned quickly through the maintenance hatch.
• Nozzle Replacement: The nozzle can be changed in just a few minutes, ensuring consistent fuel atomization and clean burning.

6. Troubleshooting

For specific troubleshooting steps, please refer to the comprehensive instruction manual included with your heater. Common issues often relate to fuel supply, priming, or electrical connections. If you encounter persistent problems, contact Sunfire customer support for assistance.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

Your SUNFIRE SF120 Radiant Heater is backed by a 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Sunfire is committed to providing excellent customer service. USA-based technical experts are available to provide free phone support for the life of your heater. For support, please refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or visit the official Sunfire website.

Figure 4: The SUNFIRE SF120 is proudly Made in the USA.