4100 N. FAIRFAX DR.

, SUITE 200 ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22203

2004
STANDARD for













PERFORMANCE
RATING OF
SELF-
CONTAINED
HUMIDIFIERS
FOR
RESIDENTIAL
APPLICATIONS
ANSI/ARI
Standard 620


Price $15.00 (M) $30.00 (NM) Copyright 2004, by Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
Printed in U.S.A. Registered United States Patent and Trademark Office

IMPORTANT

SAFETY DISCLAIMER

ARI does not set safety standards and does not certify or guarantee the safety of any products, components or
systems designed, tested, rated, installed or operated in accordance with this standard/guideline. It is strongly
recommended that products be designed, constructed, assembled, installed and operated in accordance with
nationally recognized safety standards and code requirements appropriate for products covered by this
standard/guideline.

ARI uses its best efforts to develop standards/guidelines employing state-of-the-art and accepted industry practices.
ARI does not certify or guarantee that any tests conducted under its standards/guidelines will be non-hazardous or
free from risk.




Note:

This standard supersedes ARI Standard 620-1996.








TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Section 1. Purpose..................................................................................................................1

Section 2. Scope.....................................................................................................................1

Section 3. Definitions............................................................................................................1

Section 4. Classifications.......................................................................................................2

Section 5. Test Requirements................................................................................................2

Section 6. Rating Requirements.............................................................................................2

Section 7. Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings...........................................3

Section 8. Operating Requirements.......................................................................................3

Section 9. Marking and Nameplate Data...............................................................................3

Section 10. Conformance Conditions......................................................................................3


APPENDICES

Appendix A. References - Normative........................................................................................4

Appendix B. References - Informative.......................................................................................4

Appendix C. Method of Test for Rating Self-Contained Humidifiers for Residential
Applications - Normative......................................................................................5
ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



1
PERFORMANCE RATING OF SELF-CONTAINED
HUMIDIFIERS FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Section 1. Purpose

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to establish for
Self-Contained Humidifiers: definitions; classifications; test
requirements; rating requirements; minimum data
requirements for Published Ratings; operating requirements;
marking and nameplate data; and conformance conditions.

1.1.1 Intent. This standard is intended for the
guidance of the industry, including manufacturers,
engineers, installers, contractors and users.

1.1.2 Review and Amendment. This standard is
subject to review and amendment as technology
advances.


Section 2. Scope

2.1 Scope. This standard applies to factory-made
Self-Contained Humidifiers for Residential Applications, as
defined in Section 3.

2.1.1 Energy Source. This standard applies to
electrically operated Self-Contained Humidifiers that are
independent of the air stream of a central air system for
moisture evaporation and distribution.

2.1.2 Installation. The Self-Contained Humidifier is
intended for installation through an interior wall.

2.2 Exclusions. This standard does not apply to the
following:

2.2.1 Central System Humidifiers as defined in ARI
Standard 610.

2.2.2 Portable Humidifiers as defined in AHAM
HU-1.

2.2.3 Humidifiers for commercial and industrial
applications as defined in ARI Standard 640.


Section 3. Definitions

All terms in this document follow the standard industry
definitions in the current edition of ASHRAE Terminology of
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration,
unless otherwise defined in this section.

3.1 Humidification Capacity. The capacity associated with a
Humidifiers ability to add moisture to air expressed in
gal/day [L/day] of continuous operation.

3.2 Humidifier. A device designed to add moisture to air.

3.2.1 Self-Contained Humidifiers for Residential
Applications (Self-Contained Humidifier). A class of
Humidifier intended for non-ducted installation, but may
be employed in ductwork, to be installed with a water
make-up line and/or drain, electrical service, and is
independent of a central air system. It may or may not
be installed within the humidified space.

3.3 Published Rating. A statement of the assigned values of
those performance characteristics, under stated Rating
Conditions, by which a unit may be chosen to fit its
application. These values apply to all units of like nominal
size and type (identification) produced by the same
manufacturer. The term Published Rating includes the rating
of all performance characteristics shown on the unit or
published in specifications, advertising or other literature
controlled by the manufacturer, at stated Rating Conditions.

3.3.1 Application Rating. A rating based on tests
performed at application Rating Conditions (other than
Standard Rating Conditions).

