Friedrich C-90A Operating and installation instructions

C90ASI3(1-03)
Service Information
C-90A
Electronic Air Cleaner
2003

Page 2
Table of Contents
Page
Friedrich Electronic Air Cleaner ................................................................. 3
Specifications ............................................................................................. 3
CAUTION - Before Operation .................................................................... 4
Operating Your Friedrich Air Cleaner ......................................................... 4
How Electronic Air Cleaners Work ............................................................. 5
Cleaning
Important Precautions ....................................................................... 5
Cleaning the Pre-Filter ...................................................................... 5
Cleaning the Carbon Filter ................................................................ 5
Cleaning the Electronic Cell .............................................................. 6
Alternate Cell Cleaning Method ........................................................ 6
Discoloration of the Cell ............................................................................. 6
Replacing the Cell in Cabinet ..................................................................... 7
Activated Carbon Filter............................................................................... 7
Consumer Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................. 7
Troubleshooting Electronic Air Cleaner...................................................... 8
Wiring Schematic ....................................................................................... 9
Major Components ..................................................................................... 10
C-90A Electronic Air Cleaner Component Parts List ................................. 11
Authorized Warranty Repair Stations ......................................................... 12

Page 3
Friedrich Electronic Air Cleaner
The Friedrich Electronic Air Cleaner is a self-contained
console model consisting of a high voltage DC power
supply, electronic cell, 3 speed fan, pre-filter and
activated carbon post-filter in a rugged plastic cabinet.
It is designed to remove dust, tobacco smoke, pollen,
bacteria, and other airborne contaminants from the air.
In just minutes, you will notice improvements in your
indoor air quality as your Friedrich air cleaner begins
the job of removing the billions of irritating microscopic
particlesfromyour home oroffice.Theactivatedcarbon
post-filteralsohelpseliminatemanyobjectionableindoor
odors.
Specifications
MODEL C-90A
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
Thisaircleaner is intendedforuseat temperatures
normally found in occupied spaces.
ELECTRICAL RATINGS
115 Volt, 60 Hertz.
INDICATOR LIGHT
Located on the access cover next to 3-speed
switch. Indicates air cleaner operating properly.
INTERLOCK SWITCH
Interrupts supply power to unit when access cover
is opened.
WEIGHT
35 lbs. shipping weight
30 lbs. net weight
DIMENSIONS
Height Width Depth
Cabinet 19" 15" 21 1/2"
Cell 16" 12 1/2"41/2"
Pre-Filter 15 7/8" 12 3/4"1/4"
Carbon Filter 15 7/8" 12 3/4"1/4"
NOMINAL CURRENT AND POWER CONSUMPTION
Power Supply 120 Volt, 60 Hertz
CFM Amps Watts
High Speed 410 .78 99
Medium Speed 340 .56 64
Low Speed 280 .41 47

Page 4
CAUTION - before operation . . .
• Remove theplasticcoverfromtheactivatedcarbonfilter
and install in unit.
• Position the pre-filter at the rear of the unit (closest to
theelectronic cell) and the carbon filter atthe front(side
air comes out.)
• Make sure the electronic cell is properly placed in the
cabinet - airflow arrow on the end plate should be
pointing toward the fan.
• Make sure that the top cover is securely in place.
• This unit is equipped with a grounded plug for your
protectionagainstshockhazardsandshouldbeplugged
directly into a properly grounded receptacle.
• Electronic air cleaners should NOT be placed in any
area where potentially explosive gases or vapors exist,
nor should they be used in wet environments.
LOCATION
The best location is a position closest to the concentration
of tobacco smoke or dust producing activities.
Position the unit so that the airflow around the intake and
dischargegrillesisnot blocked.Forbest results,do not place
the intake grille (rear) closer than 18 cm (8") from a wall.
Provide a clear, unobstructed path for the discharge air.
The farther the discharge air travels, the greater the
effectivenessof theair cleaner.Forgreatercomfort,position
the air cleaner so that the discharge air does not cause
uncomfortable drafts.
To use a room air cleaner most effectively in rooms that
share an open doorway or archway, position the unit near
thecommon opening anddirect theairflowintothe adjacent
room to promote good air circulation.
ECONOMICAL CLEAN AIR
TheFriedrich electronicaircleaner costs nomoreto operate
thanastandardhouseholdlightbulb.Thebenefitsfrom clean
air far outweigh the low operating costs of continuous
cleaning.Remember, the more you operateyourelectronic
air cleaner, the cleaner your air will be.
CONTROLS
Allcontrolsforthe Friedrichelectronicair cleaner arelocated
onthe top ofthe unitand areaccessiblethroughan opening
in the top cover. The controls are OFF - HI -MED - LOW.
Plus, an indicator lamp shows when the cleaner is on and
operating normally.
Generally, HIGH fan speed is used in extreme conditions
for rapid cleaning, such as after a party where there were
manysmokers;orforlarge areaswhereHIGHfanisrequired
tocirculate theclean airinto allareas of the room. MEDIUM
andLOWsettings areusually adequate tomaintain a clean
air environment.
At initial start-up, the indicator lamp may flicker on and off
and is no cause for alarm. Should the lamp completely fail
to come on, review BEFORE OPERATING and
TROUBLESHOOTING sections.
During the initial use, "snapping" sounds may be heard.
This is normal and the unit may continue to make these
noises the first few days of operation.After the initial break-
inperiod,only an occasional"snap" willbe heard,indicating
the unit is cleaning your air. NOTE: As the air cleaner
electronic cell becomes dirty, it will “snap” more
frequently. When this occurs, you should consider
washing the cell.
Operating your Friedrich air cleaner

