OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Standard will be in effect September 23, 2017. OSHA is issuing the standard to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the construction industry in order to allow employers to tailor solutions to the specific conditions in their workplaces. The new standard has had tool manufacturers working overtime to engineer Read more
HVAC
OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Standard will be in effect September 23, 2017. OSHA is issuing the standard to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the construction industry in order to allow employers to tailor solutions to the specific conditions in their workplaces.
The new standard has had tool manufacturers working overtime to engineer tools and too attachments that will keep us productive while meeting the dust collection requirements. Here at The Hub we will be sharing reviews and information in the coming days and weeks leading up to September 23 date showing the various tools and attachments you might consider for your own compliance. Here is our first review:
https://youtu.be/mWLfwgkPLCc
Bosch HDC100 Dust Collection Attachment
Bosch knows concrete and the tools needed to work efficiently and effectively on the plumbing & hvac job site. Whether you’re working with a Bosch Bulldog rotary hammer or nearly any other modern rotary hammer of another brand this attachment is simple to install and use and is priced right in our opinion.
We’re referring to the HDC100 as a “universal” attachment, though it’s not listed as such on Bosch’s website it will fit any modern rotary hammer with a barrel mounting neck for a standard auxiliary handle (see pic above).
The 1.5lb composite plastic dust collection attachment has a built-in depth stop with a maximum drilling depth of 4-3/4” and can handle SDS drill bits up to ¾” diameter, dry core drilling up to 3-1/8” diameter [when using the core bit adapter, included].
As seen in the video the HDC100 is very effective at collecting nearly 100% of the dust from the ½” holes drilled for the drop-in anchors, an extremely common task on any mechanical job site. The dust port can be hooked up to a 1-3/8-In. vacuum hose nozzle, or it can accommodate 1-1/4-In. or 2-In. nozzles when combined with an appropriate optional adapter.
It is important to note that the HDC100 alone is not all that is needed for compliance with the OSHA standard. The HDC100 must be connected to a HEPA rated dust collector vacuum that meets the minimum requirements of the Crystalline Silica Standard to be compliant. In the video we are using the Bosch GBH18V-26 18V EC Brushless 1 In. SDS-plus® Bulldog Rotary Hammer and Bosch VAC090A 9 Gallon Dust Extractor with Automatic Filter Clean.
We have done some online price searches and found that nearly all Bosch tool retailers are listing the HDC100 at $69-70 US, its available for purchase currently.
This is only one of many tools Bosch has engineered to meet the OSHA standard, please watch for reviews of additional tools soon here on mechanical-hub.com.
It’s been two months since I took delivery of the Dewalt DCE200 press tool and I’ve had the opportunity to put it to work on a handful of jobs now. This is a feature-packed tool unlike many on the market today. With capabilities of handling any and all press systems common in North America and Read more
It’s been two months since I took delivery of the Dewalt DCE200 press tool and I’ve had the opportunity to put it to work on a handful of jobs now. This is a feature-packed tool unlike many on the market today. With capabilities of handling any and all press systems common in North America and Europe team Black & Yellow pulled out all the stops in engineering their first at what I’m guessing will be a team of press tools to come.
First off I’d like to cover the important specs.
- Capable of pressing ½”-2” copper & stainless steel V-groove fittings
- Compatible with competitor jaw sets for Iron Pipe [Mega-Press]
- Compatible with competitor jaw sets for PEX press [Viega/Nibco]
- 4-ton pressing force
- Current online pricing searches average $1999.00
I first learned of this tool back in July/August of 2016 at the annual new tool event hosted by Dewalt. When I first put my hands on it I admit I was a little surprised of the physical size overall but after using it for both boiler and tankless water heater installations now I can honestly say the size of the tool has not proved to be an issue at all. Weighing in at 7.16lbs without a jaw it is lighter than other comparable tools common on the job today. Ergonomics may be a slightly different story and I do carry a bias toward in-line design press tools. This tool is front-end heavy, loaded with anything over 1″ jaws and it will not stand on it’s own. That may be partially due to the small footprint of the 20V battery or the handle angle and placement. Either way its a strain on the wrist and requires two hands to steady the tool most of the time.
