One of the greatest features of Condair’s EL Series Electrode Steam Humidifier is how easy it is to use and maintain. Most humidifiers require users to regularly clean every part of the cylinder, painstakingly scrubbing build-up of scale from the insides. However, with the electrode steam humidifier, a simple cylinder replacement once or twice a year is the only maintenance requirement, and it can be completed in a few short steps.

While the cylinder works, minerals in the water crystallize on the metallic electrodes, eventually making the cylinder heavy, full and inoperable. A few days before your cylinder is completely spent, the control panel’s screen will flag a warning that it is time to change it. Once irremediable, the cylinder goes into a “fault” state, as seen on the monitor, and will pause function.

Before removing the cylinder, select “drain” on the controller. The cylinder will automatically drain for about 20 minutes. Next, turn the water supply off, and turn off the humidifier, disconnecting the mains from power. The cabinet door opens to expose the humidifier, and the three-cylinder plugs at the top can be popped off. From there, a flathead screwdriver is used to detach the steam connection and the strap around the cylinder can be released. The cylinder can then be removed and discarded in the trash, as it contains no harsh chemicals.

In the top right corner of the label on the old cylinder is a three-digit code called the “product code.” This number is used to find the correct new cylinder. Without it, a Nortec sales agent can match a cylinder to the specific humidifier’s needs. When the package is shipped, the new cylinder comes with a replacement o-ring gasket for the drain valve, which should be disassembled and cleaned. When all is cleaned and the shiny new cylinder awaits, it can be installed in reverse order, matching the three cylinder plugs to corresponding, color-coded pins. The steam connection is refastened to a torque in accordance with size, and the strap is tightened, holding it in place.

The new cylinder is ready for action, and the humidifier can return to its steam production excellence. Turn on the mains power and water supply before powering on the unit, and use the menu screen to alert the humidifier that a new cylinder has been installed. The screen will shift from “fault” to “idle,” and will automatically return to humidification, taking 10 to 25 minutes to refill the cylinder and bring the water to a boil.

According to Condair, the electrode steam humidifier is “the number one commercial humidifier in the world,” due to its ability to operate at premium functionality for 10 to 30 years. Performance is always at 100% unless the cylinder needs to be replaced. There is no gradual decay or decrease in the equipment’s output, and it returns to a like-new condition with each new cylinder. Condair says new cylinders can last 500 to 2,000 operating hours, depending on how it is used. Customers using them in their homes require a cylinder change once or twice a year.

This information has been provided by Condair. Watch this short video, created by Condair, demonstrating the step-by-step installation process.

For more information on purchasing an EL Series Electrode Steam Humidifier or replacement cylinders, contact Northrich company. 216-581-4750 or go to www.hvacbrain.com