Desco 60505 High Output Benchtop Ionizer
Desco 60505 High Output Benchtop Ionizer
The Desco 60505 High Output Benchtop Ionizer is a 120 VAC steady-state DC ionizing blower with active balancing and closed-loop feedback. It directs ionized airflow toward a handling area to neutralize charge on insulators and isolated conductors that cannot be effectively grounded. Three fan speeds let operators adjust airflow to the task.
Best Uses / Applications
- Electronics assembly and inspection benches handling ESD-sensitive items near process-essential insulators.
- Calibration, test and repair work where adjustable airflow is useful.
- Workstations requiring local ionization alongside personnel and worksurface grounding.
- Clean or sensitive work areas where enclosure design and planned maintenance matter; assess suitability for the actual process separately.
Key Features
- Steady-state DC emission with internal sensor feedback to maintain balance.
- Active balancing with audible and visual alarms.
- Low, medium and high fan settings, with 50–100 CFM airflow.
- Sealed-plenum airflow design, powder-coated housing and sealed-bearing fans.
- Multi-mount stand; the bulletin permits bench placement or mounting to a wall or shelf.
- Field-replaceable emitter points using Desco 60507 when replacement is necessary.
- Made in the United States of America.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Manufacturer data |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | 60505 |
| Brand | Desco |
| Model configuration | 120 VAC; North American power cord included per bulletin |
| Input options in series bulletin | Internally selectable 100–120 VAC or 220–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz; internal servicing is for qualified personnel only |
| Ion emission | Steady-state DC with sense feedback |
| Balance at 12 in | ±3 V typical; ±25 V maximum |
| Discharge time at 12 in | Less than 2 seconds, per February 2025 bulletin |
| Performance test conditions | Typical 1,000 V to 100 V measurements per ANSI/ESD STM3.1, fan on high, without a filter |
| Fan / airflow | Three speeds; 50–100 CFM |
| Power consumption | 12 W |
| Operating environment | 50–90°F (10–32°C); 30–70% RH, non-condensing |
| Dimensions including stand | 9.5 in H × 6.0 in W × 3.1 in D (241 × 152 × 79 mm) |
| Unit weight | 4.5 lb (2.0 kg); not a packed shipping weight |
| Emitter points | 0.050 in diameter tungsten |
| High-voltage supply | 5.5 kVDC nominal |
| Ozone | Less than 0.05 ppm |
| Fuse | 250 mA slow-blow |
| Enclosure | Powder-coated aluminum |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
| Package contents | Ionizer, North American power cord and emitter-point cleaner pack |
Performance note: Earlier marketing copy quotes discharge time under one second and a fixed coverage rectangle. The February 2025 TB-3043 specification is under two seconds at 12 inches. Its performance map shows that discharge times vary substantially with distance and off-axis position; do not assume uniform performance across a stated rectangle. The bulletin describes the best neutralization approximately 12–48 inches directly in front of the unit. Verify balance and both-polarity discharge times where items are actually handled.
Placement, Maintenance & Verification
Keep airflow unobstructed and aim it toward the items or area to be neutralized. Higher fan speed generally produces faster neutralization. The unit performs a startup self-test, with the audible alarm sounding and the LED cycling red, yellow and green before remaining green in normal operation.
Turn the ionizer off and unplug its power cord before cleaning. Follow TB-3043 for access and cleaning of the emitter points using the supplied cleaners or an isopropyl-alcohol-dampened swab. Reassemble the screen and verify performance with suitable ionization test equipment before returning to use. Set maintenance and calibration intervals using the environment and recorded results, rather than assuming auto-balancing eliminates service.
The alarm can indicate a circuit fault or insufficient supply voltage; follow the bulletin's troubleshooting instructions. Internal disassembly, voltage selection and servicing must be performed only by qualified personnel. A green light or running fan is not a substitute for measuring balance and discharge time at the handling location.
Selection Comparison
| Requirement | 60505 selection guidance |
|---|---|
| 120 VAC bench installation | 60505 is the 120 VAC model and includes a North American cord. |
| 220 VAC model | Compare Desco 60515 and confirm the correct power cord separately. |
| Point-of-use compressed-air nozzle | Consider a gas-fed nozzle when a narrow directed jet is needed; 60505 uses its own fan. |
| Wider or obstructed work areas | Evaluate additional or overhead ionizers and measure performance at each required location. |
| Operator-presence activation | Desco lists optional 60509 motion sensor for the 120 VAC configuration; not included in the standard package. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What voltage is Desco 60505 supplied for?
60505 is listed as the 120 VAC High Output Benchtop Ionizer. The bulletin identifies 60515 as the 220 VAC model. Do not attempt internal voltage changes unless qualified to perform the service.
How quickly does it neutralize charge?
The February 2025 bulletin specifies less than two seconds at 12 inches. Typical test data use a 1,000 V to 100 V decay, high fan speed and no filter. Actual results depend on distance, position and the workstation layout.
Is ±3 V the maximum balance specification?
No. TB-3043 lists ±3 V typical and ±25 V maximum at 12 inches. Use the appropriate specification and your process acceptance criteria when qualifying the installation.
Does active balancing remove the need for cleaning?
No. Closed-loop feedback compensates for balance shifts, but emitter contamination still affects performance. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and verify performance after service.
Does it need compressed air?
No compressed-gas connection is specified for this fan-driven benchtop blower. It uses a three-speed fan to carry ionized air toward the work area.
Does an ionizer replace wrist straps or grounded mats?
No. Ionization complements appropriate grounding by addressing charge on materials that cannot be effectively grounded. It is one component of an ESD control program, not proof that an entire workstation meets all requirements.
Manufacturer Technical Bulletin
Download Desco TB-3043, February 2025 (PDF) for specifications, installation, maintenance and performance maps.
Related Resources
Browse ionization equipment | ESD Program Essentials