Page 5
How electronic air cleaners work
Electronic air cleaners are an extremely efficient, cost effective method of removing indoor air contaminants. Unlike
standard media that merely block relatively large particles, electronic air cleaners attract and hold particles so small
that an electron microscope is needed to see them.
The PRE-FILTER catches lint, hair and large dust
particles, as room air is drawn in through the rear
grille by the powerful 3-SPEED FAN.
In the IONIZING SECTION of the ELECTRONIC
CELL, billions of microscopic particles, too small
tobe caughtbythe pre-filter,become electronically
charged as they pass through a powerful electric
field.
COLLECTOR PLATES immediately attract and
holdthese"charged"particlesmuchlikemetalfilings
are attracted to a powerful magnet. The
accumulated particles are permanently removed
from the air and cling to the metal plates until
washed off.
Finally,an ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER removes
most household odors and fumes as the clean air
is circulated back into the room.
1
2
3
Cleaning
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
Turn off air cleaner before opening top cover to remove
electronic cell and pre-filter for cleaning.Always be careful
when handling the electronic cell. Sharp edges and wires
are capable of inflicting wounds. Care should also be taken
when cleaning because of extremely hot water and
potentially harmful effects of detergents on your skin.
The collector plates of the electronic cell and the pre-filter
can become extremely dirty.With an excessive amount of
contamination buildup on the collector plates and the pre-
filter, the electronic air filter's efficiency decreases.Also, as
dirt builds up on the ionizing wires, the charge process
becomes less efficient.
Topreventthisloss ofefficiency, theelectronic cell and pre-
filter must be cleaned regularly. How often will depend on
actualusage.Cleaning willbemorefrequentiftheaircleaner
is operated continuously or under severe conditions.
CLEANING THE PRE-FILTER
Remove the pre-filter and shake out or brush off the
accumulateddust and lint.If this isnot adequate,avacuum
may be used or the pre-filter can be cleaned with an all
purposealkalinedetergentbasedcleanertoremovetobacco
smoke and cooking grease stains. A thorough rinsing is
required after each cleaning.
After cleaning, allow to dry and reinsert.
CLEANINGTHE CARBON FILTER
Occasionally, the carbon filter will need cleaning. Use a
stream of air or a vacuum to remove the dirt. THE
CHEMICAL AND ODOR ABSORPTION CAPABILITIES
CAN NOT BE RESTORED.When the carbon filter can no
longer remove odors from the air, it must be replaced
(Friedrichpartnumber616-420-00).THECARBON FILTER
MUST BE IN PLACE FOR THE AIR CLEANER TO
OPERATE.
Pre-Filter
Ionizing
Section of
Electronic Cell
Collector
Plates 3-Speed
Fan
Carbon
Filter
4

