GeneralAire WHOLE HOUSEDEHUMIDIFIER Installation guide

WHOLE HOUSE
DEHUMIDIFIER
Installation, Operating, and
Maintenance Manual

SAFETY LABELING
DANGER!, WARNING! and CAUTION!
These words are used to identify levels of hazard
seriousness as follows:
DANGER! Signifies an immediate hazard which will
result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING! signifies hazards or unsafe practices which
could result in severe personal injury or death
CAUTION! Signifies hazards or unsafe practices which
could result in minor personal injury or product and/or
property damage.
Contents Page
1. Safety..........................................................................2
a.Labeling ...................................................................2
b.Instructions ..............................................................2
2. Storage .......................................................................3
3. Specifications .............................................................3
4. Installing the Equipment .............................................3
a.Unit Location ...........................................................3
b.Mounting..................................................................3
c.Condensate Drain ...................................................4
d.Ducts........................................................................4
5. Electrical .....................................................................4
a.Power Wiring ...........................................................5
b.(Alternate) Remote Dehumidistat............................5
c.Controls Connections..............................................6
d.Damper Connection ................................................7
6. Operation ....................................................................8
a.General....................................................................8
b.Process....................................................................9
c.Sequence ................................................................9
i.Unit controls ...........................................................9
ii. Wall control ........................................................10
iii. Frost control ......................................................10
d.Initial Set Up ..........................................................10
7. Maintenance ............................................................. 11
a.Filter....................................................................... 11
8. Troubleshooting ........................................................ 11
9. Wiring Diagram.........................................................12
10. Physical Dimensions .............................................. 12
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
This dehumidifier must be installed by a qualified heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning professional in
compliance with all codes, local and national. Failure to
comply with this WARNING! could result in severe
personal injury or death.
WARNING!
Electrical shock hazard. Disconnect electrical power
before starting installation.
WARNING!
Equipment must be grounded electrically in compliance
with National Electric Code and local codes.
WARNING!
Handle unit with care using adequate manpower or
equipment to lift and avoid injury to personnel and/or
equipment.
CAUTION!
Failure to install this dehumidifier in compliance with
the instructions contained herein, could result in
unsatisfactory operation and/or damage to the product.
CAUTION!
Unit must be installed in compliance with all codes.
CAUTION!
For proper operation, external static pressures across the
unit must not exceed .6 in. w.c.
2

Capacity Pints per day @ 80°F DBT/60% RH 130
Unit Power Supply Volts/Phase/Hz 115/1/60
Minimum Circuit Ampacity 13.1
Maximum Fuse 15 amp
Dimensions Length (overall) 30.00 in. (includes duct collars)
Length (cabinet only) 24.00 in.
Width 25.25 in.
Height 20.50 in.
Weight Pounds net 150
Compressor Qty/Type 1/Rotary
Watts/RLA/LRA 1070/9.5/61
Refrigerant R22
Fan Motor Qty/HP/FLA 1/0.1/1.15
Air Flow CFM @ .6 in. w.c. e.s.p. 400
Filter Type/size(in.) Washable nylon/17x23.5
Cabinet Insulation Type/thickness EPDM/1 in.
R Value 4.2
Duct Connection Inlet/Outlet 8 in. diameter duct
Drain Pan Material Stainless steel
STORAGE
Temporary storage must be indoors, upright in the
original carton, and completely shielded from
precipitation.
INSTALLING THE EQUIPMENT
UNIT LOCATION
Unit location is very important as it will determine
the overall length of the connection ducts. Locate
the unit as close as possible to the indoor portion
of the resident’s air conditioning unit or air
handling unit, in the attic, basement, garage, or
equipment room. The dehumidifier may be placed
above, below or level with the air handing unit;
however, removal of condensate must be
considered when determining the location.
If the unit is mounted above a ceiling or in an
attic, a secondary drain pan under the entire unit
is recommended. This pan should have a visible
overflow drain that will alert the end user that a
problem exists with dehumidifier’s primary
drainage system.
SPECIFICATIONS
Place the unit in a location that will allow a
minimum of 22" clearance for filter removal and
service access. This clearance is required on only
one side of the unit since the filter is removable
from either side. Allow adequate clearance to
walls for normal unit service.
CAUTION!
Do not install the unit outdoors or in a
location where it will be subjected to
precipitation of any kind.
MOUNTING
The unit may be mounted on a flat surface or
suspended. If mounted on a flat surface use the
four rubber mounting feet provided. To minimize
unwanted vibration select a level mounting
surface. Adjust the four mounting feet to
compensate for any irregularities in the surface.
Ensure that the unit is sitting on all four feet. To
suspend the unit a separate hanger kit (WHD-14)
is required. This kit consists of four brackets and
four rubber isolators. Threaded rod or other
means of suspension must be provided by the
installing contractor and must be selected based
on the unit weight, in compliance with local codes.
3

