GeneralAire Elite Stream User Manual

Elite Steam

Residential Steam Humidifiers

User manual

Revision 3.4

If present, remove the following items:

LATCH THE CYLINDER CLAMP

Warning

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

REMOVE BEFORE INSTALLING

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

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, he ating the water into steam, which is then
used to humidify the air.

The quality of the water used affects the op eration of this unit, so the Elite Steam ma y be supplied with untreated water, as l ong as
this is drinkable and not softened or demineralized. The water converted into steam is automaticall y replaced thr ough an elect ric 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 t han 5 microns
is suggested.

This humidifier has been designed exclusively to directly hu midify rooms or ducts, using a distribution system. The installati on, use
and maintenance operations must be carried out according to the instructions contained in this manu al 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. Notif y GENERAL FILT ERS, INC. of any shortages or dam aged

parts. You must notify General Filters, Inc. within 5 working days of any shortages.

CAUTION: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD! The humidifier has components under pow er 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 stand ards.
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 correctl y.
Disconnect the humidifier from the main power supply before accessi ng any internal parts.
The conditions of the environment and the pow er 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 consequ en ces of any such unauthorized use.

Please note that the humidifier contains powered electrical devices and hot surfaces.
The humidifier is made of metallic and plastic parts. All parts must be disposed of according to the local and national

standards for waste disposal.
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.

OPENING OR SERVICING THE HUMIDIFIER!

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.

Disposal of the parts of the humidifier:
of according to the local standards on waste disposal.

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

the humidifier is made up of metallic and plastic parts. All parts must be disposed

3

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

4

CONTENTS

1. How The Elite Steam Works 6

1.1 Basic Operation 6

1.2 Cylinder Life 7

1.3 Calculating Humidity Load 7

2. Models 8

3. INSTALLATION 9

3.1 Positioning 9

3.2 Mounting 9

3.3 Plumbing 11

3.4 Steam distribution 12

3.5 Power wiring 15

3.6 Control wiring 15

3.7 Wiring Connections 17

4. START-UP 18

4.1 Startup Checklist 18

4.2 The Elite Steam Controller 18

4.3 Starting Elite Steam 18

4.4 Starting with a new cylinder 18

5. OPERATING ELITE STEAM 19

5.1 Displaying Information 19

5.2 Changing The Maximum Production 19

5.3 Activating Manual Drain 19

5.4 Resetting the hour counter 19

5.5 Using the E2 Humidistat 20

5.6 Alarms 20

6. TROUBLE SHOOTING 21

7. Maintenance 22

7.1 Periodic checks 22

7.2 Cylinder maintenance 22

7.3 Replacement Parts 23

8. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 24

9. LIMITED WARRANTY 25

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

5

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

8 9

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 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.

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.

B

C

A

F

Fig. 1.b

D

E

No. Description

A Steam generator cylinder
B Room blower/manifold (optional)
C User interface/display
D On/Off, SET buttons
E Fill & tempering valves
F Drain pump

3

13

2

6

EVF

DT

10

4

1

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

6

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 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 DS-25 and RS-25 units are preset from
the factory at 70%. Further reductions in Maximum Production will extend cylinder life.
See Figure 1.c.

1.2.6 Structures Under Construction

Fig. 1.c

100%

20%

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.

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

7

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 Fig. 2.b

MODEL LIST

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION PARTS INCLUDED
RS 15P
Fig. 2.b
RS 25
Fig. 2.b
DS 15P
Fig. 2.a

DS 25
Fig. 2.a
DMNKIT
(not shown)

RMB 15
(not shown)

RMB 35
(not shown)

EDMK4
(not shown)

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

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 Humidifier
only, Kit selection required 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 25

Economy Duct mount kit 4 ft. steam hose, nozzle, 5 ft. condensate hose, fill

Complete Humidifier. GFX3 humidistat, code valve, water fill
connector, water supply tubing
Complete Humidifier. GFX3 humidistat, code valve, water fill
connector, water supply tubing
Humidifier only, Kit selection required

Humidifier only, Kit selection required
8 ft. steam hose, nozzle, GFX3 humidistat, code valve,

water fill connector, condensate hose, water supply
tubing, air proving pressure switch.
12 ft. steam hose, GFX3 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, GFX3 humidistat, code valve, condensate
hose, water fill connector, water supply tubing, and thru-the
wall sleeve with 240v blower and grille pkg.

connector, air proving pressure switch (Humidistat not
included)

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3. INSTALLATION

3.1 Positioning

Duct Steam Injection

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). 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

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

D

Fig. 3.d

C

Fig. 3.b

Millimeters Inch
A 150 mm 6”
B 1800 mm 72”
C 1800mm 72”
D 600 mm 24”

Tab. 3.b

Unit Dimensions: Duct and Room Units

Fig. 3.c

Fig. 3.e

Elite Steam +030222075 Rev. 3.4 – Sept. 2011

Millimeters Inch
A 341 mm 13.5“
B 204 mm 8.1“
C 600 mm 23.7“
Kilograms Pounds
Weight empty 8kg 18 lbs
Weight packaged 10kg 22 lbs
Weight installed with water 12kg 26 lbs

Tab. 3.c

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