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Re: Sharp Plasmacluster FUW53J - Australia

A Reader writes:

Hi Ed,

I've been reading your information on air filters specific to assisting with mould spore elimination and had a look at the Sharp FP-P60CX filter you suggested.

Unfortunately it isn't sold here in Australia, however there is a similar model, the FUW53J which I have checked out on the www.sharp.net.au website.

I called the Sharp head-office here to see if anyone could help me with specification differences for the two models, the US one and the AUS one, but have not had any luck.

Was wondering if you could have a look at the specs and with your infinite experience with air filters, tell me if you can see any apparent differences.

I'm thinking of purchasing the FU model if it isn't too different from the FP model you suggested.

A Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

First, FP-P60cx is no longer made.

Information on Plasmacluster FUW53J beyond what you find on the Sharp Australia website is non existent.

It does look like the strongest Sharp model sold down under. I can't find another Plasmacluster anywhere with the exact same cabinet design.

Note that the 220 Volt mains electric used on FUW53J is not compatible with American type 120 Volt current, so FP-P60cx would have needed an adapter to run.

FUW53J is a "dry" Plasmacluster, most new models incorporate humidifiers.

Many people preferred the dry types, which are disappearing from the USA market.

The only thing I find to criticize is the HEPA filter is rated En-1022 class 10 - the lowest HEPA rating with an 85% overall one pass capture rate - a bit weak. A class 12 or 13 would be better, but apparently that is the way of it in AU.

I can make no sense of the prices in Aussie dollars, but the $537.00AUS quoted at insanedeals comes out of an online exchange rate calculator at $484.806US - which seems a bit pricey.

I found no vendors offering the replacement filter(s) kit, FZ-W53SFJ.

I recommend trying to buy a set of replacement filters with the original purchase.

Sharp was overly ambitious, and failed to anticipate the economic relapse. They built all these models for specific regional markets without a standardized filter architecture.

This has left many users scrambling to cross fit filters into older models.

While Sharp filters often last as long as 5 years, the likelihood of finding this kit down the road is slim.

Sorry, I have zero knowledge of competing products down-under for comparison.

I'd say go ahead with the purchase and let us know your results in a few months.

Best wishes,

Ed

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