PORTACOOL PAC161SVT CLASSIC 16 Inch Vertical Tank Evaporative Cooler Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- PORTACOOL
Table of Contents
PORTACOOL PAC161SVT CLASSIC 16 Inch Vertical Tank Evaporative Cooler
QUICK SETUP
-
Remove product from packaging
-
Position on level surface
-
Fill tank or attach water hose
-
Plug into appropriate outlet
-
Fill the tank, then turn on the pump switch and the fan
For setup, KUUL ComfortTM evaporative media should appear wet before starting the fan. Check the water gauge to monitor water level in tank. The water adjustment valve on each portable evaporative cooler is set at max flow. However, ensure the knob is turned completely to the right before use. Turn to the left to increase water flow. If entrainment occurs – water is spitting from the front of the product – use the valve to decrease the water flow until entrainment ceases. -
Ensure proper airflow is available
Your Portacool portable evaporative cooler is meant to be used in an open- air environment, such as a warehouse. If you plan to use your evaporative cooler in a more closed environment – such as a garage or barn – you must provide adequate ambient airflow to ensure your evaporative cooler works at its highest efficiency. When using in a semi-closed environment, be sure to leave a door or window open to allow for the proper amount of airflow.
SAFETY
OPERATION WARNINGS
- Not for use by children
- Not for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities
- Not for use by persons who have not reviewed the owner’s manual and familiarized themselves with the operation of the product\
SAFE OPERATION
To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire or injury:
- Do not operate any evaporative cooler with a damaged cord or plug.
- Do not run power cord under carpeting or cover with throwrugs, runners or similar coverings. Arrange power cord away from traffic areas to avoid tripping hazards.
- Read the evaporative cooler’s instructions, owner’s manual and labels thoroughly before use.
- Always unplug the power cord to the evaporative cooler before performing inspections or repairs.
- Do not step on or roll over power cord with heavy or sharp objects.
- Do not operate evaporative cooler unless all KUUL® evaporative media is securely in place.
- Test the GFCI receptacle or breaker monthly to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Remove the plug from the electrical receptacle by pulling on the plug, not the power cord.
- Operation near open flames or sparks is not recommended.
- If operating near open flame or sparks, ensure the pump is continuously running in order to saturate and wet KUUL evaporative media.
- When cleaning your evaporative cooler, ensure water does not get into the motor or electrical system to prevent damage.
- The use of extension cords with your evaporative cooler is not recommended. However, if the owner determines that his or her circumstance or intended use requires the use of an extension cord, the following requirements must be met:
- Extension cord must be 14 gauge or greater;
- Extension cord must not exceed 50 (15.24 meters) feet in length; and
- Extension cord must be properly grounded.
- Evaporative coolers should not be modified in any way (other than repairs made by qualified individuals with Portacool replacement parts).
- If the evaporative cooler is damaged or malfunctions, do not continue to operate it. Refer to the warranty, troubleshooting or FAQ sections of this owner’s manual, call Portacool, LLC Customer Service at 936-598-5651 or 800-695-2942, or email [email protected].
OVERVIEW
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 48” TWO SPEED
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 48” ONE SPEED
*Sold only through select distributors
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 36” VARIABLE SPEED
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 36” ONE SPEED
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 16” THREE SPEED
PORTACOOL CLASSIC™ 16” ONE SPEED
*Sold only through select distributors
GFCI
The Portacool Classic™ series utilizes a GFCI (Grounded Fault Circuit
Interrupter) to help protect users against ground electrical
faults, which prevent some fire and electrical shock hazards. These devices
are intended to trip at very low leakage currents.
Portacool Classic models PAC2K482S, PAC2K481S, PAC2K36HPVS, PAC2K361S,
PAC163SVT and PAC161SVT use a GFCI, which is built into the power cord. The
GFCI on these models will automatically reset when the evaporative cooler is
plugged into an electrical outlet.
If the GFCI is tripped and a simple “reset” will not work, please contact the
Portacool Customer Service at
936-598-5651 or
800-695-2942 for more troubleshooting
information.
