Lennox Hcsteam-16, Hcsteam-35 Owner's Manual

E N G I N E E R I N G D A TA

I N D O O R A I R Q U A L I T Y

HCSTEAM

Healthy Climate

Residential Whole-Home Steam Humidier

Bulletin No. 210605

June 2011

®

MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION

HCSTEAM - 16

®

HCSTEAM = Healthy Climate

Steam Humidier

FEATURES

WARRANTY

All covered components - limited ve-year warranty
in residential applications, one year in non-residential
applications.

Refer to the Lennox Equipment Limited Warranty
certicate included with the unit for additional details.

APPROVALS

All models are ETL/Intertek listed.

APPLICATIONS

The HCSteam humidier is designed to directly add
desired humidity levels to a duct distribution system for
improved comfort.

The humidier produces non-pressurized steam which
is then used to humidify the air.

Water quality can affect the operation of this unit, the
humidier water supply should be untreated potable
water, not softened or demineralized.

Unit Type

Nominal Capacity

16 = 15 US Gallons per day
35 = 35 US Gallons per day

The water converted into steam is automatically
replaced through an electric ll valve. Periodically,
based on the water quality, the unit will also drain and
add some water to dilute the build−up of minerals in the
Steam Generator Cylinder.

The humidier has been designed for installation on
a wall. Since it is an atmospheric steam humidier, it
should be placed close to the point where the steam
will be used to minimize the steam hose length and the
amount of condensate.

Included with the humidier:

• Steam nozzle

• Steam hose (10 ft.)

• Steam nozzle condensate drain hose (10 ft.)

• Water ll hose (6 ft.)

• Air proving pressure switch (required)

FEATURES

I

J

C

Steam Generator Cylinder

AB

Humidifier Controller

C

Power Button

D

Fill and Tempering Valves

E

Drain Pump

F

F

B

E

D

Water Drain

G

Water Inlet and Filter Screen

H

Steam Hose Connection

I

Condensate Drain Connection

J

H

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 2

G

FEATURES

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

This product must be installed by qualified HVAC and electrical contractors and in compliance with local, state,
and federal governing codes.

Humidifier is mounted on a wall and should be located close to the ductwork to minimize the length of the
steam hose for maximum performance.

The steam hose length between the humidifier and the ductwork varies depending on the type of installation.
See Installation Instructions.

Steam nozzle must be mounted in a supply duct. Nozzle must be installed downstream in a straight section of
duct with 3 ft. of straight metal ductwork free of elbows or obstructions.

The preferred installation for the steam hose and nozzle is higher than the humidifier for proper condensate
drainage.

Provisions to an open drain for periodic water draining from steam cylinder must be provided.

Air proving switch is required for proper operation and must be mounted close to the humidifier and ductwork
to ensure that the blower is operating prior to humidifier operation. Pressure tap must be installed in supply
duct. A second tap may be used in the return air duct for differential pressure applications.

Water for humidification should have the following characteristics:

• Water pressure between 20 and 110 psi

• Water temperature between 33 and 104°F

• Flow rate 0.21 GMP (minimum)

• Water hardness less than 400 ppm3 of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

• Water conductivity from 125 to 1250 microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) for HCSteam-16

• 1 Water conductivity from 350 to 1250 microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) for HCSteam-35

• Absence of organic compounds

DO NOT use with softened water.

Refer to the Installation Instructions for detailed information.

Required Items

1/2 inch water line.

25 Amp dedicated electrical circuit.

1-1/4 inch drain tube extension (plumbed from the humidifier to an open drain, water drain receiver or a
condensate pump capable of holding one gallon of 140º F water then plumbed into a 3/4 inch drain line).

1

For HCSteam-35 model with low conductivity water conditions (125-350 μS/cm range) order optional Steam Generator Cylinder. See Optional Accessories.

