Grunbeck softliQ:SC Operating Manual

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Water softener | softliQ:SC

Operation manual

General Contact
Germany

Sales

Phone [phone]
Technical Service

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

Availability
Monday to Thursday
7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Copyright
The manufacturer reserves the copyright to this operation manual. Without the written consent of
Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH, no part of this manual may be reproduced in any way, nor
may any part be processed, duplicated or distributed using electronic systems.
Non-compliance with the aforementioned stipulations shall be subject to compensation for damages.

We reserve the right to modifications, in particular technical modifications.
© by Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH

Translation of the original operation manual
Edition of the operation manual: August 2018
Order no.: TD3-BS000en_074

Table of contents

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Table of contents

1

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About this manual ............................................... 4

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1.1Other applicable documents ................................ 4

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1.2Target group ........................................................ 4

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1.3Storage of documents .......................................... 4

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1.4Symbols used ...................................................... 4

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1.5Typographical conventions .................................. 5

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1.6Validity of the manual .......................................... 6

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1.7Type plate ............................................................ 7

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2Safety ................................................................... 8

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2.1Safety measures .................................................. 8

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2.2Technical safety instructions ................................ 8

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2.3Regulations .......................................................... 9

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2.4Responsibilities of the specialist installer and/or

the specialist company ........................................ 9

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2.5Responsibilities of the owner/user ..................... 10

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2.6Admissible regenerant ....................................... 10

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3Product description .......................................... 11

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3.1Intended use ...................................................... 11

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3.2Product components .......................................... 11

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3.3Functional description ........................................ 12

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3.4Response behaviour .......................................... 13

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3.5Optional features for softliQ:SC23 ..................... 13

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3.6Product registration ............................................ 14

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3.7Accessories ....................................................... 15

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4Control unit ........................................................ 17

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4.1Overview ............................................................ 17

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4.2Display screens ................................................. 17

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4.3Navigating the control unit ................................. 20

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4.4Menu structure ................................................... 20

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4.5Code-protected levels ........................................ 22

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4.6"myGrünbeck" app ............................................. 24

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4.7Peer-to-peer connection .................................... 24

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4.8Connection via Wi-Fi router ............................... 25

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4.9Sending an email if there is a malfunction ......... 30

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5Installation ......................................................... 32

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5.1Requirements in relation to the installation site . 32

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5.2Checking the scope of supply ............................ 34

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5.3Installing the product .......................................... 34

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6Start-up .............................................................. 39

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6.1Starting up the product ...................................... 39

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6.2Handing over the product and the operation

manual to the owner/user ...................................43

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7Operation ............................................................44

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7.1Retrieving information .........................................44

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7.2Starting a manual regeneration ..........................45

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7.3Settings ...............................................................45

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7.4Determining and entering the water hardness ....46

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7.5Selecting the time of regeneration ......................48

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7.6Entering the raw water hardness ........................49

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7.7Setting the blending valve ..................................49

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7.8Refilling salt tablets .............................................50

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8Cleaning, inspection, maintenance ..................51

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8.1Cleaning .............................................................51

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8.2Inspection ...........................................................51

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8.3Maintenance .......................................................52

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8.4Consumables ......................................................53

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8.5Spare parts .........................................................54

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8.6Wearing parts .....................................................54

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9Troubleshooting .................................................55

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9.1Display messages ..............................................55

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9.2Other observations .............................................57

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10Shut-down and restart .......................................59

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10.1Shut-down ..........................................................59

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10.2Restart ................................................................59

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11Dismantling and disposal .................................60

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11.1Dismantling .........................................................60

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11.2Disposal ..............................................................61

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12Technical specifications ...................................62

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13Other information ...............................................64

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13.1Explanation of terminology .................................64

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13.2Sodium content in the water ...............................65

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13.3Hardness ranges ................................................65

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14Operation log ......................................................66

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EU Declaration of Conformity ....................................73

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Index .............................................................................74

About this manual

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1 About this manual

1.1 Other applicable documents

The following documents shall be deemed as applicable documents for the softliQ:SC:

● For Grünbeck's technical service/authorised service company:
Technical service manual for softliQ:SC water softener
Order no.: TD4-BS000en

● In addition, the manuals of all accessories used do apply.

