rnorthstar ...... automatic water conditioner
Contents
1. A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the soft ener to work right This small unit makes the suc tion to move brine from the salt storage area to the resin tank during regeneration If it becomes plugged with sand silt dirt etc the softener will not work and you will get hard water To get to the nozzle and venturi remove the soften er top cover Be sure the softener is in service cycle no water pressure at nozzle and venturi Then while holding the nozzle amp venturi housing with one hand turn off the cap Lift out the screen support and screen then the nozzle and venturi Wash and rinse the parts in warm water until clean If needed use a small brush to remove iron or dirt Also check and clean the gasket NOTE Some models have a small flow plug located in the nozzle and venturi and or a small cone shaped screen in the housing Be sure to check and clean these parts if your model is so equipped Carefully replace all parts in the correct order Lubri cate the o ring seal with silicone grease and place in position Install and tighten the cap BY HAND ONLY DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN AND BREAK THE CAP OR HOUSING NEP 4 LN EE Cap O ring Seal CD Screen Support ace Screen Flow Plug Nozzle amp Venturi 1 EP Screen Gasket IMPORTANT Be sure small holes in the gasket are cen tered directly over the small holes in the nozzle amp ve2. 19 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE continued service MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTIC 1 To enter diagnostics press and hold the SELECT button until 000 shows in the display TURBINE SWITCHES mre RR M WATER METER A SWITCH B A The first 3 digits indicate water meter operation as follows 000 steady soft water not in use no flow through the meter OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET 000 to 199 continual repeats display for each gallon of water passing through the meter MOTOR u EE POSITION i SWITCH SS SENSOR HOUSING TURBINE NA TURBINE ZAIN YN SUPPORT AND eas VALVE 27 OUTLET NY If you don t get a reading in the display with faucet open pull the sensor fromthe valve outlet port Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the sensor You should get a reading in the display If you get a reading unhook the in and out plumbing and check the turbine for binding B The letter P and dash es indicate POSITION switch operation The letter appearing means the switch is closed the dash means the switch is open Use the TOUCH HOLD Recharge Tonight Now button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and check correct switch operation CORRECT SWITCH DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLE STATUS Valve in service fill brining backwash or fast rinse
3. a drain nozzle from Valve Inlet hard water brine from salt stor age tank 22 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER BACKWASH CYCLE bypass hard water to valve outlet E flow plug WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE FAST RINSE CYCLE soft water to valve outlet Ls lobo ms X drain drain t from Valve Inlet hard water from Valve Inlet hard water CYCLE TIMES MINUTES electronic demand timer SR11 SR14 SR17 FILL 0 7 2 5 1 44 1 5 6 3 XBRINING amp BR RINSE 45 55 98 4 102 9 BACKWASH 1 1 7 FAST RINSE 1 1 3 XTime varies with the operating level grains capacity restored each regeneration 23 REPAIR PARTS KEY PART KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION OF PART NO NO DESCRIPTION OF PART 1 7250826 Power Cord 19 7131365 Screen 2 7246356 Timer PWA 20 7113016 Tubing Assembly 3 7180291 Faceplate Cover 21 7095470 Brine Tube 7198040 Decal for above cover 22 7116488 Brine Valve Assembly 4 7230559 Bottom Cover 23 7171349 Screen Cone 5 7176292 Clamp Section 2 24 7201398 Salt Hole Cover 6 7088033
4. North Star Electronic Demand AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER NSC 11 14 17 ED Installation Operation Maintenance Repair Parts NORTHSTAR WATER CONDITIONING PO BOX 64310 ST PAUL MN 55164 431 PartNo 7243293 Eng Europe Rev 10 17 01 xNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER WARRANTY OEE E 0 TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY GENERAL CONDITIONS Damage to any part of this water conditioner because of misuse misapplication neglect alteration accident installation or operation con trary to our printed instructions or damage caused by any unusual force of nature such as but not limited to freezing flood hurricane tornado or earthquake is not covered by this warranty In all such cases regular parts and service charges will apply We assume no warranty liability in connection with this water conditioner other than specified herein This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose We do not authorize any person or representative to assume for us any other obligations on the sale of this water conditioner Should a defect or malfunction occur contact your contractor If you are unable to contact your contractor return the part freight prepaid directly to the factory at the address below Enclose with the part a full description of the problem with your name full address date pur chased model and serial numbers and selling contrac
5. SEE PAGE 10 TO SET THE TIMER TO THE CORRECT TIME OF DAY WATER HARDNESS NUM BER AND RECHARGE START TIME During normal operation the pres ent time of day 24 hour mode show in the time display area When the demand computer de termines a regeneration is needed RECHARGE TONIGHT begins to flash in the display along with feature OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS Sometimes a manually started regeneration recharge may be desired or needed Two examples are the present time RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes until the next regeneration start time then RECHARGE TONIGHT changes to RECHARGE NOW which flashes until the regeneration is over You have used more water than usual house guests extra washing etc and you may run out of soft water before the next regeneration You did not refill the storage tank with salt before it was all gone Use one of the following features to start a regeneration immediately or at the next preset regeneration start time 1 qu Sed RECHARGE NOW d I RECHARGE TONIGHT j Ic RECHARGE NOW RECHARGE TONIGHT Press and hold in the TOUCH HOLD button until RECHARGE NOW starts to flash in the time display area The softener begins an immediate regenera tion and when over in about two hours you will have anew supply of soft water Once started you cannot cancel this regeneration VACATION NOTE ae wn n ERR rn Touch do not hold
