Aprilaire Model 600: Comprehensive Installation Guide
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for installing the Aprilaire Model 600
humidifier! This resource provides detailed instructions, safety
precautions, and essential information to ensure a successful
installation․ Follow these steps carefully for optimal performance and
whole-home comfort․
Understanding the Aprilaire 600 Humidifier
The Aprilaire Model 600 is a whole-house bypass humidifier designed to work
seamlessly with your home’s central heating and cooling system․ It utilizes
the furnace blower to move air through a water panel, effectively
humidifying your entire home․ Unlike portable humidifiers, the Model 600
provides consistent humidity levels throughout, enhancing comfort and
protecting your home’s structure and furnishings․
This model is known for its efficient water usage and significant humidity
output, making it suitable for homes up to 4,000 square feet․ The Aprilaire
600 can be installed on either the supply or return plenum of your forced
air system, offering flexibility in placement․ It comes with either an
automatic digital control or a manual control, allowing you to adjust the
humidity levels to your preference․
Understanding the basic components and functionality of the Aprilaire 600
before installation is crucial․ Familiarize yourself with the water panel,
bypass damper, and control unit․ This knowledge will help you troubleshoot
any issues and ensure optimal performance of your humidifier․
Safety Precautions Before Installation
Prioritizing safety is paramount before commencing any installation work․
Before you begin installing your Aprilaire Model 600 humidifier, ensure that
you have turned off the power to your furnace and humidifier at the circuit
breaker․ This will prevent any electrical hazards during the installation
process․ Additionally, shut off the water supply to the humidifier to avoid
water damage․
Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves, to
protect yourself from potential hazards such as sharp edges or electrical
components․ Read the complete safety instructions and installation template
provided by Aprilaire before starting․ Ensure the installation area is well
lit and free from obstructions․
If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring or plumbing, it is
highly recommended to hire a qualified HVAC professional for the
installation․ Incorrect wiring or plumbing connections can lead to serious
damage or safety risks․ Take your time, follow the instructions carefully,
and double-check all connections to ensure a safe and successful
installation․
Tools and Materials Required for Installation
Before starting the installation of your Aprilaire Model 600 humidifier,
gather all the necessary tools and materials․ Having everything on hand will
streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays․ You will need a drill
with various drill bits for making holes in the ductwork and mounting the
humidifier․ A sheet metal cutter or snips will be required to cut openings
in the plenum for the humidifier and bypass duct connections․
A level is essential to ensure the humidifier is mounted correctly․ You’ll
also need a screwdriver set (both Phillips and flathead), adjustable wrench,
and pliers for making plumbing and electrical connections․ For plumbing,
ensure you have a copper water line, fittings, and a pipe cutter․ Electrical
supplies should include wire connectors, electrical tape, and a voltmeter to
verify power is off․
Additionally, gather items such as the Aprilaire installation template,
screws, a bypass duct (if not already included), and a humidifier control
(either manual or automatic)․ Having a flashlight, measuring tape, and pencil
will also be helpful․ Ensure that all materials meet local plumbing and
electrical codes for a safe and compliant installation․
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Begin by selecting the installation location on either the supply or return
plenum, considering the humidifier’s dimensions and serviceability․ Use the
Aprilaire installation template to mark the opening and cut the necessary
hole in the plenum using sheet metal cutters․ Securely mount the Aprilaire
600 humidifier to the plenum using screws, ensuring it is level and stable․
Next, connect the bypass duct from the humidifier to the opposite plenum
(supply or return, depending on your setup)․ Ensure the duct is properly
sealed to prevent air leaks․ Proceed to connect the water supply by
identifying a nearby cold water line․ Turn off the water supply before
making any connections․
Install a saddle valve or T-fitting to tap into the cold water line, and
connect the copper water line to the humidifier’s water inlet․ Ensure all
plumbing connections are tight and leak-free․ Move on to the electrical
wiring by connecting the 24VAC transformer to a nearby power source․ Wire
the transformer to the humidifier and the humidifier control, following the
wiring diagram provided in the manual․ Finally, mount the humidifier control
on the return duct, typically six inches above the humidifier or bypass duct․
Connecting the Water Supply
Connecting the water supply to your Aprilaire 600 humidifier is a critical
step in the installation process․ Begin by identifying a cold water supply
line near the humidifier location, such as a pipe running to a nearby sink
or another readily accessible cold water source․ Before proceeding, it is
imperative to turn off the water supply to the chosen line to prevent any
unwanted water leaks or potential damage․
Once the water supply is safely shut off, you will need to install a saddle
valve or a T-fitting onto the cold water line․ A saddle valve is a self-piercing
