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 a dry contact for fan control
(FAN1, FAN2 terminals). 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 volt, AC 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
!
®
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)
Accuracy Drift Per Year
Accuracy Indoor Temp.
Accuracy Outdoor Temp.
20%-80% ±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
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
“thermo”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 “Operation”.
PUSH
5 SEC.
BLINK !
Operating Modes
Press any button to light the display. Press the “DROP”
button to select the Operating Mode, O, Manual or Auto.
OFF 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 suspected. The
settings table to the right or a similar table may be used
to compensate for cold outside temperatures.
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
Display a Temperature
Press the“THERMOMETER” button to move between displaying indoor and
outdoor temperature. “Tree”will be displayed when showing outdoor
temperature. “House”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 manufac-
turer 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.
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]
FORM GFX4-11 Rev. A 9805-100-001
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 volts, AC and not intermittent.
Check that humidistat is NOT mounted: 1. on supply duct. 2. downstream of
humidier. 3. closer to humidier than 12 inches.
Make sure that Outdoor Sensor wiring is not close to line voltage wires.
Humidier Runs Continuously
If humidier operates while HVAC system is o, check that power to humidier
is switched with HVAC operation.
If humidier operates every time HVAC System runs, compare humidity to set
point. If humidity is lower than set point, humidistat will call for operation.
Humidier Does Not Run
Check wiring to/from GFX4 control. Verify 18-30 volts. 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
Fault with Humidier. Check humidier, water supply, electrical connections.
HVAC operating time too short. Check humidier trouble shooting.
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 side of house being warmed by sun or is too far inside of air intake.
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 from 0 (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, triple pane
windows and high R value insulation.
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, double pane windows.
9-10 Built after 1990, poly vapor barrier, R38 insulation, foam exterior cladding,
triple pane windows.
If condensation is seen or suspected, reduce index by 2 until condensation stops. The
level bars indicate the humidity index; one bar for two index points.
“DROP”
“UP”
“DOWN”
OFFSET 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 humidistat’s 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
WIRING OUTDOOR SENSOR
SPLICES: NO
MORE
THAN ONE
PER LEAD
200 FEET MAX.
NOTE: Separate sensor leads from
line voltage wires by at least 4 inches.
FIELD
SUPPLIED
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN 2 (GF) FAN 1 (GT) HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C AC L (R)
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN 2 (GF) FAN 1 (GT) HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C AC L (R)
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN 2 (GF) FAN 1 (GT) HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C AC L (R)
SNSR 2 SNSR 1 FAN 2 (GF) FAN 1 (GT) HUM 2 HUM 1 AC C AC L (R)
WIRING TO FAN POWER HUMIDIFIER
CONSTANT
24 VOLTS YELLOW
YELLOW
120 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION
TO FURNACE
BLOWER
WIRING TO 24V. HUMIDIFIER
CONSTANT
24 VOLTS
24 VOLTS
SWITCHED
W/ FURNACE
OPERATION
24 VOLT HUMIDIFIER
SOLENOID VALVE OR
DRUM MOTOR
WIRING TO STEAM HUMIDIFIER
N2
GND
N1
AB
AB
GND
IN
NO
C
NC
C
NO
GND
24V
EXT FAN ALARM
JUMPER
JUMPER
JUMPER
JUMPER