be in compliance with local codes and be
complete, tight, and leak free.
Ducts should be as short as possible, not to
exceed 100 ft. equivalent length and supported in
compliance with the manufacturer’s
recommendation.
CAUTION!
All duct connections must be sealed. Any
leakage in the duct work will adversely affect
the operation of the dehumidifier and may
lead to unsatisfactory performance.
DAMPERS
Optional dampers may be installed in the outlet
duct, inlet duct, or in an outside air duct. These
dampers must be full flow motorized type. Do not
use any type of pressure operated damper as
unacceptable pressure drop will affect unit
operation. All dampers must be installed in
compliance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and be insulated, and sealed
per the section on ducts, above.
ELECTRICAL
POWER WIRING
WARNING!
Turn off electrical power at the fuse or
service panel before making any electrical
connections. The ground connection must
be completed before making line voltage
connections. Failure to do so can result in
electrical shock, severe personal injury or
death. The dehumidifier must be installed so
that the electrical components are protected
from water from any source.
WARNING!
The cabinet must be permanently
grounded. Connect the ground wire to the
Ground terminal provided in the unit. Failure
to ground the cabinet can result in fire,
electrical shock, personal injury or death.
The electrical supply requirements are listed on
the unit rating plate and in the specification table
above.
CONDENSATE DRAIN
The condensate drain must be trapped external to
the unit. The trap dimensions must be equivalent
to the dimension of the trap on the associated air
conditioner air handling unit to prevent water
being removed from the trap when the A/C unit is
running.
A drain line must be attached to the trap outlet
and pitched away from the unit a minimum of 1/8"
per foot to allow the condensate to flow away
from the unit.
DUCTS
The unit is furnished with two beaded 8" round
collars for duct connections to the inlet and the
outlet of the dehumidifier. These are located
inside the unit and must be attached to the unit by
the installer using screws and gasket or caulking.
Center the collars over the inlet and outlet
openings in the cabinet.
Insulated flexible ducts in compliance with
Underwriter’s Laboratory’s (UL) Standard for
Factory Made Duct Materials, UL-18 and installed
per the manufacturer’s recommendation should
be used to connect the dehumidifier to the air
conditioner. The installation and connections must
4
Suspended unit utilizing
optional hanging kit

INDEPENDENT OPERATION
DUCT CONNECTIONS (Independent
Operation)
In this arrangement, the dehumidifier is connected
across, or in parallel with the air conditioner air
handler. The discharge of the dehumidifier is
connected to the discharge of the air handler, and
the inlet connection of the dehumidifier is
connected to the inlet duct of the air handler.
When the dehumidifier is connected for
independent operation, the central air conditioner
fan and the dehumidifier fan CANNOT operate
simultaneously.
Use a separate fused branch electrical circuit
containing a properly sized fuse or circuit breaker.
Run this circuit directly from the main circuit box
to an electrical disconnect which must be readily
accessible and located within sight of the
dehumidifier. Connect from the disconnect to the
electrical connection within the dehumidifier
utilizing the hole sized for 1/2" conduit provided
on the entering air end of the unit.
WARNING!
L (hot) and N (neutral) polarity must be
observed when making the electrical
connection to the unit.
Installation of the electrical supply line must be in
accordance with the National Electric Code, ANSI/
NFPA No. 70, latest edition, or Canadian
Electrical Code Part 1-CSA Standard C22.1 and
local building/electric codes, using copper
conductors only.
(ALTERNATE) REMOTE DEHUMIDISTAT
The dehumidifier is supplied with its own, self
contained, dehumidistat control which includes an
air sampling sequence; however, the unit can also
be controlled by a remote dehumidistat located in
a conditioned space. DO NOT LOCATE THE
DEHUMIDISTAT IN THE DUCTWORK. It is
recommended that the remote dehumidistat, if
used, be located in an area close to the air
conditioner thermostat, out of drafts, away from
heat sources, and out of direct sunlight. It should
be located approximately 5 feet above the floor in
an area with good air circulation at average
temperature and relative humidity.
Remove the jumper on terminals S1 and S2 and
connect the remote dehumidistat as shown on the
unit connection diagram.
INSTALLATION OPTIONS
The dehumidifier can be connected so that the dehumidifier and the central air
conditioner fan operate totally independent of each other (independent
operation) or it can be connected in such a manner as to require that the
dehumidifier and the central fan operate simultaneously (dependent operation).
Dehumidifier Connected for Independent
Operation with Horizontal Air Handler/Furnace
5
• Dehumidifier installed in attic (sitting on floor or
suspended from roof rafters
• Piped parallel to air handler
• Independent operation (furnace blower and
dehumidifier do not operate at the same time)

