Cabin Mate: Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Cabin Mate: Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Cabin Mate: Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Revised: 5-24-05
L-2271
PREFACE
Congratulations on the purchase of your Marine Air Systems’ CABIN MATE air conditioner. No matter
which of the following features was the reason for your purchase of this air conditioner, we are sure it will
meet your needs and will give you many years of efficient and trouble free use. The CABIN MATE units
are self-contained direct expansion air conditioners designed for marine applications incorporating the
following features:
This manual is intended to provide the information necessary to ensure proper installation, operation, and
maintenance of the unit. Improper installation or misunderstood operating procedures can result in unsat-
isfactory performance and/or premature failure of these units, so before proceeding please read this
manual completely.
The CABIN MATE a/c units are covered under the existing Marine Air Systems’ warranty policy contained
in this manual. In the interest of product improvement, Marine Air Systems’ specifications and design are
subject to change without prior notice.
INSTALLATION
Safety Considerations ........................................................... 4
Placement of System (Tools Required) ................................. 5
Spacing Allowances and Dimensions ................................... 6
How It Works ......................................................................... 7
Condensate Drains................................................................ 7
Mounting Brackets ................................................................. 7
Blower Rotation ..................................................................... 7
Supply & Return Air Grilles ................................................... 8
Ducting .................................................................................. 8
Seawater Pump and Plumbing ............................................. 9
Cabin Mate Wiring Diagrams ......................................... 10-11
Electrical Connections, Grounding and Bonding ................ 12
Mechanical Control Panel (MCP) Installation ..................... 12
Installation Checklist (review prior to installation) ............... 13
OPERATION
Operations Checklist ........................................................... 13
Mechanical Control Panel (MCP) Operation ....................... 14
Digital Control ................. See Specific Digital Control Manual
MAINTENANCE/TROUBLESHOOTING
Seawater System, Return Air Filters, Winterization ............ 15
Trouble Shooting Appendix ............................................ 16-21
Manufacturers Limited Warranty Agreement ....................... 22
Dealers Distributors ........................................................ 23-27
INSTALLATION
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
VERY IMPORTANT: Never install your air conditioner In the bilge or engine room areas. Insure that the selected
location is sealed from direct access to bilge and/or engine room vapors. Do not terminate condensate drain
line within three (3) feet of any outlet of engine or generator exhaust systems, nor in a compartment housing an
engine or generator, nor in a bilge, unless the drain is connected properly to a sealed condensate or shower
sump pump.
Installation and servicing of this system can be hazardous due to system pressure and electrical components. When
working on this equipment, always observe precautions described in the literature, tags and labels attached to the unit.
Follow all safety codes. Wear safety glasses and work gloves and place a fire extinguisher close to the work area. The
following is a summary of the labels on the unit:
! DANGER ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. DISCONNECT VOLTAGE AT MAIN PANEL OR POWER SOURCE BE-
FORE OPENING ANY COVER. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
! WARNING THIS COMPONENT DOES NOT MEET FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IGNITION PROTECTION. DO
NOT INSTALL IN SPACES CONTAINING GASOLINE ENGINES, TANKS, LPG/CPG CYLINDERS, REGULATORS,
VALVES OR FUEL LINE FITTINGS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.
! WARNING TO MINIMIZE THE HAZARD OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND PERSONAL INJURY, THIS COMPONENT
MUST BE EFFECTIVELY GROUNDED. REFER TO THE INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Selecting a good location for your air conditioner is the most important part of your preparations. Be sure to consider
the size of the area you are cooling, the air distribution needs, and the size of the unit you have chosen. Keeping in
mind that cool air has a tendency to fall, it is highly recommended that you locate the supply air grille as high as
possible in the cabin. See diagram below.
Tools required
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Pipe wrench
• Wire cutters/crimpers
• Drill & 7/8" bit
• Jig saw
• Duct tape
• Electrical tape
• Teflon tape
• Beding compound to seal
thru-hull fittings
• Hardware to secure unit,
pump, strainer, grilles &
control panel
The CABIN MATE® unit should be installed as low as possible, BUT NEVER IN THE BILGE OR ENGINE ROOM
AREAS. INSURE THAT THE SELECTED LOCATION IS SEALED FROM DIRECT ACCESS TO BILGE AND/OR
ENGINE ROOM VAPORS. Installing the unit as low as possible (such as under a V-berth, dinette seat or bottom of a
locker) and ducting the supply air as high as possible, creates an ideal air flow condition. This type of installation will
prevent short or premature cycling.
The unit should be positioned on a firm, level, horizontal surface and the condensate drain line should run downward
and aft from the unit to a suitable drain location sealed away from any exhaust or bilge vapors. Plan all connections
which must be made prior to starting installation, including ducting, condensate drain, cooling water in and out,
electrical power connections, location of control panel, and seawater pump placement and plumbing, to assure easy
access for installation and servicing.