3.3.2 Standard Rating. A rating based on tests
performed at Standard Rating Conditions.

3.4 Rating Conditions. Any set of operating conditions
under which a single level of performance results and which
causes only that level of performance to occur.

3.4.1 Standard Rating Conditions. Rating Conditions
used as the basis of comparison for performance
characteristics.

3.5 "Shall" or "Should". "Shall" or "should" shall be
interpreted as follows:

3.5.1 Shall. Where "shall" or "shall not" is used for a
provision specified, that provision is mandatory if
compliance with the standard is claimed.

3.5.2 Should. "Should" is used to indicate provisions
which are not mandatory but which are desirable as good
practice.

3.6 Supplementary Heat. Heat used to enhance evaporation
when used in the recirculating system or to heat the water for
direct evaporation.
ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



2

Section 4. Classifications

Self-Contained Humidifiers within the scope of this standard
shall be classified according to the location of the evaporative
process and the source of evaporative energy, as follows:

a. Within the unit without Supplementary Heat
b. External to unit without Supplementary Heat
c. Within the unit with Supplementary Heat
d. External to unit with Supplementary Heat


Section 5. Test Requirements

5.1 Test Requirements. Published Ratings shall be verified
by tests conducted in accordance with the test method
described in Appendix C and at the rating conditions in
Section 6.

5.1.1 Equipment. Self-Contained Humidifiers shall be
tested using all components as recommended by the
manufacturer.

5.1.2 Electrical Conditions. Nameplate voltages are
shown in Table 1 of ARI Standard 110. Nameplate
voltages for 50 Hz systems shall include one or more of
the utilization voltages shown in Table 1 of International
Standard IEC 60038. Tests shall be performed at the
nameplate rated voltage and frequency unless otherwise
specified in this Standard.

For all dual nameplate voltage equipment covered by
this standard, tests shall be performed at both voltages or
at the lower voltage if only a single rating is to be
published.

5.1.3 Outlet-Side Air-flow Rate. Published Ratings
shall be determined at an outlet-side air flow rate
delivered when operating against zero external static
pressure or at a lower air flow rate if so specified by the
manufacturer. All power consumed by the fan(s) shall
be included in the power input to the unit. All air flow
rates shall be expressed in cfm [m
3
/s].


Section 6. Rating Requirements

6.1 Published Ratings. Published Ratings shall include
Humidification Capacity, power input, and energy input of
Supplementary Heat. Humidification Capacity* shall be

* When converting Humidification Capacity from gal/day
to lb/hr, one gallon of water shall be assumed to weigh
8.34 lb. [When converting Humidification Capacity from
kg/hr to L/day, one liter of water shall be assumed to weigh
1 kg.]
expressed in terms of gal/day [L/day] and stated to the
nearest 0.1 gal/day [0.5 L/day]. Power input shall be
expressed in Btu/h [W] stated to the nearest 20 Btu/h [5 W].
Energy input of Supplementary Heat shall be expressed in
Btu/h [W] stated to the nearest 100 Btu/h [30 W]. Air flow
rates shall be expressed in increments of 10 cfm [0.005 m
3
/s].

6.2 Standard Ratings. Ratings based on data determined by
the test requirements prescribed in Section 5 shall be
published as Standard Ratings when conducted at the
following Standard Rating Conditions:

Air temperature entering Self-Contained
Humidifier..................75.0F [23.9C] dry-bulb and
56.5F [13.6C] wet-bulb
Air velocity in humidifier test section..................45
fpm [0.23 m/s]
Static pressure difference between inlet and outlet of
Self-Contained Humidifier..................0 in H
2
O [0
Pa]
Water pressure entering control valve ..................60.0
psig [413 kPa gage]
Water temperature entering control
valve..................60.0F [15.6C]

6.2.1 Supplementary Heat (Water) Test Conditions.

Water pressure entering control valve
...................15.0 psig [103 kPa gage]
Water temperature entering control
valve..................120F [48.9C]

6.2.2 Supplementary Heat (Steam) Test Conditions.

Steam pressure entering control
valve..................2.0 psig [14 kPa gage]

6.3 Application Ratings. Ratings based on data determined
by test requirements prescribed in Section 5 and conducted
using Rating Conditions other than those specified in 6.2
shall be published as Application Ratings.