Dehumidifier Connected for Independent
Operation with Vertical Air Handler/Furnace
CONTROLS CONNECTION (Independent
Operation)
The dehumidifier controls must interface with the
main air conditioning unit. This interface is
required to do the following:
•Turn off the dehumidifier if the air conditioning
unit is in the heating mode
•Turn off the dehumidifier if the air conditioning
unit is in the cooling mode
•Turn off the air conditioner fan, during
dehumidifier operation, if the FAN switch on
room thermostat has been placed in the ON
position for continuous operation
Five wires run from the air handler/furnace to the
dehumidifier to accomplish this interface, per Unit
Connection Diagram (Independent Operation)
and per the following:
•Connect the C, W, and Y terminals on the
dehumidifier unit to the corresponding
terminal on the air conditioner. Do not
disconnect any of the existing wires from the
C, W, or Y terminals on the air handler/
furnace.
•Disconnect the existing thermostat wire from
the G terminal on the air handler/furnace.
Using a wire nut, splice this wire to a new wire
and then connect to the G1 terminal on the
dehumidifier.
•Connect the G2 terminal on the dehumidifier
to the G terminal on the air handler/furnace.
All controls wiring, including connection to a
remote dehumidistat, must be 18-22 gauge and
must meet national and local electrical codes.
Entry into the dehumidifier unit is through a 7/8"
diameter hole located on the air entry end of the
unit, adjacent to the unit mounted dehumidistat.
Note that this is separate from the power entry.
Unit Connection Diagram
(Independent Operation)
REMOVE
JUMPER ON S1
& S2 WHEN
OPTIONAL
DEHUMIDISTAT
IS USED
WALL-MOUNTED
DEHUMIDISTAT
(OPTIONAL)
6
• Dehumidifier
suspended from
ceiling
• Piped parallel
to air handler
• Independent operation (furnace blower and
dehumidifier do not operate at the same time)
DEHUMIDIFIER
AIRHANDLER/FURNACE

