March/April 2011 by Mechanical Business

PM #41536047

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CONTENTS O F

60COVER STORY

Rick Hansen’s mission is to share hope and change lives. We caught up with the Man in Motion as he’s rolling through another year on tour. David Janzen

One thing leads to another 28HYDRONIC DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS Choosing the right pipe and layout for your application Lance MacNevin

PICK A TUB, ANY TUB 84

SOAK IN A SEA OF CHOICE There’s a perfect tub for every person, lifestyle and budget – can you find the right match for your customer? Patricia Diamente

28PLUMBING

Dissecting the nitty-gritty of greywater standards, guidelines and codes in Canada. Christopher Adam McLeod

Hot Sales,

Cool Equipment 64MCEE SHOW GUIDE

Canada’s largest electrical, plumbing and heating trade show of the year is destined for Montreal, and we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of your visit.

22COOLING FORECAST

The time to get the cooling campaign mobilized is now. David Janzen and Adam Freill

On the cover: In 1985, Rick Hansen started a 26-month round-the-world trip to raise awareness of spinal cord injury. More than 25 years later he’s still at it, raising funds and awareness everywhere he goes. Photo: Courtesy of the Rick Hansen Foundation

TA B L E M O R E F E AT U R E S 20PLUMBING How to vent suds zones Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

34REFRIGERANTS What happens at the end of the road Denise Deveau

M B

CONTENTS O F

S P E C I A L I S T S 36 44

38MACERATING TECHNOLOGY A small-bore drainage solution Daniel Cayer

48DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS Buying an infrared camera? Don’t be afraid to ask for a demo. Greg Bork

52AIR CONDITIONING Popping the hood on residential condenser replacements Scott Nelmark

62BARRIER-FREE DESIGN Plumbing code considerations for accessible public spaces Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

72ROAD WARRIOR Montreal’s Daniel Monette

74FIND THE FIX 78SELLING IAQ Get your customers to think of you for IAQ Craig Jobber

56 76

ASK ROGER Price drop pitfalls Roger Grochmal If prices drop, volume has to go up – but by how much? HYDRONICS Unwanted company: Dirt & Air Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr If left unchecked, loose particles of dirt and excess air in the system can cause major headaches. A smart designer knows how to avoid them. HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC Under pressure Gord Cooke Avoiding back-drafting, testing for pressure and creating comfort. MARKETING Putting social media to work Doug MacMillan Word of mouth is an established method of successful business promotion, but what is the web whispering about your company? REFRIGERATION Advances in compression technology Phil Boudreau Rising energy costs are driving manufacturers towards the efficiency horizon and helping reduce the collective carbon footprint of global industry.

116 WORLD VIEW Are we ready for the female urinal? Jeff Patchell A recent study shows that more than half of the women questioned would use a urinal if one were available.

88PROTECTING THE BOILER Thermal shock avoidance Thomas Neill

92ENERGY AUDITS Finding opportunities with third-party providers Jaron “Ron” Jordan

96TXV VALVES Taking steps to control superheat Ebbe Hassl

P R O D U C T S . 26,110 HVAC/R 42,70,107Plumbing 46,108Hydronics 112Stuff you need

100CONTROLS Tackling wayward wiring Allan Black

104HOT H2O

D E PA R T M E N T S 06From the editor’s desk 08News 18Profile: Keith Ottaway 98Tool Tip 113Calendar 114The Info Page 118By the numbers

Conserving water with on-demand systems Dale Stroud M e c h a n i c a l

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Content Media Group Inc. 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 CANADA Tel: 905.465.2919 Fax: 905.465.2913 www.mechanicalbusiness.com March/April 2011 Issue Published 6 times per year. Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Assistant Editor: David Janzen, ext. 225 david.janzen@mechanicalbusiness.com National Accounts Manager: Laura Goodwin, ext. 221 laura.goodwin@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: JJM Graphic Ltd. davem@jjmgraphic.com Circulation Manager: Shila Naik (905) 272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, ext. 222 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)

Postmaster – Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2

Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other for ms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.

Putting needs first So much of success in business comes down to how you work with your customers. Push too hard with a customer and you run the risk of losing them. But if you don’t speak to them enough, or fail to outline the full capabilities that your company brings to the table, that can open the door to a competitor. And if you fail to provide what they need, when they need it, well, we all know what that brings. But what’s too much information? What’s not enough? And how do you get to know their wants and needs? The best place to start, of course, is with communication. If they are calling you, make sure that their call is a top priority. Remember, they are not calling to tell you who they are; they are calling to tell you what they need.

Of course, once you have those clients on your roster, you will need to maintain contact and on-going communications, and with modern techniques that is no longer a one-way street. Be sure to check out Doug MacMillan’s latest instalment on social media (page 76) to see how you can get the web working for you. Until next time,

Adam Freill, Editor

B u s i n e s s

Check out our online archive of back issues, including more on Social Media from columnist Doug MacMillan. Click on the “past issues” tab at www.mechanicalbusiness.com.

When a potential client calls you, start with their needs. Why did they call you? Once you establish the “why,” you can then explain how your services can meet (or exceed) these needs. Where the work is going to happen is really secondary.

From time to time, Content Media Group Inc. makes subscribers’ names available to reputable companies whose products or ser vices may be of interest to readers. If you would like your name excluded from these mailings, please notify the publisher.

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Want more on connecting with customers?

I had a recent customer service experience where the company was so focused on getting my personal details that the reason for my inquiry felt unimportant. Not exactly a great recipe for customer retention.

Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting fir ms and the sector's supply chain partners in Canada. While ever y effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for adver tised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reser ves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).

Got a customer relations tip? Drop by the Mechanical Business booths at the MCEE show (119 and 601) and share a story or two.

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04.11

News

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Online refrigerant training

Mechanicals companies recognized for management excellence

Honeywell has launched two online training modules for its Genetron Performax LT refrigerant, both of which are also available in French. One module addresses new refrigerant system installations, and the other provides resources for R-22 retrofit applications. For more information, visit the company’s website.

Marking its 75th year of business in Western Canada, B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd. is now a member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club. The platinum designation is awarded to companies that have been part of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for six consecutive years or more. “We are the only wholesale distributor in either plumbing or electrical to achieve the prestigious Platinum level award in Canada,” said Ross Robinson, president of the company. “I can’t imagine a more fitting time to be recognized for this accomplishment than during our company’s 75th anniversary."

honeywell.com

The 50 Best Managed program recognizes organizations that achieve high standards of business performance. Others in the mechanical trades sector receiving Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies recognition include The Master Group L.P., Nuheat Industries Ltd., Modern Niagara Group Inc., Engineered Air, S.A. Armsrong Limited and Groupe Deschenes Inc. canadas50best.com

Wireless thermostat adjustment

Through its Switch the ‘Stat program, Summerhill, a Toronto-based environmental firm, collected 17,384 mercurycontaining thermostats for safe disposal and recycling in Ontario and British Columbia last year. To date, more than 70 kilograms of mercury has been diverted from landfill through the program, which has been running in Ontario since 2006 and in B.C. since this past July. The program has grown to accommodate electronic thermostats in addition to the mercury models, and is offered at no cost to participants. Contractors and wholesalers interested in joining the program can find more information at the organization’s website.

Android users now have a new way to adjust the thermostat. Users can make thermostat adjustments by using an Android mobile device with OS 2.0 or higher in conjunction with ecobee’s WiFi enabled Smart Thermostat. The app is a free download, and is available through ecobee’s website, or the Android market place. The company has also released an app for iPhone users. ecobee.com market.android.com

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Program diverts mercury

Natural gas provider turning 100 Union Gas is awarding $100,000 to charitable organizations in the province of Ontario as part of the utility’s centennial celebrations. Founded in 1911, Union Gas formed through the amalgamation of three gas distribution companies, and today, serves 1.3 million customers. To mark 100 years of service, and in preparation for the December 19 anniversary, the company is awarding 100 one-time grants of $1,000 to support charitable groups in Ontario.

HVAC exposition lights up Vegas More than 54,000 HVAC/R professionals attended this year’s AHR Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The event was the largest Western AHR Expo in the show’s 80-year history, and the largest ever on record outside of New York or Chicago. Nearly 2,000 companies showcased their latest products and innovations within the 380,000 square feet of exhibit space. Next year’s AHR Expo will take place in Chicago at McCormick Place. ahrexpo.com

uniongas.com

Seeking loyalty Ken Wong, vice-president, knowledge development for marketing consulting firm Level 5, and a professor at Queen’s School of Business, discusses the pursuit of customer loyalty, and the rewards that come from keeping existing customers happy and coming back. Wong was addressing CIPH Ontario region members during the association’s most recent business meeting, held in Mississauga in February. In his discussion, he explained that relationships change over time, and those that exhibit strong loyalty can evolve to the point where both parties can make gains with a minimal expenditure of effort, provided that both parties work in harmony towards a common goal.

Showing constructive gains Municipalities issued building permits worth $5.4 billion in January. While the dollar value was down 5.1% from the previous month, actual unit figures were up two per cent, jumping to 18,057 new dwellings. Overall, 2010 saw the value of building permits issued by municipalities go up 19.8 per cent to $73.1 billion. The advance was attributed, in part, to a sharp increase in residential construction intentions, up 27.6 per cent from 2009 to $44.3 billion. In the non-residential sector, the value of permits registered at $28.8 billion, up 9.5 per cent versus 2009. www.statcan.gc.ca

ciph.com

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04.11

NEWS

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Partnering with professionals to create better human environments.

Our Mission:

Show manager enters Hall of Fame Canada’s exposition management Hall of Fame has added a CIPH member to its registry. Elizabeth McCullough, CIPH’s general manager of trade shows, was inducted into the hall in early February during the Canadian Association of Exposition Management’s annual award gala in Toronto. She is recognized for her contributions to the exposition management industry, and her strengths as a leader. caem.ca

Ductless splits moving well Figures for ductless split system shipments rose dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to 2009 Q4 numbers. Shipments for ductless split systems rose 94 per cent, while the industry saw a 48 per cent increase in chiller bookings and a 17 per cent increase in commercial air conditioning shipments. hrai.ca

Sustainability on campus Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is building a more sustainable future for Nova Scotia with the official opening of its Centre for the Built Environment (CBE) at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth, N.S. “The CBE represents a new educational model and the capacity of the Waterfront Campus to conduct applied research with industry partners will transform how we teach, learn and practice sustainability in Nova Scotia,” says Don Bureaux, acting president of NSCC. From left: Don Bureaux, Tim Zwicker and Rachel

A geothermal field with 36 wells will Handspiker, all of NSCC, pose with Nova Scotia meet all of the cooling needs of the Premier Darrell Dexter. new Woodside Wing, and provide approximately half of its heating requirements. Kevin O’Halloran, a professor in the Building Systems Technology program, says the students, working together with members of the college’s facilities management team, will have opportunities to undergo troubleshooting exercises on the building’s HVAC system as part of their curriculum. “With the help of Honeywell, we’ve developed a lab to actively monitor the entire HVAC system, offering us a real-time look of energy management, temperature and humidity giving us continuous monitoring of performance,” he says. nscc.ca

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News

www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Copycat products draw ire

New plumbing fixture requirements Effective October 3, 2011, changes to British Columbia’s building code will take effect requiring high-efficiency or dual-flush toilets, as well as high-efficiency urinals, to be installed in new residential buildings, or when renovations involving plumbing fixtures occur. The requirement for toilets with a maximum flush cycle of six litres in industrial, commercial and institutional buildings will remain unchanged. Toilets and urinals represent 30 to 40 per cent of domestic water use in the province.

Hansgrohe’s deputy chairman, Richard Grohe, outlined some of the commercial impact that copycat designs can have on a firm, following a recent trade show in Germany where a copy of one of his company’s faucets, produced by another manufacturer, was presented with a tongue-in-cheek design piracy award. As a result of the mimicked products, “the creation of around 100 jobs are being prevented,” he stated. “Theft of intellectual property hurts the economy and causes job losses.” He estimates the damage caused by product piracy to be about five to 10 per cent of the company’s total annual sales. hansgrohe.com

housing.gov.bc.ca

Small Footprint. Large Features! How do you make a great HRV even better? Ideally suited to narrow installations, the Lifebreath® RNC5-TPD now has a unique Installer Selectable High Speed Setting that can accommodate multiple ventilation rates with a single unit. Made in Canada, the HVI certified and ENERGY STAR® qualified RNC5-TPD has top ports that add to the ease of installation. This enables easy paths for cold side ducting to weatherhoods and warm side ducting to the return. And even though it has a smaller footprint that takes up less space in the utility room, it still contains a full size heat recovery core, making the RNC5-TPD the best choice for space-constrained environments.

