Phason PEC Plus User manual

User manual and
installation guide

Copyright Phason Inc. Printed in Canada
All rights reserved. 31040006
About the manual
The manual describes the features of your PEC Plus and how to use them; it does not describe
ventilation strategies.
All buttons and menu commands are bolded.
For example, “Press Function until the CONFIGURATION indicator is lit”
All LED display examples are in an LED font.
For example, “Press Up or Down until rly is displayed and then press Select.”
This is a hint or tip. It contains helpful information that might make it easier for you
to set up or use your PEC Plus.
This is a note. It contains information that may help you better understand your
PEC Plus.
This is a caution. It contains important information that you must follow when
installing or servicing your PEC Plus. Failure to follow this information can lead to
damaged controls or equipment.
This is a warning. It contains important safety information that you must follow when
installing or servicing your PEC Plus. Failure to follow this information can lead to
damaged controls or equipment, electrical shocks, or severe injury.

i
How to use this manual
This section is a “quick-reference guide”. The chart on the next page can you find what you are
looking for. If you are not sure where to find something specific, look in the Table of contents on
page v, or the Index on page 83.
Below are some helpful suggestions.
If you have not installed and configured your PEC Plus, read Chapter 2: Installing your PEC
Plus on page 6 and Chapter 3: Configuring your PEC Plus on page 20.
If you are ready to install, configure, or program your PEC Plus, use the worksheets starting in
Appendix D on page 73.
If you are not sure how to use the keypad or how to read the display and menus, read Becoming
familiar with the PEC Plus on page 2.
If you need to program your PEC Plus or adjust settings (set points, growth curves, fan speeds,
etc.), read Chapter 4: Programming the PEC Plus on page 32.
If you have an alarm condition or warning displayed and are not sure what it means, look at
Appendix B: Troubleshooting on page 66.
If you are not sure of the meaning of a term, look it up in the Glossary on page 62.

ii
Quick reference guide
PEC Plus overview, features, and accessories
Manual overview
Chapter 1
Starting on page 1
Installation instructions
Equipment installation (probes, fans, actuators, and so on)
Electrical ratings
PEC Plus layout (map of the inside and outside of your PEC Plus)
Chapter 2
Starting on page 6
Configuration instructions
Zone, probe, and sensor assignments
Variable and relay stage assignments
Chapter 3
Starting on page 20
Programming instructions
Group settings (set points and growth curves)
Equipment settings (set points, fan speeds, and so on)
Alarm settings
Chapter 4
Starting on page 32
Status display
Diagnostic tests
PIN security
Service and maintenance
Chapter 5
Starting on page 51
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Factory settings
Installation worksheets
Configuration worksheets
Settings worksheets
Appendixes
Starting on page 62

iii

iv

v
Table of contents
Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Plus ................................................................................1
Introducing the PEC Plus ..........................................................................................................................1
Features.................................................................................................................................................2
Becoming familiar with the PEC Plus ........................................................................................................2
Menu layout ...........................................................................................................................................4
Entering a PIN........................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Plus ..................................................................................6
What you need to know before installing your PEC Plus..........................................................................6
Understanding power surges and surge suppression..........................................................................6
Reducing electrical noise using filters...................................................................................................7
Electrical ratings ....................................................................................................................................8
Using power contactors to increase the capacity of relays...................................................................8
PEC Plus layout .....................................................................................................................................9
Mounting your PEC Plus .....................................................................................................................10
Connecting equipment to your PEC Plus ...............................................................................................10
Connecting actuators ..........................................................................................................................10
Connecting single-stage heating or cooling elements........................................................................12
Connecting curtain machines..............................................................................................................13
Connecting variable heating or cooling elements...............................................................................14
Using three-phase power ....................................................................................................................15
Connecting an alarm system...............................................................................................................16
Connecting temperature probes .........................................................................................................17
Connecting the power source .............................................................................................................18
Finishing the installation ..........................................................................................................................18
Chapter 3: Configuring your PEC Plus............................................................................20
What you need to know before configuring your PEC Plus....................................................................20
Configuring the main control functions ...................................................................................................22
Setting the clock ..................................................................................................................................22
Selecting the temperature units...........................................................................................................23
Configuring temperature probes .........................................................................................................23
Configuring hysteresis.........................................................................................................................25
Configuring variable stages.....................................................................................................................25
Configuring relays ...................................................................................................................................27
Configuring relays for actuators ..........................................................................................................27
Calibrating actuators............................................................................................................................28
Configuring relays for curtains ............................................................................................................29
Configuring relays for single-speed heating and cooling or duty cycles............................................30
Testing the configuration.........................................................................................................................31
Chapter 4: Programming the PEC Plus...........................................................................32
What you need to know before programming your PEC Plus ................................................................32
Programming target temperatures ..........................................................................................................33
Programming the group set point .......................................................................................................33
Programming the growth curve...........................................................................................................34
Programming the stages .........................................................................................................................37
Programming variable stages..............................................................................................................37