CYLINDER

STEAM

FEATURES

OUTLET

8

ELECTRODE

CYLINDER

STRAINER

7

STEAM

5

12

11
DRAIN
PUMP

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION

The HCSteam steam humidier is an electrode
humidier. It produces steam for humidication by
passing electric current through metal electrodes (7)
immersed in water inside a plastic steam cylinder (5).
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 humidier controller will
open the water ll valve (1) and allow water to enter
the cylinder. A ow restrictor (4) prevents the unit from
lling too quickly or with too much pressure. Water
ows up the ll tube (2) and into the ll cup (3). Water
then ows over the dam in the ll cup (3), which creates
a 1-inch air gap to prevent backow of contaminated
water into the feed lines, it then ows through the ll
tube (6) and into the bottom of the steam cylinder (5).
Any backow or overow of water travels through the
overow hose (13) to the drain.

As the water lls the cylinder, it will reach the
electrodes (7) and current will begin to ow. As
the water continues to ll the cylinder, the current
will increase. 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 ll valve closes (1) and the
water will begin to warm and produce steam. If the
water reaches the cylinder full probe (9) or if current
rises too much, the drain pump (11) will be activated to
drain away excess water, reducing the water level in
the cylinder and reducing the current ow 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 140ºF in accordance
with local and national standards.

FULL PROBE
9

HL

TEMPERING

Periodically, based on the incoming water conductivity,
the unit will run the drain pump (11) to drain and add
some water to reduce the mineral concentration. A lter
screen (12) in the cylinder helps to prevent mineral
debris from blocking the drain pump (11).

In case the humidier remains powered, but idle for
more than 48 hours (without producing steam), the
cylinder will automatically be emptied to eliminate
stagnant water inside.

If there is no water in the cylinder, there will be no
current ow and no steam production. The electrodes
do not burn out, but they will eventually become coated
with mineral deposits and the cylinder will require
replacement.

NOTE - Field installed air proving switch (furnished and
required) allows humidier to operate only when indoor
blower is operating.

VALVE

DT

10

3
FILL CUP

13
OVERFLOW
HOSE

2
FILL TUBE

6
FILL TUBE

4
FLOW
RESTRICTOR

1
FILL VALVE

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 4

FEATURES

HUMIDIFIER CONTROLLER

Microprocessor Humidity Controller automatically
manages all the functions of the unit, and includes a
self-diagnostic system with easy-to-read indicators
(numeric and icons). A comprehensive information
display shows the operation of the system at a glance.

1. Display is % of nominal
capacity

2. Maintenance or adjust­ment

3. Display is amperage
(default)

4. Steam is being pro­duced

5. Cylinder filling

6. Foaming

7. Water presence inside
the cylinder

8. Cylinder draining

9. LED icons indicate: left:
operation (green);
middle: power (yellow);
right: alarms (red)

operation power alarm

10. Drain button for manual
draining of cylinder and
confirming parameter
values

11. ON/OFF button ("I" de­pressed is the ON posi-

OFF)

12. Reset button to reset
alarms and access pa­rameters

13. Level of output: 33%,
66%, 100%

14. Fan relay is activated.

14

13

Controller Features

Controller features a eld programmable reduction in
maximum unit capacity (in 5% increments), allowing the
unit to adapt to the size of the area being humidied.

Includes an ON/OFF switch and a proportional input
function, a remote enabling input function for required
air proving switch (furnished), alarm relay contacts
for eld supplied alarm, ow sensor input and 24V
power supply output (for optional Healthy Climate

®

humidistat).

Ambient humidity control is managed by an external
humidistat (not furnished).

Steam production can be programmed for a specic
output capacity of 20% to 100% (in 5% increments).
Factory default settings:
HCSteam-16 - 100%, HCSteam-35 - 70%.

The optional Healthy Climate® Digital Automatic
Humidistat includes an on/off setting and a fully
proportional mode for steam output.

Water level is controlled by two valves (ll and
tempering) and the drain pump.

Automatic monitoring and ushing of the steam
generating cylinder is based on conductivity of the
electrode current draw.

Humidier automatically controls the amount of mineral
salts in the water by activating the ll valve and
drain pump. This reduces the amount of current ow
between the electrodes in the cylinder and eliminates
current leakage through the drain.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1012

Drain button allows manual drain/rell cycle for
maintenance.

Automatic monitoring and periodic drainage to handle
unacceptable water conditions.

Programmable to allow for a modulating hi-limit
humidity sensor or outdoor temperature sensor for
automatic trimming of the output to avoid condensation.