1.2 Target group

This manual is intended for specialist installers and owners/users.

1.3 Storage of documents

Keep this manual and all other applicable documents, so that they are available when
needed. Make sure that your specialist installer enters the proper start-up and annual
maintenance in chapter 14 of the operation log.

1.4 Symbols used

This symbol identifies information and instructions that you must comply with for your
personal safety as well as to avoid damage to property.

This symbol identifies information and instructions that you must comply with in order to
avoid damage to property.

This symbol identifies important information about the product or its handling.

This symbol identifies work that may only be carried out by a specialist installer. In
Germany, the installation company must be registered in an installation directory of a water
supply company acc. to §12(2) AVB Wasser V (German Ordinance on General Conditions
for the Supply of Water).

This symbol designates tasks that may only be performed by Grünbeck's technical
service/authorised service company or by specialist installers trained by Grünbeck.

This symbol identifies work that may only be carried out by electronically trained personnel
according to the VDE guidelines or according to the guidelines of similar local institutions.

About this manual

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1.5 Typographical conventions

The following typographical conventions are used in this manual:

1.5.1 Menu paths

Menu paths are shown in a different font. The sequence of the menus is indicated by the ">"
sign.

Status level>Menu level>Manual regeneration

1.5.2 Menu items

Menu items, e.g. within a software menu, are highlighted in grey.

Menu item

1.5.3 Buttons

Buttons are depicted with a doted frame.

BUTTON

1.5.4 Instructions

Single-step instructions or instructions where the sequence of the actions is unimportant are
indicated as follows:

► Action

Multi-step instructions where the sequence of the steps must be observed are indicated as
follows:

1. First step (level 1)

a - First subdivision of the step (level 2)

b - Second subdivision of the step (level 2)

2. Second step (level 1)

Results of an instruction are indicated as follows:

» Result

About this manual

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1.5.5 Lists

Bullet symbols used:

● First bullet point (level 1)

• First bullet point (level 2)

• Second bullet point (level 2)

● Second bullet point (level 1)

1.6 Validity of the manual

This manual applies to the following products:

● Water softener softliQ:SC18

● Water softener softliQ:SC23

About this manual

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1.7 Type plate

The type plate is located under the lid of the brine tank.

Please specify the data shown on the type plate in order to speed up the processing of your
inquiries or orders. Therefore, enter the necessary information in the table below to have it
readily available whenever necessary.

Item Designation Item Designation

1 Brine tank lid 2 Pre-alarm salt supply*

3 Observe operation manual 4 Disposal information

5 SVGW test mark 6 DVGW test mark

7 EAC mark 8 CE mark

9 Nominal pressure 10 Ambient temperature

11 Power supply 12 Power input

13 Protection class 14 Product designation

15 QR code 16 Data matrix code

17 Order no. 18 Serial no.

* softliQ:SC23 only

● Product designation: Water softener softliQ:SC__

● Order no.: 188___

● Serial no.: ________________

2

9

16

14

13

15

10

12

11

18

17

3

5 6

817

4

Safety

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2 Safety

WARNING: Contamination of drinking water due to improper handling.

● Risk of infectious diseases.

► Have the installation, start-up and annual maintenance carried out by specialist

installers only.

2.1 Safety measures

● Carefully read this manual before operating your product.

● Install the product in a frost-free room. Otherwise, the system may suffer
irreparable damage. Water damage may occur as a result.

● Only use genuine spare parts for maintenance or repair. If unsuitable spare parts
are used, the warranty for your product will be void.