Features
This pistol-grip press tool is packed with some new innovation to the market that should prove useful to many contractors working on commercial & residential projects alike. Notably, Dewalt’s proprietary software system Crimp Connect. This free software download allows the owner/user to connect the press tool via the onboard mini USB port providing ability to print detailed reports of the date, time, force, and successfully completed cycles of the presses completed by the tool as well as the tools calibration and service history.
Located on the top rear of the tool you’ll find a somewhat familiar interactive panel where the tool’s power is controlled along with LED light indicators showing the successful completion of a single press, battery indicator, low & high temperature warnings. There’s even a “service required” indicator light telling the user that the tool has reached the cycle limitations.
While the power panel is not unique to press tools of this caliber, the Crimp connect feature is. An added feature I found interesting is the double trigger.
The bottom trigger controls the start and completion of the press cycle. Dewalt went with a “manual” cycle operation here. You’ll need to depress the trigger completely for the duration to complete the press cycle. Cycle time is anywhere between 4-6 seconds depending on the diameter and type of material being pressed. The unique second trigger, the top trigger can be used to release the press cycle at any point. This is useful when a cycle has started but the operator decides [far various reasons] to stop the press. When pressed fully, the top trigger will release the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder and allow the ram to retract quickly. This would allow for repositioning of the tool or fitting when needed, potentially saving a fitting from incorrect attachment to the piping.
A shoulder strap and ring attachment point are included with the tool. Dewalt states in the manual that it should be used for transporting the tool on the jobsite. Some feedback I have received from other plumbers is the strap may be useful when working on a ladder, a situation that often lends to the possibility of dropping a tool like this….I’ve done that and it wasn’t pretty.
The tool is made in France but the jaw set is delivered to Dewalt from Germany. Dewalt is offering a 3 year limited warranty, 1 year service and 90 day money back guarantee. You’ll most likely have to order this tool from specialty tool suppliers offering the whole Dewalt lineup. You can also look to plumbing and mechanical supply houses for stock as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVIlalA-Abs
UV Resources Adds Prewired Safety Controller to RLM XTREME UV-C System, Improves Operator Protection
The new UL 1995-compliant safety controller puts facilities almost three years ahead of the November 2019 deadline that requires all HVAC access points to automatically de-energize the UV-C system when opened. Prior to the prewired system, contractors would have to individually install and wire each access point via conduit, increasing labor costs. The new prewired Read more
The new UL 1995-compliant safety controller puts facilities almost three years ahead of the November 2019 deadline that requires all HVAC access points to automatically de-energize the UV-C system when opened.
Prior to the prewired system, contractors would have to individually install and wire each access point via conduit, increasing labor costs. The new prewired controller offers HVAC contractors a plug-and-play system, which regulates up to six safety interlock switches/access doors, greatly reducing this labor-intensive procedure.
“With its newly-incorporated 24V Contact Controller, the RLM Xtreme is way ahead of the game in meeting upcoming UL 1995 standards,” says Dan Jones, President of UV Resources. “Ensuring operator safety is our priority, and the prewired controller significantly minimizes the chance of accidental UV exposure. Furthermore, the 50 percent labor savings more than pay for the cost of the new controller.”
During its 2016 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) appointed Christopher Drew, Executive Vice President of Burnham Holdings, Inc., as its 2017 Chairman of the Board. AHRI’s 315 member companies represent more than 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers in North America, and employ over 1.2 million people Read more
During its 2016 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) appointed Christopher Drew, Executive Vice President of Burnham Holdings, Inc., as its 2017 Chairman of the Board.
AHRI’s 315 member companies represent more than 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers in North America, and employ over 1.2 million people across the United States. Drew has served on the AHRI Board of Directors since 2008, and joined the Executive Committee in 2010. He has also held the positions of Treasurer and then Vice-Chairman.