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Gas utility adopts new name Terasen Gas, a B.C. natural gas supplier, has rebranded as FortisBC Energy Inc. The name change was effective March 1, and natural gas customers in B.C. will see the name change reflected on their bills. Terasen Gas is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. and provides natural gas to approximately 939,000 customers in the province. fortisinc.ca

Mandatory CO testing

P H O E 3UR HG 6ROY

ASHRAE has released updates pertaining to minimum ventilation requirements for commercial buildings. Standard 62.1-2010 includes revised spreadsheets and example cases for contractors to use as a resource for acceptable and efficient indoor air quality design. For more information, or to order the documents, visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore, or call 1-800-527-4723. ashrae.org

The Technical Standards Safety Authority (TSSA) of Ontario has issued a public safety order mandating gas technicians servicing boilers with an input less than 300,000 BTUH to perform a flue-gas CO test, whether requested by a homeowner or not. The regulation is in effect until the end of the heating season, which TSA lists as May 1. If the flue-gas reading indicates CO levels above 100 ppm, the boiler is deemed a hazard and the equipment must be serviced until a satisfactory CO reading (less than 100 ppm) is achieved. tssa.ca

Revised IAQ standards available

Looking to hire? Check out MB’s online career section, home of the latest industry job postings. mechanicalbusiness.com

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04.11

Still more news www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Manufacturer re-opening

Tool company makes acquisition

Energy Saving Products Ltd., the Edmonton-based manufacturer of HiVelocity Systems, has unveiled a newlyconstructed 23,000 sq. ft. facility. In 2009, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous facility was destroyed by fire, but they have since rebuilt at the original location. The company is holding a re-opening ceremony on May 13.

Klein Tools Inc., a hand tool manufacturer, has acquired UEi Test Instruments, a manufacturer of portable measuring and testing equipment. Having had an existing partnership for two years prior, both companies are looking to grow their respective product lines in the HVAC/R market.

hi-velocity.com

kleintools.com

People Wolseley Canada has appointed JOE MARQUES (above left) manager of national accounts. With 25 years of industry experience, Marques will head up the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national valueadded program. The company has also appointed ROCH STHILAIRE (below left) general manager of the HVAC/R Group for Eastern Canada. Rheem Canada Ltd. has announced the appointment of MARK MUZYKA to assistant sales manager for residential water heaters. He brings more than 17 years of experience in the HVAC industry to this position and will focus on client services. NATASHA FISEKOVIC has also joined the company as product and sales coordinator. She will be providing sales and marketing support for the water heating and HVAC divisions.

Belimo has hired LUC BROCHU as bilingual district sales manager for the region of Montreal. He brings 14 years of HVAC/R experience to his new role.

M e c h a n i c a l

IAN CHIN (right) has joined the Pickering, Ont., branch of Goodman Canada as a territory sales manager. He brings 15 years of HVAC industry experience with him to this position. Specializing in IAQ, RENATO BIASIA below right) has also joined the company in a sales position for the Western Toronto region. He has more than 20 years of HVAC sales experience.

B u s i n e s s

Direct Energy has appointed SCOTT BOOSE president of Clockwork Home Services. Clockwork is the parent company of several mechanical brands including One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. RICHARD RONCHKA has joined SIME North America in a sales and technical advisory position. A specialist in wall-mount and condensing technology, and the founding chair of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, he brings more than two decades of experience to his position.

NCI Marketing has appointed JOHN MCNALLY (left) to sales area manager for the Atlantic Canada region. WILLIAM PING (right) has also joined the company, providing sales support as PVF product manager. He brings more than 10 years of industry experience to his role. 0 4 . 1 1

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Movers and Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com

Laurentide acquires SIE

ABB completes acquisition

SIE, a manufacturer’s representative for residential and commercial plumbing and heating based in Baie-D’Urfé, Que., has become a division of Laurentide Controls Ltd. Employing more than 150 people, Laurentide Controls is a process automation company in Eastern Canada. SIE’s contact information remains unchanged at Tel. 800-363-8482 and the company will continue to operate at its existing location.

In January, ABB Ltd, a power and automation technology group, finalized its purchase of Baldor Electric Company, a North American manufacturer of industrial motors. The transaction is valued at $4.2 billion.

sie.ca

Mechanical supplier moves Heatlink Group Inc. is moving its Mississauga, Ont., operation to a new location. The new site is located at, Units 5 – 7, 2810 Argentia Road, Mississauga, and features larger warehouse space, and three trailerheight shipment bays. The company can be reached at Tel. 800-661-5332.

abb.ca

Master group expands The Master Group L.P., an HVAC/R distributor in Eastern Canada, has acquired three branches of Eastern Refrigeration Supply Co. Ltd. Two of the purchased locations are in the Greater Toronto Area, and the third is in Hamilton, Ont. The Master Group employs more than 400 people in 18 branches and two distribution centres. The company plans to gradually move into its newest three facilities this spring. Eastern Refrigeration Supply is based in Markham, Ont. and has been operating since 1963. master.ca

heatlink.ca

E.S. Gallagher looks west

FLIR finds a new home In February, FLIR Systems Canada moved its offices to 920 Sheldon Court in Burlington, Ont. The company’s phone number remains 905-637-5696 and its fax number is 905-639-5488.

E.S. Gallagher Sales Ltd. has named Savard and Associates as its representative for Western Canada. Rene Savard has more than 35 years of experience in the plumbing and HVACR industry and is located at 15839 116 Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta., and can be reached by phone at 780-918-8682.

flir.ca

esgallagher.com

Exhausto rebrands

Combining forces

Exhausto, a supplier of sustainable exhaust systems has changed its company name to Enervex. The company’s name change reflects its dedication to sustainable design and energy-efficient product offerings. The name change does not affect the company’s services or offerings.

Enermodal Engineering has joined the MMM Group to form one of Canada’s largest consulting firms in the fields of building commissioning and sustainability. Enermodal and MMM Group are already working together on two of the largest P3 projects in Canada.

enervex.com

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enermodal.com mmm.ca

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04.11

Profile Bringing enthusiasm to the mechanical trades

Photo: Lou Recine

With professionalism and enthusiasm being two key criteria for eligibility to receive the MCAC Doug Crawford Award, it came with little surprise – except perhaps to himself – that Keith Ottaway, president of Allpriser, was selected as the award’s first recipient. Always there to lend a hand, Ottaway has devoted numerous hours to the associate council, as well as the association as a whole. “The MCAC’s greatest strength is their Education Foundation,” he said during a recent interview. “It is something very special. My feeling is that the better educated our customers are the more successful they’ll be.”

Q A

Way back in 1919 Ken Allison started a small plumbing price book called Allison’s Pricing Service. The name was shortened by taking the first three letters of each word to come up with Allpriser. He saw that contractors were struggling with different list prices and discounts from wholesalers so he created a universal price list to make the contractors’ lives easier. In 1951 my father bought the business from Ken Allison, and I bought it in 1982. How did you get started in the industry?

FAST FACTS:

BIO

• Keith and his wife Brenda have three boys, all age 26 (yes, triplets). • Keith has a passion for sailing. He and his wife Brenda bought two sail boats before they bought a house. “To me racing is like three dimensional chess but a lot more thrilling,” says Keith.

Name: Keith Ottaway Titles: President Company: Allpriser About Allpriser: Allpriser publishes price guides in printed and electronic format for the plumbing, heating, electric, waterworks and sprinkler industries. The company also provides estimating software for those trades.

M e c h a n i c a l

Q A

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line of faucets by Newform are a spectacular example of great Italian industrial design. Nearly as cool as the new Fiat 500.

How did Allpriser come to be?

I grew up with my dad’s office next door and would help out in my spare time. As they say, I have ink in my veins (Allpriser prints inhouse).

Was Allpriser your first foray into the mechanical sector?

I worked for two years at Emco before joining Allpriser. Working at any wholesaler is a great way to learn about our industry and make some life-long friendships in the process.

What’s the most unique item in the catalogue? One of my favourite items is in our luxury plumbing book. The Morpho

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Q A Q

What do you enjoy most about the industry? Even though the mechanical industry has been solidly established for decades it is still constantly changing. My feeling is that is why it attracts a solid, dependable group of people that are wonderful to work with. Any fun stories you can share from your experience in the mechanical industry?

. A number of years ago we were fortunate to hire Pat Patterson to help us put together our waterworks and electrical books. He made every day a lot of fun. It wasn’t just his great stories and endless jokes, but the fun we had trying to figure out how he managed to crash his computer every week.

Tell me about the Doug Crawford Memorial Award. How much of an honour was that to win? And what does it mean to you?

. Receiving the Doug Crawford award was a total shock and great honour. I was so overwhelmed that my friends thought that much of me that I was given Doug’s fist award. I’m still at a loss for words. Thanks guys.

DID YOU KNOW? The Allpriser office is in an old stone farmhouse that was built in the 1850s in Toronto’s west end.

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“The new Vic-Press™ Schedule 10S system was easy to use and installed quickly. The tool was simple and produced plumb joints, which was a real time saver.” CHAD HYNDSHAW, MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Learn more:

www.vic-press.com www .vic-press.com

By Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

VENTING

HANDLING

SUDS ZONES PRESSURE

igh-sudsing detergents are used in clothes washing machines in residential occupancies and commercial laundries, but soap suds are also formed from fixtures, such as tub and showers, kitchen sinks and dishwashers. The suds created disrupt the normal venting action and spread through the lower portions of drainage systems. The more turbulence caused by changes in direction over 45º in the stacks, the greater the suds. This can cause an increase in the pressure and vacuum levels in the drainage and venting systems. In many cases where fixtures are connected near the base of stacks, back pressure can force suds back up through the trap spilling out with what appears to be an overflowing fixture. Past quick fixes have included the installation of a neoprene check valve directly in fixture tailpieces (a.k.a. a “Robbie”) or a full size horizontal check valve on the trap arm serving a fixture.

ACCORDING TO

CODE

Through experience, many of the building codes in Nor th America have opted to follow the lead of the National Standar d Plumbing Code in the United States by identifying specific sudsing locations. In Canada, for now, the code pertains just to when receiving discharge from clothes washers, but that does not preclude the use of suds zone strategies in other applications. According to Canadian code, any soil or waste pipe that ser ves more than one clothes washer, where pressure zones are created by detergent suds, must not serve for connecting other soil or waste pipes wher e there is a change in direction of the soil or waste pipe of mor e than 45º, over a length of not less than: • 40 times the size of the soil or waste pipe before change in direction, and The 2010 National Plumbing Code of Canada has limited the maximum length of the suds pressure zone to 2.44m (eight feet).

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• 10 times the size of the soil or waste pipe after changing in dir ection.

• According to code • The auxiliary stack

>>> THE

AUXILIARY STACK >>>>>> Larger sized soil or waste stacks ser ving suds-producing fixtures that have suds pressure zones extending through more than one storey above the base of the stack, or above a horizontal offset in the stack, need the lowest three floors above the base or horizontal offset to discharge into a separate “auxiliary” stack. In the case of a horizontal offset, the separate stack for the three floors above the offset may be reconnected to the main stack below the offset, provided that the point of connection is not a suds pr essure zone in either stack. Note that the connections downstream of the base of a stack or horizontal offset m ust conform to the requirements regarding what is known as the area of turbulence.

The length of the Suds Pressure Zone can be determined using this table. Pipe Size

Length of Suds Pressure Zone 40 Diameters Upstream

10 Diameters Downstream

4” (100mm)

13’ - 4” (4m)

3’ - 3” (1m)

3” (75mm)

10’ - 0” (3m)

2’ - 6” (750mm)

2” (50mm)

6’ - 8” (2m)

1’ - 8” (500mm)

Rainier Bratsch-Blundel is a plumbing professor and the Plumbing and Steamfitting programs coordinator for apprenticeship and skilled trades at George Brown College. He is also the vice-president of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association and publishes a version of the Ontario Plumbing Code with an extensive illustrated appendix at orderline.com. He can be contacted at rblundel@georgebrown.ca, or visit OPIA online at www.opia.info.

SUDS PRESSURE ZONES AND SEPARATE “AUXILIARY” STACK M e c h a n i c a l

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By David Janzen and Adam Freill

COOLING FORECAST

Hot Sales,

Cool Equipment he consensus is in for the 2011 cooling season: Don’t let SEER ratings or the uncertainty of government incentives slow you down. Whether it’s smart metering, hybrid technologies, or helping customers transition away from R-22 refrigerants, avenues exist to make the 2011 cooling season a successful one.

Stock and

supply

While SEER ratings are a purchasing factor, there are other elements to consider that appeal to savvy customers. Technologies such as communicating thermostat controls are emerging as “must-haves” for clients, says Rick Little of Johnson Controls. “Things like quiet operation need to be considered and efficiency is not the only benefit customers are looking for.” Tom Boutette, president of B&B Trade Distribution Centre, echoes those sentiments. “We all need to think of better ways to market ourselves and do business in different ways than we have in the past. Look for new opportunities, new kinds of customers and different kinds of technologies,” he says. Fourth quarter 2010 figures from HRAI show cooling system shipments on the rise—not surprising given the rebound experienced last cooling season. “For us, residential air conditioning was up 45 per cent to the end of July 2010 compared to the same period in ’09,” says John Bonus, Wolseley Canada’s HVAC/R national sourcing and marketing manager. “Watch emerging technologies like geothermal, solar and inverter technology used mostly on the ductless side offering very high efficiencies.” Keeping cool, of course, will largely depend on what Mother Nature delivers in the coming months. Canadians aren’t soon to forget the hot summer experienced last year, so now is the time to be thinking cooling products, advises Anton Wolmarans, Mitsubishi Electric’s vice-president and general continued on page 24

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Tom Boutette, president of B&B Trade Distribution Centre understands the relationship contractors have with their suppliers. “I would suggest they buy product from a supplier who will back up the product, carry the inventory, and is able to supply product as they need it. A good distributor should have the product available so the contractor can purchase as he sells the equipment. The contractor should not have to buy product and warehouse inventory.” Not holding the inventory can help a contractor’s financial exposure and capital investment, not to mention that cost savings for bulk purchases can be eaten up by carrying and finance charges. “Beyond that concern, there is usually a very short window of opportunity when it comes to selling air conditioners,” says Boutette. “It is very easy to get ‘stuck’ with inventory from one season to the next.”

