GeneralAire GFX3 User Manual

INSTALLATION AND

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for

choosing the GeneralAire

GFX3 Humidistat!

About the GFX3 Digital Humidistat

In Automatic Mode the GFX3 will adjust the humidity in your home based on the outdoor tempera­ture, lowering the humidity in cold weather to reduce condensation. The GFX3 can operate in
Manual Mode to control humidity to a specic relative Humidity. In most homes, Automatic
operation is preferred to reduce condensation on windows and within the structure. Manual mode
is necessary where the outdoor temperature sensor cannot be installed. Manual mode may be
desirable where valuable artwork, instruments or woodwork demand constant humidity. The LCD
Display is backlit and easy to read. Operation and Installation are simple. The GFX3 can be mounted
on an interior wall or on the return duct of the HVAC System.

Precautions

This Humidistat must be installed by a Qualied Technician. Always turn o power to the HVAC system prior to Installing or Servicing the Humidier or Humidistat. Improper
operation can result in over or under humidication. Over humidication can result in condensation, structural damage or mold. Condensation within a building’s structure can
cause a loss of structural strength. Condensation can also enable mold and mildew growth resulting in personal injury and damage to building structure and contents. Older
and poorly insulated structures cannot withstand the same humidity levels as newer well insulated buildings. Read these instructions carefully. This humidistat requires a 24
volt, AC power supply. Improper voltage can cause malfunction or damage to the control. The technical specications for this product and the contents of the user manual are
subject to change without notice.

Specications

Voltage
Switching Load
Outdoor Sensor
Auto Mode
Control Range
Outdoor Temp.

18-30 VAC, 60Hz.
1 amp max. 30 volt
max. 200 ft. 61m.

10%-60% RH.

-10°F, -23°C min.

Manual Mode
Control Range
Accuracy -RH (77°F, 25°C)
Accuracy Drift Per Year
Accuracy Indoor Temp.
Accuracy Outdoor Temp

10%-75% RH
10%-90% ±3%RH
±0.5%RH
±2°F, ±1°C
±2°F, ±1°C

Resolution, Temp or RH
Relay Close
Relay Open

1° or 1%.
Setting - 1%RH
Setting +1%RH

GFX3 Locations

Wall
Installation

YES!

YES!

1” Hole.

Wall base has vents.

If wires are run inside wall,
cut rectangular opening.

Secure the base with the
two plastic anchors and
screws.

YES!

YES!

Duct
Installation

Outdoor Sensor Location

YES !

North Wall

East Wall

Over Snow Line

Inlet of Air Intake

Less than 200’ from

humidistat.

NO!

South Wall

West Wall

Below Snow
Deep in Intake
More than 200’

from humidistat.

1” Hole.

Duct base: no vents.

If wires are run inside duct,
cut rectangular opening.

Secure the base with the
two sheet metal screws.

Wiring

Index -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50

10 27 32 37 42 47 52 57 62

WIRING OUTDOOR SENSOR

SNSR 1

SNSR 2

HUM1

HUM2

AC N

AC L

FIELD
SUPPLIED

WIRING TO FAN POWER HUMIDIFIER

AC L

CONSTANT

24 VOLTS

NOTE: Separate sensor leads from
line voltage wires by at least 4 inches.

SNSR 2

HUM1

HUM2

AC N

SPLICES: NO MORE
THAN ONE PER LEAD.

200 FEET MAX.

SNSR 1

YELLOW
YELLOW

120 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION

WIRING TO 24V. HUMIDIFIER

SNSR 1

SNSR 2

HUM1

HUM2

AC N

AC L

CONSTANT

24 VOLTS

24 VOLT HUMIDIFIER

24 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION

WIRING TO ELITE STEAM HUMIDIFIERS

AC N

AC L

HUM2

HUM1

SNSR 2

SNSR 1

SOLENOID VALVE OR
DRUM MOTOR

N2
GND
N1
AB
AB
GND
IN

NO
C
NC

C

EXT

FAN ALARM

NO
GND

24V

Testing the System

1. Re-assemble system and check all connections.

2. Restore power to the HVAC system.

3. Start HVAC System by raising thermostat setting.

4. Check to see that GFX3 display is on.

5. Set to TEST MODE by pressing “Drop” and
“thermo” together for 5 seconds. The relay will
close and the “+” will flash for 2 minutes or press
a key to set to OFF MODE.

6. Set to OFF mode to verify humidifier operation
ceases.

7. The GFX3 will stay in OFF Mode unless set to
Manual or Automatic mode. See “Operation”.

Operating Modes

PUSH
5 SEC.

Press any button to light the display. Press the “DROP”
button to select the Operating Mode, O, Manual or Auto.

OFF Mode

The Humidier is turned o.

MANUAL Mode

The GFX3 will work to maintain the single
humidity selected. You can set your desired

“DROP”

“UP”

humidity level by pressing “UP” or “DOWN”.
The humidier will turn ON or OFF according

“DOWN”

to your manual setting. The humidier will
operate when the measured relative
humidity falls more than 1% below the set point until
the measured relative humidity is 1% above the set
point. When the humidier is operating, the “+” will
display. Humidity may have to be lowered when
weather is colder or if condensation is suspected. The
settings table to the right or a similar table may be used
to compensate for cold outside temperatures.

