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Instruction Manual for

Commander Series

Commander 1 and Commander 2

(For Parts breakdown, trouble shooting, anchor bolt locations and warranty, please click here)

Watch our online installation video.

A. Location - Putting the fountain in a location that offers protection from the wind will enhance the performance of the fountain. Livestock will tend to gather in this protected area, enticing them to drink more. Access panel should be opposite of prevailing winter wind to give additional protection to the supply line.

B. Water Supply Line - Horizontal underground water line should be sized to account for pressure drop, relating to distance, and placed well below frost line. A one-inch vertical supply pipe is recommended. A shut-off valve should be installed under fountain to allow for easier servicing. For optimum serviceability, a stop and waste valve can be installed below frost level to drain water back when unit is not in use. Vertical supply line must be centered in riser tube to provide an air space between the line and frozen ground outside of tube. Flush water supply line thoroughly before connection to fountain. Water supplies with foreign material such as sand, rust, etc. may require a filter to keep fountain valve working properly.

Riser Tube - Install a riser tube and extend it at least one foot below frost line or down to horizontal underground water line. For optimum water line protection, use the 12” diameter insulated Ritchie Thermal Tube, part numbers and sizes are shown left. Tube opening must be kept clear. Learn more about the thermal tubes.

NOTE: The supply line touching the riser tube is the most common cause of the supply line freezing. Do not surround the supply line with insulation, wood, or other foreign material. Any foreign material in the tube may cause frost to migrate to the supply line causing it to freeze.

C. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform must be provided for all fountains. Use a minimum of 4” thick, (6” recommended thickness), and 16’ square for cattle fountains (otherwise large enough to accommodate fountain), and additional 4” step on top of the platform extending 18” out from each side of the unit. This will protect the unit from manure handling equipment, as well as discouraging animals from defecating in the fountain. The concrete step and platform should slope away from the fountain for drainage. A rough broom finish to concrete surface provides better footing for livestock.

D. Anchoring Fountain - Steel fountains are provided with four hold-downs to anchor your unit securely to the concrete. Use of Ritchie part #14261, stainless steel anchor bolts (not included) is recommended. Use an all-weather sealant under the outside edge when anchoring to concrete to keep air from leaking under fountain.

E. Hose Connection – Remove access panel, cut hose to proper length and connect to shut off valve. Hose should not touch insulation or outside surface of fountain.

F. Cable Heater – Uncoil cable heater and attach the remaining part of the cable heater to the water supply, as far down the riser tube as possible, with the cable twist ties provided. This heater is water tight, but should not be immersed in water.

CAUTION: Installation must not cause any strain on heater wiring connections. Do not cross the cable over itself along the waterline. Avoid heater damage caused by hot spots due to its leads lying close to each other. Also, do not wrap additional insulation around heater.

G. Electrical Connection - The electrical installation should be made and maintained by a qualified electrician conforming to National and Local codes. The 3-wire power to the fountain must be protected by a suitable fuse or circuit breaker with properly sized wire. For wiring connections, see wiring diagram. Wire nuts may be used for the 120-volt and neutral splices.

NOTE: National/Local electrical codes may require livestock waterers installed in feedlots in open feeding area to be grounded by a separate stranded copper grounding conductor or at least no.6 AWG terminating at a point where the branch circuit receives its supply. Check with local inspection authorities.

WARNING: This installation must be made and maintained in strict conformity with National/Local plumbing codes and National/Local electrical codes (CSA in Canada). The applicable provisions of these codes take precedent. Failure to make and maintain all installations properly may result in loss of livestock, personal Injury, or death.

H. Disc Thermostat – The disc thermostat is mounted in a bracket under the trough, which allows it to be moved relative to the heater. To ease movement of thermostat turn ¼ turn. To lock in position after adjustment turn ¼ turn back. As the thermostat is moved toward the heater, the water temperature in the trough is lowered (watch video). The best location is determined by checking the trough temperature several times during the heating season.

I. Float Adjustment – Remove one retaining ring and drinkwell from the fountain (for the Commander 1 there is only one drinkwell, there are two for the Commander 2.) Insert the drain plug firmly into the drain hole in the trough. Open water-supply shut-off valve, check for and fix any leaks. Adjust float for a water depth of 2 inches below top of trough or overflow pipe by adjusting the wingnut.

J. Install Side Access Panel and Drinkwell – Once all water line connections have been checked for leaks and electrical hook-up is complete, the side access door may be installed. With the valve functioning properly and the water level set at the proper level, you may install the Drinkwell and Retaining Ring.

Ritchie Valves

Ritchie Commander valves come in three pressure ratings - green for high supply line pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and white for low pressure applications. (To view the Ritchie 1/2" valve, visit Hydrants/Accessories)

NOTE: If water pressure is over 60 psi, and if the valve does not shut off, a pressure-reducing valve may be needed.

Your individual situations may require a change from the standard valve supplied with your fountain, see your Ritchie Dealer if this is needed. (To locate a Distributor for your State, please visit our Distributor Map.)