Page 6
Cleaning (Cont.)
CLEANING THE ELECTRONIC CELL
Thesimplest methodof cleaningthe electroniccell isto use
an automatic dishwasher. The dishwasher provides the
correct cycle of wash, rinse and dry. Water temperatures
normallyfoundin dishwashers 150°F to170°F willnot harm
the cell.
1. After turning off the air cleaner, remove the cell and
gently place on dishwasher rack with airflow arrows
pointing up.In some dishwashers, it may be necessary
to remove the top rack. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL
WHEN PLACING ON DISHWASHER RACK TO NOT
DAMAGE IONIZER WIRES OR BEND COLLECTOR
PLATES.
2. Use any available household dishwasher detergent
recommended for use in your appliance and follow
manufacturer's instructions.
3. Not all dishwashers may be capable of holding the
electronic cell.Be sure to compare the internal size of
the dishwasher to the dimensions of the electronic cell:
16" high x 12 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" deep. All parts of the
dishwasher must be able to move freely.
4. Take care to avoid damaging the cell when removing it
from the dishwasher. GENTLY LIFT THE CELL
STRAIGHT UP TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO IONIZER
WIRES AND COLLECTOR PLATES.
5. Thecellmaybehotwhenremovedfromthedishwasher.
Allow to cool or wear protective gloves.Make sure that
all water is drained off when removing the cell from the
dishwasher.
Discoloration of the cell
6. Ifdirtstainsordetergentresidue remain afterwashing,it
maybenecessarytorewashthecellorswitchdetergent.
ALTERNATE CELL CLEANING METHOD
Ifanautomaticdishwasheris notavailableornotof sufficient
size to accommodate the cell, a large container capable of
holding the electronic cell can be used.
1. Mix an alkaline detergent with hot water in a ratio of 4
oz. of detergent to 1 gal. of water. Water temperature
shouldbebetween150°Fand170°F.Becarefultoavoid
prolongedskincontactwithsolutionandDONOTsplash
solution in the eyes.
2. Soak the cell in the solution for about 15 minutes.The
solution should be agitated in some way every 2 to 3
minutes by sloshing or stirring the solution.
3. Removethe cell from thecleaning solutionand place in
acleancontainer ofhot water150°F to170°Fforrinsing
and let set for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the cell from the rinse water and allow to drain
and dry before using.
5. Ifthereis anydetergent residue remaining, rinse again,
since it may affect the efficiency of the air cleaner.
NOTE: The ionizer wires may become so dirty that an
occasional cleaning is recommended.With a damp cotton
ball,wipetheionizerwiresbyplacingthewirebetweenfinger
and thumb.
Occasionally, afterthe cleaning process,the cell mayseem
stained. If the stain is black or very dark, it is probably
detergent residue and should be rinsed off at once. If
yellowingappears,it is probablystain fromtobacco or other
smoke.
The yellowing does not affect air cleaning efficiency. Use
anammoniabasedorbutylbaseddetergenttocleantobacco
tar and other smoke residue from the collector plates.

