Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY (3-Storey Home Unit - Loft Control)

Health & Safety Considerations

Work only when you have safe loft access, good lighting and secure boarding. Never step on unboarded plasterboard ceilings. Wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask because loft dust can be irritant.

Isolate the unit at its local isolator or consumer unit and treat all wiring as live until confirmed otherwise. Confirm that any fuel-burning appliances have sound flues and that extract fans in kitchens or bathrooms discharge to outside. Keep tools clear of the loft hatch and do not rest weight or tools on the PIV casing or ceiling diffuser.

The electrical supply and fixed wiring must be installed by a qualified electrician using a suitable means of disconnection.

Site Preparation

Choose the diffuser position in the ceiling of the top-floor landing so air can flow along the underside of the ceiling and cascade down the stairwell. Keep clear of obstructions and smoke alarms.

Nuaire’s guidance specifies minimum clearances from adjacent walls that depend on the final speed setting, and the diffuser should not be placed within 1m of a smoke alarm; if it cannot be moved, orient the open sides of the diffuser so they blow towards at least 1.5m of unobstructed ceiling away from the alarm. Check the loft has background ventilation, that cold-water tanks are lidded, pipes are lagged, and the loft hatch seals well.

Confirm a short, direct route for the flexible duct, and identify a suitable joist or beam from which to suspend the fan, or a joist location for the optional anti-vibration bracket set.

Limitations And Good Practice

This model is for three-storey homes with a loft and must use the supplied aluminium diffuser that contains an intumescent closure element. The diffuser opening in the ceiling is 200mm diameter.

Use the shortest practicable duct run between the fan and diffuser, keep bends smooth, make all duct joints airtight and do not compress the duct. The maximum recommended flexible duct length is 2m. Because the fire-block introduces extra resistance, increase the commissioned speed by one step compared with an equivalent two-storey installation.

Keep the diffuser at least 1m from smoke alarms, and where alarms are fitted use the ECO-3STOREY’s automatic shutdown link to smoke or CO alarms with relay bases. Keep the PIV power-supply output cable and any sensor leads separated from other cables by at least 50mm for good EMC practice.

Step-By-Step Installation

1. Make The Area Safe And Gather Parts: Isolate the supply, set out secure loft boarding and bring the unit, diffuser, flexible duct, cable ties and fixings to the work area. Verify that the loft has ventilation and that tanks and services are sealed as described above.
   
   

2. Mark And Cut The Diffuser Opening: On the top-floor landing ceiling, mark the chosen position observing the wall clearances and 1m separation from smoke alarms. Cut a clean 200mm circular opening. Offer the diffuser parts to confirm fit and orientation so the two discharge sides blow into open ceiling.
   
   

3. Fit The Aluminium Diffuser With Intumescent Fire-block: Place the spigot plate above the ceiling, align the ceiling plate on the room side and fix through the studs as instructed. Fit the lower diffuser plate to the ceiling plate through the spacers and into the studs of the spigot plate so the assembly is tight and square. Because the fire-block adds resistance, plan to commission the fan one speed higher than the property size would otherwise suggest.
   
   

4. Mount The Fan Unit In The Loft: Standard practice is to suspend the unit from a convenient roof timber using the cord provided, taking responsibility for a sound fixing point. If you prefer joist mounting, fit Nuaire’s anti-vibration kit and follow the spacing guidance; do not over-tighten the mounts. The unit weighs about 3.5kg, so ensure a secure support.
   
   

5. Connect And Secure The Duct: Push the flexible duct fully over the fan outlet spigot and secure it with the supplied tie, then repeat at the diffuser spigot. Keep the duct run under 2M, avoid flattening or compressing it and make all joints airtight.
   
   

6. Install The Power Supply And Make The Electrical Connection: The unit is supplied with a pre-wired power-supply module that must be fixed to a suitable surface, for example a timber joist, and connected through the supplied 1A fused spur to a 230V~ supply. Provide a local two-pole isolator in the fixed wiring. Ask a qualified electrician to complete and test this work, then route the 24V DC output neatly to the PIV unit.
   
   

7. Wire The Smoke/CO Alarm shutdown If Fitted: Where smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms have normally-open or normally-closed relay bases, connect the shutdown link so the PIV stops automatically on an alarm signal. Keep the PIV power-supply output cable and any sensor leads at least 50mm from other wiring.
   
