Sharper Image & Oreck

Electronic precipitators charge particles either positive or negative with 800V in stage one.  In the second stage, charged particles enter a collection chamber and are attracted to a series of oppositely charged plates.  Initial efficiency is good but performance declines rapidly due to dirty collector plates.  Performance can often decline from a MERV 8 within a week of operation.

Cells need to be washed at least monthly.

These are not mechanical filters and performance varies dramatically, so MERV ratings do not apply.  On average, about 50 percent of all particles pass through the electronic precipitators.