Frequently Asked Questions
CUSTOMER SERVICE FAQ
Orders
Product
Returns / Warranty
Shipping
TECHNICAL SUPPORT FAQ
Guardian – Forced Air Heater
I-Series High Pressure Radiant Brooder Heaters
Oval 80 and Sentinel Tube Heaters
For additional questions, please email Customer Service or Tech Support. To contact Customer Service or Tech Support by phone, call +1 608 779 6100 or +1 608 779 6101.
The section of our website entitled “Find a Dealer” enables you to find dealer nearest you. You can also contact a member of our Customer Service Team for this information.
To place an order you must be a qualified L.B. White Dealer. Contact your sales representative to find out if you qualify. If you are an L.B. White Dealer, you can email (customerservice@lbwhite.com), fax (608-783-6115), or call (800-345-7200) our Customer Service Department to place an order. Please provide your account number, complete bill to and ship to addresses, along with each item you would like with quantities.
Call your local sales person or call the Customer Service Team for pricing.
Different categories of products have different lead times. Typical lead times are:
Different categories of products have different lead times. Typical lead times are:
- Parts (if in stock): 1-2 days
- Parts (if not in stock): 3-4 days
- Accessories (if in stock): 1-2 days
- Accessories (if not in stock): 3 days to 2 weeks depending on the item
- Heaters (if in stock): 1-3 days depending on the heater category
- Heaters (if not in stock): 2 weeks
*Listed lead times are averages. Actual lead times may differ depending on build schedules of the plant.
The answer depends on your application and what you are trying to accomplish. For Greenhouse Heaters or Event Heaters, refer to the Heater Sizing programs on our web site. For the Event Heaters we also have a sizing guide that can be sent to you. Contact our Literature Department. For Construction Heaters contact our Literature Department to receive a sizing guide or talk to our Technical Support Team. For Agricultural heater layouts, contact our Technical Support Team via email (techsupport@lbwhite.com), via phone (800-345-7200) or fax (608-783-6115). A good rule of thumb and formula you can use is:
Length X height x width (of area) multiplied by .133
X
Desired Temperature – coldest temperature
= required btu/h’s for area
Each heater has a group of letters and numbers describing manufacturing details of each model. These details include things such as the units intended country and revision number. We call this the configuration number. This differs from the easy to remember trade name used in the marketplace, as some of these details are not needed when ordering the product. This configuration number can be found at the top of the data plate on the heater, which can be found in various places depending on the model you have. Some data plates are located at the back of the heater, on the inside of the door, or at the base of the heater. You will need this part of the configuration number to look up parts lists and owner’s manuals.
The owner’s manual contains all available service parts for your heater. If you do not have your original owner’s manual, one can be downloaded from our website or sent to you via request from our literature department (literature@lbwhite.com). You will need the configuration number to look up or request the owner’s manual.
L.B. White does not accept product returns. If there are unusual circumstances, contact our Customer Service Team. Any returns must be pre-authorized by L.B. White. Unauthorized returns will be sent back at the expense of the person who sent it.
Goods are under warranty for up to one year after installation. Refer to our warranty policy in your owner’s manual, Parts and Accessories Price Book, or the full warranty description on our webpage or from our Literature Department at literature@lbwhite.com.
Do not send your heater back to L.B. White or one of our dealers if you are having problems with your heater. First, refer to the trouble-shooting section of your owner’s manual or our web site, or view or download one of our Service Guides from the website. If you are unable to solve the problem, contact our Technical Support Team via email (techsupport@lbwhite.com), via phone (800-345-7200), or fax (608-783-6115).
The “Promise Date” on our acknowledgement is the date in which we intend to ship your order. You should receive, via email or fax, an acknowledgement for every order. Our invoices are automatically generated the day your order has shipped. If you have received a fax or email copy of your invoice you know your order has shipped. If you do not currently receive acknowledgement and invoices via fax or email please contact Customer Service to implement. In addition, open orders and recent invoices can be seen on your dealer page of our web site.
Our invoices are automatically generated the day your order is shipped. If you have received a fax or email copy of your invoice you know your order has shipped. If you do not currently receive invoices via fax or email please contact Customer Service to implement. Recent invoices can also be viewed on your dealer page of our web site.
The Pro or tracking number for your order is on the top of the body of your invoice. The carrier is in the header information under the title of “ship via”. Go to the carrier’s website or call L.B. White Customer Service.
