Dometic Penguin II Air Conditioner Installation & Operating Instructions

A. Recognize Safety Information

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential physical injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

B. Understand Signal Words

A signal word will identify safety messages and property damage messages, and will indicate the degree or level of hazard seriousness.

• WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if NOT avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if NOT avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE is used to address practices NOT related to physical injury.

C. Supplemental Directives

Read and follow all safety information and instructions to avoid possible injury or death. Read and understand these instructions before installing / using / servicing / performing maintenance on this product. Incorrect installation / operation / servicing / maintaining of this product can lead to serious injury. Follow all instructions.

The installation MUST comply with all applicable local or national codes, including the latest edition of the following standards:

• U.S.A.
  • ANSI/NFPA70, National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • ANSI/NFPA 1192, Recreational Vehicles Code
• CANADA
  • CSA C22.1, Parts I & II, Canadian Electrical Code
  • CSA Z240 RV Series, Recreational Vehicles

D. General Safety Messages

• WARNING Failure to obey the following warnings could result in death or serious injury:
  • This product MUST be installed / serviced by a qualified service technician.
  • Do NOT modify this product in any way. Modification can be extremely hazardous.
  • Do NOT add any devices or accessories to this product except those specifically authorized in writing by Dometic Corporation.

A. Table - Unit Data

* For wire length over 24 ft., consult the National Electrical Code for proper sizing.

** Dometic Corporation gives GENERAL guidelines for generator requirements. These guidelines come from experiences people have had in actual applications. When sizing the generator, the total power usage of your RV must be considered. Keep in mind generators lose power at high altitudes and from lack of maintenance.

*** CIRCUIT PROTECTION: Time Delay Fuse or Circuit Breaker Required.

B. Roof Requirements

• A 14-1/4" x 14-1/4" (±1/8") square opening (hereinafter referred to as "roof opening") is required for installing this unit. This opening is part of the return air system of the unit and MUST be finished in accordance with NFPA 1192.
• Roof construction with rafters/joists support frames on a minimum of 16 inch centers.
• Minimum of 1.5 inches and maximum of 6 inches distance between roof to ceiling of RV.

A. Choosing Proper Location For Unit

This unit is specifically designed for installation on the roof of an RV. When determining your cooling requirements, the following should be considered:

• Size of RV;
• Window area (increases heat gain);
• Amount of insulation in walls and roof;
• Geographical location where the RV will be used;
• Personal comfort level required.

1. Normal locations - The unit is designed to fit over an existing roof vent opening.

2. Other locations - When no roof vent is available or another location is desired, the following is recommended:

• For one unit installation: The unit should be mounted slightly forward of center (front to back) and centered from side to side.
• For two unit installations: Install one unit 1/3 and one unit 2/3's from front of RV and centered from side to side.

It is preferred that the unit be installed on a relatively flat and level roof section measured with the RV parked on a level surface. See table below for maximum acceptable tilt.

After Location Has Been Selected:

c. Check for obstructions in the area where unit will be installed. See (FIG. 1), (FIG. 2) & (FIG. 3).

FIG. 1 Dimensions Are Nominal

[Diagram showing Dometic Penguin II dimensions and roof opening]

B. Roof Preparation

WARNING FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Make sure there are no obstacles inside RV's roof and/or walls (wires, pipes, etc.). Shut OFF gas supply, disconnect 120 Vac power from RV and disconnect positive (+) 12 Vdc terminal from supply battery BEFORE drilling or cutting into RV. Failure to obey these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

i Opening Requirements - Before preparing the ceiling opening, read all of the following instructions before beginning the installation.

If an existing roof vent opening will NOT be used, a roof opening MUST be cut through the roof and ceiling of the RV. This opening MUST be located between the roof reinforcing members.

2. Roof vent removal

• a. Unscrew and remove the roof vent.
• b. Remove all caulking compound around opening.
• c. Seal all screw holes and seams where the roof gasket will be located. Use a good grade of all weather sealant.

NOTICE Maintain structural integrity. Otherwise damage to product and/or RV could occur. The roof must be designed to support 130 pounds when the RV is in motion. Normally a 200 lb. static load design will meet this requirement.

e. Check inside the RV for air distribution box (hereinafter referred to as "ADB") obstructions (i.e. door openings, room dividers, curtains, ceiling fixtures, etc.). See (FIG. 4).

