Phason PEC User manual

User manual and
installation guide

Copyright Phason Inc. Printed in Canada
All rights reserved. 31045004
About the manual
The manual describes the features of your PEC and how to use them; it does not describe
ventilation strategies.
All buttons and menu commands are bolded.
For example, "Press Program until the LED for Alarm is lit."
All LED display examples are in an LED font.
For example, "Press Up or Down until a 20 displays 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.
This is a note. It contains information that may help you better understand your
PEC.
This is a caution. It contains important information that you must follow when
installing or servicing your PEC. 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. Failure to follow this information can lead to
damaged controls or equipment, electrical shocks, or severe injury.

iii
Table of contents
Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC ........................................................................................5
Introducing the PEC ..................................................................................................................................5
Common applications ...........................................................................................................................5
Features.................................................................................................................................................6
Becoming familiar with the PEC ................................................................................................................7
Menu layout ...........................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Installing your PEC ..........................................................................................9
What you need to know before installing your PEC..................................................................................9
Understanding power surges and surge suppression..........................................................................9
Reducing electrical noise using filters .................................................................................................10
Electrical ratings ..................................................................................................................................11
Using power contactors to increase the capacity of relays.................................................................11
Proportional Environment Control layout ............................................................................................12
Mounting your PEC .............................................................................................................................13
Connecting equipment to your PEC .......................................................................................................13
Connecting an actuator .......................................................................................................................13
Connecting single-stage heating or cooling elements........................................................................15
Connecting variable-stage cooling elements ......................................................................................16
Using three-phase power ....................................................................................................................16
Connecting an alarm system...............................................................................................................17
Connecting temperature probes .........................................................................................................18
Connecting the power source .............................................................................................................20
Finishing the installation ..........................................................................................................................20
Chapter 3: Configuring your PEC....................................................................................22
What you need to know before configuring your PEC............................................................................22
Configuring the main control functions ...................................................................................................23
Selecting the temperature units, parameter 24...................................................................................23
Selecting the operating frequency, parameter 25...............................................................................23
Configuring hysteresis, parameter 33 .................................................................................................24
Configuring the stages ............................................................................................................................24
Configuring variable stages, parameters 26 and 27 ...........................................................................25
Configuring relay stages, parameters 28 to 30 ...................................................................................26
Configuring the inlet actuator, parameter 31.......................................................................................27
Calibrating an actuator, parameter 32.................................................................................................27
Testing the configuration.........................................................................................................................28
Chapter 4: Programming the PEC...................................................................................29
What you need to know before programming your PEC........................................................................29
Understanding how the PEC operates................................................................................................29
Programming the parameters .................................................................................................................32
Programming the group set point, parameter 1..................................................................................33
Programming variable stages, parameters 2 to 9 ...............................................................................33
Programming relay stages, parameters 10 to 14................................................................................35
Programming inlet actuator, parameters 15 to 21...............................................................................39
Programming alarm settings, parameters 22 and 23..........................................................................40

iv
Chapter 5: Monitoring and maintaining your PEC ..........................................................43
Monitoring your PEC ...............................................................................................................................43
Displaying the minimum and maximum temperatures........................................................................43
Selecting the operating program.........................................................................................................44
Acknowledging alarms ........................................................................................................................44
Testing settings and equipment..............................................................................................................46
Using stage override mode .................................................................................................................46
Using temperature override mode.......................................................................................................47
Using the actuator position display .....................................................................................................48
Servicing and maintaining your PEC.......................................................................................................48
Enabling and disabling ventilation.......................................................................................................48
Enabling and disabling actuator deicing.............................................................................................49
Restoring the factory defaults..............................................................................................................50
Saving and restoring settings..............................................................................................................50
Displaying the firmware version...........................................................................................................52
Updating the firmware .........................................................................................................................52
Replacement kits and optional accessories........................................................................................54
Appendixes ......................................................................................................................56
Appendix A: Glossary ..............................................................................................................................56
Appendix B: Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................58
Alarm and error messages ..................................................................................................................59
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................60
Determining correct actuator feedback wiring ....................................................................................62
Appendix C: Factory defaults ..................................................................................................................63
Appendix D: Installation worksheet .........................................................................................................65
Appendix E: Configuration worksheets...................................................................................................66
Main control function worksheet .........................................................................................................66
Variable stage configuration worksheet ..............................................................................................66
Relay configuration worksheet ............................................................................................................67
Appendix F: Settings worksheets............................................................................................................67
Variable stage settings worksheet.......................................................................................................67
Actuator settings worksheet ................................................................................................................68
Relay stages worksheet.......................................................................................................................68
Alarm settings worksheet ....................................................................................................................69
Appendix G: Motor curves.......................................................................................................................69
Index ................................................................................................................................71