Hour counter keeps a record of operating hours and
has programmable maintenance alarm schedules.

Digital LCD Display

1. Instant current (default) / Steam production % /
Hour counter (hold Reset button to scroll values)

2. Active alarm

11

3. Electric current draw in amps

4. Steam production in progress

5. Cylinder lling in progress

6. Foam detected in cylinder

7. Water in cylinder

8. Cylinder drain in progress

Alarm and Pre-Alarm Functions

Controller panel has a green LED (operation), a
yellow LED (power) and a red alarm LED

LCD Display will show an error code related to the
following:

• Internal memory error

• Control board conguration not valid

• High current alarm

• Low production, low supply water conductivity or
excessive foam/lime scale in the Steam Generator
Cylinder

• Steam Generator Cylinder almost exhausted,
already used for 2000 hrs

• Fill alarm, unable or slow ll (current does not
increase within time-out)

• Drain alarm, unable to drain (current does not
decrease within time-out)

• Steam Generator Cylinder exhausted (critical
performance detected)

• Foam detected

• Steam Generator Cylinder lifetime expired (2000
hours)

• High controller temperature (above 176°F)

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 5

FEATURES

STEAM HEATING SYSTEM

Heating Electrodes

Designed for long life.

Immersion type.

Constructed of expanded low carbon steel, zinc-plated
and dynamically formed for precise current control.

Wiring to electrodes is secured by lock washer and nut.

Steam Generator Cylinder

Plastic cylinder is UL listed.

Single cylinder full electrode operates as an
independent circuit from the main power electrodes.

Full cylinder sensor detects foaming of the water and
end of cylinder life.

Power Drain Pump

Drain pump is used for ushing the system and for
maintaining proper water and current levels.

Pump drains water if there is excess water in the
steam generator cylinder and during steam generation
process to provide proper water level and minerals mix.

If the current generated in the water reaches excess
levels the humidier controller activates the drain pump
to drain a quantity of water to restore the current to
acceptable levels.

Tempering valve reduces the water temperature to
140°F before draining.

Drain connection can be from the bottom (vertical) or
rear (horizontal) of unit.

Anti-Foaming System

Automatic detection and correction of water foaming.

Steam Hose

Embedded steel spiral.

FDA approved (220°F, tested for 5000 hr).

Water Fill Hose

3/4 in. NPT female garden hose connection at each
end 90° angle on one end.

Air Proving Switch (Required)

Allows humidier to operate only when indoor blower is
operating.

Cabinet

Rugged, corrosion resistant molded plastic.

Removable front cover (4 Phillips head screws) for
easy access for servicing and maintenance.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

icomfort Touch® Communicating Thermostat
(part of the icomfort™ Residential Communicating
Control System)

The icomfort Touch® Communicating Thermostat
recognizes and connects
to all icomfort™-enabled
products to automatically
congure and control the
system (based on user­specied settings) for the
highest level of comfort,
and performance. Also
recognizes model and serial
number information for icomfort™-enabled products to
simplify installation.

Large full color touchscreen - no hidden buttons or
doors.

A simple easy-to-use menu-driven touchscreen
allows complete system conguration. Scheduled
maintenance alerts, system warnings and
troubleshooting are also displayed in simple English on
thermostat screen.

Conventional products (not icomfort™-enabled) can
easily be added and controlled by the icomfort Touch®
Communicating Thermostat. NOTE - HCSteam
humidiers are not icomfort™-enabled.

(NOTE - An icomfort™-enabled indoor unit (furnace
or air handler) is required for proper operation with a
conventional outdoor unit.)

A tabbed interface lists all programming options on the
screen.

icomfort™-enabled Equipment (Indoor and Out­door Units only)

Installer setup screens allow quick and simple system
conguration without a manual, Installer can also run
tests on complete system or individual components for
easy maintenance and troubleshooting.

Serial communications bus (RSBus), with less wiring
than a conventional heating/cooling system, allows
system communication. Uses 4-wire, 18-gauge
standard thermostat wiring.

See the icomfort Touch® Communicating Thermostat
Engineering Handbook bulletin in the Controls section
for more information.

