thermastor Santa Fe Operation manual

Lit. No. TS-192D-0600


ULTRA EFFICIENT DEHUMIDIFIER

A Division of DEC International
PO Box 8050, Madison, WI 53708
Toll Free 1-800-533-7533
Local 1-608-222-5301 
Santa Fe Dehumidifier Installation, Operation & Service Instructions
Table of Contents
1. Specifications....................................................... 1
2. Installation ............................................................ 1
2.1 Location ............................................................ 1
2.1A In humid area, no ducting............................ 1
2.1B In humid area, duct inlet and/or outlet. .......... 1
2.1C In remote area, duct inlet & outlet. .............. 2
2.1D In remote area, duct outlet only. ................. 2
2.1E In remote area, duct inlet only..................... 2
2.2 Electrical Requirements .................................... 2
2.3 Condensate Removal........................................ 2
2.4 Ducting .............................................................. 2
2.4A Optional Ducting ......................................... 2
2.4B Ducting for Dehumidification ....................... 2
2.4C Ducting for Fresh Air ................................... 3
3. Operation .............................................................. 3
3.1 Humidity Control Adjustment............................. 3
3.2 Fan Switch......................................................... 3
4. Maintenance ......................................................... 3
4.1 Air Filter ............................................................. 3
4.2 Blower Oiling ..................................................... 3
5. Service .................................................................. 4
5.1 Warranty............................................................ 4
5.2 Technical description......................................... 4
5.3 Troubleshooting................................................. 4
5.4 Refrigerant Charging ......................................... 5
5.5 Blower Replacement ......................................... 5
5.6 Compressor/Capacitor Replacement ................ 5
5.6A Checking Compressor Motor Circuits ......... 5
5.6B Replacing a Burned Out Compressor ......... 6
5.6C Replacing a Compressor- Nonburn Out .........6
5.7 Humidity Control ................................................ 7
5.8 Defrost Thermostat............................................ 7
6. Wiring Diagrams................................................... 8
7. Service Parts List ................................................. 9
Serial No. ________________________________
Purchase Date ____________________________
Dealer's Name ____________________________
Read the installation, operation and maintenance
instructions carefully before installing and using this
unit. Proper adherence to these instructions is essential
to obtain maximum benefit from your Santa Fe
dehumidifier.
1 Specifications
Model: Santa Fe Dehumidifier
Electrical: 110-120 VAC, 6.8 Amps, grounded
Capacity: 100 pints/day @ 80°F, 60% RH
Operating Temp. Range: 53°F min, 105°F max
Air Flow: 255 CFM without external ducting
170 CFM @ .15 IWG external static
Refrigerant Charge: 1 lbs., 14oz. R-22
Optional Duct connections: 8" round inlet & outlet
Size (w/o duct collars): 20" long x 17" wide x 36" high
Weight: 103 lbs.
2 Installation
2.1 Location
The Santa Fe can be installed in a variety of locations
to meet the owner's needs as listed below. In all cases,
keep the following cautions in mind:
•It is designed to be installed INDOORS ONLY.
•If used near a pool or spa, be certain there is NO
chance the unit could roll into the water or be
splashed and that it is plugged into a GROUND
FAULT INTERRUPTER.
•
••
•DO NOT use the Santa Fe as a bench or table.
•Avoid discharging the air directly at people,
especially in pool areas.
2.1A In humid area, no ducting.
The simplest installation is to place the Santa Fe in the
humid area with no ducting. The air inlet on top & outlet
on the side must be at least 1' from walls and other
obstructions to air flow.
2.1B In humid area, duct inlet and/or outlet.
If the humid area is very large or has high ceilings,
dehumidification can be improved by adding an inlet
and/or outlet duct to circulate and destratify stagnant
areas. For a large area, add inlet or outlet ducting to
create flow across the area's greatest length.
For areas with ceilings higher than 12', use an inlet
duct to draw warm, moist air from near the ceiling. See
section 2.4 for attaching duct collars & ducting.

