Electronic Clarifier & Algae Control System
Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual
EPA est. # 60163-FL-001
Congratulations on your purchase of the Complete Aquatics IonMate® Electronic Clarifier & Algae Control System. The IonMate® will safely and effectively control algae in ponds and decorative water features, providing crystal clear water, less maintenance and enhancing the beauty and enjoyment of the feature.
Record Your Serial Number Here:
(found on back of controller)
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING! IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Safety Instructions
• Please completely read the Installation Instructions and Owners Manual before installing. • Do not immerse the controller in water. • Follow all local codes for installation. • Connect only to a properly installed and tested GFI outlet. • Before digging, call 811 to locate underground utilities. • Do not operate the IonMate® system without the pump turned on.
Notice:
It is recommended that you remove as much organic debris from the water feature before turning on the IonMate® System. This will enhance the systems effectiveness and reduce the time required to acquire desired results. The IonMate® Electronic Clarifier & Algae Control System is designed and recommended to be used with a normal beneficial bacteria and enzyme application program. IonMateTM Power Specifications Input Voltage: Input Frequency: Output Voltage: Output Current: Plug-in Transformer:
120 volts 60 Hz 12 volts 0.5 amps UL Listed
IonMate® Features:
• Specially engineered copper probes that won’t harm the delicate ecosystem. (no bactericidal silver) • Simple to install in any new or existing feature • The In-Line Model has a union adapter that allows for easy and tool-free maintenance or replacement of probes • The Drop-In Model has an exclusive “Drop-In Chamber” that allows for easy maintenance or replacement of probes in a skimmer or pump vault • Weather-resistant construction • Compatible with beneficial microbes • 30’ UL rated Probe Cord • Safe for fish, pets and aquatic plants • EPA Approved est. # 60163-FL-001 • One-Year Warranty (probes not covered by warranty) • Proudly made in the USA
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IonMateTM Control Unit
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
How Does The IonMate® Work? The IonMate® controller sends a safe and controlled low-voltage DC electric charge into the copper probes. This small charge jumps the gap between the probes and causes positively charged copper atoms (ions) to release from the probe and enter the water. This action slowly breaks down the copper probes as copper is released into the water. Copper ions in the water then safely prohibit algae growth, keeping the water clear and free of algae. The system’s microprocessor reverses the charge between the probes causing them to break down uniformly and preventing the accumulation of scale and debris on the probes.
The Ionization Process
IonMate® In-Line vs Drop-In System
There are two models of the IonMate® Electronic Clarifier & Algae Control System: an In-Line Model and a Drop-In Model. The In-Line Model is designed to be installed directly in-line with a water feature’s supply or recirculating plumbing. The Drop-In Model is designed to be installed in a skimmer or pump vault. Following are the system specifications and installation instructions for the In-Line Model. System specifications and installation instructions for the Drop-In Model begin on page 8.
In-Line Installation
Drop-In Installation
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Components of the IonMateTM In-Line Model: IonMate® In-Line Model:
1x..........................................................IonMate® Controller w/ 10’ power cord (A) 1x...................................................12 volt DC plug-in Power Supply, UL Listed (B) 1x..........................................IonMate® Probe Assembly plus union & 30’ cord (C) 1x......................................“Tee” In-Line Ionization Chamber with Union Fitting (D) 1x.......................................................................Liquid Copper Content Test Kit (E) 2x..............................Controller Anchoring Screws - # 10 x 1 1/4” Wood Screw (F)
E.
A.
D.
F. B.
Installation Instructions (In-Line): Tools Needed For In-line Installation: • Pipe Cutter (Item # IT04036) • Shovel • #2 Phillips Screwdriver • Measuring Tape • PVC Hand Saw (Item # IT04037) • 1 ¼” Hole Saw or Drill bit • Cordless Drill
Optional Materials for Inline Installation: (1) Artificial Rock Cover for Irrigation Valve Box
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C.