6.4 Tolerances. To comply with this standard, measured test
results shall not be less than 95% of Published Ratings for
Humidification Capacity and shall not exceed 110% of
Published Ratings for power input or energy input of
Supplementary Heat. Where Supplementary Heat (water) is
used, the energy input from this source shall not be more than
the rated power input.


Self-Contained Humidifier not operating.
ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



3
Section 7. Minimum Data Requirements for
Published Ratings

7.1 Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings. As
a minimum, Published Ratings shall consist of the following
information:

a. Humidification Capacity, gal/day [L/day]
b. Power input, W [kW]
c. Energy input of Supplementary Heat, Btu/h [W]
(where Supplementary Heat is used)

As a minimum, Published Ratings shall include all Standard
Ratings. All claims to ratings within the scope of this
standard shall include the statement Rated in accordance
with ARI Standard 620. All claims to ratings outside the
scope of this standard shall include the statement Outside
the scope of ARI Standard 620. Wherever Application
Ratings are published or printed, they shall include a
statement of the conditions at which the ratings apply.


Section 8. Operating Requirements

8.1 Operating Requirements. To comply with this standard,
any production unit shall meet the minimum operating
requirements detailed in this section.

8.2 Water-Trace Test. Self-Contained Humidifiers shall
pass a water-trace test for each class designation as specified
in the manufacturers installation instructions when operated
at Standard Rating Conditions specified in 6.2.

8.2.1 Procedure. The Self-Contained Humidifier
shall operate for the duration of the Standard Rating test.

8.2.2 Requirements.

8.2.2.1 During the test, water shall not drip or
run off the Self-Contained Humidifier under
test.

8.2.2.2 After the test, the surface under or
surrounding the Self-Contained Humidifier
shall be dry, provided that the surface
temperature exceeds 42F [5.6C].

8.3 Water Flow Control Test. Self-Contained Humidifiers
shall pass the following water flow control test when
operated at Standard Rating Conditions specified in 6.2
except for water pressure conditions.

8.3.1 Water Pressure Conditions. Water pressure
conditions shall be maintained at 20 psi [140 kPa].

8.3.2 Procedure. The Self-Contained Humidifier
shall operate continuously for 30 minutes. The water
pressure shall then be raised to 125 psi [862 kPa] and the
Self-Contained Humidifier shall then operate
continuously for an additional 30 minutes. Operation
and resetting of the water control valve prior to
establishment of continuous operation shall be permitted.

8.3.3 Requirements. During the test there shall be no
dripping or run-off of water from the Self-Contained
Humidifier.


Section 9. Marking and Nameplate Data

9.1 Marking and Nameplate Data. As a minimum, the
nameplate shall display the manufacturer's name, model
designation, and electrical characteristics.

Nameplate voltages for 60 Hz systems shall include one or
more of the equipment nameplate voltage ratings shown in
Table 1 of ARI Standard 110. Nameplate voltages for 50 Hz
systems shall include one or more of the utilization voltages
shown in Table 1 of International Standard IEC 60038.


Section 10. Conformance Conditions

10.1 Conformance. While conformance with this standard
is voluntary, conformance shall not be claimed or implied for
products or equipment within the standard's Purpose (Section
1) and Scope (Section 2) unless such product claims meet all
of the requirements of the standard and all of the testing and
rating requirements are measured and reported in complete
compliance with the standard. Any product that has not met
all the requirements of the standard shall not reference, state,
or acknowledge the standard in any written, oral, or
electronic communication.

ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



4
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES - NORMATIVE

A1 Listed here are all standards, handbooks and other
publications essential to the formation and implementation
of the standards. All references in this appendix are
considered as part of the standard.

A1.1 AHAM HU-1-2003, Household Humidifiers,
2003, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers,
1111 19th St., NW, Ste. 402, Washington, DC 20036
U.S.A.

A1.2 ANSI/AMCA Standard 210-1999//
ANSI/ASHRAE 51-1999, Laboratory Methods Of
Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating,
1999, Air Movement and Control Association
International, 30 West University Drive, Arlington
Heights, Illinois 60004-1893, U.S.A or the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329,
U.S.A.

