Thermolec ACU-STEAM Operating instructions

User and Maintenance Manual
for the Homeowner
and
Installation Instructions
for the Contractor
ACU-STEAM™
Humidifier
by Thermolec
Please read this manual carefully before beginning installation.
Important Notice to the Contractor :
Once the installation is complete, please leave this manual with the customer for future reference.
July 2010 V1.0
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CONTRACTOR
Page 1
1. Warnings and Disclaimer – Installation Precautions
Please read and understand the warnings and instructions fully before you begin this installation and keep
them handy for future reference.
The manufacturer will assume no responsibility and the warranty will be void if the installer or the user does not
adhere to the following precautions :
1.1 This humidifier will be connected to and used under water pressure and it must be installed in such a
way that if a leak occurs, the water could not cause any damage to the property. Make sure all water
connections are properly installed or a water leak could occur.
1.3 Do not install a humidifier where the surrounding temperature may be 32ºF (0ºC) or colder. Freezing
water will damage the humidifier and burst the supply pipe, resulting in home damage.
1.6 Do not install a humidifier if the city water pressure exceeds 90 psi. Check the local codes related to
pressure reduction.
1.8 The installation, wiring and plumbing of the humidifier must comply with national and local electrical,
plumbing and building codes.
1.9 Electrical wiring and water tubes must not come in contact with sharp edges or hot surfaces.
1.10 Make certain an appropriate drain system is installed and there is no resistance to the flow of the
discharged water.
1.11 Do not set the humidity level higher than that recommended or condensation damage will occur.
1.13 Always shut the power off before you start the installation or when doing maintenance.An electric
shock from 120 or 240 volts could cause serious injury.
1.14 When you perform maintenance, please be careful because the unit can be extremely hot. Always
allow enough time for the unit to cool down.
1.15 To prevent electric shock or injuries, never operate the humidifier without the cover as there are high
voltage and hot components inside.
1.16 This humidifier will only work with non demineralized water. The maximum water supply temperature is
86 ºF (30 ºC)
HOME OWNERHOME OWNER

Page 2
Instructions and User Manual for the Homeowner
2. View of the unit
2.1 External view of the humidifier. Fig. 2a
2.2 Water Tank Top View. Please see Fig. 2b.
2.3 Water tank Side View. Please see Fig. 2c.
!