2
2.1C In remote area, duct inlet & outlet.
It is often desirable, especially in pool rooms and
finished areas, to install the Santa Fe in an adjacent
equipment room or unfinished area. Air is transferred
between the humid room and the unit via ducting.
The factory mounted humidity control on the Santa Fe
cabinet may not sense the humidity in the humid room
accurately enough with this installation method. If so,
an additional humidity control can be mounted in the
humid room and wired to the Santa Fe. Local electrical
codes must be followed when wiring the control.
2.1D In remote area, duct outlet only.
A simpler remote installation method than the one
above uses ducting only between the Santa Fe
discharge and the humid room; the Santa Fe inlet
draws air from the room in which it's located. This
works well if there is an adequate air flow path between
the two rooms; e.g., high door undercut, louvered door
or wall grill. This eliminates the need to remote mount
the humidity control. There are several potential
disadvantages to using this method. First, humid air is
drawn into the room where the Santa Fe is located.
Second, to accurately sense humidity, the blower in the
Santa Fe may need to run continuously to draw air from
the humid room into the Santa Fe room. Third, a slight
negative pressure is created in the room with the Santa
Fe which could back draft open combustion devices
located there. If such devices are present, call the
factory for specific instructions before using this
installation method or consider the option below.
2.1E In remote area, duct inlet only.
When the Santa Fe is located in a room separate from
the main area to be dehumidified, it may be desirable
to dehumidify and/or slightly pressurize that room.
Pressurization assures that open combustion devices
do not back draft as would be the case if the room was
sufficiently depressurized. This can be accomplished
by installing a duct from the humid room to the Santa
Fe inlet and by allowing the Santa Fe to discharge the
dehumidified air into the room in which it's located. An
adequate air flow path must exist between the two
rooms for this method to work well. An additional
humidity control may need to be mounted in the humid
area and wired to the Santa Fe to accurately maintain
the desired humidity. Local electrical codes must be
followed when wiring the control.
2.2 Electrical Requirements
The Santa Fe plugs into a common grounded outlet on
a 15 Amp circuit. It draws between 6 and 7 Amps under
normal operating conditions. If used in a wet area
(pool, spa room, or basement prone to flooding), a
ground fault interrupter protected circuit is required.
If an extension cord is required, it must have a
minimum of 16 gauge conductors if less than 25 feet
long and 14 gauge if greater than 25 feet.
2.3 Condensate Removal
Condensate drains by gravity via the clear hose
extending from the unit. Route the hose to a floor drain.
Use care to keep the hose as flat to the floor as
possible. Excessive humps will prevent proper
drainage.
If the Santa Fe is located too far from a floor drain for
the attached hose to reach, inexpensive 1/2" PVC pipe
can be used to extend it. It is commonly available in 10'
lengths from building supply, plumbing and hardwares
stores. It will slide tightly inside the end of the drain
hose.
If more than one length of pipe is required, they can be
joined with a short piece cut from the end of the drain
hose.
2.4 Ducting
2.4A Optional Ducting
An inlet shroud with a 8" round collar and an 8" round
exhaust collar are available from the factory that will
allow round ducting to be attached to the inlet and/or
outlet of the Santa Fe.
2.4B Ducting for Dehumidification
Ducting the Santa Fe as mentioned in sections 2.1B-
2.1E requires consideration of the following points:
Duct Sizing: For total duct lengths up to 25 feet, use a
minimum 8" diameter round or equivalent rectangular.
For longer lengths, use a minimum 10" diameter or
equivalent. Grills or diffusers on the duct ends must not
excessively restrict air flow.
Isolated Areas: Effective dehumidification may require
that ducting be branched to isolated, stagnant areas.
Use 6" diameter branch ducting to each of two or three
areas, use 4" to each of four or more areas.

