Oxygen 8 VITA HRV User manual

INSTALLATION
& OPERATION
MANUAL
VITA HRV


Table of Contents
1.0 Safety Instructions
2.0 Components
2.1 Polypropylene Core
3.0 Wiring Diagrams
3.1 Control Board
3.2 Vita 120 ECM
3.3 Furnace / Fan Coil / Heat Pump Interlock
4.0 HRV Typical Installations
4.1 Typical Installations for a House
4.2 Installation Options for a High-Rise Condominium
4.3 Horizontal and Vertical Installations
4.4 Typical Installations of Single Vents and Access Door
4.5 Drain Connection
5.0 Airflow Balancing
5.1 Balancing Procedure
5.2 Pitot Tube Airflow Balancing
5.3 Airflow Balancing in Duct
6.0 Maintenance
6.1 Regular Maintenance
6.2 Annual Maintenance
7.0 Troubleshooting

Installation Manual Vita Series
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury, observe
the following:
1. Read all instructions carefully before installations,
operation or maintenance of the unit. Failure to comply
with instructions could result in personal injury and/or
property damage.
2. Installation of the unit and the corresponding electrical
wiring must be done by a qualified person and be in
accordance with all municipal and national electrical
codes and pertinent industry standards should be
verified before installation.
3. Use this unit only in the manner intended by the
manufacturer. If you have any questions, contact the
manufacturer.
4. Moving parts: disconnect power supply before opening,
ensure all nuts and screws are securely fastened before
restarting the unit.
5. Before servicing or cleaning the unit, switch power o
at the service panel and lock the service disconnecting
means to prevent power from being switched on
accidentally. When service disconnecting means cannot
be locked, securely fasten a prominent warning device,
such as a tag, to the service panel.
6. When cutting or drilling into a wall or ceiling, make sure
that you do not damage electrical wiring and other
hidden utilities.
7. To reduce the risk of fire, use only metal ductwork.
Do not use any accessories not recommended by the
manufacturer.
8. When performing installation, servicing or cleaning
of the unit, it is suggested to wear safety glasses and
gloves.
9. Do not use this unit for commercial purposes.
10. For residential use only. The unit must be grounded.
11. Do not install in a cooking area.
12. This unit is not designed to exhaust combustion and/or
dilution air for fuel burning appliances.
Packaging Inspection
Open the box and check to make sure all of the parts and
accessories are present and in good condition. If you find
any parts missing or any shipping damage, please contact
our factory or distributor immediately.
Caution
1. Turn the unit OFF during construction or repair to avoid
filter blockage.
2. Exhaust air outside - Do not intake/exhaust air into
spaces within walls, crawl spaces, garage or into attics.
3. The unit must be installed in accordance to National
and Local Building Codes.
4. When leaving the house for a long period of time (more
than two weeks), a responsible person should check if
the unit operates adequately.
5. Published eciencies are based on balanced air-flows
on supply and exhaust.
Contents
Wiring Diagram
• Control Board and Switches
• Furnace/Fan Coil/Heat Pump Interlock
• Standard Furnace Interlock Wiring
• Alternate Furnace Interlock Wiring
HRV Typical Installations
• Fully Ducted System
• Furnace Return Air-Duct Connection
• Semi Ducted System
• Horizontal/Vertical
• Single Vent & Access Door Installation
• Drain Connection
Air Flow Balancing
• Balancing Procedure
• Pitot Tube Air Flow Balancing
Maintenance
• Regular Maintenance
• Annual Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Climate Zone
Notes
1.0 Safety Instructions
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installation Manual Vita Series
2.0 Components
2.1 Vita 120 Polypropylene Core
Reference Description Part Number RERV-C100 NF
Qty.
1 HRV - lid, Pan Assembly 9315 1
2 Polypropylene Collar 5" Dia. 014043C 2
3 Counterflow Plastic Core CF100 1
4 Filter 7" x 12" (MERV-4) 9358 2
5 Temperature Sensor 9326 1
6 5" Polypropylene Backdraft Damper 014043 2
7 ECM Motors 9319 2
8 Adjsutable Door Latch 9319 1
9 Drain Spout Assembly 9320 2
10 Core Locking Bracket 9321 1
11 Core Locking Nut 014016 1
12 Safety Switch 9322 1
13 Main Control Board 9361 1
14 Main Control Board Bracket 9355 2
15 Door Hinges 9328 1 Set
16* Mounting Brackets 01135 4
17* "T" Connector 9330 1
18 Webbing/Brackets/Ladder Locks 9332 2 Sets
19* Chains/Springs/Brackets 9354 1 Set
20* Drain Pipe 9331 1
21* Motorized Damper Spring Return 120V 9362 1
22* Motorized Damper Spring Return Built-In by Factory 9363 1