START UP
PLACEMENT
- Make sure there is a clear, unobstructed path in front of the evaporative cooler to provide maximum airflow.
- If the evaporative cooler is positioned on a raised platform, ensure the platform is stable, well constructed and will not allow the evaporative cooler to tip over. Ensure it allows for the full weight of the evaporative cooler, including a tank full of water. The evaporative cooler must be level and in the upright position and any locking casters should be locked to prevent movement.
- If placed near a wall or other obstruction, position the evaporative cooler a minimum of 3 feet (0.9 meters) from the wall or obstruction with the KUUL® evaporative media facing the wall. This allows the unrestricted flow of warm air to the KUUL evaporative media. When using multiple evaporative coolers in close proximity, be sure to aim each evaporative cooler so the air flows complement each other to achieve maximum cooling capacity.
STARTING THE PUMP AND ADJUSTING THE WATER FLOW
Once the tank is full of water, flip the pump switch into the on position. The water level in the tank may drop suddenly and restart the flow of supply water. This is a normal condition, as the KUUL evaporative media requires a large amount of water for proper wetting.
New KUUL evaporative media requires an initial ‘breaking-in’ period before the KUUL evaporative media begins readily absorbing water. It may require up to a week to achieve maximum efficiency.
It is important to ensure the water flow to the KUUL evaporative media is properly adjusted when first starting the water flow in the evaporative cooler. Use the water adjustment valve to increase or decrease water flow. Proper water adjustment should leave the KUUL evaporative media saturated with water, but not flooded.
When turning the evaporative cooler off at the end of the day or week, the pump should be turned off about 15 minutes before the fan to allow the KUUL evaporative media to dry.
STARTING THE PORTACOOL EVAPORATIVE COOLER
Start the fan by turning the fan switch to either the high or low position. Before starting your evaporative cooler, make sure any locking casters are in locked position.
MAINTENANCE
While the rugged, corrosion-resistant construction ensures low maintenance
will be required, keeping your evaporative cooler clean
will ensure it stays in peak operating condition.
DAILY MAINTENANCE
The pump should be turned off approximately 15 minutes before the fan is turned off, which allows the KUUL® evaporative media to dry. Ensuring your KUUL evaporative media is dry at the end of the day not only extends its life, it also helps control the growth of mildew, mold, bacteria and other odor- causing elements.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
Your Portacool portable evaporative cooler should be shut down, disconnected from power and the tank should be drained once a week by removing the drain cap. Once the tank is drained and the power disconnected, the KUUL evaporative media may be removed to allow cleaning of the tank, where dust may collect over time. Replace KUUL evaporative media in correct airflow direction, referring to the label on the KUUL evaporative media.
If conditions, such as hard water, warrant, Portacool Hard Water Treatment™
can be purchased at www.portacoolparts.com or from authorized distributors.
Portacool Hard Water Treatment keeps minerals present in your water in
solution and off of your KUUL evaporative media by changing the ionic
structure of the particles. It can increase cooling efficiency, remove and
inhibit scale
building up, reduce equipment corrosion, and extend evaporative media life.
STORAGE
- Drain all water from the tank and wipe the tank clean, ensuring the KUUL evaporative media and tank are dry.
- Roll up the power cord and secure it to ensure it will not be rolled over, tripped over or caught in equipment.
- Cover the evaporative cooler completely to prevent dust build-up and store in a dry area. This also helps to prevent damage to the KUUL evaporative media. Optional protective covers are available from your distributor or at www.portacoolparts.com.
TROUBLESHOOT
WARRANTY
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Technical support and service is available directly from your distributor or
call Portacool, LLC Customer Service at
800-695-2942 for the distributor
nearest you. You may also contact Customer Service for consultation on
troubleshooting and parts replacement.
Please have serial number and model number of evaporative cooler available.