valve that can be attached directly to the pipe, while a T-fitting requires
cutting the pipe and inserting the fitting․ Choose the method that best suits
your plumbing skills and the available space․
After installing the valve or fitting, connect a copper or plastic water line
from the valve/fitting to the water inlet on the Aprilaire 600 humidifier․
Ensure that all connections are properly tightened and sealed to prevent
leaks․ It’s a good practice to use Teflon tape on threaded connections to
ensure a watertight seal․ Once the connections are made, slowly turn the
water supply back on and carefully inspect all connections for any signs of
leaks․
Electrical Wiring and Connections
Proper electrical wiring is crucial for the safe and effective operation of
your Aprilaire 600 humidifier․ Before commencing any electrical work, ensure
that the power supply to the furnace and humidifier is completely turned off
at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock․ The Aprilaire 600
typically requires a 24 VAC power source, which is often supplied by a
transformer․
Locate the 24 VAC transformer, which may already be present in your furnace
control panel․ If not, you will need to install one․ Connect the transformer
to the appropriate terminals on the furnace control board, following the
furnace manufacturer’s instructions․ Next, run low-voltage wiring from the
transformer to the Aprilaire 600 humidifier and the humidistat control․
Connect the wires to the designated terminals on both the humidifier and the
control, ensuring correct polarity and secure connections․ Some models may
also require a connection to a current-sensing relay, which detects when the
furnace blower is operating․ This ensures that the humidifier only runs when
the furnace is blowing air․ Double-check all wiring connections and refer to
the Aprilaire 600 installation manual for specific wiring diagrams․ Once
complete, restore power and test the system․
Bypass Duct Connection (Supply or Return Plenum)
The Aprilaire 600 humidifier requires a bypass duct to circulate air through
the water panel․ This duct connects the humidifier to either the supply or
return plenum of your HVAC system․ The location you choose will depend on
your system’s configuration and available space;
When connecting to the supply plenum, the bypass duct draws warm, dry air
from the heated air stream․ Alternatively, connecting to the return plenum
draws air before it enters the furnace․ Ensure that the humidifier is
mounted level and securely to the chosen plenum․ Use the provided template
to cut appropriately sized holes in both the plenum and the humidifier
casing․
Attach the bypass duct to the humidifier and the plenum openings, using
clamps or screws for a secure, airtight seal․ It’s crucial to minimize air
leaks to maintain system efficiency․ The Aprilaire 600 features a built-in
bypass damper․ Adjust this damper to regulate the amount of air flowing
through the humidifier․ Proper adjustment ensures optimal humidification
without negatively impacting airflow․ Refer to the installation manual for
specific guidance on damper settings based on your system size․
Setting Up the Humidifier Control (Automatic/Manual)
The Aprilaire 600 offers both automatic and manual control options for
managing humidity levels in your home․ Understanding how to set up the
control is essential for optimal performance․ For automatic control, the
Aprilaire 600 typically includes a digital humidistat that automatically
adjusts humidity based on outdoor temperature․
Install the outdoor temperature sensor in a location away from direct sunlight
to ensure accurate readings․ Connect the sensor to the control panel
according to the wiring diagram in the installation manual․ Once connected,
the control will automatically adjust the humidity level to prevent
condensation on windows and other surfaces․
For manual control, you can set a fixed humidity level using the humidistat․
This option is suitable if you prefer to maintain a constant humidity level
regardless of outdoor temperature․ To set the manual control, adjust the
dial on the humidistat to your desired humidity percentage․ Monitor your home
for condensation and adjust the setting accordingly․ Remember that excessive
humidity can lead to mold growth, so it’s crucial to find the right balance․
Refer to the Aprilaire 600’s manual․
Post-Installation Checklist and Troubleshooting
After installing your Aprilaire Model 600 humidifier, it’s crucial to perform
a thorough checklist to ensure everything is functioning correctly․ Begin by
inspecting all water connections for leaks․ Tighten any fittings that show
signs of moisture․ Next, verify that the electrical wiring is secure and
properly connected according to the manual’s diagram․
Turn on the water supply to the humidifier and check the water panel for
even saturation․ Ensure the bypass damper is correctly positioned for either
summer or winter operation, depending on your needs․ Turn on the furnace
blower and confirm that the humidifier activates when the humidistat calls
for humidity․
If the humidifier doesn’t turn on, check the power supply and the wiring to
the humidistat․ If the humidifier is running but not producing enough
humidity, inspect the water panel for mineral buildup or damage․ Replace the
water panel if necessary․ Also, check the water supply line for any clogs or
restrictions․ If you encounter any persistent issues, consult the
troubleshooting section of the Aprilaire 600 installation manual or contact
a qualified HVAC technician for assistance․ Regular maintenance will help
keep your humidifier running efficiently for years to come․