On-Line Owners Manual

Table Of Contents

1. Setup
   A. Unpacking The Port-A-Cool
   B. Removing The Cooling Pads
   C. Connecting Water And Electricity

2. Operating Procedures
   A. Placement Of The Port-A-Cool
   B. The Water Pump
   C. Adjusting The Water Flow
   D. Starting The Fan

3. Maintenance And Storage
   A. Daily Maintenance
   B. Weekly Maintenance
   C. Storage

4. Trouble Shooting And Repair

5. Replacement Parts
   A. Ordering Warranty Replacement Parts
   B. Ordering Non-Warranty Replacement Parts
   C. Warranty Card

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I. Setup

A. Unpacking The Port-A-Cool

Cut the straps and remove the box from the top by lifting it off the unit and pallet.  16" models, simply remove from the shipping box.

B. Removing The Cooling Pads

Caution!
Disconnect the power before performing this operation!

If you need to gain access to the inside of the unit, remove the two screws (one on the left, and one on the right) holding the guard strip in place at the top, on the back of the unit where the cooling pads are in place.   Starting with the center pad, pull the pad toward you from the top and lift out. Other pads can now be removed in the same manner. The two end pads on the left and right, must first be pulled toward the center of the unit for removal. NEVER REMOVE PADS WITH THE POWER CONNECTED.

Replace the cooling pads by reversing the removal operation.  Make sure the plastic guard strip is in place at the top of the unit using the two screws.

C. Connecting The Water & Electricity

Water Connection

Connect a standard garden hose to the steel hose adapter on the side of the unit. (Make sure the rubber washer is in place before attaching the garden hose).

If you are using an optional 50 gallon Port-A-Filler, connect the red hose from the valve outlet at the bottom of the Port-A-Filler to the adapter on the side of the Port-A-Cool.  Fill the Port-A-Filler with water, and turn valve to allow water to enter the Port-A-Cool reservoir.

After a garden hose is connected, turn water source on 1-2 turns. The water does not need to be turned high. A medium flow is all that is necessary. The water will enter through the float valve and fill the sump tank in the bottom of the Port-A-Cool unit. Once the sump tank is full, the water will automatically shut off. Then as more water is used during daily operation, more water will then be added automatically.

Electrical Connection

The Port-A-Cool must be upright and level with the cooling pads installed at all times during daily operation.    All standard models utilize a single standard 115 VAC power cord.   Before connecting the power plug to an outlet, make sure that there is no standing water where the cord is connected, especially if you are using an extension cord. When using an extension cord for connection, a 12-gauge grounded cord is recommended.

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II. Operating Procedures

A. Placement Of The Port-A-Cool

Port-A-Cool should always be used in a well ventilated area.  As with any cooing system, the air movement must come from somewhere, and go somewhere else.  So, there are three important considerations when deciding where to place the Port-A-Cool.

1. Fresh Air Supply - The back of the Port-A-Cool must be placed where there is plenty of fresh air available.   For maximum cooling efficiency, make sure there is at least the same amount of space in back of the unit as the actual fan size of the unit.  For instance, if you have a 36" unit, then allow 36" from the wall or any obstacle.  For a 24" model, allow at least 24" and for a 16" unit, at least 16" from a wall or obstacle.  This ensures plenty of fresh air to the cooling pads for the evaporation process.

2. Air Pattern - The cold air that comes from the Port-A-Cool should have room to circulate and as free from obstructions as possible.

3. Ventilation (Exhaust) - With any cooling system, there should be somewhere for the air to be exhausted from the area being cooled. When using your Port-A-Cool, this is to prevent the unit from re-circulating air that has already been through the cooling process.

The direction of the air flow is important. Port-A-Cool creates a fan-shaped air pattern that disburses the cold air over a large area. This pattern may be interrupted by obstacles such as equipment, work benches, etc.   It is important to maintain an open path for the cold air from the Port-A-Cool unit for maximum cooling efficiency. The Port-A-Cool may be raised above obstructions and increase overall coverage when necessary.

A secure platform may be used when raising the height of the Port-A-Cool.  Your Port-A-Cool may also be suspended from the ceiling with at least 12-gauge chain links. The Port-A-Cool must be level during operation.   Remove casters before mounting on a platform to ensure safety.

When using more than one unit, be sure to aim the units so that the air flows in the same direction for maximum efficiency.

B. The Water Pump

Caution! Before activating the pump, make sure that the drain valve (bottom valve on the left side of the Port-A-Cool) is turned OFF (clockwise).  Otherwise water will flow from the drain valve onto the floor when the pump is turned "ON"!  This valve is intended for removing water from the reservoir for cleaning or storage.  You may direct the water to a floor drain, sink or other disposal area using a standard garden hose.