Fig. 2c
Fig. 2b
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Page 3
3. Startup
3.1 The startup of the humidifier is done in as follows :
Put the main power ON at the electrical panel. The green pilot light comes ON. The humidifier is
ready to work.
Open the water supply valve.
Adjust the knob on the humidistat.
Working Principle :
3.2 Unlike other types of humidifiers which produce humidity by passing warm air on a water curtain, a
rotating pad or another type of media, this humidifier produces humidity from steam dispersed directly into the
air.
3.3 A humidistat installed on the wall controls the unit. You set the knob of the humidistat according to your
need or comfort. Please read the next section about the humidity control.
3.4 When the humidistat senses a need for humidity, it starts the humidification process.
3.5 The tank fills with water.
3.6 The electronic control starts the fan to move the air as the humidifier starts boiling water and producing
steam. If the fan cannot start (i.e. there is no air movement to transport the steam or insufficient air pressure),
the humidifier stops itself. Please note that it may take a few minutes to bring the water to a boil. The steam
exits the water tank through the steam hose, moves to the steam diffuser installed in the fan module and is
spread into the room.
3.7 As water evaporates, the electric valve opens as needed to replenish the water in the tank.
3.8 When the humidity reaches the desired level, the humidifier stops producing steam and automatically
drains. In order to eliminate the residues and keep the tank as clean as possible, the humidifier also drains
after a certain number of boiling / refill cycles. If there is still a demand from the humidistat after draining, the
tank refills and starts to produce steam again. This process is part of the self-cleaning feature.
3.9 When the humidistat is satisfied, the fan continues to run for a short period of time in order to eliminate
the steam from the ducts and the unit goes to ready mode, waiting for the next call from the humidistat.
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Page 4
4. How to Control the Humidity
4.1 Humidity level and comfort are personal matters but it is generally acknowledged that a Relative
Humidity of 35-40% is desirable. However, you should take the outside temperature into consideration
before setting the humidity level in order to avoid condensation on the windows. Usually, a narrow strip of
condensation around or at the bottom of the window is considered as normal.
4.2 If you installed an ACU-STEAM humidistat and an outdoor sensor, this adjustment will be done
automatically. The outdoor sensor reduces the setting of the humidistat according to the outdoor temperature
during cold days without having to set the humidistat knob manually.
It does the opposite during mild days. Please see Fig. 4b for the percentage of relative humidity on
the electronic humidistat label. The middle of the scale corresponds to the middle of the comfort zone,
approximately 35% RH (Relative Humidity).
4.3 If you are using a mechanical or other humidistat, the adjustment according to the outside temperature
will have to be done manually. For your information, the following table shows the recommended setting of the
humidistat according to the outside temperature. Please see Fig. 4a.
.
4.4 No matter which humidification system you are using, please do not forget that the humidity level
cannot adjust quickly. It may take some time to build up the humidity to your comfort level. Depending on the
dryness of the house, carpets, furniture, drapes and wood will absorb moisture before you can feel the change.
4.5 If the house remains unoccupied during the winter season, set the humidistat to the minimum set point
in order to prevent condensation.
NOTE: The best location for the humidistat is at least two feet away from the faceplate and at a level that is
lower than the bottom of the faceplate.
Fig. 4b
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35
30
20
40
50
Outside Temprature Recommended Setting
-22ºF (-30ºC) 15%
-13ºF (-25ºC) 20%
-4ºF (-20ºC) 25%
+5ºF (-15ºC) 30%
+14ºF (-10ºC) 35%
above
23ºF (-5ºC) 40%
Fig. 4a
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Page 5
5. Functions of the Electronic Circuit
5.1 The electronic board located inside the unit controls all the humidifier functions. The front panel is
equipped with pilot lights indicating the status of the humidifier. Please see Fig.5a.
Please refer to Article 5.2 for the description of the functions.
The red pilot light, which is a warning light, can either glow all the time or flash when activated.
In case of error, the humidifier enters stand-by mode. The flashing of the pilot lights indicates which error
happened. The error recognition sequence is as follows :
The green pilot light near the power button blinks once;
The red light flashes a certain number of times, this is the error code;
A pause with no light at all;
Another blink of the green light, once;
Another series of flashing of the red light;
And so on until the condition is reset or service is performed.
Shutting the power OFF at the breaker in the main panel or depressing the power button until the
green light is fully on will reset the error code.