FIG. 2 Dimensions Are Nominal

[Diagram showing Dometic Penguin II dimensions and roof opening]

FIG. 3 Dimensions Are Nominal

[Diagram showing Dometic Penguin II dimensions and roof opening]

FIG. 4 Dimensions Are Nominal

[Diagram showing ADB obstructions]

C. Wiring Requirements

1. Route a copper, with ground, 120 Vac supply wire from the time delay fuse or circuit breaker box to the roof opening. Use a listed/certified non metallic - sheathed single strand cable. See "A. Table - Unit Data" on page (4).
2. i If vent fan was removed, the existing wire may be used provided it is of proper type, size, location, and correctly fused.
3. This supply wire must be located in the front portion of the roof opening.
4. The power MUST be on an appropriately sized separate time delay fuse or circuit breaker. See "A. Table - Unit Data" on page (4).
5. Make sure that at least 15" of supply wire extends into the roof opening. This ensures an easy connection at the junction box.
6. Protect the wire where it passes into the opening with approved method.

D. Placing Unit On Roof

1. Remove the unit from the carton and discard carton.
2. CAUTION LIFTING HAZARD. Use proper lifting technique and control when lifting product. Failure to obey this caution could result in injury. Place unit on the roof.
3. NOTICE Do NOT slide unit. Otherwise, damage to gasket (on bottom of unit) may occur, and could cause a leak. Lift and place the unit over the prepared opening using the gasket on the unit as a guide. See (FIG. 6), (FIG. 7) & (FIG. 8).

FIG. 5 [Diagram showing roof opening and framing]

FIG. 6 [Diagram showing how to lift and place the unit]

FIG. 7 [Diagram showing how to lift and place the unit]

FIG. 8 [Diagram showing how to lift and place the unit]

4. Place the ADB kit inside the RV. This box contains mounting hardware for the unit and will be used inside the RV.

i This completes the outside work. Minor adjustments can be done from inside the RV if required.

E. Installing Unit

1. Check gasket alignment of the unit over the roof opening and adjust if necessary. Unit may be moved from below by slightly lifting. See (FIG. 9).
2. Remove ADB and mounting hardware from carton. See (FIG. 10).
3. All models in this manual will use a four (4) bolt pattern for installing the ADB.
4. Reach up into the return air opening of the unit and pull the unit electrical cord down for later connection. See (FIG. 11).

FIG. 9 [Diagram showing how to center the unit from below]

FIG. 10 [Diagram showing ADB components]

FIG. 11 [Diagram showing electrical cord connection]

F. Wiring System

1. 120 Vac Power Supply Connection
   • WARNING ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Make sure 120 Vac power is disconnected from RV. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.
   • WARNING ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Provide grounding in compliance with all applicable electrical codes. Failure to obey this warning could result in death or serious injury.
   • Connect white to white; black to black; using appropriate size connectors. Secure bare copper wire under grounding screw in junction box. See (FIG. 18).
   • Tape the connectors to the supply wire to assure they don't vibrate loose.
   • Push the wires into the junction box and install junction box cover. See (FIG. 18).

FIG. 18 [Diagram showing wiring connections in the junction box]

G. Installing ADB

1. Align ADB with ceiling template. See (FIG. 19) & (FIG. 20).
2. i Front and rear vent doors are supplied loose. Do NOT install them until all screws are installed in step 2 & 3.
3. Install two (2) (supplied) sheet metal screws inside return air opening to secure ADB to ceiling template. See (FIG. 21).
4. Install eight (8) (supplied) wood screws inside the front, rear and side doors to secure ADB to ceiling. See (FIG. 21).

FIG. 19 [Diagram showing ADB alignment holes]

FIG. 20 [Diagram showing ADB hole alignment]

FIG. 21 [Diagram showing screw installation for ADB]

4. Install front and rear doors.

5. Place filter in return air vent grille. It may already be installed on some units. See (FIG. 22).

6. Install return air vent grille into the ADB. Slide return air vent grille tab into slot in ADB and rotate up and snap in place. See (FIG. 23).

7. Install the control knobs into the ADB. See (FIG. 24).

8. The unit installation is now complete and is ready for operation. The power supply to the unit may now be turned on.

9. Verify that all features of the installed system work. Please read the following operating instructions before attempting to run the unit.