A1.3 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-1986 (RA
2001), Standard Method for Temperature
Measurement, 2001, American Society of Heating
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 1791
Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.4 ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.3-1989, Standard
Method for Pressure Measurement, 1989, American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA
30329, U.S.A.

A1.5 ARI Standard 110-2002, Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration Equipment Nameplate Voltages, 2002,
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 4100
North Fairfax Drive, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203,
U.S.A.

A1.6 ARI Standard 610-2004, Standard for Central
System Humidifiers for Residential Applications, 2004,
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, 4100
North Fairfax Drive, Suite. 200, Arlington, VA 22203,
U.S.A.

A1.7 ARI Standard 640-1996, Commercial &
Industrial Humidifiers, 1996, Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute, 4100 North Fairfax Drive, Suite
200, Arlington, VA 22203, U.S.A.

A1.8 ASHRAE Terminology of Heating, Ventilation,
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Second Edition,
1991, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle,
N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, U.S.A.

A1.9 International Standard IEC 60038, 2002, IEC
Standard Voltages, International Electrotechnical
Commission, 3, rue de Varemb, P.O. Box 131, CH-
1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.




APPENDIX B. REFERENCES - INFORMATIVE

None.

ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



5
APPENDIX C. METHOD OF TEST FOR RATING
SELF-CONTAINED HUMIDIFIERS FOR RESIDENTIAL
APPLICATIONS - NORMATIVE

C1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to specify for
Self-Contained Humidifiers: instrumentation; measuring and
treatment apparatus; test procedures; and rating calculations
for determining their capacity and related performance.

C2 Scope. The method of test is provided for use with
Self-Contained Humidifiers, and shall be used for both
Standard Rating determinations and Application Rating
determinations, by suitable adjustment of Rating Conditions.

Exclusions. This standard is not applicable to tests
conducted in the field or on the production line.

C3 Instrumentation.

C3.1 Air Velocity Measuring Instruments. Air velocity
measurements shall be made in accordance with
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210. The accuracy of the air
velocity measuring instruments and methods of
measurements shall be in accordance with the accuracy
requirements in ANSI/AMCA Standard 210.

C3.2 Temperature Measuring Instruments.
Temperature measurements shall be made in
accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1, having
an accuracy of 0.10F [0.06C] to measure both the
wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures. The smallest
graduation is to represent a maximum of 0.2F [0.1C].

C3.3 Water Pressure Measuring Instruments. Water
pressure measurements shall be made in accordance
with ANSI/ASHRAE 41.3 using one or more of the
following instruments:

a. Aneroid pressure gage
b. Bourdon tube gage
c. Calibrated pressure transducer
d. Manometer

C3.3.1 The accuracy of the water pressure
measuring instruments shall permit
measurements within 2.0 psi [14 kPa].

C3.3.2 Calibration of the Bourdon tube gage
shall be with respect to a dead-weight tester or by
comparison with a manometer.

C3.3.3 The smallest scale division of the
pressure measuring device shall not exceed 5.0
psi [34 kPa].

C3.4 Water Quantity Measuring Instruments. Water
quantity measurements shall be made with one of the
following instruments having an accuracy as shown:

C3.4.1 Scale and weigh tank. For Self-
Contained Humidifiers having a Humidification
Capacity at or below 5.0 gal/day [18.9 L/day],
the scale and weigh tank shall have an accuracy
of 0.0010 lb [0.0005 kg]. For Self-Contained
Humidifiers having a Humidification Capacity
between 5.1 and 30 gal/day [19.3 and 113.6
L/day], the scale and weigh tank shall have an
accuracy of 0.010 lb [0.005 kg].

C3.4.2 Calibrated pressurized cylinder.
Calibration of the cylinder shall be accurate to
the nearest 0.0015 gal [0.0057 L].

C3.5 Other Measurements.

C3.5.1 Electrical Measurements. Electrical
measurements shall be made with instruments
having an accuracy of 1.0% of the value being
observed.

C3.5.2 Supplementary Heat (Steam)
Condensate Quantity Measurements.
Condensate quantity shall be measured with a
liquid quantity meter measuring either weight or
volume having an accuracy of 2.0% of the
quantity measured.

