Panasonic Expands Line of Vent Fan Controls

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Adding to its comprehensive line of ventilation controls and switches, Panasonic Eco Products Division introduced its enhanced WhisperControl Condensation Sensor Plus and Preset Countdown and Hourly Fan Timer at the Greenbuild Expo in New Orleans, Oct. 22-24.

The WhisperControl Condensation Sensor Plus is a wall-mounted combination humidity and temperature sensor that now includes automatic seasonal adaptability with an optional moisture sensitivity selector and an Adjustable Minutes Per Hour Fan Timer for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2. Panasonic’s WhisperControl line also includes a preset countdown and hourly Fan Timer that automatically shuts the fan off after it has run for a pre-selected period of time, with the added value of incorporating the Adjustable Minutes Per Hour Fan Timer to provide constant and controlled ventilation every hour for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2.

These controls give builders more customizable ventilation options to meet the latest industry codes and standards, respond to homeowners’ specific needs and give building and hotel owners the ability to make energy saving the responsibility of the fan, not the occupant.

The Condensation Sensor Plus is the next generation in moisture control and healthy indoor air technology. Panasonic’s WhisperControl Condensation Sensor Plus operates differently by detecting hot air and humidity based on dew point, or the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses into liquid. By accurately recognizing dew point, the sensor turns on the ventilation fans when necessary, allowing for energy-efficient function in all seasons, for all climate zones, before problem moisture has a chance to set in and cause damage.

Panasonic’s WhisperControl line also includes a preset countdown and hourly Fan Timer that automatically shuts the fan off after it has run for a pre-selected period of time, with the added value of incorporating the Adjustable Minutes Per Hour Fan Timer to provide constant and controlled ventilation every hour for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2.

Standard humidity sensors on the market are programmed to turn on ventilation fans based on the rapid rise of humidity in the air. Humidity can vary by climate zone and cause the fans to run erratically, resulting in wasted energy from the fans running too often or condensation build-up from the fans running too infrequently. The Panasonic WhisperControl Condensation Sensor Plus solves this dilemma with its ability to precisely determine humidity and automatically adjust to meet occupant needs.

Advanced technology also allows users to set the MPH Fan Timer to have the fan turn on for a set amount of time every hour for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2 To date, there are no comparable sensor products available on the market that feature this technology.

The WhisperConrol Condensation Sensor Plus and Preset Countdown Hourly Timer offer a handful of advancements from former models, including:

• (Condensation Sensor Plus Only) Moisture Sensitivity Selector: adjusts for sensitivity based on regional climate, the size of the bathroom and preferred dryness levels. This unique technology tracks temperature and humidity over several weeks to determine the level of dryness preferred. The Moisture Sensitivity Selector is not affected by daily or seasonal changes in a room’s climate so it can be set once and remain at that setting.
• (Both Products) Adjustable Minutes Per Hour Fan Timer: can be set to turn the fan on for a set amount of time every hour (0-60 minutes) for compliance with ASHRAE 62.2. The MPH Fan Timer provides constant and controlled ventilation every hour.
• Manual On/Off Control: can be pushed for manual fan operation. If the fan has been turned off before the room has been adequately cleared of moisture, the Condensation Sensor Plus overrides the operation to ensure the exhaust fan removes the moist air.
• (Condensation Sensor Plus only) Delay Timer: a 20-minute countdown cycle is initiated when manually turning the fan on. During automatic operation, a 30-minute countdown timer initiates after moisture returns to normal levels.

For more information about Panasonic ventilation fans, please visit us.panasonic.com/ventfans.