DAMPP-CHASER Piano Life Saver System User manual

BACKSIDE VERTICAL 8-PART SYSTEM
which includes TWO HUMIDIFIERS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
TOOLS REQUIRED: This System includes 1/4” hexhead screws. To install the System, you will need:
• screw starter • pliers • small hammer • 1/2” or 1-1/4” hole saw (see page 4)
• cordless drill • manual driver • scissors • stapler
The following is a list of components:
.Purpose
3 18-inch Dehumidifiers Remove excess moisture from the piano
1 Humidistat Controls the Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
2 Humidifiers Bring moisture into the piano
1 Low Water Sensor Probe Measures water depth in Humidifier
2 Humidifier Heater Bars Warms pads to aid evaporation
2 Clean Sleeves® (on Humidifier Heater Bars) Protects Humidifier Heater Bar from mineral corrosion
1 Two-light Panel Shows System is energized and when to add water
1 Single-Light Cube Signals when Humidifier pads are dry
1 Smart Bracket Attached to Humidifier heater bar, senses when pads are dry
1 6-inch Aluminum Tube Used to anchor the Humidistat under the keybed
1 Watering Tube (Small Diameter Plastic Tube) Enables the delivery of water to the Humidifier
2 Humidifier Pads Used to vaporize moisture throughout the piano
2 Moisture Distribution Baffles Dispense moisture throughout the piano
1 4-foot Large Diameter Plastic Tube Joins two Humidifiers
1 Watering Can For adding water to the Humidifier
1 Bottle of Humidifier Pad Treatment Additive that prolongs the life of the pads
2 6-foot Extension Cords (1 brown and 1 white) Used to connect Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers to Humidistat
1 Hardware Kit Described below
1 System Care and Maintenance Sheet / 5-Year Warranty Certificate
While we make every effort to ensure that all components are included, it is a good idea to check that none are missing prior to
arriving at the installation location. In the unlikely event that a part is missing, please call 800-438-1524 with information from the
end of the box and the assembler’s name. We will provide same-day shipment of the replacement part.
NOTE: Please read these instructions completely before beginning, as some of the later steps are affected by earlier steps.
This Backside Vertical System was developed for use in Steinway uprights, player pianos, Disklaviers, and any other vertical where
the bottom front cavity is so narrow it will not accommodate a standard Humidifier. With this System, two small Humidifiers are
joined by means of a large diameter tube. As one Humidifier is being filled, it drains into the other Humidifier until the levels in both
Humidifiers are the same. Throughout usage, the water level in both Humidifiers will remain the same. The low water warning light
will blink when the level in both Humidifiers drops below the sensor probes located in just one of the Humidifiers. There is just one
watering tube for the interconnected System.
The hardware kit includes the following:
6 Angle brackets Used to mount the 18-inch Dehumidifiers
25 1/2-inch #8 screws Used to mount clamps and clips
2 3/4-inch #8 screws Used to attach the light panel
2 2-inch #6 screws Used to mount Humidistat
4 Alcohol pads Used to clean piano before mounting Velcro
8 1/4-inch clamps Used to anchor wires, cords, and cord bundles
2 5/8-inch clamps
1 3/4-inch clamp
3 Half clamps Attaches the end of the watering tube for easy use
3 Serrated washers Anchor half-clamps by biting into the wood
2 1/2-inch clamps Anchor watering tube
2 Stand-off C-Clips Mount Humidistat on 6-inch tube
4 C-Clips Mount 6-inch tube and anchor tube between Humidifiers
4 Pin pegs Used to mount Moisture Distribution Baffle above Humidifiers
2 Super Plugs Used on cut ends of extension cords

2
DAMPP-CHASER CORPORATION
800-438-1524 • 828-692-8271 • Fax: [phone]
www.PianoLifeSaver.com • e-mail: [e-mail]
Post Office Box 1610 • Hendersonville, North Carolina 28793
To the Piano Technician Installer
CAUTION
You are responsible for making a proper System installation by carefully following these
instructions.
PLEASE PAY STRICT ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
1) The vertical piano can be exposed to excessive condensation from the Humidifier if the baffle is
not installed.
2) If a cord/wire in the System is installed in direct contact with a Dehumidifier heating rod, over
time, the cord/wire could dry out and crack, posing a fire or shock hazard. Carefully anchor cords/
wires away from the Dehumidifiers with the ties and clamps provided with the System.
3) Do not use a Dehumidifier in the action of the piano. To dehumidify the action, we recommend
you install a 36-inch, 25-watt Dehumidifier outside the case, under the keybed, and plug this
Dehumidifier into the System’s Humidistat.
