Nortec RH, RH2, RH Space 2548758, RH Duct 2548759 Installation And Operation Manual

Important: Read and save these instructions. This guide to be left with equipment owner.

2548006-A| 8 OCT 2009

RH

Installation and
Operation Manual

Includes installation, operation
maintenance and troubleshooting
information for your RH Electric
Steam humidifier

Thank you for choosing Nortec.

INSTALLATION DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

MODEL #

SERIAL #

CYLINDER #

Proprietary Notice

This document and the information disclosed herein are proprietary data of WALTER MEIER LTD. Neither this
document nor the information contained herein shall be reproduced, used, or disclosed to others without the
written authorization of WALTER MEIER LTD., except to the extent required for installation or maintenance of
recipient’s equipment. All references to the Nortec name should be taken as referring to WALTER MEIER LTD.

Liability Notice

Nortec does not accept any liability for installations of humidity equipment installed by unqualified personnel or
the use of parts/components/equipment that are not authorized or approved by Nortec.

Copyright Notice

Copyright 2008, WALTER MEIER LTD. All rights reserved.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Receiving and Unpacking

2 RH Models

3 Options and Accessories

5 Installation

6 Typical RH Installation

7 Location

8 Mounting with Keyholes

9 Plumbing

10 Steam Lines and Condensate

Returns

14 Electrical

15 External Controls

38 Maintenance and

Servicing

39 Required Maintenance

43 Extended Shutdown

44 Maintenance Checklist

45 Troubleshooting

47 General Troubleshooting

49 RH Faults

51 Wiring Diagrams

52 Spare Parts
56 Warranty

20 Options and Accessories

21 Start Up

22 Installation Check

23 RH User Interface

24 Start Up Procedure

26 Start Up Checklists

29 Operation

30 LED Status Lights

30 Selecting an RH Setpoint

31 Humidifier Components

34 How the Humidifier Works

36 Humidifier Configuration

Introduction

CAUTION: Servicing

• Disconnect main power before any servicing.

• The plumbing and electrical compartments contain high voltage components and

wiring. Access should be limited to authorized personnel only.

• During and following operation of the humidifier, the steam and components in

contact with the steam such as the blower pack, steam lines, steam distributors,
and condensate lines can become hot and can burn if touched.

• Walter Meier does not accept any liability for installations of humidity equipment

installed by unqualified personnel or the use of parts/components/equipment
that are not authorized or approved by Walter Meier.

CAUTION: Electrical

• All electrical work should be done according to local electrical code.

• Electrical connection to be performed by a licensed electrician.

CAUTION: Plumbing

• Plumbing to be performed by a licensed plumber.

• Drain water from humidifier can be very hot. Do not drain to public sink.

• All plumbing work should be done according to local plumbing code.

CAUTION: Installation

• Do not mount on hot surfaces.

• Do not mount in area where freezing can occur.

• Do not mount on vibrating surface.

• Do not mount on floor.

• The RH produces steam at atmospheric pressure no devices which could block

steam output should be connected to the steam outlet.

• Steam lines must be installed so that no restriction can produce backpressure in

the humidifier.

• Regardless of selecting on/off or modulating control method, Nortec humidifiers

must have a closed circuit across its on/off security loop control terminal to
operate. Nortec highly recommends the use of a duct high limit humidistat.

1 | Introduction

Receiving and Unpacking

1 Check packing slip to ensure ALL material has been delivered.
2 All material shortages are to be reported to Nortec within 48 hours from receipt of goods.

Nortec assumes no responsibility for any material shortages beyond this period.

3 Inspect shipping boxes for damage and note damages on shipping waybill accordingly.
4 After unpacking, inspect equipment for damage and if damage is found, notify the shipper

promptly.

5 All Nortec products are shipped on an FOB factory basis. Any and all damage, breakage or

loss claims are to be made directly to the shipping company.

Before Installation

1 Ensure that available voltage and phase corresponds with humidifier voltage and phase as

indicated on humidifier’s specification label.

2 Ensure that the dedicated external fuse disconnect is of sufficient size to handle the rated

amps as indicated on the specification label. Refer to local codes.

3 Report any discrepancy immediately to the site engineer.
4 Ensure sufficient clearances will be available as described in the Location section on page

7.

5 Ensure steam lines can be routed to distributor or blower pack as described in Steam Lines

and Condensate Returns on page 10.

