ZappBug Heater Manual
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ZappBug Heater Manual

Components Included

The following components are required for proper use of this product. If you did not receive all of the components listed below, contact ZappBug immediately by phone at (206)-430-5514 or by e-mail at service@ZappBug.com.
Note: Some components may appear different from the representations below.

Use & Operation

  1. Unfold the ZappBug Heater
    Note: It is normal for one side of the ZappBug Heater to appear warped. This allows the ZappBug Heater to easily fold and does not affect functionality. If warping appears excessive, shake oven to ensure that each side panel is fully extended.
    Use & Operation - Step 1
  2. Connect Heating Unit
    Locate Ventilation Tube

    Place Base of Heating Unit in Tube

    Stretch Tube Around Heater (Observe "Do Not Cover" markings)

Note: It is normal for small gaps to appear between the textured side of the heating unit and the ventilation tube. Bed bugs will not escape through these gaps if the heating unit is on. Bed bugs experience thermal shock and are not capable of moving toward the heating unit. Always ensure that the heating unit is on when placing potentially infested items inside the ZappBug Heater.
Safety Note: Always maintain a clearance of 6 or more inches around the heating unit when operating.

  1. Support Configuration
    The ZappBug Heater's has an unique and modular support system which is designed to accommodate a wide range of items. Support blocks allow for ventilation around rigid, heavy items such as luggage and small furniture. A combination of support blocks and the support net allow for ventilation around loose items such as books and clothing. Follow the appropriate support configuration for your items as shown below. It is critical that air is allowed to flow freely around the items you are heat treating.
    If air cannot flow freely in the unit it will take longer to reach 120°F. If items are placed too close to the heaters, or if airflow inside is obstructed, it is possible that the heater's internal safety fuse will pop. Whenever possible do not allow items to touch the sides, top, or bottom of the ZappBug Heater to ensure adequate airflow.
    Note: Densely packed items will take longer to treat. Better air circulation will heat your items faster and ensure bed bug killing temperatures. Always use included thermometer.
    Use & Operation - Step 2
  2. Wireless Thermometer Set Up
    The ZappBug Heater comes with a thermometer base station and a remote probe, pictured below.
    Note: Set up thermometer base station first
    Thermometer Base Station

    Thermometer Probe

Thermometer Base Station Set Up

  1. Remove the battery door on the back of the base station, shown inFigure 1 image below.
  2. Insert one AA battery. The LCD segments will light up for a few seconds to verify all segments are operating properly.
  3. The thermometer base station will instantly display the ambient temperature. The probe temperatures will update on the display within a few minutes after you place batteries in the thermometer probe. See Thermometer Probe Set Up
     Thermometer Base Station Set Up - Part 1
    1. Battery Compartment
    2. Stand Mount

      Insert batteries and set up thermometer base station first
       Thermometer Base Station Set Up - Part 2
      1. Time
      2. Ambient Room Temperature
      3. Reception Icon
      4. ZappBug Sensor Temperature

Thermometer Probe Set Up
Thermometer Probe
Thermometer Probe Set Up

  1. Wireless Transmitter LED
  2. AA Battery
  3. Battery Compartment Cover

Remove the battery door on the back of the thermometer probe by sliding the door down and insert one AA battery.

  1. After inserting the battery, the remote sensor LED indicator will light for 4 seconds, and then flash once per minute, thereafter. Each time it flashes, the sensor is transmitting data.
  2. Close the battery door. While in search mode, the reception icon will flash on the thermometer base station. See Figure 2
  3. Place the wireless thermometer probe in the deepest, most insulated part of the item being treated. Allow the ZappBug Heater to run for 60 minutes or longer after the temperatures reaches 120°F.
  4. If you are not present while the unit is running, we advise setting the timer to 8 hours, however this is generally more time than required for the ZappBug Heater to reach 120°F and maintain it for one hour.
  5. If the base station does not update, view troubleshooting tips
  1. Turn on Heating Unit
    1. Plug the heating unit into power outlet
    2. Place power switch in ON position.
    3. Press the TIMER button to select desired run time.
      We recommend using the 8-hour setting for large loads and the 4-hour setting for small to medium loads. Always use the included thermometer and thermometer probe to confirm that the temperature reaches lethal levels. See Heat Treatment Chart for more information.
      Safety Note: Each heating unit draws 1500 watts of electrical power. Do not use extension cords rated below 1500 watts. Each heating unit should be plugged into a separate circuit, using the included extension cord if necessary.