DUCT CONNECTION (Dependent Operation)
In this arrangement, the dehumidifier is connected
either upstream or downstream of the air
conditioner air handler. Both the discharge and
the return of the dehumidifier are connected to
the same side of the air handler. When the
dehumidifier is connected for dependent
operation, the central air conditioner fan and the
dehumidifier fan MUST operate simultaneously.
CONTROLS CONNECTION
(Dependent Operation)—Illustration on page 8
The dehumidifier controls must interface with the
main air conditioning unit. This interface is
required to do the following:
•Ensure that the air handler/furnace fan is on
when the dehumidifier is operating
Two wires run from the air conditioner to the
dehumidifier to accomplish this interface, per Unit
DAMPER CONNECTION
If an optional damper(s) is used in the discharge/
return duct, this may be controlled by the
dehumidifier. See Unit Connection Diagram
(Independent Operation) for connection details.
When connected as shown in the Unit Connection
Diagram, the dehumidifier provides only the
switching interface for the damper(s). Power for
these devices must be provided with a separate
transformer, not from the transformer located in
the dehumidifier.
The damper control wiring must meet national
and local electrical codes. Entry into the
dehumidifier unit is through the control wire entry
located on the air-entering end of the unit. Note
that this is separate from the power entry.
DEPENDENT OPERATION
• Dehumidifier installed on floor
• Piped return/return
• Dependent operation (furnace blower and
dehumidifier must operate at the same time)
Dehumidifier Connected for Dependent Operation
with Vertical Air Handler/Furnace
Connection Diagram (Dependent Operation) and
per the following:
•Connect the D terminals on the dehumidifier
unit to the R terminal on the air handler/
furnace. Do not disconnect any of the existing
wires from the air conditioning unit.
•Connect the DH terminal on the dehumidifier
to the G terminal on the air handler/furnace.
Do not disconnect any of the existing wires
from the air conditioning unit.
All controls wiring, including connection to a
remote dehumidistat, must be 18-22 gauge and
must meet national and local electrical codes.
Entry into the dehumidifier unit is through a 7/8"
diameter hole located on the air entry end of the
unit, adjacent to the unit mounted dehumidistat.
Note that this is separate from the power entry.
DAMPER CONNECTION (Dependent
Operation)
Although not necessary, if an optional damper(s)
is utilized in the discharge/return duct, this may be
controlled by the dehumidifier. See Unit
Connection Diagram (Dependent Operation) for
connection details. When connected as shown in
the Unit Connection Diagram, the dehumidifier
provides the switching interface for the damper(s)
as well as the line voltage power to the
transformer (by others). Power for the damper(s)
is provided by the dehumidifier.
The damper control wiring must meet national
and local electrical codes. Entry into the
dehumidifier unit is through the control wire entry
located on the air-entering end of the unit. Note
that this is separate from the power entry.
See Illustration on page 8
7
DEHUMIDIFIER

GENERAL
Relative humidity (RH) is defined as the amount
of moisture in the air at a certain temperature
compared to how much moisture it could hold if
totally saturated. It is expressed as a percentage.
Human beings are fairly sensitive to relative
humidity as it affects the body’s natural ability to
regulate temperature. As the relative humidity
changes, so changes the rate at which
evaporation of moisture on the skin occurs. This
directly affects the body temperature regulating
mechanisms.
Under many conditions of comfort cooling or
heating, the temperature of a conditioned space
can be at a theoretically comfortable level while
the relative humidity of the space is higher than
would normally be acceptable. The results of this
can be inadequate human comfort and moisture
levels in the conditioned space that may promote
mold and mildew growth.
Typically, operating an air conditioning unit during
the cooling season will keep the relative humidity
Unit Connection Diagram
(Dependent Operation)
REMOVE
JUMPER ON S1
& S2 WHEN
OPTIONAL
DEHUMIDISTAT
IS USED
WALL-MOUNTED
DEHUMIDISTAT
(OPTIONAL)
in the space at comfortable levels; however, there
are times during cool or rainy weather when the
air conditioning does not operate often enough to
keep the humidity at a comfortable level.
Oftentimes, homeowners lower the thermostat to
try to compensate for this and cause the air
conditioning equipment to operate. Not only is this
an expensive option, it may be counter
productive. Cool air can hold less moisture and
the relative humidity may increase. This accounts
for the cool clammy feeling under these
circumstances and, left alone, it will further
promote mold and mildew growth when moisture
condenses on cool surfaces.
The whole house dehumidifier, on the other hand,
operates when the regular air conditioning unit is
not operating. When the dehumidistat senses that
the humidity is high it starts the dehumidification
process. The dehumidifier will remove moisture
while NOT OVERCOOLING the space. As stated
above, overcooling is expensive and does not do
the job. When the humidity level is under control,
the dehumidifier stops.
OPERATION
8

