ALPHA AS-2 Instruction Manual

Safety Precautions

Thank you for purchasing the ALPHA Instant Water Heater. Please read this manual thoroughly and understand the terms before use. Keep this manual handy for future reference.

SIGNAL EXPLANATION

SAFETY PRECAUTION: ⚠️ Indicating when product is used wrongly, user may get serious injury or damage to property. Please read carefully and follow the specified note.

SAFETY PRECAUTION

1. Do not install the heater with reversed INLET and OUTLET connections.
2. Do not install the heater where it is exposed to consistent spray directly.
3. Do not use the heater if the LINE FAULT indicator shows a RED light.
4. Do not block the heater OUTLET in any way.
5. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.
6. Do not leave children, elderly, or disabled persons alone in the shower.
7. Engage a qualified electrician for installation.
8. Test the water temperature with your hand before stepping into the shower.

Part Description: AS-2EP/2i Series Heater

External Part Identification

• Heater Cover
• ELSD Indicator
• Heater Indicator
• LINE FAULT Indicator
• Pump Control Knob
• Temperature Control Knob
• TEST and RESET Button
• Stop Valve
• Regulator Unit
• Pump Activator Button
• Filter Unit

Internal Part Identification

• Heater Base
• Terminal Block
• Cable Clamp
• Side Cable Entry
• Rear Cable Entry
• Pump Control PCB
• Pump Assembly
• Flow Switch Assembly
• TEST and RESET PCB
• Water INLET Connection
• Built-in ELSD
• Heater Base Mounting Holes (4 Holes)
• Heating Element
• Thermal Cut-out
• Heater Tank
• Pump Control Unit
• Triac
• Electronic Control Unit
• Pump Activator
• Water OUTLET Connection

Note: AC Pump and DC Pump (depending on the model) may have minor changes from the pictures shown in this manual.

Accessories

The following accessories are typically included or available:

• Rain Shower Set (Optional Features)
• Rail Support
• Sliding Rail
• Shower Holder
• 5' Flexible Hose
• Handshower
• Fix Plate Support
• Fix Plate
• 3 Way Selector

Front View Description: This view illustrates the connection points for water flow. Water enters from the heater outlet, can be directed to the Rainshower or the Handshower via a 3-way selector. Ensure the Elbow connecting to the selector is in the correct position.

General Information

Electrical

CAUTION: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED. ⚠️

• All wiring MUST conform to local regulations. Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt.
• Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
• The heater must be permanently connected to the electricity supply through a double pole linked switch with at least 3mm contact separation in all poles, located out of reach from the person using the shower.
• The use of plug and socket is not recommended.

Electrical Loading Table (Table 1)

Wiring and Plumbing Connections:

Diagram 1 (General Wiring Connection) illustrates the typical electrical circuit including components like a Fuse Distributor Panel/Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), Residual Current Device (RCD), Double Pole ON/OFF Switch, and Junction Box.

Diagram 2 (General Plumbing Connection) shows the water inlet and outlet, with water supplied from a household gravity water storage tank.

Water and Safety

WATER:

• The heater operates at a minimum water flow rate of 3 liters/min.
• A typical plumbing connection is shown in Diagram 2.

SAFETY:

Note: An approved type of Residual Current Device (RCD) of 10mA sensitivity should be installed in conjunction with the heater.

• The built-in Earth Leakage Sensing Device (ELSD) will cut off the power supply to the heater in the event of current leakage as low as 15mA.
• The built-in Line Fault Detector will indicate a 'GREEN' light if wiring is done correctly, or a 'RED' light if improper electrical wiring is detected.
• The heater operates when there is sufficient water to trigger the Flow Switch.
• The Thermal Cut-out will automatically cut off the power supply if there is an abnormal rise in shower temperature.
• The heater casing is designed to a high degree of protection (IP25) to prevent water from entering the heater during showering.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. This heater is tested suitable for use in shower cubicles. However, do not install the heater unit where it is exposed to consistent spray directly over the unit.
2. If the heater's ELSD trips during normal operation, switch off the mains supply and contact the sales agent for repair(s).
3. If the Line Fault Indicator indicates a RED light, switch off the mains supply and contact a qualified electrician to check the electrical supply line.
4. In the event the heater malfunctions, never attempt to repair the unit yourself.
5. The outlet point of this heater, hose, and handshower act as a vent. They must not be blocked, obstructed, or modified in any way. Fittings not recommended by the manufacturer must not be connected. The use of unapproved accessories may affect performance, safety, and invalidate the guarantee.
6. A sudden reduction of incoming water will increase shower temperature. Adjust the Temperature Control Knob (to reduce heating power) or Regulator Unit (to increase flow) to get the desired shower temperature.
7. Always test the water spray temperature with your hand before stepping into the shower.
8. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning its use by a person responsible for their safety.
9. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.