5
Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC
Chapter 1 introduces you to the Proportional Environment Control (PEC). Read chapter 1 before
reading the rest of the manual. Topics in chapter 1 include:
Introducing the PEC below
Becoming familiar with the PEC on page 7
Introducing the PEC
The PEC automatically controls the temperature in a room by operating two variable speed fans, an
inlet actuator, and up to three single-speed fans or heaters.
Easy to use and program
The PEC comes with four factory-configured operating programs you can easily reconfigure for
your ideal situation. The easy-to-use keypad and menu system make the PEC one of the easiest
controls to program. The PEC's advanced and powerful features are never more than a few
keystrokes away.
Versatility and peace of mind
The PEC has a 30-foot temperature probe that monitors temperatures and a single zone. For more
versatility, you can connect four temperature probes together and use four-zone averaging.
Temperature probes are available in 1, 6, 30, 75, or 150-foot lengths; you can extend them up to 500
feet using extension cable.
You can connect the PEC to an alarm siren or other external alarm system. Customizable alarm
settings allow you to choose which alarm conditions you want to be notified about.
Common applications
Livestock applications
Livestock applications include buildings housing calves, rabbits, goats, hogs, poultry, and turkey. In
these applications, the PEC often controls ventilation in a single 20 x 40-foot or smaller room.
However, the PEC is not restricted to small rooms; some customers use it to control ventilation in
sow breeding rooms that are 200 feet long.
Greenhouse applications
Greenhouse applications include controlling ceiling louvers, variable and single-speed fans, and
heaters. Some operations use the proportional feature for misting or ground heat (water pipes).

Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Phason
6
Business and light-industrial applications
Business and light-industrial applications include machine shops, garages, and utility sheds where
customers use the PEC to control fans and inlets. The PEC exhausts heat from the room made by
equipment and/or regulates the temperature as service bays open and close.
Features
Automatic temperature-based control, range: -13 to 125°F (-25 to 51.7°C)
Seven configurable operating programs
Two variable cooling stages for controlling fans
Three general-purpose relays (heat or cool)
Two inlet control relays
One alarm relay (for external alarm system or siren)
Four-character LED display and individual stage LEDs
Minimum and maximum temperature logging
Error code display
Manual override/test mode
Selectable motor curves
Ventilation disable option
Three-second full-power-turn-on for minimizing fan ice-up
Actuator deicing
Power-failure settings protection
One temperature probe input
Thirty-foot temperature probe, extendable to 500 feet
 Easy System compatible—edit and store configuration and settings on a computer. For more
information, visit www.phason.ca.
Rugged enclosure (corrosion resistant, water resistant, and fire retardant)
CSA approval
Limited warranty (two years)

PEC user manual Becoming familiar with the PEC
7
Becoming familiar with the PEC
The four-character LED display shows temperatures, alarm messages, and programming
information. If there is a dot in the top left corner of the display, you are in an editable menu.
If you leave the PEC 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 override mode and temperature override mode; the control
remains in these modes until you manually exit them.

Chapter 1: Introducing the PEC Phason
8
Menu layout

PEC user manual What you need to know before installing your PEC
9
Chapter 2: Installing your PEC
Chapter 2 explains how to mount, install, and connect equipment to your PEC. Topics in chapter 2
include:
What you need to know before installing your PEC below
Connecting equipment to your PEC on page 13
Finishing the installation on page 20
What you need to know before installing your PEC
Before installing your PEC, you need to do some initial preparation:
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, which may cause your PEC 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. Using Appendix D: Installation worksheet on page 65, list all the equipment you want to control
using this PEC. Install the equipment and make your electrical connections according to the
sheet.
3. Using Appendix E: Configuration worksheets on page 66, decide 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
Electrical ratings on page 11.
Understanding power surges and surge suppression
Power surges can be caused by external influences (for example, lightning or utility distribution
problems) or they can be caused internally (for example, starting and stopping inductive loads such
as motors).

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
10
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. Lightning does not have to 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.
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.

