North Star NSC15ED Use and care manual

NORTH STAR WATER CONDITIONING, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125 Part No. 7339866 (Rev. B 5/9/14)
Electronic Demand
AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER
MODEL NSC15ED
Installation
Operation
Maintenance
Repair Parts
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS WHEN INSTALLING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING YOUR
CONDITIONER, OR WHEN SETTING THE TIMER
CALLTOLLFREE: 1 -- 800 -- 972 -- 0135
IN CANADA CALL: 1 -- 800 -- 796 -- 6784
Designed, Engineered &
Assembled in the U.S.A.
Systems tested and certified by NSF International
against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
for hardness reduction and efficiency,
and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 372.
Systems tested and certified by the Water Quality
Association against CSA B483.1.

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WATER CONDITIONER WARRANTY
Warrantor: North Star Water Conditioning, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55125
Warrantor guarantees, to the original owner, that:
One Year Full Warranty:
DFor a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, all parts will be free of defects in materials and workmanship, and will perform their
normal functions.
DFor a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, labor to repair or replace any part deemed to be defective in materials and workman-
ship, will be provided at no additional cost.
Limited Warranties:
DFor a period of ten (10) years from from the date of purchase, the salt tank and fiberglass mineral tank will not rust, corrode, leak, burst,
or in any other manner, fail to perform their proper functions.
DFor a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase, the electronic control board and valve body will be free of defects in materials and
workmanship, and will perform their normal functions.
If, during such respective period, a part proves to be defective, Warrantor will ship a replacement part, directly to your home, without charge.
After the first year, labor necessary to maintain this product is not covered by the product warranty.
General Conditions
Damage to any part of this water conditioner because of misuse, misapplication, neglect, alteration, accident, installation or operation contrary
to our printed instructions, or damage caused by any unusual force of nature such as, but not limited to, freezing, flood, hurricane, tornado, or
earthquake is not covered by this warranty. In all such cases, regular parts and service charges will apply.
We assume no warranty liability in connection with this water conditioner other than specified herein. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. We do not authorize any person or representative to assume for
us any other obligations on the sale of this water conditioner.
Should a defect or malfunction occur, contact your contractor. If you are unable to contact your contractor, return the part, freight prepaid, directly
to the factory at the address below. Enclose with the part a full description of the problem, with your name, full address, date purchased, model
and serial numbers, and selling contractor’s name and address. We will repair or replace the part and return it to you at no cost if our repair depart-
ment determines it to be defective under the terms of the warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.
This water conditioner is manufactured by North Star Water Conditioning, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55125; customer information
telephone no. 1--800--972--0135.
SAFETY GUIDES
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. FAILURE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER PROPERLY VOIDS
THE WARRANTY.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION, READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL. THEN, OBTAIN ALL THE MATERIALS AND TOOLS
YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE INSTALLATION.
CHECK LOCAL PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL CODES. THE INSTALLATION MUST CONFORM TO THEM. CODES IN
THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRE INSTALLATION BY A LICENSED PLUMBER. FOR INSTALLATION, USE
PLUMBING CODE 248--CMR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
USE ONLY LEAD--FREE SOLDER AND FLUX FOR ALL SWEAT--SOLDER CONNECTIONS, AS REQUIRED BY STATE
AND FEDERAL CODES.
USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE SOFTENER. DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN, DROP, OR SET ON SHARP PROTRU-
SIONS.
DO NOT LOCATE THE SOFTENER WHERE FREEZING TEMPERATURES OCCUR. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT WA-
TER OVER 120F. FREEZING, OR HOT WATER DAMAGE VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
AVOID INSTALLING IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. EXCESSIVE SUN HEAT MAY CAUSE DISTORTION OR OTHER DAMAGE TO
NON--METALLIC PARTS.
THE SOFTENER REQUIRES A MINIMUM WATER FLOW OF 3 GALLONS PER MINUTE AT THE INLET. MAXIMUM AL-
LOWABLE INLET WATER PRESSURE IS 125 PSI. IF DAYTIME PRESSURE IS OVER 80 PSI, NIGHTTIME PRESSURE
MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM. USE A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IF NECESSARY. ( ADDING A PRESSURE RE-
DUCING VALVE MAY REDUCE THE FLOW.)
THE SOFTENER WORKS ON 28V DC ELECTRICAL POWER, SUPPLIED BY A DIRECT PLUG--IN POWER SUPPLY
(INCLUDED). BE SURE TO USE THE INCLUDED POWER SUPPLY, AND PLUG IT INTO A NOMINAL 120V, 60 Hz HOUSE-
HOLD OUTLET THAT IS IN A DRY LOCATION ONLY, GROUNDED AND PROPERLY PROTECTED BY A OVERCURRENT
DEVICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE.
THIS SOFTENER IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TREATING WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE OR
OF UNKNOWN QUALITY WITHOUT ADEQUATE DISINFECTION BEFORE OR AFTER THE SOFTENER.
EUROPEAN DIRECTIVE 2002/96/EC REQUIRES ALL ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT TO BE DIS-
POSED OF ACCORDING TO WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) REQUIREMENTS.
THIS DIRECTIVE OR SIMILAR LAWS ARE IN PLACE NATIONALLY AND CAN VARY FROM REGION TO REGION.
PLEASE REFER TO YOUR STATE AND LOCAL LAWS FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF THIS EQUIPMENT.