Installation Manual Vita Series
Recently we modified our control board layout to provide easy wiring connections for timer switches/intermittent switches (low
voltage) without accessing the electrical box. Initially, some units may come with dierent versions of the control board.
Optional Accessories (Not Supplied)
a. Timer Switch (TC100)
b. Wall Switch
c. Dehumidistat
d. Time Delay Switch (TC100-120 & TC100-120P)
e. Master On/O Switch for HRV
f. Light
g. Intermittent Switch (IC 100-5V)
3.0 Wiring Diagrams
3.1 Control Board

Installation Manual Vita Series
3.2 Wiring Diagram: Vita 120 ECM
Control Board
120 VAC Light/Switch Options
Control Board Low Voltage
Side Connections
High Voltage Harnesses & HRV AC Power Input
Max Current: 5A

Installation Manual Vita Series
3.3 Wiring Diagram: Furnace / Fan Coil / Heat Pump Interlock
Standard Interlock Wiring
Alternate Interlock Wiring
For a furnace connected to a cooling system
On some older thermostats, energizing the R and G terminals at the furnace has the eect of energizing Y at the thermostat and
thereby turning on the cooling system. If you identify this type of thermostat, you must use the "Alternate Interlock Wiring".
Warning: Never connect a 120V AC circuit to the terminals of the furnace/fan-coil/heat pump interlock
(Standard Wiring). Only use the low voltage class 2 circuit.

Installation Manual Vita Series
4.0 HRV Typical Installations
4.1 Typical Installations for a House
Fully Ducted System
This is a standalone HRV system which is not connected
to a forced air system. Stale air is drawn from key areas of
the home (bathroom, kitchen) while fresh air is supplied to
main living areas.
Note
It is recommended that the furnace blower run continuously or the HRV operation be interlocked with the furnace blower to
evenly distribute the fresh air throughout the house.
A backdraft damper is required in the exhaust air duct to prevent outdoor air from entering the unit when the Furnace / Air
Handler is running and the unit is in Standby, OFF or in Recirculation
Furnace Return Air-Duct Connection Semi Ducted System
Double vent with extruded aluminum grille

Installation Manual Vita Series
4.2 Installation Options for a High-Rise Condominium
Fully Ducted System With Fan Coil System
Fresh air from outside should be installed on the Fan-Coil
supply side (HRV station #2) and the HRV should be interlocked
with the Fan-Coil unit.
Note
All exhaust fans must be installed minimum of 5 ft. away from sidewalls.
All HRVs must be balanced in the field.

Installation Manual Vita Series
4.3 Horizontal and Vertical Installations
32" clearance is recommended for cleaning of the core and servicing the unit (use appropriate door size).
Dampers are installed for horizontal installation. For vertical installation, both dampers must be turned so they can open and close properly
when there is any backdraft.
Make sure no screw will interfere the function of the backdraft damper flaps while installing the duct work to the HRV.
Horizontal
Vertical
Note
After installation, make sure the HRV is properly leveled. If not leveled correctly, then defrost will not perform eectively
and/or the unit may frost in winter.
Also make sure you have proper defrost on the wall - controller according to HRV model no. / core type.
Model # A B C
Vita 120 HRV 22" 21" 9¼"

Installation Manual Vita Series
4.4 Typical Installations of Single Vents and Access Door
Intake Exhaust
Notes
Fresh air intake and supply duct must be totally insulated. The Exhaust duct must be 5' insulated from the wall. In colder
climates, it is recommended to insulate all exhaust and supply ducts.
Check building codes for insulation requirements.
Use appropriate access door sizes and install on the correct location for easy access to all HRV components for routine check
and maintenance of the unit.

Installation Manual Vita Series
4.5 Drain Connection
Notes
For horizontal installation, connect only 1 drain spout assembly on lid/door. Cut one ½" drain pipe and connect one end to the
drain spout and the other end to the drain line. Don't forget to make a P-trap (shown above).
The HRV must be connected to the drain.
During the defrost cycle, the HRV unit may produce some condensation and the water should flow into a nearby drain.
The HRV cabinet has pre-punched holes (two on the side and one on the door) for the drain, in order to keep the drain pan
intact, hand tighten the plastic drain spout to the unit using the gasket and nuts.
For Vertical Installation
Cut two sections of ½" drain pipe and connect the other ends to the drain spout, then connect to a "T" connector. Connect a
drain line and create a P-Trap to prevent the unit from unpleasant odors from the drain source. Tape or fasten the base to avoid
any bends.

