Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX Review

Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX; $329.00 to $379.00

HEPA Filter; PFIL-A053KKEZ $117.00

Washable Granular Carbon Filter; PFIL-A064KKEZ $74.95

Combined Filter Kit FZ-N60HFU; $134.95

FPN60CX: Best ionizer

Sharp Plasmacluster FP-N60CX has been superseded by the very similar FP-P60CX. The older version is disappearing from inventories. The new model is reviewed here: Sharp Plasmacluster FP-P60CX Review

Looking for an ionizer without ozone that really cleans the air?

Sharp Plasmacluster FP-N60CX is it.

Attractive, extremely quiet and operated through an extensive electronic interface, this Japanese made ionic-HEPA-carbon hybrid air purifier has established an international presence. I am very impressed with the cleaning power of this oxidizing technology, and have used my FPN60cx day and night for almost two years, without any maintenance other than filter cleaning.

This machine is produced by world class corporation targeting the ionic air purifier cash cow. They had an adequate research and development budget on this project.

Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CXes emit a balanced shower of positive and negative ions by splitting molecules of water in the air. Ordinary ionizers emit only negative ions, which attach to suspended particles, accumulating weight until they fall.

Plasmacluster ions cluster surround airborne particulates, mold, bacteria, viruses, and pollen, creating hydroxyl radicals which oxidize and destroy the pollutant. I was skeptical about the ability of these oxidizers to operate at a distance, but after two years of testing, I am a believer.

Plasmaclusters: Power

Hydroxyl radicals are among the most powerful oxidizers known: I have reacted, with eye irritation and itchy nose, to this equipment when sitting close in “clean” mode. The following are my long term results.

1. Incredible active cleaning power!

I have a top quality HEPA unit (IQAir) in my bedroom. But this is passive filtration. This type purifier must wait for the chemicals to become airborne. I believe the company’s claim that plasmacluster ion-oxidizer technology can destroy toxic chemicals which are still in source: paint on the wall.

However, this is not a substitute for source removal. One user reported making this mistake. A chest of drawers was antiqued; chemically stripped and re-varnished, and a Plasmacluster brought in and turned on. The result was unexpected. Because of the extreme levels in the room, the vapors were oxidized to an unpleasant smelling by-product, which proved very difficult to remove.

The number one rule for educated air purification users: “No air purifier can substitute for proper source removal“.

2. Intense free radicals are created!

When i first reviewed this machine I warned the sensitive that this strong bleaching power is unsafe to sit or sleep close to. However I now believe that room pollutants heavy enough to trigger the oxidizer functions on automatic mode are the greater threat. I now use the auto mode at night. But if the blue and red warning lights are on repeatedly, users should look for persistently emitting pollutant sources.

FPN60CX is an alternative to high ozone ionizers and ozone generators because the ion clusters and resultant hydroxyl radicals produced are short lived, decaying in a few seconds after the blue light is out. It is convenient to use the remote to switch blue (plasma-cluster) to green (plain negative ions).

Plasmacluster Quiet

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certified Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) are dust 209, smoke 213, and pollen 205. FPN60CX generates sufficient “breeze” to clean the manufacturer’s recommended 330 square foot room.

As usual, these builder/AHAM room size ratings are too high. Around 220 square feet is the air-purifier-power.com room size recommendation.

Sharps FPN60CX, running in quiet mode puts out a claimed 15 dB(A)@28cfm. This is incredibly quiet. On high speed, with CADRs averaging an acceptable 209, a claimed 50 dB(A)@212 cfm is also relatively quiet.

These are the lowest published decibel sound levels I have seen for a machine that actually processes meaningful volumes of air. Sharp FP-N60CX is so quiet, running near the foot of my bed, I must look at the light to know it’s on. On a couple ocassions, I have inadvertently set the timer and been suprised to find the unit has turned itself off without my noticing.

Plasmaclusters are Ozone-free

Competing ionizers produce ozone as a by-product.

Plasmacluster FPN60CX produces less than 10 ppb (>.01 ppm), the lowest of any ionizer. When the Plasma-cluster mode is off, it’s a powerful negative ionizer.

