Reliance PULSE FLOW-THRU DS-PFT Humidifier Owner’s Manual

DS-PFT Humidifier
PULSE FLOW-THRU model
This humidifier is a flow through model and MUST be connected to a drain.

Preparing the unit.

This unit is reversible. When changing the humidifier left or right make sure you place the evaporative pad in the correct way, the frame is marked BOTTOM. See #6 for further details.  Although not mandatory, use on the hot air duct will improve performance. Find the best location and determine how the humidifier will be installed. Select the top. Install and fasten the water diffuser, the long plastic piece, with two screws #6 x 1/2″ inside of the top part of the humidifier. Install the solenoid valve (mounted on a plastic bracket) outside of the top of the humidifier.  While supporting the water diffuser with one hand, insert the plastic tube protruding from the valve into the hole in the middle of the top part of the humidifier making sure that the plastic  tubing is firmly seated in the hole of the water diffuser. Fasten the valve assembly to the unit with screws # 6 x 1/2″. Finally, install the plastic pad retainer by snapping it in the hole located in the middle of the humidifier frame.

Cutting the opening.

Draw a level line at 4 inches minimum above the furnace housing for clearance of the drain tube.
Attach the template to the duct. Punch and drill the four corners for the opening and the four fastening holes with a 3/32″ drill. Remove the template and complete the opening outline.
Cut the opening in the plenum.

Installing the unit.

Install the unit in the opening.
Use the four screws (#8 x 3/4″) to attach the humidifier body to the duct.
The ribs around the humidifier back opening must fit into the rectangular opening in the duct. Check that the humidifier body is level from side to side. Then fasten the unit completely.

Installing the collar and the flex duct.

Install the 6″ duct collar in a convenient location on the opposite duct with four screws (#8 x 3/8″). Using the gear clamp provided, fit the flexible duct onto the collar and tighten gear clamp.  Slide the damper assembly into the side opening of the humidifier until it snaps. Make sure to position the damper knob in front of the unit. Measure the required flex duct length to the duct  collar so it does not sag. Cut the excess portion. Slide the flexible duct on the air take-off collar and secure it using the second gear clamp.

Installing the drain tube.

Select a convenient drain location for running the drain tube. Before you connect the tube to the drain fitting, slip the hose clamp over the tube. Push the drain tube (1/2″ I.D.) over the drain  fitting located at the bottom of the unit and secure it in place with the hose clamp. Make sure the tube has no bends and the water can flow easily in a straight manner to the drain without accumulating in the tube.

Installing the evaporator pad.

The pad is enclosed in a plastic frame having molded markings that clearly indicates the bottom.
Slide the pad into the bottom part of the humidifier, the little bump at the top facing to you, then push the pad against the back opening of the humidifier. Lock the pad in place with the pad retainer.

Connecting the water supply tubing to the water hammer absorber and the valve (Cold Water Installation)

• This water hammer absorber is connected to the electric valve at the factory.

• Install the water plastic supply tubing on the other side of the rubber hose. That side has a compression fitting to receive the supply tubing.

• Slip the brass compression nut onto the plastic supply tube, then the nylon sleeve with its most tapered end towards the end of the tube.
  Finally, install a brass insert into the end of the plastic tubing.

• Push the supply tube fully into the brass compression fitting. Tighten the brass compression nut with small wrenches, without stripping, using the double wrench method to order to apply the torque on the fitting only.
  NOTE: For hot water installation use copper tubing.

Installing the Quick-Connect valve

The water supply can be taken from the nearest suitable cold, softened or unsoftened water line. The use of service hot water (140°F / 60ºC Max) improves the evaporative capacity (this model reduces drained water by 80 %).
NOTE: When using hot water ensure you are using copper piping

• Cut the tubing and pipe to desired length. Make sure that the cuts are square and all burrs are removed.
• Push the fitting onto the end of the pipe. The fitting will grip before it seals.
• Ensure that the tubing /pipe is pushed into the fitting until the end is fully seated into the internal tube stop.
  NOTE: Ensure that there are no scratches, gouges or any form of damage on the circumference of the tubing within 1” of the cut end.
  Damage in this area may cause leakage. Check the fitting for any signs of damage or foreign objects.
  Hot Water Installation

When using hot water (140°F/60°C Max) it requires copper tubing to prevent any leaking/flooding. Hot water improves the evaporative capacity (this model reduces drained water by 80%).