vi
Programming actuators.......................................................................................................................41
Programming curtain control relays ....................................................................................................44
Programming heating and cooling elements and duty cycles............................................................46
Programming alarm settings ...............................................................................................................49
Chapter 5: Monitoring and maintaining your PEC Plus ..................................................51
Monitoring your PEC Plus .......................................................................................................................51
Displaying individual probe temperatures...........................................................................................51
Displaying high and low temperatures................................................................................................52
Acknowledging alarms ........................................................................................................................52
Testing settings and equipment..............................................................................................................53
Using stage test mode.........................................................................................................................53
Using temperature test mode..............................................................................................................54
Using the actuator 1 and 2 test utilities ...............................................................................................55
Using PIN security ...................................................................................................................................55
Servicing and maintaining your PEC Plus...............................................................................................56
Restoring the factory defaults..............................................................................................................56
Saving and restoring settings..............................................................................................................57
Displaying the firmware version...........................................................................................................58
Updating the firmware .........................................................................................................................59
Replacement kits and optional accessories........................................................................................60
Appendixes ......................................................................................................................62
Appendix A: Glossary ..............................................................................................................................62
Appendix B: Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................66
Alarm and error messages ..................................................................................................................66
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................68
Determining correct actuator feedback wiring ....................................................................................71
Appendix C: Factory defaults ..................................................................................................................72
Appendix D: Installation worksheet .........................................................................................................73
Appendix E: Configuration worksheets...................................................................................................74
Main control function worksheet .........................................................................................................74
Variable stage configuration worksheet ..............................................................................................74
Relay configuration worksheet ............................................................................................................75
Appendix F: Settings worksheets............................................................................................................76
Growth curve worksheet......................................................................................................................76
Variable stage settings worksheet.......................................................................................................77
Actuator settings worksheet ................................................................................................................77
Curtain worksheet................................................................................................................................79
Heating and cooling elements worksheet...........................................................................................79
Alarm settings worksheet ....................................................................................................................80
Appendix G: Motor curves.......................................................................................................................81
Index ........................................................................................................................................................83

