Fresh-Aire UV APCO-X MAG Air Treatment System
Installation and Operation Guide
Product Overview
The APCO-X MAG is an air treatment system designed for installation within central air handling systems. It utilizes UV light and carbon filtration to improve indoor air quality by reducing microbial contamination and odors.
The system should be oriented so air flows past the UV light before the carbon element. Avoid directing the UV light onto non-UV-resistant materials like filters, humidifiers, or flex duct. For optimal performance, the UV light should ideally shine on the HVAC coil.
For dual-system installations, a second remote UV lamp is provided. This lamp should be placed in a location within the air system that exposes the greatest surface area or the area with the most microbial growth. Refer to the specific instructions for the Optional Remote UV Light for installation details.
Important Installation Notes
IMPORTANT!
- Only qualified technicians should install this product.
- Installation must be performed in accordance with relevant building codes.
- Read all instructions carefully, including safety warnings.
WARNING! PROTECT EYES AND SKIN FROM UV LIGHT. TURN OFF UNIT OR DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE SERVICING. ⚠️
*Installation of this product by anyone other than licensed HVAC or electrical contractors voids the warranty.
US Patent #7,704,463
Installation Notes
The APCO-X MAG is typically installed inside the central air handling system. The unit should be positioned so air flows past the UV Light first, then into the Matrix Element. A reversed installation is permissible if mounting on the return side of the coil.
Typical installations include:
- Single unit in an Air Handler
- Dual unit in an Air Handler
- Installation in a Package Unit
For APCO-X MAG Dual systems, a second remote UV lamp is included. Select an indoor air system location that allows this lamp to shine on the largest surface area or the area with the most evident microbial growth. Follow the provided Optional 2nd Remote UV Light Installation Instructions for this component.
APCO-X MAG Parts List
The APCO-X MAG system includes the following components:
- A Main Unit: The primary APCO-X MAG device.
- B 15" UVC Lamp: Model TUVL-315, with a 3-year lifespan.
- C 11" UVC Lamp: Model TUVL-311, with a 3-year lifespan.
- D ER Power Supply: Low voltage power supply.
- E ST Power Supply: Line voltage power supply (110-277 VAC).
- F DT Dual Power Supply: (Mentioned in parts list, but not detailed in diagrams for connection).
- G Self-tapping Screws: For mounting.
- H Quick Nut (plastic): For securing the lamp.
- I Spade Connector: For electrical connections.
The 2nd Remote UV Light (for APCO-X Mag Dual systems) is a separate component with its own installation instructions.
Mounting the Lamp
Mount the UV Lamp to the APCO-X MAG unit using two plastic quick nuts (H) as illustrated in the diagrams.
Air Handler Interior Surface Installation
- Determine the optimal position for the APCO-X MAG unit inside the air system.
- Use a utility knife to cut a slit in the insulation on the interior surface of the air handler.
- Place the magnetic mounting bracket directly onto the metal surface. Alternatively, remove the magnet and hard-mount the bracket using the provided self-tapping screws (G). Use foil tape to seal the cut in the insulation.
Important: Do not install the mounting magnet within 12 inches (30 cm) of digital signal devices, as this may cause interference.
Connecting to Power
IMPORTANT: Before connecting power, confirm the specific APCO-X Mag model being installed. Always turn off the main power source before commencing installation. Ensure proper conduit fittings and terminations are used.
IMPORTANT! The unit must be wired to a constant power source; do not connect it to the blower relay.
APCO-X MAG ER (24 VAC) Wiring:
Connect the 4-pin connector from the UV Lamp to the APCO-X MAG ER unit. Connect the unit to a 24 VAC transformer. The ER power supply connects to the load side of the 24 VAC transformer. The wiring typically involves a common/blue wire, and a hot/red wire (often with a white stripe) from the transformer to the power supply.
APCO-X MAG ST/DT (110-277 VAC) Wiring:
Connect the 4-pin connector from the UV Lamp to the APCO-X MAG ST/DT unit. Connect the unit to a 110-277 VAC power supply. Wiring involves L1 (black), L2 or N (white), and Ground (green) connections.
Note on Power Requirements: Systems with high 24 VAC loads may require a separate 24 VAC transformer to power the UV light. For "communicating" air systems, always use a separate 24 VAC transformer. The unit draws 16 VA; load calculations may be necessary (Volts under load x Amps under load).
Lamp Replacement
The UV lamp in the APCO-X MAG (models TUVL-315 or TUVL-311) should be replaced every three years. While UV lamps may continue to emit visible light, their germicidal effectiveness diminishes over time.
CAUTION! UV Lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Dispose of lamps in accordance with local environmental regulations. For more information, visit www.lamprecycle.org. ⚠️
Note: Using replacement UV lamps other than Fresh-Aire UV® branded lamps voids the warranty.
