Beacon International
Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
Standard Equipment Range
NPU500/800 NPU1200
NPU1600
NPU2000 NPU5000
Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
Manual Contents
1. Introduction and company history.
1.1 Company contact details
2 General Health and Safety advise
2.1 HSE website and contact details
3 Calculating Airflow Required for adequate air changes in enclosure
4 Transportation
4.1 Manual Handling
4.2 Storage
5 NPU Operation and Controls
5.1 On site safety and pre use checks
5.2 Attaching NPU to enclosures
5.3 Connecting to a suitable power supply
5.4 Fan operation and variable speed control
5.5 Manometer Gauge
5.6 Changing Pre Filters
5.7 Airflow loss (Ducting & Roving Heads)
6 NPU Service and Maintenance
6.1 Daily Checks
6.2 Routine Maintenance and Inspection
6.3 Service and Testing
6.4 Ordering Spares and Accessories for your NPU
6.5 Part List
7. NPU Technical Information
7.1 Dimensions, Weights & Performance
7.2 Fan Performance (Fan Curves)
7.3 NPU Sounds Levels
7.4 Wiring Diagrams
8. Declaration of Conformity
9. Warranty
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
1. Introduction and company history.
Thank you for purchasing a Beacon Negative Pressure Unit.
We are sure our NPU will work hard for you and give you many years of
good service with an excellent return on your investment.
Beacon International Ltd have been manufacturing asbestos removal
equipment since the early 1990’s.
Since the company’s early beginnings, it has grown substantially and
now has large manufacturing plant covering 35,000 sq ft.
Beacon now specialise in manufacturing market leading equipment for
the asbestos removal markets around the world.
Please see our website for more details on our wide range of products.
www.beaconinternational.co.uk
This equipment has been manufactured by:
Beacon International Ltd
Elgee Works
Victoria Street
Desborough
Northants
NN14 2LX
Tel. 0044 1536 762 939
Email. [email protected]
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
2. General Health and safety advise
Asbestos is a class 1 carcinogenic and must be handled
with care.
Being exposed to asbestos can cause asbestosis,
mesothelioma and lung cancer.
It is imperative that the correct training has been give
prior to any individual working with asbestos.
Approved breathing apparatus must be used at all times
whilst you are working with asbestos.
2.1 Health and Safety Executive.
For health and safety guidance relating to asbestos, please use the HSE
website http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
3. Calculating Airflow Required for Adequate Air Changes in Enclosure
Prior to removing any asbestos, a secure enclosure must be constructed and
smoke tested to ensure there are no leaks in the structure.
Whilst asbestos removal is taking place, the polythene enclosure has to be
under negative pressure to ensure no contamination can escape into the
external atmosphere.
In order to maintain a constant negative pressure within the enclosure,
sufficient airflow must be maintained to keep the enclosure pressure at -8Pa.
To calculate the enclosure volume, multiply the width x length x height.
If the enclosure is an awkward shape, it may be easier to break it down to
smaller areas and add the total together.
Once you have the volume of the enclosure you must multiply this by the
number of required air changes to give you the airflow required.
Example: Enclosure size Width 9mtr x Length 8mtr x Height 3mtr = 216m3
Volume 216 x (Number of air changes) 8 = 1,728m3/h required.
For reference and information regarding airflow and enclosure calculations,
please follow the link below.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr988.pdf
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
4. Transportation
Negative pressure units are designed to be portable and as light as possible.
The NPU is a machine containing electrical and mechanical moving
components, care must be taken during transportation to ensure no damage
is incurred.
When the NPU is being transported in a vehicle, it is essential that the
machine is secured properly and does not move around the vehicle
uncontrollably potentially causing internal damage to the machine.
When the machine is being loaded and unloaded onto vehicles, it is critical
that the machine is not dropped.
If any damage is incurred during use or handling, Beacon recommends that
you return the machine to your distributor for re-testing.
4.1 Manual Handling
When you are loading NPU’s on and off of vehicles, please ensure you lift
using the correct technique, keep your back straight and bend your legs.