4) Advise your clients that they should use only Dampp-Chaser PAD Treatment in the Humidifier.
Other brands of water treatment may contain acids which can corrode strings and metal parts in
the piano. Use of another brand of treatment voids the System’s warranty and may also void the
piano manufacturer’s warranty.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1) The newly-installed Piano Life Saver System will alter the piano’s wood-moisture content and,
therefore, alter the tuning. Ideally, the System should be installed 3 weeks BEFORE the piano is
tuned.
2) A frayed or cracked electrical cord/wire can cause a fire or shock. If the piano runs over the
power cord it can be damaged. Inspect the System’s cords/wires each time you service the piano.
3) Installation of the Piano Life Saver System must be made by a professional Piano Technician or
Tuner. Any warranties stated or otherwise implied are void if the installation is made by someone
other than a professional Piano Technician or Tuner.
WW
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Warranty Service Call Parranty Service Call P
arranty Service Call Parranty Service Call P
arranty Service Call Policy:olicy:
olicy:olicy:
olicy: The 5-Year Warranty for this System covers parts only. Dampp-
Chaser Corp. assumes no responsibility for piano technician labor in maintenance, repair or
warranty service calls related to the Piano Life Saver System. When Systems are priced according
to the manufacturer’s guidelines, most installers agree there is sufficient compensation to cover
a possible warranty service call. At the time you install the System, please explain any post-
installation fees to the System owner.

3
STEP 1.
Move the piano into a position that enables you to reach both
the front and back without having to move the piano. When
you unpack the System box, you will notice items inside one of
the Humidifiers. To remove those items, first, remove the heater
bar which is mounted across the top of the Humidifier, then
remove the Humidistat, the Two-Light Panel, and the Single-
Light Cube which is in a separate plastic bag. Notice the Low
Water Sensor Probe mounted on the side of the Humidifier.
Replace the heater bar on the Humidifier. A Smart Bracket (SB)
is attached to this heater bar. The SB signals via a red light (the
Single-Light Cube) when the pads no longer wick water and
require replacement. The SB also turns off the Humidifier
heater bar when the pads fail or when the Humidifier runs out
of water.
The blue Humidifier pads are designed to wick water over
the heater bar, producing warm moist air currents which rise
and are circulated throughout the piano. Be sure all cords
are outside the Humidifiers then drape a pad across each
heater bar and push the pads down into the Humidifiers as
shown in Figure 1. Note the plastic Clean Sleeves®on the
Humidifier Heater Bars. The sleeve protects the Heater Bar
from corrosion caused by excessive minerals in the water.
STEP 2. HUMIDISTAT INSTALLATION®
It should be noted that the two end vent holes on the top of the
Humidistat (above the Humidifier outlet) act as a “chimney” to
vent heat from the Humidistat. The holes should not be
obstructed in any way in the final installation.
Later in the installation you will need to plug the Water Sensor
probes telephone jack, the Smart Bracket phono jack, and the
Light Panel telephone jack into the jack outlets at the bottom of
the Humidistat. The Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers will also be
plugged into the Humidistat.
Remove the bottom panel. Read all of STEP 2 before deciding
where to locate the Humidistat.
Figure 2 shows the Humidistat hanging from the 6-inch tube
provided. To install the 6-inch tube,use 1/2" screws to mount
two C-Clips (Figure 3) 1-1/2" apart anywhere along the right
side of the keybed. Note: There should be at least 3 inches of
space on each side of the Humidistat to allow space for
plugging in cords.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
Always mount the
Smart Bracket
probes outside the
plastic Sleeve.

4
FIGURE 6
Attach two stand-off C-Clips to the top of the Humidistat by
inserting the rectangular base of the clips into the rectangular
holes on either side of the 4 vent slots (Figure 4). Rotate the
clips 1/4 turn. You will feel the clips lock into place. Now snap
the clips onto the 6-inch tube (Figure 2, page 3).
You may prefer mounting the Humidistat on the side of the
piano (Figure 5) using Velcro and the 2-inch screws. Clean the
area on the side wall with the alcohol pad. Let the area dry
thoroughly.
Attach the two Velcro strips to the Humidistat (Figure 6).
Remove the backing from the strips and push the Humidistat
firmly against the wall. Insert the 2-inch screws through the
Humidistat case and into the wall. Use the screws to mount
the Humidistat. Do not use the Velcro for permanent
mounting.