Swap Outs With a large number of households still running 15- to 20-year-old systems, there is considerable potential for generating new business, says Tom Boutette. “Every contractor should be pushing consumers to change out the old R-22, 10 SEER or below, equipment to a 13 or 14 SEER R-410a system. Push the environmental and efficiency savings. Consumers are more aware and responsive to these issues than they were a few short years ago.”

WE’VE GOT

COMMERCIAL CURB APPEAL!

Goodman® brand Commercial Packaged Products are now available up to 20 tons! They come loaded with features like robust product performance, high-efﬁciency performance, quiet operation, and easy installation and service. Count on Goodman to offer you a professional, direct relationship, competitive pricing, broad distribution and fast reliable leadtimes. Let us earn your business! For complete product and warranty information, visit www.goodmanmfg.com or call us at 1-877-780-3316.

*Complete warranty details available from your local dealer or at www.goodmanmfg.com.

GOODMAN DISTRIBUTION, INC. LOCATIONS: N. TORONTO 8305 Jane St., Unit 3 L4K5Y3 905-760-2737 E. TORONTO 963-979 Brock Rd., Suite 1-5 L1W3A4 905-420-4001

OTTAWA 1161 Parisien St. K1B4W4 613-745-3846 CALGARY 3651 21st St. NE, Suite D T2E6T5 403-250-6579

BRANTFORD 46 Zatonski Ave. N3T5L8 519-757-0965

MONTREAL 2640 Jacques Cartier-Est J4N1P8 450-674-3883

W. TORONTO 3585 Laird Rd., Unit 12 L5L5Z8 905-606-2345

VANCOUVER 6741 Cariboo Rd., Unit 111 V3N4A3 604-420-1331

SASKATOON 807-60th St. East S7K5Z7 306-651-7350

LAVAL 4313 AutoRoute des Laurentides H7L5W5 450-681-2220 EDMONTON 18043 111 Avenue T552P2 780-443-3072

COOLING FORECAST

continued from page 22

manager of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning division. “I think contractors should be proactive to the best of their ability. Get organized in terms of stock and resources to make good use of opportunities through the whole season, because you only have so many hours in the day to install equipment.” Arming your company with a fair consumer financing option is another approach to making the most of 2011, and may even prove to be the deciding factor in a sale. In addition to offering payment plans, Little says, “Treat every lead like gold and follow up the sales process with each customer, every step of the way.”

Sales Advice John Bonus, of Wolseley Canada, recommends that contractors sell packages with extended warranties as a value-added option. “Contractors need to get mor e innovative on selling their company support. Selling up, selling add-on IAQ pr oducts like HRVs and humidifiers, and providing other options like thermostats, extended warranties, and payment plan programs will help,” he says. “Even rental programs and strategic advertising, such as the use of lawn signs, creative website support, online shopping and door mailers can be of benefit.”

When it comes to refrigerants, Arkema has everything you need. Need R-22? We have it—and the EPA allocation rights to supply it. Need R-22 retrofits? We have great retrofits for AC and refrigeration. Need to reclaim R-22? We have a comprehensive, easy-to-use reclaim program through our network of distributors. Need to source product globally? We produce on a global scale. Have a complicated technical challenge or a question from the field? Our Technical Services staff is ready to help. So make Arkema’s Forane® “shop” a must stop the next time you need refrigerant. It’s the only stop you’ll need to make!

For more information call 416-614-3610 or 1-800-567-5726 or visit us on the web at www.forane-na.com

Explore the possibilities. Arkema Canada Inc. 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 107 Burlington, ON L7L 6B2 www.arkema.ca

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Efficiency appeal Alternate cooling sources such as ice bank storage, hybrid technology and geothermal are gaining momentum as LEED building design continues to push the efficiency envelope. Says Tom Boutette, of B&B Trade Distribution Centre, “The government really needs to get behind newer energy-saving technologies, like geothermal. That’s when it will really take off and have a true impact on ener gy consumption.” And as energy prices continue to climb, energy efficiency will become a larger consideration.

A/C Split-system air conditioners Sized from 1.5 to five tons, Goodman’s GSX14 splitsystem air conditioners offer up to 14 SEER efficiency and use R-410A refrigerant. Cooling capacities range from 18,000 to 56,800 BTUH, and cabinets stand 27-1/2” to 381/4” tall and are 26” to 35-1/2” wide.

Ductless air conditioner Daikin’s Quanternity ductless air conditioner features a built-in humidifier and offers up to 22 SEER efficiency. Control settings can be adjusted using the system’s wireless remote control. Cooling airflow ranges from 230 cfm to 420 cfm and heating air flow rates range from 258 cfm to 438 cfm. The unit offers a cooling capacity up to 12,300 BTUH and a heating capacity up to 18,000 BTUH.

goodmanmfg.com

daikinac.com

Multiple-zone heat pumps

Single stage heat pump Sized from two- to five-tons, split-system, single-stage Affinity Series heat pumps from York are rated up to 16 SEER efficient. Depending on application, the heat pump is available with matching air handlers that allow for upflow, downflow and horizontal left or right configurations. Weighing 199 lb. to 298 lb., the units use R-410A refrigerant.

The Hybrid Flex Inverter (HFI) heat pump line from Fujitsu General America, Inc. offers wallmounted, compact cassette or slim-duct designs. Featuring cooling capacities up to 51,000 BTUH, it is rated up to 17 SEER efficient. The HFI system allows up to eight indoor units to be connected to one outdoor condensing unit, creating eight adjustable climate zones. Units weigh from 18 lb. to 59 lb.

fujitsugeneral.com

yorkhvacdealer.com

Ductless air conditioners Offering four fan speeds, LG’s Art Cool Mirror ductless air conditioners are rated 13 SEER efficient and provide cooling capacities up to 12,000 BTUH. The units use R-410A refrigerant and offer air flow rates between 194 cfm and 330 cfm. Its indoor unit measures 36” wide, 11-3/32” in height and protrudes 6-1/2” from the wall.

lg.ca 26

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By Lance MacNevin

DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS

Lance MacNevin is a mechanical engineer, originally from P.E.I., and is responsible for REHAU Academy in Leesburg, Va. He can be reached at Lance.MacNevin@rehau.com.

One thing leads to another PRO tip Since room sizes vary widely in residential applications, experienced radiant designers will often select different pipe sizes for different rooms to satisfy required heat loads, heated area requirements, installation techniques and tail lengths.

t is extremely important for radiant designers to understand the impact of their specifications on pipe size, spacing and circuit length as they relate to required fluid temperature, operating efficiency and, ultimately, occupant comfort. Although less-thanideal pipe size, spacing and circuit length combinations can be forced to “work” given a large enough circulator, proper design is the key to efficient system operation.

TABLE 1 Pipe Volumes (typical) Nominal PEX Pipe Size

1/4 in

3/8 in

1/2 in

5/8 in

3/4 in

1 in

Approximate Volume (US Gallon / 100 ft)

0.23

0.5

0.98

1.34

1.89

3.2

The skinny (or not so much) on pipe sizing Essentially, there are six radiant PEX (nominal) pipe size choices found in both CSA B137.5-09 and CSA B214-07: 1/4", 3/8”, 1/2", 5/8”, 3/4" and 1”. Though at first glance there might not seem to be much dif ference between pipe sizes like 1/2" and 5/8”, each pipe size actually has r elative advantages and limitations. The obvious difference between a small pipe and a lar ger one is that a larger pipe has more fluid volume. A larger pipe also has more surface area contacting the thermal mass, and transfers a slightly gr eater heat output

per foot length of pipe in a given situation. Since the circulating fluid is used to transfer ener gy and subsequently heat a space, a lar ger pipe technically carries more BTUs per foot length, and the fluid can travel farther before it gives off its energy and significantly cools. Most radiant designers try to keep the maximum temperature difference between supply and return fluid at 20°F (11°C). To better illustrate the pros and cons of pipe sizes, let’s compare 1/2” pipe and 5/8” pipe, both embedded in a poured thermal mass for radiant heating. At the same fluid temperature, flow rate and thermal mass, the 5/8" pipe can transfer appr oximately eight per cent more heat than a 1/2” pipe, based on gr eater continued on page 30

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DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS

Sometimes it’s all in the spacing

surface area. While this may not seem like much of a difference, remember that PEX pipes have a standard dimension ratio of nine (OD is nine times the wall thickness), so a 5/8” pipe also has a thicker wall than a 1/2” pipe.

Typically measured as on-centre (o-c) spacing, tighter pipe spacing means there is more pipe in the floor and, therefore, more fluid transferring the required energy into the heated space . Depending on the application and installation technique, viable pipe spacing can var y between four and 18 inches, although most radiant projects use spacing in the range of six to eight inches in perimeter ar eas and nine to 12 inches in occupied areas.

All things being equal, a 5/8” pipe can use a 20 per cent longer circuit length before the fluid gets “cold.” This may r educe the number of circuits by 20 per cent, which can translate into a significant difference on larger projects in terms of sizing manifolds.

So tighter spacing means more pipes in the floor, more fluid in the floor and mor e contact between pipe and the thermal mass. Therefore, a space can be heated with lo wer water temperature, potentially increasing the efficiency of the heat sour ce. Other benefits of tighter pipe spacing include helping to a void floor striping (i.e., avoiding hot and cold spots), providing faster response time when heating the floor, and protecting sensitive flooring against localized hot spots.

A 5/8” pipe has approximately 66 per cent lower head loss than a 1/2” pipe for the same flow rate. This may allow the designer to specify a smaller circulating pump, saving both initial and operating costs.

The main drawback to tighter pipe spacing is that mor e piping material is required, and installation may take slightly longer. As with pipe diameter, it becomes very important for the radiant designer to weigh all aspects of spacing in relation to the specific project requirements prior to determining the optimal pipe spacing design for the space.

Although 5/8” pipes will cost a bit mor e and be slightly stiffer to install than 1/2” pipes, in a light commercial application with long, straight runs the advantages probably outweigh the drawbacks.

Circuit lengths Circuit lengths are dependent on selected pipe diameter, because the farther the fluid travels in the pipe, the more heat it gives up. At some point, the fluid has lost so much temperature that it is no longer eff ective in heating the space . A larger diameter pipe usually facilitates longer circuit lengths and greater coverage areas. Longer circuit lengths allow the designer to select distribution manif olds with fewer outlets/stations and may reduce the cost of manifold valve actuators if the designer is doing circuit zoning.

Drawbacks with larger pipes While larger-diameter pipes can provide benefits, they are not always the ideal choice for a job. It’s important to consider the cost-benefit anal ysis of those issues against:

continued from page 28

TABLE 2 Typical Maximum Circuit Lengths Nominal PEX Pipe Size

Typical Applications

1. Flexibility – Larger pipes do not bend as easil y or as tightly as smaller pipes, which can create significant challenges in tight pipe spacing situations and also slow down installation time.

Typical Maximum Circuit Length

1/4"

Up to 125 ft (39 m)

2. Thin overpour requirements – Most thermal mass installers want to see at least 3/4-in co verage of thermal mass above the top of the pipes, which can be difficult to achieve with larger pipes.

Used in some dry panel systems and very small rooms like bathrooms

3/8"

Up to 250 ft (76 m)

Used in dry panel systems, joist-space systems, small rooms like bathrooms

1/2"

Up to 300 ft (91 m)

Most common for residential “wet” systems like poured slabs and overpours, and joist-space

5/8"

Up to 400 ft (122 m)

Larger residential and light commercial “wet” poured systems

3/4"

Up to 500 ft (152 m)

Large commercial and industrial “wet” poured systems

Beyond 500 ft (152+ m)

Large commercial and industrial systems where manifold placement may dictate circuit length

3. Cost – Simply put, larger pipes cost more than smaller pipes.

1" 30

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S P O N S O R E D F E AT U R E

MAKING ALL THE RIGHT CHOICES

ust over two years ago, NTI opened the doors of its new facility in Saint John, New Brunswick, and there’s no doubt that it is a terrific new home for the company. But, there’s more to this new location than just looks. It also provides contractors with the opportunity to participate in industry-leading training. “The right training is vital to provide customers with the right solution for their unique HVAC needs,” says Kevin Dennison, President, NTI. “And we are proud to serve as an accessible training provider.” NTI’s new building allows the company to add in-depth technical training to its existing customer training. Two- and three-day training seminars run weekly through spring and summer.