Required Materials for In-line Installation: (1) Electrical tape (1) 12” x 17” Irrigation Valve Box (Item # AE40009) (1) 2” PVC Ball Valve – Slip x Slip (Item # FIT02002) (1) Christy’s Red Hot Blue Glue ¼ Pint (Item # IT04006) (Can use any high temp PVC cement and primer) (1) 1” x 25’ Poly Pipe to be used for Conduit (Note: only required if you are going to use the recommended installation method) (1) 4” x 4” x 36” Treated Wood Post (Note: only required of mounting Control Box using the post method)
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
Steps for In-line Installation:
Below are the general steps for installing the IonMate® In-Line Model. These steps are further detailed in the outline following. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Lay out the IonMate® Components Mount IonMate® Controller Excavation Prepare irrigation valve box Install Ionization Chamber Assembly IonMate® Probe Cord Installation Start up pump & check for leaks Back fill trenches & around valve box Adjust Controller
1. Lay out the IonMate® Components a) Locate power source b) Locate water feature supply line c) Determine IonMate® controller location – place within 6’ of power source d) Mark location of valve box along supply line within 25’ of IonMate® controller location 2. Mount IonMate® Controller a) Select the correct method for the location wall or post mounted b) Wall mounted: using the two screws provided mount the controller 18” above the ground Post mounted: dig hole and install post, then using the two screws provided mount the controller to the side of post 18”above the ground
Wall Mounted Post Mounted
3. Excavation a) Shut off pump & disconnect check valve to drain plumbing b) Excavate for pipes c) Expose water feature supply pipe d) Trench for conduit pipe or for direct burial of probe cord e) Dig hole for irrigation valve box
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Steps for In-line Installation (cont’d): 4. Prepare valve box a) Cut out a slot on each side for the water feature supply pipe to pass through
b) Drill 1¼” hole for cord or conduit
5. Install Ionization Chamber Assembly a) Remove 10” section from water feature supply line (pipe)
b) Cut a 4” piece off of removed pipe to be used in next step (5c) c) Glue the 4” piece into Ionization Chamber Tee d) Glue on ball valve 1) Make sure ball valve is upstream of tee 2) Ball valve should be vertical while ionization chamber tee lays horizontal e) Install Probes in Ionization Chamber 1) Correctly orient probes within the chamber. “•” mark on probe assembly should be facing up when the valve and chamber assembly sits flat. 2) Hand tighten union nut while maintaining orientation
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
Steps for In-line Installation (cont’d): 5. Install Ionization Chamber Assembly (cont’d) f) Glue one end of the ionization chamber assembly onto pipe downstream. Make sure the ionization chamber tee lays horizontal. g) Now glue the other end of the ionization chamber assembly onto pipe upstream, flexing existing pipe up in middle forcing end down into assembly h) Place valve box over plumbing
6. IonMate® Probe Cord Installation a) Install conduit pipe through hole in valve box (or probe cord if using the direct burial method)
b) Use electric tape to secure nut to end of probe cord
c) Feed wire through conduit & connect to controller (or lay probe cord in trench if using direct burial method) d) Coil excess cord & store in valve box 7. Make sure ball valve is open, start up pump & check for leaks 8. Backfill conduit/wire trenches & around valve box
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Components of the IonMate® Drop-In Model: IonMate® Drop-In Model:
1x..........................................................IonMate® Controller w/ 10’ power cord (A) 1x...................................................12 volt DC plug-in Power Supply, UL Listed (B) 1x.........IonMate® Probe Assembly w/ Drop-In Ionization Chamber & 30’ cord (C) 1x.......................................................................Liquid Copper Content Test Kit (D) 2x..............................Controller Anchoring Screws - # 10 x 1 1/4” Wood Screw (E) 1x................................................................................Cord Restraint Assembly (F)
A.
D.
B.
E.
C. F.
Installation Instructions:
Following are instructions to install the IonMate® System in a skimmer or pump vault using the Drop-In Model. For instructions on how to install the IonMate® System in-line with a water feature’s main plumbing using the In-Line Model, turn to page 4.