FIG. 22 [Diagram showing filter placement]

FIG. 23 [Diagram showing return air vent grille installation]

FIG. 24 [Diagram showing control knob installation]

A. Controls

1. The selector switch has eight positions including "OFF". It controls the fan speeds and cooling modes of operation. See (FIG. 25).
2. The thermostat controls the compressor ON/OFF operation within a temperature range of approximately 65° F and 90° F measured at the ADB inlet.

FIG. 25 [Diagram showing selector switch positions]

i The compressor will cycle on and off as cooling is required to maintain the selected temperature level. The fan runs when the compressor is off to help keep the temperature uniform throughout the RV.

NOTICE Wait at least 2 minutes before restarting the compressor when it has been manually cycled off with either the selector switch or the temperature set lever. Otherwise, compressor will quick-cycle and could result in compressor or supply circuit overload.

B. "OFF" Position ([power symbol])

1. This is to turn unit off.

C. Cooling Operation (Blue Graphic)

1. Turn selector switch to cooling (blue graphic).
2. Set the thermostat at the desired temperature level.
3. Select the fan speed that best satisfies your needs:
   • a. HIGH COOL: Selected when maximum cooling and dehumidification required.
   • b. MEDIUM Cool: Selected when normal or average cooling required.
   • c. LOW COOL: Selected when room is at desired comfort level and needs to be maintained. Normally this speed used for night time operation.

D. Fan Operation (Black Graphic)

i This will circulate the air in your RV without cooling or heating.

1. Turn the selector switch to fan (black graphic). There are three positions to select from (high, medium and low). See (FIG. 25).

E. Center Air Discharge

1. Slide lever to open and close. See (FIG. 26).

FIG. 26 [Diagram showing air discharge lever]

A. Air Filter

1. Periodically (a minimum of every 2 weeks of operation) remove the return air filter located behind the return air vent grille and wash it with soap and warm water, let dry and then reinstall.
2. i NEVER run unit without return air filter in place. This will plug the unit evaporator coil with dirt and may substantially degrade the performance of the unit over time.

B. ADB Housing

1. Clean ADB housing and control panel with a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent. Never use furniture polish or scouring powders.

C. Fan Motor

1. The blower motor is factory lubricated and requires no service.

A. Frost Formation On Cooling Coil

1. Frost on a small portion of the coil is not unusual. Under certain conditions, ice may form on the evaporator coil. This is indicated by very cold output at very low air speed and the icing can be seen through the air inlet hole with the filter removed. If this should occur, inspect the filter and clean if dirty. Make sure air vents are open and not obstructed. Units have a greater tendency to frost when the outside temperature is relatively low. This may be prevented by adjusting the thermostat control knob to a warmer setting (counter clockwise). Should frosting continue, operate on any FAN ONLY setting until the cooling coil is free of frost; then resume normal operation. If frost condition persist, contact your local service center for assistance.

Operation on High Fan/Cooling mode will give optimum or maximum efficiency in high humidity or high outside temperatures.

Starting the air conditioner early in the morning and giving it a "head start" on the expected high outdoor ambient will greatly improve its ability to maintain the desired indoor temperature.

For a more permanent solution to high heat gain, accessories like Dometic outdoor patio and window awnings will reduce heat gain by removing the direct sun. They also add a nice area to enjoy company during the cool of the evening.

B. Heat Gain

The ability of this air conditioner to maintain the desired inside temperature depends on the heat gain of the RV. Some preventative measures taken by the occupants of the RV can reduce the heat gain and improve the performance of the air conditioner. During extremely high outdoor temperatures, the heat gain of the vehicle may be reduced by:

1. Parking the RV in a shaded area
2. Using window shades (blinds and/or curtains)
3. Keeping windows and doors shut or minimizing usage
4. Avoiding the use of heat producing appliances

C. Condensation

The manufacturer of this unit will not be responsible for damage caused by condensation forming on ceilings, windows, or other surfaces. Air contains water vapor which condenses when temperature of a surface is below Dew point. During normal operation this unit is designed to remove a certain amount of moisture from the air, depending on the size of the space being conditioned. Keeping doors and windows closed when this air conditioner is in operation will greatly reduce the chance of condensation forming on interior surfaces.

A. Unit Wiring Diagram

1. 459530, 459530A & B59530
2. 640310

FIG. 27 [Diagram of unit wiring for models 459530, 459530A & B59530]

FIG. 28 [Diagram of unit wiring for model 640310]

B. ADB Wiring Diagram

FIG. 29 [Diagram of ADB wiring]