   

8. Commission The Unit: Restore Power. The rear display shows the temperature-control option at start-up for a short period; select the preferred temperature profile, then choose the airflow speed from 1 to 6 to suit the property. As a rule, small dwellings start low and large dwellings higher; with the fire-block diffuser increase by one step to overcome its resistance. Confirm smooth airflow at the diffuser and quiet operation at the fan, and check that air discharges freely into the stairwell.
   
   

9. Finalise And Tidy: Confirm the diffuser remains at the prescribed wall clearances and away from any smoke alarm, check that the loft hatch seals and that all duct joints are airtight, then label the isolator and record the chosen settings for the household.

Handover And Everyday Use

Explain to the household that the PIV supplies a gentle, filtered airflow at the top of the home all day, every day, and will vary its behaviour with loft temperature if that profile is selected.

When the loft is warmer than the home, the unit can increase flow to harvest gentle warmth; when the loft is very hot, it can pause so it does not introduce heat. There is no daily intervention required. Ask occupants to keep internal doors undercut or slightly ajar so air can migrate through the home, and to leave the isolator on for continuous protection against condensation and black mould.

Maintenance And Replacement Filters

Filters are quick to change and are mounted on the outside of the unit. Inspect annually and replace at the recommended interval. The onboard display shows a reminder after five years with a letter C; after fitting the new Nuaire Drimaster Replacement Filters, clear the reminder from the buttons at the unit.

While you are in the loft, confirm the duct is not compressed and that the loft remains ventilated, tanks lidded and pipes lagged.

Troubleshooting

If airflow feels weak, first check that the duct is not compressed or kinked and that all joints are airtight. Confirm the diffuser was positioned with the specified clearances and away from smoke alarms, and that the speed setting is appropriate for the property and stepped up by one to account for the fire-block.

If the unit does not run, check the local isolator, the fused spur and the 24V power-supply module fixings. If the unit stops during an alarm, this is expected behaviour when the shutdown link is installed; it will resume once the alarm clears.

If a change-filter reminder remains after service, repeat the reset at the unit. For electrical issues or if the fan will not start, ask a qualified electrician to test the supply and connections.

Aftercare And Best Results

For the most effective whole-home moisture control, keep trickle vents open, avoid blocking the diffuser with lampshades or decorations and allow a clear path for air down the stairwell. Use local extract fans in kitchens and bathrooms as normal because PIV and local extract complement one another.

If the home’s use changes markedly, for example more occupants or frequent laundry drying indoors, it is acceptable to increase the airflow by one step and review comfort after a week or two. Record any changes so future maintenance teams understand the chosen settings.

Q) What is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY and how does it work in a three-floor house?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is a loft-mounted Positive Input Ventilation unit designed specifically for houses with three storeys. It draws fresh loft air through long-life filters and supplies it gently into the top-floor landing via a dedicated aluminium ceiling diffuser. This creates a subtle positive pressure so stale, moisture-laden air is diluted and pushed out through natural leakage paths and existing extracts. The model offers six selectable airflow settings up to 60 litres per second, so background ventilation can be matched to the dwelling. An integrated temperature sensor monitors loft conditions and adjusts behaviour using selectable profiles, including Intelligent Heat Recovery when the loft is warmer and a hot-weather standby to avoid pushing very warm air into the home. Electrical consumption is low, typically 1.6–15.3W depending on setting, and maintenance is simple thanks to external, clip-on filters with a five-year change reminder. The overall effect is drier, fresher indoor air throughout the whole property.

Q) How does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY help prevent condensation and black mould?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY supplies a continuous stream of filtered air at the top of the home so it cascades down the stairwell and mixes gently with room air. This steady dilution reduces indoor relative humidity from everyday activities such as bathing, cooking and drying clothes. By lowering moisture levels, it tackles the root cause of surface condensation on cold bridges, window reveals and external walls. The background positive pressure also helps displace stale odours and pollutants through leakage paths and existing extract fans. Because airflow is continuous and low-velocity, the system works quietly in the background rather than relying on short, noisy bursts. Over time, drier conditions discourage the growth of black mould and help protect décor and building fabric. Keeping internal doors slightly ajar and trickle vents open allows the fresh, filtered air to move more freely through the dwelling, maximising the ECO-3STOREY’s whole-home moisture control benefits with minimal day-to-day input from occupants.