1
Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Plus
Introducing the PEC Plus
The PEC Plus is designed to control ventilation equipment for a single room. The eight-stage
control has two variable cooling stages for controlling fans and six relay stages for controlling
equipment such as actuators, curtain machines, single-speed fans, and heaters.
The control comes with a 30-foot temperature probe that is extendable to 500 feet. Automatic four-
zone temperature averaging and outdoor temperature monitoring are available with additional
temperature probes.
The PEC Plus automatically monitors and controls the temperature by operating ventilation
equipment such as fans, heaters, inlet actuators, curtain machines, or other equipment according to
your programmed settings.
The seven-step growth curve is a powerful feature that allows you to program the control to
automatically adjust the temperature set points over time to control the temperature in a room or
zone. This is an ideal feature to use as your animals grow and their temperature requirements
change.
The PEC Plus is ideal for poultry, livestock, greenhouse, or light-industrial buildings and is
compatible with most ventilation strategies: natural, forced, tunnel, and chimney ventilation.
Easy to use and program
The PEC Plus's display shows the ambient temperature and any alarm messages. During normal
operation, the status LEDs show when the stages are on.
When in programming mode, the LEDs indicate which stage you are programming. The easy-to-use
keypad and menu system make the PEC Plus one of the easiest controls to program. The PEC Plus’
advanced and powerful features are never more than a few keystrokes away.
Security and peace of mind
The PEC Plus has a PIN (personal identification number) security system. When you enable
security, users must enter the PIN before they can access a specific menu or function. This allows
you to control who makes changes to your system and its settings.
The PEC Plus is compatible with most alarm systems. You can connect your PEC Plus to an alarm
siren or other external alarm system. The customizable list of alarm settings allows you to choose
which alarm conditions you want to be notified about.

Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Plus Phason
2
Features
Two variable stages for controlling fans
Six relay stages (heat, cool, duty cycle, curtain, or actuator control)
One alarm relay (for external alarm siren or alarm system)
Temperature monitoring and control, with up to four-probe averaging
Adjustable temperature settings, range: -13 to 125°F (-25 to 51.7°C)
Configurable seven-step growth curve
Customizable alarm settings
Easy System compatible—edit and store configuration and settings on a computer. For more
information, visit www.phason.ca.
Three-second full-power-turn-on for minimizing fan ice-up
Actuator deicing
Daily high and low temperature display
Selectable motor curves
Power-failure memory protection
PIN security
Four-character LED display and individual stage LEDs
On-board diagnostics and self-tests
Temperature probe, 30 feet, extendable to 500 feet (additional probes available)
Rugged enclosure (corrosion resistant, water resistant, and fire retardant)
CSA approval
Limited warranty (two years)
Becoming familiar with the PEC Plus
The PEC Plus has a four-character LED display, status LEDs for each variable stage and relay,
function LEDs, and 10 buttons for programming and interacting with the control.
Main display
The four-character, seven-segment LED display shows ambient
temperatures, alarm messages, and programming information.
7…0
ON
5
Stage 3 setStage 1 set-point
-point

PEC Plus user manual Becoming familiar with the PEC Plus
3
If you leave the PEC Plus in a menu or display other than the main display, the
control returns to the main display after five minutes without any key presses. The
only exceptions are stage test mode and temperature test mode; the control
remains in these modes until you manually exit them.
Buttons
The five main control buttons (Function, Down, Up, Back, and Select) allow you to scroll through
the function menus and enter programming information.
The Parameter buttons (1to 5) display temperature
information and allow you to select which settings, or
parameters, you want to program.
Status LEDs

Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Plus Phason
4
Menu layout
The table below shows the layout of the PEC Plus menu system.
Growth curve
>>Parameter A<<
Configuration
1Current day
2Curve step
3Step duration
4Start temperature
5Group set point
Alarm enable (A L E n )
High temperature (K i e N )
Low temperature (L o E n )
Probe damage (p d e n )
Probe deviation (p d e v )
Actuator 1 jam (ac1e)
Actuator 2 jam (a c 2 e )
Firmware version (U e r )
Firmware update (U p d t )
Factory defaults (F A ( t )
Relays (r l y )
Select relay 1 to 6
Always off (0 f f )
Advanced duty cycle (d t [ 2 )
Actuator 1 (a c t 1 ) –only for relays 1 and 2
Actuator 2 (a c t 2 ) –only for relays 3 and 4
Duty cycle heat (d t y k )
Duty cycle cool (d t y [ )
Heat (k e a t )
Cool ([ o o l )
Curtain ([ v r t )
Always on (0n)
Variable stages (u a r )
Select variable stage 1 or 2
Always off (0 f f )
Cool ([ o o l )
Heat(h e a t )
Frequency (f r e q )
Hysteresis (x y s t )
Temperature probes (p r o b )
Select probe 1 to 4
Probe disabled (p#of)
Probe enabled (p#on)
Probe enabled for outdoor temp (p 4 o t ) –only for probe 4
Temperature units (u n i t )
Clock ([ l o c )
Restore settings (r e s t )
Save settings (S A V E )
PIN number (p i n )
Variable stages
>>Parameter B<<
Select variable stage 1 or 2
1“Off at” temperature
2Idle speed
3Temperature set point
4"On full at" temperature
Relays
>>Parameter C<<
Select relay 1 to 6
1Temperature set point
2Idle band
4 ON duration
5 OFF duration
Actuators
>>Parameter D<<
Select actuator 1 or 2
1Actuator stage
2Temperature set point
3Position
4Differential
Test
Stage test mode (st9 e )
Select variable stage or relay
Actuator 2 utility (a ( t 2 )
Actuator 1 utility (a ( t 1 )
Temperature test mode (t e n p )

PEC Plus user manual Becoming familiar with the PEC Plus
5
Entering a PIN
If security is enabled, users must enter the PIN (personal identification number) before they can
access the control’s functions. After entering a PIN, the control will not ask again until five minutes
have passed since the last key press. For more information, read Using PIN security on page 55.
When you are required to enter a PIN, the display shows
To enter a PIN
When prompted, enter the four-digit PIN using the parameter buttons.
The display does not show the PIN as you enter it.
If you enter the PIN incorrectly, the display shows f a i l .
pin

6
Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Plus
What you need to know before installing your PEC Plus
1. Read Understanding power surges and surge suppression below.
If you do not install external surge suppression devices, you risk damage to
the electronics inside your PEC Plus, which may cause your PEC Plus to fail.
Because it is not possible to completely protect this product internally from
the effects of power surges and other transients, we highly recommend that
you install external surge suppression devices. For specific
recommendations, see your electrical contractor.
If you do not take these precautions, you acknowledge your willingness to
accept the risk of loss or injury.
2. List all the equipment you want to control using this PEC Plus on the Installation worksheet on
page 73. Install the equipment and make your electrical connections according to the sheet.
3. Use the Configuration worksheets starting on page 74. List which relays and variable stages you
want to use for each piece of equipment, and how you want the equipment configured. You can
connect more than one piece of equipment to a single relay or stage as long as the total current
draw does not exceed the relay or stage’s limit. For more information, read
4. on page 9.
Understanding power surges and surge suppression
Power surges can be caused by external influences (influences outside the barn; for example,
lightning or utility distribution problems) or they can be caused internally (inside the barn; for
example, starting and stopping inductive loads such as motors).
One of the most common causes of power surges is lightning. When lightning strikes the ground, it
produces an enormously powerful electromagnetic field. This field affects nearby power lines, which
transmit a surge to any device connected to it, such as lights, computers, or environmental controls
like your PEC Plus. Lightning does not have to actually strike a power line to transmit a surge.
Surge suppression devices offer some protection from power surges. Because it is not possible to
internally protect this product completely from the effects of power surges and other transients,
Phason highly recommend that you install external surge suppression devices. For specific
recommendations, see your electrical contractor. If you do not take these precautions, you
acknowledge your willingness to accept the risk of loss or injury.