6. and other controller functions First make the initial checks and the manual initiated diag nostics NOTE The face plate display must show a steady time not flashing 1 Press the TOUCH HOLD button and hold in for 3 seconds RECHARGE NOW begins to flash as the softener enters the fill cycle of regeneration Re move the brinewell cover and using a flashlight ob serve fill water entering the brine tank If water does not enter the tank look for an ob structed nozzle venturi fill flow plug brine tubing or brine valve riser pipe 1nO position markers 2 After observing fill press the TOUCH HOLD but ton to move the softener into brining A slow flow of WIRING SCHEMATIC TRANSFORMER 220V brn POSITION SWITCH 21 water to the drain will begin Verify brine draw from the brine tank by shining a flashlight into the brine well and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level NOTE Be sure a Salt bridge is not preventing water with salt contact If the softener does not draw brine nozzle and or venturi dirty or defective nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket restricted drain check drain fitting and hose defective nozzle and venturi seal other inner valve defect rotor seal rotor amp disc wave washer etc NOTE If water system pressure is low an elevated drain hose may cause back pressure stopping brine draw 3
7. municipalities chlorinate the wa ter to make it safe to drink Sediment is removed by filtration Tastes and odors are reduced or elimi nated The water is conditioned to comply with cer tain specifications However hardness minerals tastes and odors are not always reduced to the most desirable levels Underground reservoirs provide our private water supplies Because the water is raw and untreated it can have varying amounts of hardness iron tastes odors acidity or combinations of these Dif ferent localities and water levels affect mineral con tent determined by chemical analysis Four different types of iron in water are Ferrous clear water Ferric red water Bacterial and organically bound iron Colloidal and inorganically bound iron ferrous or ferric Water may contain one or more of the four types of iron and any combination of these Total iron is the sum of the contents Ferrous clear water iron is soluble and dissolves in water It is usually detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass Immediately after tak ing the sample is clear As the water sample stands it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as air oxidizes the iron This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes A water softener will remove moderate amounts of this type of iron see specifications Ferric red water and 3 Bacterial and organical ly bound irons are insoluble This iron is visible im mediat
8. the TOUCH HOLD button and RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in the time display area A regeneration will occur at the next preset re generation start time If you decide to cancel this re generation touch the same button once more North Star Demand water softeners regenerate only while water is used and softening capacity must be re stored For this reason the softener will not regenerate when you are away from home for extended periods feature PROGRAM MEMORY If electrical power to the softener is interrupted the time display is blank but the timer keeps correct time for about 6 hours When power is restored you have to reset the present time only if the display is flashing All other settings are maintained and nev If the time is flashing after a long power outage the softener continues to work as it should to provide you with soft water However regenerations may occur at the wrong time of day until you reset the tim er to the correct time of day page 10 er require resetting unless a change is desired features 12 24 hour clock Set Backwash and Fast rins time Max days between recharge Press and hold the SELECT button for 3 seconds could recharge before Press the SELECT button The Turbine count switch position display is shown 12 24 hour clock is displayed Use the UP DOWN See page 20 Press the SELECT button again the buttons to chose between 12 hour AM amp PM or 24 recharge max days between
9. CLEAR WATER IRON ppm WATER PRESSURE LIMITS min max Bar WATER TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM WATER SUPPLY MINIMUM FLOW RATE l min REGENERATION CYCLE FLOW RATES l min FILL flow to brine tank BRINING BRINE RINSE _ gow to BACKWASH drain FAST RINSE NSC CABINET MODELS INLET OUTLET 1 Ss 11 MODEL 14 17 See Rating Decal Located On The Softener 8 75 10 5 11 8 14 14 17 4 1 1 0 57 0 38 5 3 See Rating Decal 8 2 8 6 49 11 35 1 1 1 1 0 57 0 57 0 38 0 38 5 3 6 81 Determined by water analysis from a qualified water testing laboratory In cm Unit Width Depth Height A Height B NSC 11ED 29 NSC 14ED 29 NSC 17 ED 29 45 66 52 5 45 79 66 5 45 107 94 7 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION gt WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER e Place the softener as close as possible to the pressure tank well system or water meter city water Place the softener as close as possible to a floor drain or other acceptable drain point laundry tub sump standpipe etc e Connect the softener to the main water supply pipe BEFORE or AHEAD OF the water heater DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE SOFTENER Temperature of water passing through the softener must be less than 120 F 49 C e Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft water and salt Do not install the softener a place where it co
10. Clamp Retainer 2 25 7230541 Resin Tank Cover 7 7133529 O ring Seal 2 7 8 in x 3 1 4 in 26 7212682 Screw 7 req d 8 7133480 O ring Seal 13 16 in x 1 1 16 in 27 7138066 Tank Constraint 9 7133503 O ring Seal 2 3 4 in x in 28 7127463 Screw 4 req d 10 7077870 Top Distributor 29 7236474 Bracket 11 7105047 Repl Bottom Distributor 30 0500283 Brinewell Cover 12 7114787 Resin Tank 8 in dia x 35 in NSC17ED 31 7109871 Brinewell NSC17ED 7256369 Resin Tank 8 in dia x 24 in NSC14ED 7106962 Brinewell NSC14ED NSC11ED 7256377 Resin Tank 8 in dia x 19 in NSC11ED 32 7082150 Wing Nut 1 4 20 13 RMH 001 Resin 26 1 2 Ibs 1 2 cu ft 33 7148875 Screw Resin 53 Ibs 1 cu ft 34 7003847 O Ring 14 7215842 Tank Spacer NSC14ED NSC17ED 35 7238743 Repl Brine Tank NSC17ED 15 7113008 Float Stem amp Guide Assembly 7256385 Repl Brine Tank NSC14ED 16 1205500 Clip 7256393 Repl Brine Tank NSC11ED 17 7092252 Brine Valve Body 36 1103200 Hose Adaptor 18 7080653 Clip 37 9003500 Grommet 38 0900431 Hose Clamp 24 REPAIR PARTS 25 REPAIR PARTS Ne Ne DESCRIPTION OF PART No NOT DESCRIPTION OF PART 1 7070412 Screw 4 24 x 1 1 8 in 26 7129889 Spring 2 7117816 Spacer 27 7092642 Plug Drain Seal 3 7030713 Switch
