Stelpro ASO ASOH Wall Fan Heater
Owner's Manual
Model: INS-ASO_0425
Thank you for your purchase! Question? Problem? Contact Stelpro Customer Service.
? www.stelpro.com ✉️ customerservice@stelpro.com ? 1-844-STELPRO
This unit complies with CSA Standards.
Important Instructions
Before installing and using this product, read and understand these instructions and keep them for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may void the warranty and relieve the manufacturer of liability. Adherence to these instructions is crucial to avoid personal injury, property damage, serious injury, and potentially fatal electric shocks.
Any modification to the unit by the installer or user will result in the installer/user being held responsible for any resulting damage, and may void CSA certification.
Intended Use
For indoor installation only. Ensure the unit is appropriate for its intended use by referring to the product catalog or a representative if necessary.
Recommended Heating Capacity
The recommended heating capacity is 1.25 W per ft³ (0.03 m³) or 10 W per ft² (0.09 m²) based on an 8 ft (2.44 m) ceiling. This is generally sufficient for normal heating needs. Factors like wall and window insulation quality influence heat loss and may modify the required capacity. Consult a specialist for precise calculations or use the STELPRO Design website's heating calculator. Insufficient capacity may lead to continuous operation, premature defects, and yellowing of the unit.
Positioning
Do not install the unit where objects or furniture could be heat-damaged. Maintain minimum clearances: 6 inches (15 cm) from adjacent surfaces and 6 inches (15 cm) from the floor or ceiling (for ASOH models). Keep combustible materials (furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, curtains) at least 36 inches (90 cm) from the front, and away from the sides and rear. Ensure nearby materials can withstand heat. Do not install on a wall behind a door. If a piece of furniture is nearby, ensure the fan heater does not impede its opening.
This unit contains hot and arcing/sparking parts. It is not designed for use or storage in wet areas or areas containing flammable liquids, combustible materials, or corrosive, abrasive, chemical, explosive, and flammable substances (e.g., paint, gasoline, chlorine, sawdust, cleaning products).
Risk of Fire, Electric Shock, Bodily Injury and Damage
- Installation and connection must be performed by a qualified person and a certified electrician according to local codes.
- Protect the unit with an appropriate circuit breaker or fuse as per the nameplate.
- Ensure line voltage matches the unit's nameplate.
- The unit must be grounded.
- Switch off power at the circuit breaker or fuse before installation, repair, or cleaning.
- The unit must not contact water sources and must be protected from splashes. Do not use if immersed or with wet hands.
- Temporary odors are normal upon first use or after long periods of inactivity.
- Exercise caution as the unit gets hot during operation. Avoid touching hot surfaces with bare skin. Allow the unit to cool before shutdown.
- Extreme caution is necessary when the heater is used by or near children or invalids, or when left unattended.
- Do not insert foreign objects into ventilation or exhaust openings to prevent electric shock, fire, or damage.
Maintenance
To prevent fire, do not block air intakes or exhausts. Clean the unit regularly, especially in dusty environments, to prevent component malfunction or yellowing. Failure to install and maintain the unit as instructed poses a fire hazard.
Thermal protection activation indicates abnormal operating conditions. If it remains activated, have the unit examined by a qualified electrician or certified repair center. If the unit is damaged or defective, discontinue use, cut off power, and have it repaired at a certified center.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Installing the Fan Heater
Read this installation guide for a safe and easy installation.
What is in the Box
- SONOMA Wall fan heater
- SONOMA HORIZON Wall fan heater
- 2 caps
- Self-adhering spacer
- Knob for the mechanical thermostat (ASO... T2W)
- Knob for the timer (ASO...T2TW)
- Knob for the mechanical thermostat (ASOH... T2W)
- 2 Mounting screws for the front panel
Tools Required
- Level
- Flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Wire stripper
- Stud finder
- Wire clamp
- Tool to cut drywall or gypsum board
- 2 Screws (1-1/2") with a 1/4" (6.5 mm) diameter head minimum, suitable for securing the back box directly to a stud.