The facility’s location on the banks on the Kenebecasis River lets NTI training participants mix business with pleasure as they experience the best of New Brunswick’s hospitality, dining and tourism in Saint John’s relaxed, ocean-side setting. A highlight of each training week is the President’s dinner cruise, which launches from NTI’s private dock, just 50 feet from the building.

The new programs provide contractors with hands-on training and instruction. They feature a mix of classroom education from product experts and hands-on experience with NTI products in the facility’s display area and training lab. Training attendees also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into NTI’s manufacturing processes, which allows them to see development from start to finish. “By immersing themselves in the whole NTI experience, contractors build superior product knowledge in installation, repair and support,” says Dennison. “The result is a unique understanding of the total NTI package, and unparalleled value for end customers.”

Combining classroom learning, hands-on experience and social activities, NTI’s new head office is a one-of-a-kind facility. Contact NTI at 1-800-688-2575.

Introducing our newest models Lx500, Lx600 and Lx700 Luxury features and superior efficiencies now with a wider range of models to meet every need. Learn more at nythermal.com

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The Right Choice The Trinity Lx can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 50%, lead to a reduction of 2.5 tons of GHGs, and result in savings of up to 25% on heating bills.

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By Denise Deveau

REFRIGERATION

Refrigerant Redux: here was a time, long ago, when contractors didn’t have to worry about what happened to the refrigerants they pulled from service. Now reclamation and reuse have become an integral part of the refrigerant lifecycle process.

Working with used refrigerants can be a complicated business. But the good news is much of the complexity stays behind the scenes thanks to the combined efforts of associations, manufacturers, reclaimers and others. According to Jim Thomas, president of Refrigerant Services Inc. (RSI) in Dartmouth, N.S., the term reclamation has a very specific meaning when it comes to refrigerants. “In our industry reclaiming means processing refrigerant and removing contaminants to meet acceptable standards – in our case, those set up in AHRI 700-2006 specification for fluorocarbon refrigerants.”

A behind the scenes look at refrigerant returns

Measuring up Before the “reclaim or dispose of ” decision is

made, refrigerants arriving at a facility must be tested several times. “The first thing is to confirm the types of refrigerants in the cylinders,” explains Jim Thomas of RSI. This involves the use of sophisticated lab equipment, such as gas chromatographs, to identify the different components. “Once we determine that, then we know what needs to be done with it.” For example, CFCs have no commercial value, so they are sent to the RMC program for destruction. Depending on their composition, HCFCs may or may not have value. In the case of R-22, it may be reclaimed for resale to the industry if it’s commercially viable. If the mixture is too difficult to process, however, it will go to the destruction program. Currently, HFCs are not handled by the RMC program, so they will either be reclaimed, or destroyed with the destruction charges being billed back to the customer.

The AHRI Standard for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants requires that refrigerants be 99.5 per cent pure, allowing for only a maximum of a half per cent of other refrigerants. He adds that these are standards established in the 1980s under U.S. federal law in order for refrigerants to qualify for resale. “There is no such law in Canada. However, we don’t sell reclaimed refrigerant unless it meets that standard.” Whether legislated or not, meeting those standards is important, he adds. “It’s not a good idea to reuse refrigerants unless you remove those contaminants first. Contractors that take refrigerant from one site and sell it on another without doing any processing can create all sorts of problems. You’re taking a big chance when you do that because it’s contaminated with oil and moisture, which will ultimately create acids that will eat at gaskets, motor insulation and other metallic surfaces.” 34

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• Simplifying the returns • The end of the road

The end OF THE

ROAD

The collection service provider transfers the refrigerants for disposal into 13,500 kilogram ISO tanks. Once an ISO tank is full, a sample is drawn to determine the percentage of the various refrigerant types. This information is used by the disposal facility to prepare the kiln.

The collection service provider then prepares the shipping documentation and the ISO tank for transportation to Swan Hills, Alta., or Port Arthur, Tex., for disposal through the RMC program. These disposal sites operate rotary kiln incinerators specifically designed to destroy hazardous waste safely and efficiently. In some cases, refrigerants are incinerated with contaminated soil to improve absorption of contaminants during the process. According to April Gucciardo, RMC program manager, approximately 300 tonnes of CFCs, HCFCs and HCFC blends are collected each year for destruction. While it encourages the use of separate cylinders for each refrigerant type, the program does receive and accept cylinders with mixed refrigerants. Currently, the predominant refrigerants the program receives are R-11 and R-22. Gucciardo says the industry should be commended for its voluntary efforts in promoting this program. “Everyone involved is doing this by choice, since there is no government regulation or financial support in C anada. Most [disposal] programs, such as oil and batteries for example, are regulated. W e’re not. But the industry has stepped up and done a fabulous job in keeping this going.”

Refrigerant Services Inc. Fast Facts • Founded as Climate Supply Atlantic in 1990 in Dartmouth, N.S. • In 1993 became the first location in Canada to conduct refrigerant reclamation. • Works through 15 wholesalers in 200 locations. • Handles 20,000 cylinders a year.

SIMPLIFYING the returns To help contractors out, the industry has made sure that refrigerant processing isn’t so complicated. Participants have developed a seamless and easy-to-use system where contractors can simply drop off their used cylinders at wholesale locations for shipping to a collection service provider, like Refrigerant Services Inc. From there, the contents of those cylinders go through a rigorous process to determine if they are fit for reclamation and reuse; or they need to be shipped to a disposal facility for incineration through the Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) Program.

• Collects and processes 200 tonnes of refrigerant a year.

About Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) • A non-profit, voluntary program administered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

THE RULES OF RECLAIMING In order to reclaim a refrigerant, you need to have a minimum amount to work with. “You can’t do 20 or 30 pounds,” says Jim Thomas of RSI. “Typically you work with batches of 1,000 or 10,000 pounds because that is where it starts to make sense commercially.” Smaller cylinders of refrigerants can be consolidated to meet the 1,000-pound minimum requirement. Refrigerant Services Inc. has its own patented reclamation unit that removes such contaminants as moisture, acid, particulates, oils and non-condensables through a distillation and filtering processes. Samples are then taken from the tanks and sent to an independent, AHRI-certified lab for analysis. If it passes, the product is packaged back into smaller cylinders and resold through wholesalers. Thomas estimates that his facility reclaims about one-third of refrigerants brought to the site. The rest is sent to the RMC Program for destruction.

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• Levies are paid by manufacturers, importers and reclaimers across Canada. • Recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. • Has processed more than 2.1 million kilograms of refrigerant. • Currently accepts CFCs, HCFCs and HCFC blends. • R-11 and R-22 are the predominant refrigerants received by the program. • Disposal facilities located in Swan Hills, Alta., and Port Arthur, Tex.

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with Roger Grochmal

Price drops and profit pitfalls There’s no doubt about it, business has been slow. I’ve been thinking about lowering my prices to make us more competitive and attractive to homeowners since we’ve had to say goodbye to rebates. Sure, we’ll lose a bit of profit, but it Steve F., Surrey, B.C. makes sense… right?

Roger Grochmal is the president of AtlasCare in Oakville, Ont. To submit a question about your company, business practices, or the industry in general, send an e-mail to Mechanical Business Magazine’s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com.

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time we were all run off our feet chasing homeowners with the Home Renovation Tax Credit Program as well as federal ecoEnergy rebates. This year things are quite different. No tax credits, no rebates and, in Ontario and B.C., we have a new HST to deal with. Needless to say we are not quite as busy as we were a short time ago. When business slows down there is always a chorus from the sales people to cut prices to secure some orders. Our suppliers also ring in as they want to keep their order books full. As business

Making it up in volume? A 10% reduction in price turns a small profit into a straight loss. To make the same bottom line you would have to increase your volume by 40%. If you really believe this will happen in a slow market you’re dreaming. A 20% price cut would require a 130% increase in volume to maintain your bottom line. You could reduce your volume by 25% at your list price and still be ahead of the 10% price cut option. Normal month Unit Price

$5,000

Reduce price 10%

Increase Reduce Increase units 40% price 20% units 130%

Reduce units 25%

$4,500

$4,000

$5,000

Units Sold 20

Revenue

$100,000

$90,000

$126,000

$80,000

$184,000

$75,000

Costs

$65,000

$91,000

$65,000

$149,500

$48,750

Margin

$35,000

$25,000

$35,000

$15,000

$34,500

$26,250

Overhead

$30,000

Profit

$5,000

($5,000)

$5,000

($15,000)

$4,500

($3,750)

This table assumes the unit cost for a furnace and its installation are constant and that your overhead to run the business is fixed. There are some variable items in overhead that only make the case stronger.

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owners we are loyal to our suppliers and often give in to keep our key people busy. While this is an admirable thing, it comes at a cost. The first lesson I learned in this business in 1974 was that we are in a business that is price sensitive and not volume sensitive. Our costs are largely variable and don’t change with increases or decreases in volume. We are all dealers for one line of HVAC equipment or another, and don’t have the same structure as manufacturers. Manufacturers have the ability to spread their fixed costs over the number of units they produce so their unit cost for a furnace or air conditioner goes down as volume increases. As production ramps up, they can actually see their costs go down. What works for their structure of business does not work for our structure. Their advice to contractors may help their company, but it does not work for the structure of our businesses and how we make money. Doc Fails of the Fails Management Institute drilled this into my head. If you do the math, you will find out price reductions eat straight into your bottom line. Have a look at Table 1 (see sidebar) to see the relationship between price and volume, and what that can mean to a business. I think you’ll agree, if you can resist price reductions as long as you can, your bottom line will thank you.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD BOILER ROOM Say hello to a Rinnai commercial tankless hot water system. Clean, energy efficient and space saving, these multiple unit systems are at work today in virtually every type of commercial application. They deliver thermal efficiency up to 97% - with no energy wasted keeping water hot ‘til it’s needed. Also, there’s flexibility. Imagine each unit being able to deliver a specific temperature for every need. Plus, redundancy. If one unit should ever fail, the others simply take over. No shut-downs ever! What business wouldn’t love that? For more information: Email dsmith@redmondwilliams.com or call Donna Smith at 1-888-571-2627. www.redmondwilliams.com

Redmond/Williams Distributing, 5605 Timberlea Blvd., Mississauga, ON L4W 2S4

By Daniel Cayer

PLUMBING

How Maceration Works

2 The blades driven by the motor grinds the contents up into tiny particles within 3 to 4 seconds.

The toilet is flushed, the water level rises and the macerator motor cuts in automatically.

The finely ground particles are pumped out through a pipe just ¾” or 1” in diame ter to your main sewer line.

The tank is now empty (apart from the water seal) and the system is ready for use again.

Simplifying

QUICK AND QUIET

TOILET INSTALLATION acerating toilet systems have widely been viewed as a functional alternative for situations where installing a bathroom with a conventional toilet would be impossible or cost-prohibitive. These systems have come a long way since being introduced to the Canadian market more than 20 years ago, and new models are coming into favour with consumers looking to increase the number of washrooms in their homes without the extra expense and difficulties associated with installing traditional drainage systems.

Macerating toilet systems can be installed on top of the finished floor with discharge piping concealed inside existing walls. Looking beyond just the toilet, macerating systems are increasingly becoming an option when considering adding an entire new bathroom to a stucture. Macerating technology can be used for either residential or commercial applications. Also known as “up-flush” technology, this equipment permits home or building owners to create a new bathroom wherever it is most convenient: in a basement, an attic, a garage, under the stairs or inside a newly remodeled space.

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The latest generation of high-tech macerating toilets has eliminated much of the sound produced by some of the earlier units. These quieter product lines are much like their pre-assembled predecessors, requiring no filters and including all

check-valves, but they also include The systems use a fast-rotating blade to vibration absorbers, specialized liquefy waste and rubber interior components and toilet paper in the quieter and more powerful motors. flush water, which is then discharged under pressure through small-bore piping to a drainage line or soil stack. Macerating toilets offer a solution to plumbing issues by eliminating the need for conventional toilet rough-in with below-floor drainage. Because walls and floors remain intact, these above-floor systems do not require expensive renovations. continued on page 40

NO EXCAVATION Macerating toilet systems can be installed on top of an y finished floor, eliminating the need for excavation of the existing floor or building a raised floor to install a drain line , as required by systems using a sewage ejector. The small-bore discharge piping can easily be installed and concealed inside existing walls.

Why are Contractors quickly turning into TRUE BLUE fans?

VIS

OT T US E H AT MC #4 E E 06

Ask Jean Desjardins, P. Eng. of Desjardins Expert Conseil “I prefer the process involved in assembling AquaRise over welding copper because we don’t have to deal with fire or safety issues. And unlike copper, when we put the solvent material around the joints, we’re sure it’s going to be sealed. AquaRise is a great alternative – it’s about time someone introduced this type of product.” ®

ed system a fully-ineste.grAatqu rs fe ise of e is aR qu A d va lv allowaRs for an gs n ti fit e, ip of p cement and primer solvent assembly. fast, easy ®

For the full case study story visit www.ipexinc.com/aquarise

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Call 1-866-473-9462 or visit www.ipexinc.com/aquarise

PLUMBING continued from page 38

85% Facial coverage % Better protection 20 than other eye/facewashes

When the toilets flush, the waste and toilet paper is reduced by a rotating blade and is then transported to the macerator pump box, which then renders the waste into a slurry that can be sent through 3/4" piping to the nearest drain line in a liquid form. And as a liquid, it is easier and quicker for the normal bacteria to break down the waste once it is in the municipality’s waste treatment facility.

