GeneralAire 570 Series

The GeneralAire 570 Series Flow-Through Bypass Humidifier is designed for installation on a vertical plenum surface of any forced air furnace. It operates by evaporating water into the air stream of a forced air system, utilizing the furnace's heat for evaporation. The humidifier uses minimal electrical power (2.5 watts) during operation, less than a small household light bulb.

Function Description:

The humidifier's operating principle is based on efficiently evaporating water into the air. Water flows through a strainer and is metered through an orifice to provide the correct amount of water to the evaporator pad via a distributor trough. Approximately 200 CFM of air is bypassed from the warm air plenum through the humidifier and returned to the cold air plenum. As air passes through the evaporator pad, moisture is evaporated into the air stream. Minerals are left on the evaporator pad, with a high percentage carried off with the waste water, preventing them from being blown into the air stream as occurs with atomizing humidifiers. The water supply is controlled by an electric solenoid valve, which is in series with a low-voltage humidistat. The humidistat can be wall-mounted in the living area or surface-mounted on the return air duct.

Important Technical Specifications:

Electrical Rating: 24 VAC / 60 Hz.
Power Consumption: 2.5 watts.
Water Flow (Standard Orifice GA4231): Approximately 3.5 GPH at 60 psi line water pressure.
Water Flow (Larger Orifice GA4299): Available for low water pressures (20-40 psi).
Dimensions (Chassis Cut-out): 8-7/8" wide by 9-1/2" tall.
Bypass Pipe Hole: 6" diameter, 10" to 15" from the side of the humidifier, on cabinet centerline.
Expected Humidity Performance Coverage (Based on Construction Type):
- Elite 570 (12 GPD):
  - Loose (0.75 AC/H): 800 sq. ft.
  - Average (0.50 AC/H): 1200 sq. ft.
  - Tight (0.30 AC/H): 2000 sq. ft.
- Elite 900 (17 GPD):
  - Loose (0.75 AC/H): 1115 sq. ft.
  - Average (0.50 AC/H): 1650 sq. ft.
  - Tight (0.30 AC/H): 2800 sq. ft.
- Elite 1000 (18 GPD):
  - Loose (0.75 AC/H): 1175 sq. ft.
  - Average (0.50 AC/H): 1770 sq. ft.
  - Tight (0.30 AC/H): 3000 sq. ft.
Humidifier Performance Baseline Criteria:
- Outside Design Temp: 0° F (-18° C)
- Outside Design R.H.: 70% R.H.
- Inside Design Temp.: 70° F (21° C)
- Inside Design R.H.: 30% R.H.
- Air Changes/hour (AC/H): 0.30
- Ceiling Height: 8 ft
- Furnace Plenum Temp.: 120° F (49° C)
- Furnace run time for calculating sq. ft.: 8hr/1 day

Usage Features:

Installation Flexibility: Can be mounted on either the supply or return plenum. The 6" outlet can be positioned to the right or left by inverting the cabinet and reversing the distributor trough and drain pan.
Humidistat Control: The humidistat allows users to set the desired level of humidification. It is recommended to leave the knob on "HI" or "WINTER" position during operation.
Bypass Reversibility: The bypass can be reversed and mounted on either the right or left side of the humidifier.
Saddle Valve Installation: The self-tapping saddle valve or code valve can be mounted on a cold or hot water pipe. A side or top mount is recommended to avoid clogging from pipe sediment.
Tubing Compatibility: 1/4" O.D. copper tubing requires a brass compression nut and sleeve. Plastic tubing requires a brass insert, plastic sleeve, and brass compression nut. Important: Do not use plastic tubing on hot water or in contact with any hot plenum surface or duct.
Damper Control: Turn the damper knob to the winter (open) position for humidification. For summer cooling or ventilating, set the air damper on "LOW" or "SUMMER."
Automatic Models: Include a code valve.
Recommended Settings (Based on Outside Temperature):
- -20°F (-29°C): 15%
- -10°F (-23°C): 20%
- 0°F (-18°C): 25%
- +10°F (-12°C): 30%
- +20°F (-7°C): 35%
- +30°F (-1°C): 40%
Safety Precaution: Do not set relative humidity too high during cold weather, as excessive humidity can cause condensation on windows or in walls. Refer to the humidistat owner's manual for recommended settings.

Maintenance Features:

Annual Cleaning: At the end of each heating season, turn off water supply and electrical power. Remove the water cover, distributor trough, evaporator pad, and drain pan. Clean excessive mineral deposits from these components and the humidifier cabinet using a solution of 1/2 vinegar & 1/2 water to loosen deposits.
Evaporator Pad Replacement: Replace the evaporator pad (Part number GA10) yearly for peak performance.
Solenoid Valve Maintenance: In heavy mineral areas or if the solenoid valve malfunctions, disconnect the 1/4" water supply line. Carefully pull the strainer screen (P.N. GA4004) from the valve body (P.N. 900-6) and clean mineral deposits. If the orifice is clogged, it can be opened with a small pin. Reinsert the filter and screw the brass strainer body into the solenoid valve.
Leak Check: After reconnecting the 1/4" water line, turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Summer Shutdown: During the summer, turn off the water supply and electrical power to the humidifier, and close the air damper.
Troubleshooting: A diagnostic step guide is provided for common issues such as the humidifier not operating, proper voltage but no water flow, humidifier running without furnace operation, or excessive humidity.
Warranty: This humidifier is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for ten years from the date of installation, provided it is properly registered. Evaporator pads, water strainers, or metering orifices are not covered by this warranty. Defective parts will be repaired without charge, excluding removal, reinstallation, and transportation costs.