Installation Manual Vita Series
5.0 Air Flow Balancing
5.1 Balancing Procedure
It is required to have balanced airflows in an HRV. The volume of air brought in from the outside must equal the volume of air
exhausted by the unit while running at a normal speed. If the airflows are not properly balanced, then:
The HRV may not function at its maximum eciency.
A negative or positive air pressure may occur in the house or condo.
The unit may not defrost properly.
Prior to balancing, ensure that:
1. All of the HRV components are in place and functioning properly.
2. All sealing of the ductwork system has been completed.
3. Set the unit to normal speed.
4. Airflows in branch to specific areas of the house should be adjusted first prior to balancing the unit.
5. After taking a reading of both the stale air to the HRV duct and fresh air to the house duct, the duct with the lower CFM
reading should be left alone while the duct with the higher airflow should be slowed down to match the lower reading by
adjusting the dial/speed controller on the control board.
6. Return the unit to the appropriate fan speed for normal operation.
The following is a method of field balancing an HRV using a Pitot tube in
situations when flow stations are not installed in the ductwork. This procedure
should be performed with the HRV on normal speed.
The first step is to operate all mechanical systems on the most desired speed,
which will have an influence on the ventilation system, i.e. the forced air furnace
or air handler is applicable. This will provide the maximum pressure that the
HRV will need to overcome, and allow for a more accurate balancing of the unit.
Drill a small hole in the duct (about 3/16"), three feet downstream of any
elbows or bends, and one foot upstream of any elbows or bends. These are
recommended distances but the actual installation may limit the amount of
straight duct.
The Pitot tube should be connected to a magnehelic gauge capable of reading
from 0 to 0.25 in. (0-62 Pa) or other digital airflow meter. The tube coming out
of the top of the pitot is connected to the high-pressure side of the gauge/
meter and the tube coming out of the side of the pitot is connected to the low
pressure or reference side of the gauge/meter.
Insert the Pitot tube into the duct, pointing the tip into the airflow. For general
balancing, it is sucient to move the pitot tube around in the duct and take an
average or typical reading. Repeat this procedure in the other duct. Determine
which duct has the highest airflow (highest reading on the gauge), then slow
down that motor speed by adjusting the dial/speed controller on the control
board to match the lower reading from the other duct. The flows should now be
balanced. The actual airflow can be determined from the gauge/meter reading.
The value read on the gauge is called the velocity pressure and on the flow
meter is called the air velocity (FPM). The Pitot tube comes with a chart that will
give the air flow velocity based on the velocity pressure indicated by the gauge.
Note
Place the magnehelic gauge on a level
surface and adjust it to zero.
Pitot Tube and Gauge
5.2 Pitot Tube Airflow Balancing
This velocity will be in either feet for minute
or meters per second. To determine the
actual airflow, the velocity is measured by
the cross sectional area of the duct being
measured.

Installation Manual Vita Series
5.3 Airflow Balancing in Duct
Note (Option 2):
For balancing, the extension box cover plate is provided
with 3 holes on the supply side and 3 holes on the exhaust
side.
Do not use the Pitot tube to open holes in the insulation as
it may block/damage the Pitot tube.
Take 3 readings on each hole and average all 9 readings
for supply and same for exhaust.
After balancing is finished, plug all six holes with the plastic
plugs provided with the unit.
Notes:
To take more accurate readings, use option #1 if possible.
The accuracy of the flow reading will be aected by how close to any elbows or bends the readings are taken. Accuracy can be
increased by taking an average of multiple readings as outlined in section 5.2.
∆P" CFM
5" 6"
0.010 0.004 50
0.012 0.006 60
0.016 0.008 70
0.022 0.010 80
0.027 0.013 90
0.034 0.016 100
0.041 0.020 110
0.048 0.023 120
0.057 0.027 130
Duct Diam. Cross Sect. Area
5" 0.136 sq. ft.
6" 0.196 sq. ft.
∆ P" = Velocity Pressure in inches
CFM = Opening / Cross-Sectional Area (sq.ft.) x velocity (FPM)