WARRANTY AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
PORTACOOL® EVAPORATIVE COOLER LIMITED WARRANTY
For one (1) year from date of purchase, Portacool, LLC (hereafter “Portacool”) warrants any original component part or parts of its Portacool™ portable evaporative coolers (the “Equipment”) that are found, upon examination by factory-authorized personnel, to be defective in material or workmanship.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Portacool warrants its Portacool Classic 16” Three Speed, 16” One Speed, 36” Variable Speed, 36” One Speed, 48” Two Speed and 48” One Speed housings for the full lifetime of the product to the extent they are found, upon examination by factory-authorized personnel, to be defective in material or workmanship. The Lifetime Warranty on product housings is void if the housing is found upon examination by Portacool to have been misused, abused or otherwise tampered with by unqualified personnel. The Lifetime Warranty on product housings does not cover ordinary wear and tear and is non-transferrable.
If the Equipment and/or its original component parts, including product
housings, develop a defect covered by this limited warranty within the
applicable time periods described above, the same may be repaired or replaced
at the option of Portacool.
All transportation charges for shipment of the Equipment and/or its component
parts that are submitted for replacement or repair under this warranty
must be borne by the purchaser.
This warranty is void if: i) the Equipment and/or its component parts are found to have been misused, abused, repaired by or tampered with by unqualified personnel; ii) any of the product’s component parts have been replaced with parts that were not authorized Portacool replacement parts; iii) the product has been modified in any way (other than repairs made by qualified individuals with Portacool replacement parts); iv) the product has not been appropriately registered by its original purchaser; or v) the customer cannot show proof of purchase as the product’s original owner.
PORTACOOL LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN THE CASE OF A BREACH OF ANY IMPLIED OR WRITTEN WARRANTY RELATING TO THE EQUIPMENT AND/OR ITS COMPONENT PARTS, PORTACOOL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, AND THE LIMITS OF LIABILITY AGAINST PORTACOOL FOR ANY SUCH BREACH SHALL NOT EXCEED THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE EQUIPMENT.
PORTACOOL PROTECT
Portacool, LLC is proud to provide world-class service and support. Portacool
Protect™ brings together our commitment to service and support in the form of
best-in-class warranties, service programs, technical support and live
customer service to provide our
customers with an ownership experience that is second to none.
Each of the following components are included with your Portacool Classic™
series product: 
For complete warranty information and limitations, please see
Warranty page. Beyond these aspects of Portacool Protect™, we ask that you not
hesitate to contact us with any additional questions or comments you might
have. For more than 25 years, we have built our business on service and
support. We look forward to speaking with you.
FAQ
Q. What assembly is required?
A. None. Portacool Classic evaporative coolers are ready to use right out
of the box.
Q. How do I prepare my evaporative cooler for storage?
A. Drain the evaporative cooler, dry out the evaporative media, cover the
evaporative cooler and store in a dry place.
Q. I just ran my evaporative cooler for the first time and there is an
unpleasant odor.
A. Our unique design and manufacturing technique, together with our
superior materials, enable our products to perform efficiently within a wide
range of conditions. When installed correctly, our evaporative media products
allow complete molecular evaporation of water ensuring a pure, clean stream of
air. When new, it is possible that a small amount of aromatic molecules may
evaporate along with the water molecules, which could be detected as a slight
smell. This scent lessens in time. Our product does not, in any way, allow
harmful chemicals to be evaporated into the air stream.
Q. My evaporative cooler is not putting out any cool air.
A. First, make sure the water source and electricity source are connected
and working. Second, check to see if the KUUL evaporative media is damp. If
not, adjust the water flow with the water adjustment valve. Third, make sure
there is water in the tank. It should be allowed to fill before you turn the
pump on.
Q. What is the best environment to produce the most cool air?
A. For optimum performance, the temperature should be 85˚ F or higher and
the relative humidity should be below 75%. However, Portacool evaporative
coolers will reduce the temperature in almost any environment, making it more
comfortable.
Q. How often should my KUUL ComfortTM evaporative media be replaced?
A. Depending on the quality of maintenance and frequency of use, KUUL
Comfort evaporative media typically last up to five years. However, should you
have any questions about the life of the media in your Portacool® portable
evaporative cooler, please call our Customer Service department for more
detailed information.
Q. What is the difference between evaporative cooling and misting
systems?
A. Misting systems spray a shower of water into the air that will collect
on people, objects, equipment, floors, etc. Portacool evaporative coolers use
the process of evaporation to produce cooler air, but do not produce a mist.