11. Do not use rock block granulated and ice cream making salts or salt with iron removing additives Also see page 17 Salt storage capacity varies by model Note If the softener is installed in a humid base ment or other damp area it is better to fill the tank more often using less salt see salt bridging in the maintenance section 40 to 50 Kg of salt will last for several months depending on water hard ness family size and model of softener 10 CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER p The softener works on 24 volt 50Hz electric pow er The included transformer changes standard 220 volt AC house power to 24 volts Plug the trans former into a 220 volt outlet only Be sure the out let is always live so it can not be switched off by mistake Fasten the 2 power cable to the 2 power cables on the transformer Then plug the transformer in to the elec trical outlet 11 PROGRAM THE TIMER gt ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER see pages 10 and 11 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER North Star i V zi Rech T ht WATER CONDITIONER up button display down button ELECTRONIC DEMAND SELECT button TOUCH HOLD button gt TIMER SETTINGS REQUIRED upon installation and after an extended power outage see Pro gram Memory page 18 NOTES e WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET STEP 10
12. conditions These are Hardness Iron Acidity Sediments HARDNESS is a term to describe the presence of calcium and magnesium minerals in water A chemi cal analysis accurately measures the amount of minerals in grain weight For example one gallon of water with five grains per gallon gpg hardness has dissolved minerals that if solidified about equals the size of one ordinary aspirin tablet One gallon of water 25 gpg hard has a mineral content equal in size to five aspirin tablets Water hardness varies greatly across the country It generally contains from 3 to 100 gpg gallon 3 78 liters 1gpg 17 15 PPM 0 959 d Hard water affects living in general Hardness min erals combine with soap to make a soap curd The curd greatly reduces the cleaning action of soap Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on cooking utensils appliances and plumbing fixtures Even the tastes of foods are affected A water soft ener removes the hardness minerals to eliminate these problems and others Sodium Information Water softeners using sodium chloride salt for regeneration add sodium to the water Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall in take IRON in water is measured in parts per million ppm The total ppm of iron and type or types is Municipal water supplies come from surface reser voirs such as lakes and rivers or from underground reservoirs Usually
13. is shown The default hour format Press the SELECT button again and the is Automatic the algorithim will determine when to BACKWASH b will be displayed in min Press the recharge Use the UP DOWN buttons to change SELECT button again and the FAST RINSE r in min will between 1 and 7 days With this setting the unit will displayed Use the UP Down buttons to change the times never go past number of days set for a recharge but Press the SELECT button again to retun to the time display 18 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE continued feature service AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS The timer computer has a self diagnostic function code While an error code is displayed all timer but for the electrical system except input power and tons are inoperable except for the SELECT button water meter The computer monitors the electronic SELECT remains operational so components and circuits for correct operation If a the service person can make the malfunction occurs an error code appears in the Manual Initiated Electronic Diag timer display nostics to further isolate the de The following chart below shows the error codes fect and check the water meter that could appear and possible defects for each ERROR CODE DISPLAYED Err 02 Err 03 Err 04 Err 05 POSSIBLE wiring harness or connection to switch position switch motor inoperati
14. 28 7167552 Seal Nozzle amp Venturi 4 7077472 Expansion Pin 29 7133456 O ring Seal 3 8 in x 9 16 in 5 7074123 Screw 10 14 x 2 in 5 30 7123639 Rotor Seal 6 7085263 Valve Cover 7126433 Wear Strip 7 7082087 Wave Washer 31 7133511 O ring Seal 3 3 8 in x 3 5 8 in 8 7199232 Rotor amp Disc 32 7133472 O ring Seal 3 4 in x 15 16 in 9 7199729 Cap 33 7133464 O ring Seal 7 16 in x 5 8 in 10 7170262 O ring Seal 1 1 in x 1 4 in 34 0501226 Flow Plug Bkw and F Rinse NSC17ED 11 7167659 Screen Support 0501228 Flow Plug Bkw and F Rinse NSC14ED 12 7146043 Screen NSCTTED 18 0521829 Flow Plug 35 7024160 Drain Hose Adaptor 14 7237721 Nozzle amp Venturi with Gasket 36 71 0327 Seal 5 8 ier sen 15 7095030 Cone Screen BE BSDOSST Pose lame 16 1148800 Fill Flow Plug 17 7003847 O ring Seal 1 4 in x 1 2 in Gear 18 7120526 Elbow 40 0503288 Bearing 19 1202600 Nut Ferrule 41 7117808 Motor Plate 20 7187065 Nozzle amp Venturi Assembly 42 0900857 Screw 6 20 x 3 8 in 2 21 7081201 Retainer 43 7186263 Motor Includes Key No 44 22 7170319 O ring Seal 1 4 in x 3 8 in 2 FA 131755 crow 6 20 1 8 iN 2 23 7082053 Valve Body 45 0900060 O ring Seal 24 7133498 O ring Seal 15 16 in x 1 3 16 in 2 Seng
15. Again press the TOUCH HOLD button to move the softener into backwash Look for a fast flow of water from the drain hose A slow flow indicates a plugged top distributor backwash flow plug or drain hose 4 Press TOUCH HOLD to move the softener into fast rinse Again look for a fast drain flow Allow the softener to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any brine that may remain in the resin tank from the brin ing cycle test 5 To return the softener to service press TOUCH HOLD BACK OF FACEPLATE TIMER VALVE MOTOR WATER METER SENSOR XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE SERVICE CYCLE FILL CYCLE position switch waive ani venturi irri i rotor amp disc fill flow from Valve Inlet plug j Pudet 1 ERES fill water t ESPERE f top distributor soft top distributor o Valve Outle soft water d X resintank To Valve Outlet X resin tank m qM soft water 1 m a resin f i bed resin m y m YW yy R bottom distributor 23 2 bottom distributor 2 4 BRINING BRINE RINSE CYCLES bypass hard water to valve outlet venturi