C3.5.3 Supplementary Heat (Water) Flow Rate
Measurements. Flow rate measurements shall be
made with a liquid type flow meter having an
accuracy of 2.0% of the quantity measured.

C3.5.4 Time Measurements. Elapsed time
measurements shall be made with instruments
having an accuracy of 0.50% of the value
being observed.

ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



6
C4 Measuring and Treatment Apparatus.

C4.1 Air Velocity Measuring Apparatus. Accurate
and precise measurement of air velocity is necessary to
the testing of Self-Contained Humidifiers which receive
air from the space in which they are located. The air
velocity measuring apparatus shall be constructed in
accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 and in accordance
with C3.1.

C4.2 Air Treatment Apparatus. Each test facility shall
be provided with an air treatment apparatus to maintain
prescribed conditions of temperature, air velocity,
humidity and pressure of the air entering and leaving
the Self-Contained Humidifier.

C4.3 Supplementary Heat Measuring Apparatus.
Means shall be provided to measure the amount of
water, steam, or electricity used to supply
Supplementary Heat to a Self-Contained Humidifier
with a recirculating coil in accordance with C3.5.1,
C3.5.2, or C3.5.3.

C4.4 Temperature Measuring Apparatus. Air
temperature measurements and fluid temperature
measurements shall be made in accordance with C3.2.

C4.5 Water Quantity Measuring Apparatus. Means
shall be provided to measure the quantity of supply
water to and waste water from the Self-Contained
Humidifier under test in accordance with C3.4. The
water supply and waste water rate shall be calculated to
the nearest 0.10 lb/hr [0.05 kg/hr] (or a volume
equivalent).

C5 Test Procedures.

C5.1 Test Method. The test method shall be used in
determining Humidification Capacity.

C5.1.1 Applicability of Test Method. Self-
Contained Humidifiers shall be tested using
installation location described in the
manufacturers installation instructions.

C5.2 Test Apparatus. The test apparatus is composed
of the following components:

a. Air velocity measuring apparatus (C4.1)
b. Air treatment apparatus (C4.2)
c. Humidifier Test Section. The dimensions
and construction of the humidifier test section
shall be such that the air velocity in the test
section does not exceed the specified air
velocity in the air velocity measuring
apparatus. The Self-Contained Humidifier is
to be positioned to minimize the effect of the
air flow an in accordance with
manufacturers installation instructions.
d. Supplementary heat measuring apparatus
(C4.3)
e. Temperature measuring apparatus (C4.4)
f. Water quantity measuring apparatus (C4.5)

C5.3 Conditions of Test. The following conditions
shall be maintained throughout the test:

C5.3.1 Air Temperatures. The air temperature
entering the Self-Contained Humidifier shall be
maintained at the dry-bulb and wet-bulb
temperatures selected. During any test, the
variation of dry-bulb temperatures shall not be
more than 1.0F [0.6C] and the variation of
wet-bulb temperatures shall not be more than
0.6F [0.3C]. The average of the dry-bulb and
the average of the wet-bulb temperatures shall be
the air temperature entering the Self-Contained
Humidifier. These temperatures shall be 2.0F
[1.1C] of the selected dry-bulb temperature
and 1F [0.6C] of the selected wet-bulb
temperature. (C6.1 for temperature correction
factor).

C5.3.2 Air Velocity. The air velocity in the
humidifier test section shall be maintained at 45
fpm [0.23 m/s] or as recommended by the
manufacturer based on 75.0F [23.9C] dry-bulb
temperature and 56.5F [13.6C] wet-bulb
temperature as measured at the air treatment
apparatus throughout the test. (A test tolerance
of 1.0 fpm [0.005 m/s] shall be allowed.)
This air velocity shall be substantially uniform.
No diverters, plates, or air directing devices,
other than those supplied with the Self-Contained
Humidifier by the manufacturer, shall be used to
direct air at a higher-than-average velocity either
toward or away from the Self-Contained
Humidifier under test.

C5.3.2.1 The cross-sectional area used
for air velocity calculation shall be the
cross-sectional area of the air velocity
measuring apparatus measured 12 in
[310 mm] upstream of the humidifier
test section and perpendicular to the
direction of air flow.