● Do not use any products which have a damaged mains cable. This can lead to
injuries due to electric shock. Have damaged mains cables replaced without delay.

● Mains cables may only be replaced by the manufacturer or authorised personnel.

● Comply with the hygiene instructions in chapter 8. Failure to comply can result in
microbiological contamination of your drinking water installation.

● Only have persons working on your system that have read and understood the
present manual and that are qualified to do such work due to their vocational
training.

● Only operate the product if all components are installed properly.

● Safety equipment must never be removed, bridged or otherwise tampered with.

● This product can be used by children over 8 years of age and persons with limited
abilities or lack of experience if they are supervised or instructed in the safe use of
the product and understand the resulting hazards.

● Cleaning and maintenance must not be carried out by children.

● Keep the product away from children.

2.2 Technical safety instructions

This manual contains information and instructions that you must comply with for your own
personal safety as well as to avoid damage to property. The information and instructions are
highlighted by a warning triangle and have the following structure:

Safety

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CAUTION: Type and source of danger.

● Possible consequences

► Preventive measures

The following signal words were defined subject to the degree of danger and may be used in
the present document:

● DANGER means that serious or fatal injuries will occur if the corresponding

precautionary measures are not taken.

● WARNING means that serious or fatal injuries may occur if the corresponding

precautionary measures are not taken.

● CAUTION means that damage to property may occur if the corresponding

precautionary measures are not taken.

● NOTE (without a warning triangle) means that damage to property may occur if the

corresponding safety measures are not taken.

2.3 Regulations

When installing and starting up the system, amongst others, comply with the following
regulations and guidelines:

● Statutory regulations on environmental protection

● Provisions of the employers' liability insurance companies

● DIN EN 806 Specifications for installations inside buildings conveying water for

human consumption

● VDI 6023 part 5 - 7

2.4 Responsibilities of the specialist installer and/or the
specialist company

Comply with the following instructions to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the
product:

● Only perform activities described in this manual.

● Perform all activities in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations.

● Brief the owner/user on the function and operation of the product.

● Advise the owner/user of the maintenance of the product.

● Inform the owner/user about possible dangers that can arise during the operation
of the product.

Safety

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2.5 Responsibilities of the owner/user

Comply with the following instructions to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the
product:

● Arrange for a specialist installer to carry out installation, start-up and maintenance.

● Have the product explained to you by the specialist installer.

● Only perform activities described in this manual.

● Do not carry out any activities that are explicitly marked for a specialist installer.

● Only use this product as intended.

● Make sure that the required inspection and maintenance work is carried out.

● Keep this manual.

2.6 Admissible regenerant

The softliQ:SC water softener may only be operated with the following regenerant:

● Salt tablets according to EN 973 type A

Other regenerants are not allowed.

Product description

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3 Product description

3.1 Intended use

● The softliQ water softener may only and exclusively be used for the softening and
partial softening of cold drinking water.

● The softliQ water softener protects water pipes and connected water-carrying
systems from scaling resp. from malfunctions and damage caused by scaling.

● The softliQ:SC18 water softener is designed for the continuous supply of one- and
two-family homes (max. 5 persons) with soft water.

● The softliQ:SC23 water softener is designed for the continuous supply of three- to
five-family homes (max. 12 persons) with soft water.

3.2 Product components

Item Designation Item Designation

1 Shut-off valve for raw water 2 Blending valve

3 Locking screw 4 Shut-off valve for soft water

5 Connection block 6 Control unit

7 Brine valve 8 Housing of technical equipment, lower part

9 Exchanger 10 Control valve

11 Housing of technical equipment, upper part 12 Water test kit "Total hardness“

13 Sieve bottom 14 Brine tank

15 Illuminated LED ring* 16 Brine tank lid

*softliQ:SC23 only

1 2 3 4 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

16
15

Product description

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3.3 Functional description

3.3.1 Ion exchange process

The softliQ water softener works according to the ion exchange process. The exchange of
calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions causes the water to become soft.