Installation Instructions (Drop-In): Tools Needed For Drop-In Installation: • Shovel • Standard Screwdriver or 5/16” Nut Driver • #2 Phillips Screwdriver • Measuring Tape • 1” Drill Bit • 1 ¼” Hole Saw or Drill bit • Cordless Drill
Required Materials for Drop-In Installation: (1) Electrical tape (1) 6” round irrigation valve box (1) 1” x 25 Poly Pipe to be used for Conduit (Note: only required if you are going to use the recommended installation method) (1) 4” x 4” x 36” Treated Wood Post (Note: only required of mounting Control Box using the post method)
Optional Materials for Drop-In Installation: (1) Artificial Rock Cover for Irrigation Valve Box
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
Steps for Drop-In Installation:
Below are the general steps for installing the IonMate® Drop-In Model. These steps are further detailed in the outline following. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Laying out the IonMate® Components Mount IonMate® Controller Excavation Prepare irrigation valve box Install IonMate® Drop-In Assembly IonMate® Probe Cord Installation Back fill Adjust Controller
1. Laying out the IonMate® Components a) Locate power source b) Determine IonMate® controller location – place within 6’ of power source c) Mark location of valve box about 6-12” from skimmer or wet well - placed within 22’ of IonMate™ controller location 2. Mount IonMate® Controller a) Select the correct method for the location wall or post mounted b) Wall mounted: using the two screws provided mount the controller 18” above the ground Post mounted: dig hole and install post, then using the two screws provided mount the controller to the side of post 18”above the ground
Wall mounted Post Mounted
3. Excavation a) Shut off pump b) Dig hole for valve box c) Trench for conduit pipe or direct burial of the cord for the probe 4. Prepare 6” irrigation valve box a) Drill 1” hole for probe cord going to Drop-In location b) Drill 1 ¼” hole for probe cord conduit or probe cord IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Steps for Drop-In Installation (cont’d): 5. Install IonMate® Drop-In Assembly a. Skimmer - drill a 1” hole about 2-3” down from the top on one side of the unit - make sure that the hole is not less then 2” above the water line inside the skimmer Wet Well – drill a 1” hole 2-3” down from the top of the wet well b) Remove the steel lock ring from the cord restraint assembly and push the thread side through the 1” hole that you just drilled. The tensioning nut needs to be on the inside of the skimmer or pump vault. Now thread the steel lock ring on to the cord restraint assembly until tight c) Remove the tensioning nut and rubber grommet from the cord restraint Thread cord through tensioning nut and the cord restraint. Split the rubber grommet and plastic washer and insert the cord. Push the rubber grommet and plastic washer (rubber grommet first, plastic washer second) in the cord restraint and screw on tensioning nut.
d) Adjust the wire through the cord restraint assembly until the bottom of the drop-in ionization chamber is 2-3” from the bottom of skimmer or pump vault. Tighten the tensioning nut to secure cord in place
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
Steps for Drop-In Installation (cont’d): 5. Install IonMate® Drop-In Assembly (cont’d) e) Feed cord into the 1” hole drilled into the 6” irrigation valve box
6. IonMate® Probe Cord Installation a) Install conduit pipe through hole in valve box (or probe cord if using the direct burial method)
b) Use electric tape to secure nut to end of probe cord c) Feed wire through conduit & connect to controller (or lay probe cord directly in trench if using the direct burial method) d) Coil excess cord & store in valve box 7. Restart pump. 8. Backfill conduit/wire trenches & around valve box
Operating the IonMate® It is recommended to routinely apply a quality blend of beneficial bacteria formulated specifically for water gardens while using the IonMate® Electronic Clarifier & Algae Control System. We recommend Aqua-One™ with its complex blend of bacteria and enzymes to promote the digestion of naturally forming organics and keep the water chemistry in balance. The IonMate® will provide great control of algae in a broad range of copper ions levels from >0.01 ppm to 0.10 ppm. The copper ion level you will require will depend on how much organic debris and algae there is in your water feature as well as the balance of pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness.
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Operating the IonMate® (cont’d) Copper Ion Level Parameters
>0.01 ppm to 0.10 ppm for algae control Do not exceed 0.25 ppm
NOTE: Copper ions will be absorbed by the organics (leaves, sludge, fish waste etc) in your water garden so to reduce the time to acquire desired results and extend the copper probe life, remove as much organic debris as possible from your water feature prior to operating the IonMate®. Before plugging in the IonMate®, ensure that the water feature’s circulating pump is on and the dial on the IonMate® controller is turned all the way counterclockwise to ‘MIN’. Now, plug the IonMate® transformer into a 110 volt power supply. The green power light and the red trouble light will be illuminated on the control box. Next turn the control knob clockwise to the third hash mark or 30% setting on the graduated dial. The green power light will remain illuminated and the red light should be off. NOTE: If the red light does not go off at the 30% setting, it is likely due to a low Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) level in your water. When the TDS level is low, the water is not electrically conductive enough to allow ionization of the probes and the controller notifies you with the red light. To correct a low TDS, simply add approximately 1/4 cup of pond salt for each 100 gallons of water. Depending on the volume of water in your system and overall condition of the feature, it can take a few days to two weeks before you have a noticeable effect on algae. Use frequent visual inspections to confirm when the IonMate® is having a positive effect on controlling algae. If there is absolutely no noticeable algae reduction after two weeks turn the control knob up one hash mark or 10%. Test the copper level weekly using the Copper Level Test Kit that came with your IonMate®. Remember, the target range of copper ions in the water is >0.01 ppm to 0.10 ppm. Note that is very common to have good algae control without detectable levels of copper ions so visual inspection is the best way to adjust the IonMate®. If your copper level goes above 0.10-0.20 ppm, turn the IonMate® off until levels return to normal. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE PROBES:
Copper ions that are managing algae will have a level of residual control. The goal is to find the minimum setting that provides good algae control, extends the life-span of the probes and reduces the frequency of probe replacement. When algae control is achieved, decrease your controller output by turning the knob down one hash mark at a time every week. By visually monitoring the algae control, testing the copper levels and adjusting the IonMate®, a pattern will quickly develop as to an appropriate setting. It is possible and even recommended to unplug your IonMate® for periods at a time when good algae management is achieved. Also plugging the IonMate® into a simple outdoor timer so it only operate 6 to 10 hours a day will prolong probe life even more.
