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Instruction Manual for
EcoFount 1 and EcoFount 2
(For parts breakdown, trouble shooting and warranty, please click here)
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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 one foot 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 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. C. Electric Supply – It is generally most cost effective to run your electrical supply line at the same time you are trenching your for your water supply. Any electrical service must be installed and maintained by a qualified electrician.  D. 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 to the left. Tube opening must be kept clear. Learn more about our 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. E. Mounting Platform - A concrete platform must be provided for all fountains. Use a minimum of 4” thick, (6” recommended thickness), 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. Extending the platform provides animals a place to stand while drinking, consider the size of your animals when determining the dimensions of your platform. 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. I. Final Water Connection– Connect the top of the supplied hose to the valve, cut hose to proper length and slip onto the barb fitting of the valve assembly. Clamps and fittings are furnished to secure the connection.
J. Cable Heater – Uncoil cable heater and loop around the valve. 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 water line. Avoid heater damage caused by hot spots due to its leads lying close to each other. Also, do not wrap additional insulation around heater.
WARNING: DISCONNECT POWER IF THE WATER SUPPLY IS TO BE SHUT OFF FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME. FAILURE TO TURN OFF POWER CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE WATERING FOUNTAIN. 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. |
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How to remove the trough to install the anchor bolts. Note: Anchor bolt locations in the Ecofounts are located inside under the trough. Click here to watch or request the complete installation video DVD. |
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Installing the Anchor Bolts Note: Anchor bolt locations in the Ecofounts are located inside under the trough. Click here to watch or request the complete installation video DVD. |
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K. Electrical Connection - The electrical installation should be made and maintained by a qualified electrician conforming to National and Local codes. A means for disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring rules. A suitable fuse or circuit breaker with properly sized wire must protect the 3-wire power to the fountain. For wiring connections, see wiring diagram. Do not by-pass the terminal block to power unit. Make connections according to the wiring diagram below. Wiring Diagram 120V
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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. L. Disc Thermostat – The disc thermostat is mounted in a M. Float Adjustment – To access the float in the EcoFount the lid will need to be unlocked and then hinged open. Be sure to not lean on lid while it is open as this can damage the watering fountain. 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 1 to 2 inches below the top of the overflow pipe by adjusting the wing-nut on the float arm. N. Install Side Access Panel and Close Lid– 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 close and lock down the lid. O. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance – 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 instructions concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. P. Cleaning Your Fountain – To clean your watering fountain you will need a good stiff bristled brush. Open the cover then brush the tank to remove any build-up. Remove the overflow plug that is located in the trough to drain out the water and debris. You can shut off the water with the shut-off valve located under the unit or by holding the float in the up position. After the water and debris has drained reinstall the overflow plug and let the tank refill. Now is a good time to readjust the float if needed. Close on lock down cover and you are done. |
Wiring Diagram 240V
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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 (
Ritchie Valves
Ritchie valves come in two sizes and four pressure ratings - green for high supply line pressure, red for moderate supply pressure, and white for low-pressure applications. Differences in the size of trough also impacts valve choice. Although different pressure rated valves may be used in a fountain, each fountain will only accommodate one size and configuration of valve. If water pressure is very high, 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, visit our Distributor Map)
Hold Down Anchor Bolt Locations
Note: Do not drill holes for anchors before location can be verified with unit.