5.2 The ACU-STEAM humidistat also has two pilot lights to indicate the current status.
The green light is lit when the humidistat is demanding for humidity, thus activating the boiling cycle. The red
light indicates a warning and reproduces the same warning code as the red light on the humidifier control
panel. If ever the red light is lit or flashing on the humidistat, you know immediately that the humidifier needs
attention.
Display Status Description
On/Standby
Green light OFF The humidifier has no power – Breaker is OFF.
Blinking The humidifier has power, but is in standby mode.
ON The humidifier has power and is functional.
White button Press to put the humidifier in stand-by mode.
The green light is blinking.
Press and keep depressed 3 seconds to power
or reset the humidifier. The green light is ON.
Fan
White light ON The fan control is activated.
!
On/Standby - Green
Fan
Warning
Steam
Fill
Drain
- White
- Red
- White
- Blue
- Yellow
Fig. 5a
Mode
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Page 6
Warning
Red light ON An abnormal condition occurred.
Please refer to the error code table in Section 7.
Steam
White light ON The humidifier is heating water to produce steam.
Filling cycle
Blue light ON The electric water valve is open thus filling the
humidifier.
Draining cycle
Yellow light ON The humidifier is in draining mode.
White button Not active on residential models.
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Page 7
6. What To Do if a Malfunction Occurs
6.1 Shut the main power OFF and restart the humidifier to see if the error code disappears.
6.2 If you see a water leak, follow the water supply tube and close the valve installed on the water pipe
located near the humidifier.
6.3 Please refer to the error code table to identify the possible cause of the malfunction and the actions that
you can take.
6.4 Should the problem persist, please call your service company. They are the best qualified to help you
quickly. Describe the problem to them and mention the error code you observed on the front panel. They may
help you solve the problem over the phone. If needed, they will fix the problem themselves or call our technical
service.
6.5 Should you attempt to look at the unit yourself, please apply all appropriate safety measures. - Shut the
main power OFF and wait for the unit to cool before you open it.
7. Description of Error Codes
Number of
flashes of the
red light Error Description Humidifier Status Actions to be Taken
by the Owner Reset
OFF No error The humidifier is working fine None
Continuous
ON There is water in the
pan under the tank. Risk of overflow. Humidifier stops itself.
Turn the main power OFF, then
- Open the unit and check for leaks
- Check the drain tube
- Close the supply valve and call for
service
Automatic Reset when
switching main power ON
again.
1Problem with the water
level sensors inside the
unit.
Internal problem - Humidifier cannot
read the water level properly and
stops itself.
Turn the main power OFF, then call
your service company
Automatic Reset when
switching main power ON
again.
3Inadequate water
supply.
Humidifier cannot fill properly and
stops itself - Heating elements and
supply valve are switched off.
Turn the main power OFF, then
- Check the water supply circuit
- Check if the water supply valve is
open.
- Call your service company
Automatic Reset when
switching main power ON
again.
4Inadequate drainage. Humidifier cannot drain properly -
Risk of overflow - the unit stops itself.
Turn the main power OFF, then
- Close the supply valve
- Call your service company
Automatic Reset when
switching main power ON
again.
5Fan not running. Humidifier stops itself. Turn the main power OFF, then
- Call your service company Automatic Reset when error conditions disappear.
6
Temperature inside the
tank exceeded the high
temperature limit and
the safety switch has
tripped.
This is a very serious condition.
The humidifier stops itself and cannot
restart without service.
Turn the main power OFF, then
- Call your service company
Only the service company
can reset the unit after
checking all functions.
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Page 8
8. Cleaning the tank
As with any device evaporating water, some minerals normally dissolved in the water may create deposits
inside of the unit. Even though the unit is draining and cleaning itself during normal operation , it will require a
bit of maintenance from time to time.
WARNING :
The water tank and its contents can become extremely hot. Please be careful when you handle it.
The tank may have water inside.
8.1 Since the tank is drained when the demand of the humidistat has been satisfied, there should be
approximately one inch of water if the unit is not operating. But if the humidistat is calling for steam and the
water is boiling, turn down the humidistat. The humidifier will stop and drain. Please note that when using an
ACU-STEAM electronic humidistat, if the relative humidity is extremely low the humidifier may still run with the
knob at the minimum setting because of a range limiter inside the cover. If this occurs you will need to remove
the humidistat cover by pulling it off and turn the knob completely counter-clockwise. The humidifier should
now stop and drain. Wait until the unit has cooled before proceeding with the following steps.