MODEL:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

PHASE:

XXXX

VOLTS 1:

XXXXXXXXX

VOLTS 2:

XXXXXXXXX

VOLTS 3:

XXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXX

DATE:

HZ:

F.L. A:
F.L. A:
F.L. A:

XXXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX

MADE I N CANADA

S/N:

XXXXXXX

XXXXXX

KW:

XXXXXX

KW:
KW:

XXXXXX

Figure 1: Specification Label Location

RH Models

The RH is the most advanced residential steam humidifier available and provides steady and
reliable humidification for a home using the same proven cylinder technology as Nortec’s
commercial NHTC. The RH is available in 2 models. The duct model is designed for connection
to a steam distributor installed in a supply air duct or for connection to a remote blower pack.
The space model is designed for applications where humidity is to be introduced directly into
the space being humidified. The two models can be differentiated by the grille in the
humidifiers front cover, see Figure 2: RH Models.

Introduction | 2

Space Model
(blower pack)

Duct Model

Figure 2: RH Models

Table 1: RH Specifications

Model - Part No. Volts Capacity

lb (kg)

110-120 4 (1.8) 1.5

RH Space - 2548758

RH Duct - 2548759

208 6.9 (3.1) 2.6 12.7
220-240 8 (3.6) 3.0
110-120 5 (2.3) 1.9

208 8.7 (4.0)
220-240 10 (4.6)

KW Amps Phase Max Ext

Fuse

1 20 202

3.3 15.9

3.8

1 20 202

Standard

Cylinder

Net/Full

Weight

lb (kg)

16 / 22

(7.5 / 10.0)

15 / 21

(7.0 / 9.5)

Options and Accessories

Nortec provides a complete line of options and accessories for every humidification application.
The following options and accessories are available and may have been delivered with your RH
humidifier. Refer to the installation instructions that came with the accessories for their proper
installation and operation.

Table 2: Options and Accessories

Option / Accessory Used For

Steam Distributors Adding steam into air ducts.

Remote Blower Pack Adding steam into a space remote from the humidifier.

Digital or Modulating Control Humidistats Controlling the output of the humidifier based on sensed RH.

Digital or Modulating High Limit
Humidistats

Air Proving Switches Insuring humidification only occurs when air is moving in a duct.

3 | Introduction

Preventing over humidification in a duct by shutting down or
throttling down the humidifier when duct RH gets high.

Introduction | 4

Installation

6 Typical RH Installation
7 Location
8 Mounting with Keyholes
9 Plumbing
10 Steam Lines and Condensate Returns
14 Electrical
15 External Controls

15 Control Location

15 Control Wiring

16 On/Off Control Wiring

17 Modulating Control Wiring

19 Optional Outdoor Temperature Reset

20 Options and Accessories

20 Remote Blower Pack

5 | Installation

Typical RH Installation

Figure 3: Typical Humidifier Installation

Installation | 6

Location

Mount on a suitable wall or vertical surface. Do not sit the on the floor to allow clearances
required for plumbing and electrical connections. Clearance dimensions shown are for
reference only and are the minimum required for maintenance of the humidifier. Consult local
and national codes before final location and installation. Nortec does not accept responsibility
for installation code violations.

• Install only in areas with ambient temperature 41-104°F (5 – 40°C) relative humidity

5 - 95%.

• When possible install below the steam distributor. If mounted above the steam distributor

take care to provide proper steam line routing and proper condensate traps.

• DO NOT locate the humidifier any further then absolutely necessary from the steam

distributor location as net output will be reduced as a result of heat loss through the steam
line.

• When possible, mount the RH humidifier at a height convenient for servicing.

Note: Do not mount on hot surfaces, where freezing can occur, vibrating surface, or
floor.

Overhead clearance

for s pac e m odels

only , see table

7 ft (2.1 m)
min. Height

for space

models on ly.

5-95%

Side clearance

for s pac e models

only, se e table

As Close as

Possible to Steam

Distributor

36 in. ( 92 c m )

duct m odel

in. ront learance

mf c

Additional front c learance

for space models,

see t abl e

Mount Humidifier

Level

Humidifier Output lb (kg) Side in. (cm)

<4 (1.8) 12 (30) 12 (30)

6 (2.7) 16 (40) 18 (46)

8 (3.6) 18 (46) 18 (46)

7 | Installation

24 in. ( 61 cm)

Min Height

Additional Clearance for Space Models Only

Figure 4: Mounting Location / Clearance

Overhead in. (cm) Front in. (cm)

36 (92)
42 (107)
48 (120)

t

Mounting with Keyholes

1 The RH humidifier is wall mounted using a keyhole located on the back of the unit’s

cabinetry.