16. H of water Water testing below 6 9 pH is acidic The lower the pH reading the greater the acidity A neutralizer fil ter or a chemical feed pump are usually recom mended to treat acid water SEDIMENT is fine foreign material particles sus pended in water This material is most often clay or silt Extreme amounts of sediment may give the wa ter a cloudy appearance A sediment filter normally corrects this condition HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION see illustrations page 15 SERVICE When the softener is providing soft water it is called Service During service hard water flows from the house main water pipe into the softener Inside the softener resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny plastic resin beads As hard water passes through the bed each bead attracts and holds the hardness minerals This is called ion exchanging It is much like a magnet attracting and holding metals Water without the hardness minerals soft water flows from the softener and to the house pipes After a period of time the resin beads hold all of the hardness minerals they can and cleaning is needed to remove them This cleaning is called regenera tion or recharge The demand timer automatically determines when regenerations occur The solid state timer is programmed for regeneration days Regeneration is started at 2 00 h factory setting by the softener timer and consists of five stages or cycle
17. IGHER THAN THE ELBOW ON THE BRINE TANK DO NOT TEE THIS HOSE TO THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE NOTE This drain is for safety only If the brine tank should over fill with water the excess is carried to the drain p Tie or wire the hose in place atthe TO drain point Water pressure will floor drain cause it to whip during the backwash and fast rinse cycles of regeneration Also provide an air gap of at least 4 cm between the end of the hose and the drain point An air gap prevents possible siphoning of sewer water into the softener if the sewer should back up Ifraising the drain hose overhead is required to get to the drain point do not raise higher than 2 4m above the floor Elevating the hose may cause a back pressure that could reduce brine draw during regenerations CONNECT AND RUN THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW HOSE see figure 3 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER INSTALLATION STEPS continued T INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMPS AND WIRE IF NEEDED p To maintain electrical ground continuity in the house cold water piping install the included ground clamps as shown Be sure the pipes are clean un der the clamps to assure good contact NOTE A 3 valve bypass system maintains ground continuity FIGURE 4 ground wire hose clamp ground 2 inlet outlet pipes FLUSH PIPES EXPEL AIR FROM SOFT ENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS CAUTION To avoid water or air pre
18. LUMBING CODE 248 CMR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MAS SACHUSETTS USE ONLY LEAD FREE SOLDER AND FLUX FOR ALL SWEAT SOLDER CONNECTIONS AS RE QUIRED BY STATE AND FEDERAL CODES USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE SOFTENER DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN DROP OR SET ON SHARP PROTRUSIONS DO NOT LOCATE THE SOFTENER WHERE FREEZING TEMPERATURES OCCUR DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT WATER OVER 49 C FREEZING OR HOT WATER DAMAGE VOIDS THE WARRANTY AVOID INSTALLING IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT EXCESSIVE SUN HEAT MAY CAUSE DISTORTION OR OTH ER DAMAGE TO NON METALLIC PARTS THE SOFTENER REQUIRES A MINIMUM WATER FLOW OF 11 35 LITERS PER MINUTE AT THE INLET MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE INLET WATER PRESSURE IS 8 7 Bar IF DAYTIME PRESSURE IS OVER 5 6 B ar NIGHTTIME PRESSURE MAY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM USE A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IF NECESSARY ADDING A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE MAY REDUCE THE FLOW THE SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLT 50 Hz ELECTRICAL POWER ONLY BE SURE TO USE THE IN CLUDED TRANSFORMER xNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER UNPACKING INSPECTION The softener is shipped in one master carton cabi for all damage and loss claims The manufacturer is net NSC models not responsible for damages in transit The softeners are completely assembled at the factory except as required at installation Small parts needed to install the softener are on a Be sure to check the entir e softener for any shipping skin packed cardboard piece To avoid loss of the damage or pa
19. PAGE 9 12 00 flashing and PRESENT TIME show in the display area Program the timer as instructed below If SR is flashing use the UP A button to set the correct SR code as follows SR 11 for NSC11ED and SR 14 for INSC14ED models SR17 for NSC17ED models If you pass by the correct code number use the DOWN button Then press the SELECT button and program the timer below f the wrong SR code shows for your model see Manual Initiated Electronic Diagnostics on pages 19 and 20 e A beeper sounds while pressing buttons for timer programming One beep signals a change in the timer display Repeated beeps means the timer will not accept a change from the button you have pressed and you should use another button e To set the timer you will use the UP A DOWN V and SELECT buttons p SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY NOTE If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display press the SELECT button until they do 1 Press the UP or DOWN button to set The UP button moves the display ahead the DOWN moves the time NOTE Each press of the buttons changes the time by one minute Holding the buttons in changes the time 32 minutes each second 2 When the present time shows press SELECT toset ILI C L1 PRESENT TIME TIMER SETTINGS CONTINUED NEXT PAGE 10 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER cont