8.2 Before doing anything, TURN THE MAIN POWER OFF.
8.3 Remove the cover by turning the two 1/4 turn screws to the left.
8.4 Unplug the white quick connect wire connected on the water pan at the bottom of the unit. This wire is
connected to the overflow sensor. Please see Fig. 8a.
White Wire
Main drain Tube
Overflow Pan
1. Lift 2. Pull
Overflow
Drain Tube
Rigid Drain Pipe
Overflow Sensor
Fig. 8a
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Page 9
8.5 Pull the plastic tube attached to the bottom of the unit out of the rigid drain pipe on the wall. You do not
have to remove the plastic tube attached to the bottom of the pan. Remove the overflow pan from the unit by
slightly loosening the front screw then lifting the front of the pan off the screw and pulling it towards you. Please
see Fig. 8a. Remove the main drain tube from the rigid drain pipe attached to the wall and check that they are
both clean and clear from deposits.
8.6 Check that the water tank is not too hot to handle. Unfasten the latch around the water tank and remove
the tank from the main body of the humidifier by pulling it down. When you remove the tank, it is possible to
clean the round o-ring gasket, but don’t discard it.
NOTE :This round gasket is mandatory and the unit will not work properly without it.
8.7 Soap or vinegar can be used to clean the water tank, the heating element and the tips of the level
sensors. Other cleaning products used to remove scale, lime or calcium are also available on the market, but
DO NOT use a metal brush or any strong acids to clean the tank as they may damage the stainless steel.
8.8 Once completed, reinstall the round gasket around the water tank collar. Please see Fig. 8b. Align the
two arrows located at the front of the tank and the fixed part while lifting the tank in place. Please see Fig.8c.
Apply even pressure to secure the tank properly in the top part. Then close the latch holding the tank in
position. Verify that the o-ring gasket and tank are seated properly.
Fig. 8b
Fig. 8c
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Page 10
8.9 Put the overflow pan under the tank by sitting it back on its holding screws.
8.10 Reconnect the white wire of the overflow sensor on the water pan.
8.11 Put the overflow and main drain tubes back into the rigid drain pipe attached to the wall.
8.12 Put the cover back on the humidifier and lock it with the two quarter-turn screws.
8.13 When finished, turn the main power back “ON”.
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Page 11
9. Preventative Maintenance
9.1 Preventive maintenance to be performed every two years.
In order to avoid problems due to accumulation of deposits, we suggest that you replace the centre metal tube,
the silicone drain tube and the low level sensor. We also suggest you replace the round o-ring gasket around
the tank. All these components are available in a kit.
9.2 To prepare for the Summer Season
Shut the main power OFF
Shut the water supply valve
Perform a complete maintenance as described in section 8
Dry the inside of the tank
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Page 12
10. Warranty
10.1 Thermolec Ltd. warrants against defects in material and workmanship the steam humidifier and all its
components for one (1) year after date of shipment from its factory.
10.2 Any claim under this warranty shall be considered only if the product has been installed and operated in
accordance with Thermolec’s written instructions.
10.3 Any misuse of the system or any repair by persons other than those authorized by Thermolec, carried
out without its written consent, voids this warranty.
10.4 Thermolec responsibility shall be limited in any case to the replacement or repair, in its factory or in the
field, by its own personnel or by others chosen by Thermolec, at its option, of such steam humidifier or parts
thereof, as shall prove to be defective within the warranty period.
10.5 Thermolec Ltd. will not be held responsible for accidental or consequential damages, nor for delays, nor
for damages caused by the replacement of the said defective steam humidifier.
Thermolec Ltd
2060 Lucien-Thimens St. Montreal, QC, H4R 1L1
Tel : [phone] Fax : [phone]
Help line for technical assistance during business hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)
1-800-336-9130
Web site : www.thermolec.com
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CONTRACTOR
Page 13
Detailed Instructions for the Contractor
11. Unpacking the Unit
11.1 Contents
Please inspect the carton’s contents and report any missing parts or damage immediately.
1 Humidifier
1 fan housing
1 plastic faceplate
1 Main Drain tube (32” long – already installed and coiled inside the unit)
1 Steam hose (2 feet long x 1 inch I.D.)
1 Instruction and maintenance manual
1 Plastic bag containing installation material and hardware as follows:
2 Adjustable hose clips for the steam hose
1 Water hammer absorber (Red rubber hose with two brass fittings)
1 Small bag - KIT #10S
1 Water supply tube (1/4” dia. x 7’ long)
1 Overflow Drain tube for the pan (7/16” dia. x 24” long)
NOTE : The electronic humidistat and the outdoor reset sensor are optional. They may be purchased
separately.
11.2 Water Tank Detailed View. Please see Fig.11a.