CASE STUDY

A CONDO SOLUTION BEFORE

Condo sales and renovations are on the rise across Canada, and many people face stringent condominium board regulations on large-scale unit renovations – such as adding another bathroom. Above-floor plumbing technology enables a full or half bathroom installation with minimal renovations, which may meet standard property provisions, making macerating technology perfect for condo owners. Sylvie Charland lived in a small, open concept condo with a single bathroom accessible only from her bedroom. Charland’s request to add a second bathroom was denied by her condo review board, as a traditional toilet installation would have required her to break floors and tap into her neighbours’ plumbing infrastructure. By re-orienting a small first floor laundry room and using a macerating system, she was able to add a half bathroom, complete with a toilet, sink and all laundry facilities, without running into troubles with her condo board. The model she chose features two inlets, one for a toilet and the other for a sink.

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AFTER

Leading Innovation & Investment in the Water Conditioning Industry

WHY MACERATION? Macerating technology is a costeffective, easy-to-install solution for both residential and commercial bathroom applications. The systems use a fast-rotating blade to liquefy waste and toilet paper in the flush water, which is then discharged under pressure through small-bore piping to a drainage line or soil stack.

DRAIN LINES

Because it uses small-gauge pipes, the system allows the installation of the drainage pipes without having to break through walls and floors, reducing installation time and the mess caused by renovations. As a result, the plumbing was handled in just a single day on the jobsite, making for a happy homeowner.

With the use of a 3/4" piping system, drain lines can be run without opening up w alls and floors, minimizing renovation mess and installation time.

Cost-effectiveness

The NovoSoft 465 Cabinet Water Softener

700,000 sq ft state-of-the-art ISO9000:2000 certified facility Large Global R&D Team dedicated to innovative product development Brand new tooling and state-ofthe-art blow and injection molding equipment produce crisp, attractive appliance like products Over 100 patented technologies Strict quality control

“In my 16 Years in the water treatment manufacturing industry I have run some of the world’s largest manufacturing operations and toured most of the others. The Canature facility is beyond comparison. With the investment in technology and people the Canature operations are truly world-class.” Toby Hughes, P.Eng EVP Operations North America

Although it does cost more than conventional toilets, the use of macerating technology saves the money that would otherwise be spent on a conventional plumbing installation. When considering a bathroom installation that might involve the disruption of the floor or walls, it is beneficial to spell out all costs to the home or building owner, since they will be far more interested in total cost of the project.

Call to Find the Stocking Wholesaler Nearest You

1-877-655-6686 Daniel Cayer is the national sales manager with Saniflo Canada. He can be reached at dcayer@saniflo.com.

www.novowater.com A Division of Canature North America Inc.

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PLUMBING

Measuring 72” long, 36” wide and 24” deep, the Kava bathtub from Maax can be ordered with a metal trim kit for electronic controls, two grab bars and a white foam cushion. The acrylic basin is available in 11 different colours and can be configured with a variety of air systems.

Rated up to 99.1 per cent thermal efficiency, Bradford White-Canada’s eF Series of commercial gas water heaters are available in 60 gal. and 100 gal. models. Cabinet heights range from 57” to 77-5/8” and the units weigh 570 lb. to 900 lb. Offering 1” NPT side connections, the water heaters can be vented horizontally or vertically with either three- or four-inch PVC or CPVC vent pipe.

bradfordwhite.com

maax.com Available in five finishes, Brizo’s Virage two-handle, wide-spread deckmount lavatory faucet is designed for three-hole installation at six-inch to 16” centres. Accommodating up to three-inch thick decks, its maximum flow rate is 1.5 gpm and it features quater-turn ceramic cylinder controls. A metal grid strainer with overflow is included.

brizo.com

Rated for pressures up to 250 psi, Aggressive Water Technologies’ Twistloc vavles and fittings accommodate copper, PEX and CPVC pipes from 3/8” to one-inch in size. Featuring a quick-release mechanism and colour-coded sizing, they are designed for cold or hot water use up to temperatures of 195˚F.

The E-Tronic 40 is a deck-mounted, four-inch centreset lavatory faucet from Chicago Faucets that is available as either an AC- or DC-operated faucet. Designed for commercial and institutional installations, the unit has a flow rate of two litres (0.5 gallons) per minute. It is operated either by a 12-volt AC transformer or six-volt lithium battery.

aggressivewater.com

chicagofaucets.com 42

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By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr

HYDRONICS

Where to put it Often times an air elimination device is located in the piping at the boiler location. To best eliminate air you want the device at the highest temperature point in the system, usually at the dischar ge piping on the boiler. You have choices for a device to use at that location. Simple rampstyle air purgers work by allowing the air to rise above the fluid as it passes through. This style has been used for many years with good results. Care needs to be taken when you install a ramp-style pur ger in regards to the piping length entering the device. Be sur e to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time RPA member and columnist, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.

Dirt & Air Can’t live with it; can’t live without it

Expect the

unexpected Expect to find debris like solder balls, and copper shavings from reaming the copper – I know everyone reams their copper tube! You will also find dirt or small gravel, possibly from dragging radiant loops through the jobsite, and sawdust or wood chips fr om fishing tube or pipe through drilled holes. Steel chips from threading pipe can also turn up inside a dirt removal device.

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t would be hard to imagine living without the air. It is important for breathing, no doubt. Air also allows our engines and boilers to function. Fair enough. And dirt is a handy resource for growing our food, and providing a base for our buildings and roadways. We all like to hit “pay dirt” and where would our celebrities be without the gold, diamonds and silver that dirt conceals and stores for us? That’s the good news. When we talk about hydronic systems including chilled and heated fluids, dirt and air can become bugaboos. Dirt, when mixed with the fluids we use in modern hydronic systems, will often cause problems. In solution it can form sludge and hamper the performance of heat exchangers, valves, pumps, and pretty much every component in the system. Loose particles will plug filters, small orifices in control devices, and also lodge on the vanes of centrifugal

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circulators. It’s best left on the outside of hydronic systems. Probably nothing is more diabolical than air in a piping system. It has challenged, fooled and frustrated installers and designers for many years. It continues to do so. For building occupants, it can cause issues like unwanted noise, banging, popping, gurgling – pick an adjective. For designers of heating and cooling products, air hampers the transfer of energy, and if enough of it congregates in an area it can bring the whole process to a halt. When it comes to air and dirt removal, the very best steps, of course, would be keeping the debris out. Next would be a good, thorough, power flush. Install valves to isolate and purge various subsections. I like the valves with side ports that allow a garden or washer hose to be connected. Another good step is to use a hydronic cleaner in your systems. These products will dissolve any oils, grease, flux, or assembly lubes that are lurking in the system. Water alone, even heated water, will not always dissolve and flush these products out. Numerous

• Where to put it • Air elimination • Getting the dirt out

Dealing with

Air elimination

microbubbles

Successful air removal starts with an appropriate design. Savvy engineers and designers have learned proper sizing and selection, as well as placement, can make r emoval an easy task.

A newer technology addresses microbubbles. This type of eliminator operates with a screen, mesh, and media inside. The concept is that the small microbubbles cling onto the media, form larger bubbles and rise up inside the device to be eliminated.

Air elimination can be as simple as a manual valve located at high points in the system. Radiators, manifolds and hot water coils ar e often equipped with small manual devices. Auto vents are another device worthy of mention. Many have a float mechanism in a container, so to speak. Air collects in the “bowl” causing the float to drop and allow the air to expel. The air leaves, fluid replaces it and the float seals the air valve. The float operates much like a ballcock in a toilet. In some cases a manufacturer will use a hydroscopic approach. Small discs absorb the fluid, expand, and seal the air r elease port. One manufacturer offers a hydroscopic cap that can be added to a vent for a second level of pr otection. Air vents are manufactured in many different sizes and need to be applied properly. High capacity air vents may be r equired on larger systems. Consult with the manufacturer to ensure proper sizing for your applications.

products are on the market for this, and most of the HVAC and plumbing chemical manufacturers offer them. It is important to follow the guidelines for flushing the cleaners. Some brands stay in the system, others need to be flushed completely out. So, here’s to dirt in your garden, air in your lungs and neither in your hydronic system!

Getting the

dirt out

Beyond water, dirt and debris present challenges as well. Excessive dirt will clog piping components, possibly even render them un-usable. Sludge from dirt and fluid combining under temperatur e can coat heat exchanger surfaces, and in worst case conditions can completely block small piping, like radiant tube loops. The industry standard has been a Y-strainer. This simple device puts a cylinder of mesh or scr een in the fluid flow. It traps any particles passing thr ough. These need to be sized for the flow rate and the size of the mesh screen. The down side to a Y or cartridge strainer is they obstruct and r educe the flow as the scr een

Microbubble eliminators do a much better job, and usually are much faster at eliminating all the bubbles, microbubbles and even the entrained air in the system. In some cases a combination of a micr obubble eliminator and some strategically placed auto float vents and manual valves will pr ovide a quick, clean startup and continue to work should additional air enter the systems. Remember, air can enter a system thr ough valve packing, gaskets and other unsuspected locations. You want an air elimination pr oduct that is going to be able to do its job for years to come. I suggest a style that can be disassembled easily to clean or replace wear components. It is not generally a piping component that you want to r emove and replace.

Keep it plugged Keeping dirt and debris out during storage and installation is a prudent first step. Most manufacturers provide temporary caps for their pipe and components. Duct tape works if you need a homemade, temporary cap. In my ar ea, mud dabbers – a type of wasp – will plug any opening within a few days. But dirt and debris will still happen, so including a device or combination of devices to protect against and eliminate these unwanted elements is a wise investment.

or filter catches debris. Some installers include a pr essure gauge on the inlet and dischar ge to indicate when the flow is restricted and the device needs to be flushed, or the filter removed and cleaned. Just like air elimination, newer designs ar e often called dirt separators. They are very similar to microbubble air eliminators in construction. Media inside interrupts the flow and causes the particles to fall to the bottom for storage and removal. One of the best features of this type is that they do not reduce the flow as they eliminate the debris. A lar ge lower chamber collects the particles as they ar e eliminated. A valve on the bottom allows them to be easily flushed out.

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HYDRONIC Residential circulator Offering flow rates up to 16 gpm, Wilo Canada’s Stratos ECO high-efficiency circulator is available in 115 V and 230 V models. Consuming 5.8 to 59 watts of power, the units are designed for water/glycol applications with up to 50 per cent glycol concentrations. It is rated to a maximum working temperature of 230˚F and is available in two configurations with flanges either parallel or perpendicular to the shaft.

wilo-canada.com

Unit heater Sized from 13,000 to 350,000 BTUH, Reznor’s WS steam/hot water suspended heaters offer air volume ranges between 270 and 4,750 cfm. Units come standard with a hermetically sealed two-speed motor and a steel coil heat exchanger rated for working pressures with hot water up to 150 psi. An optional three-speed motor and copper tube heat exchanger are also available.

rezspec.com

Polypropylene pipe Climatherm polypropylene-random (PP-R) piping systems from Aquatherm, Inc., are specifically designed for chilled water, condensing water, radiant heating and industrial applications. Comprised of more than 98.5 per cent polypropylene, the pipe features insulation properties with an R-value of 1 to 1.5, depending on pipe size. Pipes are available in dimensions ranging from 16 mm (0.63”) to 250 mm (9.84”).

aquathermpipe.com

Wall-mounted boiler Viessmann’s Vitodens 200 WB2B gas-fired wall mount condensing boiler is rated 96 per cent AFUE efficient. Sized from 31,000 to 370,000 BTUH, it features the company’s Lambda Pro combustion management system, which is designed to automatically adjust to gas type and quality.

viessmann.ca

Radiant heaters Available in a variety of different colours, Jaga Canada’s Deco radiators are sized from 39-1/2” to 118” in length. The panels can be configured vertically or horizontally for either wall-mounted or free-standing applications. Rated to a working pressure of 67 psi, the steel radiation tubes are welded at the inside of the collector so no seams are visible on the outside of the radiator.

jaga-canada.com

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MB TOP 10: INFRARED CAMERAS

By Greg Bork

1:ACCURATE, REPEATABLE RESULTS

Investing in

INFRARED B

uying an infrared camera is different for

A note on terminology The term “infrared camera” and the term “thermal imager” mean the same thing. They are interchangeable terms.

all people. For some, cost will play a more dominant position whereas for

others, certain key features might be more important. Most, however, want a high level of quality and value. Still more just don't want to make the wrong choice and end up with a ne w thermal imager that doesn’t suit their needs. Like most things in life, the best decision is made when you’ve done your homework. Here are a few considerations to help with your decision-making process.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but caveat emptor – let the buyer beware! A basic requirement of your infrared camera is to produce accurate and repeatable results. What are some standard metrics for you to think about when thinking of buying an infrared camera? The industry standard for consistent accuracy is ± 2% or 3.6°F, whichever is greater. So if you are shopping for an infrared camera and you learn that the accuracy spec is ± 5%, or something higher than 3.6°F, then you should stop right there and consider if that will suit your needs. And, in order to produce accurate and repeatable results, there should be “inputs” in your camera for both “emissivity” and “reflected temperature.”