9
In southern climates, often the heating and air
conditioning equipment is turned off if the
residence is to be unoccupied for an extended
period of time. It is recommended that the
dehumidifier be left ON even when the air
conditioning is off. The internal fan in the
dehumidifier will move air throughout the
conditioned space to keep the humidity under
control. Since the dehumidifier adds a small
amount of heat to the space, it is recommended
that the air conditioning and the dehumidifier be
left on during unoccupied periods; however, the
set point of the air conditioning unit should be set
HIGHER than normal. The higher temperature will
lower the relative humidity. This, coupled with the
dehumidifier operation, will ensure a dry
conditioned space.
PROCESS
When the dehumidifier fan (blower) is operating,
moist air from the conditioned space is drawn into
the unit through the inlet duct. The air first passes
through the filter in the unit. Once beyond the
filter, the air passes through the cool evaporator
(cooling) coil. This coil is part of the refrigeration
process and is, therefore, cold. In all probability
the coil is colder than the dew point of the air.
Since it is below the dew point, moisture in the air
will condense on the coil fins. Once condensed
out of the circulating air, the moisture now in the
form of droplets falls to the bottom of the coil and
is collected in the drain pan. This is essentially the
same process that causes water to drip from
beneath an automobile when the air conditioning
is operating.
Once the moisture has been removed from the
air, it is somewhat cooler. However, since the air
is cooler it cannot hold as much moisture and its
relative humidity is high, even though moisture
has been removed. To solve this “problem” the air
next passes through a warm condenser (heating)
coil where it is warmed. Since the air is warmed
without adding any moisture, its relative humidity
decreases sharply. This dry air is drawn through
the fan and then expelled through the discharge
duct back to the conditioned space.
Dehumidifiers take latent heat (heat removed
from water vapor when it condenses) and convert
it to sensible heat (heat you can feel in the form of
temperature increase). This exchange causes the
discharge air temperature to be warmer than the
entering air temperature. The amount of this
temperature increase varies and is dependent
upon the load (how much dehumidification is
being done).
To ensure that the dehumidification process is
maximized, a thermostatic expansion valve is
used as part of the refrigeration system. This
device provides exacting control of the system
over a very wide range of operating temperatures.
This is superior to lower cost refrigerant control
devices such as capillary tubes which limit
efficient operation to a very narrow band of
operating temperatures.
SEQUENCE
Unit Controls
If no wall mounted dehumidistat is used, the unit
will be controlled by the integral control system.
This system operates the internal fan for 15
minutes approximately every hour to “sample” the
air in the system. The air sample passes over the
unit mounted humidity sensor. The unit mounted
control should be set at approximately mid level. If
the humidity level in the sampled air is greater
than the set point, the compressor will be turned
on, after a 3 minute delay. The fan and the
compressor will operate until the humidity level of
the air entering the dehumidifier satisfies the
humidity sensor/setpoint.
Wall Control
When this control method is selected, the unit
mounted control must be adjusted to its minimum
(lowest relative humidity) level and never
readjusted. The room dehumidistat should be set
in the comfort area at approximately 50% RH
(relative humidity). When the dehumidistat senses
that the RH in the space is above its set point, an
electrical contact within the dehumidistat closes
causing the dehumidifier to start. The unit runs to
dehumidify the air from the conditioned space
until the
dehumidistat is
satisfied, that is,
the RH has been
lowered to the set
point.
Wall Mounted
Dehumidistat

10
Frost Control
Occasionally, frost will accumulate on the coil in
the unit. This is not abnormal and may result from
prolonged operation or if the conditioned space is
relatively cool. If allowed to go unchecked, ice will
eventually cover the coil, blocking air flow and
interrupting proper operation of the unit. To
prevent frost build-up beyond an acceptable level,
a sensor mounted on the coil will stop com-
pressor operation if the coil becomes unaccept-
ably cold and remains there for at least 10
minutes. The fan will continue to operate to melt
any accumulated ice. Once the ice has melted
and the coil is warm, the compressor will restart
and the dehumidification process will resume.
INITIAL SET UP
FILTER
The dehumidifier unit is equipped with a
permanent nylon mesh air filter. This filter is
washable and should be cleaned regularly, along
with the air conditioner filter replacement. If it
appears that the filter has become excessively
dirty when cleaned at this interval, it may be
necessary to adjust the cleaning schedule to
more frequent cleaning. Excess dirt on the filter
will reduce the air that can flow through it and
reduce the overall effectiveness of the
dehumidifier.
The unit Wiring Diagram is shown on page 11
and the Troubleshooting Guide is on page 12.
Insure that power to the dehumidifier unit is
turned on. For unit control, adjust the set point
knob to approximately 60% RH. For wall control,
adjust the unit mounted control to its minimum
(lowest RH) setting and set the wall mounted
dehumidistat to a desired level. It is
recommended that it be set at approximately 60%
at first and then adjusted no sooner than 24 hours
later to a higher or lower set point as desired. It is
recommended that all adjustments be made in no
more than 3% increments at no less than 24 hour
intervals.
Depending upon the conditions, the dehumidifier
may operate for extended periods, especially
when first started or after having been off. This is
not abnormal and something for which the
dehumidifier is designed.
MAINTENANCE
H
Filter Replacement