Control and Compatibility
Your Sonoma fan heater can be controlled in multiple ways:
Model Type | Control Method |
---|---|
ASO(H)XXXVWC(WBB)C* | With a compatible wall thermostat that has a fan heater mode and can handle the fan heater's power (see product nameplate). |
ASO(H)XXXVT2(WBB)C* | With its integrated mechanical thermostat. |
ASO(H)XXXVT2T(WBB)C* | With its integrated mechanical thermostat and timer. |
* XXX: POWER (100 = 1000W, 150 = 1500 W, 200 = 2000W)
V: VOLTAGE (1 = 120V, 2 = 240V/208V, 8 = 208V)
WC: MODEL WITHOUT CONTROLS
T2: MODEL WITH MECHANICAL DOUBLE POLE THERMOSTAT
T2T: MODEL WITH MECHANICAL DOUBLE POLE THERMOSTAT AND TIMER
WBB: MODEL WITHOUT BACK-BOX (U.S. MARKET ONLY, REQUIRES KIT-ASOBB)
C: COLOR (W = WHITE)
1. Where to Install Your Fan Heater
Install the fan heater unobstructed, at least 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground (or ceiling for ASOH models). For easier access to controls, install it 12 inches (30 cm) off the ground. Maintain a clearance of at least 36 inches (90 cm) in front and 6 inches (15 cm) on the sides to avoid overheating. Keep objects like blankets, towels, beds, laundry baskets, clothing, or papers at least 36 inches (90 cm) away from the front and away from the sides and rear. Ensure nearby materials can withstand heat. Do not install on a wall behind a door. If a piece of furniture is nearby, ensure the fan heater does not impede its opening.
For recessed installation:
- Check wall construction: at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the outside finishing to the inside of the wall is required. A 2x4 wood stud construction with 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) thick finishing is compliant.
- Avoid exterior walls to maintain insulation.
- Locate wall studs; one side of the heater must be fixed to a stud.
- Be aware of internal pipes, electrical wires, or other components that could be damaged during installation.
Diagrams illustrate minimum clearance requirements: 6 inches (15 cm) from adjacent surfaces and 6 inches (15 cm) from the floor or ceiling. Combustible materials must be kept at least 36 inches (90 cm) from the front. A wall cross-section shows a 2x4 stud construction with drywall, indicating a minimum 4-inch depth for recessed installation.
2. Cutting the Power Supply
To prevent electric shock, turn off the power to the lead wires at the electrical panel. ? OFF
3. Preparing the Surface for Installation
Important: Models without a back-box must use the KIT-ASOBB. Do not use any other back-box or retrofit.
- Locate studs and internal wall structures.
- Measure the space required according to the diagrams.
- Make an opening according to the desired installation direction.
- Pull the power cable out of the wall, ensuring at least 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is inside the junction box for easy connection.
Diagrams show the required opening dimensions for recessed installation: 7 5/8 inches (19.4 cm) wide by 10 inches (25.4 cm) high for vertical installation (ASO models), and 7 5/8 inches (19.4 cm) wide by 10 inches (25.4 cm) high for horizontal installation (ASOH models), with a minimum 7 1/2 inches (19 cm) depth.
4. Preparing the Fan Heater
- Pivot the front panel upwards [1] and slide it up to remove it completely [2]. Place it on a clean surface. (For HORIZON models, the front panel rests on the housing; pull it up and set aside.)
- Remove the two mounting screws for the front panel and keep them.
- Lift the top [3] of the mechanical housing [A] and slide it [4] off the back box [B].
- Perforate one of the seven pre-cut holes for the wire clamp, choosing based on the power cable's position and available space.
- Place the wire clamp [E] in the hole, insert the power cable, and secure it. [*wire clamp not included]
- If the wall finish is not yet installed, attach the self-adhering spacer [F] to one of the four marked spots on the external side of the back box that will rest against the stud. The spacer is not needed if the wall finish is already installed.