HIGH DETECTOR 2:RESOLUTION

Just like buying a digital camera, the more pixels, the better the resolution, and the sharper the thermal image. If a salesperson says, “We offer 640 x 480 or 307,200 pixel resolution,” the next question from you should be, “Is that detector resolution or LCD resolution?” The LCD display resolution may in fact be 640 x 480, or capable of displaying 307,200 pixels of image content, but, if the IR detector pixel resolution is only 160 x 120 or 19,200 pixels, then it just doesn’t matter what the display resolution is capable of. Said differently, you can’t get a lower detector resolution to “broadcast” in higher definition even if the LCD display has the capability to show more pixels. continued on page 50

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INFRARED CAMERAS BATTERIES, 3:BATTERIES, BATTERIES

Nothing is more frustrating than to have to stop work because of something extremely simple. If I was using a drill and my battery died, and I had to plug a cord into my drill and wait two hours for it to recharge, chances are I’d go buy a different drill. The same is true for infrared cameras. If you are using your camera to inspect important assets like motors and pumps, and your IR camera loses power, you could expose yourself and others to safety concerns. At a minimum, you’re on the clock, so it is most likely costing you, or your company, money. Plus you’ll look like you bought the wrong IR camera, or worse, that you don’t know what you’re doing.

: JPEG IMAGES

You shouldn’t buy an infrared camera that makes it difficult to convert proprietary thermal image formats into standard jpeg images. How many keystrokes or “clicks” will it take to output an image, and/or convert it to a standard jpeg? Also, inquire if the jpeg image will lose any of the additional information that the camera captures. Having jpeg images makes it easy to email the shots, or to place them into documents and reports, which will make communicating with your customers that much easier, so it is worth inquiring about.

LIGHTWEIGHT 5:AND ERGONOMIC

Weight, pure and simple, is a concern. A camera that weighs even just a pound or two more than another will start to cause back and arm strain within 20 minutes. The smaller, lighter and more ergonomic the infrared camera, the more likely you will be able to hang it off your work belt in a holster to give you hands-free control whenever you need it. The infrared camera’s physical 50

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continued from page 48

PRO TIPGet a demo in the

type of application environment in which you work – not just in a conf erence room. Why? Because sometimes it’s easy to fudge a demo in a non-r eal-world environment. It is best to see the tool in action, in a location where it is going to actually be used.

interface – the buttons – is also a critical element of its ease-of-use. While it may seem counter-intuitive, it is often the case that an extra button or keypad will actually make it easier to use your infrared camera, as opposed to trying to do the same functions with fewer buttons.

BUILT-IN 6:ILLUMINATOR LAMP

Infrared cameras see in total darkness but visual cameras, as we all know, require well lighted conditions and high resolution to generate clear, sharp pictures. You are going to run into situations where the room just isn’t well lit, and if you are in a commercial environment, you are going to run into these situations more, not less. Make sure the visual camera in the infrared camera has a built-in illuminator lamp, otherwise you could have a hard time comparing the thermal image to the visual image.

LASER 7:POINTERS

If you shouldn’t be touching the target you’re looking at with an infrared camera – say for example, an electrical box, motor, pump or something when viewed from a ladder – then a laser pointer is a must. The laser pointer keeps your hand free and clear from danger while allowing you to point to the area of concern to a co-worker (or supervisor or customer). Best of all, the laser pointer will allow you to see precisely where the infrared camera’s lens is focused.

UPGRADE 8:POTENTIAL

Today, most infrared cameras come with free software to help you analyze your

images and create reports. By all accounts, they are a helpful tool made all the more necessary by the corporate need to document findings. While these entrylevel freeware programs are helpful and useful, many individuals quickly find that they need more software functions. What’s important to note here is you don’t want to buy a camera and then, after a few months of using it, decide that you’re now ready to do more but only then be limited because there is no upgrade path. And don’t overlook camera upgrade potential as well. Many infrared cameras will allow you to upgrade the firmware to increase pixel counts and thermal resolution, not to mention letting you upgrade all sorts of in-camera features and functionality. If there isn’t an upgrade path in this fashion, you should ask if the manufacturer routinely buys back used cameras in exchange for credit toward a new infrared camera purchase.

heatfab

: IMAGE FUSION CAPABILITIES

Fusion should offer more than just putting a fixed Picture-in-Picture (PiP) thermal overlay “box” over your visible image. Be sure that that you can do basic image manipulation, such as being able to move the “thermal box” around, or even make it bigger or smaller. More advanced fusion capabilities allow you to stretch and resize the thermal PiP using a stylus pen right onscreen. This can be ideal for analyzing the problem.

TEMPERATURE 10:RANGE

When you buy an infrared camera, be sure that the temperature range it operates in is sufficient with the temperatures of the targets you will be viewing. You don’t want an infrared camera that can’t measure the temperatures you want!

Greg Bork is the director of Canadian sales with Flir Systems. He can be reached at greg.bork@flir.com.

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M e c h a n i c a l

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By Scott Nelmark

HVAC/R

Replacing a residential

The vacuum pump removes moisture from the system by reducing the pressure within the refrigerant lines and evaporator coil. This reduces the boiling point of moisture in the lines. At 500 microns of vacuum, the boiling point of water is reduced to –12°F. This will ensure that all moisture will be “boiled off” and removed from the system.

condensing unit

hen replacing a residential condensing unit, there are many items for the contractor to consider. If the compressor has failed, it is important to know the reason for failure. Failure could be attributed to improper application, poor maintenance, voltage problems, refrigerant charge errors, or improper airflow. Understanding the reasons for failure and taking the steps to correct them will prevent premature failure of the replacement unit. Always follow all installation instructions exactly for the model being installed. This includes proper location of the outdoor unit, electrical wiring and disconnect sizing, refrigerant line set selection and installation, and line set connections to the outdoor unit and the evaporator coil.

After the line connections have been made, leak test the field joints, line set and evaporator by pressurizing with dry nitrogen, using caution not to exceed the maximum pressure shown on the rating plate of the evaporator coil.

Initial charge

adjustment

Following the leak test, release the nitrogen and evacuate the indoor coil and line set to a minimum of 500 microns to remove contamination and moisture. A twostage vacuum pump (three to five cfm) and a micron gauge are required for this process. Do not bypass this step. It is critical to system performance and the longevity of the equipment.

Outdoor condensing units are often factory

When the system is properly evacuated and leak free, the refrigerant that is provided in the condenser coil may be released into the system. Open both the vapour and liquid service valves fully.

25-foot line set and enough refrigerant is

continued on page 54

shipped with enough refrigerant for the condenser, evaporator, and an average length of line set. Consult the installation instructions for the outdoor unit being installed to determine the amount of refrigerant provided. For example, if the job being installed uses a provided in the outdoor unit for 15 feet of line set, the technician must add additional refrigerant for the additional 10 feet. Data sheets provided with the outdoor unit will explain the quantity of refrigerant to add per foot of line set over the provided length.

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HVAC/R

continued from page 52

Verifying

superheat The required superheat value varies depending on the ambient conditions. To obtain the target superheat value, measure the indoor wet bulb temperature and the outdoor dry bulb temperature. Be sure the target superheat value is known for the ambient conditions prior to refrigerant charge verification. A tolerance of plus or minus three degrees is allowed from the target value. To verify superheat, operate the unit until conditions stabilize. Two-stage systems should have both stages (Y1 and Y2) energized. Measure the suction pressure by attaching the low side of the manifold gauge set to the low-side valve port. Convert this pressure to temperature using a temperature-pressure chart. Measure the suction temperature by attaching an electronic type thermometer to the suction line at the compressor inlet or suction service valve. To obtain an accurate measurement, the thermometer must be insulated and in solid contact with the suction line. Subtract the converted temperature from the suction line temperature. If superheat is too low, the unit may be overcharged. If it is too high, the unit may be undercharged.

Verifying

subcooling Systems with TXV metering devices cannot be charged with the superheat method because TXVs will attempt to maintain a constant superheat regardless of refrigerant charge or load conditions. For this reason, TXV systems are charged with the subcooling method. To do this, obtain the target subcooling value from the installation instructions. Operate the unit until conditions are stable. Two-stage systems should have both stages (Y1 and Y2) energized. Measure the head pressure by attaching the high side of the manifold gauge set to the high-side valve port. Measure the liquid line temperature by attaching an electronic type thermometer to the liquid line at the liquid-line service valve. To obtain an accurate measurement, the thermometer must be insulated and in solid contact with the liquid line. Using a temperature pressure chart, find the saturation point of the refrigerant by locating the system high-side pressure under the column for the refrigerant that is in the system. Follow that value across to the corresponding temperature to find the saturation point. Subtract the liquid-line temperature from the saturation point, and the result is the subcooling value.

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• Verifying superheat & subcooling Every Moment Deserves Coleman Comfort!

SIZE RIGHTfor the application The technician should ask the homeowner questions about the system performance prior to the failure. Did the system cool properly in the summer? Was the homeowner comfortable? Were there issues with humidity? If the comfort level with the old system was not to the customer’s satisfaction, the first step is to determine the cooling load for the home by performing a heat gain calculation. An undersized system will not be able to keep up on the hottest days, and an oversized system tends to short cycle, preventing proper humidity control. ACCA Manual J is the recommended guideline for residential load calculations. It cannot be assumed that because a five-ton outdoor unit is present that a five-ton unit is the correct replacement. The amount of space within the structure being cooled may have changed since the original installation, or quite possibly, an accurate heat gain calculation had not been performed previously.

ESP and airflow measurement A typical target value for airflow is 400 cfm per ton. If the airflow is set higher than the system dictates, proper dehumidification of the return air won’t occur, and the desired temperature drop across the evaporator coil will not be obtained.

Quicktip

Restrictions in the duct system – an undersized duct, dirty filters or evaporator coil, or closed or blocked registers, can cause the external static pressure to rise. As external static pressure increases, the ability to move air decreases. Most residential furnaces and air handlers deliver their rated airflow up to 0.5” w.c. total ESP. A magnehelic gauge (0-1” w.c. range), incline manometer or digital manometer may be used to measure ESP.

Coil

considerations

Depending on the age of the system being r etrofitted, the indoor coil and outdoor unit combination may have provided 10 SEER, 8 SEER, or even lower. The evaporator coil should be changed to pr ovide the customer with the properly matched SEER rated system the y are investing in. A 13 SEER outdoor unit matched with a 10 SEER indoor coil will not pr ovide 13 SEER. Existing evaporator coils should be replaced to remove the possibility of residual mineral or alkylbenzene oil mo ving from the coil and into the new system. Line sets should be replaced in retrofit applications to prevent intermixing of the mineral or alkylbenzene oils with the POE oils. If replacing the line set is not practical, look for spots that might be ser ving as oil traps, and flush the line set with a commer cially available flush kit, following the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Scott Nelmark is the manager of training services with Johnson Controls, Unitary Products. He can be reached at Scott.T.Nelmark@jci.com.

Echelon Furnace One of the Highest Efficient Gas Furnaces in Canada with up to 98% efficiency. • Fully modulating in 100 stages for the ultimate in home comfort • Multi position for any application • Only 33" high McMillan Refrigeration has been making people in the Peterborough, Ontario, area comfortable since 1959. President Steve Sheppard, a community leader in the HVAC/R business since the early 1970’s, says it’s all about helping people make the right choice. “We’ve been a Coleman dealer since 1983. Customers know the name and they trust it. It also happens to be the best equipment in the business as far as I’m concerned.” And with new modulating products up to 98% efficient like the Echelon, the legend continues to grow. “Thanks, Coleman.”

Please visit us at www.colemanac.com, or call Toll Free:

1-800-668-2389 ext. 5486 M e c h a n i c a l

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HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC

By Gord Cooke Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.

Working with natural draft equipment To ensure the safe venting of natural draft chimneys, be reminded that significant combustion safety research has demonstrated that most natural draft appliances, such as wood stoves, fireplaces, mid-efficiency furnaces and natural draft water heaters, can reliably overcome negative pressures of 5 Pascals (-0.02” H2O) during start-up and shut down. If, however, house pressures relative to outside are lower than -5 Pascals, then these appliances may not vent reliably or safely.

Under Pressure I RISK was recently asked to help sort out some comfort issues in a new four-level, 1,200 sq. ft. townhouse. Not too surprisingly they were having issues with even distribution of heat throughout this tall but thin trendy downtown home.