Please the diagram below for recommended lifting values at various heights.
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
4.2 Storage
When storing your negative pressure units, the following instructions must be
adhered to:
a. Always store NPU’s in a dry storage area, wet or damp environments
will have a detrimental effect on the HEPA filter and internal electrical
components.
b. Never leave NPU’s outside in the rain, if ever the equipment does get
wet, you must dry off any water immediately.
c. Always store NPU’s upright on their feet or wheels, storing them on
their sides will potentially cause damage to the HEPA filters and under
certain circumstances could lead to HEPA filters failing or even
bursting.
d. Make sure that all NPU’s placed into storage are sealed and that no
unauthorised persons can accidentally gain access to this equipment
and subsequently contaminate themselves.
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
5. NPU Operation and Controls
Beacon International have been manufacturing NPU’s for almost 25 years,
the company philosophy has always been to produce high quality easy to
operate equipment consistently.
5.1 On Site safety and pre use checks.
Prior to using any NPU on a work site, always check that the machine has no
obvious signs of external damage, if you are unsure or suspect the machine
may not be fit for purpose, contact your supervisor as soon as possible.
5.2 Attaching Negative Pressure Unit to an Enclosure
NPU’s are designed to create and maintain a negative pressure within an
asbestos removal enclosure. These machines are not designed to be used
inside an enclosure as this may cause internal electrical components to
become contaminated. This will in turn create a risk of transferring
contamination to maintenance work areas where unprotected personnel will
be at risk of asbestos exposure.
NPU’s should be attached to an enclosure with the main body of the machine
outside the work area, see photograph for example.
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
5.3 Connecting to a Suitable Power Supply
For the NPU to function at its optimum output, it is vital that it is connected to
the correct power supply.
For the UK a 110 volt power supply is needed and for Europe a 230 volt
supply is required.
When using extension leads, check that the cable diameter is capable of
delivering the required voltage to the machine, excessive extension cables
will ultimately lead to a voltage drop.
If you are unsure if you have the correct voltage available, consult with a
qualified on site technician who will be able to test the power supply for you.
Please see the specification information in section 7 of this document for
more detailed information, amperage and watts etc.
5.4 Fan Switch Operation and Variable Speed Control
The NPU fan is operated by an On/Off Switch and the speed of the fan can be
controlled with the variable speed control which is fitted as standard to all
Beacon Negative Pressure Units.
The switches will illuminate when activated to confirm power is present.
Variable speed controller is operated by turn the control knob in a clockwise
direction for greater fan speed or in an anti-clockwise direction to lower fan
speed. See photograph below.
5.5 Manometer Gauge
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
A manometer gauge is fitted to all Beacon NPU’s.
This device measures pressure inside the machine in comparison to external
atmospheric pressure outside, the gauge reading is used to determine the
condition of and will indicate to users when the filters are blocked.
5.6 Changing Pre Filters
The chart on manometer readings in the previous section (5.5) can be used to
determine when to replace pre-filters in the NPU.
Always use G4 pre filters to ensure that adequate protection is given to the
HEPA filter, using poor quality pre filters will dramatically reduce the life of
the HEPA filter.
When replacing a pre filter in an NPU, always make sure that the filter pleats
run vertically and not horizontally, see photograph.
5.7 Airflow Loss (Ducting & Roving Heads)
NPU MODEL GAUGE READING – CHANGE FILTERS NPU500 650PA
NPU800 650-700PA
NPU1200 950-1000PA
NPU2000 750-800PA
NPU5000 700-750PA
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Airflow capacity of NPU’s is classified in M3/h (cubic metres per hour).
When using NPU’s on an enclosure, there are factors that may reduce airflow
and must be taken into consideration.
Using exhaust ducting and or roving heads and inlet ducting will have a
significant influence on airflow.
Experiments were carried out in the UK by the HSE, see table below for data.
