TEST & MEASUREMENT TOOLS

The battery powered DPG Series digital pressure gauge from Winters is suited for commercial and industrial applications. The 2.5-in. case is made with ABS and a silicone rubber boot, and the digital gauge offers features such as: reset to zero function, options for a backlight and a continuous peak pressure indication. It comes with a ±1% accuracy standard and a ±0.5% option for gauges up to 10,000 psi. Operating temperature is -10C to 50C (14F to 122F). winters.com

TSI’s AirAssure 8144-2 is a two-gas model designed to help understand and manage common indoor air pollutants while utilizing lowcost sensor technology to continuously monitor carbon dioxide (CO2), total volatile organic compounds (tVOC), particulate matter (PM), and other indoor air conditions. The model 8144-2 also connects to TSI Link Solutions cloud-based monitoring platform which allows users to view, analyze and share actionable data in real time.tsi.com NAVAC now offers a smart refrigerant charger that also features an exacting digital manifold gauge and precision wireless electronic scale. Weighing less than 40lbs, the NRC62D Smart Refrigerant Charger is designed to perform the tasks of several tools in one unit. The unit offers automatic operation for intuitive, consistent system evacuation and refrigerant filling. The digital manifold gauge features pressure and temperature displays as well as calculated super-heat and sub-cooling data. The wireless electronic scale can also be used as a standalone device.navacglobal.com

The new Wireless Vacuum Gauge (MG44) from Fieldpiece is engineered to give users ease of use and a reliable reading. The gauge offers a leak-proof seal, and the MG44 can be used with the company’s Job Link System app from long distances. The easy-to-read backlit LCD offers graphical representation of the vacuum progress even in low light or at odd angles.fieldpiece.com Kane has introduced its new 599 ECM tester offering full HVAC/R functionality to be prepared for any call. Designed for EC motor measurement, it provides three-phase rotation testing and unbalanced motor testing. Its Low Z filter eliminates ghost voltages; it has built-in differential temperature; and it can provide real time data remotely using Kane’s app.kanetest.ca

The EXTECH 250W Series of handheld Bluetooth-connected meters from Teledyne Flir are made for building diagnostics, especially for HVAC/R contractors. Each 250W series device is compatible with the ExView App to capture data, display trends, set alarms, and to create and send reports via mobile client devices. The app can connect with up to eight meters at once, providing users with deeper insights on equipment and building health. flir.ca

SHOW REVIEW > CIPHEX WEST 2021

The plumbing and heating industry gathered together in Vancouver for the industry’s first trade show event since the pandemic. BY DOUG PICKLYK

CIPHEX West show floor, exhibitors getting ready to receive the visitors on the first day of the two-day event, November 2nd and 3rd, 2021.

For two days in Vancouver the industry gathered again in person to see and learn about the latest in plumbing and heating technologies, network with colleagues and share some laughs. The return of CIPHEX West on November 3 and 4 saw more than 150 exhibitors spread over 30,000 sq. ft. primarily located on the arena floor at the Coliseum located at the Pacific National Exhibition grounds.

According to the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the show organizers, 51% of the attendees at the show were contractors and renovators, while some 20% were wholesalers. CIPH president Ralph Suppa commented, after visiting every booth, that everyone was very encouraged by the level of activity and positive energy being generated on the show floor.

Among all of the action, heat pump technology was a topic of great interest for a number of the contractors visiting this year’s event, especially in light of the new Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) 2022 which mandates zero emissions for space heating and domestic hot water (DHW) beginning January 1, 2022 for new home builds in the city of Vancouver.

There were eight educational sessions during the show, with four dedicated to hydronics and heat pumps. One of the more well-attended programs was a panel session titled The Changing Landscape of Hydronics in Canada, moderated by Jerry Leyte of Viessmann Canada, panelists included: Mark Evans of Viega, Mike Miller of TACO, Dave Hughes of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CIPH), Gary Milligan of the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) and Phil White from the City of Vancouver.

To open the discussion, the manufacturers addressed how they are reacting to supply chain issues and the challenges experienced since the pandemic began. Ultimatly they reflected on the reality that supplies are more challenging to source, and increasing demand is driving up costs for manufacturers. And there doesn’t seem to be a quick resolution in sight.

The conversation moved towards how digital technologies are changing the hydronics industry. “There is a knowledge transfer happening,” said Evans. “The products are becoming smarter, and that changes the need for training and the type of training that people get.”

“Fifty years ago, if you sold a boiler it came in sections and it was assembled on-site by the trades person. The concept of the packaged boiler changed things, and now with the Internet of Things it’s making that product smarter and it’s changing a lot of what a trades person needs to know.”

Hughes agreed, noting how there are now boilers with builtin O2 sensors that don’t require a combustion analyzer to set them up, and integrated WiFi is allowing for remote access for diagnostics and troubleshooting. But he insists that train-

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The interest level was high for attendees engaging with exhibitors at the plumbing and heating industry’s first in-person trade show since the pandemic hit. Mike Miller of TACO Comfort Solutions and regular HPAC contributor, presented a session on Meeting the Needs of the Future: Air to Water Heat Pumps. Phil White from the City of Vancouver (front), along with Dave Hughes of CHC (back left) and Gary Milligan of TECA (back right), along with Mark Evans (Viega), Mike Miller (TACO) and Jerry Leyte (Viessmann) participated in a panel called: The Changing Landscape of Hydronics in Canada.

ing still has to cover the basics for new people coming into the industry.

“It’s great that we have this smart equipment, but technicians still have to know what that system is supposed to do and how it’s supposed to operate,” says Hughes.

Milligan noted that TECA has adjusted its training to online and they’ve been as busy as ever. “It has been a lot of work, but it’s been a win-win and a great learning experience for everybody.”

VANCOUVER BY-LAW

The talk then shifted to the City of Vancouver’s new building by-law. Phil White noted there are some allowances, so if a house is built to the Passive House standard, then natural gas boilers or natural gas for DHW can be used. But every other new build, three stories or less, has to be zero emissions for space heating and DHW, as of January 1.

In Vancouver radiant heating with hydronics accounts for over 90% of new builds, so according to White, it’s actually a perfect marriage for zero emissions to bring in heat pumps now to do what that natural gas boilers were doing before.

Electric baseboard heating is permitted, as well as electric boilers for infloor heating or radiators, but those systems also come with the additional running cost. “We’re really trying to push the heat pump route,” says White. “That’s why we’ve developed training in collaboration with TECA, and we’ve brought out a Municipal Heat Pump Certification to provide upskilling to the installer base that’s already out there.”

The new TECA program is a 21-hour course that was officially launched at CIPHEX. The new program coincides with a change coming July 1, pending city council approval, that a mechanical permit will be required and the city will be inspecting heating systems going into new builds.

So if the permitting is approved, then completion of the Municipal Heat Pump Certification exam will become mandatory for the installation of heat pumps in the city of Vancouver after July 1.

Hughes noted that it all goes back to education, and that there are people installing hydronic systems across Canada who haven’t been properly trained. “That’s part of the reason the city of Vancouver is introducing their heating permit, so that they can bring some law and order to the wild west,” said Hughes.

Milligan agreed, noting that in some municipalities there is regulation without verification. “So if there is no threat of inspecting and demanding changes, we end up with situations where people end up trying to get away with anything they can to save a dollar.”

When asked where the city is seeing the most resistance to the new by-law, White acknowledged that home builders were generally not happy with the change, but they’ve found that citizens want to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, so there is a lot of voluntary uptake. “This is the way the world is going,” he said. <>

CIPHEX West 2023 is scheduled to return to Calgary on October 18 and 19, 2023, taking place at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.