Figure Explanation

The exchanger contains ion exchanger resin in the form of small resin
beads.

Sodium ions adhere to each resin bead.

Hard water containing lots of calcium and magnesium ions flows through
the exchanger.

The ion exchanger resin absorbs calcium and magnesium ions from the
water in exchange for sodium ions.

This reaction is called ion exchange.

The calcium and magnesium ions are retained in the exchanger.

Soft water without calcium and magnesium ions, but containing sodium
ions, leaves the exchanger.

This process continues until no more sodium ions are available. The ion
exchanger resin is exhausted.

The exchange can be reversed if a large amount of sodium ions is
added.

The exchanger is flushed with brine (water containing salt).

By their sheer number, sodium ions displace calcium and magnesium
ions on the ion exchanger resin.

This water containing calcium and magnesium ions is discharged to the
drain.

The initial condition is restored.

The ion exchanger resin is regenerated, and thus ready for operation.

Sodium ion Calcium ion Magnesium ion

Your dishwasher works according to the ion exchange process, too.

Product description

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3.3.2 Intelligence of the softliQ:SC water softener

Based on the consumption values of the past three days, the system capacity is
automatically adjusted to the individual water consumption of the owner/user. The water
softener softliQ:SC offers two selections. The energy and resource saving Eco Mode is set
by the factory. In case of considerable fluctuations in the water consumption, however, it is
possible to switch to the Power mode in the settings menu. The currently set mode is
displayed in Information menu 1.

A regeneration is released daily, if at least 50 % of the current system capacity is used up.
The point of regeneration automatically is placed in a time period where usually no water is
consumed. The point of regeneration can also be set at a fixed time. Should water be
required during the regeneration process, non-softened water is available.

During each regeneration, only the used-up system capacity is regenerated and only as
much salt is used as necessary. For hygienic reasons, the system releases a complete
regeneration after four days at the latest, as required by DIN standard 19636-100.

The intelligence of the softliQ water softener allows for an efficient operation at the lowest
salt and power consumption possible.

3.4 Response behaviour

● Eco mode
Resource and energy-saving operating mode for households with a consistent
withdrawal profile.

● Power Mode
Optimised provision of soft water for households in which the withdrawal profile
fluctuates considerably.

3.5 Optional features for softliQ:SC23

3.5.1 Pre-alarm salt supply

Once per regeneration, a light sensor briefly checks the filling level of the regeneration salt. If
the filling level is below the minimum, the control unit provides feedback in the form of a
warning message. This is indicated by a yellow symbol in the control unit. After the minimum
filling level is being undershot, the control unit of the softliQ:SC23 calculates how many days
the salt supply is expected to last, and indicates this value in days in the warning message.

The days the salt supply is expected to last are calculated based on the water consumption
of the past days. In case of fluctuating water consumption, the indicated range of the salt
supply also fluctuates.

Product description

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3.5.2 Illuminated LED ring

The illuminated LED ring is used as a visual signal during water treatment, operation and
malfunction. In the standard setting, the illuminated LED ring behaves as follows:

● Lights up during water treatment

● Lights up during operation of the control unit

● Intermittent flashing in case malfunctions do occur

● Intermittent flashing in case of pre-alarm salt supply

If required, the LED ring can be set to light up continuously or be completely deactivated
(refer to chapter 4.4).

3.6 Product registration

If you register your product, the warranty for your product will be extended by 1 year.

You can register your product in the following ways:

● Registration on Grünbeck’s website (www.gruenbeck.com).

● Registration using the myGrünbeck app (refer to chapter 4.6).

Product description

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3.7 Accessories

You can retrofit your product with accessories. Please contact your local Grünbeck
representative or Grünbeck’s headquarters in Hoechstaedt/Germany for details.

Figure Product Order no.