Outdoor Suggested
Temperature Setting

-29°C

-20°F

-23°C

-10°F

-18°C

0°F
+10°F
+20°F
+30°F

-12°C

- 7°C

- 1°C

AUTO Mode

The GFX3 will automatically raise the humidity
as the outdoor temperature increases. This provides the highest possible humidity.
The GFX3 will automatically lower the humidity as temperatures drop. This minimizes
the risk of condensation on cold surfaces like windows.

The Auto Humidity Index Set Point may be changed from 0 (low) to 10 (high) by
pressing “UP” or “DOWN”. The Humidity Index is based on the outdoor temperature
and indoor humidity. The humidier will switch ON/OFF according to the calculated
auto humidity index set point. When the humidier is operating, the “+” will display.
Lower Index settings are for older homes with less insulation and poor vapor barriers.
Higher Index settings are for newer homes with complete vapor barriers, triple pane
windows and high R value insulation.
1-2 Older than 1950, no vapor barrier, little insulation.
3-4 Built 1950-1965, no vapor barrier, R6 insulation.
5-6 Built 1965-1975, craft vapor barrier, R11 insulation.
7-8 Built 1980-1990, craft vapor barrier, R19, double pane windows.
9-10 Built after 1990, poly vapor barrier, R38 insulation, foam exterior cladding,
triple pane windows.
If condensation is seen or suspected, reduce index by 2 until condensation stops. The
level bars indicate the humidity index; one bar for two index points.

BLINK !

15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%

AUTO Mode Target Humidity

Humidity Outdoor Temperature °F

1 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
2 3 8 13 18 23 28 33 38
3 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41
4 9 14 19 24 29 34 39 44
5 12 17 22 27 32 37 42 47
6 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
7 18 23 28 33 38 43 48 53
8 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56
9 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59

OFFSET Mode

To change the calibration of the GFX3, an oset may be entered to the Humidity,
Indoor Temperature or Outdoor Temperature displays. Press both “UP” and
“DOWN” buttons together to enter OFFSET mode. The word “OFFSET” and “RH”
will display. Press “UP” or “DOWN” to change the humidistat’s Humidity calibra­tion. Press both “UP” and “DOWN” buttons together again to change the Indoor
Temperature oset. Press both “UP” and “DOWN” buttons together again to
change the Outdoor Temperature oset.

Display a Temperature

Press the “THERMOMETER” button to move between displaying indoor and
outdoor temperature. “Tree” will be displayed when showing outdoor tempera­ture. “House” will be displayed when showing indoor temperature. To change
between °F and °C units, press the “ °F/°C ” button.

Trouble Shooting

“HOUSE” Flashing The indoor temperature sensor has failed.
“TREE” Flashing The outdoor temperature sensor has failed.
Humidier Turns On and O Repeatedly

Check that input voltage is between 18 and 30 volts, AC and not intermittent.
Check that humidistat is NOT mounted: 1. on supply duct. 2. downstream of
humidier. 3. closer to humidier than 12 inches.
Make sure that Outdoor Sensor wiring is not close to line voltage wires.

Humidier Runs Continuously

If humidier operates while HVAC system is o, check that power to humidier
is switched with HVAC operation.
If humidier operates every time HVAC System runs, compare humidity to set
point. If humidity is lower than set point, humidistat will call for operation.

Humidier Does Not Run

Check wiring to/from GFX control. Verify 18-30 volts. Use “TEST MODE” .

Humidier Runs When Air Conditioning Is On

If this is undesirable, change wiring to be powered only in heating periods.

Humidity not high enough

Fault with Humidier. Check humidier, water supply, electrical connections.
HVAC operating time too short. Check humidier trouble shooting.
Humidier undersized. Review humidity load and humidier capacity.

Humidity Too High

Wiring fault. Set GFX3 to “OFF” mode and check that operation ceases.
Outdoor sensor is being kept warm. Check that sensor is not buried in snow,
on south side of house being warmed by sun or is too far inside of air intake.

Limited Warranty

This humidistat is warranted to the consumer against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of installation. Defective
parts will be repaired without charge except for removal, reinstallation and
transportation costs. To obtain repair service under this limited warranty, the
consumer must send the defective part to the manufacturer.

There are no express warranties covering this humidistat other than set forth
above. The implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a particular
purpose are limited in duration to one year. The manufacturer assumes no
liability in connection with the installation or use of this product, except as
stated in this limited warranty. The manufacturer will in no event be liable for
incidental or consequential damages.

Any questions pertaining to this limited warranty should be addressed to the
manufacturer. USA: The manufacturer has elected not to make available the
informal dispute settlement mechanism which is specied in the Magnuson­Moss Warranty Act.

Technical Support

General Filters, Inc.
43800 Grand River
Novi, MI 48375
www.GeneralAire.com
[e-mail]
Tel [phone]

Canadian General Filters, Ltd.
400 Midwest Road
Toronto, ON M1P3A9 Canada
www.CGFProducts.com
[e-mail]
Tel [phone]
FORM GFX3-11 Rev. C 9803-100-002