Abatement Technologies HEPA-CARE® HC500CD Ceiling-Mounted Air Purification System

The HEPA-CARE® HC500CD is a ceiling-mounted HEPA air purification system designed for patient isolation rooms, healthcare construction zones, and any fixed environment requiring controlled negative pressure, recirculation, or positive pressure airflow. It is registered as a Class II Medical Device under FDA 510(k) and independently tested and certified to UL 507 and CAN/CSA-C22.2 by TÜV SÜD — an OSHA-accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

The HC500CD suspends above the ceiling in a standard 2 ft × 2 ft drop ceiling grid, keeping floor space clear in patient rooms. The wall-mounted control panel (HC880CP) connects via CAT-5e and can be mounted in the room or remotely in another area of the building. The unit is hard-wired to the building electrical system — installation must be performed by qualified maintenance personnel and all wiring by a licensed electrician per local, NEC, and CEC codes.

Important: The HC500CD is designed for indoor use only. It is not intrinsically safe for use in hazardous, combustible, flammable, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. For general ventilating use only — do not use to exhaust hazardous or explosive materials. Consult a certified industrial hygienist before deployment in any potentially hazardous environment.

Two-Stage Filtration

Air enters through the louvered bottom intake grille and passes through two filter stages before exhaust:

The first stage is a 2" pleated MERV 8 particulate pre-filter (P/N: HC1802AM) that captures larger particles and protects the HEPA filter from premature loading. The second stage is an individually tested and certified H14 HEPA filter (P/N: HC1818-H14) with a pharmaceutical-grade silicone-gel seal — tested to capture at least 99.995% of particles at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) per IEST-RP-CC007. The gel seal creates a zero-bypass channel around the HEPA filter perimeter, preventing contaminated air from passing around the filter media. Both filters must be installed and the hinged access door secured before operating the unit.

An optional VAPOR-LOCK® high-capacity activated carbon pre-filter (P/N: HC1802CF) is available separately in place of the standard pleated pre-filter for OVG (odors, vapors, gases) capture. The standard particulate filters do not remove odors, vapors, gases, or volatile organic compounds.

Modes of Operation

For negative or positive pressure applications, the pressure differential between the room and adjacent areas should be monitored with a calibrated instrument per OSHA/CDC requirements. Abatement Technologies Room Pressure Monitors are recommended for this purpose.

Airflow Ratings (Clean Filters @ 120 VAC)

Abatement Technologies recommends operating at Speed 5 whenever possible to maximize air changes and filtration effectiveness. Airflow ratings are based on factory testing with an air straightener — actual results may vary up to 10% due to motor, blower, and filter tolerances. Filter loading, reduced voltage, and ducting will reduce airflow. Use ratings as a general guideline.

At Speed 5 (grille exhaust), the HC500CD can provide and maintain 12 or more air changes per hour in rooms up to approximately 2,250–2,750 cubic feet.

Determining the Number of Units Required

To calculate the number of HC500CD units required for a given space: multiply room length × width × height (in feet) to get total cubic feet. Multiply by your target air changes per hour (typically 12 ACH minimum for patient isolation — build in a 25–50% safety factor for filter loading and duct losses). Divide by the unit's CFM rating × 60. Round up to the next whole number.

Control Panel (HC880CP)

The wall-mounted HC880CP control panel connects to the HC500CD via CAT-5e cord (25 ft included, P/N: WIRE123 — max 50 ft). It features a 3.25" touchscreen LCD display with password protection (default: 0-0-9-1-1). The panel provides five fan speed settings, a color-coded filter status indicator (green / yellow warning / red alarm), HEPA Life Hour Meter with 1,500-hour counter, filter load gauge (kPa or inWC), audible alarm with mute, and pressure sensor calibration. The control panel must be mounted at a minimum height of 48" above the floor.

The HEPA Life Hour Meter triggers a warning at 1,164 hours (two weeks remaining) and an alarm at 1,500 hours. The meter must be manually reset after each HEPA filter replacement.

Installation Notes

Fits standard 15/16" wide 2 ft × 2 ft drop ceiling grids. For 9/16" ceiling grids, the HC590CG adaptor must be purchased separately. Minimum 6" of air clearance required around all exterior surfaces. The unit should be positioned as far from the room air supply diffuser as possible to prevent short-circuiting. The pre-filter and HEPA filter can be changed through the hinged door panel without opening the ceiling grid — ceiling access is only required for initial installation and major servicing. An 8" diameter exhaust collar (P/N: HC2235-08) is available separately for use with 8" diameter ducting at the outlet.

Technical Specifications

Replacement Filters & Accessories

Use only Abatement Technologies OEM pre-filters, HEPA filters, and replacement parts. Substitute filters and parts void the warranty, jeopardize worker and environmental safety, and adversely affect engineered performance levels.

Abatement Advantage Pricing

The HC500CD is eligible for Abatement Advantage volume discount pricing. Contact us for pricing on multi-unit orders.