GeneralAire DS35 User Manual

Residential Steam Humidifiers

User manual

Elite Steam

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

LATCH THE CYLINDER CLAMP

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

Warning

If present, remove the following items:

Elite Steam +03U221903 REV 2.1

2

We wish to save you time and money!
We can assure you that the thorough reading
of this manual will guarantee correct
installation and safe use of the product
described.

IMPORTANT WARNINGS

BEFORE INSTALLING OR HANDLING THE HUMIDIFIER PLEASE CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW
THE INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY STANDARDS DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL AND ON THE
LABELS ATTACHED TO THE Elite Steam.

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE MAIN POWER BEFORE OPENING OR SERVICING THE
HUMIDIFIER!

Elite Steam

contained in the plastic steam generator cylinder. Electric current passes through the water between the
electrodes, heating the water into steam, which is then used to humidify the air.

The quality of the water used affects the operation of this unit, so the Elite Steam may be supplied
with untreated water, as long as this is drinkable and not softened or demineralized. The water
converted into steam is automatically replaced through an electric fill valve. Periodically, based on the
water quality, the unit will also drain some water to dilute the build-up of minerals in the steam
generator. In cases of high water mineral content, an activated carbon filter in series
with a particulate filter, no more than 5 microns is suggested.

This humidifier has been designed exclusively to directly humidify residential rooms or ducts, using

a distribution system. The installation, use and maintenance operations must be carried out according to

the instructions contained in this manual and on the labels applied internally and externally.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE beginning installation:

• Check for shipping damage to cartons. Mark the shipping waybill accordingly.

• Open cartons and check for any hidden damage. Mark the shipping waybill accordingly.

• Check packing slip to ensure all items have been received. Notify GENERAL FILTERS, INC. of any
shortages or damaged parts. You must notify General Filters, Inc. within 5 working days of any shortages.

CAUTION : ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD! The humidifier has components under power inside!
CAUTION : SCALDING HAZARD! The humidifier has hot parts (100°C / 212°F)
WARNING : Install the humidifier out of the reach of children
The humidifier must be installed in accordance with all local and national standards.
All service and/or maintenance operations must be performed by qualified personnel who are aware of
the necessary precautions and are capable of performing the operations correctly.
Disconnect the humidifier from the main power supply before accessing any internal parts.
The conditions of the environment and the power supply voltage must comply with the specified values

listed on the data label in the humidifier.
All other uses and modifications made to the humidifier that are not authorized by the manufacturer

are considered incorrect, and the manufacturer assumes no liability for the consequences of any such

unauthorized use.

produces non-pressurized steam by means of electrodes immersed in the water

.

Please note that the humidifier contains powered electrical devices and hot surfaces.

WARNING: Your humidifier requires water to operate. Do NOT mount it above materials or machinery

that could be damaged if a leak occurs. General Filters, Inc. assumes no responsibility for consequential

damage as a result of any leaks.

Disposal of the parts of the humidifier: the humidifier is made up of metallic and plastic parts. All parts
must be disposed of according to the local standards on waste disposal.

Elite Steam +03U221903 REV 2.1

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Elite Steam +03U221903 REV 2.1

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Contents

1. HOWTHE ELITE STEAM WORKS

1.1 Basic Operation

1.2 Cylinder Life

1.3 Calculating Humidity Load

.......................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................

2. MODELS

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 Positioning...........................................................................................................................

3. 2 Mounting..............................................................................................................................

3.3 Plumbing..............................................................................................................................

3. 4 Steam Distribution...........................................................................................................

3.5 Power Wiring......................................................................................................................

3.6 Control Wiring....................................................................................................................

3. 7 Wiring Connections .......................................................................................................

4. START-UP

4.1 Startup Checklist.................................................................................

4.2 The Elite Steam Controller...................................................................

4.3 Starting Elite Steam...............................................................................

4.4 Starting with a New Cylinder................................................................

5. OPERATING ELITE STEAM

5.1 Displaying Information.................................................................................................

5. 2 Changing The Maximum Production.....................................................................

5.3 Activating Manual Drain .............................................................................................. 18

5. 4 Resetting the Hour Counter ........................................................................................

5. 5 Using the E2 Humidistat .............................................................................................

5.6 Alarms................................................................................................................................... 19

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6
7

7

8

9
9

9
11
12
14

14
16

17
17
17

17
17

18
18
18

18
19

6. TROUBLESHOOTING

7. MAINTENANCE

7. 1 Periodic Checks.................................................................................................................21

7. 2 Cylinder Maintenance.....................................................................................................

7. 3 Replacement Parts

.........................................................................................................