FIGURE 5
Drill a hole in the corner
of the bottom board
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 7
Drill a 1/2-inch hole (Figure 5) through the bottom board at the
treble end that will enable you to run the Humidifier and
Dehumidifier cords from the back of the piano to the Humidistat.
NOTE: If, during Step 6, you decide to run the Humidistat power
cord through this hole, you will need to make the hole 1-1/4
inches.
In moving the cords through the hole, some installers find it
helpful to elevate the piano by placing a thick phone book or
similar device under the end of the piano where the hole is
located (Figure 7). Elevating the piano also helps to ensure that
you don’t drill into the floor.

5
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 8
STEP 3. HUMIDIFIER INSTALLATION
Install the Humidifiers (Figure 8) on the back side of the piano.
Make sure the elbow openings are facing each other as in
Figure 1. The Humidifier with the watering tube should be
placed at the bass end of the piano. Some pianos will have 4
bays (4 openings contained by 5 beams or posts). Some will
have 5 bays (5 openings contained by 6 beams). In the case of
the 4-bay piano, use the 2 inner bays. In the case of the 5-bay
piano, use bays 2 and 4 counting from either side.
Mount the large diameter tube on the elbow of each Humidifier.
The elbows are sealed at the factory to make sure they do not
leak, and tightening or loosening them may destroy this seal.
Once you are assured that you have the best, level route
between the Humidifiers for the tube, mark the tube for cutting,
making absolutely sure there is enough tubing to go over both
elbows. Note: the use of C-Clips (shown in Figure 8 and 10) to
support the tube will require 1 or 2 inches additional length of
tube, so allow for this before cutting. Before cutting off excess
tubing, move the locking rings toward the center of the tube
(Figure 9).
Move the locking rings to the ends of the cut tubing. Position
them 2 inches from each end. Slip the tube end over the elbow
on each Humidifier. It’s important that you support the elbow
when pushing on it to avoid breaking the seal between the
elbow and the Humidifer. It may be easier to support the
elbows with the Humidifiers outside the piano. A little water on
the inside of the tube ends will provide some lubricant to
enable the tube to slip over the elbow.
Slip the locking rings onto the tube ends. The prongs for the
locking rings should face outward (Figure 10). With the tube
mounted on the Humidifiers, measure where the tube will lie
across the beams and then mount the supporting C-Clips
accordingly on the beams, using 1/2-inch screws (Figure 10).
Now you are ready to secure the Humidifier in the bays with the
Velcro which is attached to the sides and bottoms of the tanks.
Be aware that the Humidifiers may overhang the back of the
piano. This is okay—the Velcro will hold them in place. Note
the attachment of the Velcro on the beams in Figure 8. Use
alcohol pads to clean the outside of the beams 4 to 5 inches up
Treble end Bass end
Moisture Distribution Baffles
Dehumidifiers
Low Water
Sensor
Humidifier
with Heater Bar
Humidifier
with Heater Bar
C-clips
support tube
Velcro
Velcro
FIGURE 10
Watering
Tube
Left Humidifier
Elbow
Elbow
Right Humidifier
Tube between Humidifiers
supported by C-clips
The prongs for the locking rings
should face outward
Move rings toward center of tube
before cutting off excess tubing.

6FIGURE 14
from the baseboard and also clean the baseboard where the
Humidifier rests. When dry, remove the white backing from the
Velcro attached to the Humidifier (3 pieces) and place the
Humidifier in the center of the bay. The white foam on the
Humidifiers faces the piano. Attach the Velcro on the sides of
the Humidifier with the exposed adhesive to the beams. Repeat
this procedure with the second Humidifier. Insert the tube in the
supporting C-Clips on the beams.
The Humidifier Heater Bar with the Smart Bracket should be
mounted on the Humidifier which is located at the treble end of
the piano. Attach the cords from both Humidifier Heater Bars to
the white extension cord. Run the cut end of the white
extension cord through the hole previously drilled in the bottom
board. Connect a Super Plug to the cut end of the white
HUMIDIFIER cord in the inside of the piano (Figure 11). Plug
this Humidifier cord into the HUMIDIFIER outlet on the
Humidistat inside the piano. Run the Smart Bracket cord (from
the treble end Humidifier Heater Bar) and the Low Water
Sensor cord through the hole and attach the jacks in the
appropriate outlets on the bottom of the Humidistat (Figure 12).
STEP 4. BAFFLE INSTALLATION
Install the moisture distribution Baffles above the Humidifiers
between and at the top of the bays as shown in Figure 8,
page 5. Properly installed, the Baffle should resemble a small
roof. The Baffle is attached to the piano with two pin pegs
pushed through the top of the Baffle roof, one at each end, into
the wood of the piano (Figure 13). Use Velcro to mount the
Baffle where you encounter a metal surface.
