GeneralAire GFX4 User manual

About the GFX4 Digital Humidistat
In Automatic Mode the GFX4 will adjust the humidity in your home based on the outdoor
temperature, lowering the humidity in cold weather to reduce condensation. The GFX4 can
operate in Manual Mode to control humidity to a specic relative Humidity. In most homes,
Automatic operation is preferred to reduce condensation on windows and within the structure.
Manual mode is necessary where the outdoor temperature sensor cannot be installed. Manual
mode may be desirable where valuable artwork, instruments or woodwork demand constant
humidity. The GFX4 has the capability for HVAC blower control. The LCD Display is backlit and
easy to read. Operation and Installation are simple. The GFX4 can be mounted on an interior
wall or on the return duct of the HVAC System.
WARNING!
This Humidistat must be installed by a Qualied Technician. Always TURN OFF POWER TO THE HVAC SYSTEM PRIOR TO INSTALLING OR SERVICING the
Humidier or Humidistat. Improper operation can result in over or under humidication. Over humidication can result in condensation, structural damage
or mold. Condensation within a building’s structure can cause a loss of structural strength. Condensation can also enable mold and mildew growth resulting
in personal injury and damage to building structure and contents. Older and poorly insulated structures cannot withstand the same humidity levels as
newer well insulated buildings. Read these instructions carefully. This humidistat requires a 24 VAC power supply. Improper voltage can cause malfunction
or damage to the control. Do not run outdoor sensor wires on or near line voltage wires. The technical specications for this product and the contents of the
user manual are subject to change without notice.
Duct InstallationWall Installation
Outdoor Sensor Location
YES !
North Wall
East Wall
Over Snow Line
Inlet of Air Intake
Less than 200’
from humidistat.
NO!
South Wall
West Wall
Below Snow
Deep in Intake
More than 200’
from humidistat.
YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!
GFX4 Locations
1” Hole.
Wall base has vents.
If wires are run inside wall,
cut rectangular opening.
Secure the base with the
two plastic anchors and
screws.
1” Hole.
Duct base: no vents.
If wires are run inside duct,
cut rectangular opening.
Secure the base with the
two sheet metal screws.
INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Technical Support
General Filters, Inc.
43800 Grand River
Novi, MI 48375
www.GeneralFilters.com
Tel [phone]
Canadian General Filters, Ltd.
400 Midwest Road
Toronto, ON M1P3A9 Canada
www.CGFProducts.com
Tel [phone]
!
®
TM
Specications
Voltage
Switching Load
Outdoor Sensor
Auto Mode
Control Range
Outdoor Temp.
20-30 VAC, 60Hz.
1 amp max. 30 volt
max. 200 ft. (61m.)
10%-60% RH.
-10°F (-23°C) min.
Manual Mode
Control Range 10%-75% RH
Accuracy RH
@77°F (25°C) 20%-80%
Accuracy Drift Per Year
Accuracy Indoor Temp.
Accuracy Outdoor Temp.
±4%RH
±0.5%RH
±2°F (±1°C)
±2°F (±1°C)
Resolution, Temp. or RH 1° or 1%.
Relay Close
Relay Open
Setting - 1%RH
Setting +1%RH
®
TM
With Furnace
Blower Motor
Control
®
®

Wiring
Testing the System
1. Re-assemble system and check all connections.
2. Restore power to the HVAC system.
3. Start HVAC system by raising thermostat setting.
4. Check to see that GFX4 display is on.
5. Set to TEST MODE by pressing “DROP”and
“THERMOMETER” together for 5 seconds. The
relay will close and the“+” will ash for 2 minutes
or press a key to set to OFF MODE.
6. Set to OFF mode to verify humidier operation ceases.
7. The GFX4 will stay in OFF Mode unless set to
Manual or Automatic mode. See below.
Operating Modes
Press any button to light the display. Press the “DROP”
button to select the Operating Mode, O, Manual or Auto.
O Mode
The Humidier is turned o.
Manual Mode
The GFX4 will work to maintain the single
humidity selected. You can set your desired
humidity level by pressing“UP” or “DOWN”.
The humidier will turn ON or OFF according
to your manual setting. The humidier will
operate when the measured relative
humidity falls more than 1% below the set point until
the measured relative humidity is 1% above the set
point. When the humidier is operating, the“+” will
display. Humidity may have to be lowered when
weather is colder or if condensation is expected. The
settings table to the right or a similar table may be used
to compensate for cold outside temperatures.
Display a Temperature
Press the“THERMOMETER” button to move between displaying
indoor and outdoor temperature. “Tree” symbol will be displayed
when showing outdoor temperature. “House” symbol will be
displayed when showing indoor temperature. To change between
°F and °C units, press the“ °F/°C ” button.
Limited Warranty
This humidistat is warranted to the consumer against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of installation. Defective
parts will be repaired without charge except for removal, reinstallation and
transportation costs. To obtain repair service under this limited warranty, the
consumer must send the defective part to the manufacturer.
