GE Pro Elite RO-450 Manual

DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
WITH WATER QUALITY MONITOR
MODEL RO-450
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & SERVICE MANUAL
Tested and certied by NSF International against
NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for the reduction of the
claims specied on the Performance Data Sheet.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................3
SECTION II. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................4
SECTION III. PREPARATION .....................................................................................5
A. Major System Components .............................................................5
B. Tools Recommended for Installation ...............................................7
C. Site Selection For Major System Components ...............................7
SECTION IV. INSTALLATION STEPS ........................................................................8
A. Faucet with Water Quality Monitor Installation ................................8
B. Feed Water Saddle Valve Installation ...........................................10
C. Drain Clamp Installation ................................................................10
D. R.O. Manifold Assembly Installation .............................................11
E. Position the Drinking Water Holding Tank
and Make the Final Hose Connections .........................................11
F. Start Up .........................................................................................12
SECTION V. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ...................................................12
A. Normal Operation ..........................................................................12
B. Changing Modules ........................................................................13
C. Changing the In-Line Activated Carbon Post Filter .......................13
SECTION VI. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE...........................................................16
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST ..................................................................................18
CAUTION:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued guidance to people with severely
weakened immune systems who may want to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of infection with Cryptosporidium from drinking water. This
guidance pertains to people with HIV/AIDS, patients receiving treatment for cancer, recipients of organ or bone marrow transplants, transplant patients
taking immunosuppressive drugs, and persons who have congenital immunodeciencies.
The EPA has stated that they do not know the signicance of drinking water compared to other possible sources of Cryptosporidium to determine how
most people become infected. The CDC-EPA guidance suggests that immunosuppressed individuals discuss their risks with their health care provider.
This drinking water system is tested and Certied by NSF International to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for cyst reduction. It meets the NSF/ANSI standard of
reducing at least 99.95%* of cysts (including Cryptosporidium), however, because this is not 100%, immunosuppressed individuals should take the extra
precaution of boiling their drinking water. According to the CDC-EPA, bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute is the most certain approach for killing
Cryptosporidium.
All individuals should take adequate precautions when changing the lter cartridges, including wearing protective gloves, to avoid direct contact with the
exhausted cartridges.
*For complete specications, refer to the Performance Data Sheet.

3
IMPORTANT NOTICES:
This reverse osmosis system contains replaceable treatment components critical for effective performance. It is the
user's responsibility to, and the manufacturer strongly recommends that the user, periodically test the product water
to verify the system is performing satisfactorily. See the test kit(s) for sampling instructions.
This system is acceptable for treatment of inuent concentrations of no more than 27 mg/L nitrate and 3 mg/L nitrite
in combination measured as N and is certied for nitrate/nitrite reduction only for water supplies with a pressure of
280 kPa (40 psig) or greater.
This system conforms to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for pentavalent arsenic reduction. See the Performance Data
Sheet and Arsenic Facts section for an explanation of reduction performance.
DO NOT USE WITH WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLy UNSAFE OR OF UNkNOWN qUALITy, WITHOUT
ADEqUATE DISINFECTION BEFORE OR AFTER THE SySTEM.
Systems certied for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain lterable cysts.
SECTION I. INTRODUCTION
Your new Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) Drinking Water
System uses a combination of ltration technologies
to reduce unwanted contaminants in a water supply.
The following steps combine to give you the best in
clear sparkling drinking water:
MECHANICAL FILTRATION–The Sediment
Module has been designed to reduce the larger
particles such as silt, rust and scale. Its 5 micron
(equal to 0.0002 inch) nominal rating helps to
give maximum life to the R.O. Membrane.
ACTIVATED CARBON–The Activated Carbon
Module contains carbon particles with a vast
network of pores. The tremendous surface
area of these pores (typically 800–1200 square
meters per gram of carbon) gives the carbon
very good adsorptive sites for substances that
contribute to tastes and odors. The activated
carbon in the Module is designed to reduce any
chlorine that may be present in the feed water.
This pretreatment is necessary for membrane
protection.
REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE–The R.O.
Membrane is the heart of the ltration system.
It is designed to reduce the dissolved mineral
content of the water. Minerals picked up in the
environment by the water are measured as Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS). In the Reverse Osmosis
process, dissolved minerals are separated from
the incoming water (Feed Water) to produce
the product water (the Permeate). The excess
minerals are rinsed to drain (the Reject Water).
The membrane is a specially constructed, fully
aromatic polyamide lm, and is classied as a
Thin Film Composite (T.F.C.).
The spiral wound construction of the R.O.
Membrane provides maximum surface area
for water production and is less susceptible
to fouling by particulate matter, turbidity and
colloidal materials.
IN–LINE ACTIVATED CARBON POST FILTER–
The In–Line Activated Carbon Post Filter is
located after the Holding Tank and has been
designed to reduce the tastes and odors that
may pass through the system. It adds a nal
polish to the water.
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF VALVE–The ASO
Valve senses when the Holding Tank is full and
closes the feed water supply to prevent excess
reject water from going to drain when the unit is
not producing water.
WATER qUALITy MONITOR–The Water
Quality Monitor has been integrated into the
faucet base for instant monitoring at the touch
of a button. The monitor compares the level of
the Total Dissolved Solids in the incoming (feed)
water versus the product water and calculates
the percent rejection. The monitor is preset to
indicate a level of 75% rejection.
A green light indicates that the percent rejection
is at or above the set (desired) value and that
the system is producing quality water.
An amber light indicates that the product water
quality is less than acceptable. Because the
Water Quality Monitor was designed to operate
best while the system is making water, a false
reading may occur if tested when your R.O.
drinking water system is not making water.
Please empty the Holding Tank, wait 15 minutes
for the system to begin making water, and test
your water quality again. If the Water Quality
Monitor light is still amber, please contact a
water treatment professional for service. The
Water Quality Monitor requires a 9 volt battery,
which is included.