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
NECESSARY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF PROBES
Over time, scale or ion residue could collect on the probes and/or form a bridge of residue at the base of the probes that can disrupt proper ionization and cause premature probe failure. To maximize the life of the probes and to ensure they erode evenly, inspect and clean them every 2 weeks or so. Remove any scale that may have formed on the probes with a light brush. To loosen up hard scale, soak the probe assembly in vinegar for an hour. If the probes are completely eroded away they will need to be replaced.
Factors Which Affect the Water’s Copper Content:
• The MIN/MAX setting of the “ion output” knob. • The quantity of water in the water feature. • The TDS (conductivity) of the water. • The balance of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness • The amount of organic material in the water feature - leaves, twigs, etc. • The condition of the probes. If they are scaled and insulated, they will not generate ions efficiently and will need to be cleaned. See Recommended Routine Maintenance section for instructions on cleaning the probes. • Frequent water changes or rain storms
Testing Copper Levels
Testing the copper level in the water feature is conducted assist you in setting the control to the lowest possible setting while still maintaining the desired level of algae control and to assure the copper level does not get too high, above 0.25 ppm. Your system included a very accurate liquid copper test kit. Read the instructions provided with the copper test kit carefully before starting any tests. After reading the instructions, fill the tube (included in the kit) to the 10mL line with water from the water feature. Add 5 drops of Copper A solution to the tube. Cap and invert the tube so as to mix the water with the solution. Remove the cap and add 5 drops of Copper B solution. Cap and invert once again to mix water and solutions. Insert the tube into its holder, provided, and wait 3 minutes for color development. Remove the cap and place the tube bottom ½ inch above the color chart, provided. Match the color of the solution in the tube to the appropriate color of the chart by looking down into the tube (not from the side of tube!). !!). The recommended level of copper is 0.10 ppm or lower. If the copper level is higher then 0.25 ppm then turn off the IonMate® by turning the dial counter clock wise to MIN. Perform a 20% water change and then conduct another copper test. When you have achieved copper levels of 0.05 ppm turn the IonMate® back up to approximately 10% or first hash mark.
Targeted Water Parameters Copper TDS Alkalinity
>0.01-0.10 ppm 500-1500 ppm 100-250 ppm
Troubleshooting Information
Turn to page 16 (back of manual) to see the troubleshooting chart. In the event of a misfunction of the IonMate® System, refer to the chart to determine the cause.
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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Replacing Probes on an In-line Installed IonMate® 1. Unplug IonMate® Controller from the power supply. Disconnect probe cord from controller 2. Unplug pump, open IonMate® valve box and close ball valve 3. Disconnect check valve assembly from pump so plumbing between ball valve and pump will drain free of water (a small amount of water may drain into valve) 4. Unscrew IonMate® union from ionization chamber and remove old probes NOTE: you will need to save the threaded union nut NOTICE: Check probes to ensure replacement is necessary before proceeding. 5. Cut cord close to the old probe assembly. This old cord will be used to assist in threading the new probe cord through the conduit 6. Feed the replacement probe cord through threaded union nut and screw union fitting back on ionization chamber, ensuring probe is aligned correctly by turning alignment mark to top of the chamber 7. Using electrical tape, tape cut end of old probe cord securely to the male plug end of new cord and feed taped connection into conduit 8. At the IonMate® Controller carefully pull the old probe cord through conduit. This will pull the new probe cord through conduit 9. Remove tape and discard old probe cord 10. Connect new probe cord to the IonMate® controller 11. Reconnect pump check valve assembly and open ball valve 12. Turn pump on & check for leaks 13. Plug IonMate® controller into power supply 14. Re-adjust controller (most likely back to 1/3 to ½) 15. Perform a visual and copper level test weekly until desired results are met