Installation Procedures

• All plumbing work should be completed before proceeding to electrical wiring connection.
• Metallic / Chromed hose and conductive control valve shall not be used (in Malaysia only, per Malaysian government's regulations; optional for others).
• Heater outlet shall not be connected to any tap or fittings not recommended by the manufacturer.
• The heater unit must be installed on a solid wall to avoid the possibility of distorting the unit.
• Inlet and Outlet connections of the heater should not be reversed.

1. Decide the mounting position:

1. Turn off the water source.
2. Remove the screw at the bottom of the heater.
3. Remove the Heater Cover by lifting the bottom upward.
4. Mark out 4 mounting points on the wall.

Note: It is recommended that the bottom of the heater be mounted 1.50 meters (5 feet) above the floor of the bathroom. However, the height of the installation level is at the discretion of the user.

2. Mounting of the heater:

1. Drill the 4 holes with a 5.0mm diameter drill bit.
2. Insert wall plugs and install the heater to the wall with the screws provided.

3. Shower Accessories Installation:

1. Fix the Shower Holder and Rail Supports (Top and Bottom) onto the Sliding Rail.
2. Mark the positions of the 2 holes for the Rail Supports, ensuring the top portion is level or not higher than the top of the heater.
3. Drill the holes and mount the shower accessories with wall plugs and screws provided. Insert the Rail Support Caps onto the Rail Supports.

4. Connection of heater Inlet and Outlet:

• Connect the Stop Valve to the heater Inlet with the use of the rubber seal provided.
• Connect the incoming water supply to the Stop Valve. Use sealing tape if necessary to prevent water leaking.
• Connect the Flexible Hose to the heater Outlet. (Do not connect the other end of the flexible hose to the handshower at this stage).
• Turn on the water supply to drain out all the plumbing dirt and to fill up the heater tank. (This step will prevent damage to the Heating Element.)
• Connect the other end of the flexible hose to the handshower. Ensure a Filter Mesh Washer is inserted to prevent dirt from entering the handshower.

Note:

• Do not apply excessive force to tighten any of the connections.
• Excessive force may cause damage to the connector.
• Do not bend the Flexible Hose or install any accessories which can block the water flow at the heater outlet.

5. Electrical Connection:

CAUTION: Make sure the electrical mains is OFF before carrying out the electrical work. ⚠️

• Insert the electrical cable through the rubber grommet for side entry or wall embedded entry.
• Connect the cable to the Terminal Block and fully tighten them as follows:
  • RED or BROWN: LIVE (L)
  • BLACK or BLUE: NEUTRAL (N)
  • GREEN/YELLOW or YELLOW/GREEN: EARTH ?
• Replace the Heater Cover:
  • To ensure correct position, turn the Electronic Control Unit and Pump Control Unit (at Heater Base) to the 'OFF' position.
  • Install the heater cover and ensure that the Temperature Control Knob and Pump Control Knob are aligned (point to 'OFF') to their control unit accordingly.
  • Secure the screw as shown.

6. Test Run Of Heater:

• Turn on the Stop Valve.
• Switch on the heater switch. The 'ELSD' and 'LINE FAULT INDICATOR' will light up. Proceed to step (c) if 'LINE FAULT INDICATOR' displays green light.

CAUTION: Stop using the heater and check the wiring if 'LINE FAULT INDICATOR' displays RED light. ⚠️

• Turn on the Temperature Control Knob. The 'HEATER' indicator will light up. The water should be warm in a few seconds.
• The water will get warmer as the Temperature Control Knob is turned clockwise.
• Check the built-in ELSD as follows:
  • Press 'TEST' button: unit should trip and cut off power supply.
  • Press 'RESET' button: unit should resume normal function.
  If the above mentioned steps prevail, the ELSD is functioning normally.

Operating Procedures

1. Switch on the heater switch outside the bathroom. The 'ELSD' and 'LINE FAULT' indicators will light up.

CAUTION: 'LINE FAULT INDICATOR' must indicate green. Otherwise, the unit must not be used and you should contact an agent for repair. ⚠️

2. Turn on the Stop Valve. Adjust the Regulator Unit for suitable water shower volume.
3. Turn on the Temperature Control Knob. The ‘HEATER' indicator will light up. The shower water will get warmer as the knob is turned clockwise from 'ON' to 'MAX'.
4. Normal cold water can be selected by setting the Temperature Control Knob to 'OFF' position.
5. Switch off the heater switch when not in use.