Installing the electronic controller

• The HSA055 is factory set at NO TEMP, with settings for HIGH TEMP and LOW TEMP.

INSTALL IN RETURN PLENUM:

• The NO TEMP (test) setting is used when the humidifier is supplied power from the furnace HUM connection. The controller is mounted on the return plenum but must be set to TEST.  The unit will run as long as there is power AND the humidistat is calling for more humidity. The sensor hole is not required as power cycles with heat.

INSTALL IN SUPPLY PLENUM:

• The LOW TEMP setting is used for furnaces that generate less heat, such as those with a heat pump or modulated furnace. The unit may operate for a short while after the furnace has  stopped due to residual heat in the duct.
• The HIGH TEMP setting is used for furnaces that generate more heat, typically oil or gas furnaces. You may have to try both settings to see which one is right for you.
• To choose the setting on the controller, set the dip-switches, as shown on the controller. For HIGH and LOW
  settings, the controller must be installed on the warm (supply) air duct with two screws (#8 x ½”). There are two lights on the controller: the green LED means there is power to the  controller and the blue LED cycles on as the valve opens. When switched ON by the humidistat, the controller opens the electric valve for approximately 4 seconds and then closes the  valve for another 30, and so on. Please use Template #3 and drill the 3 holes.

Installing the transformer.

The transformer supplied is for 120 volts operation only. Do not install it on a furnace supplied with another voltage. Connect the transformer primary to the relay activated when the furnace is  in a heating cycle. Some furnaces have power terminals than can be used for accessories. Please refer to the furnace installation manual.

Installing the humidistat and final wiring.
The humidistat should be installed on a flat and vertical surface of the RETURN duct. Attach the humidistat template on the return duct at 6 inches minimum from the humidifier top. Mark and drill the mounting holes and cut an opening for the humidistat. Push the two quick connectors on the humidistat terminals. Run the two humidistat wires through a little opening located at the  bottom of the front panel. Install the humidistat in the opening and fasten it to the duct.
The mechanism is exposed in the duct. Check that the metal of the duct neither touches the connections nor cuts the wire insulation.
Complete the wiring of the humidistat according to the above diagram.

Humidifier Start-up.
Open the saddle valve, put the furnace power back on and start the furnace in a heating cycle. Set the humidistat at the maximum setting.
After a few ON/OFF cycles of the electric valve, you should see water flowing through the drain tube. Check that the water is evenly distributed by the water diffuser across the pad. Carefully
check that both ends of the water supply tube are firmly held in place by their respective compression fitting. After peeling off the backing, affix the faceplate to the cover of the humidistat and
re-install the control knob. Set the humidistat according to the recommended setting on the label. Check the system several times to make sure there is a free flow in the drain tube and there
is no leak before leaving the installation unattended. When everything is working fine, affix the adhesive nameplate on the humidifier cover.

DS-PFT Humidifier
Owner’s Instructions for Electronically controlled FLOW-THRU Humidifier
Operating and Maintenance Tips – Warranty.

1. Principle of operation
   • This humidifier uses a vertical evaporator pad, wetted by a pulsed water flow. Warm air is by-passed from the warm air plenum and forced through the evaporator pad. Humid air is drawn back into the return duct.
   • The pad is enclosed in a plastic frame with a marking that clearly indicates the bottom. It is designed to retain water before it is evaporated. The excess of water is sent to the drain.
   • All flow-through humidifiers improve performance and evaporative capacities if they are used with constant blower operation and are connected to the service hot water (max 140°F).  However, this unique pulse action model optimizes performance and reduces water consumption by up to 80%.
   • When the furnace is producing heat andthe humidistat is calling for humidity, the electronic module allows a controlled water flow on the evaporator pad. It opens the electric valve for an average of 2 seconds and then closes the valve for another 30 seconds, and so on, thus giving the time for the water dispersed on the pad to be evaporated in the system, without wasting a  lot of water which normally would go directly to the drain. This is one of the main features of this model and it saves up to 80% of water consumption. It is normal to have a bit of water  flowing in the drain tube, though. This flushing-away method removes the dissolved minerals that are left on the pad in a normal evaporation process before they settle and dry up on parts  that are in contact with water. The little water waste is a “rinse n’ drain cycle”

2. Adjusting the humidity level in your home
   • Arelative humidity environment of 40% is recommended. Please refer to the table on the humidistat front plate to help determine the proper level.
   • At the beginning of the heating season it might take some time (a few days) to build up the humidity to the comfortable level you want. Depending on the original dryness of the house,  carpets, furniture and wood will absorb moisture before you could really feel a difference.
   • If your house remains unoccupied during the winter season, adjust the humidistat to a lower setpoint in order to prevent condensation.

