The Nu-Calgon iWave-R is a residential air cleaner designed for installation within an HVAC system. It utilizes bi-polar ionization technology to address indoor air quality concerns. The device operates on a universal voltage input ranging from 24VAC to 240VAC and is designed to be installed after the particle filter and before the indoor cooling coil. Installation can be achieved through screws, magnets, or a flush, external duct mount. Proper installation requires attention to maintaining a minimum distance between the high voltage emitters and surrounding metal surfaces to prevent grounding and potential failure.
Installation Procedures
The iWave-R installation process requires disconnecting power to the air handler before beginning. The unit is designed for mounting near the fan inlet, specifically on the shaft side, utilizing either screws or integral magnets. Alternative installation locations include internal or external wall ducts. When mounting to an external duct, a three-inch diameter hole is required. If mounting directly onto the fan housing, securing the iWave-R against vibration is critical, achieved through the use of short self-tapping screws.
Critical to proper operation is maintaining a minimum two-inch clearance between the high voltage emitters and any other metal surfaces or wiring. This precaution prevents grounding, which can lead to premature device failure. Flush, external duct mount installations are also supported as an optional method. When performing this type of installation, ensuring the sheet metal sits flush against the gasket surface is important.
Electrical Connections and Power Requirements
The iWave-R accommodates a universal voltage input from 24VAC to 240VAC, operating at 50/60 HZ with a power consumption of less than 10 VA. Electrical connections are made using black (hot), white (neutral or hot – depending on voltage), and green (ground) wires. When utilizing 208/240 VAC, the white wire functions as a hot wire.
The documentation recommends powering the iWave-R continually or cycling it with the fan for optimal performance. An optional alarm contact is included, and a remote-mounted LED indicator provides visual feedback on the device’s operational status. The LED illuminates when the unit is powered on and functioning correctly; a lack of illumination indicates either a lack of power or a fault condition. All wiring, the LED, wire nuts, and the voltage source for the remote mount are to be supplied and installed by others. An example alarm relay wiring configuration is provided in the documentation.
Technical Specifications
The iWave-R possesses the following technical specifications:
- Universal Voltage Input: 24VAC to 240VAC
- Power (VA): Less than 10 VA
- Frequency: 50/60 HZ
- Air Flow Capacity: 2400 CFM (up to 6 tons)
- Dimensions: 6" L x 4.8" W x 2" D
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Service Temp. Range: -40ºF to 160ºF
- Electrical Approvals: UL and cUL
- Plasma Output: Approx. 160,000,000 ions/cc
- Self-Cleaning: Factory set to clean every third day, reprogrammable in the field to clean daily.
Operational Indicators and Maintenance
The iWave-R features a green LED indicator to signal proper operation. If the LED is off, it indicates either a lack of power to the device or the presence of a fault. The device incorporates a self-cleaning function, which is factory-set to activate every third day. This cleaning cycle can be reprogrammed in the field to occur daily, if desired. The documentation does not provide details on the reprogramming procedure.
Safety Considerations
Several critical safety considerations are outlined in the installation instructions. Disconnecting air handler power is the first and foremost safety step before commencing installation. Maintaining a minimum two-inch distance between the high voltage emitters and surrounding metal surfaces or wiring is crucial to prevent grounding and potential device failure. When mounting on the fan housing, ensuring the iWave-R is securely fastened to mitigate vibration is also important. The documentation emphasizes the importance of adhering to these guidelines to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Alarm Functionality
The iWave-R includes an optional alarm contact. The documentation provides an example of alarm relay wiring, but does not detail the specific conditions that trigger the alarm. The alarm functionality requires external wiring and configuration by the installer.
Airflow Considerations
The iWave-R is designed to handle an airflow capacity of up to 2400 CFM (cubic feet per minute), which corresponds to systems up to 6 tons in capacity. The documentation specifies that the unit should be installed in the return air stream, positioned between the air filter and the cooling coil. This placement ensures comprehensive pathogen and odor control throughout the coil and within the breathing space.
Voltage Input Details
The iWave-R is designed to operate with a variety of voltage inputs, including 24, 110/120, and 208/240 VAC. When utilizing 208/240 VAC, the traditionally neutral white wire becomes a hot wire, requiring careful attention during electrical connections. The documentation provides a diagram illustrating the appropriate wiring configuration for different voltage inputs.
Conclusion
The Nu-Calgon iWave-R is a residential air cleaner designed for integration into existing HVAC systems. Its bi-polar ionization technology, coupled with a universal voltage input and flexible mounting options, offers a solution for improving indoor air quality. Successful installation requires adherence to specific safety guidelines, particularly regarding electrical connections and maintaining adequate clearance around the high voltage emitters. The device’s self-cleaning function and operational indicators contribute to its ease of maintenance and monitoring.