Installation Manual Vita Series
6.0 Maintenance
6.1 Regular Maintenance
6.2 Annual Maintenance
1. Turn o the unit and disconnect the power supply.
2. Unlatch the door and lift the door panel towards you, hold it firmly and slide it to the left.
3. Clean the inside of the door and drain pan with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris
that may be present.
4. Clean the filters (twice a year)
a. Remove the filters, b. Vacuum to remove most of the dust, c. Wash with a mixture of
warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and shake filters to remove water and let
dry.
5. Oil/grease defrost damper lever and hinges.
6. Check the airflow sensors twice a year for lint/duct accumulation. If necessary, clean the
sensors with a lint-free cloth. Take extra care while handling. Ensure the sensor goes
back to the supply diuser and the exhaust sensor goes back to the exhaust diuser on
the same original position.
7. Check the exterior fresh air supply hood:
Make sure there are no leaves, twigs, grass, ice or snow that could be drawn into the
vent. Partial blocking of this air vent could cause the unit to malfunction.
8. Reassemble the components, filters and door (the door is secured when you hear a click).
9. Reconnect the power and turn on the unit.
Repeat steps 1-5 from section 6.1 and continue with the following steps:
1. Clean the HRV Core: Remove the filters, loosen the core locking bracket, remove the core by
carefully gripping the ends of the core and pull evenly outward.
HRV Core
Remove any dust using a vacuum cleaner or rinse with cold water. Soak and rinse the HRV
core in warm soapy water.
2. Motors: Maintenance free and permanently lubricated.
3. Drain Tube and Drain Pipe: Inspect the drain pipe, drain tube and "P" trap for blockage, mold
or kinks. Flush with warm soapy water and replace if worn, bent to unable to clean.
4. Clean Ductwork if Required: Wipe and vacuum the duct once every year. The ductwork
running to and from the HRV may accumulate dirt. You may wish to contact a heating/
ventilation company to do this.
5. Cleaning the Fans: Fans may accumulate dirt causing an imbalance and/or excessive
vibration on the HRV. A reduction in airflow may also occur. In new construction, this may
result within the first year due to heavy dust and may occur periodically after that over time
depending on the outdoor conditions.
a. Open the service door, b. Remove the core, c. Disconnect the fan motor wires, d. Pull
the fan assembly out of unit, e. Check for any accumulation on the blades, f. Clean with a
small brush if necessary: scrub individual fan blades until clean, vacuum and wipe, g. Put the
components back in place, h. Reconnect the power supply and turn the unit back on
Attention
Do not use a cleaning solution
for the HRV core
Do not use a pressure washer
on the HRV core
Do not place the HRV core in
the dishwasher
Do not use bleach or chlorine
Attention
Electrical shock hazard. Can
cause injury or death. Before
attempting to perform and
service or maintenance, always
disconnect the unit from its
power source.

Installation Manual Vita Series
7.0 Troubleshooting
Problems Possible Causes Solution
1. Airflow is too low HRV airflow is improperly balanced (for units
without built-in Automatic Electronic Air
Balancing)
Filter clogged
Core Obstructed
Exterior fresh air supply blocked
Ductwork is restricted
Power supply is low (low voltage)
Have professional balancer or contractor
balance the unit
Remove and clean filter
Remove and clean core
Remove and clean the blockage
Inspect the duct installation
Switch o the unit immediately and call the
electrician to check the voltage
2. Senses cold air from supply Exhaust hood outside the house is blocked
HRV airflow improperly balanced (for units
without built-in Automatic Electronic Air-
Balancing)
Outdoor temperature is extremely cold
Remove the blockage and clean the hood
Have professional balancer or have a
contractor balance the unit
Placement of furniture or closed door is
restricting the movement of air in the home
Install a duct heater
3. Water in the bottom of the HRV Drain pans, drain tube, drain pipe and "P" trap
are clogged
Check for blockage and for kinks in line
Check connections
Make sure water drains properly
4. Time switch 20 / 40 / 60 minute /
Intermittent Switch light doesn't stay
on
Loose connection
The switch may be defective
Turn o the HRV breaker
Check connection
Replace the timer switch
Reset the main controller
5. Unit is not defrosting properly Fresh air duct may be frozen
HRV airflow is improperly balanced
Temp. sensor may be defective
Check and remove ice
Have a professional balancer or contractor
balance the unit
Replace the temperature sensor
6. All 3 LEDs of timer switch blink Control board reports error
Lost communication with control board
Refer to problem 4.
Check all wire connections on timer switch
and main control board
7. LEDs on the Main Control Board and
the remote all mount Timer Switch
flashes 0.5 seconds On, 2 seconds
O, then repeats the cycle
Exhaust fan open circuit
a. Motor burned
b. Fan overheated
Replace the motor
Call a technician (if possible, replace the fan)
8. LEDs on the Main Control Board and
the remote wall mount Timer Switch
flashes 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds
O / 0.5 seconds On, then 2 seconds
O, then repeats the cycle
Damper obstructed
Exhaust fan jam/over-current
Check backdraft damper, no screw must
interfere with the function of the damper
Replace the fan
9. LEDs on the Main Control Board and
the remote wall mount Timer Switch
flashes 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds
O / 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O
/ 0.5 seconds On, 2 seconds O, then
repeats the cycle
Supply fan open circuit
a. Motor burned
b. Fan overheated
Replace the motor
Call a technician (if possible, replace the fan)

Installation Manual Vita Series
10. LEDs on the Main Control Board and
the remote wall Timer Switch flashes
0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On, 2 seconds O, then
repeats the cycle
Damper obstructed
Supply fan jam
Check back-draft damper, no screw must
interfere with the function of the damper
Replace the fan
11. LEDs on the Main Control Board and
the remote wall mount Timer Switch
flashes: 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds
O / 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O
/ 0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On / 0.5 seconds O /
0.5 seconds On, 2 seconds O, then
repeats the cycle
Replace the temperature sensor
Table of contents