20. ater supplies they suggest periodic sanitizing NOTE When the above sanitizing regeneration is over your house COLD water supply is fully soft immediately However your water heater is filled with hard water and as hot water is used it will refill with soft water When all the hard water is replaced in the water heater hot only and mixed hot and cold water will be fully soft If you want totally soft water immediately after the above regeneration drain the water heater until the water runs cold If you do drain the water heater use extreme care as the water could cause severe burns 12 XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING Man s very existence depends on water It is one of the basic commodities of life Water is best as nature provides it is a common misconception Practically all natural water needs refinement or treatment to make it safe to drink or more satisfactory to use The earth s water supply cycle starts in the upper cloud layers As it falls to the earth as rain or snow it picks up impurities and gases from the atmo sphere Landing on earth it seeps over and through the ground dissolving earth minerals Passing through limestone it dissolves calcium and magne sium the hardness minerals Iron deposits impart iron to the water Acidity and sediments are other water conditions WATER CONDITIONING Water conditioning is the treatment of four general
21. ch press ofthe buttons changes the time by one hour Holding the buttons in changes the time twice each second 2 Press the SELECT button once more J lc The display shows the present time of day and RECHARGE TONIGHT The special features of your timer are explained on page 18 TO COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION GO TO THE SANITIZING PROCEDURES ON PAGE 12 11 RECHARGE TONIGHT XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER SANITIZING PROCEDURES Care is taken at the factory to keep your water soft ener clean and sanitary Materials used to make the softener will not infect or contaminate your water supply and will not cause bacteria to form or grow However during shipping storage installing and operating bacteria could get into the softener For this reason sanitizing as follows is suggested when installing 1 Be sure to complete all installation steps includ ing timer programming 2 Pour about 21 gr of common 5 2596 household bleach Clorox Linco Bo Peep White Sail Eagle etc into the brinewell figure 3 page 8 3 Use the REGENERATE OR RECHARGE NOW feature on the timer to start an immediate regen eration The bleach is drawn into and through the water softener to sanitize it This sanitizing regen eration is over in about 2 hours Then soft water is available for your use NOTE Sanitizing is recommended by the water Quality Asso ciation for disinfecting On some w
22. d water is available to the home during the regeneration cycles However you should avoid using HOT water because the wa ter heater will refill with the hard water XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER WATER FLOW THROUGH SOFTENER SOFT WATER SERVICE FILL soft water hard water soft water hard water OUT IN OUT IN salt storage salt storage tank salt tank not shown brine valve brine valve resin tank resin bed fill water BRINING BRINE RINSE BACKWASH FAST RINSE hard water hard water hard water hard water soft water hard water bypass OUT IN bypass OUT IN nozzle amp dud al dea all drain zeal n fe resin bed lifted and expanded brine valve 15 xXNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE CHECKING THE SALT STORAGE LEVEL AND REFILLING Brine salt dissolved in water is needed for each and every regeneration The water for making brine is metered into the salt storage area by the softener valve and timer However you must keep the tank full of salt In humid areas it is best to fill with less salt more often NOTE In humid areas it is best to fill with less salt more often WHEN TO REFILL WITH SALT Check the salt level a few weeks after you install the softener and e
23. ely when drawn from a faucet because it has oxidized before reaching the home It appears as small cloudy yellow orange or reddish suspended particles After the water stands for a period of time the particles settle to the bottom of the container Generally these irons are removed from water by filtration Chlorination is also recommended for bac terial iron Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of continued xXNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING continued water In some instances treatment may improve colloidal iron water but always CONSULT A QUALI FIED WATER CHEMISTRY LAB before attempting to treat it Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn After standing for several hours the color persists and the iron does not settle but remains suspended in the water Iron in water causes stains on clothing and plumbing fixtures It negatively affects the taste of food drink ing water and other beverages ACIDITY or acid water is caused by carbon dioxide hydrogen sulfide and sometimes industrial wastes It is corrosive to plumbing plumbing fixtures water heaters and other water using appliances In can also damage and cause premature failure of seals diaphragms etc in water handling equipment A chemical analysis is needed to measure the de gree of acidity in water This is called the p
24. er begins to cloud or turn rust colored A water softener WILL NOT remove any iron that makes the water cloudy or rusty as it comes from the faucet called red water iron To take red water iron out of water or over the maximum of clear water 16 Use clean water softener salts only at least 99 5 pure NUGGET PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts are recommended Do not use rock block granu lated and ice cream making salts They contain dirt and sediments or mush and cake and will create maintenance problems NOTE WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON REMOVING ADDITIVES Some salts have an ad ditive to help the softener handle iron in the water supply Although this additive may help to keep the softener resin clean it may also release corrosive fumes that weaken and shorten the life of some softener parts push tool into salt bridge to break Pencil Mark Broom Handle Salt ile Salt Bridge Water Level iron an iron filter or other equipment is needed Your local dealer has trained people to help you with iron water problems If your water supply has clear water iron periodic resin bed cleaning is needed Clean the bed atleast every six months or more often ifiron appears in the soft water between treatments Follow directions on the resin bed cleaner container xXNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE continued CLEANING THE NOZZLE AND VENTURI