Diagrams illustrate the process of preparing the heater: [1] Pivoting the front panel upwards, [2] removing it completely. [3] Lifting the top of the mechanical housing and [4] sliding it off the back box. [E] shows a wire clamp being inserted into a pre-perforated hole and securing the power cable. [F] shows a self-adhering spacer being attached to the back box. Note: Ensure the back box is oriented correctly with notches at the bottom [C] or right [D] for proper installation.
5. Attaching the Back Box to the Wall
- Insert the back box into the wall opening, ensuring it is level [A].
- Screw the box to the wall stud using two mounting holes [A]. [*Screws not included]
Note: If the wall finishing is not installed, position the box at the correct depth to rest on the surface upon completion. For 1/2 inch finishing, fold side tabs and install directly on the stud. For other thicknesses, align the stud with perforated marks.
Diagrams show the back box being attached to the wall stud using mounting holes [A].
6. Selecting the Power
The heater has a jumper to select wattage onsite without tools. Remove the pull-out jumper [A] on the side of the mechanical box to reduce the factory-wired wattage output by half.
Diagrams show the jumper [A] on the side view for power selection.
7. Connecting the Wiring
- Strip power cable wires if necessary.
- Connect heater and power supply wires using supplied connection caps [A]. Ensure caps are tightened securely.
- Connect the grounding wire firmly to the green screw [B] at the back of the back box. The grounding screw can be moved to position [C] if needed.
- Store all wires in the back box.
Warning: Use copper wires only. Supply wires must be suitable for 194°F (90°C).
Connection Diagram: Shows connections for THERMAL FUSE, THERMAL PROTECTION, MOTOR, JUMPER, ELEMENT.
Electrical Diagrams: Illustrate wiring for installations with and without thermostats and timers, showing L1, L2/N, GND connections to DOUBLE POLE INTEGRATED THERMOSTAT, TIMER, MOTOR, THERMAL PROTECTION, ELEMENT, JUMPER.
8. Attaching the Mechanical Housing to the Back Box
- Insert the mechanical housing [A] into the bottom notches [B] of the back box.
- Pivot the mechanical housing toward the wall, being careful not to trap wires or caps.
- Secure with the screws set aside in step 4.2.
Diagrams show the mechanical housing [A] being inserted into the bottom notches [B] of the back box and secured with screws.
9. Attaching the Front Panel
- Press the top of the front panel against the wall, keeping it slightly tilted [A] and centered with the mechanical housing.
- Slide the front panel down until the hooks behind it [B] engage, then pivot it toward the wall.
- Ensure the screw [C] at the bottom of the unit inserts into the front panel's slot. Tighten the screw to secure the panel.
- Install the timer [D] and mechanical thermostat [E] control knobs according to your model.
Diagrams show the front panel being attached by pressing the top against the wall [A], sliding it down until hooks engage [B], and securing it with a bottom screw [C]. [D] and [E] indicate where the timer and thermostat knobs are installed.
10. Turning the Power Back On
Restore power to the fan heater. Ensure it works by raising the temperature until the unit starts to heat. See section "Controlling the Fan Heater" for optimal use.
Warning: Set the wall thermostat to fan heater mode immediately after restoring power. If it remains in baseboard mode, the fan heater may run intermittently and overheat.
Using and Maintaining the Fan Heater
Warning: Ensure the fan heater was installed by a certified electrician according to local codes. Do not operate without the front panel.
Controlling the Fan Heater
Control methods vary by model:
Model | Control Method | Description |
---|---|---|
ASO ... WCW | Compatible Wall Thermostat | Adjusts room temperature setpoint. |
ASO ... T2W | Integrated Mechanical Thermostat | Setpoint controlled by knob (1=min heat, 5=max heat). |
ASO ... T2TW | Integrated Mechanical Thermostat and Timer | Setpoint controlled by knob (1-5). Timer knob allows continuous maximum heating for 0-30 minutes, ideal for showers. |
ASOH ... WCW | Compatible Wall Thermostat | Adjusts room temperature setpoint. |
ASOH ... T2W | Integrated Mechanical Thermostat | Setpoint controlled by knob (1-5). |
Maintaining the Fan Heater
For the warranty to be valid, the fan heater's air inlet and outlet must be cleaned regularly.