2 Use #8 x 2 in. (5 cm) screws mounted into 2x4 studs or better. 2 screws are needed, one for

hanging the unit and one for securing it so it will not lift off the keyhole.

3 Install the top screw so that 1/4 in. (6 mm) is exposed. Raise the unit and place the screw

head through the keyhole.

4 Make sure the unit is level and then insert and tighten the second screw through the bottom

hole. Tighten the top screw. See Figure 5: Mounting With Keyholes.

Note: Use screws longer than 2” (5 cm) if drywall or other spacer is present.

Keyhole

Insert screw so tha

1/4 in. (6 mm) ex pos ed,

hang unit, tighten

screw.

2x4 or Other
Structural
Member

Hole

Install Second Screw
after hanging

humidifier

Figure 5: Mounting With Keyholes

#8 x 2 in. ( 5 c m )
Wood Scr e w s

Installation | 8

Plumbing

1/8 in. NP T

Use 1/ 4 in.

compression

fitting to c onnec t

supply line t o

1.2 in. (30 mm). OD
un-t hr eaded outlet

with factory s upplied

bent hos e and clam p.

Always ins tall a water

unit.

shut - off valv e.

Note:
1 Fill and drain lines
can also be routed
through opening in
back of cabinet.
2 Optional cov er
2548313 Is available
to c onceal plum bing
connect i ons.

Air gap requir ed. 2 1/2 in. to 7/8 in.
Copper reduc er is ideal. (NORTEC option

P/ N 2522172) Hos e m us t not
touc h the bottom of the funnel.

Min. 7/ 8 in. OD dr ain line.
Keep as shor t as possible.
Slope down t o f loor
drain or m ain drain.

Use 1/ 2 in. OD copper to within 4 ft ( 1.2 m) of hum idifier

Note:

• Drain water is very hot, do not drain to public sink.

• Do not use plastic pipe for drain.

*Pipe and water s hut-off v alv e not s upplied by Nor tec.

Figure 6: Water Supply and Drain Connection

• All water supply and drain line connections should be installed in accordance with local

plumbing codes.

• Supply water should at 30 to 80 PSIG and be between 150-1200 Microsiemens (Hardness

0-12 GPG). Consult factory for water conditions outside of this range. Water softener may
be used if conductivity remains in recommended range.

• Install water shut off valve before humidifier to facilitate servicing.

• The drain line should not end in a sink used frequently by personnel, or where plumbing

codes prohibit it. Route to a floor drain or equivalent for safety reasons.

• Insure drain line is adequately sized to provide free and easy draining and that an air gap is

installed as shown. A restricted drain can cause cylinder water to over concentrate and
result in poor operation.

• If a drain is not located near the humidifier use a condensate pump rated for hot drain water

such as Nortec’s Part Number 1429527.

For humidifiers installed in some cities including the City of Los Angeles:

A city-approved spring-loaded double ball CHECK VALVE must be installed by
contractor on the potable water inlet to the humidifier. Recommended valve

9 | Installation

manufacturer: Watts Regulator, phone number 508-688-1811, Size depending on
supply line 1/4”, 3/8”, or 1/2” NPT inlet and outlet, Model #7.

Steam Lines and Condensate Returns

MAIN RULES FOR ATMOSPHERIC STEAM LINES

• Slope the steam lines

• Trap condensate (Use full size ‘T’ for Traps)

• Condensate traps must be a minimum of 3 in. (15 cm) in height or duct static

pressure + 2 in. whichever is greater.

• Steam lines must not have any restrictions which could cause back pressure.

• Insulate with 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) pipe insulation

• Follow recommended materials, size and length see tables.

Use Appropriate Slope Insulate Pipe

10 D egrees

n

o

i

t

c

e

r

i

D

m

a

e

t

S

1 ft (30 c m )

2 in.
(5 c m )

2 Degrees

S

t

e

a

m

r

D

i

e

o

t

i

c

S

t

e

a

m

D

i

0.5 i n.
(12 mm )

Steam Line

Material

Copper Tube

Stainless Steel

Tube

Nortec Hose < 10 < 3

Note: * These diameters require a reducer at humidifier and steam distributor connection. Use Nortec part number 1115444 at

humidifier to prevent backpressure caused by condensation collecting at the reduction.