25. inued p SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER NOTE If 25 factory default and HARDNESS do not show in the display press SELECT until they do 1 Press the UP or DOWN button to set your water hardness number in the display DOWN moves the display down to 1 UP moves the display up to 50 NOTE Each press of a button changes the display by 1 between 1 and 25 Above 25 the display changes 5 at a time 25 30 35 etc Holding a button in changes the numbers twice each sec ond See the specified maximum hardness page 4 2 When your water hardness number shows press SELECT to set p SET REGENERATION STARTING TIME NOTE RECHARGE TIME and a flashing 2 00 factory default should show in the display This is a good time for regeneration to start over in about 2 hours in most households because water is not in use HARD WATER is bypassed to house faucets during regeneration See Automatic Bypass on page 14 HARDNESS You can get the grains per gallon gpg hardness of your water supply from a water analysis laboratory or call and ask your local water department if you are on a municipal supply If water contains iron add to the water hardness at a ratio of 5 grains for each 1 ppm of iron 1 gpg 0 959 d If no change is needed go to step 2 following To change this time if desired do step 1 1 Press the UP or DOWN button to setthe desired regeneration starttime NOTE Ea
26. n place 2 INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW FITTINGS p Insert the rubber grommet into the 3 4 diameter hole in the brine tank sidewall see page 8 Push the barbed end of the hose adaptor elbow into the grommet 3 MOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY INTO INSTALLATION POSITION Be sure the installation surface is level and smooth If needed place the tank on a section of 2 cm thick min plywood Then place shims under the plywood as needed to level the softener 4 PLUMB IN AND OUT PIPES TO AND FROM SOFTENER CAUTIONS Observe all of the following cautions as you connect inlet and outlet plumbing Turn off the house water supply valve and open faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes p BE SURE RAW HARD WATER IS DIRECTED TO THE VALVE INLET PORT Be sure to use bypass valve s FIGURE 1 clip y d OUTLET SIDE VIEW END VIEW bypass valve valve body push all the way in inlet or outlet Turn bypass valve up side down to connect to floor level plumbing p If making a soldered copper installation do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the softener fittings Torch heat will damage plastic parts continued XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER INSTALLATION STEPS continued gt Put grounding clamps see step 8 on copper CONNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE tubes before soldering bac oU t Leu fried er To ada
27. nturi housing t Flow Plug HVDC Nozzle amp Ventu ri Housing INSTALL WITH NUMBERED SIDE UP CONCAVE SIDE DOWN See identification chart on page 30 SERVICE CHECKLIST NO SOFT WATER No salt in storage tank See page 16 to refill then start a regeneration or recharge Transformer unplugged at wall outlet or power cable disconnected Reconnect to electrical pow er and start a regeneration or recharge Fuse blown circuit breaker popped or circuit mistakenly switched off Check and resolve as needed Then start a regeneration or recharge Plumbing bypass valve s in bypass position Refer to page 6 and position valve s as needed to direct soft water to house pipes Then start a regen eration or recharge Timer not programmed See Electronic Demand Timer page 10 Nozzle amp venturi dirty or salt in storage tank bridged See page 16 and above to clean Then start a regeneration or recharge WATER INTERMITTENTLY HARD Possible increase in water hardness See Electronic Demand Timer page 11 Hot water used when softener is regenerating The water heater will refill with hard water see Au tomatic Hard Water Bypass During Regenerations page 14 Leaking faucet or toilet valve A small leak will waste hundreds of gallons of water in just a few days Fix all water leaks immediately xXNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE NOTE
28. ome models or 3 shut off valves Bypass valves let you turn off water to the softener for repairs if needed but still have water in the house pipes Drain hose 3 8 or 7 16 inside diameter is need ed for valve and salt tank drains You can buy good quality thick wall flexible hose at most hardware stores lf a rigid valve drain is needed to comply with plumbing codes you can buy the parts needed see page 8 to connect a 1 2 in copper tubing drain Nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill the brine tank see page 9 and 16 gt PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the softener Look at the house main water pipe at the point where you will connect the softener Is the pipe soldered copper glued plastic or threaded gal vanized What is the pipe size Now look at the typical installation illustration on page 6 Use it as a guide when planning your partic ular installation Be sure to direct raw hard water to the softener valve inlet fitting The valve is marked IN and OUT XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION BRINE TANK NOT SHOWN HARD WATER TO SOLDERED COPPER OR CPVC OUTSIDE FAUCETS SOFT WATER X HARD WATER Optional TO BYPASS VALVE AT SOFTENER _ Straight connector 2 3 4 pipe TO COPPER TUBES and fittings amp nut 2 AT SOFTENER USING Co
29. or Housing 25 7116713 Clip 2 47 7147243 Turbine and Support Assembly 48 7117858 Turbine 49 2204101 Turbine Support 26
30. position P Valve rotating from one position to another C While in this diagnostic screen the following in formation is available and may be beneficial for vari ous reasons This information is retained by the computer from the first time electrical power is ap plied to the face plate Press the UP A button to display the number of days this face plate has had electrical power ap plied Press the DOWN V7 button to display the num ber of regenerations initiated by this face plate since the SR code number was entered 2 Press the SELECT button and hold in 3 seconds until a Service Rating code appears in the display For correct softener operation the SR number must match the model as follows SR11 NSC 11 ED SR14 NSC 14 ED SR17 NSC 17 ED To reset the code press the UP or DOWN button until the correct number shows 3 Press SELECT to return the present time display If the code was changed make ALL the timer set tings pages 10 and 11 NOTE If the face plate is left in a diagnostic display or a flashing display when setting times or hardness present time automatically returns if a button is not pressed within 4 minutes 20 xXNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE continued service MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK This check verifies proper operation of the valve motor brine tank fill brine draw regeneration flow rates