CONDENSATE DRAINS
The Cabin Mates condensate drain pan is 2" high with three drain
locations. During conditions of high humidity, condensate may be
produced at a rate of approximately 2 gallons per hour. With this in
mind, it is important to route condensate drains downward to a sump
pump. It is not recommended to route condensate drains to the bilge.
After the condensate drain installation is complete, test the installation
by pouring a quart of water into the pan and checking for good flow.
NOTE: DO NOT TERMINATE CONDENSATE DRAIN LINE WITHIN THREE (3) FEET OF ANY OUTLET OF EN-
GINE OR GENERATOR EXHAUST SYSTEMS, NOR IN A COMPARTMENT HOUSING AN ENGINE OR GENERA-
TOR, NOR IN A BILGE, UNLESS THE DRAIN IS CONNECTED PROPERLY TO A SEALED CONDENSATE OR
SHOWER SUMP PUMP.
MOUNTING BRACKETS
The a/c unit is supplied with a base pan that also serves as a condensate pan.
Mounting clip brackets and screws (4) are provided to secure the base pan onto a
flat, horizontal surface.
BLOWER ROTATION
The Cabin Mate® blower assembly is capable of either horizontal (as shipped from
the factory) or vertical discharge. If vertical discharge is required, then follow these
instructions: Disconnect main power supply. Remove self-tapping screws from
blower bracket, shown in drawing M1020043 in this manual. Slide blower assembly
straight up and out of the slotted mounting brackets on the coil shroud. Rotate
blower assembly 90 degrees to desired position. Slide blower assembly back into the mounting slots on both sides of
the shroud. Replace the self-tapping screws through the blower bracket into the blower housing. Important: do not use
screws longer than those provided.
Install the supply air grille as high as possible in a location that will provide uniform air distribution throughout the
cabin, grille louvers should be directed upward. The return air grille should be installed as low and close to the a/c unit
as possible to insure direct uninterrupted airflow to the evaporator. The return air grille should have a minimum four
inches (4") of clearance in front of it, free from any furniture or other obstructions. The supply air grille should be
installed to blow freely into the cabin. It should not be installed behind a door or in a close proximity to an adjacent
bulkhead, as this will cause the system to short cycle. In no instance should a supply air discharge be directed
towards a return air grille, as this will also cause the system to short cycle. Allow for adequate clearance behind the
supply air grille(s) for the transition box and ducting connection. The following table shows minimum grille sizes. See
the MAINTENANCE section of this manual for return air filter cleaning instructions.
DUCTING
Good airflow is critical for the performance of the entire system. It is highly dependent on the quality of the
ducting Installation. The ducting should be run as straight, smooth and taut as possible minimizing the number of 90
degree bends (two tight 90 degree bends can reduce airflow by 25%). The following table shows minimum duct
diameters and their corresponding supply and return air grille minimum areas in square inches. If a transition box is
used, the total area of supply air ducts going out of the box should equal the area of the supply duct feeding the box.
To calculate the square inch area of a round duct, multiply the radius by itself (r2) and multiply that number by
3.1416(π).
1. Install the speed scoop thru-hull inlet as close to the keel and as far below the waterline as possible, facing
forward. Bed the scoop with a marine sealant designed for underwater use.
2. Install a bronze, full flow seacock on the speed scoop thru-hull inlet.
3. Install a seawater strainer below the level of the pump with access to filter.
4. Mount the pump at least one foot below the waterline and above the strainer.
5. Connect the seacock, strainer and pump with an uphill run of reinforced marine hose.
6. Connect the discharge from the pump uphill to the inlet of the a/c unit’s condenser coil. And connect the outlet
of the condenser coil to the overboard discharge thru-hull (seawater outlet).
7. Avoid loops, vertical bends (high spots) or the use of 90° elbows with seawater hose (each 90° elbow is equiva-
lent to 2.5' of hose and a 90° elbow on the pump is equivalent to 20' of hose).
8. Double clamp all hose connections with stainless steel clamps, reversing the clamps.
9. Use teflon tape on all threaded connections.
10. Connect all metallic parts in contact with seawater to the vessel’s bonding system including thespeed scoop
inlet, strainer, pump, and the air conditioner. Failure to do so will void warranty.
Each a/c unit installed requires its own dedicated circuit breaker. If there is only one a/c unit installed, the seawater pump
does not require a circuit breaker; the wiring from the seawater pump is connected to the terminal strip at the electrical
box. If two or more a/c units use the same seawater pump, the pump wires will be connected to a pump relay panel (PRP)
which in turn has its own dedicated circuit breaker sized for the pump (20 amp max). Please see the wiring diagram
furnished with the PRP (NOTE: PRP triac must have mounting screw installed in order to dissipate heat). Connections in
the bilge below the waterline should use heat shrink type butt splices.