8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

9. LIMITED WARRANTY

20

21
21

22
24

24

5Elite Steam +03U221903 REV 2.1

1. How The Elite Steam Works

1.1 Basic Operation

Elite Steam is an electrode humidifier. It produces steam for humidification by
passing electric current through the water between metal electrodes in the plastic
steam generator cylinder. There are no heating elements. Steam output is directly
proportional to the conductivity of the water, and the amount of electrode immersed
in the water.

On a call for humidity, the Elite Steam controller will open the water fill valve (1) and
allow water to enter the cylinder. A flow restrictor (2) prevents the unit from filling too
quickly or with too much pressure. The water flows up the fill tube (3) and into the fill
cup (7). Water then flows over the dam in the fill cup (7), which creates a 1” air gap to

10

prevent backflow of contaminated water into the feed lines, and through the fill tube
(4) and into the bottom of the steam cylinder (11). Any backflow or overflow of water
travels through the overflow hose (5) to the drain.

As the water fills the cylinder, it will reach the electrodes (10) and current will begin
to flow. As the water continues to fill the cylinder, the current will increase, and this
is monitored by an amperage transformer connected to one of the power wires (9)

12

11

and located on the electronic controller. When the desired current is reached, the fill
valve will close (1) and the water will then begin to warm and produce steam. If the
water reaches the cylinder full probes (8) prior to reaching the desired current rises
too much as the water fills the cylinder, the drain valve (13) will be activated to drain
away some water and reduce the current flow to acceptable levels. Note that, any
time the drain valve is activated, the tempering valve (14) will be opened for
tempering the hot drained water down to 140 degrees F/ 60 degrees C in accordance
to local and national standards.

Periodically, based on the incoming water conductivity, the unit will open the drain valve (13) and drain some water to reduce the mineral
concentration. Every 120 hours the unit automatically drains to remove mineral sediment on the bottom of the cylinder. A strainer (12) in
the cylinder helps to prevent mineral debris from jamming the drain valve (13). In case Elite Steam remains powered but idle, i.e. without
producing steam, for more than 72 hours (3 days), the cylinder will be emptied to not have stagnant water inside.

9

13

8

7

6

5

4

3

15

2

14

1

i

If there is no water in the cylinder, there will be no current flow and no steam production. The electrodes do not burn out, but they will
eventually become completely coated with mineral and the cylinder will then need to be replaced. Cleaning cylinders may cause electrode
damage, therefore voiding its warranty. See 7.2.2 maintenance section on page 21.

2

No c ton
1 Steam generator cylinder
2 Room blower/manifold (optional)

3

3 User interface/display
4 On/Off, SET buttons
5 Fill & tempering valves
6 Fill & drain connections

1

7 Drain valve

ble 1.a

4

7

5

6

Fig. 1.b

Elite Steam +03U221903 REV 2.1

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1.2 Cylinder Life

1.2.1 Basics of the Steam Cylinder
The Steam Cylinder is the engine of the humidifier. As the humidifier operates and water is evaporated and minerals are left
behind. Much of these minerals are removed through the cylinder drain. Some are deposited on the walls of the cylinder and
the cylinder electrodes. When a lower section of the electrodes develop a thick coating, the water level is raised to expose
clean electrode surface. Eventually minerals cover the electrodes’ entire length with a thick coating and little electrical current
can pass between them resulting in poor steam output. The humidifier can sense the low amperage and will display the E6
Cylinder Exhausted error code. There are several factors that influence cylinder life.

1.2.2 Water
Characteristics of water influence cylinder life and can vary greatly from place to place. Total mineral content of the water is

important. Equally important is what minerals are present in the water. Most water conditions result in flakey scale that
eventually fills the bottom of the cylinder until it can no longer function. Water with high silica content can result in a thin
glass-like coating on the electrodes that is highly insulating resulting in shorter cylinder life. Only cold water is to be used

1.2.3 Water Filtration
Typically additional filtration of the incoming water supply is not necessary. If, however, mineral content is known to reduce
cylinder life excessively or if cylinder life proves insufficient then water filtration can be added. In most cases the addition of a
two element water filter can improve cylinder life. The filter should contain an activated carbon element and a particulate filter
element rated for 5 microns or less. Micron is a size measurement. The filter system should have a flow rate of at least
2 gpm. The activated carbon will absorb much of the mineral content while the particulate filter will catch any granular material

or sediment. It is important to remember that the increase in cylinder life will be accompanied by the need to replace filter

elements with each cylinder change.

1.2.4 Humidity Load and Cylinder Life

Humidity load demands have an effect on cylinder life. Normal installations where humidity capacity is properly sized require
only intermittent periods where full humidifier capacity is required. This allows the water level in the cylinder to be increased
only as electrode segments become insulated. This tends to maximize cylinder life.

Extraordinary installations that require constant operation at full capacity reduce cylinder life. The water level in the cylinder is, on
average, much higher, and the electrodes become completely insulated more quickly. Installations like this may result in
cylinder life of less than 1000 hours.