31. pper tube 2 3 VALVE BYPASS a p gasket 2 Bypass Valve pull OUT for SERVICE push IN for BYPASS Note Threads on the bypass valve are 1 male pipe If 1 pipes are needed buy THREADED GALVANIZED OR BRASS adaptors and plumb to the 1 threads BYPASS close for service VALVE open for bypass HARD WATER TO i OUTSIDE FAUCETS z HARD WATER Bee shutoff valve S OUTLET EO VALVE open for service close for bypass E open for service close for bypass 3 4 copper or CPVC TO SOFTENER SOFTENER INLET T SUME se if water supply flows from per s 2 the left Include single or 3 valve bypass gasket 2 INLET Optiona XNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER INSTALLATION STEPS 1 INSTALL BYPASS VALVE NOTE On Demand timer models be sure the turbine and Z support are firmly in place in the valve x outlet Blow into the valve port and ob serve the turbine for free rotation turbine 4 valve outlet remove plastic CEN wire Ki turbine support amp shaft Push the bypass valve lubricate o ring seals into both ports of the valve figures 1A and 1C p Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place from the top down figures 1A and 1B Be sure they snap into place Pull on the adaptors or bypass valve to make sure they held securely i
32. pt a copper drain tube to the softener p When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic use a hacksaw to cut the barbed end from the fittings use care not to cross thread drain fitting as shown Buy a compression fitting gt Use pipe joint compound on all external pipe 1 4 female pipe thread x 1 2 O D tube and threads needed tubing from your local hardware store Support inlet and outlet plumbing in some man ner use pipe hangers to keep the weight off of the FIGURE 2 NPT threads valve fittings D ards 5 CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN Tee S drain fitting D Ue 7 16 inside diameter hose and from drain fitting attach to the valve drain fitting 7 P So water pressure does not blow the hose off use a hose clamp to secure in place p gt Locate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point floor drain sump laun dry tub etc Check and com valve drain ply with local codes nose IMPORTANT Use high quali ty thick wall hose that will not easily kink or collapse The wa ter softener will not work if wa ter cannot exit this hose during regenerations 1 2 O D copper tube not furnished compression fitting 1 4 NPT x 1 2 O D tube not furnished Attach a length of 3 8 or 7 16 1 0 hose to the drain elbow installed in step 2 page 7 Use a hose clamp to hold it in place Locate the other end of the hose at the drain point DO NOT ELEVATE THIS HOSE H
33. rts loss Also note damage to the ship small parts keep them on the skin pack until you are ping cartons Contact the transportation company ready to use them TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO WARRANTY SAFETY GUIDES i ci ARE Eee re care PR REB Pann RES S res 2 SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS 4 BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION RII I 5 TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION ssssse RII 6 INSTALLATION STEPS eee det Doc dco ERE red ee edet E etis 7 9 PROGRAMMING THE TIMER eH EUREN EA nt nERERIPS 10 11 SANITIZING PROCEDURES cue cnt eel eas Ra o Doe e a NOS 12 WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING sseee RII 13 14 HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS 14 15 GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE 16 17 ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE TIMER DISPLAYS OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS PROGRAM MEMORY AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS 18 19 SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURES WIRING SCHEMATIC 19 21 WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE sits neues ees m cede eee ee etd ROV ees 22 23 REPAIR PARTS Lui testet edet ER Deer pei ees 24 27 xNORTHSTAR AUTOMATIC WATER CONDITIONER SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS RATED CAPACITY AMOUNT OF HIGH CAPACITY RESIN Kg liters RESIN TANK NOMINAL SIZE in dia x height SERVICE FLOW RATE m h WATER SUPPLY MAXIMUM HARDNESS gpg WATER SUPPLY MAX
34. s These are FILL BRINING BRINE RINSE BACKWASH and FAST RINSE REGENERATION e FILL Salt dissolved in water is called brine Brine is needed to clean the hardness minerals from the resin beads To make the brine water flows into the salt storage area during the fill stage as shown on page 15 e BRINING During brining brine travels from the salt storage area into the resin tank Brine is the cleaning agent needed to remove the hardness min erals from the resin beads The hardness minerals and brine are discharged to the drain The nozzle and venturi create a suction to move the brine maintaining a very slow rate to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt e BRINE RINSE After a pre measured amount of brine is used the brine valve closes Water contin ues to flow in the same path as during brining ex cept for the discontinued brine flow Hardness min erals and brine flush from the resin tank to the drain e BACKWASH During backwash water travels up through the resin tank at a fast flow rate flushing ac cumulated iron dirt and sediments from the resin bed and to the drain e FAST RINSE Backwash is followed by a fast flow of water down through the resin tank The fast flow flushes brine from the bottom of the tank and packs the resin bed After fast rinse the softener returns to soft water service AUTOMATIC HARD WATER BYPASS DURING REGENERATION For emergency needs har
