Troubleshooting guide

Aprilaire Model 800 Steam Humidifier FAQs
General
Q: What is the Model 800 Aprilaire Steam Humidifier?
A: The Aprilaire Model 800 Steam Humidifier is a self-contained device that takes
tap water and boils it, using electrode technology, to create steam. The
humidifier generates steam by energizing two electrodes that extend into a
canister of water. Current flowing between the electrodes causes the water to
boil, creating steam. The steam flows through a steam hose and is injected into
a moving airstream by the way of a distribution tube. The steam flows out of the
distribution tube into the duct work through a series of small “tubelets” which
create an even, drip-free transfer of steam into the moving airstream.
Using Dri-Steem’s (who is the worlds leading expert on steam) dispersion tube
and “tubelet” technology, only the hottest, driest steam is introduced into the
duct.
Installation
Q: Are there types of water that the steam unit should not be connected to?
A: Yes. The unit should not be connected to deionized water (DI) or reverse
osmosis (RO) systems. Both DI and RO water lack enough conductivity required
for the humidifier to operate properly. In addition, DI water can have a corrosive
effect on the non-stainless steel components in the system, leading them to pre-
mature failure.
Q: Why must the unit be connected to cold water?
A: The humidifier uses the cold water to temper the boiling water as is it drains.
Adding cold water as the unit drains allows the unit to drain immediately without a
cool down period or the use of a high temperature condensate pump.
Q: How much hard piping can you use with the 6 ft. steam hose to extend the
distance from the humidifier to the steam distribution tube?
A: The maximum recommended length of steam hose is 6 ft. and maximum
recommended length of 1” insulated copper is 20 ft. The capacity of the
humidifier is reduced by the length of the steam hose or hard pipe due to
condensation. The distance between the steam humidifier and the dispersion
tube should be as short as possible. Refer to the steam humidifier capacity chart
in the installation instructions.

Summary of content (9 pages)