3
2.4C Ducting for Fresh Air
Fresh air can be brought into the structure continuously
by connecting a duct from outside to the Santa Fe inlet
and by turning on the fan switch. Advantages of this
form of ventilation include:
1. Outside air is filtered before entering the building.
2. Outside air will be dehumidified before entering if
the Santa Fe is running.
3. Drawing air from outside and blowing inside aids
in pressurizing the structure. This helps prevent
unfiltered and undehumidified air from entering
elsewhere. It also reduces the potential for
carcinogenic radon gas to enter.
4. The need for an alternate ventilation device may
be eliminated.
An insulated 6" diameter duct is generally sufficient to
provide up to 100 CFM of outside air. An adjustable
damper is recommended for controlling the air flow.
Large quantities of outside air will impact the Santa
Fe’s performance positively or negatively, depending
upon the difference between inside and outside air
conditions. Consult the factory by calling 1-800-533-
7533 for recommendations regarding the use of higher
flows with your specific application.
The outside air duct should be connected into the main
inlet duct close to the unit. If no other inlet duct is used,
locate the outside air duct end on top of and as close
as possible to the Santa Fe air filter.
3 Operation
3.1 Humidity Control Adjustment
The dehumidifier will run continuously until the relative
humidity (RH) is reduced to the humidity control dial
setting. Setting the humidity control to lower RH levels
will NOT increase the unit's dehumidification rate, it will
simply run longer to reduce the area's RH to the set-
ting. The Santa Fe unit (and refrigerant based de-
humidifiers in general) will reduce a warm space's RH
to a lower level than that of a cool space. For example,
the Santa Fe may reduce an 80°F space to 30% RH.
However, if the same space is 65°F, it may only reduce
it to 40% RH. It is therefore pointless to set the humidity
control to excessively low levels in cool rooms. Doing
so will result in long periods of ineffective dehumidifier
run time.
Quality humidity meters are available from the factory
and are recommended to accurately monitor humidity
levels.
3.2 Blower Switch
Turning ON the fan switch will cause the unit's internal
blower to run continuously, whether the unit is
dehumidifying or not. This function is desirable if the
unit is used for air circulation or fresh air ventilation.
4 Maintenance
4.1 Air Filters
The Santa Fe is equipped with 2 air filters. A foam
prefilter followed by a pleated fabric filter. These should
be checked monthly. Operating the unit with dirty filters
will reduce dehumidifier capacity and efficiency and
may cause the compressor to cycle off and on
unnecessarily on the defrost control.
If dirty, the foam prefilter can be vacuumed or carefully
hand washed with warm water and mild detergent, then
rinsed. The pleated fabric filter can generally be
vacuumed clean several times before needing
replacement. Replacement filters can be ordered from
the factory or purchased locally if available. DO NOT
operate the unit without the filters or with a less
effective filter. The heat exchange coils inside the unit
could become clogged and require disassembly to
clean.
4.2 Blower Oiling
The blower motor is factory lubricated for many years
of normal operation. However, periodic oiling will
extend motor bearing life. To oil, remove the plastic cap
from the two oiling tubes extending from the unit above
the humidity control (see Figure 3). Add 3 to 5 drops of
SAE 20 non-detergent oil to each port every 6 months.
DO NOT use thinner oil or penetrating oil. Blower life
can actually be decreased by such oil.

4
5 Service
CAUTION: Servicing the Santa Fe with its high
pressure refrigerant system and high voltage circuitry
presents a health hazard which could result in death,
serious bodily injury, and/or property damage. Only
qualified service people should service this unit.
5.1 Warranty
A warranty certificate has been enclosed with this unit.
Read it before any repair is initiated. If a warranty repair
is required, call the factory first at 1-800-533-7533 for
warranty claim authorization and technical assistance.
5.2 Technical Description
The SAHARA uses a refrigeration system similar to an
air conditioner's to remove heat and moisture from
incoming air, and add heat to the air that is discharged
(see Fig. 1).
Hot, high pressure refrigerant gas is routed from the
compressor to the condenser coil (see Fig. 1). The
refrigerant is cooled and condensed by giving up its
heat to the air that is about to be discharged from the
unit. The refrigerant liquid then passes through a
filter/drier and capillary tubing which cause the
refrigerant pressure and temperature to drop. It next
enters the evaporator coil where it absorbs heat from
the incoming air and evaporates.
Figure 1: Refrigeration System of Santa Fe
The evaporator operates in a flooded condition, which
means that all the evaporator tubes contain liquid
refrigerant during normal operation. A flooded
evaporator should maintain constant pressure and
temperature across the entire coil, from inlet to outlet.
The mixture of gas and liquid refrigerant enter the
accumulator after leaving the evaporator coil. The
accumulator prevents any liquid refrigerant from
reaching the compressor. The compressor evacuates
the cool refrigerant gas from the accumulator and
compresses it to a high pressure and temperature to
repeat the process.
5.3 Troubleshooting
No dehumidification, neither blower nor
compressor run with fan switch OFF.
1. Unit unplugged or no power to outlet.
2. Humidity control set too high or defective (Sec.
3.1 & 5.7).
3. Loose connection in internal wiring.
No dehumidification, compressor does not run but
blower runs with fan switch OFF and humidity
control turned to ON.
1. Defective compressor run capacitor (Sec. 5.6).
2. Loose connection in compressor circuit (see
Fig. 2).
3. Defective compressor overload (Sec. 5.6A).
4. Defective compressor (Sec.5.6).
5. Defrost thermostat open (Sec. 5.8).
Blower runs with fan switch OFF, but compressor
cycles on & off.
1. Low ambient temperature and/or humidity
causing unit to cycle through defrost mode.
2. Defective compressor overload (Sec. 5.6A).
3. Defective compressor (Sec. 5.6).
4. Defrost thermostat defective (Sec. 5.8).
Blower does not run with fan switch in either
position. Compressor runs briefly but cycles on &
off.
1. Loose connection in blower circuit (see Fig. 2).
2. Obstruction prevents impeller rotation.
3. Defective blower.
4. Blower switch defective.
Evaporator coil frosted continuously, low
dehumidifying capacity.
1. Defrost thermostat loose or defective (Sec. 5.8).
2. Low refrigerant charge
3. Dirty air filter or air flow restricted.