Replacing Probes on a Drop-In Installed IonMate® 1. Unplug IonMate® Controller from the power supply. Disconnect probe cord from controller 2. Unplug pump and remove IonMate® Drop-In ionization chamber from skimmer or pump vault NOTICE: Check probes to ensure replacement is necessary before proceeding. 3. Cut cord close to the old probe assembly. This old cord will be used to assist in threading the new probe cord through the conduit. 4. Loosen clamp holding the probe assembly into the ionization chamber and remove old probes, set aside clamp & chamber. Properly dispose of old probe. 5. Insert new probe into chamber and tighten clamp 6. Remove tensioning nut and split rubber grommet from cord restraint assembly, pull out old cord and feed new cord. Thread cord through tensioning nut and the cord restraint. Split the rubber grommet and insert the cord. Push the rubber grommet in the cord restraint and screw on tensioning nut DO NOT TIGHTEN TENSIONING NUT YET! Adjust the wire through the cord restraint assembly until the bottom of the drop-in ionization chamber is 2-3” from the bottom of skimmer or pump vault 7. Feed new probe cord from skimmer or pump vault to valve box 8. Using electrical tape, tape cut end of old probe cord securely to the male plug end of new cord and feed taped connection into conduit 9. At the IonMate® Controller carefully pull the old probe cord through conduit. This will pull the new probe cord through conduit 10. Remove tape and discard old probe cord 11. Attach new probe cord to IonMate® controller 12. Turn pump on 13. Plug IonMate® controller into power supply 14. Re-adjust controller (most likely back to 1/3 to ½) 15. Perform a visual and copper level test weekly until desired results are met
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
Winterizing The IonMate® controller is an all-weather design and can be operated in freezing temperatures. There are types of algae that will take advantage of nutrient rich water conditions during the cooler weather. Continued use of the system at a low level setting is recommended as long as your feature pump is left on over the winter. If you do not operate your water feature pump over the winter, the IonMate® system will need to be winterized. Steps for winterizing the IonMate® System(s): In-Line IonMate® System: • Unplug the system transformer from power supply • Unplug pump from the power supply • Disconnect pump and drain water features plumbing system • Remove probes from ionization chamber to assure the chamber is drained of all water. Probes can be stored in the valve box or indoors. Drop-In IonMate® System: • Unplug the system’s transformer from power supply
Warranty
The IonMate® carries a 12 month warranty against defective material and workmanship from date of purchase by the end user. Please contact the place of purchase if IonMate® should fail within the warranty period. The deterioration of the probes is part of the normal operation of the IonMate® and is not covered by the warranty. If the unit is misused, abused, or used for a purpose other than what it was intended, the warranty is null and void. Care should be taken to use the IonMate® as directed or loss or injury to aquatic life may result. Complete Aquatics, LLC is not responsible for any loss of fish, plant or other aquatic life.
Disclaimer
Except as stated above, there are no other representatives of warranties related to the product or its use. The user shall determine the suitability of the product for the intended use, and the user assumes all risks and liabilities whatsoever in connection therewith. Seller and manufacturer’s only obligation is to repair and/or replacement of the IonMate™ as stated below. All implied warranties are hereby excluded, including, but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the seller nor the manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss, or damage whether direct, incidental, or consequential arising out of the use or inability to use the product.
Registration Card
Please take time to fill out and mail enclosed registration card.
IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
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IonMate® Installation Instructions & Owner’s Manual www.completeaquatics.com
No Power
Power Light Not Illuminated
Increase IonMate® operating level Add pond salt 0.5 lbs per 100 gallons of water Remove scale from probes
IonMate set too low
TDS too low
Scale built up on probes
Clean or replace probes if required Remove probes and clean off debris Remove scale from probes Decrease IonMate® operating level
Insufficient water flow past probes
Probes worn out
Debris stuck on probes
Scale built up on probes
IonMate set too high
High Copper Level
Algae Present
Inspect and replace probes if required Increase IonMate® operating level Remove as much organic debris as possible from water feature
Probes worn out
IonMate® set too low
Too much organic debris
(see Copper Testing for more details)
Move probes to an area with greater water flow
IonMate® set too low
Low Copper Level
®
Increase IonMate® operating level
Total Dessolved Solids (TDS) too high
Scale Built up on Probes
Remove scale from probes
Inspect and replace probes if required
®
Check cord connection from controller to probes
Probes worn out
Remove probes and clean off debris
Check cord connection from controller to transformer
Check for tripped GFCI and / or circuit breaker
Check to make sure transformer is plugged in to power supply
Solution
Loose connections
Red Light On or Won’t Turn Off Debris stuck on probes
Cause
Problem
IonMate® Trouble Shooting Guide