Field wiring must comply with ABYC electrical codes. Power to the unit must be within the operating voltage range indi-
cated on the data plate. Properly sized fuses or HACR circuit breakers must be installed for branch circuit protection. See
data plate for maximum fuse/circuit breaker size (mfs) and minimum circuit ampacity (mca). All units must be effectively
grounded to minimize the hazard of electrical shock and personal injury. The following are to be observed:
1. AC (alternating current) grounding (green wire) must be provided with the AC power conductors and connected
to the ground terminal (marked “GRND”) at the AC power input terminal block of the unit(s), per ABYC stan-
dard E-8, or equivalent.
2. Connections between the vessel’s AC system grounding conductor (green wire) and the vessels DC (direct
Current) negative or bonding system should be made as part of the vessel’s wiring, per ABYC standard E9, or
equivalent.
3. When servicing or replacing existing equipment that contains a chassis-mounted ground stud, the service
person or installer must check the vessel’s wiring for the existence of the connection required in item 2 above.
ABYC standards are available from: American Boat and Yacht Council
3069 Solomon’s Island Rd.
Edgewater, MD 21036
Telephone: (410) 956-1050
The a/c unit must be connected to the vessel’s bonding system to prevent corrosion due to stray electrical
current or voltage. All pumps, metallic valves and fittings in the seawater circuit that are isolated from the a/c unit by
PVC or rubber hoses must be individually bonded to the vessel’s bonding system also. This will help eliminate any
possibility of corrosion due to stray current or voltage.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY GROUND AND BOND THE SYSTEM WILL VOID WARRANTY!
Mounting
o Not In engine room or bilge areas, must be sealed away from exhaust or fumes
o Proper spacing allowed around unit for hose and duct connections and for serviceability
o Attached to solid level platform with hold down clips provided
o Condensate drain routed aft and down hill to a sealed sump (not bilge)
o Blower rotated toward supply air grille
Electrical
o All butt connections on pump wire tightly crimped and heat shrunk
o AC power source installed and grounded/bonded in accordance with ABYC standards
o Control wires connected to terminal strip with fork or ring terminals
o Circuit breakers sized according to specifications on the data plate label
o Passport ll display cable is connected at both ends
o Pump Relay Panel (if used) has a dedicated circuit breaker sized for the pump but not to exceed 20 amps
maximum
OPERATION
OPERATIONS CHECKLIST
o Ensure seawater intake ball valve is open
o Turn on the a/c circuit breaker. If the seawater pump has its own circuit breaker, turn that on
o Turn the system on
o Set the desired cabin temperature (set point)
o Check for a steady solid stream of water from the overboard discharge
o Verify that there is steady airflow out of the supply air grille
o If the unit does not appear to be operating properly, refer to troubleshooting guidelines
Note: Do not turn the unit off and immediately turn it back on. Allow at least 30 seconds for refrigerant
pressure equalization.
Note: The seawater pump comes on with the fan on the 3KB (switch set
to START) and with the compressor on the 2KB (switch set to RUN).
The thermostat on the MCP control panel serves to cycle the compressor
on and off and provide an automatic changeover from cooling to heating
(reverse cycle only) with a 3.5°F (6.3°C) differential. Rotating the thermo-
stat to the left after it has been set for cooling will cause the unit to heat.
If you rotate the thermostat to the right, the unit will cool. If the thermo-
stat is left stationary after being set, the unit will cycle from cooling to
neutral, or heating to neutral depending on the requirement.
Note: Do not turn the unit off and immediately turn it back on. Wait
at least 30 seconds for system refrigerant pressures to balance.
Seawater Strainer
Insure that your pump receives adequate seawater flow by regularly cleaning the strainer basket. Periodically check
the overboard discharge for a steady stream of water. Check seawater intake speed scoop for obstructions. Make sure
hoses are not looped, kinked or crushed.
Winterization
There are several methods of winterization, some of which work better than others. The four various methods em-
ployed using a 50/50 non-polluting biodegradable anti-freeze/water solution are:
1. Pumping of anti-freeze solution into the overboard thru-hull fitting, and discharging through the intake thru-hull
fitting, if the boat is out of water. If the boat is in the water then the thru-hull should be closed and the system
drained then filled back to the unit outlet.
2. Use of the seawater pump to pump anti-freeze solution through the system and discharging through the
overboard thru-hull fitting. Close seacock, remove hose from strainer discharge, raise hose above pump (so
pump does not lose its prime) and pour in anti-freeze solution. Pump solution through system. The strainer and
hose to seacock will also need to be drained of water.
3. Use of pressurized air injected at the overboard discharge fitting and the water being discharged through the
seawater intake fitting.
4. Use of pressurized air to force water from the intake through the overboard discharge.
Note: Collect all discharged liquids and recycle or dispose of in a proper manner.