Warning: Cut off power at the breaker or fuse before cleaning. High voltage and risk of electric shock are present even if the thermostat is off.
Regular cleaning prevents yellowing from cigarette smoke and maintains performance. Dust the front panel with a soft cloth and clean it with a damp cloth only. Avoid cleaning products that could cause yellowing.
In dusty locations, use a vacuum cleaner's dust brush to remove dust and foreign objects. Never use:
- A brush or metal scrubbing pad
- Chlorine
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Hydrochloric acid-based products (e.g., bleach)
- Any other cleaning products bearing specific hazard symbols.
Troubleshooting the Fan Heater
The following table outlines common issues, causes, and solutions. If your problem is not listed or the solution doesn't work, turn off power and contact customer service.
Problem/Alert | Possible Cause and Solution |
---|---|
Fan heater is not operational after installation. |
|
Breaker trips when fan heater starts. |
|
Temperature setpoint is never reached. |
|
Fan heater is operating continuously. |
|
Ambient temperature is too high. |
|
Heating is not operational. |
|
With a wall thermostat: fan heater turns on and off frequently. |
|
Restarting the Fan Heater After Thermal Protection is Triggered
In case of overheating, the unit's thermal protection activates to prevent damage. To resume normal operation:
- Switch off power at the electrical panel or lower the setpoint temperature sufficiently to stop heating.
- Identify and eliminate the cause of overheating (e.g., ensure air inlets/outlets are not blocked and are clean).
- Wait 10 minutes, then turn power back on or increase the setpoint temperature.
If the cause is not found or the heater doesn't restart, an internal component may be defective, or an additional thermal protection device may have been triggered. Contact Stelpro's customer service department.
Stelpro Limited Warranty
This limited warranty is offered by STELPRO Design Inc. ("STELPRO") and applies to ASO/ASOH models. It covers defects in workmanship and materials for 5 years from the date of purchase. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser.
Claim Procedure
If the unit becomes defective during the warranty period, cut off power at the main electrical panel and contact your installer, distributor, service center, or STELPRO's customer service department. Provide a copy of the invoice and product nameplate information. STELPRO may examine the product or parts before honoring the warranty. STELPRO reserves the right to replace the unit, refund the purchase price, or repair the defective part. Repairs must be authorized in writing by STELPRO and performed by authorized personnel.
Obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number by calling 1-844-STELPRO. Write the RMA number clearly on the parcel; otherwise, it will be refused.
Conditions, Exclusions and Disclaimer of Liability
This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. STELPRO disclaims implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. STELPRO's liability is limited as stated; it is not subject to other obligations or liabilities for goods or services furnished. STELPRO expressly disclaims liability for property or personal injury damages, penalties, special/punitive damages, lost profits, loss of use, cost of capital, cost of substitutes, shutdowns, or other economic loss, or claims from dealers' customers or third parties.
This warranty does not cover damages or failures from:
- Faulty installation or improper storage.
- Abusive or abnormal use, lack of maintenance, improper maintenance (other than prescribed), or use other than intended.
- Natural disasters or events beyond STELPRO's control (hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, overvoltage, flooding, water damages, etc.).
- Accidental or intentional losses/damages, negligence by user/owner.
- Costs of disconnection, transport, and installation.
The warranty is limited to repair, replacement, or refund at STELPRO's discretion. Parts replaced/repaired under warranty are covered for the remainder of the original period. The warranty is void if products are altered without STELPRO's written authorization or if nameplate numbers are removed/modified. It does not cover scratches, dents, corrosion, or discoloration from heat, chemicals, or abrasives, nor damage during shipping.
Some states/provinces may not allow exclusion/limitation of incidental/consequential damages or implied warranty duration, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by location.
STELPRO DESIGN INC.
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, Canada, J3V 6L7