GeneralAire DS50 User Manual

DS 50 / DS 50 LC

Elite Steam Residential Humidifiers

User manual

Revision 1.2

Warning

If present, remove the following items:

IMPORTANT WARNINGS

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

described.

product

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 DS 50 / DS 50 LC. THIS HUMIDIFIER MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIE D HVAC, PLUMBING, OR ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTOR. ALL WARRANTIES ARE VOID IF INSTALLED BY A NON-TECHNICIAN.

CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE MAIN POWER BEFORE

OPENING OR SERVICING THE HUMIDIFIER!

The Elite Steam produces non-pressurized steam by means of electrodes immersed in the water 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 is series with a
particulate filter, no more than 5 microns is suggested.

This humidifier has been designed exclusively to directly humidify 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.

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 or inconsequential
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.

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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CONTENTS

1. HOW THE ELITE STEAM WORKS 6

1.1 B

1.2 C

1.3 C

2.

3.

3.1 P

3.2 M

3.3 P

3.4 S

3.5 P

3.6 C

3.7 W

4.

4.1 S

4.2 T

4.3 S

4.4 S

ASIC OPERATION 6
YLINDER LIFE 7
ALCULATING HUMIDITY LOAD 7

MODELS 8

INSTALLATION 9

OSITIONING 9

OUNTING 9
LUMBING 11
TEAM DISTRIBUTION 12
OWER WIRING 15
ONTROL WIRING 15

IRING CONNECTIONS: 17

START-UP 18

TARTUP CHECKLIST 18
HE ELITE STEAM CONTROLLER 18
TARTING THE ELITE STEAM 18
TARTING WITH A NEW CYLINDER 18

5.

OPERATING THE ELITE STEAM 19

5.1 D

5.2 C

5.3 A

5.4 R

5.5 H

5.6 A

6.

7.

7.1 P

7.2 C

7.3 R

8.

9.

ISPLAYING INFORMATION 19
HANGING THE MAXIMUM PRODUCTION 19
CTIVATING MANUAL DRAIN 19
ESETTING THE HOUR COUNTER 19
UMIDISTATS 20
LARMS 20

TROUBLE SHOOTING 21

MAINTENANCE 22

ERIODIC CHECKS 22
YLINDER MAINTENANCE 22
EPLACEMENT PARTS 23

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 24

LIMITED WARRANTY 25

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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1. HOW THE ELITE STEAM WORKS

1.1 Basic Operation

The 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

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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 (4) prevents the unit from
filling too quickly or with too much pressure. The water flows up the fill tube (2)

7

5

HL

and into the fill cup (3). Water then flows over the dam in the fill cup (3), which
creates a 1” air gap to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the feed
lines, and through the fill tube (6) and into the bottom of the steam cylinder (5).
Any backflow or overflow of water travels through the overflow hose (13) to the

12

DP

drain.
As the water fills the cylinder, it will reach the electrodes (7) and current will

begin to flow. As the water continues to fill the cylinder, the current will

Fig. 1.a

11

increase, and this is monitored by an amperage transformer connected to one of the power wires 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 (9) or if current rises too much, the drain pump (11) will be
activated to drain away some water and reduce the current flow to acceptable levels. Note that, any time the drain pump is
activated, the tempering valve (10) 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 run drain pump (11) 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 pump (11).
In case DS 50 / DS 50 LC 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.

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.

3

EVF

DT

10

13

2

6

4

1

B

A

E

C

D

Fig. 1.b

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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No. Description

A Steam generator cylinder
B User interface/display
C On/Off, SET buttons
D Fill & tempering valves
E Drain pump

Tab. 1.a

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 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 flaky 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 non-softened tap
water is to be used. Water conductivity that is not matched to the correct cylinder will shorten cylinder life.

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

Cylinder
Life

Another factor affecting cylinder life is the maximum production setting. A higher production
rate will result in a shorter cylinder life. For this reason DS50 or DS50LC units are preset from
the factory at 70%. Further reductions in Maximum Production will extend cylinder life.
See Figure 1.c.

Fig. 1.c

100%

20%

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.

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

*Based on .5 air changes per hour.

Table 1.2 Pounds of Moisture / Hour / Cubic Foot *

Indoor Air

Temp °F

35% Indoor RH%

40%

45%

50%

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

* Based on .5 air charges per hour.

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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Indoor Air Temp
◦

2. MODELS

There are two basic models available for different water conditions.
Duct Steam Injection

Fig. 2.a

MODEL LIST

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION PARTS INCLUDED
DS 50 Duct steam injections 58 gallons per day

(20 Lbs per hour) 220-240V

DS 50 LC Duct steam injections 58 gallons per day

(20 Lbs per hour) 220-240V

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

Humidifier with Duct Mount Kit and Humidity GFX50 control.
Humidifier for Low Conductivity water. Includes Duct Mount

Kit and GFX50 control.

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3. INSTALLATION

3.1 Positioning

The Elite Steam has been designed for wall mounting and, since it is an atmospheric 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). Do not mount on furnace, air handler or
ductwork. 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 two screws located in the bottom side of the unit. Use a phillips
screwdriver to remove the screws. The front is clasped with 2 clips on the top of the back
part. To remove the front cover, hold by the sides pivot the bottom out and lift cover. When
installing the cover, be careful not to over-tighten the screws.

Clearance Dimensions

F

Fig. 3.a

Millimeters Inch
A (150 mm) 6”
B (150 mm) 6”
C (150mm) 6”
D (150 mm) 6”
E (600 mm) 24”
F max. 0.2°

Tab. 3.a

Unit Dimensions: Duct Units

screws M5x16

SCREWS M5x16

Fig. 3.c

Millimeters Inch
A 445 mm 17.5“
B 290 mm 12“
C 790 mm 32“
Kilograms Pounds
Weight empty 11kg 24 lbs
Weight packaged 13kg 29 lbs
Weight installed with water 23kg 51 lbs

Fig. 3.b

Tab. 3.c

Fig. 3.d

DS 50 / DS 50 LC +030222065 Rev. 1.2

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