Operation, Care and Cleaning of Hufcor Panels

Partition Operation
Maintenance
Cleaning
Troubleshoot - Paired & Omni Panels
Troubleshoot - Electric Panels
How to Stack and Extend your Hufcor Partition

Troubleshooting –

Paired and Omni-Directional Panels

Hufcor has provided a trouble-shooting checklist that an operator can use in the event that your paired or omni-directional partition system fails to operate properly.

PROBLEM	CAUSE	TREATMENT
1. The panels are hanging out of plumb.	You probably have loose or broken trolleys (carrier) or a broken trolley support beam.	To correct this, tighten the loose carriers to return the panels to plumb Or, replace the broken carrier or support beam.
2. The panels are sticking or hard to move.	This is caused by three factors: dirt in the track, misaligned track joints or a broken trolley.	First, clean the track. Align the joints, or have a Hufcor distributor replace the trolley.
3. The panels are making an abnormal noise during movement.	This is a usually an indication of a broken trolley or misaligned track joint.	To fix, simply replace the trolley or align the joints.
4. The panel's bottom seal doesn't operate.	Depending on your seal activator, this is caused by bent seal carriers or broken springs on automatic type seals.	On mechanical "crank" type seals, most often the crank mechanism is stripped or one of the links to the activator mechanism is broken. Replacement of bent or broken seals or mechanisms is recommended. Call your local distributor.
5. The panel has a broken or worn trolley.	This is caused by two factors. First, you may have damaged track joints. Or, the trolleys have been abused during handling at the "L" and "T" instersections on your track.	In this case, realign the track joints, replace the trolleys and retrain operators on proper handling.
6.The final lever closure panel is not extending or operates with difficulty.	The internal activator mechanism may be stripped and needs to be replaced. Or, the limit cables and chains are tangled or the tension bolts are too tight.	A Hufcor distributor can easily adjust these two problems.
7. The panel's pass door is not latching.	First, check to see if the seals are set on the leg.	The strike plate may need adjustment.
With any problem that you encounter, Hufcor recommends contacting an authorized distributor for help.

Troubleshooting –

Electric Train

If your partition fails to extend flat, turn the key to "stack". Back the partition up approximately 6 feet [2 meters]. Release key. Turn the key to the "extend" position until the motor stops. If this fails to flatten the partition, contact your local Hufcor distributor for adjustment.

If your partition has retractable bottom seals and a seal fails to make complete contact with the floor, the partition may not be fully extended. Again, back up the partition approximately 6 feet [2 meters.] Release the key, then turn the key to the "extend" position until the motor stops. If this fails call your local Hufcor distributor.

If you hear a humming sound with no partition movement or you hear a dragging or scraping noise in the track, do not operate the partition. Call your Hufcor distributor for assistance.

If the motor fails to operate, a few things may be occurring.

If you have pocket doors, make certain they are completely open.
If the partition has been recently operated, the motor may be overheated. Remember, your partition system is a large piece of machinery and the motors work hard to extend and stack. Most often, just wait five minutes and retry.
If you have the Hufgard safety system option installed on your partition, the partition will not move if there is an object or person that applies at least five pounds of force on the mat in the pocket. Remove the obstruction and retry.

Also check the leading edge. Make certain it is pulled out from the lead edge of the first panel and retry. If these steps do not resolve your problem, contact your local Hufcor distributor.

Prior to calling your Hufcor distributor, please be prepared with the following information.

Your order number, your model number and panel number. You will find these on the identification label located on the edge of each panel.
The project name.
Estimated date of installation.
Prepare a brief description of the problem and when you first noticed the problem.

