Product News

Award-winning First Alert L Series now includes an HVAC Sensor and Switch

Resideo Technologies, a leading global provider of solutions for home comfort, energy management, and security, unveiled the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch at the AHR Expo (booth #S10123) in Chicago. The First Alert L2 sensor is the latest addition to Resideo’s award-winning First Alert L Series, a line of connected water-leak detection and shutoff products to help protect homes from costly water damage.

The First Alert L2 sensor can automatically shut off or turn on HVAC equipment – including, air conditioners, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and pumps, among others – if condensation or moisture is sensed where it doesn’t belong. It’s the only sensor on the market that features: WiFi connectivity, a sensing cable for added coverage, and monitors temperature and humidity trends.

“By expanding our water leak detection and protection solutions to HVAC applications, Resideo can now offer our HVAC partners and their homeowners even more ways to help safeguard properties against water damage, which is one of the most common and costly home insurance claims,” said Pat Tessier, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Resideo. “The First Alert L2 sensor delivers on our mission to help protect what matters most by eliminating the guesswork of locating excess condensation or moisture and stopping water damage at the source.”

An ideal solution to minimize damage following a coil freeze-up if a condensate pan overflows, the First Alert L2 Water Sensor and Switch will be available through select North American distributors in February 2024. It offers:

Fujitsu General America has introduced its AIRSTAGE Cloud, a platform that provides Building Management Systems as a Service.

The highly versatile cloud platform provides effective and efficient monitoring, management, and maintenance of Fujitsu General’s VRF and mini split systems along with the ability to control and monitor third party equipment, including all thermostatically controlled HVAC systems, regardless of the manufacturer.

AIRSTAGE Cloud relies on highly automated software-as-a-service (SaaS) based software services operating in a modern Cloud-edge architecture to make it possible to avoid the costly, complex, custom design and programming tasks necessary for implementation and operation of current industry standard building management systems.

The new platform’s plug and play recognition of building equipment makes installation, commissioning and operations of AIRSTAGE Cloud BMS simple and fast, enabling HVAC contractors and facility managers to deliver a powerful BMS at a fraction of the cost of a conventional BMS.  With AIRSTAGE Cloud BMS as a service, building operators and facility managers can finally cost effectively deploy a BMS for any size project.

Cloud access can be assigned to any number of parties.  For example, the property owner and business staff can be added as administrative users, facilities support personnel and HVAC professionals can be added as technician users, and tenants can be added occupant users.  All these user types can have different rights and restrictions as the account holder desires.

AIRSTAGE Cloud now includes two new apps, Site Manager and Refrigerant Cycle Monitor (RCM).  Site Manager allows users of an account to monitor and control a complete portfolio of sites, from one site to thousands.  Account access can be assigned to any number of users.  For example, the property owner and business staff can be added as administrative users, facilities support personnel and HVAC professionals can be added as technician users, and tenants can be added as occupant users.  In addition, a user’s access can be further customized by a sophisticated permissioning system.

RCM is a specialized diagnostic tool used to monitor and diagnose issues with AIRSTAGE VRF systems. It is predominantly used during installation and commissioning of VRF systems. It greatly reduces service times, labor, and repeat visits saving all stakeholders time and money.

Learn more at www.FujitsuGeneral.com

GE Appliances, a Haier company, Air & Water Solutions, introduced an expansion to its RealMAX Gas Water Heater line at the 2024 Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Expo in Chicago. In 2024, Air & Water Solutions will expand its atmospheric offering with ultra low NOx and power vent gas water heaters, providing options for customers in areas with stringent emissions standards or restricted installations.

RealMAX products offer real capacity — a true 30, 40 or 50 gallons based on the model — where others round up according to DOE standards. The ultra low-NOx products offer up to four times lower emissions and will be available in standard atmospheric venting and power vent models.

“The new RealMAX models are a testament to our continued commitment to the industry, to providing unparalleled performance and to creating solutions that meet our customers’ needs,” said Tom Zimmer, executive director of water heating for GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions. “With every water heater model we carry, we’re committed to delivering maximum performance for the pro channel and distributors.”