C5.3.3 Electrical Supply. Self-Contained
Humidifiers which require electrical energy for
proper operation shall be connected to a supply
of the proper voltage and frequency, as measured
at the electrical terminals of the Self-Contained
Humidifier. A watt meter shall be installed in the
electrical circuit when a Self-Contained
ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



7
Humidifier is connected to an electrical supply
circuit. The voltage supplied to the electrical
terminals of the Self-Contained Humidifier shall
be maintained. (A test tolerances of 1% of the
value being observed shall be allowed.)

C5.3.4 Static Pressure Difference between Inlet
and Outlet of Self-Contained Humidifier. The air
pressure difference between the inlet and outlet
of the Self-Contained Humidifier shall be
maintained. (A test tolerance of 0.01 in H
2
O [
2.5 Pa] shall be allowed.)

C5.3.5 Units with Supplementary Heat (Steam).
The pressure of the feed steam entering the
recirculating coil shall be maintained. (A test
tolerance of 0.1 psi [ 0.7 kPa] shall be
allowed.)

C5.3.6 Units with Supplementary Heat (Water).
The pressure of the feed water entering the
recirculating coil shall be maintained. (A test
tolerance of 1.0 psi [ 7.0 kPa] shall be
allowed.) The temperature of the water entering
the recirculating coil shall be maintained. (A test
tolerance of 4.0F [2.2C] shall be allowed.)

C5.3.7 Water Supply Source. The water
supply source shall be directly connected to the
Self-Contained Humidifier and a water control
valve on the Self-Contained Humidifier shall
regulate the water flow rate. The pressure of the
water entering the water control valve shall be
maintained. (A tolerance of 5.0 psi [34 kPa]
shall be allowed.) The temperature of the water
entering the water control valve shall be
maintained. (A test tolerance of 2.0F [
1.1C] shall be allowed.)

C5.4 Performance Test. The Self-Contained
Humidifier to be tested shall be installed in the test
apparatus as described in C5.2 and the air temperature,
air velocity, static pressure, and water pressure and
temperature required for the test shall be attained.

C5.4.1 Water Supply Source Adjustment. If the
water quantity measuring apparatus prescribed in
C5.2 does not permit supply water flow rate
determination while the Self-Contained
Humidifier is connected to the water supply
source, the procedure described below shall be
followed. The purpose for adjusting the water
flow rate is to establish the water level that is to
be maintained in a Self-Contained Humidifier
which has a float or balanced-pan valve, or the
water flow rate for a Self-Contained Humidifier
equipped with an electrical water control valve
(solenoid valve).

C5.4.1.1 Water Level Determination.
A Self-Contained Humidifier which
contains a reservoir shall be installed in
the test apparatus and adjusted in
accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. It shall be operated
in the test apparatus while connected to
the water supply source described in
C5.3.7. The water level in the reservoir
shall be observed. After it has
remained constant during an operating
period of not less than 30 minutes, a
water-level line shall be marked on the
reservoir. This reservoir water level
shall be maintained during the capacity
test.

C5.4.1.2 Water Flow Rate
Determination. A Self-Contained
Humidifier which utilizes an electric
water control valve shall be adjusted in
accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. (An alternative
procedure is to remove the water
control valve from the Self-Contained
Humidifier and adjust the flow rate in
accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.) The water control
valve shall be opened electrically. The
water to and the waste water from the
Self-Contained Humidifier shall be
determined using C4.5. The period of
the preliminary test shall not be less
than 30 minutes.

C5.4.1.3 Water or Steam Flow Rate
Determination - Supplementary Heat
Using a Recirculating Coil. The water
or steam flow rate through the
recirculating coil or Self-Contained
Humidifiers using such a coil for
Supplementary Heat shall be adjusted
as necessary to maintain the required
inlet water temperature and pressure or
inlet steam pressure during the test.

ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



8
C5.4.2 Data to Be Recorded. All data required
to determine the Humidification Capacity of the
unit shall be observed and recorded.