STEP 5. DEHUMIDIFIER INSTALLATION
Three 18-inch Dehumidifiers are provided. The Dehumidifiers
must be installed with the cords at the lower end. Notice the
placement of the Dehumidifiers in Figure 8, page 5. Six angle
brackets are used to mount the Dehumidifiers (Figure 14). The
angle brackets are bent to fit 9-inch wide bays. You can bend
them more, if necessary, to fit the bays on the piano. Just be
careful not to break the rivet holding the clip to the bracket.
Mount an angle bracket to secure each Dehumidifier at both
ends. Use the 1/2-inch screws to attach the angle brackets to
the beams.
FIGURE 13
Pin Pegs
FIGURE 11
Super Plug
To open, use fingernail
to pull metal spring
back.
Place wire from heater bar in
groove. Be sure it lies flat
without twist.
To close, press hard until
spring snaps shut. Pliers
work great.
Brown Extension
Cord with Super
Plug (from
Dehumidifiers)
White Extension
Cord with Super
Plug (from
Humidifier
Heater Bars)
Pin Peg
Velcro
Velcro
Å
Å
Pin pegs in Baffle
Angle Bracket
Use Velcro on metal surfaces
instead of pin pegs
FIGURE 12

7
Connect the three Dehumidifiers to the brown extension cord.
Run the cut end of the brown extension through the same hole
in the bottom board as the white extension cord. Connect a
Super Plug to the cut end of the brown DEHUMIDIFIER cord in
the inside of the piano (Figure 11). Plug the brown extension
cord Super Plug into the DEHUMIDIFIER outlet on the
Humidistat (Figure 12, page 6).
STEP 6. ROUTING THE HUMIDISTAT
POWER CORD
If you have not already done so, run the Humidistat power cord
up beside the action and out the lid (Figure 15). Alternatively,
you may route the main power cord for the Humidistat out of the
piano through the hole previously drilled in the piano bottom
board. To provide strain relief for the cord, knot it and secure
the knot to an appropriate wood area with one of the 1/4-inch
clamps and a 1/2-inch screw.
After you have completed installation of the System, plug the
Humidistat into a non-switchable wall outlet.
Notice the Fused Plug on the Humidistat Power Cord in Figure
16. In the event of damage to the cord, or a direct lightning
FIGURE 18
Placement of Light Panel
FIGURE 15
Two-light
panel
SB
light
FIGURE 17
Tongue-latch and prongs
insert in openings
For several years we have included fused
plugs on all Systems which protect pianos
in the United Kingdom and “blown” plug
fuses are a rare occurrence.
Includes (2) 5-AMP,
125-Volt, fast-acting
fuses.
Å
strike, the fuse in the plug will “blow out” and prevent the flow of
electricity through the power cord, thus preventing any further
damage. The plug contains two 5-AMP, 125-Volt glass fuses. If
the green POWER light is not on, advise the piano owner to
unplug the System and inspect the cord for damage. If there is
no damage, remove the fuse from the brass clips inside the
plug and replace it with the spare fuse in the plug. If the cord is
damaged, the Humidistat should not be plugged into an
electrical outlet. Call our technical support number for
instructions, [phone] or [phone].
Only 5-AMP, 125-Volt , 5 mm x 20 mm, fast-acting, glass fuses
should be used in the plug. Never use a fuse with greater
amperage than 5 AMPS. These fuses are readily available at
electronics stores such as Radio Shack. In the event you cannot
find the fuses, contact Dampp-Chaser for purchasing
information.
STEP 7. LIGHT PANEL INSTALLATION
The Two-Light Panel (Figure 17) features a green light marked
POWER, to indicate the System has electrical power, and a
yellow light marked WATER, which blinks when the Humidifier
needs water. The Single-Light Cube is controlled by the Smart
Bracket (SB). The red SB light, marked PADS, will blink when
the pads need to be replaced. Connect the two-light panel and
the single-light cube together by inserting the tongue-latch and
two prongs (on the side of the single-light cube) into the
corresponding openings on the two-light panel. Insert the
metal prongs first while firmly pushing the panels together.
NOTE: the tongue-latch is slightly bent to create a snug fit
between the two panels.
To mount the light panel select two 3/4-inch screws and three
1/4-inch clamps with three 1/2-inch screws.