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
6. NPU Service and Maintenance
Negative pressure units need to be tested at intervals laid out in current
legislation by either the manufacturer or a company qualified to carry out
testing correctly.
6.1 Daily Checks
NPU’s in operation on site must be visually inspected on a daily basis to
ensure they are running without any problems, mechanical issues etc.
Any problem or failures must be reported immediately to the site supervisor
or foreman.
6.2 Weekly Inspections
Decontamination units, vacuum cleaners and negative pressure units must
be inspection on a weekly basis, these inspections need to be recorded into a
maintenance log record. The information collected on these forms is to be
noted, any problems are to be resolved by trained personnel.
For any major faults found, equipment will have to be returned to the
manufacturer or a suitably qualified company to carry out the necessary
repairs.
All data collected, including faults found, repairs carried out must be entered
into the service log which will be used as evidence that any issues have been
dealt with correctly for inspection or audit purposes.
Please see example maintenance log on the following page.
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Maintenance Log Example
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Equipment History Sheet – Weekly Inspections
Hygiene Unit Vacuum Cleaner Negative Pressure Unit
Model:
Unit Serial No.
Date of last test / / Date next test due / /
Date Approx Hours run
Inspected by Print & sign
Satisfactory YES/NO
Defects and / or remarks
Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
6.3 Service and Testing
Service and DOP (dispersed oil particulate) testing must be carried by a
qualified company, it is a legal requirement that companies carrying out
servicing and testing of asbestos removal equipment hold a HSE Ancillary
Licence.
Testing intervals can vary from one country to another.
UK – 6 Months
France – 12 Months
Nederland – 12 Months
Italy – 12 Months
Greece – 12 Months
Turkey 12 Months
Australia – 6 Months
New Zealand – 6 Months
When NPU’s have been DOP and electrically tested, a test certificate must be
supplied by the testing company, this certificate must be kept on record by
both the owner of the NPU and by the company carrying the testing.
Testing must be carried out by trained personnel using only calibrated test
equipment.
As the manufacturer, Beacon International automatically issue service
reminders in the UK when your NPU is due for service and testing.
If you have purchased your machine through a distributor, they will notify you
when your equipment is due for its periodic test.
6.4 Spares and Accessories for your NPU
Beacon International manufacture a range of negative pressure units as well
as a wide range of other asbestos removal equipment.
Spare parts and accessories are available for our whole range of equipment.
See parts list on the following page which includes part reference number
and description for each part that makes up each NPU.
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
NPU500/800 Parts List
Part No. Description
A023a NPU500/800 Transit Plate
C002 Manometer 0-1250Pa
C003 Manometer Tube
C004 Manometer Fitting
C005 Fitting Locknut
C040 NPU500/800 Handle Body
C041 NPU500/800 Handle Top
C046 NPU500/800 Cable Sheath
C068 NPU Transit Plate Clip
C069 NPU Transit Plate Strike
C085 Red BS8520-2:2009 Warning Label
C085 Yellow BS8520-2:2009 Warning Label