After the sump tank is full, and the drain valve is turned off (clockwise), turn the pump on by moving the "pump" switch to the "ON" position. DO NOT RUN THE PUMP WHEN THE SUMP TANK IS EMPTY.

C. Adjusting The Water Flow

After the pump is operating, adjust the spray bar by turning the spray bar adjustment valve on the left side of the unit 2 or 3 turns counterclockwise until water begins to flow over the top of the cooling pads. Adjust the water flow so that the pads appear to have a few dry streaks in them after a few minutes of operation.  The wet and dry streaks should be about 3" wide across the entire cooling pad area.  Never allow pads to become totally saturated as this will prohibit maximum cooling and could possibly cause unwanted humidity.  The 6" thick cooling pads hold enough moisture to cause maximum cooling and mix with the intake air without excessive saturation.

New cooling pads require an initial "breaking-in" period to start absorbing water at the highest efficiency level. This could take several hours of operation.  You may notice a resin odor from your new pads.  This is not harmful and will not be present after several hours of use.

D. Starting The Fan

(36" Adjustable Three Speed Model)

With the cooling pads installed and the caster brakes engaged, turn the fan speed control switch to the first "LOW" position. Then wait until the fan is in full motion before proceeding to the next "MEDIUM" position. Then wait until the full motion of the fan is again steady, then proceed to "HIGH".  Moving the position of the control from "OFF" to "HIGH" immediately will cause the motor to go to a protection mode and temporarily shut off.  It will remain off for 60 seconds.  Should this occur, wait until the motor resets, then proceed with moving to each speed as recommended.

(Single Speed Models)

Turn "FAN" switch to the "ON" position.

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III. Maintenance & Storage

A. Daily Maintenance

In much the same way that rubber tires on a car wear, a set of cooling pads will last longer or not last as long, depending on how much they are used, and how well you take care of them.  One way to make them last years longer is to allow them to dry after use each day.  If pads are left wet overnight, this adds "use" to the pads, even though the unit is not being used.   This, of course, cannot be avoided if you operate the unit 24 hours per day.

Allow cooling pads to dry after use each day

Each day after use, turn the pump "off" approximately 15 minutes before the fan is turned "off". This will allow the cooling pads to dry. Not only will they last years longer, but this procedure each day will also control the growth of mildew, mold, bacteria and other odor causing elements.

MK-47

Another way to add years of use to cooling pads is treatments of MK-47. The use of MK-47 in the sump tank helps to keep minerals in solution by changing the ionic structure of the mineral particles. This makes it less likely that they will detach from the water source and form a buildup.

MK-47 does not relieve the responsibility of performing normal maintenance and cleaning, but will enhance system longevity and performance of the water system. For more information, click MK-47 or call 800-747-9591

AK-47

Regular cleaning will eliminate most or all buildup on pads. However, if algae, fungi or bacteria on cooling pads and the water system should become a problem the solution is AK-47. While it also conditions the pads and thus makes them last longer, this unique time release, water soluble glass application eliminates algae and other forms of bacteria for up to 5 months. For more information, click AK-47 or call 1-800-747-9591.

B. Weekly Maintenance

Because of the rugged, corrosion-resistant construction of the Port-A-Cool, very little maintenance is required. The most important maintenance is cleaning. Keeping the unit clean will ensure efficient operation of all parts.

Drain the Port-A-Cool sump tank once a week and remove dust and debris from the bottom of the tank. This will help prevent dust particles from collecting in the spray bar and keep the pump running smoothly.

Drain the sump tank for cleaning

Remove the water in the sump tank by turning the spray valve OFF (clockwise), then turning the drain valve ON (counterclockwise).

Caution! Before opening the drain valve, make sure you have connected a hose from the drain valve to a drainage area within your facility or outside. Opening the drain valve and turning the pump "on" will cause water to flow from the valve.

After you have made the proper drainage arrangement, continue to allow all the water to empty from the sump tank. Immediately after all water has drained, turn the pump switch to the "OFF" position.   NEVER RUN THE PUMP WITH THE SUMP TANK EMPTY.

(16" model)

To drain the 16" model, remove drain plug near the bottom of the unit, tilt the unit to allow water to drain from the sump tank. Return the drain plug after the sump tank is empty.

Cleaning the sump tank

Disconnect the unit power cord and remove at least one or two cooling pads as described in step I-B, Removing The Cooling Pads. With the sump tank fully drained and the power cord disconnected, use a sponge or cloth to remove the powder-like dust that the Port-A-Cool has collected from particles in the air.

Replace the cooling pads removed earlier by reversing the removal operation in step I-B, "Removing The Cooling Pads". Make sure the plastic guard strip is in place at the top of the unit using the two screws.

Repeat the steps in I-D, Connecting Water & Electricity.

This important procedure takes only about 15 minutes to complete and will keep your Port-A-Cool running efficiently for many years of trouble free service!

