Five points to verify before installation. Any mismatch between project specification and site conditions requires a return visit. Below is a pre-installation checklist with reference values from Solaronics technical datasheets.
Gas Connection: Type and Pressure
Solaronics appliances are factory-calibrated for a specific gas category. Categories cannot be interchanged without replacing injectors. Check the appliance label before connection.
| Category | Gas | Nominal pressure at appliance connection |
|---|---|---|
| G20 | Natural gas (~10 kWh/m³ calorific value) | 20 mbar |
| G25 | Natural gas L (lower calorific value) | 25 mbar |
| G31 | LPG. Propane | 37 mbar |
Measure pressure directly at the appliance connection point, not at the building entry gas meter. Pressure drop across the distribution network is a frequent cause of failed first ignitions.
Connection thread: SRII radiant plate series: 1/2" BSP (pas du gaz) at the burner head. MC Eco3 and MH/MV/CA Eco3 series: G3/4" BSP. Size the gas pipe from the regulator to the appliance for nominal flow plus 20% reserve. Material: rigid steel or copper; flexible connection only for the final short segment (max 0.5 m), rated to EN 14800.
Mounting Heights
Mounting height directly affects the temperature profile in the working zone. Too low a mounting height for a radiant plate increases point heat load at individual workstations. Too low a unit heater does not achieve uniform air distribution across the space.
| Series | Mounting type | Minimum permitted height | Recommended range |
|---|---|---|---|
| MH25 Eco3 | Wall | 3 m | 3–6 m |
| MH35 Eco3 | Wall | 4 m | 4–8 m |
| MH45 Eco3 | Wall | 4 m | 4–9 m |
| MH60, MH80 Eco3 | Wall | 4 m | 4–10 m |
| MV35 Eco3 | Ceiling | 4 m | 4–6 m |
| MV60, MV80 Eco3 | Ceiling | 6 m | 6–12 m |
| CA40 | Ceiling | 4 m | 4 m nominal |
| CA60 | Ceiling | 6 m | 6 m nominal |
| CA100 | Ceiling | 10 m | 10 m nominal |
| MRA-H 45 (air curtain) | Ceiling / wall | , | up to 6 m |
| SRII | Suspended ceiling | 4 m | 4–15 m |
Minimum lateral clearance from wall for horizontal-discharge heaters (MH, MV, CA series): 0.50 m. To prevent the discharge from acting directly against the wall surface and causing circular air currents.
Safety Clearances to Combustibles
Safety clearances are stated in the technical datasheet for each model, not on the dimensional drawing. General guidance:
SRII radiant plaque heaters: the radiant zone below the plate must be checked per model. Combustible materials must be outside the radiant zone or protected by a non-combustible shield. Lateral clearances from the burner head are stated in mm on the dimensional drawing.
Eco3 unit heaters: minimum clearance to the ceiling and any services above the appliance is stated in the model datasheet.
Do not install any appliance until the required clearances are confirmed achievable at the selected mounting height in the actual space.
Electrical Connection and Control
All standard appliances (SRII, MH, MV, CA, MC Eco3): 230 V AC / 50 Hz, single phase + N + PE.
| Model group | Circuit protection |
|---|---|
| Models up to 45 kW heat input | 10 A |
| MC80 Eco3, MV80 Eco3 | 16 A |
Thermostat input: 230 V contact signal at the control unit terminals (open = off, closed = on). Thermostat not included in standard supply. Specify on/off or modulating controller at order.
Commissioning Protocol
- Verify gas pressure at the appliance connection with a manometer (not at the building entry meter).
- Open the gas valve; check all fittings for leaks with foam solution or a gas detector.
- Apply electrical power; wait for the control unit self-test to complete (30–60 seconds).
- Set thermostat to working temperature; verify ignition.
- After 5 minutes of normal operation: check the temperature profile in the working zone.
- Document: connection pressure, commissioning date, appliance serial number. Required for warranty validity.
For on-site startup faults: Technical Support.