5
5.4 Refrigerant Charging
If the refrigerant charge is lost due to service or a leak,
a new charge must be accurately weighed in. If any of
the old charge is left in the system, it must be removed
before weighing in the new charge. Refer to the unit
nameplate for the correct charge weight and refrigerant
type.
5.5 Blower Replacement
The centrifugal blower has a PSC motor and internal
thermal overload protection. If defective, the complete
assembly must be replaced.
1. Unplug the power cord.
2. If an outlet duct is connected to the unit, remove it.
3. Remove the cabinet side.
4. Remove the 4 screws holding the electrical box
located next to the blower.
5. Disconnect the blower leads. Black from the
blower switch, and white the run capacitor.
6. Unbolt the blower capacitor from the blower motor
(required for removal clearance). Pull the oil tubes
out of the motor.
7. Remove the nuts & bolts holding the blower outlet
flange to the cabinet end and remove the blower.
8. Reassembling with the new blower is the above
procedure reversed.
5.6 Compressor/Capacitor
Replacement
This compressor is equipped with a two terminal exter-
nal overload, run capacitor, but no start capacitor or
relay. See Fig. 2.
CAUTION-ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD: Electrical
power must be present to perform some tests; these
tests should be performed by a qualified service
person.
5.6A Checking Compressor Motor Circuits
Perform the following tests if the blower runs but the
compressor does not with the blower switch OFF and
the humidity control ON.
1. Unplug the unit, remove the cabinet side (with two
screws in center) and the electrical connection
cover on the compressor top.
2. Plug in the unit and turn the humidity control to
ON. Check for 110 volts from compressor terminal
R to overload terminal 3 using an AC voltmeter. If
voltage is present, go to step 3. If no voltage, the
high pressure control or relay are open or there is
a loose connection in the compressor circuit. Test
each component for continuity; see the
appropriate section if a defect is suspected.
3. Unplug the unit, then disconnect the red and yel-
low wires from compressor terminals R & S. Using
an ohmmeter, check continuity between the points
listed below.
4. Compressor terminals C and S: No continuity indi-
cates an open start winding. The compressor
must be replaced. Normal start winding resistance
3 to 7 ohms.
5. Compressor terminals C and R: No continuity indi-
cates an open run winding. The compressor must
be replaced. Normal run winding resistance is .5
to 2 ohms.
6. Compressor terminal C and overload terminal 1:
No continuity indicates a defective overload lead.
7. Overload terminals 1 and 3: If there is no continu-
ity, the overload may be tripped. Wait 10 minutes
and try again. If there is still no continuity, it is
defective and must be replaced.
8. Compressor terminal C and compressor case:
Continuity indicates a grounded motor. The com-
pressor must be replaced.
9. Disconnect the yellow wires from the capacitor.
Set the ohmmeter to the Rx1 scale. The capacitor
is shorted and must be replaced if continuity exists
across its terminals. If there is no needle
movement with the meter set on the Rx100000
scale, the capacitor is open and must be replaced.
10. Reconnect the wires to the compressor and
capacitor. Plug in and turn on the unit. If the
compressor fails to start, replace the run
capacitor.
11. If the unit still doesn't start, adding a hard-start kit
(relay & capacitor) will provide greater starting
torque. If this doesn't work, the compressor has an
internal mechanical defect and must be replaced.
5.6B Replacing a Burned Out Compressor
The refrigerant and oil mixture in a compressor is
chemically very stable under normal operating
conditions. However, when an electrical short occurs in
the compressor motor, the resulting high temperature
arc causes a portion of the refrigerant oil mixture to
break down into carbonaceous sludge, a very corrosive
acid, and water. These contaminants must be carefully
removed otherwise even small residues will attack
replacement compressor motors and cause failures.