Q) Where should the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY be used and what types of homes benefit most?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is purpose-built for houses with three floors and a usable loft space, such as townhouses or larger family homes that include a storey more than 4.5 metres above ground level. Its installation concentrates in the loft and the top-floor landing, avoiding disruptive ducting through rooms. Because taller homes can suffer from persistent condensation on upper levels, the ECO-3STOREY’s stairwell supply strategy is particularly effective: air introduced at the top flows along the ceiling and down the stairwell, reaching all floors as it diffuses. The unit is well suited to retrofit and refurbishment programmes where improving indoor air quality and curbing mould is a priority without major structural works. It is also appropriate for social housing portfolios that require predictable maintenance, straightforward commissioning and long service intervals. The model is not intended for flats without loft access or for properties that require multiple supply points; in such cases, alternative ventilation strategies may be more suitable.

Q) What makes the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY compliant for three-storey fire safety requirements?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is supplied with a special aluminium ceiling diffuser incorporating an intumescent closure element. In the unlikely event of significant heat rising from below, the intumescent material swells to seal the opening, helping to preserve the integrity of the ceiling barrier between floors. This feature is a key requirement where dwellings include a storey more than 4.5 metres above ground level. The diffuser is designed for a 200mm circular ceiling opening and should be positioned with adequate clearances from adjacent walls and at least one metre away from smoke alarms. Because the fire-block adds some resistance to airflow, commissioning normally allows for one speed step higher than you would select for a two-storey installation. For added life-safety integration, the ECO-3STOREY can be interlinked with smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms via relay bases so that the fan shuts down automatically during an alarm condition, resuming normal operation once the alarm clears.

Q) What airflow and control options does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY provide?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY offers six discrete airflow settings—10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 litres per second—so it can be matched precisely to dwelling size and occupancy. Commissioning is simple from the unit, and the chosen background rate runs continuously to provide steady whole-home dilution. Control logic is built in via an onboard loft-air temperature sensor with multiple operating profiles. In standard mode the fan maintains the set flow; Intelligent Heat Recovery raises the duty when the loft is warmer than the dwelling to harvest gentle solar warmth; hot-weather standby pauses airflow if the loft becomes very hot; further profiles allow constant-rate running or introduce a cold-weather standby band. This flexibility allows the installer to tune comfort and energy use to the site. A five-year service reminder appears on the display when filter replacement is due, and there is provision to link to smoke or CO alarms for automatic safety shutdown where required.

Q) How does Intelligent Heat Recovery on the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY work in practice?

A) Intelligent Heat Recovery is an optional operating profile on the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY that responds to loft temperature. The unit continuously monitors conditions at the intake; when the loft air is modestly warmer than the dwelling, the fan increases airflow to capture that free warmth and distribute it gently across the ceiling, improving comfort without additional heating input from the unit itself. If loft temperatures climb too high—common in hot weather—the fan can enter a standby state to avoid introducing very warm air into the home. Outside of these conditions, the ECO-3STOREY runs at the commissioned background rate. Because the temperature logic is selectable, the installer can choose the most appropriate profile for the property and occupant preference, including a constant-rate profile if desired. This adaptive approach helps balance comfort and energy efficiency across the seasons while maintaining the fundamental PIV objective of steady indoor humidity reduction.

Q) What are the typical running costs and energy use of a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is designed for low running costs. Electrical consumption ranges from around 1.6 watts at the lowest setting to approximately 15.3 watts at maximum flow. Even at mid settings, the draw is comparable to an LED lamp left on continuously, making 24/7 operation practical. Actual cost depends on your electricity tariff and chosen airflow, but the modest wattage means daily costs remain low while the system delivers whole-home moisture control and air refresh. Because fresh filters keep intake resistance down, maintaining them at the recommended interval preserves both airflow and energy performance. Intelligent Heat Recovery does not add electrical heat; it simply boosts when the loft is warmer to capture free warmth. In very hot conditions, the hot-weather standby prevents unnecessary running. Taken together, these features allow the ECO-3STOREY to provide effective background ventilation with negligible impact on energy bills compared with the cost of dealing with damp and mould damage.