Run the light panel cord so that the panel is at an appropriate
location under the keybed. Usually this is at the extreme treble
end beside the leg of the piano. Use the two 3/4-inch screws to
attach the light panel under the keybed (Figure 18). Secure the
SB red light cube with the clamp and screw provided. Plug the
telephone jack from the light-panel into the Humidistat outlet
marked LIGHTS. Attach the light panel cord with three 1/4-inch
clamps and three 1/2-inch screws.
FIGURE 16

DAMPP-CHASER CORPORATION
Toll-free Tech. Support: 800-438-1524 • 828-692-8271 • Fax: [phone]
www.PianoLifeSaver.com • e-mail: [e-mail]
Post Office Box 1610
Hendersonville, North Carolina 28793
8PN 20341 Rev. 8/10
STEP 8. WATERING TUBE INSTALLATION
Run the Watering Tube to the top of the piano as shown in
Figure 8, page 5. It’s important to curve the tube so it can be
pulled out freely for watering. Figure 19 shows the two types
of watering tube clamps included with the System, the 1/2-inch
clamp and the half-clamp. At the top of the piano, mount half-
clamps to hold the end of the tube so it can be removed easily.
Use 1/2-inch screws with serrated washers to anchor the half-
clamps and washers (the serrated washers bite into the wood to
stabilize the clamp). Use the 1/2-inch clamps with 1/2-inch
screws to hold the watering tube between the half clamps and
the Humidifier.
MAKE A NEAT INSTALLATION:
Bundle and secure excess cords in the front and back of the
piano by using the remaining clamps mounted with 1/2-inch
screws.
STEP 9. BACKSIDE COVER INSTALLATION
Install the Cover according to the instructions found in the Cover
box.
After the Piano Life Saver System and the Cover are com-
pletely installed, plug the Humidistat into a non-switchable wall
outlet where it cannot be turned off and therefore will be fully
energized at all times.
STEP 10. WATERING THE SYSTEM
The final step is to fill the Humidifier with water. FILL THE
WATERING CAN TO THE RED LINE ON THE LABEL. Instruct
the piano owner to add one can of water each time the yellow
Low Water Light blinks. Also instruct the piano owner to add
one capful of PAD Treatment to each full watering can. PAD
Treatment inhibits mildew in both the watering tube and the
Humidifier and increases the life of Humidifier pads.
Warning: Add only Dampp-Chaser PAD Treatment to the
Humidifier water. Other brands of water treatment may
contain acids which corrode strings and metal parts in the
piano. The use of other water treatment preparations will void
the warranty of the Piano Life Saver System and may void the
warranty of the piano manufacturer.
If tap water comes from a well or is “hard” water, meaning
containing significant minerals, we recommend using distilled
water. If distilled water is used, add PAD Treatment (according
to the label instructions) to ensure there are adequate electro-
lytes in the Humidifier to support operation of the low water
warning light. Without sufficient electrolytes, the light will blink
continuously, even when the Humidifier is full. Do not put salt
in the Humidifier, as it is corrosive.
To fill the Humidifier, simply pull the watering tube out of the half
clamps, connect the spout inside the watering tube, raise the
watering can, and add water. Then, disconnect the watering can
from the tube and push the tube back into the half clamps. The
System is designed so siphoning will not occur.
This completes the installation of the System.
Humidifier Maintenance: To ensure a properly functioning
Humidifier, the pads should be changed at least twice each
year. This applies whether a Smart Bracket is used or not.
Change them during the fall service of the piano and then again
in the spring. Replacement pads can be obtained from Dampp-
Chaser or from any Dampp-Chaser distributor. Clean the
Humidifiers once yearly. When you clean the Humidifiers, also
replace the plastic Clean Sleeves on the Humidifier Heater Bars
to protect the Bars from excessive corrosive minerals in the
water. Cut the sleeves to the correct length.
Smart Bracket Maintenance: The sensor wires of the Smart
Bracket operate more effectively if the wires are kept free from
corrosion and minerals. During pad changing, remove the
Bracket from the Heater Bar. Remove the mineral residue on the
wires by scraping with the dull edge of a knife held perpendicu-
lar to the wire. Alternatively, it may be simpler to bring a new SB
to replace the old one.
You will need to cut the new SB to the correct length with a wire
cutter. Replacement SBs are available from your Dampp-
Chaser distributor.
DAMPP-CHASER’S TECHNICAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
IS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ALL INSTALLATION QUESTIONS
AT 800-438-1524.
AB
FIGURE 19
Two types of clamps for Watering Tube
(A) 1/2-inch clamp
(B) half clamp