Q. Where can I buy replacement parts?
A. Replacement parts may be purchased online at
www.portacoolparts.com or from any Portacool
distributor. You may also contact Portacool Customer Service department for
additional assistance.
Q. What is the amount of moisture produced?
A. An increase in humidity of approximately two to five percent is
produced, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. This
increase is not noticeable in a ventilated area where the air produced by the
cooler is exhausted.
Q. How long will the water supply last in the tank?
A. With no direct water source available, the water will evaporate in a
filled tank within two to 10 hours of operation, depending on the water
capacity of the evaporative cooler, ambient conditions, temperature and
humidity. A water source for refilling the tank is recommended by the
manufacturer.
Q. Where are the model and serial numbers found?
A. The model number can be found on a metal plate on the outside of the
evaporative cooler. Model numbers begin with the letters “PAC.” Serial numbers
are all digits.
Q. What if my questions are not answered here?
A. Check out our videos on www.portacool.com
or our YouTube channel. Our U.S.-based Customer Service staff is available 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday though Friday at
800-695-2942 or you can e-mail them at
[email protected].
HOW TO REPLACE YOUR KUUL COMFORT™
EVAPORATIVE MEDIA
Step 1
Be sure to unplug your Portacool portable evaporative cooler before doing any
maintenance. When present, lock the casters to keep your evaporative cooler
from moving while you are working. Remove the flap and KUUL ComfortTM
evaporative media from the evaporative cooler. The flap is attached at the top
of the evaporative cooler with screws. Remove the screws and set the flap
aside.
Step 2
All KUUL Comfort evaporative media must be removed before accessing the inside
of the evaporative cooler. Remove the center set of KUUL Comfort evaporative
media first by grasping at the top and tilting it out and away from the
evaporative cooler. While tilting the KUUL Comfort evaporative media out, lift
it up and out of the evaporative cooler.
Step 3
Remove remaining KUUL Comfort evaporative media in the same manner. Set aside
in a safe place to prevent damage while out of the evaporative cooler. Once
all the KUUL Comfort evaporative media has been removed, you should have
access to the inside of the evaporative cooler and internal components.
Step 4
Replace your KUUL Comfort evaporative media by beginning on the outer edges
and working towards the center. Pay close attention to the stickers on the
evaporative media the arrow sticker should point up and inward. Replace the
evaporative media flap, securing it with screws.
PARTS
PRODUCTS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND MEXICO
PAC2K482S PAC2K36HPVS PAC2K361S PAC163SVT
MOTOR| MOTOR-010-01| MOTOR-012-05| MOTOR-012-01STA| MOTOR-012-04E
PUMP| PUMP-016-4Z| PUMP-016-4Z| PUMP-016-4Z| PUMP-0140-1
MEDIA| PARKULJ27000| PARKULJ26000| PARKULJ26000| PARKULJ24000
CONTROLS| CTRL-2SPD-01| CTRL-VS-01| CTRL-1SPD-01| CTRL-3SPD-02
COVER| PAC-CVR-03| PAC-CVR-01| PAC-CVR-01| PAC-CVR-04
HARD WATER TREATMENT| PARPACHWTB00| PARPACHWTB00| PARPACHWTB00| PARPACHWTB00
Additional parts can be found at
www.portacoolparts.com
For products sold outside North America, contact Customer Service at
800-695-2942 or email
[email protected] for item numbers and
product availability.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT
1-936-598-5651 •
1-800-695-2942
[email protected]
TECHNICAL/PARTS CONTACT
1-936-598-5651 •
1-800-695-2942
[email protected]
VISIT PORTACOOL.COM
OR CALL 1-936-598-5651 FOR MORE
INFORMATION
Portacool, LLC • Manufacturer of Portacool® portable evaporative coolers and
KUUL® evaporative media
711 FM 2468 • Center, Texas 75935 •
936-598-5651
www.portacool.com •
www.theKUULeffect.com
REGISTER YOUR
PRODUCT AT WWW.PORTACOOL.COM
One (1) free hat will be sent to the address given when registration is
completed.