EXADOS dosing computer EK 6 softliQ 115 470

EXADOS dosing computer ES 6 softliQ 115 480

Electronically controlled dosing technology for corrosion protection or to stabilise the total hardness.

Safety device protectliQ:A20 126 400

Product to protect against water damage in one- and two-family homes.
For other sizes, please inquire

Regeneration water delivery pump 188 800

To discharge the regeneration water into drain pipes located at a higher level.

Drain connection DN 50 188 875

For professional installation acc. to DIN EN 1717

Extension kit for connection hoses 187 860e

To extend the hose to 1.6 m.

Product description

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Figure Product Order no.

Supplementary blending valve 187 870

To generate a second blending hardness (e.g. for a separate pipe to the kitchen, technical
applications, etc.).

Supplementary soft water outlet 187 875

To easily branch off a 0 °dH (0 °f, 0 mol/m³) pipe (e.g. for a separate pipe for technical applications,
etc.).

Hall cable with clip and pulse division
softliQ-EXADOS GSX, VGX

119 645

Hall cable with clip and pulse division
softliQ-EXADOS VFR, VGR

119 642

For connection to an EXADOS dosing computer provided by the client.

Insulation kit softliQ:SC 188 870

For professional insulation of the connection equipment.

Control unit

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4 Control unit

4.1 Overview

Item Designation Item Designation

1 Display 4

ENTER button

2

HOME button

5

▼ Down arrow button

3

▲ Up arrow button

Only those buttons light up, which currently have a function assigned.

4.2 Display screens

4.2.1 Status level

The status level is the basic display of your water softener. It provides you with information
on the current status. As standard, the display is switched off and only HOME is illuminated.

Pressing HOME briefly activates the display.

If the menu level is selected but no button is pressed for more than 2 minutes, the control
unit returns to the status level and the display turns off. Parameters that have not been
saved are discarded.

2

1

3

4

5

Control unit

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The following messages are displayed in the status level:

Figure Explanation

The water softener is working properly.

Yellow symbol

Maintenance due!

Notify Grünbeck's technical service/authorised service company.

Yellow symbol

Salt supply low! Please refill! Still sufficient for xy days

Red symbol

The water softener is not working properly.

1. Refill salt.

3. Wait for 10 minutes.

4. Perform a manual regeneration (refer to chapter 7.2).

Red symbol

The water softener is not working properly. A malfunction has occurred
(refer to chapter 9).

Wi-Fi symbol

This is displayed when there is a Wi-Fi connection with a router.

Control unit

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4.2.2 Menu level

In the menu level, you may select the following submenus:

Figure Explanation

Information

This menu offers useful information on the water softener
(refer to chapter 7.1).

Manual regeneration

In this menu, you can manually release a regeneration
(refer to chapter 7.2).

Settings

In this menu, you can adapt your water softener individually
(refer to chapter 7.3).

Raw water hardness

In this menu, you can enter the current value
(refer to chapter 7.6).

Start-up

In this menu, you can start the automatic start-up program
(refer to chapter 6.1).

Technical service

The technical service menu is reserved for Grünbeck's technical
service/authorised service company and specialist installers trained by
Grünbeck and is protected by a code.

Control unit

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4.3 Navigating the control unit

Step Designation

HOME

Call up the menu level from the status level

▼ or ▲

Scroll through the menu level

ENTER

Select submenu

▼ or ▲

Scroll to the menu items

ENTER

Activate value or selection

▼ or ▲

Change values or select setting

ENTER

Save value or setting

HOME

Do not save value or setting (cancel procedure)

HOME

Back to the menu level

HOME

Back to the status level

HOME

Call up the menu level from the status level

4.4 Menu structure

For more information about the contents of the menu level, refer to chapter 7.