6
The following procedure is effective only if the system
is monitored after replacing the compressor to insure
that the clean up was complete.
1. This procedure assumes that the previously listed
compressor motor circuit tests revealed a shorted
or open winding. If so, cautiously smell the
refrigerant from the compressor service port for
the acid odor of a burn out.
WARNING: The gas could be toxic and highly
acidic. If no acid odor is present, skip down to the
section on changing a non-burn out compressor.
2. Remove and properly dispose of the system
charge. DO NOT vent the refrigerant indoors or
allow it to contact your eyes or skin.
3. Remove the burned out compressor. Use rubber
gloves if there is any possibility of contacting the
oil or sludge.
4. To facilitate subsequent steps, determine the type
of burn out that occurred. If the discharge line
shows no evidence of sludge and the suction line
is also clean or perhaps has some light carbon
deposits, the burn out occurred while the
compressor was not rotating. Contaminants are
therefore largely confined to the compressor
housing. A single installation of liquid and suction
line filter/driers will probably clean up the system.
If sludge is evident in the discharge line, it will
likely be found in the suction line; this indicates the
compressor burned out will running. Sludge and
acid has been pumped throughout the system.
Several changes of the liquid and suction
filter/driers will probably be necessary to cleanse
the system.
5. Correct the system fault that caused the burn out.
Consult the factory for advice.
6. Install the replacement compressor with a new ca-
pacitor and an oversized liquid line filter.
In a running burn out, install an oversized suction
line filter/drier between the accumulator and com-
pressor. Thoroughly flush the accumulator with re-
frigerant to remove all trapped sludge and to pre-
vent the oil hole from becoming plugged. A
standing burn out does not require a suction line
filter/drier.
7. Evacuate the system with a good vacuum pump
and accurate vacuum gauge. Leave the pump on
the system for at least an hour.
An alternate method of removing moisture and
non-condensibles from the system requires
evacuation to 29" Hg vacuum. Then break the
vacuum with 35 to 50 PSIG refrigerant vapor
charge. Leave the vapor charge in the system for
at least 5 minutes before removing it. Repeat the
vapor charge/wait/remove sequence twice more
and then charge the system with the quantity and
refrigerant listed on the nameplate.
8. Operate the system for a short period of time,
monitoring the suction pressure to determine that
the suction filter is not becoming plugged.
Replace the suction filter/drier if pressure drop
occurs. If a severe running burn out has occurred,
several filter/driers may have to be replaced to
remove all of the acid and moisture.
NOTE: NEVER use the compressor to evacuate
the system or any part of it.
5.6C Replacing a Compressor- Nonburn
Out
Remove the refrigerant from the system. Replace the
compressor and liquid line filter/drier. Charge the
system to 50 PSIG and check for leaks. Remove the
charge and weigh in the refrigerant quantity listed on
the nameplate. Operate the system to verify per-
formance.
5.7 Humidity Control
The humidity control is an adjustable switch that closes
when the relative humidity of the air in which it is
located rises to the dial set point. It opens when the RH
drops 4 to 6% below the set point.
5.8 Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat is attached to the refrigerant
suction tube between the accumulator and
compressor. It will automatically shut the compressor
off if the low side refrigerant temperature drops due to
excessive frost formation on the evaporator coil. The
blower will continue to run, causing air to flow through
the evaporator coil and melt the ice. When the ice has
melted, the evaporator temperature will rise and the
thermostat will restart the compressor.

7
5.9 Condensate Pump
Condensate is automatically pumped to a remote
location when the water level in the pump's reservoir
rises to close the float switch.
Figure 2: Electrical Schematic of the Santa Fe Dehumidifier

SERVICE PARTS LIST: Santa Fe Dehumidifier
ITEM PART NO. QTY. DESCRIPTION
1 4021818 1 Accumulator
2 4021475 1 Air Filter, Pleated, 2” x 16” x 20”
3 4021468 1 Air Filter, Foam Element
4 4022037 1 Blower w/ Capacitor (Fasco 7090-1874)
5 4021589 2 Capillary Tubes, .050" ID x 28" long
6 4023474 1 Compressor, Panasonic (2R12S3R126A-6A)
7 4022144 1 Compressor Overload (TI # MRA98706-673) (not shown)
8 4017318 1 Compressor Run Capacitor for Panasonic, 35 MFD, 370V
4017799 1 Compressor Run Capacitor for Tecumseh, 25 MFD, 440V
9 4021396 1 Condenser Coil
10 4021409 1 Cord & Wire Harness
11 4021470 1 Defrost Thermostat
4021648 1 Defrost Thermostat Mounting Clip (item 11)
12 4021395 1 Evaporator Coil
13 4020955 1 Filter/Drier
14 4021626 1 Hose, Drain, .56"ID x 8'
15 4021469 1 Humidity Controller
16 4021495 1 Knob, Humidity Controller
17 4020554 1 Switch, SPDT, for Fan
18 4021471 4 Wheel, 2", Plastic
19 4021507 1 Wiring Diagram (on Cover) (not shown)
20 4021453 1 Optional Ducting Kit (for Inlet & Outlet) (not shown)
21 4020623 1 Optional Outlet Collar (for Ducting Outlet only) (not shown)
Figure 3