11
UNIT WIRING DIAGRAM

Unit Dimensions
All specifications and performance data subject to change without notice.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Dehumidifier will not run •Verify there is power to the unit
•Check that any disconnect switch is ON
•Check that the circuit breaker is not tripped (a separate 15 amp
circuit breaker is recommended)
•Verify the dehumidistat is not in the OFF position
•Verify low voltage wiring between AC and dehumidifier is correct
•Unit door switch is not mechanically actuated due to loose door.
Dehumidifier operates •Filter may be dirty. Clean filter
continuously but does not •Dehumidistat set at unrealistically low setting. Reset to
dehumidify approximately 50% RH
Unit is noisy •Ensure unit is sitting level and on all four feet
•Verify all panel screws are tight
Water drips from unit •Ensure unit is level
•Verify condensate drain is properly trapped
•Check for plugged condensate trap or condensate line
Heat/AC unit is OFF, but •This is normal operation as long as there is power to the
dehumidifier runs dehumidifier.
121111

Whole House Dehumidifier Exploded View
13

ITEM GFI NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY
1 7410 D114 DUCT, SUPPLY 1
2 7411 VB14 PANEL, BLOWER SUPPLY w/ INSULATION 1
3 7412 BM14 BASE, MOTOR 1
4 7413 MT14 MOTOR - 115V, 1/10 HP, 3 SPD 1
5 7414 BW14 BLOWER SET (WHEEL, HOUSING & INLET) 1
6 7415 RC14 CAPACITOR, (MOTOR) 1
7 7416 DP14 DRAIN PAN (STAINLESS) 1
8 7417 SM14 PANELSIDE w/ INSULATION 1
9 7418 CO14 COI 1
10 7419 FT14 FILTER, 431x 595 x 5 mm, NYLON 1
11 7420 UF14 UPPER GROOVE, FILTER 1
12 7421 DR14 DUCT, RETURN 1
13 7422 TR14TRANSFORMER, 115-24VAC, 24VA 1
14 7423 VR14 PANEL, RETURNAIR w/ INSULATION 1
15 7424 LF14 LOWER GROOVE FILTER 1
16 7425 SR14 SUPPORT, SIDE PANELRETURNAIR 1
17 7426 TX14 TEX VALVE 1
18 7427 FD14 FILTER DRIER 1
19 7428 CS14COMPRESSOR 1
20 7429 BT14 BOTTOM PAN 1
21 7430 SD14 PANEL, SIDE w/ INSULATION 1
22 7431 SP14 PANEL, FILTER w/ INSULATION 2
23 7432 PP14 PCB, MAIN 1
24 7433 HC14 SENSOR MODULE, HUMIDITY W/ HARNESS 1
25 7434 NC14 KNOB, CONTROL 1
26 7435 RI14 ISOLATOR, RUBBER 4
27 7436 AF14 FOOT, RUBBER,ADJUSTABLE 4
28 7437 DS14 SWITCH, DOOR 1
29 7438 CT14 PANEL, CONTROL 1
30, 31 7439 MH14 GROMMET, RUBBER, CLOSED, 7/8" OD 1
32 7440 RH14 POT, RHADJUSTMENT, w/ HARNESS 1
33 7441 TP14 PANEL, TOP w/ INSULATION 1
34 7442 HG14 HANGER 4
35 7443 TS14 TERMINAL STRIP, TB-10, 5AMP 1
36 7444 TS14-1 TERMINAL STRIP, TB-6, 30 AMP 1
37 7445 RC14-1CAPACITOR, (COMPRESSOR) 1
38 7446 DF14 DEFROST SENSOR w/ HARNESS 1
Whole House Dehumidifier Parts List
14

Design, material, performance data and components
subject to change without notice.
05/23/06 GA1300-06
GENERAL FILTERS, INC.
43800 Grand River, Novi MI 48375 • Telephone [phone]