Air Ionization FAQs
Are the Ion Blocks UL Listed?
The Ion Blocks are ETL certified, meeting all UL certification standards. UL and ETL are both what are called Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). NRTLs are in place to provide independent safety and quality certifications on products. UL develops the testing standards and tests to them. ETL tests to UL standards and has the same recognition by OHSA since they are both Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. Inspectors, code officials, and Authorities having jurisdiction recognize and accept the ETL Mark as proof of product compliance throughout North America as well as other parts of the world. For more information, visit www.intertek.com/marks/etl/faq/.
Is there an ozone byproduct from these Ion Blocks?
No, the Ion Blocks offered by Jackson Control do not emit ozone into your ventilation system. The Ion field created by the Ion Block, when placed in the return airstream binds additional particle weight to the pathogen. Along with a proper sequence of operations and paired with all HVAC systems, VAV, CV RTU, Dual Duct Mini Splits, & Unit ventilators the Ion Block is the lowest cost of entry towards mitigating the spread of COVID-19 inside of buildings.
What is the sequence of operations?
The Ion Blocks offered by Jackson Control are a plug & play solution that only requires 24VAC to run. There are no moving parts. The requirement for proper Ionization is One Ion Block per 2,000CFM of airflow or one unit per return duct in a room. The Ion Block can be set up stand alone or it can be networked into all DDC systems with a go/no go CT.
Do the blocks need to be installed by a licensed electrician?
Most states (consult your local Electrical Code) do not require a licensed electrician to power up 24VAC devices. No additional wiring is necessary, as the Ion Block comes with everything you need. If you do not have 24VAC , ,Jackson Control carries all of the transformers, magnetic mounting kits, and arrays necessary to get your system up and running quickly. For Example, a large School System in Indiana installed 2,000 units of the Ion Block with their in-house technicians are averaging 5 minutes per install.
What is the warranty on the Ion Blocks?
The Ion Blocks come with a 5-year warranty provided by Jackson Control; however, each Ion Block can last for over 10 years.
Until March we have been focused on energy efficiency, how will these help?
Jackson Control’s COVID-19 Safe Building Reopening Response Team has been working tirelessly to understand the behavior of the virus inside of commercial spaces. We hosted a 12 week Virtual Town hall where all of these issues were addressed. What we have found is that dissipation of stagnant air through the addition fresh air is an effective strategy; however, in a room that is known to have the pathogen, additional airflow without proper Ionization can actually cause additional spread. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/07/why-arent-we-talking-more-about-airborne-transmission/614737/. The negatively charged ions passively bind to aerosols within the occupied space, allowing the return air from the space to be recirculated without fear of spreading the pathogen throughout the ductwork of the whole building.
We have a Building Automation System, can these units be put into my system with graphics & visibility?
Yes, Ion Blocks offered by Jackson Control can be wired to a digital output on any manufacturer’s controller. If an additional digital output is not available, any 24V power supply can be used to run the Ion Block on a switch or 24/7/365 operation. By adding a simple Go/No Go current transducer (available at Jackson) visibility can be generated to the front end by your preferred controls technician. The Ion Block is completely brand agnostic when it comes to tying into ANY BMS system - Honeywell, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Distech, Automated Logic; even legacy systems and stand-alone programmable thermostats can provide the necessary power to run the Ion Block.