In an addition to the obvious warm air rising, cold first floor scenario, the owner mentioned that whenever they were entertaining the problem seemed much worse – everywhere got very chilly. It was then that we noted the 800 cfm range hood over the sixburner, gas range. Upon further investigation we found it only exhausted 600 cfm, but still, compare this to the 500 cfm that the hot water air handler heating system was delivering for the entire dwelling to understand the comfort issue. Many readers will recognize that this is no longer an isolated case. I have diagnosed issues in a 30-storey, high-rise condominium where all 300 suites had special grease capturing range hoods with a reported capacity of 600 cfm installed, and again in a large custom home with a 3,800 cfm commercial exhaust hood over an indoor barbecue. I’ve even seen it in production housing where more and more builders are offering deluxe kitchen options. In many cases, large capacity range hoods, more effective bathroom fans and higher air flow clothes dryers are being installed in ever tighter building enclosures. The question is: Should we be worried? As a contractor, I prefer to look at what we can do to address situations such as these. continued on page 58

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DEPRESSURIZATION There are three primary issues or risks and a few inconveniences associated with the depressurization of buildings by exhaust appliances. The first and most serious is the risk of back-drafting of combustion appliances. The second is the potential impact on other exhaust appliances, or even the proper performance of the offending appliance due to the back pressure. Third is the comfort issue of drafts, and the heat loss or gain of the infiltrating air. There are diagnostic tests and solutions to each of these issues. In assessing the potential for a backdraft due to exhaust appliances, one should consider the combination of kitchen fans, clothes dryers and other large exhaust appliances that may be running at any particular time – that is, look for the “worst case” scenario. In commercial buildings there may be a wide variety of exhaust devices that affect building pressures, and careful documentation and or control of processes may be required to ensure combustion safety. HVAC contractors should use a digital pressure gauge that is capable of accurate measurements down to two-to-five Pascals to measure the pressure across building envelopes at various operating conditions if there are natural draft combustion appliances (including mid-efficiency B-vented furnaces) in the building. A pressure gauge with wind averaging or dampening is very useful to allow reliable testing on days where winds average or gust above 15 km/h.

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BACK PRESSURE Large exhaust appliances in small buildings can result in a back pressure on the entire system. Recall the condominium suites with the 600 cfm exhaust fans. When any of those fans operated, the pressure across the relatively small suites was in the order of 75 Pascals (0.3” of W.C.). Since the range hoods themselves had a very shallow fan curve, their air flow capacity at 0.3” W.C. dropped to just under 250 cfm. There were two important results. First, the 250 cfm was no longer enough to meet the exhaust flow specifications of the installed

continued from page 56

natural gas ranges needed to ensure safe exhaust vent duct temperatures. Second, the bath fans were unable to overcome the 0.3” static pressure and actually ran backwards whenever the range hoods were turned on. The bath fans were an amusing oddity, but the safe venting over the gas cook top is a clear safety issue that would need to be resolved by ensuring adequate make-up air to ensure proper exhaust flows. This is a very common issue in restaurants where inadequate make-up air may lead to insufficient smoke and heat control in the kitchen. A practical pressure limit in these situations should be below -25 Pascals (-0.1” W.C.).

WHAT ABOUT COMFORT? Maintaining comfortable conditions during the operation of large exhaust a ppliances is the third practical concern. On a cold winter’s day, 600 cfm of exhaust flo w results in a heat loss of a pproximately 40,000 BTUH. Given that the original heat loss f or the townhouse mentioned earlier was just 22,000 BTUH, and the hot water air handler had an installed capacity of just 32,000 BTUH, it is not hard to imagine that Christmas dinner with the family might be a chilly affair. The same concern would apply on a hot, muggy summer evening for a large restaurant when the added latent load of infiltrating air combined with the latent load from patrons would be difficult to compensate f or with traditional cooling equipment. Make-up air provided anywhere into the space will r elieve the pressure and help control the drafts. Tempering the make-up air reduces the draft affect and adds heating and cooling capacity when it is needed.

MEASUREMENT

TECHNIQUES Training provided by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) describes a specific, straightforward protocol and reporting form for conducting a Depressurization Test. • Close all exterior doors and windows. • Open all interior doors. • Temporarily block off chimney flues. • From the digital pressure gauge, extend one tube to the outside. Find a suitable spot under a doorway, or open a window slightly. Run the tube and tape off the remaining gap so you don’t pinch the tube. • Turn on exhaust appliances and watch the change in pressure.

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• The test is affected by wind, so it can only be done on calm days (below 15 kph winds) or use gauges that have wind averaging capabilities.

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WHAT TO D O AT - 5 If the pressure in the building falls lo wer than -5 Pascals with respect to outside when exhaust appliances are operating, then the safe operation of natural draft appliances will be compromised. There are three possible remedies: 1. Switch to all direct vent or power vented combustion appliances. 2. Eliminate large exhaust appliances. 3. Provide make-up air whenever the exhaust appliances are operating. The amount of make-up air can be determined by simply matching the exhaust capacity of the exhaust appliances or during the actual depressurization test use the opening of doors and windows and/or fresh air intakes to show the amount of make-up air needed to reduce the negative pressure to less than -5 Pascals. This procedure uses the inherent natural leakage of the building to reduce the amount of mechanical make-up air required. The make-up air can be provided to anywhere within the conditioned volume of the building, wherever it is convenient and avoids drafts.

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Be a difference maker For more information, or to find out how you can get involved with the Rick Hansen Foundation, visit www.rickhansen.com.

n 1985, Rick Hansen embarked on a 40,000 kilometre marathon around the world to prove that “anything is possible.” Twenty-five years later, his belief remains unwavering. Rick’s Man in Motion World Tour took him through 34 countries and raised $26 million for spinal cord research. “You never know what dreams can be accomplished unless you try.” Fresh from a 25th anniversary tour overseas, Canada’s leading advocate for accessibility has announced that he will retrace the Canadian portion of his Man in M otion tour this August. At 53, filled with as much passion for his cause as ever, Rick says there is much more to accomplish. “It’s almost as though we’re halfway on the ultra marathon of social change.”

Cover Story

By David Janzen

Rick Hansen

Photos: Care of the Rick Hansen Foundation

Title: President & CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation Age: 53 Hometown: Richmond, B.C Family: Wife Amanda, and three daughters Emma, Alana and Rebecca Favourite Pastime: Fishing Paralympics: 1980 Gold 800 m, Silver 1,500 m and Bronze 4x100 m 1984 Gold 1,500 m, Gold men’s marathon and Silver 5,000 m

As a teenager, Rick Hansen sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Since that time, he has gone on to raise millions of dollars in suppor t of spinal cord research and treatment, and has been an advocate for accessibility in Canada and around the world.

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Did you know? More than 85,000 people live with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Canada, and each year, about 4,200 more people are injured. Rick’s foundation has raised more than $200 million in support of SCI research, treatment and programs.

Q. The Man in Motion tour inspired people the world over and brought unprecedented awareness to spinal cord injuries. What was it that inspired you to launch an initiative of that magnitude? A. It stems from my experience growing up in Williams Lake, competing as an athlete, representing my country on the national stage and addressing physical and additional barriers that didn’t have to be there. My goal has been to change attitudes and demonstrate what is possible if barriers are removed. Q. How does your recent 25th anniversary trip compare to what you encountered previously? A. Globally we’ve started to see a gr eater awareness about people with disabilities and their role in society. We’re seeing people with disabilities engaging more and more with society whether it be in politics, business, education or philanthropy. Previously, very few countries recognized people with disabilities as equal citizens. Q. Do you have any interesting stories you can share from your Man in Motion tour? A. Encountering an accessible washroom was rare, and when you did find one there’d be five stalls with one wheelchair-friendly version. Inevitably in an urgent situation, of course the accessible one was the only compartment occupied, and there’d be a guy in there reading the newspaper. Q. What’s a pet peeve in bathroom design? A. One of my pet peeves is that the shower or bath controls are typically in the middle, and you have to reach over to turn them on. Sometimes by trying to manoeuvre you can fall or hurt yourself. Or something as simple as somebody else adjusting the showerhead between uses is another issue. When you’re sitting in the stall and can’ t stand up to reach the showerhead, that’s a problem! Q. You’ve literally opened the door for thousands and thousands of Canadians. You’ve raised awareness, not to mention millions of dollars for spinal cord research. All that said, what do you list as your greatest achievement? A. From the core personal level, marriage and family. I feel so blessed and privileged. In terms of what I’ve done in the community and for accessibility, I’d say most recently working with our partners to create a truly national spinal cord research network with 40 clinical sites. Q. What is still on your to-do list? A. After 25 years there’s been a tremendous amount of progress on both research and accessibility fronts. Developing a global network of spinal cor d resources and programs, and engaging the youth and the next generation is paramount. I feel like my best work is in fr ont of me; I feel like I’m one of the luckiest guys on the planet and I wouldn’t trade my life for the use of my legs. I can’ t wait for each day to unfold.

At home with the Hansens Rick says he’s fortunate because his level of disability still allows him a fair bit of mobility. Initially when looking for their home, the Hansens sought a ranch-style house with one level, wide doors and halls, and no stairs. “When we got into our home, it had a narrow and constricted kitchen so we modified it to open it up to make it more accessible. Having an island to work on at the right height, unfortunately there’s no excuse for me not to help with meal prep. One thing we haven’t done is renovate the laundry room. It’s still inaccessible, but I haven’t complained about that.” He and Amanda are now planning their fifth renovation, with their eyes set on a bathroom overhaul to make it fully accessible. “For me, going in and having the room to circulate and turn the chair around is important. Same with wheeling to the sink for shaving and washing and not having to turn to one side, or feel constricted.” Rick says they’re planning for the next 25 years while still keeping the bathroom attractive and functional for the comings and goings of the women in the house. “With four women in my life, I’m definitely looking for a modified hot water tank with unlimited supply!”

Man in Motion World Tour at a glance March 21, 1985 to May 22, 1987 Total distance: 40,598 km / 24,902 miles Average daily distance: 85 km Average daily hours wheeling: 8 Average speed: 8 to 10 km/hr in the city; 13 to 15 km/hr in the country Countries: 34 on four continents Wheelchair tires worn out: 160

Awards & Achievements The Companion Order of Canada Fourteen Honourary degrees Lou Marsh/Canadian Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award Outstanding Athlete of the Year, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association Star on Canada's Walk of Fame Recipient of CPA Alberta's Christopher Reeve Award Induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Set World Record for Longest Wheelchair Marathon Mayor of the Olympic Village, 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games

By Rainier Bratsch-Blundel

PLUMBING

BARRIER-FREE DESIGN STANDARDS

hen it comes to bar rier-free designs for public buildings, there are some differences in code language and requirements, but the goal remains the same; the construction of a space that is accessib le for all. Here are a few notes from two of the most widely-used building codes in Canada, Part 3 of both the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and the Ontar io Building Code (OBC), with respect to factor s that must be considered at the design stage pr ior to the rough-in of a bar rier-free washroom.

First, a 1.5-metre tur ning radius is needed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to be able to turn a wheelchair within a universal room area. This clearance may make is necessar y to have the door swing outward.

BY THE CODE Second, and often overlooked, is the proper clearance in front of a water closet, 875mm in the NBC, or 1,020mm in the OBC , and 1,400mm of clear ance in front of the basin. During the rough-in, consider clearances from adjacent side walls of 285mm to 305mm from the side using the NBC , 460mm to 480mm from the centre line for the water closet using the OBC , and a minimum of 460mm from the side wall f or the basin. In Ontario, the basin must be installed with a faucet reach of no more than 485mm. The NBC states the basin must not be at a height of more than 865mm, while the OBC states no more than 840mm abo ve the floor. Illustration B shows some of the measurements necessary to ensure adequate kneespace clearances for a disabled person in a wheel chair using the vanity or basin.

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Some of the code definitions of barrier-free are quite similar. According to the National Building Code, barrier-free means that a building and its facilities can be approached, entered, and used by persons with physical or sensory disabilities. Under the Ontario Building Code, barrier-free means, when applied to a building and its facilities, that the building and its facilities can be approached, entered and used by persons with physical or sensory disabilities.

c THE WATER CLOSET An elongated water closet with an open front seat must be no higher than 460mm and no lower than 400mm. An exposed flush valve water closet seat must have a lid to act as a back rest, or a separate back rest must be installed.