Q) Will the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY be noisy or create draughts in the stairwell?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is engineered for quiet, unobtrusive operation. Air is introduced through a purpose-designed aluminium diffuser at low velocity so it spreads across the ceiling before cascading down the stairwell, minimising the sensation of draughts. Because the system works continuously at a gentle rate rather than in short, high-speed bursts, occupants typically notice fresher conditions rather than airflow noise. Correct installation further suppresses sound: keeping the flexible duct short and uncompressed, making joints airtight, and suspending the fan from a suitable roof timber or anti-vibration mounts all reduce transmission. The built-in temperature logic also helps comfort by avoiding supply during very hot loft conditions. If a smoke alarm must remain close by, orient the diffuser’s open sides to blow into unobstructed ceiling space away from the alarm and maintain the recommended clearances. With sensible commissioning, the ECO-3STOREY maintains a calm stairwell with consistent, barely perceptible air movement.

Q) What does installing a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY involve and how invasive is the work?

A) Installing a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is typically quick and non-disruptive because the work is confined to the loft and the top-floor landing. The installer cuts a 200mm circular opening in the landing ceiling and fits the supplied aluminium diffuser with its intumescent fire-block. The fan unit is suspended from a suitable roof timber or fixed to a joist on optional anti-vibration brackets, then connected to the diffuser via a short length of flexible duct—kept as straight and uncompressed as possible, with a maximum recommended length of around two metres. Electrical connection is straightforward via the supplied power-supply module and a suitably rated fused spur with a two-pole isolator, completed and tested by a qualified electrician. Commissioning consists of selecting the temperature profile and one of six airflow settings to suit the property. Because the system is loft-mounted, there is minimal disturbance to internal finishes, and no need for long duct runs or external wall penetrations.

Q) Where exactly should the ECO-3STOREY diffuser be positioned and what clearances are needed?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY diffuser should be installed in the ceiling of the top-floor landing so supply air can travel along the underside of the ceiling and cascade down the stairwell. Keep clear of bulkheads, pendant lights and smoke alarms. A good rule is to maintain at least one metre separation from the nearest smoke alarm; if relocation is impractical, orient the diffuser so its two discharge openings blow towards a minimum of 1.5 metres of unobstructed ceiling away from the alarm. Respect minimum wall clearances recommended by the manufacturer, which vary with the final speed setting, to avoid cornering the air stream. Ensure there is space above the ceiling for the diffuser spigot and flexible duct without tight bends, and avoid packing insulation tightly around the diffuser body. Correct location and orientation promote gentle mixing, avoid nuisance alarm triggering, and keep the stairwell free from noticeable draughts while delivering effective whole-home dilution.

Q) How do you commission the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY and choose the right speed?

A) Commissioning the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is a simple two-step process. First, select the operating profile that best suits the property: Normal operation, Intelligent Heat Recovery, hot-weather standby behaviour, or constant-rate and cold-weather options. Second, choose one of six airflow settings—10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 litres per second—to match dwelling size and moisture load. Because the three-storey diffuser contains an intumescent fire-block that adds resistance, plan to select one speed step higher than you would in a two-storey installation of similar size. After setting, confirm at the diffuser that airflow feels gentle and even, with air discharging freely into the stairwell. Listen near the fan for smooth running and check that the flexible duct is short, round and airtight at both spigots. If the household grows or moisture load changes, it is acceptable to increase the speed by one step and review comfort after a week or two.

Q) What electrical and safety requirements apply to a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY installation?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY must be wired by a qualified electrician via a suitably rated fused spur and local two-pole isolator. The unit is supplied with a power-supply module that fixes to a convenient timber and provides low-voltage output to the fan. Keep the power-supply output cable and any sensor leads separated from other cables by around 50mm for good electromagnetic compatibility practice, and route wiring neatly away from sharp edges or hot flues. In the loft, ensure safe access, adequate lighting and secure boarding; never step on unboarded plasterboard. Cold-water tanks should be lidded, pipes lagged, and the loft hatch should seal properly to support the PIV strategy. Do not rest weight or tools on the PIV casing or diffuser. Finally, where smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms are present in three-storey dwellings, use the unit’s shutdown terminals to integrate an alarm interlock via relay bases so the fan stops automatically during an alarm condition.

Q) Can the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY be linked to smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms?

A) Yes. The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY includes provision to interface with life-safety alarms so the unit shuts down automatically when an alarm is activated. A qualified electrician connects a normally open or normally closed dry contact from a compatible relay-base smoke or carbon-monoxide alarm to the fan’s shutdown terminals. When the alarm fires, the contact changes state and instructs the PIV to stop, resuming normal operation when the alarm clears. This is particularly important in three-storey dwellings, where enhanced fire precautions apply. After wiring, always test the interlock using the alarm’s test button to confirm the fan stops and restarts reliably. Maintain the recommended one metre separation between the diffuser and any smoke alarm, and, if necessary, orient the diffuser outlets to blow towards open ceiling space away from the alarm to reduce the chance of nuisance airflow across the sensor.