4
SECTION II. SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE A – qUALIFIED SySTEM PERFORMANCE
Because the performance of an R.O. Membrane is highly dependent upon pressure, temperature and TDS, the
following should be used for comparison purposes only.
U.S. Metric
Membrane Production1 41-53 gpd 155–201 lpd
Membrane TDS Reduction1 96% minimum 96% minimum
System Production² 14 gpd 53 lpd
Recovery Rating² 38% 38%
Efciency Rating² 22% 22%
TDS Reduction² 90%+ typical 90%+ typical
Drain (reject water) Flow 3–5 x product ow 3–5 x product ow
Empty Storage Tank Precharge 5–7 psig air 35–48 kPa air
Storage Tank Capacity2 1.8 gallons 6.8 liters
1 Industry standards measure R.O. Membranes performance with no backpressure on the product water, at 65 psig (448kPa) and 77°F
(25°C). Further conditions on the above are 250 ppm TDS. Production rate and TDS reduction gures are for a new Membrane that
has been rinsed for 24 hours. The production rate of a new Membrane can decrease by 10% per year or more, depending upon the
scaling and fouling tendencies of the Feed Water.
2 Measured at 50 psig, 77°±2° F, 750±40 mg/l TDS per section 6 of NSF/ANSI Standard 58. Recovery rating means the percentage
of the inuent water to the membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water when
the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank is bypassed. Efciency rating means the percentage
of the inuent water to the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water under operating conditions that
approximate typical daily usage. This reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable component critical to the efciency of
the system. Replacement of the reverse osmosis component should be with one of identical specications, as dened by the
manufacturer, to assure the same efciency and contaminant reduction performance.
TABLE B – RECOMMENDED OPERATING LIMITS FOR FEED WATER
Specications T.F.C. Membrane
Water Pressure 40–100 psig (280–690 kPa)
TDS 2000 ppm (also mg/l) max.
Temperature 40–100°F (4–38°C)
pH 4–11 (optimum rejection at pH 7.0 - 7.5)
Hardness Less than 10 gpg (170 mg/l) or soften
Iron Less than 0.1 ppm (also mg/l)
Manganese Less than 0.05 ppm (also mg/l)
Hydrogen Sulde None
Chlorine See note
Bacteria Must be potable**
NOTE: Chlorine will damage a T.F.C. Membrane. The Activated Carbon Module has been designed to reduce chlorine from the
incoming water. Change lter every 6 months, more often if the water contains more than 1 ppm chlorine.
**DO NOT USE WITH WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE OR OF UNKNOWN QUALITY, WITHOUT ADEQUATE
DISINFECTION BEFORE OR AFTER THE SYSTEM.