Warning Light
If the unit overheats, the warning light will turn on and the unit will begin to beep.
If the warning light is on, turn the thermal unit off by switching the power switch to the OFF position. Remove the thermal unit from the ventilation tube and allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
The unit overheats when hot air is being blocked from exiting the thermal unit. Before restarting the treatment, be sure that all ZappBug enclosure contents are at least 6 inches away from the thermal unit to ensure proper air circulation.
If the problem persists, contact ZappBug customer service.

  1. Insert Items for Treatment
    Place items inside the ZappBug Heater on top of support blocks and/or support net. To ensure adequate airflow, items should not touch walls or ceiling of the chamber. Place the wireless thermometer probe in the deepest location in the items being treated to ensure all the materials will be exposed to the 120°F necessary to kill bed bugs. After that, zip the top cover closed.
    Hint: Always open luggage and arrange items loosely to ensure proper air circulation. If items are densely packed, they take longer to heat.
  2. Wait Run Time
    Once the remote sensor reaches a temperature of 120°F or above, run the heating unit for 60 minutes.
    Bed bugs die at temperatures of 120°F or above in less than two minutes. The higher the temperature, the less time it takes to kill them. Standard practice for heat treating is to measure the temperature at once, representative location. When the temperature at this location reaches 120°F and is held at 120°F (or above) for one hour, you can be confident that any bed bugs in your belongings are dead.
  3. Remove Items After Heat Treatment

    Items may be hot after heat treatment. Wait for items to cool before handling. Items such as metal zippers can remain hot after heat treatment and cause burns.
    Hint: If your home is infested with bed bugs, place all items into sealed plastic bags or containers immediately after heat treatment to prevent re-exposure.
  4. Folding & Packing Up the ZappBug Heater
    Folding & Packing Up the Heater
    1. Disconnect ZappBug Heating Unit
    2. Zip the top flap of the ZappBug Heater closed
    3. Fold ZappBug Heater by pushing one of the four long edges across to the long edge diagonally opposite.
      Store the folded ZappBug Heater, thermometer, support blocks and net inside the carry bag. Store in cool dry place

Heat Treatment Chart

Typical Heat Treatment
(Actual Treatment Times Will Vary)
Typical Heat Treatment
ZappBug recommends adding one hour to the suggested treatment time to ensure extermination.

Troubleshooting

Thermometer Reset

If you're having issues getting a temperature reading, you may need to reset the thermometer and probe. To do that, remove the batteries from the sensor and the display screen at the same time. Put the batteries back in the display screen first, followed by the probe.
Keep in mind that the display screen may lose signal if it is too far away from the thermometer probe, or if the unit heats above 140°F. If this happens, simply follow the reset instructions above.

Safety Tip-Over Switch

If you plug in and turn on the heating unit and it still does not turn on, please check the safety tip-over switch - that will be a little black button on the bottom of the red square heating unit. This button needs to be pressed in for the heating unit to turn on and is designed so that if the unit is knocked over, possibly blocking the vents, it turns off for safety. When the heating unit is plugged into a wall outlet and is flat on the ground the button should naturally be pressed in and the heating unit should turn on.

Getting up to Temperature

It can take a while for the unit to fully heat up, sometimes 2-3 hours or more depending on ambient temperature or the size of the treatment load.
The most common reasons why the unit struggles to get up to 120°F are ambient conditions and item arrangement. The ZappBug Heater works best in rooms that are 70°F or above.
Whenever possible do not place ZappBug Heater on concrete flooring, If you must, place insulation such as cardboard or area rugs between the ZappBug Heater and the floor in order to limit heat loss.
Always arrange items as spread out as possible to allow air to flow easily throughout the ZappBug Heater.

Thermometer Probe Channel

If you are aren't able to receive a signal from the thermometer probe you may need to set the probe channel. To do that, take the back off the thermometer probe and change the channel by sliding the button to position 1. The probe needs to be on the correct channel in order to monitor treatment correctly.

Questions?
Please contact ZappBug directly before place of purchase
ZappBug's expert staff are here to help! If you have any questions about
ZappBug or are experiencing any issues, please don't hesitate to contact Customer Service by phone or e-mail. Our experts are ready to assist Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM PST.
(206) 430-5514
service@zappbug.com

Important Safety Information

You must comply with all safety information and operating instructions when using this product. Please read all Warnings outlined in this manual.
Failure to comply could result in personal injury, damage to property, or fire hazards.