Q) What maintenance does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY need and how often are filters changed?

A) Maintenance for the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is light and predictable. The external filters protect the fan and the dwelling by arresting loft-borne dust and fibres; under normal conditions they typically require replacement about every five years. The unit’s display shows a change reminder after five years (often indicated with a letter C). Replacement is straightforward: isolate power at the spur, release the simple retainers on each side of the casing, withdraw the used elements, gently dust the seating faces, fit the new filters squarely, re-engage the retainers, restore power and clear the reminder from the unit’s buttons. During the visit, check that the flexible duct is not compressed, joints are airtight, insulation is not packed around the diffuser, and the loft remains ventilated with tanks lidded and pipes lagged. Regular filter renewal preserves airflow, keeps energy use low and sustains quiet, effective whole-home ventilation.

Q) Which replacement filters does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY use and why choose genuine parts?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY uses the genuine paired elements supplied as Nuaire Drimaster Replacement Filters, typically referenced as DRI-ECO-FILTERKIT for post-2001 Drimaster ECO units. These filters are formed to the exact geometry of the external clip-in housings so they seat airtight against the gaskets and preserve low intake resistance. Choosing genuine parts maintains commissioned airflow, energy efficiency and acoustic performance, and supports the long service interval and warranty expectations set for the product. Third-party pads that require trimming or do not seal properly can raise pressure drop, allow bypass dust into the casing and reduce the effectiveness of the PIV strategy. Fitting the correct elements restores a clean supply stream and helps the ECO-3STOREY deliver the steady background ventilation needed to control humidity and improve indoor air quality across all three floors.

Q) Are there any limitations or common mistakes to avoid with the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY?

A) A few simple rules ensure success. Always use the supplied aluminium diffuser with its intumescent fire-block; do not substitute a standard grille in a three-storey dwelling. Keep the flexible duct run as short and straight as practicable, with a recommended maximum of around two metres, and never compress it under insulation. Make all joints airtight and avoid tight bends that raise resistance and noise. Maintain at least one metre separation from smoke alarms and orient the diffuser to blow into open ceiling space. Because the fire-block adds resistance, remember to commission the airflow one speed step higher than a comparable two-storey install. Do not obstruct the diffuser with lampshades or decorations, and avoid burying the fan in insulation. Finally, keep internal doors slightly ajar or with a modest undercut so replacement air can move through the home; starved airflow diminishes the PIV effect and reduces performance.

Q) How do I troubleshoot common issues on a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY after installation?

A) Start with airflow. If the diffuser feels weak, check in the loft that the flexible duct is not kinked or compressed, that ties are tight and joints airtight, and that insulation is clear of the diffuser body and fan inlets. Confirm the speed setting is appropriate and one step higher than an equivalent two-storey install to account for the fire-block. If the unit appears to stop during very hot weather, that can be normal hot-weather standby behaviour; it will resume when conditions suit. If the fan does not run at all, verify the local isolator and fused spur, check the power-supply module is fixed and connected, and ensure any alarm interlock is not latched. Unusual vibration usually points to something touching the casing or a loose suspension point; re-hang the unit and confirm the duct is not flapping. After filter changes, clear any persistent reminder at the unit’s buttons and confirm a gentle, even flow at the diffuser.

Q) What warranty does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY carry and what does it cover?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY is supplied with a five-year warranty that reflects its robust design and suitability for long-term service. The cover is typically one year Parts and Labour followed by four years Parts, provided the unit has been installed in accordance with guidance and maintained with genuine filters at the recommended intervals. The warranty underlines confidence in the motor, controls and diffuser assembly, including the intumescent fire-block within the aluminium grille. As with most products, consumables such as filters are not covered beyond workmanship at supply, and the warranty does not extend to faults arising from incorrect installation, misuse or unauthorised modifications. Retaining commissioning records, the installation date and filter-change dates helps support any future claim and provides a clear maintenance history for landlords and homeowners.