Menu level Menu items Values/settings

Information Information 1 In operation:

Graphical display of the system capacity
(blue symbol)
Display of ECO/Power mode

During regeneration:

Graphical display of the regeneration
(grey symbol)
Current regeneration step
Fill brine tank/salting/slow rinse/
backwash/washing out

Information 2 Current flow rate

Residual capacity

Current system capacity

Information 3 Current regeneration step

Remaining time of maintenance interval

Information 4 Time since last regeneration

Over (system capacity used up during last
regeneration)

Password for app connection

Control unit

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Menu level Menu items Values/settings

Manual
regeneration

To start, press ▼

and ▲ and hold for
2 seconds.

Settings Change language German

English

French

Italian

Change hardness
unit

°dH

°f

mol/m³

ppm

°e

Configure Wi-Fi Activated/deactivated

Search for Wi-Fi

Select Wi-Fi

Enter password

Wi-Fi network status

App network status

Selecting the time
of regeneration

Automatic/fixed

Response
behaviour

Eco mode/Power mode

Display on standby Activated/deactivated

Setting the
maintenance
interval

Setting in days

Illuminated LED

ring function
(SC23 only)

During water treatment, operation, malfunction

During operation, malfunction

During malfunction

Illuminated continuously

Deactivated

Raw water
hardness

Enter raw water
hardness

In selected hardness unit

Start-up Begin start-up

Technical
service

Code-protected
area

Control unit

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4.5 Code-protected levels

The settings described here may only be performed by specialist installers or Grünbeck's
technical service/authorised service company.

Status level>Menu level>Technical service

1. Touch ENTER briefly.

2. Enter the code with ▼ and ▲.

3. Confirm with ENTER.

4.5.1 Installer level (code 113)

The settings described here may only be performed by specialist installers or Grünbeck's
technical service/authorised service company.

● In the extended installer level, extended parameters and values can be changed:
Voltage-free contact function

• N.C.

Contact closed if mains voltage is applied and there is no malfunction.

• N. O.

Contact closed in the event of a malfunction

• Regeneration message

Contact closed during the entire regeneration.

• Regeneration water delivery pump (factory-setting)

Contact closed during the regeneration steps of first filtrate, salting, slow rinse
and backwash.

This parameter must be set in connection with the regeneration water
delivery pump available as an accessory (refer to chapter 3.7).

• Enable residual hardness monitoring

Contact closed when the flow rate at soft water meter = 0 m³/h.

• Fault signal forwarding

In addition to system malfunctions, with N.C. a message is also sent if the
connection between the connections of the programmed input is interrupted.

Setting this parameter allows fault signals of adjacent devices (e.g.
protectliQ, EXADOS, etc.) to be forwarded via e-mail.

● Delay time for residual hardness monitoring

0.1 … 9.9 min (factory setting 1.0).

● Programmable output function

Control unit

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• Release of regeneration (factory-setting)
Start of a complete regeneration if the contact at the programmable input
closes.

• Regeneration lock
The regeneration is locked as long as the contact at the programmable input is
closed; manually released and automatic regenerations after a power failure
take priority.

• Fault signal forwarding
When the contact opens, a text stored using the myGrünbeck app is sent as an
e-mail.

If additional devices are connected in conjunction with the fault signal
forwarding function, it is possible to adapt the text stored in the myGrünbeck
app for sending emails accordingly.

4.5.2 Technical service level (Code 290)

In the technical service level, extended parameters and values can be changed.

● Selecting the time of regeneration

• Automatic (factory-setting)

• Fixed

● System type

• softliQ:SC18

• softliQ:SC23

• Free single system

● Soft water meter pulse rate

• Display only

● Regeneration water meter pulse rate

• Display only

● Perform double regeneration

• 0 (factory setting) or 1 (perform function). The factory setting (0) is reactivated
automatically upon completion of the function.

● Search for reference position of transfer valve

• 0 (factory setting) or 1 (perform function). The factory setting (0) is reactivated
automatically upon completion of the function.

● Search for reference position of regeneration valve

• 0 (factory setting) or 1 (perform function). The factory setting (0) is reactivated
automatically upon completion of the function.