No. The heater is a non-vented design meaning that in the combustion process Carbon Monoxide (CO) is discharged into the building along with the heated air. The heater is normally used in animal confinement buildings where ventilation is accomplished through fans and inlets to provide acceptable indoor air quality for the animal and workers. In a shop or garage the necessary ventilation is typically not present. If a non-vented heater is used in garage or shop installations without proper ventilation, CO levels can accumulate and cause distress to people up to and including death. It is best to use a vented style furnace such as those made by Reznor, Modine, Lennox, etc.
We do not offer kits to accomplish this conversion nor do we recommend it due to the cost of material and labor involved. It is more economical to purchase a new heater with the desired ignition.
No. The pilot ignition heater is not designed for outside use. Strong winds could potentially extinguish the pilot flame. If an outdoor mounted heater is desired, it is best to install either a hot surface ignition heater or spark ignition heater.
The heater lasts longer as it’s not exposed to the corrosive barn environment. The air flowing through the heater is fresh, outside air. Another advantage of outdoor installation is having the heater out of the way. Also, since the heater is outside, maintenance and repair can be done without entering the building, reducing bio security concerns.
Depends on if LP or NG, and the model / configuration number of heater. Heaters can operate at different pressures regardless of fuel, so it’s best to get all information from the data plate. As a general rule if LP gas, the inlet pressure, with burner on, is a minimum of 11 in. W.C .to a maximum of 13.5 inches W.C. Burner manifold pressure is 10 in. W.C.
If NG the requirements are a minimum of 7 in WC to 13.5 in. W.C., with a manifold pressure of 4.0 in. W.C.
You must use a pressure gauge. You can’t tell by looking at the burner if the pressure is correct. L.B. White sells low pressure test kits, but if you are not comfortable with the procedure, contact your L.B. White distributor or gas provider to check the pressure for you.
We need to get specifics of the building such as length, width, wall height, type of animals, ventilations rates, insulation types and thickness. With that we can calculate heat load and determine size and quantity of heaters.
Regarding the pipe size, we need to know if LP or NG, distances from gas supply to building, and distances between heaters in order to make a recommendation.
- A simple sketch of the building, gas supply, and heater layout is beneficial in making this determination.
Most of our heaters may be washed on the external case using low pressure water. When cleaning the internals of the heater, use air pressure, or a soft brush or rag. Refer to the on-line heater Owner’s Manual for specifics regarding cleaning.
Yes, however, the regulator must be vented to the outside. Always run a vent line from the regulator back to the outside. The vent line must be the same size as the regulator vent. If that regulator should ever overpressure due to failure, the gas will be vented inside the building, where it can be ignited by the heating equipment. Contact a licensed gas service person for assistance.
Take the known heat output of the heater, expressed in Btu/h and divide that by 21591, which is the Btu in one pound of propane.
- Example: 250,000 Btu/h Guardian 250 = 11.57 pounds of gas per hour 21,591
To determine gallons of propane used per hour, take usage in pounds and divide by 4.24 (pounds of propane per gallon.)
- 11.57 pounds per hour = 2.73 gallons of propane liquid per hr. 4.24 pounds per gallon
To get total load: Number of heaters x pounds or gallons per hour
We offer three forms of ignition: pilot, hot surface, and spark. There are pros and cons to all. It all comes down to personal preference.
- The advantage of pilot is that it is simple to work on and many people are familiar with it. The disadvantage is that the pilot light must always be burning, thereby wasting gas.
- Hot surface ignition and spark ignition are electronic. These forms of ignition do not waste fuel. The heaters use what we call “Service Saver “ technology which monitors heater operation and by means of a diagnostic light tells you what the potential problem is in the event of heater failure.
- Heaters with electronic ignition can be mounted outside using the appropriate outdoor mounting kits. This allow fresh air to be drawn in for combustion
- The only “con’” to hot surface ignition is that the igniter will fail at some point, not a case of if, but when. It’s kind of like a light bulb in that respect.
- Regarding spark ignition heaters, the igniter is extremely reliable. A simple cleaning with emery cloth or steel wool is all that is needed to keep the igniter operational.
Yes. Kits are available. Contact your local dealer or L.B. White Factory for the correct kit.
The heaters require 5 PSI gas pressure for either LP or NG gas.
We offer two zone panels. One is medium capacity, the other is high capacity.
The medium capacity handles 14 LP gas heaters. The high capacity can handle 40.
Suggestion: Install just the one high capacity panel. You’ll save money and you only need to manage one panel.
It is best to use one regulator for each zone of heat in order to have the best control of gas pressures. As an example, if only one regulator is used for 3 zones, the regulator has to try and control all the gas pressure when one zone comes on and the other cycles off. Some heaters will wind up burning hotter than others.