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 6

FEATURES

INDOOR RH 26%

WED AN 21 12:35AM

MODE

ON

AUTO

HOME SCHEDULE OPTIONS

SETAT

SETAT

HEAT

COOL

SCHED

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES (CONTINUED)

ComfortSense® 7000 Touchscreen Thermostat

Electronic 7-day, universal, multi-stage, programmable,
touchscreen thermostat.

4 Heat/2 Cool.

Auto-changeover.

Controls humidity during
cooling mode.

Offers enhanced
capabilities including
humidication /
dehumidication / dewpoint measurement and control,
Humiditrol® control, and equipment maintenance
reminders.

Easy-to-use, menu-driven thermostat with a back-lit,
LCD touchscreen.

Remote outdoor temperature sensor (optional)
allows the thermostat to display outdoor temperature.
Required in dual-fuel and Humiditrol® applications.

See the ComfortSense® 7000 Engineering Handbook
bulletin in the Controls section for more information.

Healthy Climate® Digital Automatic Humidistat

Basic humidity control (on/off or proportional) and
temperature display.

Control Buttons:

• Power button

• °F/°C display

• Set button for changing

humidity setpoints.

• SLEEP button for

changing day/night modes.

• PRG button for programming timed settings and

setting the clock.

• Up/Down buttons to change humidity setpoint and

time.

Built-in humidity sensor.

Outdoor temperature sensor furnished.

24VAC powered directly by the humidier.

LCD with alphanumeric characters and icon graphics
for Humidity and Temperature (indoor/outdoor),
Humidity Mode, Sleep Mode, Auto Mode, Lock Mode,
Program Timer On.

Large LCD display shows humidity (or temperature)
setpoint while the small display shows temperature (or
time) setpoint.

Built-in clock (with backup) for automatic humidity
control. Two time settings per day.

Error code display.

Lock mode indicates a parameter has been set.

Dimension (H x W x D): 3-3/8 x 5-1/2 x 1-3/8 in.

Healthy Climate® Water Conductivity Test Kit

A conductivity meter is recommended for testing the
water.

Measures total
dissolved solids
(TDS) and
temperature.

Automatic
Temperature Compensation (ATC).

Water-resistant housing

Measurement Range: 0-5000 ppm

Digital Calibration (Push button)

Auto-off function, data-hold function and low-battery
indicator.

Display: large and easy-to-read LCD screen includes
simultaneous temperature reading.

Factory-calibrated with a 342 ppm NaCl solution. The
meter can be recalibrated with digital calibration using
the Push buttons, rather than a screwdriver.

Includes cap and CR2032 battery.

Steam Generator Cylinder For Low Conductivity
Water (HCSteam-35 Model Only)

Normal water conductivity range is 350-1250 μS/cm.
For low conductivity water conditions (125-350 μS/cm
range) order optional Steam Generator Cylinder.

MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES

Replacement Steam Cylinders

Steam cylinders are available for annual
replacement (no more than 2500 operating hours).

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 7

SPECIFICATIONS

Model No. HCSteam-16 HCSteam-35

Performance Duct Steam Injection US gallons per day 15 35

lbs. per hour 5.5 12

Steam pressure 3.81 in. wg 3.81 in. wg

Input Water Type Potable water Potable water

Conductivity Range 125-1250 μS/cm

Ambient
Conditions

Storage
Conditions

Operating Temperature 34°F to 104°F 34°F to 104°F

Operating Humidity 10 to 60% RH 10 to 60% RH

Temperature Storage 14°F to 158°F 14°F to 158°F

Humidity Storage 5 to 95% RH 5 to 95% RH

Connections Water ll connection 3/4 in. NPT 3/4 in. NPT

Drain connection 1.25 in. OD 1.25 in. OD

Steam Hose 1-1/4 OD, 7/8 in. ID 1-1/4 OD, 7/8 in. ID

Drain Water Temperature < 140°F < 140°F

Drain Pump Flow 2.16 US GPM 2.16 US GPM

Weight Data ­lbs.