Fig. 11a

CONTRACTOR
Page 14
12. Dimensions and Available Models
12.1 Humidifier dimensions Fig. 12a
12.2 Available models Fig. 12b
14”
13”
11 5/8”
9”
!
Capacity
Model Lbs/Hr Power Voltage Current
(Kg/Hr) (Kw) (V) (A)
Acu-5-SP 4.8 (2.2) 1.5 120 12.5

CONTRACTOR
Page 15
13. Detailed View and Wiring
View of the top of the unit. Fig. 13a
Green
Yellow
White
Red
Red
Black
Black
Blue Blue
Heating
Element
Electric
Valve
Steam Outlet
Level
Sensors
High Level
Low Level
Manual
Thermal
Cut-out
Water Pan
White

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Page 16
View and list of the wire harness by color and function. Please see Fig. 13b & Fig. 13c.
FAN
GIN24V
A
H-STAT A A
ON
1 2 3 OFF
ON
Green Blue Blue Red Red White Yellow
Fig 13b
Fan
Relay
Element
Relay
Element
Relay
Transformer
Fuse
Overflow Sensor
connection
On/Standby
Switch
On/Standby LED
Fan LED
Alarm LED
Steam LED
Fill LED
Drain LED
Ground
connection
Neutral
connection
&+2ÄUYKVEJVQCFLWUVVJG
VCPMHNWUJKPVGTXCN
%QPPGEVVJGJWOKFKUVCVUWRRNKGFYKVJVJGJWOKFKHKGTVQVJGEQPVTQN
DQCTFCEEQTFKPIVQVJGYKTKPIFKCITCOUWRRNKGF
Description of Wire Harness
Color Function Connected to
Green Grounds the electronic board to
the tank for the level sensors Bracket of the high limit cut-out
Blue/Blue
Pair Powers the electric valve with 24 VDC Electric Valve
Red/Red
Pair Overheat signal High-Limit Cut-Out
White Reads the low water level Low Level Sensor
Yellow Reads the high water level High Level Sensor
Fig. 13c

CONTRACTOR
Page 17
Note: Please read sections 14 and 15 before proceeding.
14. Installing the Steam Hose and the Fan module
NOTE: This unit is supplied with 2 feet of steam hose and therefore the distance between the fan module and
steam generator should be less than two feet, see figure 14a. Longer hoses at a length of 4 feet are available
from Thermolec. For distances up to 12 feet, a section of insulated copper pipe can be connected between
two pieces of steam hose.
14.1 The fan distribution module must have a minimum clearance of 2 feet from the ceiling or adjacent walls
and a minimum clearance of 3 feet in front of the faceplate. With these distances in mind measure a rectangle
of 9 1/8” wide by 6 1/4” high. The rectangle needs to be level with respect to the floor. Drill a small pilot hole
through each corner from the faceplate wall and through the other side of the wall. With a saw cut out the
rectangle from corner to corner. Take care not to drill through or cut any electrical wires or plumbing. Please
see figure 14b.
14.2 The opening at the back of the wall must be at least 1 3/4” wider on each side, 2” lower at the bottom
and flush with the top of the 4 pilot holes. Mark these points to make a larger rectangle and cut it out.
fan module
Acu Steam
steam generator
Fig. 14a
8 1/2”
front opening (faceplate side)
back opening
pilot hole drilled through entire wall
12 3/4”
9 1/8”
2”
m
in 1 3/4”
Fig. 14b
6 1/4”

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Page 18
14.3 Attached the mounting flanges to the fan module with the screws provided but do not tighten the screws
so that the flanges are able to slide along the slots. Slide the fan module into the wall until the front edge is
flush with the wall, figure 14c. Tighten the screws holding the tabs so that the front remains flush with the wall.
Level the unit and screw the flanges to the wall.
14.4 Push the faceplate on the front until is snaps into place. Check to be sure that the faceplate completely
covers the opening in the wall.
Once the steam generator is installed, connect the steam hose between the difuser in the fan module and the
tank in the steam generator with the clamps provided and wire the fan module according to the wiring diagram
near the end of this booklet.
flush
Fig. 14c