Any method that causes the anti-freeze solution to flow downward is the method of choice. By this means, the anti-
freeze solution will displace any water trapped and eliminate the possibility of freezing in hidden areas.
In addition, since the seawater pump utilizes a magnetically driven impeller, the impeller should be removed from the
wet end assembly, wiped with an alcohol solution, and stored in a warm, dry area until commissioning takes place.
5. Seawater temperature too high for cooling or too low for heating.
Seawater temperature will directly affect air conditioning unit’s efficiency. This air conditioning unit can effectively cool
your boat in water temperature up to 90°F (32.2°C) and heat (if reverse cycle option is installed) in water as low as
40°F (4.4°C).
10. High pressure switch open (in cooling) due to improper seawater flow.
Strainer or intake may be plugged, seacock may be closed, check seawater hose for kinks or collapses. Verify pump
operation. Check the pump circuit breaker if applicable.
11. High pressure switch open (in heating) due to improper airflow.
Remove any obstructions in return air stream. Clean return air filter and grille. Check for crushed or restricted ducting,
ducting must be as straight, smooth and taut as possible.
13. Compressor’s thermal overload is open due to either of the above reasons.
Compressor needs to cool down. Turn system off for a while (it may take up to three hours to reset thermal overload).
Fault: No heating.
Possible Reason/Correction
1. Unit is “cool only”, or if reverse cycle, reversing valve may be stuck.
Tap reversing valve lightly with rubber mallet while unit is in heat mode. Call for service if that does not correct the
problem.
2. Improper airflow.
Remove any obstructions in return air stream. Clean return air filter and grille. Check for crushed or restricted ducting,
must be as straight, smooth and taut as possible. See the Digital Controls Troubleshooting section below for
reprogramming options.
Fault: No heat.
Possible Reason/Correction
1. Digital Control may be set to Electric Heat, not Reverse Cycle.
Elite Control: Reprogram parameter P-13
Passport I/O Control: Reprogram parameter P-15
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED TO THE TERMS AND PERIODS OF WARRANTY SET FORTH BELOW AND, TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED.
Warranty with the Elite or Passport I/O digital controls (Coverage applies to units manufactured on or after 03/01/
03 and applies only to units equipped with Elite or Passport I/O digital controls at the Dometic factory.): Components
comprising of the Passport I/O circuit boards, Elite or Passport I/O digital displays, and associated cables are war-
ranted for a period of three (3) years from the date of installation, but not to exceed four (4) years from the date of
manufacture at the Dometic factory. All other components comprising a complete system (excluding pumps and pump
relay panels) on a new installation are warranted for a period of two (2) years from the date of installation, but not to
exceed three (3) years from the date of manufacture at the Dometic factory. Pumps and pump relay panels are
warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation, but not to exceed two (2) years from the date of
purchase. OEM installed equipment warranties begin with the purchase of the vessel, not from the date of installation.
Warranty with MCP (Mechanical Control Panel) control: Components comprising a complete system on a new
installation are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation, but not to exceed two (2) years from
the date of manufacture at the Dometic factory. OEM installed equipment warranties begin with the purchase of the
vessel, not from the date of installation.
In addition, Dometic will pay labor costs and travel as outlined in its Schedule of Limited Warranty Allowances for
removal and reinstallation of such components for a period of one (1) year from the date of installation, but not to
exceed two (2) years from the date of manufacture at the Dometic factory. OEM installed equipment warranties begin
with the purchase of the vessel, not from the date of installation. Warranty will be paid in accordance with our estab-
lished schedule of allowances. Compensation for warranty repairs is only made to Dometic authorized service compa-
nies.
Dometic will repair, or replace at its option, components found to be defective due to faulty materials or workmanship,
when such components, examined by an authorized service dealer or a factory service representative, are found to
have a defect for which the company is responsible. Refer to Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty Policy for complete
coverage and exclusions. Replacement components are warranted for the duration of the remaining warranty period in
effect on the original component. In the event that a unit has to be returned to the factory, it must be properly pack-
aged to prevent shipping damages. If packaging is not available, Dometic will provide it at no charge. The warranty
may be voided on any piece of equipment or component that is damaged due to improper packaging.
This limited warranty is extended in lieu of all other warranties, agreements or obligations, expressed or implied,
concerning Dometic’s components. This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and is not transferable.
This warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and gives the original first end user definite legal
rights.
This warranty does not cover damages incidental and/or consequential to the failure of Dometic’s equipment including
but not limited to; normal wear, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, improper installation, lack of reasonable and
necessary maintenance, alteration, civil disturbance or acts of God.
No person or dealer is authorized to extend any other warranties or to assume any other liabilities on Dometic’s
behalf, unless made or assumed in writing by an officer of Dometic.