- Best to use air pressure.
- Turn off the gas, remove the filter and blow off with air.
- Insert the air pressure nozzle in the air housing and blow air down through the cone end.
- Reverse the process and blow air from the cone end back through the air housing end.
- Repeat this process until dust is no longer emitter. Always end up blowing dust from the cone end.
- You can also use water, but for manual ignition heaters only.
- Use standard faucet pressure with a nozzle and rinse out the cone area and run water from the cone end to the control end.
- Then reverse the process and run water from the control end to the cones.
- Do this several times until dirt is no longer observed. Always end up running the water from the cone end to the control end.
- When done shake the heater off and light the heater to dry it out.
It depends on what size brooder you are installing and the animal.
Pigs:
I-17: 4-8 feet from center of heater and above the animal height.
Chickens:
I-17, I-40: 8-12 ft. from center and 6-12 inches above the ground.
Clearances are provided on a label to the air housing where the filter is attached. Nonetheless clearances are as follows;
Sides: 3 feet
Top of heater: 3 feet
Point of combustion cone to floor;
- I-17: 3.5 ft.
- I-40: 4.5 ft.
We offer conversion kits. The conversion kit will consist of a replacement air housing assembly with orifices and register plate installed. Also a replacement data plate and instructions. Like the burner orifices, the air register plate is of different size for LP or NG for the specific heater size, and must be correctly installed for proper operation.
That depends on how many heaters you are installing.
As a general rule the line from the zone panel to where it branches off to feed the brooders is ¾ inch. The gas line to which the heaters are connected is ½ in. However, it depends on the design of the building, and spacing of heaters. A simple sketch showing heater placement and distances can help us recommend piping size.
Make sure the heater’s control end (end where gas comes in) is 1-5 degrees down from horizontal. You might have to adjust the key ring on the heater’s hanging bracket to achieve this (view installation diagram).
Don’t use any line or ropes in hanging the heater. Use only noncombustible chain or cable.
Ensure the gas hose, (and if electronic ignition, the heater’s power cord) are routed away from the heater’s shroud. Neither the hose nor the power cord are to be tied to the chain or cable.
The problem is either incorrect sensor placement, or not enough heaters.
You want to have the sensor away from cold end walls. Try and locate it to another area within the heat zone of one of the heaters.
Make sure you have enough heaters especially at cold end walls.
You must use a pressure gauge . You can’t tell by looking at the cones if the heater is operating at the correct pressure. L.B. White sells low pressure test kits, but if you are not comfortable with the procedure, contact your L.B. White distributor or gas provider to check the pressure for you.
The air pressure switch isn’t closing for some reason.
- Check for blockages in the air inlet.
- If the inlet is through the attic check for insulation in the inlet pipe.
- If through a side wall, make sure frost or a bird’s nest is not blocking the inlet tube.
- No kinks in air inlet flex tube.
- Make sure the flapper at the discharge end tube is lifting and dropping freely.
- Check for damaged gaskets of the burner box, blocked pressure switch orifices.
- Ensure the fan motor starts.
- If not starting check for 120 VAC from terminal IND on the ignition control.
- If the control is sending 120 VAC to the motor, it is either a bad wire at the motor or a defective motor.
The L.B. White tube heaters are designed for poultry (chicken/turkey) confinement application only. The heaters are non-vented only, and are not designed to be vented. In the poultry buildings there is always air exchange. A shop or garage does not have this air exchange arrangement.
Make sure the second stage of the gas control valve is receiving 24 VAC from the temperature control. If the valve is receiving 24VAC to its HI heat terminal, then possible the gas control is defective.
A general cleaning using a back pack blower is normally sufficient for cleaning.
Make sure the reflectors are secured and overlap each other.
Check for any damaged gas hoses that exhibit nicks or cuts in the hose material.
- If found replace (DO NOT repair) the hose assembly.
Ensure the final tube flapper lifts and falls freely.
Ensure reflector supports and hangers are secure and that reflectors do not sag.
Normally, it would be a 3 flash light code. This is because this code identifies ignition failure, which has to do with many issues:
- Possibly low fuel pressure, gas valves shut off, a defective gas control valve in the burner box, a defective spark igniter, or a defective ignition cable, or ignition controller not sending spark voltage to the igniter.
If the heater is receiving main power (120 VAC) check to make sure the transformer is receiving that same voltage.
- If it is, check for 24 VAC output from the transformer.
- If no 24 VAC output, replace the transformer.
- If transformer is supplying 24 VAC, check for 24 VAC at terminal W on the controller. Check for defective wires or defective thermostat.