Page 7
Replacing the cell in cabinet
After the cell has been washed, check for broken ionizer
wiresandbentcollector plates.If brokenwires areobserved,
return unit to Authorized Warranty Station for wire
replacement.If bent collector platesare observed, carefully
straighten with a screwdriver or other flat object. BE
CERTAIN THAT NO TWO COLLECTOR PLATES ARE
TOUCHING AS THIS WILL CAUSE ARCING AND
PREVENT THE AIR CLEANER FROM OPERATING
PROPERLY.
Rememberthattheelectronicaircleanerhasacellkeywhich
prevents the cell from being positioned incorrectly. If the
cell seems stuck when being inserted or the access cover
will not fit securely, check to be sure that the cell is being
positioned properly.If excessive force isused, thecell orair
cleanerunit could be damaged.Airflow arrowspoint toward
fan motor.
If the cell is placed into the air cleaner while still damp, the
indicator light may not come on until the cell is dry, which
wouldnormallytakeabout twohours.Ifthe cellis energized
and annoying snapping sounds occur, the cell should be
removedfrom theair cleanerand allowedtothoroughly dry.
Activated carbon filter
The activated carbon filter should be replaced when it is no
longer effective in eliminating odors.The life of the carbon
filterwill dependon theconcentration ofodors and fumes in
the air passing through the air cleaner. Under normal
Consumer troubleshooting guide
Intheeventthatyouexperience problemswith the operation
of your air cleaner, please...
•Make sure electronic cell is clean, dry and properly
installed.
•Make sure pre-filter and carbon filter are both properly
installed.
•Make sure the top cover is properly snapped in place.
•Checkfanmotor andindicatorlampon all speedsettings
starting with low.
If your air cleaner still has any of the following problems,
proceedstep bystep as shown below untilno furtheraction
should be taken.
circumstances,the carbon filtershouldlast uptosix months.
THECARBON FILTER MUST BE IN PLACEFORTHEAIR
CLEANER TO OPERATE.
PROBLEM 3
FAN OFF
LAMP ON
This condition represents a non-
serviceable failure of the air cleaner.
Return the unit to an Authorized
Warranty Station for repair. See Page
12.
PROBLEM 2
FAN ON
LAMP OFF
Check the electronic cell to see if any
of the collector plates are touching.
Gently straighten and evenly space
the plates.
Check the electronic cell to see if any
of the ionizer wires are broken. See
Major Components for their location.
If broken wires are observed, no
further corrective actions should be
taken by the consumer. Return the
unit to an Authorized Warranty
Station for repair. See Page 12.
PROBLEM 1
FAN OFF
LAMP OFF
Make sure the supply cord is plugged
into a standard household receptacle.
Make sure there is voltage to the
receptacle by testing with another
electric device.
Make sure the carbon filter is in place.
Make sure the top access cover is
properly in place in order to actuate the
interlock switch. The interlock switch
is provided for consumer safety and
should never be bypassed.
No further corrective actions should be
taken by the consumer. Return the unit
to an Authorized Warranty Station for
repair. See Page 12.

Page 8
Troubleshooting electronic air cleaner
Electrical Troubleshooting Procedure for Electronic Air Cleaner
Make sure elec-
tronic cell is clean,
dry and properly
installed
Make sure pre-filter and activated
carbon filter are properly
installed, and carbon filter is
activating filter interlocking
switch lever.
Replace the access
cover and turn the air
cleaner on. Check
Low, then Med, then Hi
on multispeed fan.
Check fan and
neon light.
Both
Off
Push interlock
switch with plastic
handled screw-
driver. Short from
cell frame to a hot
collector plate.
Arcing
Yes
Electronic
Air Cleaner is
OK.
Both
Off
120 VAC Present
Jumper fan
switch contacts
- For each speed
in turn on
multispeed fans.
Inspect cell for
- Bent Collector Plates
- Broken Ionizer Wires
- Dirt on Insulators
- Damaged or dirty
Contact Tabs
Replace Cell
Infinite
Resistance
Cell OK Check Contact Board for
coating on ground contacts
Clean
Dirty Clean contacts with fine
grain sandpaper or emery
cloth.
Check wire connections
are secured properly
OK
Replace Power Board
Assembly
Replace Switch
Turn OFF power. Make
sure shaft on fan motor
rotates freely. Check for
open windings. Replace
if necessary.
Repair or
replace cell
No cell damage noted
Lamp
Off
Fan
On
Replace
System
Switch or fan
motor.
Check filter
Interlocking
Switch, Access
Cover Interlock-
ing Switch,
System Switch.
With Ohmmeter, check
for short between
- Cell Frame and Ionizer
Section
- Cell frame and
Collector Section
Light
Off
Voltage above 120 VDC
Voltage
correct
Replace Light
Voltage
NOT
Correct
Check wiring back
through switch, power
cord, and outlet to
circuit breaker or fuse.
Remove cell.
Replace access
cover, Check
neon light.
Check 100 VDC
voltage across
terminal on lamp.
Light OK, replace
complete power
supply
Check Line 120
VAC power.
Correct as
needed.
Fan
On
Light
On
Cell
Shorted
START
Voltage
Below
70 VDC
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Cell
Damaged
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Remove access
cover. Check for
correct input
voltage: 120 VAC.
Models P1 and P2
terminals on
power supply.
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Lamp
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Fan
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Fan
On
TO USE THIS CHART:
1. Follow the steps in order. Don't skip around.
2. Each time you isolate and fix a problem, go back to
START.
3. Repeat ALL the steps until the air cleaner checks out OK
WARNING
Some of these steps expose dangerous high
voltage. Only a qualified service technician
should attempt this procedure.
ÐÐ
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WARNING
Electronic components on power supply
board are not field replaceable. Attempted
service will damage the board.