As Chairman, Drew expects to continue to support several AHRI initiatives, many of which seek to find the proper balance and dialog between industry and the government agencies that regulate many of the products manufactured by AHRI members. Reform of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) is a priority, along with ensuring that AHRI is engaging with the White House and Capitol Hill at the appropriate levels so that the views and issues of concern to AHRI members are being effectively communicated.
“Some of our most important work involves coordination with the DOE and EPA to ensure that new energy efficiency mandates are sensible for end users, installers and manufacturers,” said Drew. “As an organization we look forward to working with the new administration towardsa regulatory process that is balanced and sensible.”
Additionally, Drew is looking forward to beginning a dialog among AHRI’s members regarding the organization’s role in supporting efforts to deploy commercial and residential heating and cooling equipment that is now part of the “Internet of Things.” In an era of heightened awareness surrounding cyber-threats, appliance security, privacy of data collected, equipment reliability, and communication capabilities are all-important factors for the industry to consider.
Burnham Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of multiple subsidiaries that are leading domestic manufacturers of boilers and related HVAC products and accessories (including furnaces, radiators and air conditioning systems), for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its subsidiaries brands include Burnham by US Boiler Company, Crown by Velocity Boiler, New Yorker Boiler, Thermal Solutions Products, Burnham Commercial and Thermo Pride.
Key Benefits: Energy Savings, Fresh Air Ventilation Field Controls has developed two VentCool™ systems to help contractors capitalize on free cooling and deliver energy efficiency. The VentCool Automated System “bolts on” to an existing forced air system and VentCool Whole House Fan works independent of the HVAC system. Both provide dramatic energy savings and fresh Read more
Key Benefits: Energy Savings, Fresh Air Ventilation
Field Controls has developed two VentCool™ systems to help contractors capitalize on free cooling and deliver energy efficiency. The VentCool Automated System “bolts on” to an existing forced air system and VentCool Whole House Fan works independent of the HVAC system. Both provide dramatic energy savings and fresh air ventilation. Now contractors have a choice.
Saving on AC is just the beginning
The benefits of free cooling begin with dramatic energy savings. Free Cooling systems use up to 90% less energy than running compressor-based air conditioning units. As the cooler air circulates through the home, it cools the structure and everything in it. With this thermal mass cooling effect, traditional air conditioning isn’t needed until later in the day. This translates into less use of the AC system and greater cost savings.
Automated Free Cooling System – The “Residential Economizer”
The VentCool Automated Free Cooling System is one of the most innovative systems on the market. This state-of-the-art system is completely automatic and works in concert with an existing forced air system via the Integrated Ventilation Re-lay Center (IVRC). Indoor/outdoor temperature sensors automatically signal ultra-quiet, positive seal dampers and engage the central fan to bring in cool air while exhausting warm air. Field Controls Fresh Air Dampers are the most reliable de-sign on the market, rated at over 100,000 cycles. With controlled intake and exhaust vents, windows and doors can re-main closed, keeping the home safe and the air fresh. Four models provide a variety of sizes and configurations. The system can be controlled via smartphone, tablet or computer.
Whole House Fans for a New Era
The VentCool Whole House Fan includes six models that work independent of the central HVAC system. These self-contained units feature quiet, energy efficient ECM fans, insulated louvers and self-sealing dampers. Fresh air is pulled into the home through an open window or door and provides airflow from 884 CFM up to 4950 CFM. Insulated duct and ultra-quiet insulated fans minimize noise. These fans are activated manually and can be equipped with a timer and auto-matic shut off switch.
A New Profit Center and Energy Credits
VentCool Free Cooling Systems provide the contractor an additional source of revenue while providing a needed service for the homeowner. VentCool fans use about one tenth the electricity of a typical air conditioner and provide a welcome reduction in the homeowner’s utility costs. Contractors throughout the U.S. have found the homeowner more than recep-tive to the idea. All VentCool models meet or exceed ventilation requirements for ASHRAE 62.2 and qualify for California’s Title 24 free cooling energy credits.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that whole house free cooling systems are the most cost effective way to cool a home.
For more information about Field Controls, visit http://www.fieldcontrols.com/.