BITUMAT Tech Tips

It is recommended the BITUMAT be run with the temperature dial lower than 9, and not at 9 or 10. 

Before turning the tool on, check the following:

• The nozzle is not plugged or bent.
• The back end of the ELECTRON heater (the air inlet) is not clogged.  If it is, tilt the Electron up so that the air inlet is down, and clear the air inlet opening with a soft brush.
• The nozzle is not wet.  
• If the nozzle is wet, heat the BITUMAT at minimum heat to dry the element first before applying maximum heat.  

Before shutting the power off: 

• Brush bitumen away from the nozzle end so that the nozzle is not plugged.
• Turn the heat down to minimum and leave the blower on for 5 minutes to cool down the element.

When changing the element, note the following cautions: 

• Do not remove the element with the socket facing direct sunlight. Doing so will expose the photo IC behind the element to too much light which can cause it to fail. Simply work with the socket facing away from the sun.
• Put the new element on immediately after taking the old one off. Alternatively, cover the opening until the new element can be installed.
• Do not change the element in the rain.

Ensure the nozzle is not locked in the upward position during transport or storage:

• Lock pins will break if the nozzle is hit when it is locked in the upper position.

Symptom: Bad tracking, membrane burns, folds 

• Check if the nozzle is too far under the drive tire, contacting the green belt and lifting one of the rollers in the hold-down assembly. The nozzle should not touch the green belt or roller since this interferes with the placement of the membrane and the flow of air. In welding position the inside edge of the nozzle opening should be 1 - 2 mm. outside of the drive tire, with the rest underneath. The edge of the nozzle should be 4 to 5 cm. away from the bottom edge of the drive tire.

Symptom: Temperature is not steady, it floats up and down 

• Check that the ground pin (the pin with the 90 degree bend) on the plugs and any extension cords used are connected to the ground wire. They may be either loose or pushed too far in so that the screw is clamping down on the insulation and not on the wire.  If the ground is not connected the temperature can float up and down.

Symptom: Hot Cord

• Check that the plug contacts clamp down on the stripped wires of the power plug and not on the conductors around them.  Re-install the wires if necessary so that the clamps come down on the bare wires only.

Working with generators

• Never turn the generator on or off with the BITUMAT on: this may cause surges which can cause damage to the BITUMAT. Always make sure the BITUMAT is off before turning its supply generator on, and always turn the BITUMAT off before turning the generator off.
• When using a generator, ensure that the maximum current capacity is never reached: In that condition, voltage spikes can damage equipment.  If the generator begins to roar, it may have reached its maximum capacity.
• Dirty or water-contaminated fuel, undersized generators or poorly maintained extension cords can cause spikes in the power to the equipment which may blow fuses or damage circuit boards.
• The minimum generator capacity required when using only a BITUMAT is 8000W with at least 7000W of continuous output. However, if a 120V hot air tool will be used simultaneously a 10,000W or higher rated generator is recommended.

Wiring Instructions
Please consider the following when connecting a new plug to your BITUMAT:

• You must use 30 Amp or higher twist-lock plug
• The BITUMAT is single phase
• When using a generator make sure the plug is wired for A/C

Connecting a twist-lock plug:

• Connect the green wire to the pin with the bent tab
• Connect the white wire to one of the pins directly left or right of the bent tab
  
• Connect the black wire to the other pin directly left or right of the bent tab
• If using a 4 prong plug, leave the pin opposite the one with the bent tab disconnected
  

Please consider the following when making an extension cord for your BITUMAT:

• Use a 10 Gauge or thicker cable if you plan to make a 100 ft or longer extension cord

Generator Instructions:

• Starting procedure:
1. Switch on the generator
2. Switch on the BITUMAT
• Shut-down procedure:
1. Switch off the BITUMAT
2. Switch off the generator