The manufacturer says that the Plasmacluster does not out-gas, and is safe for use with multiple chemical sensitivity. I consider this air purifier perfect for MCS, when users avoid direct exposure to the dual charged clean mode ion stream. Of course, the negative ion stream is fine.

Economical Filter Interval

In routine household use both True HEPA and washable Granular Carbon Filters do not need replacement for up to five years. A washable permenant prefilter traps large dust and dirt particles.

Over a pound of granular activated carbon is carried in a pleated polypropylene and polyester bag to make a washable odor filter with much higher capacity than ordinary carbon impregnated polyester filters. FPN60CX is claimed to clean over 4000 volatile chemicals.

When the odor filter is washed bimonthly, it is projected to last five years. Washing takes some effort; vacuuming, soaking in mild detergent, brushing, and complete drying.

The FPN60CX true HEPA filter is polypropylene in a polyester frame to reduce out gassing and microbial growth. I consider the framing a bit weak, and would prefer a more rigid support.

HEPA is placed last to capture particles that may be released by components upstream. HEPA spec is satisfied: the filter traps over 99.97 % of particles down to 0.3 micron.

Very long filter replacement intervals mean overall low cost of ownership. I have washed my carbon bag seven times, and wonder if it will still be effective for 30 washings. Five years is maybe a bit longer than the odor adsorption will last, but at two years its doing fine.

Smart Electronic Interface

Automated air purifiers are the future, and the frontier is FPN60CX.

FPN60CX manages itself with totally automatic cleaning in several operating modes; Full Automatic, Special Programs, and Manual. An elaborate LED displays the current operating mode, air quality, and filter cleaning and replacement interval. Every aspect is easily user controlled through the remote.

In addition, colored colored lights provide air status checks in green, orange and red. A large light, which can be extinguished at night, by glowing blue or green, shows the user which type ion stream is being emitted.

In Auto Mode Sharps air purifier uses separate particle and odor sensor chips to “sniff” its environment, and turns itself up as needed.

There are two sensor sensitivity selections for hours of family fun. Users report the FPN60CX can “smell” whether the gas log is lit, if something is on the stove, who is wearing cologne, and if nobody took out the trash.

I use it in “sensitive” mode where it can identify the abrupt particle storm after the movement of a quilt as my wife gets out of bed. It can tell when the bedroom window has let in a whiff of that good quality uptown Houston outdoor air.

The comprehensive remote control is large, and some say ugly. Users must single-step through each fan setting. The remote can turn off the lights and alter speed and function at night. The timer can be set for 1, 4 or 8 hours delayed shut off. I find the remote easy and convenient to use in the dark.

FP-N60CX Energy Miser

A quiet 12-Volt DC motor uses just 54 watts on high speed, and energy use drops dramatically through lower speeds. As with noise, the results are spectacular: 28 cfm air volume at just four watts on “silent” speed.

FPN60CX blows a useful 88 cfm in second using only 9 watts of power.

With dimensions of 16″ x 22″ x 9″, weighing only 19.8 lbs, and with a well placed handle, Sharp Plasmacluster FP-N60CX is quite portable. Sporting 8.3 feet of cord, the FPN60CX won’t need to hover in front of an electrical outlet.

Not a Perfect Review

Every purifier must have a few flaws, or be too expensive. FPN60CX, with incredible quiet, long filter life and low energy costs, has some negatives.

This unit inhales through the front and exhausts sideways at the top left, concentrating the typical ionizer’s “black wall effect.” Where oil heat, cigarette smoke, or other dark particulate is present, the wall behind the purifier, furniture, or curtains may become soiled. This is extremely uncommon, but users should be sure the air stream is not directed at an object. Sufficient space should be left between FPN60CXs and obstructions for air flow to cool the motor. Some consumers note weakness, but not fragility, of the front cover retaining clips. Mine have held up fine so far.

When I first reviewed the Sharps, I speculated that the method of securing the filters in retainer trays could permit bypassing and compromise small particle efficiency. Subsequent inspections of the HEPA tray reveal no fine particle accumulation.