3. Afew tips
   • Do not use the supply valve (installed on the supply line) to regulate the water flow. This type of valve is designed to be completely opened or closed.
   • Do not allow the drain tube to fill with water in bends, elbows or kinks. Water could accumulate in them and that could become a place for deposit build-up.

Annual Maintenance

To replace the evaporator pad :

1. Shut off the furnace power.
2. Open the humidifier by removing the plastic screw on the side of the cover.
3. Unlock the evaporator pad by turning the little plastic retainer at the top of the pad.
4. Remove the old pad and replace it by a new one while checking the printed marking that clearly indicates the bottom of the pad.
5. Lock the new pad in place.
6. Put the cover back and secure it with the plastic screw.
   Note :Depending on the quality of water, it is recommended to replace the evaporator pad once per heating season.

Summer season

• If the system is used in air conditioning during the summer, reduce the air volume going through the humidifier by closing the air damper located on the side of the humidifier. The control  button shows the actual position of the damper.

• It is recommended to simply shut off the humidifier system :
  1-Close the water supply valve.
  2-Turn the humidistat knob to the “OFF” position.

• Warranty
  This humidifier is guaranteed against any defects in material and workmanship, under normal use, for one (1) year from the date of purchase. The frame and door are guaranteed for life  against defects in material and workmanship, under normal use. This warranty applies only if the unit is properly installed and operated according to the instructions provided with this  product. This warranty will not cover defects due to misuse or faulty installation. The manufacturer will not be held responsible for any bodily injuries or damages to personal property or  real estate, whether caused directly or indirectly by the humidifier. If warranty service is required during the warranty period, the manufacturer will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace  the product, without charge, upon delivery of the product where it was purchased, with proof of purchase.

• Questions
  Please keep this telephone number for assistance:

(416)757-3691
or
www.GeneralAireIAQ.ca

OPENING FOR THE HUMIDIFIER
WARNINGS and DISCLAIMER
The manufacturer will not be held responsible and the warranty will be void if the installer does not adhere to the following precautions.
This humidifier is a flow through model, it MUST be connected to a drain.
Installation precautions

1. This humidifier will be connected to and used under water pressure and it must be installed in such a way that if a leak occurs, the water could not cause any damage to the property. Make  sure all water connections are properly installed or water spill could occur.

2. This humidifier is intended for use on forced warm air circulation furnaces, as well as multi-fuel furnaces where temperature does not exceed 180°F (82ºC).
   Higher temperatures will damage your humidifier and possibly cause overflow condition and water damage to your home.

3. Do not install a humidifier where surrounding temperatures may be 32°F (0ºC) or colder. Freezing water will damage the humidifier and burst the supply pipe, resulting in home damage.

4. Do not install the humidifier or the bypass connection directly on the furnace housing.

5. Do not install the humidifier or the bypass connection on a plenum side where a cooling coil could restrict or inhibit the airflow through the humidifier.

6. Always check that you are not about to cut or drill into any air conditioning or electrical accessories during installation.

7. Do not install a humidifier on the supply duct where the static pressure exceeds 0.4″ Water Column.

8. Do not install a humidifier if the city water pressure exceeds 90 psi, water hammer could occur. Check the local codes related to pressure reduction.

9. The installation, wiring and plumbing of the humidifier must comply with national and local electrical, plumbing and building codes.

10. Electrical wiring, water supply & drain tube must not come into contact with sharp edges or hot surfaces. Please make certain the drain tube has no bends, its end placed in a floor drain  and there is no resistance to the flow of the discharged water.

11. The transformer supplied is rated for 120 volts power supply. Do not connect it to a furnace supplied with another voltage.

12. Do not set the humidity lever higher than normally recommended, or condensation damage could occur.

Safety warnings

1. Please beware of sharp edges when you cut into a metal duct.
2. Always shut the power off before starting the installation. An electric shock from 120 volts could cause injury.
3. Hot water temperature higher than 125°F (52ºC) could cause serious burns.
   Please shut off the main water supply valve before connecting the humidifier water supply.

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