Steam Output

(lb/hr)

1ft (30 cm)

Figure 7: Main Steam Line Requirements

Table 3: Recommended Steam Line Material

Steam Line Length

0-10 0-3

10+ 3+

0-20 0-6

20+ 6+

Table 4: Maximum Recommended Length of Steam Line

n

r

e

c

t

i

o

n

ft m

Distance

(ft)

1 in. (2.5 cm) pipe

insulation

Steam Line Description

3/4 in MED-L Tubing (7/8 in. OD)

*1 in. MED-L Tubing (1 1/8 in. OD)

1 1/2 in. MED-L Tubing (1 5/8 in. OD)

*2 in. MED-L Tubing (2 1/8 in. OD)

Part Number 1328810 (7/8”)

Possible Loss

(lb/hr)

Steam Line Size

(in)

5 8 1.0 3/4

10 15 1.5 3/4

NOTE: 1 Use one inch copper steam line for longer runs.

2 The use of steam line other then copper, stainless steel tube or Nortec supplied steam line will void the

warranty and may adversely effect the operation of the humidifier

Installation | 10

2 x duct

height min.

4 ft (1.2 m) min. to
any o b stru ction

12 in.

(30 cm)

min.

Mount inside if
du c t wall is

> 3/4 in. (19 mm)

3/4 in. (19 mm)
max. w all

thickness

Mount distributor to

side or bottom of duct

Figure 8: RH Distributor Installation

Figure 10: Steam Distributor Above Humidifier (Hose)

Figure 11: Steam Distributor Below Humidifier (Hose)

2 x duct

height min.

4 ft (1.2 m) min. to
any obstruction

2/3 Duct
Height

12 in.

(30 cm)

min.

Mount ASD distributor

to side of duct

11 | Installation

Figure 9: ASD10 Distributor Installation

12 in.(30 c m)

min. Radi us

2 in. ( 5 c m )

min.

1 ft (30 cm)

min. bef ore

any bend

Connect Condensate

Hose t o Fill Cup

1 ft (30 cm)

Condensate
line

Support
Brackets

Condensate
Trap

Connect Steam
Hose t o Cy li nder

Figure 10: Steam Distributor Above Humidifier (Hose)

Min 12 in.

(30 cm)

radius

Support B rac k et s

Hose will s often
over time
proper s upport

Is necessary

1 ft (30 cm)
min. Before

any bend

1 ft (30 cm)

min.

Condensate

Trap

To Drain

Figure 11: Steam Distributor Below Humidifier (Hose)

Installation | 12

.

12 in

(30 cm)

min.

radius

Suppor t brackets

Hose will sof ten
over t im e
proper support
Is necessary

1ft (30 cm)

min. bef ore

any bend

Obstruction

2 in.
(5 cm)

min.1 ft (30 cm)

1 ft (30 cm)

min.

Use full size condensate tee

at low point. Slope lines up

to “ T” an d imm e diately after it.

Figure 12: Steam Distributor Below Humidifier With Obstruction (Hose)

To drain

To drain

Condensate trap

not 12 in ( 30 cm )

below distributor

No condensate
tr ap at vertical
transition

Steam line
not sloped

13 | Installation

Figure 13: Common Steam Line Errors

Electrical

Caution: Wiring to be performed by a licensed Electrician.

Figure 14: Primary Power Connection

Installation | 14

External Controls

Control Wiring

Controls are available from Nortec as accessories. If controls were not ordered with humidifier,
they must be purchased or supplied by others. The following information is relevant to all
controls, factory supplied or otherwise. For wiring use minimum 18 AWG and keep as short as
possible.

The RH humidifier can be operated with either On/Off controls only or with On/Off controls and
one modulating input. The modulating input can be from a duct high limit or humidity control
humidistat. See Humidifier Configuration on page 36 to configure the RH for modulation.

Control Location

Caution: Failure to wire the humidifier in accordance with the wiring instructions could
cause permanent damage. Such errors will void the warranty.

1 Air Proving Switch

• Locate so that it can sense air flow or lack of it.
2 Duct High Limit – Can be modulating or On/Off humidistat.

• Locate at least 10 feet from steam distributor or far enough that under normal conditions

steam is fully absorbed.

3 Humidity Control - Can be Modulating or On/Off humidistat

• Can be located either in return air duct (preferred) or in room being humidified.

• Avoid placing near discharge diffuser of humidified air.

• Mount in area representative of room humidity (draft, doorways, sunlight, or overhang such

as a shelf can affect reading).

15 | Installation

Note: Regardless of selecting on/off or modulating control method, Nortec humidifiers
must have a closed circuit across its on/off security loop control terminal to operate.
Nortec highly recommends the use of a high limit humidistat and an air proving switch
in series for this function.

Figure 15: Control Location