Note:

• The shower water may not be hot enough even at 'MAX' in areas where the water pressure is exceptionally high and cold. This can be remedied by reducing the water inflow or replacing the unit with one that is of higher power (if approved by relevant authorities).
• The built-in Pump can be independently controlled by using the Pump Control Knob. In low pressure areas (below 15 p.s.i.), adjust pump speed to obtain desired spray of water. If water pressure is high (over 15 p.s.i.), turn "OFF" the Pump Control Knob to achieve hotter shower.
• The Pump Activator is specially designed for low pressure areas where the water pressure is too weak to trigger the Built-in shower Pump. Just press the Pump Activator Button and the Shower Pump will spring into action.
• It is recommended that the pump be operated at intervals of 30 minutes with 30 minutes rest in between.

CUSTOMER GUIDANCE:

• a) Connection of heater INLET: Connect Stop Valve to INLET.
• b) Connection of heater OUTLET: Connect Flexible Hose to OUTLET.
• c) Stop Valve: ON/OFF switch.
• d) Regulator Unit: Adjust clockwise to reduce water inflow if shower temperature is not hot enough even at 'MAX' power setting.
• e) Temperature Control Knob: Turn clockwise to increase heater power, counter-clockwise to reduce.
• f) Built-in ELSD: Check the ELSD at least once a month as follows: Turn on electric and water supply to the heater. Press TEST button: Heater would trip and power go off. Press RESET button: Heater power would resume. Contact agent for repair if there is malfunction.

g) LINE FAULT INDICATOR:

• Red Warning Light shows if there is an improper electrical connection.
• Possible Causes:
  • Earth wire not connected to heater.
  • Live and Neutral phases are reversed.
  • Earth conductor not grounded (floating) or having high resistance to ground.

Warning: Improper earthing may result in malfunctioning to the RCD/ELSD. Never use the heater if there is doubt on the Earthing installation. ⚠️

Green light indicates proper electrical connection. ?

h) Shower Accessories

Diagrams show components for Handshower and Rain Shower Set, including Sliding Rail, Rail Support, Shower Holder, Flexible Hose, Filter Mesh Washer, and 3 Way Selector.

Maintenance

DO NOT USE THINNER, ALCOHOL OR PETROL. You may clean the heater with a damp cloth and mild detergent but do not use thinner, alcohol, petrol or any other corrosive solutions. ?

CLEAN FILTER REGULARLY

The filter should be cleaned whenever there is a sign of inlet water blockage.

• a) Stop Valve: The filter inside the Stop Valve should be cleaned. Remove the Filter Mesh Button, pull out the Stop Valve Filter Mesh, flush it with water to remove any trapped sediments, and slot it back into its original position and secure it.
• b) Handshower: Disconnect the handshower from the hose. Remove the Filter Mesh Washer and flush it with water to remove any trapped sediments. Reassemble the handshower to the hose in its original position.

Note:

• Make sure to turn off the incoming water supply before the operation.
• This has to be done more regularly in areas where the inlet water supply is dirty.

Rain Shower (Optional Feature)

Installation of Rain Shower Accessories:

1. Step 1: Drill the holes according to dimensions (2 holes). Insert Wall Plug into the hole after drilling. Note on installation height and hose reach for the tallest user and connection.
2. Step 2: Secure the Fix Plate (2 units) with screws provided.
3. Step 3: Secure the 3 Way Selector into the Sliding Rail.
4. Step 4: Place the Rain Shower Set by inserting the Fix Plate Support into the Fix Plate (Ensure first to secure the bottom Fix Plate, then follow by top Fix Plate).
5. Step 5: Connect 2.5' Flexible Hose from heater outlet to the bottom connection of the 3 way selector.
6. Step 6: Connect 5' Flexible Hose from the Elbow of the 3 way selector to the Handshower.
7. Step 7: Select type of water spray you desire.

General Information

Schematic Wiring Diagram

Diagram for MODEL: AS-2EP: This diagram illustrates the electrical connections for the AS-2EP model, showing the mains supply (220-240V~), Live, Neutral, and Earth connections to the Terminal Block, ELSD, Thermal Cut-out, Flow Switch, Pump Activator, Speed Control Potentiometer, ON/OFF Switch, Triac, Heater PCB, Motor, and Heating Element.

Diagram for MODEL: AS-2i: This diagram illustrates the electrical connections for the AS-2i model, showing the mains supply (220-240V~), Live, Neutral, and Earth connections to the Terminal Block, ELSD, Thermal Cut-out, TEST/RESET PCB, ELSD & Line Fault Indicator, Pump Activator, Reed Switch, Static Converter, Triac, and E. Control PCB.

Specifications

Note: Due to minor changes in design or otherwise, the picture(s) shown in this manual may sometimes differ from the actual. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of Alpha Electric Co. Sdn. Bhd.