C094 NPU500/800 Cable Clamp
C109 Gasket 15mmx3mm
C001 Name Plate
E001 110v 16A Plug Top
E009 European Plug Top
E011 1.5mm 3 Core Arctic Blue Cable
E017 15 Amp Terminal Block
E019 2 Pole Switch
E020 Switch Cover
E026 Hourcounter
E030 Linear Speed Control
E031 Power Controller
E060 M6 Earth Bolt
E061 M6 Earth Nut
F003 12x12x2 Pre Filter
F019 12x12x6 HEPA Filter
M005 NPU500 110v Fan Assembly
M006 NPU500 230v Fan Assembly
M028 NPU800 230v Fan Assembly
M029 NPU800 110v Fan Assembly
P001 NPU500 CASE
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
NPU1200 Parts List
Part No. Description
C001 Name Plate
C002 Manometer
C003 Manometer Tube (Per Metre)
C004 Manometer Fitting
C005 Fitting Locknut
C024 Lifting Handle
C025 Alloy Knob
C030 76mm Vac Castor
C031 76mm Vac Castor c/w Brake
C068 NPU Transit Plate Clip
C069 NPU Transit Plate Strike
C085 Red Warning Label
C086 Yellow Warning Label
C093 Handle Back Plate
C109 Gasket (15x3mm) Per Metre
C110 NPU1200 Transit Plate
C111 Non Return flap
E001 110v 16A Plug Top
E009 European Plug Top
E012 2.5mm 3 Core Arctic Yellow Cable
E015 Conclamp Locknut
E017 15 Amp Terminal Block
E021 2 Pole Sealed Switch (Red)
E026 Hourcounter
E030 Linear Speed Control
E031 Power Controller
E044 Extended Cable Gland
E045 1.5mm Arctic Blue Supply Cable
E060 Earth Bolt
E061 Earth Nut
F003 12x12x2 Pre Filter G4
F011 12x12x4 Intermediate Filter F6
F022 12x12x12 HEPA Filter H13
M003 110v Nicotra Fan
M004 230v Nicotra Fan
P002 NPU1200 Case
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
NPU2000 Parts List
Part No. Description
A025a NPU2000 Transit Plate
C001 Name Plate
C002 Manometer
C003 Manometer Tube (Per Metre)
C004 Manometer Fitting
C005 Fitting Locknut
C024 Lifting Handle
C025 Alloy Knob
C030 76mm Vac Castor
C031 76mm Vac Castor c/w Brake
C068 NPU Transit Plate Clip
C069 NPU Transit Plate Strike
C093 Handle Back Plate
C109 Gasket (15x3mm) Per Metre
C230 NPU “B” Instrument Plate
E001 110v 16A Plug Top
E009 European Plug Top
E012 2.5mm 3 Core Arctic Yellow Supply Cable
E015 Conclamp Locknut
E017 15 Amp Terminal Block
E021 2 Pole Sealed Switch (Red)
E026 Hourmeter
E030 Linear Speed Control
E031 Power Controller
E044 Extended Cable Gland
E045 1.5mm 3 Core Arctic Blue Supply Cable
E060 Earth Bolt
E061 Earth Nut
F082a 15x15x4 Pre FilterG4
F023 380x380x292mm HEPA Filter H13
M003 110v Nicotra Fan
M004 230v Nicotra Fan
P017b NPU2000/2/B Case
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
NPU5000 Parts List
Part No. Description
A027a NPU5000 Transit Plate
C091 Name Plate (Small)
C002 Manometer
C003 Manometer Tube (Per Metre)
C004 Manometer Fitting
C005 Fitting Locknut
C024 Lifting Handle
C025 Alloy Knob
C032 100mm Vac Castor
C033 100mm Vac Castor c/w Brake
C068 NPU Transit Plate Clip
C069 NPU Transit Plate Strike
C109 Gasket (15x3mm) Per Metre
C230 NPU5000/B Control Plate
E001 110v 16A Plug Top
E009 European Plug Top
E013 4.0mm Arctic Yellow Supply Cable
E015 Conclamp Locknut
E017 15 Amp Terminal Block
E018 40A Terminal Block
E021 2 Pole Sealed Switch (Red)
E026 Hourmeter
E030 Linear Speed Control
E031 Power Controller
E044 Extended Cable Gland
E046 2.5mm 3 Core Blue Supply Cable (Per Metre)
E060 Earth Bolt
E061 Earth Nut
F074a 24x24x4 Pre Filter G4
F026 24x24x12 HEPA Filter H13
M003 110v Nicotra Fan
M004 230v Nicotra Motor
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Beacon International Ltd NPU User Manual and Operating Instructions
Negative Pressure Unit
User manual & Operating Instructions