5
SECTION III. PREPARATION
A. Major System Components
The following components comprise the R.O.
Drinking Water System. (Refer to Fig. 1, below
for general system layout.)
• An R.O. Manifold assembly.
• Housing and Housing O–ring.
• A Drinking Water Holding Tank.
• A Dispensing Faucet with Water Quality
Monitor Assembly.
• A Feed Water Saddle Valve.
• A Drain Clamp.
• Plastic Tubing and tube connectors.
• A Reverse Osmosis Membrane sealed in a
plastic bag.
• A Sediment Module, shrink wrapped.
• An Activated Carbon Module, shrink
wrapped.
• An In–Line Activated Carbon Post Filter,
shrink wrapped.
• Other items necessary for installation may
include wood screws or machine screws and
nuts for mounting the manifold, or concrete
anchors for hanging on basement wall.
Additional tubing or tube connectors. Plastic
wire ties for organizing tubing.
TyPICAL RO-450 UNDER SINk INSTALLATION DIAGRAM
Figure 1
DISPENSING
FAUCET WITH
AIR GAP
DRAIN
CLAMP
DRAIN
(3/8" Black)
PRODUCT
(3/8" Blue)
RO MANIFOLD
DRAIN
(1/4" Black)
INLET
(1/4" Red)
TANK
(3/8" Yellow)
DRINKING
WATER
HOLDING TANK
HOLDING TANK
SHUTOFF VALVE
(Open Position)
FEED WATER
SADDLE VALVE
(Cold Water Line Only)
LOCATE DRAIN CLAMP
ABOVE "P" TRAP
4" MIN
ACTIVATED
CARBON
MODULE
REVERSE
OSMOSIS
MEMBRANE
HOUSING
SEDIMENT
MODULE
1
3
5
8
9
10
(1/4" Yellow)
POLYTUBE
TEE
IN-LINE ACTIVATED
CARBON POST FILTER
6
7
WATER QUALITY MONITOR
FAUCET BASE
WATER QUALITY MONITOR
CABLE
2
COVER
4

6
OPTIONAL RO-450 BASEMENT INSTALLATION DIAGRAM
DISPENSING
FAUCET
PRODUCT
(3/8” Blue)
NOTE: FOR REFRIGERATOR
WATER DISPENSER OR
ICE MAKER HOOKUP, TEE
INTO 3/8" BLUE TUBING TO
DISPENSING FAUCET.
HOLDING TANK
SHUTOFF VALVE
(Open Position)
TANK
(3/8” Yellow)
RO MANIFOLD
DRINKING
WATER
HOLDING
TANK
MOUNT HOLDING
TANK ON SHELF OR
STRAP BETWEEN
FLOOR JOISTS
(shelf or straps not
included)
ACTIVATED
CARBON
MODULE
REVERSE
OSMOSIS
MEMBRANE
HOUSING
SEDIMENT
MODULE
BASEMENT
FLOOR
please note: IF AIR GAP IN FAUCET IS NOT USED IN BASEMENT
INSTALLATIONS, A PROPER AIR GAP MUST BE CREATED. PLEASE
CHECK WITH LOCAL PLUMBING CODES. SEE EXAMPLE ABOVE.
FLOOR
FEED WATER
SADDLE VALVE
(COLD WATER
LINE ONLY) INLET
(1/4” Red)
DRAIN
(1/4” Black)
1” AIR GAP
REQUIRED
POLYTUBE
TEE
IN-LINE
ACTIVATED
CARBON
POST FILTER
(1/4" Yellow)
WATER QUALITY
MONITOR FAUCET
BASE
WATER QUALITY
MONITOR CABLE
25 FT. EXTENSION CABLE FOR
THE WATER QUALITY
(OPTIONAL)
COVER