Page 9
Wiring Schematic

Page 10
Major Components
C-90A

Page 11
C-90A ELECTRONIC AIR CLEANER COMPONENT PARTS LISTING
PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
616-203-00 FILTER, PRE ............................................................................................................1
616-420-00 FILTER, CARBON ....................................................................................................1
616-424-01 CARTON, RSC .........................................................................................................1
616-425-00 PACKING, TOP & BOTTOM .....................................................................................2
920-010-01 OWNERS MANUAL C-90A .......................................................................................1
616-209-00 BUTTON, SYSTEM SWITCH ...................................................................................4
616-211-01 SIDE, CABINET ........................................................................................................2
616-212-01 LID, CABINET...........................................................................................................1
906-081-00 SCREW, #4 - 24 X 3/4" .............................................................................................2
616-417-00 FASTENER ...............................................................................................................4
616-210-01 BASE, CABINET.......................................................................................................1
906-080-00 SCREW ...................................................................................................................10
917-018-00 STRAIN, RELIEF ......................................................................................................1
616-206-00 FAN, 5 BLADE ..........................................................................................................1
616-217-00 ORIFICE ...................................................................................................................1
616-410-00 BLADE COVER ASSEMBLY.....................................................................................1
616-411-01 PANEL, CONTROL...................................................................................................1
906-022-08 SCREW, SELF-TAPPING .........................................................................................2
906-047-02 SCREW, TAPPING 8A X 3/8 H/W SER ZP ...............................................................2
906-051-00 SCREW, T/C 8-32 X 3/8 H/W SER ZP ......................................................................5
605-000-96 SUPPLY CORD ........................................................................................................1
610-714-74 MOTOR ....................................................................................................................1
616-201-00 POWER SUPPLY .....................................................................................................1
616-202-01 CONTACT BOARD ...................................................................................................1
616-207-00 SWITCH, SYSTEM ...................................................................................................1
616-215-00 SPRING, CELL GROUND ........................................................................................1
616-219-00 SWITCH, INTERLOCK .............................................................................................1
616-220-00 LIGHT INDICATOR...................................................................................................1
616-224-00 WIRE ........................................................................................................................1
616-224-01 WIRE ........................................................................................................................1
616-224-02 WIRE ........................................................................................................................1
616-224-03 WIRE ........................................................................................................................1
616-224-04 WIRE ........................................................................................................................1
616-225-00 PLUG ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................................1
616-402-00 CAP ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................1
616-478-00 TAB, DUAL GROUNDING ........................................................................................1
616-977-00 TWIST LOK STANDOFF ..........................................................................................3
616-218-00 BRACKET, GRILLE ..................................................................................................4
616-404-00 GRILLE .....................................................................................................................2
616-976-00 RIVET, PLASTIC.......................................................................................................6
616-665-00 SPACER, POWER SUPPLY .....................................................................................2
616-213-00 IONIZER/COLLECTOR CELL...................................................................................1
616-556-00 IONIZER WIRE .........................................................................................................9
616-204-00 SWITCH, FILTER INTERLOCK ................................................................................1
616-407-00 BRACKET, MOTOR MOUNT....................................................................................1

Page 12 C90ASI3 (1-03)
Regional C-90A Authorized Warranty Repair Stations
11
11
1R & B Appliance Parts
5070 Lindsay Ct.
Chino, California 91710
TEL: [phone]
1-800-421-2189
Alamo Service Co.
1450 North Flores
San Antonio, Texas 78212
TEL: [phone]
1-800-328-2450
22
22
2
44
44
4Reeve Air Conditioning, Inc.
2501 South Park Road
Hallandale, Florida 33009
TEL: [phone]
1-800-962-3383
Superior A/C Service, Inc.
524 Sackett Street
Brooklyn, New York 11217
TEL: [phone]
55
55
5
33
33
3B & G Service Co.
3950 North Elston
Chicago, Illinois 60618
TEL: [phone]
Use Factory Certified Parts.
FRIEDRICH AIR CONDITIONING CO.
Post Office Box 1540 · San Antonio, Texas 78295-1540
4200 N. Pan Am Expressway · San Antonio, Texas 78218-5212
[phone] · FAX [phone]
www.friedrich.com
Printed in the U.S.A.