7. NPU Technical Information
7.1 Dimensions Weights and Performance
Model NPU500 NPU800 NPU1200 NPU1600 NPU2000 NPU5000
Length mm 403 414 1010 545 915 988
Width mm 447 447 435 555 498 712
Height mm 449 449 532 550 560 848
Weight (Kg) 18 18 37 25 42 82
Motors 1 1 1 1 1 2
Motor Power Watts 240 320 1000 650 1200 2700
Voltage Available 110 / 230 110 / 230 110 / 230 110 / 230 110 / 230 110 / 230
Amperage 110v/230v 1.6 / 0.75 2.2 / 1.1 9.0 / 4.5 11.0/ 5.5 25.0/12.0
Airflow m3/h 550 800 1250 1600 2300 5500
Pre Filter G4 300x300x48 300x300x48 300x300x48 375x375x48 375x375x98 600x600x98
HEPA Filter 99.997%
305x305x150 305x305x150 305x305x292 380x380x200 380x380x292 610x610x292
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Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
Centrifugal fan Specification
Voltage 230v AC
Frequency 50Hz
Phase Single
Poles 2
Capacitor start Yes
Variable speed Yes
Nominal power 1000watts
Horse power 1.35
Power consumption 1804 watts
Current consumption 7.6 amps
Speed 0-2700rpm
Fan Curve
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Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
7.3 Sound Levels
NPU500/800
Distance Airflow 300m3/h 500m3/h 800m3/h
1.0 Mtr 71.5dB 74.8dB 75.7dB
5.0 Mtr 66.7dB 67.0dB 67.7dB
10.0 Mtr 63.2dB 64.3dB 64.8dB
NPU1200
Distance Airflow 600m3/h 900m3/h 1200m3/h
1.0 Mtr 76.6dB 80.8dB 82.5dB
5.0 Mtr 72.7dB 73.9dB 75.3dB
10.0 Mtr 69.8dB 70.1dB 72.6dB
NPU1600
Distance Airflow 750m3/h 1000m3/h 1600m3/h
1.0 Mtr 76.8dB 79.2dB 81.6dB
5.0 Mtr 71.4dB 73.9dB 74.8dB
10.0 Mtr 68.1dB 71.3dB 72.0dB
NPU2000
Distance Airflow 1000m3/h 1500m3/h 2000m3/h
1.0 Mtr 76.4dB 79.8dB 81.4dB
5.0 Mtr 72.3dB 73.5dB 74.4dB
10.0 Mtr 69.2dB 69.8dB 72.2dB
NPU5000
Distance Airflow 1250m3/h 3000m3/h 5000m3/h
1.0 Mtr 75.1dB 81.5dB 84.8dB
5.0 Mtr 70.3dB 74.7dB 78.9dB
10.0 Mtr 68.5dB 73.0dB 76.3dB
Airflow readings taken with an ambient sound level of 42.8dB
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Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
Wiring Diagram
Single Motor NPU’s
NPU500 NPU800 NPU1200 NPU1600 NPU2000
Negative Pressure Unit Electrical Diagram (Single Fan Motor )
With Speed Regulation
Hours Run Meter
Fan No1
Switch
Triac Speed
Regulator
250K
Pot
230vac
Fan Motor
No.1
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Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
Wiring Diagram
Twin Motor NPU’s
NPU5000
Negative Pressure Unit Electrical Diagram (Twin Fan Motor )
With Speed Regulation
Hours Run Meter Fan Motor
No.2
Fan No1
Switch
Fan No.2
Switch
Triac Speed
Regulator
250K
Pot
230vac
Fan Motor
No.1
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Negative Pressure Unit
User Manual & Operating Instructions
8 Warranty
Beacon International Ltd offer warrant to the original purchaser of equipment.
Warranty will cover defects in both materials and workmanship for the period of one year from date of purchase.
The warranty excludes any consumable parts such as motor brushes,
blocked filters or general wear and tear.
The warranty also excludes any accidental or intentional damage to equipment.
If the equipment is supplied through a distributor, the warranty must be claimed for through that distributor.
No claim will be granted without evidence of the validity of the claim, ie. Proof of purchase.
Beacon International Ltd reserve the right to charge in full or part for any repairs that are a result of misuse, neglect or wear and tear.
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