7
B. Tools Recommended for Installation
The following tools will cover most of the
installation sites encountered:
1. 3/8" variable speed electric drill.
2. Extension work light with outlet.
3. Safety glasses.
4. 1¼" porcelain hole cutter kit.
5. 1¼" Greenlee hole punch and 1/8" and
½" metal drill bits for pilot hole.
6. Center punch and hammer.
7. 1¼" wood bit.
8. Concrete drill bits.
9. Assorted wood and metal drill bits including
7/32" metal drill bit.
10. Phillips head and at blade screwdrivers.
11. ½", 9/16" and 5/8" open end wrenches.
12. 10" Crescent wrench with jaws taped to hold
faucet.
13. Basin wrench or 10" pipe wrench.
14. Teon tape.
15. Wide masking tape or duct tape.
16. Plastic tubing cutter.
17. Extra plastic tubing.
18. Low range air pressure gauge.
19. Bicycle hand air pump.
20. Small bottle of liquid chlorine bleach.
21. Graduated measuring cylinder.
22. Paper towels, wisk broom and assorted clean
up materials.
C. Site Selection for Major System Components
The R.O. System was designed to t under a
sink, however, because of space limitations
or other reasons, the system’s exible design
allows for other locations. When determining the
location remember that access to a cold water
tap line, the household drain, and ease of lter
replacement are important considerations.
All components and tubing should be located in
an area not exposed to freezing temperatures. If
winter temperatures are severe, the area should
be above the minimum temperature listed in
Table B, page 4 for proper performance. Do not
expose unit or tubing to direct sunlight.
1. Dispensing Faucet–The faucet should be
placed near the sink where drinking water
is normally obtained. Convenience of use
(lling of water pitchers and glasses), and
an open area beneath the faucet under the
sink for attaching product and drain tubing
are considerations. A 2" diameter at surface
is required above and below the installation
site. The thickness of the mounting
surface should not exceed 1¼". Watch for
strengthening webbing on the underside of
cast iron sinks.
2. Drinking Water Holding Tank–The Holding
Tank may be placed where it is convenient
within 10 feet of the faucet; under the sink or
in an adjacent cabinet are best the choices.
If a longer run of tubing is required, the
tubing should be the 3/8" diameter OD size
to prevent a high pressure drop. Remember,
these tanks can weigh up to 30 pounds when
full of water; a rm, level area is required.
3. R.O. Manifold Assembly–The manifold can
be installed on either the right or left side
of the under–sink area or a cabinet. The
right side is recommended because all the
tubing will be to the back of the cabinet and
out of the way. Installation in the basement
is also an option; one location is near the
laundry/utility sink where cold potable water
and drain access are handy. The mounting
location should allow adequate clearance
and accessibility for cartridge changes.
4. Feed Water Connection–The Feed Water
Saddle Valve should be located as close to
the manifold assembly as possible. USE A
POTABLE COLD WATER SUPPLY ONLY.
Softened water is preferred as it will extend
the life of the R.O. Membrane.
5. Drain Connection–The waste water must
go to drain through an anti–siphon air gap.
The air gap is provided for in the base of
the faucet. If discharging into a utility sink
or standpipe, an air gap of greater than 1"
above the ood rim must be provided.
Do NOT connect the system drain line to
the dishwasher drain or near the garbage
disposal. Backpressure from these units may
cause the air gap to overow.

8
SECTION IV. INSTALLATION STEPS
All plumbing should be done in accordance with
state and local plumbing codes.
NOTE: Some codes may require installation by a
licensed plumber; check with the local plumbing
authority prior to installation.
In restricted under–sink areas, it may be easier to
install the faucet rst. Allow adequate tubing lengths
for any nal component position.
A. Faucet With Water Quality Monitor Installation
The faucet contains an anti–siphon air gap.
While the system is producing water, the drain
water ows from the R.O., through the air gap
and then to the household drain. The purpose of
the air gap is to prevent water in the drain from
backing up into the R.O. Drinking Water System.
The easiest installation is to use an existing
spray attachment hole. If the spray faucet hole is
not available, then the sink top must be drilled.
1. Mark the location of the center of the faucet
base.
2a. Drilling a stainless steel sink:
• Center punch the hole to provide a starting
point for the drill.
• Start with a smaller drill as a pilot, and then
drill a ½" diameter hole to accept the bolt of
a 1¼" Greenlee Hole Punch (1¼" chassis
punch).
• Clean away any chips.
• Install the punch and tighten the nut to cut
the hole.
• Deburr any sharp edges.
2b. Drilling a porcelain sink:
It is best to use a special 1¼" diameter cutter
designed for porcelain. A carbide tipped
masonry bit is a second choice.
• Place a piece of tape over the area to be
drilled to help prevent chipping.
• Drill a pilot hole for the porcelain cutter.
Use the pilot drill supplied with the kit or a
carbide tipped drill.
• When drilling the 1¼" hole, drill slowly and
carefully; the porcelain chips easily.
• After drilling, clean the area well. Iron lings,
if left in place, can cause rust stains.
2c. Drilling a counter top:
NOTE: The counter top must be less than
1¼" thick. Treat ceramic tile as porcelain until
the tile is penetrated, then use the carbide
tipped metal cutter.
Formica counter tops may be drilled with a
good 1¼" wood bit; drilling a 3/32" pilot hole
will help keep the bit going straight.
3. The hole in the Monitor Housing should be
centered on the mounting hole. If cutting or drilling
a mounting hole, please note that the Monitor
Housing is elliptical and the hole which runs through
it is off center from front to back.
4. Feed the Monitor Cord through the 1 ¼”diameter
Monitor Housing opening so that it is positioned
above the Monitor Housing.
Assemble the 1/8” Screws & Toggle Wings into the
Monitor Housing. Adjust the Wings approximately
1” plus the thickness of the mounting surface away
from the bottom of the Monitor Housing.