GE Appliances made a $70 million investment in U.S. manufacturing when it opened its dedicated gas water heater plant in Camden, South Carolina, in 2022. Available in more than 20 models, RealMAX gas water heaters offer key performance and convenience features, such as:

• Real Capacity: Customers receive a real 30, 40 or 50 gallons based on the model.
• Quick Recovery: Optimized burner performance means hot water is quickly replenished.
• Easy Installation: Standard water and gas connections allow old water heaters to be replaced quickly.
• SmartShield™ Safety System: This system monitors the surrounding air and automatically shuts off the unit if abnormal temperatures are detected.
• Built-to-Last Warranty: RealMAX premium water heaters carry an 8-, 10- or 12-year tank and parts limited warranty based on the model.

For more information, visit GEAppliancesAirAndWater.com.

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Jan. 25 – 27, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of their latest underground and pressing technology solutions, the opportunity to network with other pros during an exclusive show meetup and the first chance to enter to win a spot at the 2024 RIDGID Experience.

“RIDGID is taking cleaning, inspecting and patching to the next level and our team can’t wait to meet with the plumbers and drain cleaning professionals at WWETT to share our latest solutions,” said Jeff Albertini, marketing director, plumbing and mechanical, RIDGID. “We also can’t wait to host an exclusive in-booth meet up for industry pros to connect with each other and to offer the possibility of winning a new K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine.”

RIDGID invited tradespeople to stop by the RIDGID booth to experience their innovative drain cleaning, inspection, pipe rehabilitation, and pressing tools, including these latest solutions:

• NEW: FlexShaft® KM-1004 Milling Machine – This new innovative milling machine provides heavy-duty milling and a wall-to-wall clean on 1 ¼ to 4-inch pipe up to 80 feet with unmatched efficiency. With cordless freedom, plug-in capability, first ever cable counter, and best-in-class durability, the FlexShaft KM-1004 Milling Machine allows users to adapt to tough jobsite conditions and makes in-field serviceability effortless.
• NEW: K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine – This upgraded version of the K9-204 FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine has latches around the perimeter to provide easy access to the inside of the machine, an improved cable clamp for increased cable protection, and on-board hex key storage. The K9-204+ can be used on 2 to 4-inch pipe and includes 70 feet of 5/16-inch cable. A full range of chain knockers and accessories are available.
• RIDGID Pipe Patching System – An all-inclusive, start-to-finish solution for faster and simpler trenchless repairs, the Pipe Patching System is the most versatile system on the market, offering more types of repairs with less materials and equipment. Featuring a durable fiberglass patch, it is ideal for repairing small sections of damaged pipe in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
• SeeSnake® Mini Pro Inspection Camera with TruSense Technology – The first reel of its kind to provide digital self-leveling without mechanical rotation, the small, yet rugged Mini Pro is designed to inspect up to 200 feet of 1 ½ to 8-inch pipe with its mid-flex push cable that can navigate hard 90-degree bends. Its innovative 25 mm digital self-leveling camera head always keeps the in-pipe image upright and, when
  paired with a TruSense enabled monitor, the Mini Pro delivers the industry’s best in-pipe image with superior clarity, detail and fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see.
• K-4310 FXP™ Drum Machine – The K-4310 features an industry-first cable counter that provides real-time, in-pipe cable distance in 3 to 10-inch lines for faster locating and diagnostics. Ideal for residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning projects, its powerful brushless DC motor spins at 230 RPM allowing you to tackle tough jobs with less required maintenance. The battery-powered K-4310 is also the newest addition to the FXP Technology Platform, delivering cordless freedom and powerful performance.

Other RIDGID drain cleaning, diagnostic, and press tools will also be available for demo including sectional machines, drum machines, jetters, SeeSnake® camera systems and locators.

Along with product demos, RIDGID had several other booth experiences, including hosting a booth meetup where they will gave away a K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine. Additionally, the first day of the show kicked off the RIDGID Experience 2024 and the RIDGID WWETT booth was the first opportunity for attendees to enter for their chance to win a spot on the seventh annual, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. Throughout the show, attendees scanned their badge to enter to win one of three K9-102 FlexShaft Machines.

RIDGID also took their social followers to WWETT virtually on their social channels and with drain cleaning professionals Evan Berns (@re.plumb) and Nick Parlet (@plumbingsk8r) who will shared their WWETT show experience on their social media channels too.

To learn more about RIDGID purpose-built tools they had at WWETT, contact your local distributor or visit RIDGID.com.