2nd Remote UV Light Installation (APCO-X Mag Dual only)
The 2nd Remote UV Light is installed within the HVAC system to help reduce biological contamination on the coil and surrounding areas.
Parts for 2nd Remote UV Light:
- A Lamp: TUVL-315 (3-year life).
- B "ER" 18-32 VAC Power Supply
- C "ST" 110-277 VAC Power Supply
- D Lamp Cable
- E Self-tapping Screws
- F Quick Nuts (plastic)
- G Tap-in Connector
- H Panel Sticker
- I Sight Glass
- J Magnetic Mounting Bracket
*Parts included with your kit may vary depending on the model.
IMPORTANT!
- Only qualified technicians should install this product.
- Install in accordance with relevant building codes.
- Read instructions carefully, including safety warnings.
WARNING! PROTECT SKIN & EYES FROM UV LIGHT. TURN OFF UNIT OR DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE SERVICING. ⚠️
*Installation of this product by anyone other than licensed HVAC or electrical contractors voids warranty.
STEP 1: Lamp, Cable & Mounting Magnet Assembly
- Pass the lamp base through the hole in the magnetic mounting bracket.
- Align the keys on the lamp and cable, and press them firmly together.
- Fasten the lamp base to the magnetic mounting bracket using the plastic quick nuts (F).
STEP 1B: Coil A-Plate or Duct Mounting
- For A-plate and duct mounting, begin by snapping the magnetic mounting bracket apart by bending it.
- Drill a 1-inch (2.5 cm) hole in the A-plate or duct. Attach the smaller piece of the bracket using the self-tapping screws (E).
- Insert the UV lamp into the hole and use the plastic quick nuts (F) to attach the UV lamp to the magnetic mounting bracket as shown.
STEP 2: Cable Routing & Power Supply
- Determine the best location for the power supply, placing it close to the air system's electrical components.
- Route the lamp cable through the air system to the power supply.
- Connect the lamp cable to the power supply by aligning the square connectors and pressing them firmly together until the latch engages.
STEP 2: UV Lamp Installation (Surface Mount)
- Determine the optimal position for placing the UV lamp.
- Use a utility knife to cut a slit in the insulation on the interior surface of the air handler.
- Place the magnetic mounting bracket directly on the metal surface. Alternatively, remove the magnet and hard-mount the bracket using the self-tapping screws (E). Use foil tape to seal the cut in the insulation.
Important: Some materials within the air system (e.g., filter media, flex duct, wiring) may not be UV light resistant. Use the optional UV shield (part #TUV-SHIELD-LPC) or cover susceptible materials with reflective tape.
Typical UV lamp locations are illustrated in diagrams.
STEP 3: Power Supply & Electrical
IMPORTANT! Before connecting power, verify which power supply (ER or ST) is included with your 2nd Remote UV Light. Turn off the main power source before installation.
- Find a suitable location for the power supply inside the air handler's control panel and install it using the self-tapping screws (E).
- Use the provided wiring diagrams to connect to power.
- Low-voltage power supplies (ER) connect to the air system's 24 VAC transformer (or a new 24 VAC transformer if needed).
- Line-voltage power supplies (ST) connect directly to 120-277 VAC power.
ER (low-voltage) models wiring:
Connect the UV Lamp's blue cable to the ER power supply. The ER power supply connects to the 24 VAC transformer (typically using black and red wires).
ST (line-voltage) wiring:
Connect the UV Lamp's blue cable to the ST power supply. The ST power supply connects to the main power lines: L1 (black), L2 or N (white), and Ground (green).
"ER" Power Supply LED Functions:
LEDs are visible through the translucent power supply housing.
- Ensure the LED Switch is in the left position to enable LED indicators.
- Blue LED: Indicates normal operation.
- Red LED: Indicates a lamp fault.
- No LEDs: Indicates no power.
IMPORTANT! Must be wired to constant power - do not connect to blower relay.
STEP 3: Power Supply & Electrical (Continued)
IMPORTANT! For systems with high 24 VAC loads, a separate 24 VAC transformer may be required to power the UV light. Always use a separate 24 VAC transformer with "communicating" air systems. The unit draws 20 VA; load calculations may be necessary (Volts under load x Amps under load).
STEP 4: UV Warning Sticker & Safety Sight Glass
- Find a suitable location on the outside of the ductwork near the UV Lamp installation. Apply the Fresh-Aire UV® warning/lamp replacement sticker (H).
- Drill a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) hole through the circle indicated on the sticker. Press the Sight Glass (I) into the hole.
- Turn on the power and use the sight glass to confirm that the UV Lamp is operating.