PEC user manual What you need to know before installing your PEC
11
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 below.
For more information about snubber filters or other Phason accessories, see
your dealer or visit www.phason.ca.
Electrical ratings
Input power
120/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Variable stages 
(VAR 1, VAR 2)
Fuses (F2 and F3)
5 FLA at 120/230 VAC, PSC motor
1/3 HP at 120 VAC, 1/2 HP at 230 VAC, PSC motor
7.5 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
12 A, 250 VAC ABC-type ceramic
Relay stages 
(STAGE 3, STAGE 4, STAGE 5)
4.4 A at 120 VAC, 2.2 A at 230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/6 HP at 230 VAC
360 W tungsten at 120 VAC
Inlet relays
4.4 A at 120 VAC, 2.2 A at 230 VAC, 5 A at 30 VDC
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 5 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 54.

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
12
Proportional Environment Control layout
Voltage selection switch: set this switch to the correct voltage before installing your PEC.
Incoming power terminal: connect the incoming power (120/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) to this terminal.
Temperature probe terminal: connect the temperature probe to this terminal.
Actuator feedback terminal: connect the feedback from the actuators to these terminals.
Alarm relay terminal: connect an external alarm system or alarm siren to this terminal.
Inlet actuator terminals (OPEN and CLSE): connect an inlet actuator to these terminals.
General-purpose relay terminals (STAGE 3 to STAGE 5): connect single stage (on/off) equipment to these
terminals. You can configure these relays as heat or cool.
Variable stage terminals (VAR 1, VAR 2): connect variable speed fans to these terminals.
Variable stage fuses (F3 for VAR 2, F2 for VAR 1): 12 A, 250 VAC ABC-type ceramic.
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
5
4
3
6
7
8
9
10
1
2

PEC user manual Connecting equipment to your PEC
13
Mounting your PEC
1. Select a location for your PEC. Make sure you have enough
cable and wire to reach all the equipment (fans, heaters,
actuators, and so on) 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
Follow all instructions when installing your PEC and connecting equipment to it.
Use the electrical knockouts for bringing wires or cables into or out of your PEC
enclosure. Do not make additional holes in the enclosure; this can damage the
watertight seal or control components and void the warranty.
Your PEC's test modes are useful for testing your equipment after installing and
configuring it. For more information, read Testing settings and equipment on
page 46.
Refer to Appendix D: Installation worksheet on page 65 and Appendix E:
Configuration worksheets on page 66 when installing equipment.
Connecting an actuator
Actuators are control elements that are not OFF or ON. Instead, they vary by a percentage. For
example, inlets can be open various distances from 0 percent to 100 percent.
Typically, linear actuators are connected directly to inlets, or connected 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.
Feedback potentiometers
Each actuator you connect must have a feedback potentiometer. The feedback potentiometer, which
you connect to the PEC’s feedback terminal, lets the control know how far the actuator’s arm is
extended.

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
14
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 can control the actuator.
To connect actuators
AC-powered actuators DC-powered actuators
The ratings of the actuator must not exceed the ratings of the PEC.
PEC inlet relay ratings: 4.4 A at 120 VAC, 2.2 A at 230 VAC, 5 A at 30 VDC
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 62.
When routing the actuator feedback wires, do not run them in or along the same
conduit as AC-power lines.
When using a multimeter to measure AC voltage across the actuator motor, if a
limit switch is open and both control relays are open, you might still read line
voltage because of the control's filter circuit.

PEC user manual Connecting equipment to your PEC
15
Connecting single-stage heating or cooling elements
Heating or cooling elements include equipment such as electric heaters, furnaces, and single-speed
fans.
To connect single-stage heating or cooling elements
Connect single-speed heating or cooling elements to your PEC as shown in the following diagrams.
Gas-fired furnace or brooder All other single-speed elements
The ratings of the equipment must not exceed the ratings of your PEC's relays.
Relay ratings: 4.4 A at 120 VAC, 2.2 A at 230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
1/6 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.