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UNPACKING / INSPECTION
The softener is shipped in one master carton. The
softeners are completely assembled at the factory,
except as required at installation.
Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping
damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the ship-
ping cartons. Contact the transportation company
for all damage and loss claims. The manufacturer is
not responsible for damages in transit.
Small parts, needed to install the softener, are in a
parts bag. To avoid loss of the small parts, keep
them in the parts bag until you are ready to use
them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WARRANTY, SAFETY GUIDES 2..................................................
SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE CLAIMS 4................................
BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION 5.............................................
TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION 6........................................
INSTALLATION STEPS 7 -- 9......................................................
PROGRAMMING THE TIMER 10 -- 11..............................................
SANITIZING PROCEDURES 12...................................................
WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING 13 -- 14......................................
HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS 14 -- 15....................................
GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE 16 -- 17.............................
ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE
DISPLAYS / OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS, PROGRAM MEMORY,
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS 18 -- 19...............................
SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURES 19 -- 21...................................
WIRING SCHEMATIC 22.......................................................
WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE 22 -- 23..........................................
REPAIR PARTS 24 -- 27..........................................................
DIMENSIONS
27--1/4”
INLET
OUT
INLET -- OUTLET
3--3/8”
32”
11--3/4”
18--3/4”

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SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE CLAIMS
This model is efficiency rated. The efficiency rating is valid only at the minimum salt dose. This softener has
a demand initiated regeneration (D.I.R.) feature that complies with specific performance specifications
intended to minimize the amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation.
This softener has a rated softener efficiency of not less than 3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per
pound of salt (based on sodium chloride) and shall not deliver more salt than its listed rating or be operated
at a sustained maximum service flow rate greater than its listed rating. This softener has been proven to
deliver soft water for at least ten continuous minutes at the rated service flow rate. The rated salt efficiency
is measured by laboratory tests described in NSF/ANSI Standard 44. These tests represent the maximum
possible efficiency that the system can achieve. Operational efficiency is the actual efficiency after the system
has been installed. It is typically less than the rated efficiency, due to individual application factors including
water hardness, water usage, and other contaminants that reduce a softener’s capacity.
MODEL NSC15ED
RATED CAPACITY
6,600 grains with 1.4 lbs. of salt
11,300 grains with 3.0 lbs. of salt
15,700 grains with 8.0 lbs. of salt
RATED EFFICIENCY 4,680 grains/lb. @ 1.4 lbs. of salt
WATER USED DURING REGENERATION @ MINIMUM SALT DOSE (gallons) 2.6 / 1,000 grains
TOTAL WATER USED PER REGENERATION @ MAXIMUM SALT DOSE (gallons) 18.1
AMOUNT OF HIGH CAPACITY RESIN (lbs / cu ft) 26.0 / .50
RESIN TANK NOMINAL SIZE (in., dia x height) 8x25
SERVICEFLOWRATE(gpm) 6.0
PRESSURE DROP AT RATED SERVICE FLOW (psig) 9.9
INTERMITTENT FLOW RATE at 15 psi (gpm) Y7.7
WATER SUPPLY MAXIMUM HARDNESS (gpg) 30
WATER SUPPLY MAX. CLEAR WATER IRON (ppm) H4
WATER PRESSURE LIMITS (min. / max. psi) F20 -- 125
WATER TEMPERATURE LIMITS (Min./Max. _F) 40 -- 120
WATER SUPPLY MINIMUM FLOW RATE (gpm) 3
FLOW TO DRAIN DURING RENGENERATION (gpm) 2.0
YIntermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the softeners rated capacity and efficien-
cy. Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate may affect capacity and efficiency performance.
HCapacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data. State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if water
supply contains greater than 5 ppm clear water iron.
FCanada working pressure limits: 1.4 -- 7.0 kg/cm@.
This softener conforms to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by test data.

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BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION
"WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER
SPlace the softener as close as possible to the
pressure tank (well system) or water meter (city
water).
SPlace the softener as close as possible to a floor
drain, or other acceptable drain point (laundry
tub, sump, standpipe, etc.).
SConnect the softener to the main water supply
pipe BEFORE or AHEAD OF the water heater.
DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE
SOFTENER. Temperature of water passing
through the softener must be less than 120_F
(49_C).
SKeep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt.
SDo not install the softener in a place where it
could freeze. Damage caused by freezing is
not covered by the warranty.
SPut the softener in a place water damage is least
likely to occur if a leak develops. The manufac-
turer will not repair or pay for water damage.
SA 120V, 60 Hz electrical outlet, to plug the in-
cluded power supply into, is needed near the
softener. Be sure the electric outlet and
power supply are in an inside location, to
protect from wet weather.
SIf installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener,
installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well
protected from the elements, contamination,
vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors.
SKeep the softener out of direct sunlight. The
sun’s heat may soften and distort plastic parts.
"TOOLS, PIPE and FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
GIn and out pipes to the softener must be at least 3/4”
size. Some local codes require a minimum of 1” pipe
size. To plumb with 1” pipes, buy adaptors to fit the
1” pipe threads on the installation adaptors (see
page 6). You should maintain the same, or larger,
pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the softener
inlet and outlet.
GUse copper, brass, or galvanized pipe and fittings.
Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipe.
GALWAYS install a bypass valve or valves. Either
use the optional valve (included with some models),
or 3 shut-off valves. Bypass valves let you turn off
water to the softener for repairs if needed, but still
have water in the house pipes.
GDrain hose (3/8” or 7/16” inside diameter) is need-
ed for valve and salt tank drains. You can buy good
quality, thick--wall, flexible hose at most hardware
stores.
GIf a rigid valve drain is needed, to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed (see
page 8) to connect a 1/2 in. copper tubing drain.
GNugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill
the brine tank (see page 9 and 16).
"PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER
You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to
the softener. Look at the house main water pipe at
the point where you will connect the softener. Is the
pipe soldered copper, glued plastic, or threaded gal-
vanized ? What is the pipe size?
Now look at the typical installation illustration on
page 6. Use it as a guide when planning your partic-
ular installation. Be sure to direct raw, hard water
to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve is
marked IN and OUT.