Product Spotlight

ProPEX LF brass copper press fitting adapter are used to transition from copper fittings to Uponor PEX-a, in sizes covering 1/2″ – 3″. Uponor ProPEX lead-free copper press fitting adapters can be used in hot and cold potable water, radiant heating and hydronic piping systems.

With plumbing professionals looking for flameless solutions that make hybrid PEX-to-copper connections fast and easy, Uponor North America is answering the call with the launch of its industry-first ProPEX® copper press adapters in sizes from ½” to 3″.

Manufactured from high-quality, lead-free brass to meet all local and national potable-plumbing codes, these innovative press adapters reduce overall project timeline by an average of 71% (compared to sweat), don’t require new tools or processes, and are backed by Uponor’s 25-year transferable limited warranty.

This new innovation is available now throughout the U.S. and Canada – and it’s the only copper press adapter available in 2½” and 3″ sizes. It also incorporates a patented design for securely fastening the pipe and fitting together, eliminating the need for a stainless-steel ring.

“As PEX piping becomes more prevalent in commercial plumbing projects, design and installation professionals told us they needed a solution to quickly and confidently connect hybrid plumbing and hydronic piping systems,” says Doug Fulton, sr. director, Corporate Strategy and Segment Marketing at Uponor. “We’re excited to not only introduce our latest innovation, but also solve a key pain point for commercial installers.”

For more information about Uponor’s new ProPEX copper press adapter, visit online or contact a local Uponor sales professional.

An upgraded pipe beveler featuring pneumatic clamping with a new motor and gearing that produces low RPM and high torque to pull a thick chip without cutting fluids has been introduced by Esco Tool of Holliston, Mass.

The MILLHOG® Tube Weasel Air-Clamp Beveling Tool is a right angle I.D. clamping tool that fits easily between waterwall boiler tubes to perform precision bevels. Featuring a 1.1 HP motor and robust gearing that runs at 125 RPM with high torque to pull a thick chip without cutting fluids, it has a pneumatic clamp that reduces operator fatigue and speeds throughput.

Capable of improving cycle times by up to 600%, the MILLHOG Tube Weasel Air-Clamp Beveling Tool has a self-centering draw rod which rigidly mounts into a tube or pipe I.D. and retracts from the mandrel automatically after milling to minimize friction. Ideal for 0.75” I.D. to 3” O.D. pipes, it can be used in any orientation to perform highly repetitive welding end preps.

The MILLHOG Tube Weasel Air-Clamp Beveling Tool sells for $4,995.00 and is available for rent in the continental U.S.A.

For more information, www.escotool.com.

New compatibility allows customers to control home comfort with their voice

Côr 5C and 7C thermostats now work with Google Assistant, allowing customers to more easily manage their smart home. Côr is a brand under UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

Google Assistant smart speakers, like Google Home, have integrated support for home automation, letting users control smart home devices such as the Côr 5C and 7C thermostat with their voice. For example, customers can ask the Google Assistant to control the temperature set point of the thermostat; or get instant feedback about the state of the thermostat temperature and mode.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the ability to control their home comfort with more popular devices from Google,” said Todd Nolte, director, product management, Côr. “This compatibility allows Côr customers the ability to monitor and change their home system settings with just their voice or via an easy-to-use app.”

Côr Series Wi-Fi® thermostats keep homeowners connected and in control. The mobile app lets customers easily create and edit their schedules, review energy usage reports and change home temperature from anywhere. Plus, they can provide instant feedback on estimated energy savings, teaching users how to better balance comfort and savings. 

“With Google Assistant, you can easily control all the connected devices in your home, from lights to thermostats, all in one simple place,” said Michele Turner, director, Smart Home Ecosystem, Google. “Our compatibility with Côr advances that effort to make the home smarter to help people live comfortably.”

The Côr 5C and 7C thermostats can save homeowners an average of 20 percent on their heating and cooling costs and are available through Carrier’s nationwide dealer network. The Côr thermostat is already compatible with Amazon Echo and will work with the vast majority of 24 volt communicating heating and cooling systems.

For more information on Côr products and services, please contact your local Côr dealer or visit mycorhome.com.

The popular AquaBalance^™ wall mount line of combination and heat only boilers from Weil-McLain now feature an energy saving AFUE rating of 95% on the new Series 2 version. The updated energy efficient units combine the warmth of high-efficiency space heating with the convenience of on-demand domestic hot water (combi version) in a reliable, space-saving, easy-to-install package. The units feature the industry’s latest stainless steel, titanium-infused heat exchanger technology, and are ideal for retrofits or new construction in single-family homes, apartments or condominiums.

“The AquaBalance combi units feature an advanced condensing technology to deliver efficient, worry-free space heat and domestic hot water in a sleek, compact design that’s small enough to fit in a closet,” said Mike Boyd, product manager with Weil-McLain. “The AquaBalance Series 2 boilers have been awarded the ENERGY STAR^® Most Efficient designation in 2018 – rated to deliver maximum operational cost savings to homeowners and provide qualification for local utility rebates, if available.”

The AquaBalance is now available in 3 sizes (80, 120 & 155 MBH input), in both combi or heat only versions. The impressive AquaBalance 155 size combi-boiler produces a constant supply of hot water up to four gallons per minute (GPM) at 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature rise. The unit has the power to supply hydronic heat for up to a 2,500 square-foot home and enough hot water to run two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously.

The boilers also feature an aesthetically pleasing design and simple, user-friendly controls making installation and operation easy for contractors and homeowners.

“When choosing the combi version, the AquaBalance streamlines the installation process by eliminating the need to connect a separate boiler and hot water tank,” said Boyd. “Fewer pipes and less connection points translate into reduced set-up time and a more efficient installation.”

Other features of the AquaBalance include:

• Low NOx rated – low emissions level achieved South Coast certification
• Easy to navigate boiler control with digital display
• Simple electrical connection points and plug in cord
• Removable sides for easy service
• Heavy gauge insulated jacket for quiet operation
• Unique 3-in-1 vent adapter approved to readily accept PVC, CPVC, stainless steel or polypropylene vent materials
• Able to satisfy various venting challenges and orientations
• Ships as a natural gas unit, but simply converted to propane (LP) with conversion kit

To learn more about the AquaBalance boilers, visit our website or contact a Weil-McLain regional sales office.