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
16
Connecting variable-stage cooling elements
The PEC has two variable-stage cooling terminals for connecting
equipment such as variable-speed fans.
To connect variable-stage cooling elements
Connect variable cooling elements to your PEC as shown in the
diagram.
Only permanent split capacitor motors appropriate for variable speed control, or
shaded pole motors, can be used on the variable stages.
If you are using three-phase power, connect the PEC and the variable cooling
equipment to the same phase. For more information, read Using three-phase
power below.
The ratings of the equipment must not exceed the ratings of your PEC's variable
stages.
Variable stage ratings: 5 FLA at 120/230 VAC, PSC motor
1/3 HP at 120 VAC, 1/2 HP at 230 VAC, PSC motor
7.5 A at 120/230 VAC, general-purpose (resistive)
Variable stage fuses: 12 A, 250 VAC ABC-type ceramic
Using three-phase power
If you are connecting your PEC to a three-phase system, connect the control power and the variable
cooling equipment to the same phase.
Your PEC must be powered from the same phases that supply the equipment. If your PEC power
and the variable stages are wired to different phases, the equipment will operate erratically.

PEC user manual Connecting equipment to your PEC
17
Connect the control power and variable cooling equipment as shown in the following example.
Correct three-phase wiring Incorrect three-phase wiring
Connecting an alarm system
You can connect an alarm system to your PEC's alarm terminal. An alarm system can be a siren,
alarm panel, or auto-dialer. Read your system’s installation guide for installation instructions and
information about the type of system: normally open or normally closed . Below are the descriptions
for the alarm terminal.
COM: common connection
N/O: normally open; closes during alarm conditions
N/C: normally closed; opens during alarm conditions
For the alarm system to sound (or dial out) during an alarm condition, you must enable the alarms.
For more information, read Programming alarm settings on page 40.
The ratings of the alarm system must not exceed the ratings of the relay.
Alarm relay ratings: 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

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
18
To connect an alarm system
If you are connecting the alarm system to a network of controls and your system uses a
normally open connection (closes on alarm), connect the system as shown in the normally open
diagram.
Join all the COM connections together and all the N/O connections together. Your PEC alarm
relays must be in parallel with each other so any PEC can trigger the alarm system when an
alarm condition occurs.
If you are connecting the alarm system to a network of controls and your system uses a
normally closed connection (opens on alarm), connect the system as shown in the normally
closed diagram.
Join the alarm relays in a continuous loop. Your PEC alarm relays must be in series with each
other so any PEC can trigger the alarm system when an alarm condition occurs.
Normally open system (closed on alarm) Normally closed system (open on alarm)
Connecting temperature probes
Replace damaged probes as soon as possible. If there is no probe present or
working properly, the PEC shuts off stages 3, 4, and 5, operates variable stages
this 1 and 2 at idle speed, and positions the inlet for minimum ventilation.
When routing the temperature probe cables, do not run them in or along the
same conduit as AC-power lines.
You can extend probe cables up to 500 feet. For more information, read the
Control Fundamentals guide that came with your control.

PEC user manual Connecting equipment to your PEC
19
To connect a single temperature probe
Do not run the probe cable in the same conduit as AC power cables
Do not run the sensor cable beside AC power cables or near electrical equipment.
When crossing other cables or power lines, cross them at a 90-degree angle.
To use four-zone averaging
The PEC can monitor the temperature in four different zones using four-zone averaging. The
control takes an average of the temperatures measured by the four probes and then operates
according to the average temperature.
You must use four probes for averaging. Using two, three, or more than four probes
measures the temperature incorrectly.

Chapter 2: Installing your PEC Phason
20
Connecting the power source
Before connecting the incoming power, switch OFF the power at the source.
Do not switch ON the power until you have finished all wiring and verified all
equipment is properly connected and free of obstructions.
Before connecting the power, set the voltage selection switch to the correct
voltage.
If you are using three-phase power, make sure the control power and the
variable speed fans are connected to the same phase. For more information,
read Using three-phase power on page 16.
You can connect your PEC to 120 or 230 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz
power.
To connect the incoming power source
1. Set the voltage select switch to the correct voltage setting.
2. Connect the incoming power source as shown in the
following diagram.
Finishing the installation
After installing and connecting equipment to your PEC, you are ready to finish the installation.
Before you start configuring your PEC, you need to verify the connections and close the PEC.
Make sure the configuration worksheets in Appendix E correspond to how the equipment is
connected to your PEC. It is very important that the connections and the worksheets are the same,
because the next step after closing the cover is to tell your PEC which equipment is connected to
each terminal.
1. Make sure all wires are properly connected to the correct terminals.
2. Make sure the voltage selection switch is in the correct setting, 115 or 230 VAC.
3. Make sure the display cable is properly connected. For more information, read Proportional
Environment Control layout on page 12.
4. Place the cover on the control.