GeneralAire Elite Steam, User Manual

21 

6.

Trouble-Shooting 

problem causes 

solutions 

The humidifier does not turn on  

1. no electrical power 
2. on/off switch of the humidifier in position 0 (open) 
3. control connectors improperly connected 
4. blown fuses 
5. transformer failure  

1. check the safety devices upstream from the humidifier and the 
presence of power 
2. close the switch on the panel: position I 
3. check that the connectors are properly inserted in the terminal block 
4. check the condition of fuses  
5. check that the proper voltage is connected and turned on 

The humidifier does not start operation 

1. remote ON/OFF contact open 
2. the humidistat has not been connected correctly 
3. humidistat failure 
4. control signal not compatible with the type set 
5. value measured by the sensor/s higher than the 
corresponding set point  
 

1. close ON/OFF contacts 
2. check the external connection 
3. replace the humidistat 

The humidifier fills with water without producing 
steam 

1. high steam back pressure 
2. fill valve strainer clogged 
3. mineral in the fill cup 
4. drain solenoid valve leaking  

1. check that the steam hose is not kinked or sagging, trapping 
condensate 
2. clean the fill valve strainer 
3. clean the fill cup 
4. check for voltage at the drain solenoid valve and/or drain solenoid 
replacement  
 

The humidifier wets the duct  

1. the distributor is not installed correctly (too near the 
top of the duct or the condensate return is blocked) 
2.system over-sized 
3.humidifier active when the fan in the duct is off  

1. check that the steam distributor is installed correctly 
2. decrease the steam production set on the control 
3. check the connection of the device (flow switch or differential 
pressure switch) slaving the humidifier to the ventilation in the duct 
 

The humidifier wets the floor below  

1. the humidifier drain is blocked 
2. the supply water or overflow circuit has leaks 
3. the condensate drain pipe does not bring the water 
back to the drain pan 
4. the steam hose is not properly fastened to the cylinder  
 

1. clean the drain assembly and pan 
2. check the entire water circuit 
3. check the correct position of the condensate drain hose in the drain 
pan 
4. check the fastening of the hose clamps on the steam outlet  

problem causes 

solutions 

Water in the cylinder turns black 

1. minerals in the cylinder have overconcentrated and 
are deteriorating the electrodes.  

1. Check for sags & kinks that could trap condensate in the steam 
hoses that could cause a back pressure on the cylinder.  
2. Check the duct static pressure.  
3. Check the fill valve and inlet strainer.  
4. Check the drain valve operation.  
5. Correct installation problems and replace cylinder. 

Heavy arcing occurs within hours of startup 

1. The feed water contains large amounts of Iron, 
Copper or other conductive contaminants.  

1. Contact the factory for an optional drain timer to force additional 
drains to control the minerals. 
2. If you are using a softener, check the salt being used. If it contains 
any additives, discontinue use, flush all lines and convert to pure salt 
or unsoftened water. 
3. Check the electrodes in the cylinder to be sure they were not 
damaged in shipping. 

Humidifier continuously fills and drains without 
producing steam 

1. Mineral has bridged between the electrodes. 
2. There is back pressure from the steam hoses or duct. 
3. The flow regulator in the fill valve is broken or out  
of place. 
4. Water conductivity is very high. 
5. Water is foaming excessively. 

1. Clean or replace the cylinder. 
2. Check the steam hoses for kinks or gullies that might be trapping 
condensate. 
3. Replace the fill valve. 
4. Consider using a mix of demineralized water with raw water. 
5. Check cylinder - replace if exhausted. If feed water contains silica 
or nitrates, install a 1 micron water filter.