IB140

Overview

The Hobart IB140 is an infrared booster gas water heater for commercial kitchen applications. In a dishwashing system, it heats water for the dishwasher’s rinse-water demand. The manual identifies the IB140 as model ML-110899 and lists a 140,000 BTU/hr burner. It is described in the installation and operation manual as part of Hobart’s Infrared Booster gas water heater series.

The IB140 is available in stand-alone and dishwasher-activated arrangements. Stand-alone units have an On/Off switch. Dishwasher-activated units start when the dishwasher is powered on and do not have a separate On/Off switch. Confirm the unit’s configuration and the gas type on its data plate before planning installation or operation.

Key Features

• Automatic hot-surface ignition: The heater has no pilot. Its ignition device automatically lights the burner; the manual expressly says not to light the burner by hand.
• Circulator pump: The manual directs operators to confirm the pump is running before lighting the heater.
• Operating temperature control: The thermostat board assembly is factory set at 185 °F.
• Operating configurations: The pump operation depends on the configuration: it stays on while the switch is on for stand-alone units, or while the dishwasher is on for dishwasher-activated units.

Specifications

• Manufacturer and model: Hobart IB140 Infrared Booster Gas Water Heater.
• Model identification in the manual: ML-110899.
• Burner rating listed for IB140: 140,000 BTU/hr.
• Gas inlet: 3/4-inch NPT at the gas valve.
• Fuel: The manual refers to natural gas and propane configurations. The supplied gas must match the type on the appliance data plate.
• Water pressure: Minimum 15 psig and maximum 25 psig. If a water pressure regulator is used, the manual says to adjust it to maintain 20 psig at the dishwasher.
• Tank drain connection: 3/4-inch NPT drain valve underneath the booster heater.
• Temperature and pressure relief valve discharge connection: 3/4-inch NPT on the IB140.
• Factory thermostat setting: 185 °F.
• Ignition: Automatic hot-surface ignition; no pilot.
• Electrical supply details: Refer to the unit’s data plate and complete manual for the applicable electrical requirements; the available source text does not provide voltage or current values.

Installation & Requirements

Location and codes

Install the IB140 where the clearances specified in its manual can be maintained. Keep the appliance area free of combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapours or liquids. The manual says not to install the heater directly on carpeting. If leakage could damage nearby areas or lower floors and the location cannot be avoided, it calls for a suitable catch pan with adequate drainage; the pan must not restrict combustion air flow.

The manual directs Canadian installations to follow CAN/CGA B149.1, CAN/CGA B149.2, and CSA C22.2 No. 1, in their latest editions. It also gives U.S. code references for installations there. These are installation-code references in the manual, not claims about a product certification listing.

Gas connection

The IB140 gas inlet is 3/4-inch NPT at the gas valve. Size the gas supply line to provide the burner input at the required flowing pressure, and do not exceed the maximum inlet pressure specified in the manual’s gas-pressure table. Check the appliance data plate to confirm the supplied fuel is natural gas or propane as indicated. The gas piping must include a sediment trap and a manual shutoff valve, supplied by others, outside the rear cover panel and ahead of the booster heater’s gas control.

The manual says not to use Teflon tape on gas-line pipe threads. It specifies Hobart sealer 546292, LOCTITE 565, or a flexible sealant suitable for natural and LP gases. Leak-test the heater and its gas connections before operation using soapy water; do not use an open flame. Follow the manual’s isolation instructions when pressure-testing the gas supply piping system.

Water, relief, and electrical connections

Maintain water pressure within the manual’s stated range of 15 to 25 psig. When a regulator is used, adjust it to maintain 20 psig at the dishwasher. The manual recommends installing a suitable water hammer arrester between the booster heater and dishwasher. Hobart’s optional Water Hammer Arrestor Kit includes a water pressure regulator, pressure gauge, and water shock absorber when ordered.

The 3/4-inch NPT tank drain may be plumbed to a suitable open floor drain. Pipe the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge connection to a suitable drain or a catch pan with a drain, and follow the instructions on the relief-valve tag. The supplied manual text does not state the IB140’s electrical voltage or current, so consult the data plate and complete wiring instructions for those requirements.

Air and venting

The manual includes combustion and ventilation air and venting requirements, but the available text does not provide the IB140-specific vent dimensions or a complete list of acceptable vent piping. Follow the full appliance manual and vent-pipe manufacturer’s instructions for the installation. Keep the combustion-air path unobstructed.

Operation

Before lighting the heater, confirm that the water pump operates properly. With the gas valve off, activate the power switch on a stand-alone unit or make a demand for hot rinse water by activating the dishwasher on a dishwasher-activated unit. The pump should start immediately; allow it to circulate water through the system.

The IB140 has an automatic hot-surface ignition device and no pilot. Do not attempt to light the burner by hand. For the manual’s Robertshaw gas-valve lighting procedure, turn off electrical power, remove the left side panel, turn the gas control to OFF, and wait five minutes. If gas is smelled, stop and follow the manual’s gas-leak instructions. If no gas is smelled, turn the gas control to ON, replace the panel, and restore electrical power. If the heater does not operate, turn off the gas as instructed and contact a service technician or gas supplier.

When the thermostat calls for heat, the blower runs and the burner operates. When water temperature exceeds the operating temperature control setting, the burner shuts off until the next call for heat. The blower continues for 30 seconds after the heat demand is satisfied. On stand-alone units, the circulator pump stays on while the On/Off switch is on. On dishwasher-activated units, it stays on while the dishwasher is on.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual states that the water pump motor and combustion-air blower motor are permanently lubricated and require no other lubrication maintenance. Check the vent system annually for obstructions and signs of vent-pipe deformation, which the manual identifies as indications of abnormal venting conditions. Follow the vent-pipe manufacturer’s instructions.

When the burner is operating properly, its flame appears orange with a blue tint when viewed across the burner. The manual describes observing the flame through the flame observation port. It also directs that the temperature and pressure relief valve be manually operated at least once annually to check that its mechanism remains functional. Take care to avoid hot-water discharge and water damage, and follow the instructions on the valve tag. The supplied manual text does not specify a separate routine cleaning procedure for the IB140.

Troubleshooting

If you smell gas

Do not try to light the appliance or touch electrical switches, and do not use a telephone in the building. Call the gas supplier from a neighbour’s phone and follow the supplier’s instructions. If the gas supplier cannot be reached, call the fire department. Because propane is heavier than air and can settle near the floor, the manual cautions operators to smell near floor level as well as around the heater.

If the heater does not operate

Follow the manual’s gas shutoff procedure and call a service technician or gas supplier. Do not force or attempt to repair a gas-control knob or lever that will not move by hand; the manual warns that force or attempted repair can cause a fire or explosion. If any part of the heater has been under water, do not use it. Have a qualified service technician inspect it and replace any affected control-system parts and gas control.

If the heater overheats or gas does not shut off

The manual says not to turn off or disconnect electrical power to the pump if overheating occurs or the gas supply fails to shut off. Shut off the gas at the manual gas control valve.

Applications

The IB140 is intended for booster-water-heating service associated with commercial dishwashing. In a dishwasher-activated setup, the booster starts when the dishwasher is powered on and operates when the dishwasher calls for hot rinse water. The manual also documents a stand-alone configuration with its own On/Off switch.