Q) How does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY interact with existing extractor fans and trickle vents?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY complements, rather than replaces, local extract fans in kitchens and bathrooms. While the PIV provides continuous, whole-home background dilution, room-specific extract removes peak moisture and odour loads directly at source. Using both strategies together yields the best results: keep trickle vents open to allow make-up air paths, run bathroom and kitchen extracts during high-moisture activities, and let the ECO-3STOREY maintain the steady baseline that prevents moisture build-up between events. Because the PIV supply is filtered and gentle, it does not create disruptive draughts that would back-draft flues or interfere with properly installed extract systems. In three-storey homes, this combined approach is particularly valuable where upper floors suffer persistent condensation; the stairwell supply keeps background humidity lower, while local fans deal with short bursts in the rooms that need it most.

Q) What best-practice tips maximise performance from a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY day to day?

A) A few simple habits help the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY deliver its best. Keep internal doors slightly ajar or ensure a modest undercut so fresh air can move down the stairwell and through rooms. Do not cover or obstruct the aluminium diffuser, and keep at least one metre separation from nearby smoke alarms. Continue using bathroom and kitchen extract fans during steamy activities and leave trickle vents open to support smooth air paths. In hot spells, understand that the unit may pause in standby to avoid introducing very warm loft air—this is normal. Inspect filters annually and renew them at the recommended interval to preserve low resistance and quiet running. If occupancy increases or moisture loads rise, it is acceptable to raise the airflow by one step and review comfort after a week or two. Finally, leave the isolator on so the system can provide continuous background protection against condensation and mould.

Q) What preparation is needed in the loft before fitting a Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY?

A) Before installing the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY, confirm the loft has basic background ventilation, that cold-water storage tanks are lidded, and that pipes are lagged to prevent cold draughts causing local condensation. Ensure safe access, secure boarding and good lighting; never step on unboarded plasterboard ceilings. Identify a roof timber strong enough to suspend the unit, or a suitable joist location for optional anti-vibration mounts, and plan a short, smooth route for the flexible duct to the diffuser spigot. Check the loft hatch seals properly to support the PIV strategy and that any existing services will not obstruct the fan inlets or the duct. Plan the electrical route so the supplied power-supply module can be mounted neatly and connected to a fused spur with a two-pole isolator by a qualified electrician. Preparing these details in advance keeps installation tidy, quick and efficient, and supports quiet, reliable operation.

Q) Why is the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY supplied with an aluminium diffuser rather than plastic?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY uses a dedicated aluminium ceiling diffuser because it houses the intumescent closure element required for three-storey fire protection. Aluminium provides a stable, heat-resistant frame that securely clamps the intumescent component and maintains shape and seal integrity under elevated temperatures. The assembly is designed for a 200mm ceiling opening and includes a spigot plate above the ceiling, a ceiling plate in the room, and a lower diffuser plate that directs airflow gently across the landing. Its robust construction also supports a neat finish and long service life in the stairwell environment. Beyond fire performance, the diffuser’s geometry is tuned for low-velocity, draught-free delivery so air spreads along the ceiling before descending the stairwell. This ensures the ECO-3STOREY can provide consistent whole-home dilution while meeting the additional safety needs of dwellings with a storey above 4.5 metres.

Q) How does the Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY differ from other Drimaster ECO models?

A) The Nuaire Drimaster ECO-3STOREY shares the core PIV technology and low-energy ethos of the wider ECO range but is tailored for three-storey dwellings. Its most visible difference is the supplied aluminium diffuser with an integrated intumescent fire-block, which is essential for homes with a storey over 4.5 metres above ground level. Commissioning allowances also differ slightly: the fire-block adds resistance, so you typically select one speed step higher than equivalent two-storey units to achieve the same effect. Like other models, the ECO-3STOREY has six airflow settings up to 60 litres per second, low electrical consumption from about 1.6–15.3W, long-life external filters with a five-year reminder, and selectable temperature profiles including Intelligent Heat Recovery and hot-weather standby. It also provides shutdown terminals for linking to smoke or CO alarms, an important integration in taller dwellings. In short, it brings proven PIV benefits with the added safety and commissioning nuances needed for three-storey homes.

Drimaster DRI-ECO-3STOREY User Guide

Drimaster DRI-ECO-3STOREY Consultants Specification

Drimaster DRI-ECO-3STOREY Installation & Maintenance

Drimaster DRI-ECO-3STOREY Product Information

PIV House Builder Catalogue

BBA Certificate