The low voltage DC is applied only to the fan motor, which probably reduces its electromagnetic fields (EMF), but what about the ionizer’s EMF? Of course, most air purifiers have EMF issues. So far it has not bothered very sensitive me, even at very close range.

Any air purifier with electronics has lots of bells and whistles to fail, and many cheaper brands have had problems. I don’t expect the Plasmaclusters to have chip faults. Users should clean odor and particle sensors when filters are changed. The user’s manual contains cleaning instructions and an extensive trouble-shooting guide.

Some consumer reviews and the product manual refer to a slight ticking sound heard when the unit is generating ions. This pinging is the ionizer wire contracting as it cycles on and off, not a problem.

This item is sold primarily through electronics vendors, though it has gained traction in allergy or purifier specialty outlets. The electronics marketing channel, where the company had existing connections, is sometimes less flexible on returns and warranty service. Some vendors refer all problems back to the manufacturer.

The limited warranty covers parts and labor for just one year.

Staying Power Expected for FPN60CXs

Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX is made in Japan by a global leader in microelectronics. Sharp products include Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), 3g mobile phones, HDTV, thin-film photovoltaic power systems, and a wide range of industrial and consumer electronics.

Sharp was founded in 1912, listed on the Osaka Stock Exchange in 1949 and then the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1956. Traded worldwide, the shares have over one half institutional ownership.

Introduced in 2003, Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifiers quickly became top sellers in Japan. Sales in South Korea, China, Canada, Australia and UK are significant.

It is important to notice that the air cleaner market is fragmented globally, with completely distinct products in other parts of the world. Even Canada and Britain have different market identities. When this boom matures, a global shakeout is inevitable: consider all the makes of personal computers that disappeared recently.

The company has significant US market penetration and sales growth, with customer service from Romeoville, Illinois.

Stateside customer service has presented problems for many Japanese companies, and Sharp is no exception. But when many air purifier builders working today are gone, I think Sharp will still be in the business.

Note that this air purifier, sold outside the “price inflexible” US distribution chain, is marketed for widely varying prices. Remember, seller quality is as important as price for internet deals.

I just love this elegant tool, and endorse it without compensation. “Sharpest air purifier”.Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX:

Air-Purifier-Power Rating,

91, best ionizer

Each of 10 factors gets up to ten points, 100 is perfect and never awarded

1. “First do no harm”; minimal out gassing and ozone.

Score: 7 of 10, every builder says their ozone levels are “safe”, Sharp has set the standard for ionizers.

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, washable one pound carbon filter combined with ion-oxidation system actively gets after it.

3. Quality construction; gaskets, case, seals, and precision fitting eliminate bypassing and assure high efficiency at filtering sub-micron particles.

Score: 9 of 10, I have found no leakage around HEPA filter basket.

4. The design extends the lifespan of each filter stage by allowing independent replacement. Ideally this is combined with electronic filter monitoring.

Score: 10 of 10, filters independent.

5. Purifier has long filter life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs.

Score: 10 of 10, cheaper total cost to own than lower priced units.

6. Purifier produces low sound levels and useful air flow rates relative to noise.

Score: 10 of 10, top puppy of quiet cleaning. US builders had better notice what happened to autos, microwaves, and personal computers.

7. Manufacturer has a track record, with many machines in the field and a reputation for supporting what they sell. Warranty period and average service life are long.

Score: 8 of 10, warranty is shorter than filter life.

8. Purifier has high price/performance ratio. Every price rangeshould be included, “models above $1,200 are best”, while true, is not useful to most consumers.

Score: 10 of 10, astounding functionality at a middle price, be sure not to pay full suggested retail.

9. No dirt; unit and manufacturer should be devoid of class-action suits, recalls, high returns, consumer complaints, and legitimate negative consumer reviews.

Score: 8 of 10, some consumers of Sharp TV’s have complained of poor customer service.

10. Unit is portable, stylish, comfortable, and convenient for consumer use.

Score: 10 of 10, handy remote, easy interface.

Air-Purifier-Power Numeric Rating; 91, Best Ionizer.

From time to time, Sharp has offered $100 mail in rebate coupons to alert web surfers on FPN60CX and FPN40CX. A litle googling can be worth the effort.