9
5. Place the Toggles of the Monitor Housing
Assembly through the mounting hole on the sink or
counter top.
Drop the handle of the Wrench through the Monitor
Housing opening. This will separate and orient the
Toggle Wings. Position the Monitor Housing so that
the display is facing forward.
Tighten the 1/8” Screws with a Phillips tip
screwdriver. When the Toggle Wings make contact
with the mounting surface, adjust the Monitor
Housing to the exact desired position. Tighten the
1/8” Screws an additional 2 –3 turns while holding
the Monitor Housing in place.
Drop the Monitor Cord back through the Monitor
Housings opening.
TAB
HOSE BARBS
3/8” QUICK
CONNECT FITTING
BLACK 3/8” POLYTUBE
(TO DRAIN CLAMP)
BLACK 1/4” POLYTUBE
(TO DRAIN PORT
ON RO SYSTEM)
BLUE 3/8” POLYTUBE
(PRODUCT OUTLET)
6. Connect the tubing to the Faucet. Push the Blue
3/8” Polytube into the 3/8” Quick Connect Fitting.
Push the Black 3/8” Polytube onto the large Hose
Barb. Push the Black ¼” Polytube onto the small
Hose Barb.
7. Determine which direction the handle should
face (right or left). With the handle facing the
chosen direction, slide the fastened Polytubes
through the Monitor Housings 1 ¼” diameter
opening and slide the Faucet Assembly into the
Monitor Housing, lining up the tabs of the Faucet
with the slots on the Housing. The Faucet Assembly
may have to rotate slightly to get the tabs into the
slots. When aligned, apply firm downward force
to get the Faucet to fully seat. After the Faucet
Assembly is seated, lock it into place by rotating it
clockwise about 30 degrees.

10
FEED WATER SADDLE VALVE
Cold Water
Line
Saddle
Valve
Handle
Insert
Plastic
Ferrule
Red Tubing To
Manifold
Inlet
Compression
Nut
Tightening
Screw
Reversible
Back Plate
Figure 3
B. Feed Water Saddle Valve Installation
Decide on location. Do NOT connect to a
hot water feed line. If you are not sure of the
supply, run the hot water and feel the supply
piping. Water over 100°F may cause permanent
damage to the R.O. Membrane. (Refer to Fig. 3.)
1. Shut off the water supply and drain the line.
2a. To install on (soft) Copper Tubing supply
line:
• Turn the Handle of the Feed Water Saddle
Valve counter clockwise (outward) until the
lance does not protrude from the gasket. It
may have to be pushed in.
• Assemble the Feed Water Saddle Valve on
the tubing.
– for 3/8" OD tubing use the back plate side
with the small groove to prevent distortion
of the tubing.
– for larger tubing (up to 5/8" OD) use the
large groove of the back plate.
• Assemble and tighten the brass screw.
• To pierce the tubing, turn the Valve Handle
fully clockwise (inward). A small amount of
water may escape from the outlet until it is
fully pierced.
• When you feel the Valve Handle rmly
seated in the clockwise direction, the
copper tube is pierced and the valve is
closed.
2b. To install on (hard) Steel or Brass Tubing
supply line.
• The supply line should now be drained. Use
a battery powered or properly grounded drill
to avoid shock hazard.
• Drill a 3/16" hole in the supply line; (do not
drill through the opposite wall).
• Turn the handle to expose the lance no
more than 3/16" beyond the rubber gasket.
• Place the body of the valve over the hole so
that the lance ts into the hole.
• Assemble and tighten the brass screw.
• Turn the Valve Handle clockwise (inward)
until rmly seated. The valve is closed.
3. With the Feed Water Saddle Valve closed,
open the sink faucet and the water supply
and allow the water to run for a few minutes
to ush any debris caused by the installation.
• Close the faucet and check the Feed Water
Saddle Valve for leaks.
3/8" DRAIN CLAMP ASSEMBLy
Drain Clamp
Front Plate
Drain Pipe 1/4" Nut
1/4" Screw
Drain Clamp
Back Plate
Black Drain Tubing
Figure 4
C. Drain Clamp Installation
The following are instructions for discharging
into the sink drain pipe. (Refer to Fig. 1.)
1. Position the Drain Clamp on the sink drain
pipe above the drain trap. Allow room for
drilling. Tighten securely.
2. Use a battery powered or properly grounded
drill. Using the Clamp port as a drill guide,
drill a 7/32" hole through the wall of the drain
pipe. Do NOT penetrate the opposite side of
the pipe.
3. Locate the 3/8" Black Drain Tubing connected
to the Dispensing Faucet. Route to the tubing
to the Drain Clamp and trim to length.