Shipping 22 22

Empty 18 18

Installed with water 26 26

1

350-1250 μS/cm

ELECTRICAL DATA

Voltage 115/120V-1ph 220/240V-1ph

Amps 16.40 16.95

Maximum overcurrent protection 25 25

Power relays (amps) (2) 20 (2) 20

Ground connection Wire Nut Wire Nut

Electrode power cables 10 AWG 10 AWG

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

icomfort Touch® Communicating Thermostat 49W95 49W95

2

Remote Outdoor Temperature Sensor

X2658 X2658

(for dual fuel, Humiditrol® and outdoor temperature display)

3

Discharge Temperature Sensor 88K38 88K38

ComfortSense

4

Remote Outdoor Temperature Sensor

®

7000 Thermostat Y2081 Y2081

X2658 X2658

(for dual fuel and Humiditrol)

Healthy Climate

Healthy Climate

1

Steam Generator Cylinder for Low Conductivity Water (below 350 μS/cm) - - - Y3484

®

Digital Automatic Humidistat Y3760 Y3760

®

Water Conductivity Test Kit Y3480 Y3480

MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES

Replacement Steam Generator Cylinders Y3481 Y3482

For HCSteam-35 (low conductivity water models) - - - Y3484

1

For low water conductivity conditions (125-350 μS/cm range) order optional Steam Generator Cylinder for Low Conductivity Water (Y3484).

2

Remote Outdoor Sensor may be used with an icomfort®-enabled outdoor unit for a secondary (alternate) sensor reading. Sensor may also be used with a conventional

outdoor unit.

3

Optional for service diagnostics.

4

Remote Outdoor Temperature Sensor for ComfortSense 7000 Thermostat must be connected directly to the thermostat.

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 8

HUMIDIFICATION LOAD REQUIRED - GALLONS PER DAY

(Reference: AHRI Guideline F-2008)

Type of

Construction

8000 10,000 12,000 16,000 20,000 24,000 32,000 40,000

Volume of Building ft

Tight 4.3 5.3 6.4 8.5 10.6 12.7 17.0 21.2

Average 8.6 10.6 12.8 17.0 21.3 25.4 34.0 42.6

Loose 12.7 15.9 19.1 25.5 31.8 38.1 51.0 63.6

Legend: HCSteam-16

HCSteam-35

Exceeds capacity of one HCSteam unit

NOTES - Tight = 1/2 air change per hour.

Average = 1 air change per hour.
Loose = 1-1/2 air changes per hour.

3

(approximate)

HCSteam - Steam Humidier / Page 9

DIMENSIONS - INCHES (MM)

17-5/8

(448)

13-7/16

5

(128)

MOUNTING
HOLES

(341)

10-1/8

(257)

C L

5

(128)

8

(204)

1-5/8

(40)

7/8

2-3/8

(24)

(60)

STEAM

2-1/8

STEAM

2-3/4

(70)

(54)

2-1/2

(65)

C L

CONDENSATE

3/8

(9)

1-7/8

2-3/4

(48)

(70)

1-1/8 dia. (30)

1-5/8 dia. (40)
CONDENSATE

(600)

23-5/8

2 dia. (51) 7/8 dia. (23)

2-3/8"

(60)

DRAIN

2

(51)

1-1/2

(38)

2-3/8

(60)

3-7/8

(98)

5/8 (16)

3-5/8

(92)

DRAIN

4

(102)

INSTALLATION CLEARANCES - INCHES

Top 6 in.

3-7/8

(98)

ELECTRICAL

FILL

3-1/4

(82)

3-1/8

(78)

FILL

1-3/8

(35)

1-1/2

2-1/8

(37)

(53)

ELECTRICAL

1-3/8

(36)

2-1/2

(62)

Bottom 6 in.

Left Side 6 in.

Right Side 6 in.

Front 24 in.

REVISIONS

Sections Description of Change

Maintenance Supplies New Section - Added replacement steam cylinders.

Visit us at www.lennox.com

For the latest technical information, www.lennoxdavenet.com

Contact us at 1-800-4-LENNOX

NOTE - Due to Lennox’ ongoing commitment to quality, Specications, Ratings and Dimensions subject to change without notice and without incurring liability.
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property damage or personal injury.
Installation and service must be performed by a qualied installer and servicing agency. ©2011 Lennox Industries, Inc.