C5.4.2.1 Air Pressures. Air pressures
or a differential pressure shall be
observed and recorded at the following
locations:

a. Static pressure drop across flow
nozzle, in H
2
O [Pa]
b. Absolute pressure of air entering
flow nozzle, in Hg [kPa]
c. Pressure entering humidifier test
section, in H
2
O [Pa] below
atmospheric pressure

C5.4.2.2 Air Temperatures. Dry-bulb
and wet-bulb temperatures entering the
humidifier test section and air entering
flow nozzles.

C5.4.2.3 Electric Power Input. Power
input (including transformer), W [kW].
Electric energy input shall be calculated
from this data and expressed in Btu/h
[W].

C5.4.2.4 Time. The time of each
reading and the elapsed time between
successive readings of all data, h [s].

C5.4.2.5 Water and Steam
Temperatures and Pressures.

a. Water temperature entering and
leaving the Self-Contained
Humidifier, F [C]
b. Water temperature entering and
leaving recirculating coil, F [C]
(Recirculating coil on Self-
Contained Humidifiers using such a
coil for Supplementary Heat)
c. Water pressure during test or during
preliminary water adjustment, psig
[kPa gage]
d. Steam pressure entering unit (where
used), psig [kPa gage]

C5.4.2.6 Water Quantity. Weights or
water flow rates:

a. Supply water to Self-Contained
Humidifier, lb or gal [kg or L]
b. Waste water from the Self-Contained
Humidifier, lb or gal [kg or L]
c. Recirculating water (where used),
lb/h or gal/h [kg/h or L/h]
d. Steam condensate (where used), lb/h
[kg/h]

C5.4.3 Procedure. After prescribed Rating
Conditions of the test have been attained, no less
than five sets of readings shall be taken. The
duration of the test shall not be less than one
hour. The test shall be continued until the weight
or volume of water evaporated or injected into
the Self-Contained Humidifier is within 5% for
four successive test readings.

C5.5 Test Result. The Humidification Capacity of the
Self-Contained Humidifier under test shall be
determined using C6.1 and shall be the average
Humidification Capacity of four successive test runs
complying with this section.

C6 Rating Calculations.

C6.1 Calculation of Humidification Capacity. The
Humidification Capacity shall be calculated using the
following equation:

( )
t
H -
s
H F
1
K =
m
H .................................. C1
'
t
t -
t
t
'
r
t -
r
t
= F ..................................................... C2
where:

F
*
= Temperature correction factor
H
m

= Humidification Capacity, gal/day

[L/day]
H
s
= Water supply rate, gal/day [L/day]
H
t
= Waste water rate, gal/day [L/day]
K
1
= 1.000 [0.264]
t
r
= Return air dry-bulb temperature at
Rating Conditions, F [C]
t
r
' = Return air wet-bulb temperature at
Rating Conditions, F [C]
t
t
= Return air dry-bulb test temperature,
F [C]
t
t
' = Return air wet-bulb test temperature,
F [C]


* Wet-Bulb and Dry-Bulb Temperatures. Temperatures t
t
,
and t'
t
are the average of the actual test temperatures
entering the test section (C5.2.1) immediately before
entering the Self-Contained Humidifier under test.
Temperatures t
r
and t'
r
are the rated temperatures at the same
point.
Other consistent units, such as lb/h [kg/h] may be used.

ANSI/ARI STANDARD 620-2004



9
C6.2 Calculation of Recirculating Water or Steam
Heat Rate. The heat input to the recirculating water
coil shall be calculated from the measured water flow
rate and the temperature difference between the water
entering and leaving the coil by using the following
equation:

q
w
= K
2
wc(t
w1
- t
w2
) C3

where

c = Specific heat of water at water
temperature where flow rate is measured,
Btu/lb F [kJ /kg C]
K
2
= 1 [1000]
q
w
= Water heat input, Btu/h [W]
t
w1
= Water temperature entering coil, F [C]
t
w2
= Water temperature leaving coil, F [C]
w = Water flow rate, lb/h [kg/h]

The heat input to the recirculating steam coil shall be
calculated from the measured condensate flow rate and
the difference in enthalpy of the steam at the conditions
specified:

q
st
= K
3
w h C4

where

K
3
= 1 [1000]
q
st
= Steam heat input, Btu/h [W]
w = Water flow rate, lb/h [kg/h]
h = Difference in enthalpy of steam between
entering and leaving conditions, Btu/lb
[kJ /kg]