Read This WARNING!
Before Proceeding


Power outlets with poor electrical connections can become dangerously overheated and may result in severe injury, damage to property, or fire.
High-power appliances require more electric current than most household items. Old or high-use outlets can have poor or loose connections. The high current required by this product, combined with a poor electrical connection can cause outlets to overheat and melt. It is important to make sure that any outlets used with this product have strong electrical contact.

Follow the steps below for safe use of ANY high-power appliances:

  1. Inspect outlet connection and contact strength.
    Insert a standard, two-prong plug (without ground connection) into the outlet. Ensure that both prong connections offer equal and strong resistance when inserted. If the two-prong plug does not offer strong resistance or one prong feels easier to insert than the other, this outlet could be unsafe for high-power appliances. Have an electrician inspect and/or replace the outlet before use.
  2. Ensure that the outlet is no older than 15 years.
  3. If you are unsure about an outlet, have an electrician inspect and/or replace the outlet.
  4. Inspect outlets and plugs after each use.


Extension Cords
Some extension cords are not adequate to carry the load of current drawn by this heating unit without becoming dangerously overheated. If an extension cord must be used, do not use a cord rated less than 1500 watts or 15 amps, and of a minimum size of 16 gauge. Use only an extension cord with the UL seal. Use of an inadequate extension cord may result in overheating of the extension cord or fire.


Old Electrical Wiring and Outlets
Each ZappBug heating unit will draw 12-15 amps of current (1500 Watts) and must be run on circuits rated 15 amps and above only. Some old electrical wiring and outlets may not be capable of sustaining these loads. If you are unsure of the electrical wiring or outlets in your location, contact an electrician before operating ZappBug or any other high-current products. Old or faulty electrical wiring could lead to damage, injury or fire. If an electrical cord appears deformed or feel hot to the touch, unplug immediately and contact ZappBug customer service.

Additional Warnings

  • Failure to comply with the Warnings presented by this manual may result in severe injury and/or damage to property.
  • Incorrect assembly or improper use may result in hazardous conditions. Only assemble the ZappBug Heater according to instructions in this manual.
  • Do not block air intake or exhaust vents on heater. Obstructions of the intake or exhaust vents can cause the heating unit to overheat and pose a fire hazard. Always maintain 6 or more inches of clearance around the heating unit during operation.
  • Do not use outside or in a wet environment. This product is designed for use indoor use only.
  • Do not reach into or insert objects into ventilation fan while the heating unit is running. This may result in personal injury or damage to the unit.
  • Do not place flammable objects or aerosols inside the ZappBug Heater.
  • Some items may be damaged during heat treatment. Use caution when heat treating fragile items made of materials such as antique leather and wood.
  • Consult the manufacturer of items in question, such as electronics, for a maximum safe temperature before placing them in the ZappBug Heater. Always monitor the temperature to ensure that the temperature does not exceeds the recommended level.

Hints & Tips

BED BUGS

  • Researchers have found that bed bugs atall life stages die quickly at temperatures at or above 120°F.
  • Bed bug eggs are nearly translucent and incredibly difficult to detect. A best practice is toheat treat all items that may have been in the vicinity of bed bugs even if no bed bugs are found. For pictures of bed bugs and bed bug eggs, please visit zappbug.com/bed-bug-pictures
  • Bed bugs can survive for up to18 months without feeding. It is critical that all potentially infested items are heat treated or, alternatively, sealed and stored for 18 months.
  • Bed bugs can flatten their bodies andslip into tiny cracks.
  • Bed bugs are unable to climb smooth, nonporous surfaces like those lining the ZappBug Heater.
  • For more information please visit zappbug.com/get-rid-of-bed-bugs.

THE ZAPPBUG HEATER

  • Always use provided support blocks and/or net to ensure maximum air circulation around your belongings. If your belongings are densely packed together it will take significantly more time for them to reach bed bug killing temperatures.
  • Make sure to turn the heating unit onbefore placing potentially infested items inside the ZappBug Heater.
  • Only use indoors with anambient room temperature above 70°F. The heating unit works by adding heat to the air from the room in which it is located. If the ambient temperature is below 70°F, the ZappBug Heater may not reach bed bug killing temperatures.
  • Alwaysmonitor the temperature inside the ZappBug Heater with the thermometer and thermometer probe provided.
  • Do not place the ZappBug Heater directly on cold floors such as concrete.Always place the ZappBug Heater on surfaces at or above 70°F.

Documents / Resources

References

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download ZappBug Heater Manual

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