In this review, we will look at the pros and cons of the Sharp Plasmacluster line of air purifiers. More importantly, we will look at the technology it includes, and its value, relative to the other technologies available. In the attached video, you will see me disassemble and enter the Sharp Plasmacluster FPN60CX Air Purifier.
Sharp makes a lot of this “new technology”. Invented by Sharp Corporation in 2000, Plasmacluster technology (and its name) is Sharps’ “claim of fame”. However, he lives on a line between the science of air purifiers and marketing. It is important to know that the plasmacluster technology is only one of the 4 technologies within the Sharp air purifier that we tested. I would also like to point out that there are several similar air purifiers that use almost identical technology, so it is nothing that exclusive. Sharp claims that Plasmacluster technology can disable germs and other pathogens and has conducted 28 experiments through various scientific organizations around the world. However, no recent scientific reviews have yet been conducted on this.
The enthusiasm for the Sharp Plasmacluster comes largely from Japan, where an aversion to germs and viruses has made Sharp air purifiers popular. (Designed in Japan, Made in China).
What is a Plasmacluster?
A Plasmacluster ion generator splits water molecules (already found in indoor air) into their natural hydrogen and oxygen components (remember that water is H2O). Thousands of these positive and negative ions are released in this process. These ions are very unstable and do not last long, they can remove the smell of nicotine and other unpleasant odors from the air and kill some mold and virus spores. Many air purifiers use negative ions in the same way, but the positive ion part is more unique.
- Here is a more scientific explanation:
A plasmaluster is a group of partially ionized gaseous electrons (have I already lost you in scientific terms?) That are free and not attached to an atom. These clumps of plasma contain water molecules that disintegrate into both positive hydrogen ions and negative oxygen ions. Water molecules naturally found in room air form clumps around hydrogen ions and oxygen ions; This creates stable Plasmacluster ions. When pathogens (germs, viruses) hit, it leads to the instantaneous formation of the highly unstable / reactive hydroxyl radical. Such a composition of mercury causes hydroxyl radicals to rapidly interact with hydrogen atoms on the surface membranes of pathogens. And the result; inactivated pathogens and a harmless by-product, water.
HEPA and Plasmacluster
Of course, Plasmacluster is just one of the Air Purifier technologies. It also has HEPA (which is too expensive by the way) and carbon for gas removal. So does the Plasmacluster live up to the “must haves” and is it better than using negative ions and UV light to kill germs and viruses? That debate is still ongoing and has not been tested. Below, I list some of the technical information about the Sharp FPN60CX
Pro’s
1-4 stages: Prefilter, Carbon, Hepa, Ion (PLasmacluster)
2 – Hepa for allergies
3 – Covers 330 square feet.
4 – It has excellent light functions: you can sleep without lights on
Cons
1 – expensive filters
2 – Expensive cost
3 – No germ, technological virus (EX; UV)
4 – 1 year warranty
5 – On high, the unit is noisy
Sharp FPN60CX Air Purifier
Retail price: $ 379
Purification Technologies: 4
Square Meters: 330 SQ. Foot.
Replacement filter costs: $ 180 (HEPA and carbon)
Annual costs: $ 180- $ 200
Decibel Level: Low / High 14/54
1 year warranty
Number of speeds – 3
Filters – 3
Other models:
FP-P30U
Fp-P40CX
kc860U
KC-C150U
conclusion
It’s a good air purifier, and you should be able to get the most for your money with the crisp plasmacluster. Replacement filters are too expensive (let’s make it too expensive), and I would search for better prices online for replacements. However, it will work well with pollen and dust.