PEC Plus user manual What you need to know before installing your PEC Plus
7
Reducing electrical noise using filters
Electrical noise is caused by high voltage transients created when inductive loads, such as power
contactors, are switched on or off. The strength of the transients can be over 1000 volts and can
vary with the type of equipment and wiring, as well as several other factors.
Visible symptoms of electrical noise include erratic control operation, cycling inlets, communication
problems, and more. However, the effects of electrical noise are not always visible. Over time,
electrical noise can cause electronic circuits, relay contacts, and power contactors to deteriorate.
Installing filters helps extend the life of equipment
Filters help prevent electrical noise problems by absorbing the transient energy. Even if you do not
have visible symptoms of electrical noise, filters help keep controls operating reliably and can extend
the life of the controls and equipment connected to them.
Phason’s snubber filters (part number 127-0) are for use with solenoids, timer relays, DC motors,
furnaces, and other equipment connected to the control’s relays. You can also use the filters with
loads connected to power contactors (part number 129-0).
Install a filter in parallel with the load, as shown in the following example.
Do not use Snubber filters with variable stages.
Some power contactors include snubber filters. For more information, read
Using power contactors to increase the capacity of relays on page 8.
For more information about snubber filters or other Phason accessories, see
your dealer or visit www.phason.ca.

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Plus Phason
8
Electrical ratings
Input power
120/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Variable stages (2: VARI-1, VARI-2)
Fuses (2: F1and F2)
10 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
7 FLA at 120/230 VAC, PSC motor
1/2 HP at 120 VAC, 1 HP at 230 VAC, PSC motor
15 A, 250 VAC ABC-type ceramic
Relay stages (6: STG-1 to STG-6)
10 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/3 HP at 120 VAC, 1/2 HP at 230 VAC
360 W tungsten at 120 VAC
Alarm relay
0.4 A at 125 VAC; 2 A at 30 VDC, resistive load
0.2 A at 125 VAC; 1 A at 30 VDC, inductive load
You can connect more than one piece of equipment to a variable stage or relay as long as they are the same type (for
example, two fans) and the total current draw does not exceed the stage’s limit.
The FLA (full load ampere) rating accounts for the increase in motor current draw
when the motor operates at less than full speed. Make sure the motor/equipment
connected to the variable stage does not draw more than 7 FLA.
Using power contactors to increase the capacity of relays
Phason’s 240-volt power contactors are heavy-duty relays that allow you to increase the load
handling capability of control relays. Power contactors are ideal for secondary ventilation fans and
electric heaters.
Phason’s power contactor relays have the following electrical ratings.
Coil: 10.2 mA at 240 VAC
Contact: 25 A at 240 VAC; resistive
2 HP at 240 VAC, 1 HP at 120 VAC; motor, power factor 0.4
1300 W at 120 VAC; tungsten
Phason offers three power contactor options. For more information, read Replacement kits and
optional accessories on page 60 .

PEC Plus user manual What you need to know before installing your PEC Plus
9
PEC Plus layout
Voltage selection switch –set this switch to the correct voltage before installing your PEC Plus.
Variable stage fuses (F1, F2) –15 A, 250 VAC ABC-type ceramic; F1 variable stage 1, F2 for stage 2.
Variable stage terminals (VAR1, VAR2) –connect variable speed fans to these terminals.
General-purpose relay terminals (RLY1 to RLY6) –connect single stage (on/off) equipment to these terminals.
You can configure these relays as heat, cool, duty cycle, curtain, or actuator control.
Incoming power terminal –connect the incoming power (120/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) to this terminal.
Alarm relay terminal –connect an external alarm system or alarm siren to this terminal.
Actuator feedback terminals (ACT1 and ACT2) –connect the feedback from the actuators to these terminals.
Actuator present pins (ACT1 and ACT2) –place the jumpers on the IN pins to enable, or on the OUT pins to disable
actuator control for the corresponding actuator.
Temperature probe terminals (TEMP1 to TEMP4) –connect the temperature probes to these terminals. If
monitoring outdoor temperatures, connect the outdoor probe to the TEMP4 terminal.
Display cable –make sure the ribbon cable from the display is properly connected to the socket.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4
3
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
5

