Sharp FU40SEKSharp Plasmacluster FU40SEK Air Purifier Sharp Electronics' made for Britain FU-40SEK is almost identical to the US marketed FPN40CX. Sharps particle sensor, regrettably absent from the American version, has been thoughtfully added to FU40SEKs. Set up to use euro-style 220 - 240 V, 50 Hz power, and equipped with an apatite germicidal HEPA air filter, the UK model is even better than the US version. Attractive looking, nearly silent, and automatically controlled, this Japanese made ionizer, with HEPA and carbon filters, is rapidly establishing a presence on the continent. I am very impressed with the cleaning power of the Sharps, and purchased a FP-N60CX for my home (see review, FP-N60CX). The FU40SEK and its family combine passive air filtration, traditional HEPA and carbon, with active hydroxyl radical based oxidation to eliminate airborne impurities. Electrically charged molecules (ions) diffuse into the air and attach to any surface or particle. These ions create "free radicals" which oxidize and break down airborne allergens outside the air purifier Hydroxyl cluster ions last from 3 to 5 seconds, allowing them to move and act at a distance from the air purifier. These short lived oxidizers make the Sharp FU40SEK much safer than ozone based oxidant air cleaners. Automatic and Ozone Free
Depending on air quality, automatic mode should be selected once the initial impurities are gone. When the room is clean, auto mode will stay on green light negative ion mode most of the time. This is completely safe. See my other Sharp reviews for more. With airflow at 240 cubic meters per hour, and rated for a maximum room size of 31 square meters, the FU-40SEK is mid powered. Because this machine is very quiet, the room size rating needs only a little deflating. Another difference in the FU40 is the "Stamina Power" carbon air filter, a departure from the washable charcoal bag used stateside. The bag method uses more carbon, but allows significant bypassing of the carbon portion. The paper honeycomb contains less carbon, but fits tightly in the frame to reduce leaked airflow. Automated air cleaning technology is the future, and FU40SEK is at the frontier. The hydroxyl radical oxidizing function is controlled with the remote. Clean Mode is functioning when the indicator light is blue, signaling that both positive and negative ions are being emitted into the air. Ion Control Mode, when the light is green, emits only negative ions, cleaning by flocculating (clumping) particles, like traditional ionizers. Auto Mode switches the hydroxyl radical function off and on, and controls fan speed, using a odor and particle sensors. I do use "auto" mode, but it turns on the oxidizer functions infrequently in my clean apartment. This equipment is safe for educated users, very aspect is easily user controlled. Pollen mode cycles the unit on a timed schedule. Manual Mode allows complete user control. LED displays show the current operating mode, current air quality, and filter cleaning reminder. FU40SEK Sharp can sense when the bedroom window, open a tiny crack, has let in a whiff of polluted outdoor air. Users report the Sharps can "smell" whether a gas log is lit, who is wearing cologne, if something is on the stove, and if somebody forgot to take out the trash. Until the recent introduction of an energy efficient product from Sharper Image, Sharp was the most energy frugal air cleaner in the world. FU-40SEK will not use excessive power. Sharp Plasmacluster FU-40SEK: 88,very good ionizer.Each of ten factors gets up to 10 points, 100 is perfect and very unlikely. 1. First do no harm; minimal out gassing, no ozone. Score: 7 of 10, Sharp has set the ozone standard for ionizers. I think ionic radical/hydroxyl oxidizing power is dangerous to the uninformed, and safe when used properly. 2. Serious gas and odor removal is a requirement if health benefits are expected: Air purifiers with real carbon VOC capability rank higher. Score: 10 of 10, carbon air filter combined with ion-oxidation system actively gets after chemicals. 3. Quality construction; case, gaskets, seals, and precision fitting eliminate air bypassing and assure high efficiency at filtering sub-micron particles. Score: 8 of 10, air filter basket system suggests mild leakage, but HEPA is not the core technology. 4. The design maximizes the lifespan of each filter stage by allowing independent filter replacement. Ideally this is combined with electronic air filter monitoring. Score: 10 of 10 5. Unit has long air filter life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs. Score: 10 of 10, Hydroxyl radical technology air purifiers are cheaper to own than lower priced units. 6. Purifier produces low noise levels and meaningful air flow rates relative to noise. Score: 10 of 10, world champion of quiet cleaning. 7. Manufacturer has a track record, with many air cleaners in the field and a reputation for supporting what they sell. Warranty period and average service life are long. Score: 7 of 10, warranty is shorter than filter life. 8. Air purifier is a value in terms of price/performance ratio. Every price range should be included, “models above $1,200 are best”, while true, is not useful to most consumers. Score: 8 of 10, good functionality at a middle price. 9. No dirt; unit and manufacturer should be devoid of class-action suits, high returns, recalls, consumer complaints, and legitimate negative consumer reviews. Score: 8 of 10, some US consumers of Sharp television sets have complained of poor customer service. 10. Unit is stylish, portable, comfortable, and convenient for consumer use. Score: 10 of 10, handy remote, great automatic interface. FU40SEK Numeric Rating; 88very good ionizer, danger and opportunity, hydroxyl radical oxidation technology safe for informed users in empty rooms only. End Sharp FU40SEK Plasmacluster Review, Go to top of page See other Sharp Reviews;
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The Sharps are ozone-free! This is still powerful technology, to be used with caution. When new, the automatic, sensor driven FU40 should be used on radical generating blue light mode when the room is empty.