Partition Operation
Proper care will ensure the longest life of your partition system. Here are some simple tips to follow:

Always handle your partition carefully. Avoid excessive force.
Never ride the partitions. This will damage the carriers, track and potentially, you!
Never set the mechanical seals onto objects lodged under the partition like electrical cords or debris.
Never store anything other than the panels in the pocket.
Avoid leaning against the partitions and never lean ladders against the partitions.
Never hammer or kick the partitions to force operation. Hufcor partitions that don't operate smoothly after applying simple troubleshooting techniques may require service. Contact your authorized Hufcor distributor.
Finally, if your system is equipped with Hufgard, check safety features weekly. When stacking - stand on mat in pocket and the partition should shut off. When extending, push the lead closure panel in. The partition should shut off. If your partition does not shut off, lock out, take out keys from stations and call immediately for service.

Maintenance
As with all Hufcor partition systems, Hufcor highly recommends signing a service and maintenance contract with your local distributor. Annual maintenance by a Hufcor trained installer will keep your partitions properly adjusted and prevent serious, costly damage.

Check exposed screws in panel vertical edges and tighten as required.
Check to ensure the partition's seals work and stack properly.
Operate the pass doors and adjust if necessary.
Check for torn surface material and repair or replace.

Cleaning
Your partition will require routine cleaning. The cleaning method will vary according to the surface finish. The following vinyl, carpet and fabric cleaning instructions apply to Hufcor standard surfaces. If your partition has non-standard surfaces, please consult the appropriate manufacturer for cleaning instructions.

Hufcor Standard Vinyl
Stains that have dried to a crusted surface should be removed with a clean, stiff brush. Remove all loose particles before applying any liquid cleaning solutions, including soap and water mixtures.

Hufcor recommends cleaning standard vinyl with warm water and a mild soap such as Dawn. Apply to the surface with a clean white cloth, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. If necessary, gently rub the surface with a brush to loosen dirt before wiping dry.

Vinyl may also be cleaned with industrial stain-removers. Hufcor recommends Tech Stain Remover, 3M Citrus Base Industrial Cleaner or Spartan, SD-20, All-Purpose Cleaner.

For removal of grease and oil-based stains like lipstick or greasy foods, use Oakite Safety-Solv, Degreaser Safety Solvent. Test a small inconspicuous spot before use. Do not use lacquer thinner or other strong chemicals. These materials are harmful to vinyl.

Chewing gum, candle wax or other waxy substances may be removed by rubbing the spot with ice so that the material becomes brittle and then blot dry. The brittle substance can then be picked off the wall covering.

Hufcor Standard Fabrics and Carpets
Remove the stain as soon as possible, as stains on carpet will become more difficult to remove if they are allowed to dry. With a cleaning brush, remove any loose particles before applying liquid cleaning solutions.

First, apply a cleaner such as Tech stain Remover, or Spartan SD-20 All-Purpose Cleaner Shampoo to a clean white towel. Gently blot dry with a second clean white towel. Stubborn dirt or grease may be removed with Oakite Safety-Solv, Degreaser Safety Solvent. Always test a clean, inconspicuous area before applying cleaner.

When cleaning stains with liquid solutions avoid over-saturation. Over-saturation distributes the stain deeper into the fibers and may cause a ring once the stained area dries. It is better to repeat cleaning than it is to over-saturate.

Always use the minimum amount of cleaning solvent needed to remove a stain.

Panel Trim
Other areas of your panels may need special cleaning. The aluminum, steel and plastic construction materials making up your partition can be cleaned first with a water and detergent solution.

If stains persist, use an all-purpose commercial cleaner like Spartan SD-20 or 3M Citrus Base Industrial Cleaner. Remember, avoid solvents on all plastic pieces.

Dry Marker Boards
Hufcor-installed dry marker boards can be cleaned with liquid ammonia-added cleaner and rinsed with clear water, then dried.

You may also use cleaners specially formulated for cleaning dry erase boards. Remove glue residue with 3M Citrus Base Industrial Cleaner.

If you have any questions about the care and maintenance of your partitions, call your local Hufcor distributor. If you do not know the name of your local distributor call Hufcor at 1-800-542-2371 Ext. 214, us, or go to the Contact Page of this site.