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Plus Phason
10
Mounting your PEC Plus
1. Select a location for your PEC Plus. Make sure you have
enough cable and wire to reach all the equipment (fans,
heaters, misters, curtains, etc.) that you want to control.
2. Remove the screws from the front cover and then gently lift
it off.
3. Mount the enclosure to a wall using the four screws provided
with the control. Insert the screws into the large holes in each
corner of the box and tighten.
Connecting equipment to your PEC Plus
Follow these instructions when installing your PEC Plus and connecting equipment to it.
Use the electrical knockouts for bringing wires or cables into or out of your PEC
Plus enclosure. Do not make additional holes in the enclosure; this can damage
the watertight seal or control components and void the warranty.
Your PEC Plus’test modes are useful for testing your equipment after installing
and configuring it. For more information, read Testing settings and equipment on
page 53.
Refer to Appendix D: Installation worksheet on page 73 and Appendix E:
Configuration worksheets on page 74 when installing equipment.
Connecting actuators
You can connect up to two actuators to a PEC Plus. Actuators are used for control elements that
are not OFF or ON. Instead, they vary by a percentage. For example, inlets can be opened various
distances from 0 percent to 100 percent.
Typically, linear actuators are connected directly to the inlets, or by cables and pulleys. Inlets are
generally located in the ceiling or walls. Inlet systems are usually spring loaded to aid in closing the
inlet, or counter weighted to aid in opening the inlets.

PEC Plus user manual Connecting equipment to your PEC Plus
11
Feedback potentiometers
Each actuator you connect must have a feedback potentiometer. The feedback potentiometer, which
you connect to one of your PEC Plus’two corresponding feedback terminals, lets the control know
how far the actuator’s arm is extended.
Most linear actuators are available with potentiometer feedback and internal adjustable limit
switches. A 10,000 ohm, 10 turn feedback potentiometer is preferred, but the internal feedback
potentiometer can range between 1000 and 20,000 ohms. Potentiometers outside of this range will
affect the precision to which your PEC Plus can control the actuator.
Actuator present pins
The actuator present pins are for enabling and calibrating the actuators. For
more information, read Calibrating actuators on page 28.
Each actuator requires two relays: one for extending the actuator arm (opening
the inlet), and one for retracting the arm (closing the inlet).
Actuator 1 (ACT1) uses relay 1 to open (extend) the actuator and relay 2 to
close (retract) the actuator.
Actuator 2 (ACT2) uses relay 3 to open and relay 4 to close the actuator.
A system operates more precisely when using the largest amount of stroke that
is feasible with the actuator. The stroke is the distance the actuator arm extends
or retracts.
If you are unsure of the potentiometer wiring for your actuator, read Determining
correct actuator feedback wiring on page 71.
When routing the actuator feedback wires, do not run them in or along the same
conduit as AC-power lines. Follow the guidelines in the Control fundamentals
guide.
If you are measuring AC power with a digital multimeter (DMM), note that if a
limit switch opens the circuit, the DMM measures voltage after the relay switch
even if the relay is open.
The ratings of the actuator must not exceed the ratings of the PEC Plus.
PEC Plus relay ratings: 10 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/3 HP at 120 VAC, 1/2 HP at 230 VAC
360 W tungsten at 120 VAC

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Plus Phason
12
To connect actuators
Connect actuators to your PEC Plus as shown below. Refer to your actuator’s installation guide for
information about its power supply requirements.
Connecting single-stage heating or cooling elements
Heating or cooling elements include equipment such as electric heaters, furnaces, and single-speed
fans.
The ratings of the equipment must not exceed the ratings of your PEC Plus’relays.
PEC Plus relay ratings: 10 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/3 HP at 120 VAC, 1/2 HP at 230 VAC
360 W tungsten at 120 VAC
Gas furnaces using hot-surface ignition or glow plug can draw more current than
indicated on their nameplate and require power contactors. For more information,
read your furnace dealer.
AC-powered actuators
DC-powered actuators