There are no express warranties covering this humidistat other than set forth
above. The implied warranties of merchantability and tness for a particular
purpose are limited in duration to one year. The manufacturer assumes no
liability in connection with the installation or use of this product, except as
stated in this limited warranty. The manufacturer will in no event be liable for
incidental or consequential damages.
Any questions pertaining to this limited warranty should be addressed to the
manufacturer. USA: The manufacturer has elected not to make available the
informal dispute settlement mechanism which is specied in the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
FORM GFX4-11 Rev. B 9805-100-001
Humidier Runs Continuously
If humidier operates while HVAC system is o, check that power to humidier is
switched with HVAC operation.
Humidier Does Not Run
Check wiring to/from GFX4 control. Verify 18-30 VAC. Use “TEST MODE” .
Humidier Runs When Air Conditioning Is On
If this is undesirable, change wiring to be powered only in heating periods.
Humidity Not High Enough
Check humidier, water supply, electrical connections.
HVAC operating time too short.
Humidier undersized (Review humidity load and humidier capacity).
Humidity Too High
Wiring fault. Set GFX4 to“OFF”mode and check that operation ceases.
Outdoor sensor is being kept warm. Check that sensor is not buried in snow
on south or west side of house, warmed by sun, or is too far inside of air intake.
Trouble Shooting
“HOUSE” Flashing The indoor temperature sensor has failed.
“TREE” Flashing The outdoor temperature sensor has failed.
Humidier Turns On and O Repeatedly
Check that input voltage is between 18 and 30 VAC and not
intermittent.
Check that humidistat is NOT mounted on supply duct,
downstream of humidier, or closer to humidier than 12 inches.
Make sure that Outdoor Sensor wiring is not close to line voltage
wires.
Auto Mode
The GFX4 will automatically raise the humidity as the outdoor temperature increases. This
provides the highest possible humidity. The GFX4 will automatically lower the humidity as
temperatures drop. This minimizes the risk of condensation on cold surfaces like windows.
The Auto Humidity Index Set Point may be changed from1(low) to 10 (high) by pressing “UP”
or “DOWN”. The Humidity Index is based on the outdoor temperature and indoor humidity.
The humidier will switch ON/OFF according to the calculated auto humidity index set point.
When the humidier is operating, the“+”will display. Lower Index settings are for older
homes with less insulation and poor vapor barriers. Higher Index settings are for newer
homes with complete vapor barriers, energy ecient windows and high R value insulation.
See chart at right.
1-2 Older than 1950, no vapor barrier, little insulation.
3-4 Built 1950-1965, no vapor barrier, R6 insulation.
5-6 Built 1965-1975, craft vapor barrier, R11 insulation.
7-8 Built 1980-1990, craft vapor barrier, R19, energy ecient windows.
9-10 Built after 1990, poly vapor barrier, R38 insulation, foam exterior cladding,
energy ecient windows.
If condensation is seen, reduce index by 2 until condensation stops. The level bars indicate
the humidity index; one bar for two index points.
Oset Mode
To change the calibration of the GFX4, an oset may be entered to
the Humidity, Indoor Temperature or Outdoor Temperature
displays. Press both “UP” and “DOWN” buttons together to enter
OFFSET mode. The word“OFFSET” and “RH” will display. Press“UP”
or “DOWN” to change the Humidity calibration. Press both “UP”
and “DOWN” buttons together again to change the Indoor
Temperature oset. Press both “UP” and “DOWN”buttons together
again to change the Outdoor Temperature oset.
Humidity Outdoor Temperature °F
Index -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50
1 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
2 3 8 13 18 23 28 33 38
3 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41
4 9 14 19 24 29 34 39 44
5 12 17 22 27 32 37 42 47
6 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
7 18 23 28 33 38 43 48 53
8 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56
9 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59
10 27 32 37 42 47 52 57 62
Auto Mode Target Humidity
Outdoor Suggested
Temperature Setting
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
-29°C
-23°C
-18°C
-12°C
- 7°C
- 1°C
-20°F
-10°F
0°F
+10°F
+20°F
+30°F
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN - (G) FAN + HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C (C) AC L (R)
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN - (G) FAN + HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C (C) AC L (R)
WIRING TO FAN POWER HUMIDIFIER
CONSTANT
24 VOLTS YELLOW
YELLOW
120 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION
WIRING TO ELITE STEAM HUMIDIFIERS
R C G
N2
GND
N1
AB
AB
GND
IN
NO
C
NC
C
NO
GND
24V
EXT FAN ALARM
JUMPER
JUMPER
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN - (G) FAN + HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C (C) AC L (R)
WIRING TO 24V. HUMIDIFIER
CONSTANT
24 VOLTS
24 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION
24 VOLT HUMIDIFIER
SOLENOID VALVE OR
DRUM MOTOR
JUMPER
HVAC EQUIPMENT STEAM HUMIDIFIER
Note:
1. Manufacturer installed jumper is required for HVAC blower control
2. Separate sensor leads from line voltage wires by at least 4 inches;
sensor wire length 200 feet max.
PUSH
5 SEC.
BLINK !
“DROP”
“UP”
“DOWN”