35. ssure dam age to softener inner parts be sure to do the fol lowing steps exactly as listed A Fully open two cold soft water faucets nearby the softener B Place bypass valve s in bypass position On a single valve slide the stem into BYPASS On a 3 valve system close the inlet and outlet valves and open the bypass valve see page 6 C Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve Observe a steady flow from both opened fau cets D Place bypass valve s in service EXACTLY as follows KEEP SOFT WATER FAUCETS OPEN 1 SINGLE BYPASS VALVE SLOWLY slide the valve stem toward service pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize slowly 2 3 VALVE BYPASS Fully close the bypass valve and open the outlet valve SLOWLY open the inlet valve pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize slowly E After about three minutes open a HOT water faucet for one minute or until all air is expelled then close F Close both cold water faucets G Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix right away if any are found BE SURE TO OBSERVE PREVIOUS CAUTION NOTES H Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water heater Light the pilot if applicable OQ ADDWATER AND SALT TO THE BRINE TANK Remove the salt storage area cover Add about 11 liters of water into the tank DO NOT ADD INTO THE BRINEWELL P Fill the tank with NUGGET PELLET or coarse SOLAR water softener salt
36. tor s name and address We will repair or replace the part and return it to you at no cost if our repair department determines it to be defective under the terms of the warranty This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state This water conditioner is manufactured by North Star Water conditioning PO Box 64310 St Paul MN 55164 4310 customer information telephone no 1 800 972 0135 WARRANTY POLICY North Star Water Conditioning St Paul MN warrants this water conditioner as stated herein From the date of installation within the warranty period described below we will repair or replace any part which we find defective because of faulty materials and workmanship or corrosion You pay only freight to our factory and local labor charges ONE YEAR ON COMPLETE UNIT THREE YEARS ON ELECTRONIC CONTROL THREE YEARS ON CONTROL VALVE BODY FIVE YEARS ON SALT STORAGE TANK TEN YEARS ON MINERAL TANK EXCLUDING MINERAL Co ae EA E O SAFETY GUIDES FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY FAILURE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER PROPERLY VOIDS THE WARRANTY BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL THEN OBTAIN ALL THE MATERI ALS AND TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE INSTALLATION CHECK LOCAL PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL CODES THE INSTALLATION MUST CONFORM TO THEM CODES IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRE INSTALLATION BY A LICENSED PLUMBER FOR INSTALLATION USE P
37. uld freeze Freeze damage is not covered by the warranty Putthe softener in a place water damage is least likely to occur if a leak develops The manufac turer will not repair or pay for water damage e A 220 volt electric outlet to plug the included transformer into is needed within 3 meters of the softener The softener has a 3 meters power cable If the outlet is remote up to 30 5 m use 0 75 mm wire to connect Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside loca tion to protect from wet weather e finstalling in an outside location you must take the steps necessary to assure the softener installation plumbing wiring etc are as well protected from the elements contamination vandalism etc as when installed indoors Keep the softener out of direct sunlight The sun s heat will melt plastic parts p TOOLS PIPE and FITTINGS OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED and out pipes to the softener must be at least 3 4 size Some local codes require a minimum of 1 pipe size To plumb with 1 pipes buy adaptors to fit the 1 pipe threads on the installation adaptors or by pass valve see page 6 You should maintain the same or larger pipe size as the water supply pipe up to the softener inlet and outlet Use copper brass or galvanized pipe and fittings Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipe ALWAYS install a bypass valve or valves Either use the optional valve included with s
38. ve timer DEFECT valve defect causing high torque TO REMOVE AN ERROR CODE 1 unplug transformer 2 correct defect 3 plug transformer in 4 Wait for at least 6 minutes The error code will return if the reason for the error code was not corrected service TIMER SOFTENER SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURE If you are not getting soft water and an error code 2 Is there salt in the storage tank 3 Is the plumb is not displayed use the procedures below to find ing bypass valve s directing water for soft water the problem First make the following visual checks service see page 6 4 Is the valve drain hose open to the drain not elevated too high and unob VISUAL CHECKS 1 Is there electrical power to structed If you do not find a problem with the visual the outlet the softener transformer is plugged into checks continue below Electrical power was off Re set the correct time of day Check electrical power to timer outlet transformer power cable all connections NO SOFT WATER TIMER SHOWS WRONG TIME AND DAY AND OR IS FLASHING Investigate reason for power loss Be sure outlet for softener cannot be switched off REPAIR AS NEEDED TIMER DEFECTIVE Do manual diag nostics to verify proper function TIMER DISPLAY BLANK TIMER DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECT TIME AND DAY AND IS STEADY POWER OKAY Do manual diagnostics
39. very week after that Refill when the brine tank is from 1 3 to 1 2 full Never allow the softener to use all the salt before you refill it Without salt you will soon have hard water BREAKING A SALT BRIDGE Sometimes a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt storage area It is usually caused by high humid ity or the wrong kind of salt When the salt bridges an empty space forms between the water and salt Thensalt will not dissolve in the waterto make brine If the brine tank is full of salt it is hard to tell if you have a salt bridge Saltis loose on top but the bridge is under it The following is the best way to check for a Salt bridge Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank Take a broom handle or like tool and careful ly push it down into the salt working it up and down If the tool strikes a hard object be sure it s not the bottom or sides of the tank it s most likely a salt bridge Carefully break the bridge with the tool DO NOT pound on the walls of the tank If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge take it out Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only CLEANING IRON OUT OF THE WATER SOFTENER Your water softener takes hardness minerals cal cium and magnesium out of the water Also it can control some see specifications page 4 clear wa ter iron With clear water iron water from a faucet is clear when first put into a glass After 15 to 30 min utes the wat
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