C. Storage

1. Drain all water from the sump tank and clean as described in step III-B, and make sure that the cooling pads and sump tank are completely dry.

2. Roll up the electrical power cord.

3. Cover the Port-A-Cool completely to prevent dust build-up.  Durable plastic Port-A-Cool covers designed for this purpose may be purchased.  For more information, click Port-A-Cool Cover.

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IV. Trouble Shooting & Repair

Problem: The fan is turned "on", power cord is connected and in good condition, extension cord is connected well and is in good condition, but the fan motor is not running.

Solution: Check your breaker box and fuses. Reset breaker or replace broken fuses. Turn pump to "on".  If the pump operates, then your electrical system is working properly.  However, if the fan is still not operating (2 or 3 speed models) did you follow the correct procedure for Starting The Fan explained in step II-D?

Caution! Disconnect power cord before performing the following test:

After disconnecting the power cord, remove the cooling pads as described in step I-B. Turn the fan and check for any resistance or obstacles between the fan blades and shroud. Make sure fan belt is secure. If fan turns freely and the belt is properly in place, put cooling pads back in place and replace the pad guard strip and call Port-A-Cool service.

Problem: The pump is "on" but there is no water flowing over the cooling pads.

Solution: Make sure that the spray bar valve (top valve on the left side of the unit) is turned on (counterclockwise). Reset breaker and test fuses. If the fan operates properly, then your local electrical system, power cord and extension cords are working properly.

Caution! Disconnect power cord before performing the following procedure:

After disconnecting the power cord, remove the cooling pads as described in step I-B. Check pump position. If it has fallen over, replace to the upright position. Reinstall pads and pad guard strip.

If the pump is in the upright position, turn it upside down, then back upright again, and then return it to the upright position in the bottom of the sump tank. Reinstall cooling pads and pad guard strip. Connect power cord and turn pump to"on". If the problem remains after priming, call Port-A-Cool service.

Problem: Breaker or fuse blows when the fan is started.

Solution: Check the condition of the extension cord and power cord. Replace extension cord with a 12 gauge cord.

Problem: Fan blade doesn't turn and unit makes a squealing sound.

Solution: The fan belt may be loose or broken. Tighten or replace the fan belt. If the fan pulley is spinning on the motor shaft, tighten pulley set screw.

Problem: Fan belts break often.

Solution: The motor and fan pulleys are not aligned. Realign motor and mount.

Problem: There is a buildup of white mineral on the cooling pads and sump tank.

Solution: Treat with MK-47 or install a water purification system available at most hardware stores.

Problem: There are odors when unit is turned on for use.

Solution: Follow the procedure for daily maintenance explained in step III-A. Also treat with AK-47 if the problem persists. Note: New cooling pads have a resin odor. It is harmless and will go away after a few hours of operation.

Problem: Unit starts to move around when fan is turned on.

Solution: Engage the brakes on the two casters.

Problem: The floor under Port-A-Cool is wet.

Solution: Check the water inlet hose. It may be loose at the bottom of the unit where water is sent to the unit, or may be loose where the garden hose is connected. Check rubber washers on each. Replace if necessary. Tighten all hose fittings.

Problem: Port-A-Cool overflows from sump tank or is omitting water through the fan.

Solution: The float valve hose needs to be tightened or replaced. Check rubber washers. The float valve may need to be adjusted properly. Check for proper amount of water on the cooling pads as described in step II-C, Adjusting The Water Flow. Make sure unit is level.

Problem: The spray bar valve is turned all the way, but pads have too many dry streaks.

Solution: The holes in the spray bar may be blocked by debris or dust particles from the sump tank water supply. Drain and clean the sump tank as described in step III-B, Weekly Maintenance. Remove spray bar and flush with water hose to loosen debris and clear holes.

Some repairs should be performed by qualified and trained factory personnel or distributors. Call 760-747-9591 for assistance. A qualified repair representative in your area will be happy to help you with any problems.

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V. Replacement Parts

A. Ordering Warranty Replacement Parts

For units protected by warranty, parts will be sent to you at no charge. Contact the dealer or distributor where you purchased your Port-A-Cool unit(s) and have the serial number of your unit(s) ready. It located near the bottom, on the right side of the Port-A-Cool housing. If you do not know how to locate the dealer or distributor where you purchased the unit(s), call 760-747-9591 for assistance.

B. Ordering Non-Warranty Replacement Parts

Call 1-800-747-9591 to order any part for any model. Instructions and assistance will be provided for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click Parts & Service for a list of parts and diagrams.

C. Warranty Card

In order for General Shelters to validate the Port-A-Cool warranty, the warranty card must be completed and returned within 15 days of the date of purchase. If your warranty card was not shipped along with your Port-A-Cool, call 760-747-9591 for a replacement card.

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