The importance of providing adequate humidifier capacity should not be underestimated.

1.2.5 Maximum Production

Another factor affecting cylinder life is the maximum production setting. A higher
production rate will result in a shorter cylinder life. For this reason DS-35 and RS-35
units are preset from the factory at 70%. Further reductions in Maximum Production
will extend cylinder life. See Figure 1.c.

Figure.1.c

1.2.6 Structures Under Construction
In high end construction projects, humidification is often required while the structure is being finished. Humidification is
necessary to protect and stabilize wood floors, trim and decoration. Humidification load, however, in an unfinished structure may
be five to eight times higher than when finished. Elite Steam humidifiers may be operated while construction is underway but,
reduced cylinder life is to be expected and budgeted for. Good practice dictates that the steam cylinders also be replaced once
the project is complete.

Cylinder

Life

100% 20%

Maximum Production

1.3 Calculating Humidity Load

1.3.1 Steps to Determine Humidity Load

Total Square Footage
x Average Ceiling Height
x Factor From Table 1.2
x 1.05 for each Fireplace
Humidity Load in lbs./hour

x 2.88 convert to gallons/day
Gallons per Day Humidity Load

Table 1.2 Pounds of Moisture / Hour / Cubic Foot *

Indoor Air Temp

◦

F

68 0.00015 0.00018 0.00021 0.00024
70 0.00017 0.00020 0.00023 0.00026
72 0.00019 0.00022 0.00025 0.00028

35% 40% 45% 50%

Indoor RH%

Steam Elite +03U221903 REV 2.1

*Based on .5 air changes per hour.

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2. MODELS

There are two basic models available in two voltages. Duct models require selection of an additional kit.

Duct Steam Injection

Room Steam Discharge

Fig.2.a

PART NUMBER

RS 15
Fig. 2.b

RS 35

Fig. 2.b

DS 15
Fig. 2.a

DS 35
Fig. 2.a

DMNKIT

(not shown)

RMB 15

(not shown)

RMB 35

(not shown)

Steam Elite +03U221903 REV 2.1

DESCRIPTION PARTS INCLUDED

Room steam dicharge, 15 gallons
per day (5.5 Lbs per hour) 115-120v

Room steam dicharge, 35 gallons
per day (12 Lbs per hour) 220-240v

Duct steam injection 15 gallons
per day (5.5 Lbs per hour) 115-120v

Duct steam injection 35 gallons
per day (12 Lbs per hour) 220-240v

Duct mount kit

Remote mount blower
kit for DS 15

Remote mount blower
kit for DS 35

MODEL LIST

Complete Humidifier. E2 humidistat, code valve, water fill connector,
water supply tubing.

Complete Humidifier. E2 humidistat, code valve, water fill connector,
water supply tubing.

Humidifier only, Kit selection required

Humidifier only, Kit selection required

8 ft. steam hose, nozzle, E2 humidistat, code valve,
water fill connector, condensate hose, water supply
tubing, air proving pressure switch.

12 ft. steam hose, E2 humidistat, code valve, condensate hose,
water fill connector, water supply tubing, and thru-the wall sleeve
with 120v blower and grille pkg.

12 ft. steam hose, E2 humidistat, code valve, condensate hose,
water fill connector, water supply tubing, and thru-the wall sleeve
with 240v blower and grille pkg.

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Fig.2.b

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 Positioning

Duct Steam Injection

The Elite Steam has been designed for wall mounting and, since it is an atmosheric
steam humidifier, should be placed close to the point where the steam will be used,
to minimize the steam hose length (and the amount of condensate). Certain clearances
must be maintained around the unit for safety and maintenance.

3.2 Mounting

3.2.1 Removing the front cover
The front cover is secured by four screws located at the four corners of the unit.

Use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the four cover screws. Then simply pull
the front cover away from the back part of the unit. Return it in reverse order.

Be careful not to over-tighten the screws

.

Room Steam Discharge

B

A

F

E

C

Fig. 3.a

D

Millimeters Inch
A
B
C
D
E
F

150 mm 6”

150 mm 6”

150 mm 6”

150 mm 6”

24” m m 0 0 6

max. 0.2 Degrees

Tab. 3.a

A

D

B

Fig. 3.d

C

Fig. 3.b

Millimeters Inch
A
B
C
D

150 mm 6”

1800 mm 72”

1800 mm 72”

600 mm 24”

Tab. 3.b

Unit Dimensions: Duct and Room Units

A

C

B

Fig. 3.e

Elite Steam+03U22190 REV 2.1 9

A
B
C

Weight empty
Weight packaged
Weight installed with water

Fig. 3.c

Millimeters Inch

341 mm
204 mm

600 mm

13.4”

8.1”

23.7”

K ilograms Pounds

8kg
10kg
12kg

18lbs
22lbs
26lbs

Tab.3.c