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What: Mecanex/Climatex/Electricite/Eclairage (MCEE) Where: Place Bonaventure, MontrĂŠal, QuĂŠbec When: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Thursday, April 21, 2011

Industry sets sights on Montreal Approximately 6,000 industry personnel are expected to descend upon Montreal for the 2011 MCEE trade show and conference. To be held at Place Bonaventure from April 20 to 21, the event gathers contractors, wholesalers, engineers and builders matching them up with more than 300 exhibitors on hand to showcase their latest innovations. Categories on the show floor include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, hydronics and refrigeration. Also on the docket is a full slate of seminars. All sessions are open, free of charge, to attendees. Topics include solar thermal technology and humidification, with most sessions running in French. Sessions presented by ASHRAE will be held in English. Produced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), and the Corporation des Entreprises en Traitement de L'air et du Froid (CETAF), the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), and the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ), MCEE will be the largest plumbing, heating and electrical trade show to be held in Eastern Canada this year. www.mcee.ca

MCEE Floorplan: Place Bonaventure

601

119

Show Hours

April 20, 2011 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

April 21, 2011 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Booths #119 and #601

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Ceralux is an OS&B Partner Company

See Page 64 for complete floor plan

List of Exhibitors

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A.M.T.S. .......................................................................................................137 A.O. Smith/WPC ........................................................................................339 Acudor Acorn ..............................................................................................436 Acuity ...................................................................................................275/277 Aermac.........................................................................................................327 Aggreko ......................................................................................................554 AIC Heat Exchangers................................................................................1014 Airco/Quémar/DenBec...............................................................................541 Airtechni ..............................................................................................654/743 Airvector.......................................................................................................445 Allied Engineering ......................................................................................720 Allpriser ........................................................................................................146 American Standard .....................................................................................127 Amtrol .........................................................................................................302 Anvil Int'l Canada ........................................................................................935 Apollo Valves ...............................................................................................413 Aquadis Int'l - Bain Depot........................................................................3040 Aquanar........................................................................................................880 Aquatherm CA ..........................................................................................3008 Arani .......................................271 Armstrong Limited ................400 Wednesday, April 20, 2011 ASHRAE - Montreal.............1019 Atmosphère ..........................107 Axiom Industries ...................716 Design of High Performance BBP Energies .........................542 Green Buildings [English] BCO Québec ........................734 Time & Place: 2:00 p.m., Seminar Beacon-Morris .......................718 Room 3 Beel Technologies ..............3016 Belanger .UPT........................506 Speaker: ASHRAE Presidential Belimo ....................................741 Member Kent Peterson, Past-Chair of Bibby-Ste-Croix .....................807 SSPC 189.1 Bitzer Canada .......................917 Description: A one-hour video Blanco Canada ......................918 Bock Water Heaters ..............986 presentation on Boréale Énergie Renouvelable 1036 ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard Boshart Industries..................236 1890.1-2009. A question and answer Boulons Plus.........................3014 period will follow. Bow Plumbing Group ...........241 Brac Systems .......................3012 ASHRAE Bradford White Canada .......509 Brenelle Enterprises ..............206 Thursday, April 21, 2011 BSDQ......................................740 Burke Group ..........................117 Burnham .................................316 Putting the Earth to Work for C. Levesque ...........................790 You [English] Câble Alcan............................351 Time & Place: 1:00 p.m., Seminar Camatec .................................843 Room 3 Can-Aqua Intl.........................337 Canlyte ...................................167 Speaker: Lynn G. Bellenger, ASHRAE Canplas Industries ................717 President; Jeff Spitler; Kirk Mescher; Capteurs GR .........................613 Mick Schwedler; and moderated by Carburation Express..............890 Don Rheem Cash Acme Canada...............512 CCBDA ...................................751 Description: A live international CCGE......................................803 webcast presented by ASHRAE and CCQ........................................900 ASHRAE-Montreal discussing ground CETAF.....................................646 source heat pumps, this session is CHC ........................................141 Cheminee Lining ...................643 aimed at anyone interested in highCheminée Securité................327 performance green building, Chevrier Instruments.............836 including architects, engineers, CIPH........................................140 CM3 Energies .......................472 contractors and building owners. The CMEQ.....................................867 session includes presentations, a CMMTQ .................................605 roundtable discussion, and a Comac Corporation .............159 question and answer period. Connectall ...........................3032 Constructo .............................980 ASHRAE Contrac.................................1015 0 4 . 1 1

Contrôles R.D.M. s .................................719 Conval Quebec ....................................3010 Convectair...............................................151 Convexpert .............................................851 Creatherm...............................................787 CSA Int'l ..................................................558 CV ............................................................916 CWQA.....................................................143 Dahl Brothers Canada ..........................233 Dale Parizeau Morris Mackenzie...........617 Danfoss .................................................1069 Dave Vallières et Assoc. ........................204 Day-Brite Canada...................................574 De Dietrich .............................................847 Dectron International ...........................827 Deflect-o ............................................986 DEL Equipement Limitee ......................975 Deluxair...................................................533 Deschênes & Fils ...................................707 Dettson (Div. of Ouellet)........................555 Dimplex North America .......................250 Direct Energy..........................................156 Dist. Jean-Pierre Paquette ..................3048 Distech ....................................................327 Distribution Maxi Vent ...........................860 Diversitech Corporation ........................816 Dobbin Sales ........................................1012 Don Park ................................................536 Douglas Lighting Controls ....................570 Drain Expert............................................121 Dubo l'expert conseil ............................758 DVC ........................................................941 Dynacom Technologies .........................152 DynAir div. Carlisle Canada.................1032 E.S. Gallagher Sales ..............................854 Easy Heat ................................................659 Eclairage Cyclone .................................480

SEMINARS Wednesday, April 20, 2011 What’s new in Chapter III Building Code (Plumbing) [French] Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Room 9 Speaker: Éric Gagnier, Building Systems Technician, Technical Advisor to the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec CMMTQ/CIPH

Solar Thermal Technology Demystified [French] Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Room 9 Speaker: Martin Zanbaka, Vice-President, DisTech Inc. - div. Thermo Z CMMTQ/CIPH Ecole de Technologie Gaziere............3050 ECR Int'l - Olsen ....................................927 EFC-Canada ...........................................455 EGS/Desdowd........................................468 Electrical Line ......................................1070 Electromega ..........................................381 Emco ......................................................761 Emergence Securite .............................940 Empyre Profab........................................504

Enersol ....................................................991 Enertrak...................................................645 Envira-North System ..............................887 Enviroair Industries.................................633 Environnement Canada.........................641 Erico Canada ..........................................441 Express Radiant......................................714 Fantech ...................................................640 Feralux.....................................................470 FFIC .........................................................904 Fibrobec..................................................450 FIPOE ......................................................871 Fire Barrier Pro .......................................145 Flexco......................................................618 Flexcon Industries ..................................203 Flir Systems.............................................144 Flocor ......................................................101 Fluke Electronics ...................................456 Formadrain .............................................121 Franke Kindred.......................................513 Franklin Electric ......................................801 Franklin Empire ......................................460 Fulton Companies .................................806 G. Mitchell Heating and Air .................500 G.F. Thompson .......................................317 Gaevan ....................................................881 GAL .........................................................551 GE Lighting.............................................467 General Cable .......................................155 General Wire Spring .............................444 Génératrice Drummond ........................261 Genrep ....................................................458 Geo Air Industries ................................3046 GeoSmart Energy.................................1016 Giant Factories .......................................217 Global Unitech Imports ......................1044 Globe Union Canada.............................757

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Thursday, April 21, 2011 L’Adresse Symphonique – New Concert Hall of the OSM [French] Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Room 9 Speaker: Yves St-Georges, Ing., PMP, Division Transport, Infrastructures et Bâtiment, SNC-Lavalin Inc. CMMTQ/CIPH GMobile45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .756 Goodman Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .945 Granby SEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .532 Great Lakes Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .805 Grundfos Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .407 GSW Water Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412 GT Globe Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 H.E. Williams/Hi-Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374 Hansa-Medic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518 Hardy Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243 HCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370 Heatlink Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405 Hebdraulique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3000 HG Spec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 Hilti (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218 Honeywell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .850 HPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .435 Hubbell Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .366 Hubbell Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360 Hydro Quebec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .767 Hydronic Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .316 Ideal Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 IES Montreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .380 IGE+XAO Amerique du Nord . . . . . . .967 Imperial Mfg Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .844 InSinkErator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .313 Intelli Vida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254 Intercept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240 Inventex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .461 IPEX Electrique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .661 IPEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .406 ITW Construction Products . . . . . . . . .759 J.P. Sylvain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319 Jaga Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .327 Jenkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1020 Jess Cie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .832 Jess-Don Dunford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .986 John L. Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Jonas Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1073 Kidde Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 L.G. Énergie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .619 L.H. Dottie Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361 L.S. Bilodeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .960 Le Group Créatech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .785 Le Groupe Master SEC . . . . . . . . . . . . .727 Le materiel industriel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .745 Leco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .376 LED Roadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .481 Lenox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .440 Leonard Valve Company . . . . . . . . . . .341 Les Bétons Centrifugés . . . . . . . . . . . .383 Les Fourgons Rive-Sud . . . . . . . . . . . .255 Les Tuyaux Logard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .338 Leviton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267 Liberty Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307 Litepro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .471 Lithonia Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 Locations Park Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . .884 Loue - Froid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .901 Lou-Tec Industriel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245 Lumen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .771 Luminergie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .367 Luminex Structure de Trafic . . . . . . . .373

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Luminis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .483 Lutron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Lyncar Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 M.A. Baulne Company . . . . . . . . . . . .1046 M.A. Stewart & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .516 Mansfield Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .418 Manuflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .840 Masco Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .419 Mechanical Business Magazine 119/601 Mectra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3004 Mersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .355 Métal Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244 Metal Pole-Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281 Metlantech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .837 Mifab Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238 Milwaukee Electric Tool . . . . . . . . . . . .207 Mircom SI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .663 Mirolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .333 Mission Rubber Company . . . . . . . . .1022 Moen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Moteurs Électriques Laval . . . . . . . . . .657 MTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .459 NAD Klima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1035 Navien America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1067 NCI Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214 Neptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .834 Newmac Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304 Nimatec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234 Nissan Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .951 Noble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .813 Norcan Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .875 North Cool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .942 Notifier by Honeywell . . . . . . . . . . . . . .451 Novanni Stainless . . . . . . . . . . . . .343/416 NRAC/Keeprite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .733 Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .918 Oatey Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .918 Oeticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404 OS&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .342 Osram Sylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181 Ouellet Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550 Outil Pac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627 Pacific Range Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1021 Panasonic Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .656 Panduit Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357 Paul Maranda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .713 Pentair Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237 Philips Éclairage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .475 Philips Lumec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266 Plumbing & HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136 PMF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 Powrmatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221 Preston Phipps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Priority Wire/Cooper Wiring . . . . . . . .556 Pro Kontrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .545 Produits Chimiques Magnus . . . . . . . .839 Produits Neptune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .981 Prolon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .545 PSD Axces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .958 Quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .572 Quote Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .982 RAB Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .466 Refplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .833 RBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1017 Régulvar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .856 Reversomatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .755 Rheem Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .527 Rial Électrique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .887 Richporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .874 Ridge Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .817 Riello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944 Robinetterie Jalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .603 Rodwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721 Roland Lajoie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .520 Rosenberg Fans Canada . . . . . . . . . .1063 Roth Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .612

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Saniflo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .345 Schneider Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375 Sensor Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277 Services Energetiques R.L. . . . . . . . . . .845 SIE, div. of Laurentide Controls . . . . . .701 Silver Star Montréal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1066 Sinus North America Mfg. . . . . . . . . .1061 Sioux Chief Manufacturing . . . . . . . . .340 Slant/Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 SNOC (2010) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566 Soler & Palau Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . .781 Southwire Canada Company . . . . . . . .560 Spartan Peripheral Devices . . . . . . . . .737 Standard Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274 Stanex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .891 Stanley Black & Decker . . . . . . . . . . . .239 Stanpro Lighting Systems . . . . . . . . . .276 Steinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457 Stelpro Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251 Sumner Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . .1023 Systemair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .544 Système HCW systems . . . . . . . . . . . .1029 Systèmes Action-Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439 Tacel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283 Taco (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300 Technologie Demtroys . . . . . . . . . . . .538 Tecnico Chauffage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .859 Tekmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305 Thermadyne Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 Thermo 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .621 Thermofin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .841 Thomas & Betts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .559 Topring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .886 Triangle Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .316 Trilex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800 TTI Climatisation Chauffage . . . . . . .1042 Tuyaux Royal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705 ULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Uponor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .906 Uptown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .818 Urbex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .580 Vanguard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .401 Ventes Electra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371 Venture Lighting Canada . . . . . . . . . . .270 Viconics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .540 Victaulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .312 Viega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .321 Viessmann Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227 Visioneering Corporation . . . . . . . . . . .175 Vistaqua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .918 WaterGroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3036 WaterSaver Faucet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .517 Watt Stopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372 Watts Water Technologies . . . . . . . . . .427 Weil-McLain Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301 Wheeler-Rex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .442 Wika Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915 Wilo Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213 Wolseley Groupe CVAC/R . . . . . . . . . .932 Woodford Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .700 WWG Totaline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .519 Zurn Ind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332

Thursday, April 21, 2011 Hydro-Quebec’s Global Energy Efficiency [French] Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: Room 9 Speaker: Daniel Bazinet, Chef – Approche Commerciale Efficacité Energétique, Direction-Efficacité énergétique CMMTQ/CIPH

PLUMBING The Grail commercial faucet from Delta features the company’s Proximity sensing technology. The self-calibrating system creates a four-inch field around the unit without using optics or infrared. Water flow is cut off two seconds after the user exits the sensor rage. The faucet offers a 1.5 gmp flow rate.

deltafaucet.ca Featuring a one-piece hex coupling nut and an adjustable tailpiece, Zurn’s Z6000AV AquaVantage flush valve offers flush options ranging from 1.6 gpf to 4.5 gpf. It offers a dual-seal diaphragm designed for quiet operation and has a triple-filtered bypass to reduce blockages. Its internal seals are designed to be chloramines resistant and it has a polished chrome-plated exterior.

SharkBite residential and commercial Heatguard thermostatic mixing valves from Cash Acme offer outlet temperatures from 95°F to 176°F and flow rates of 5.5 gpm to 30 gpm, depending on the model and application. Available in 1/2” to one-inch sizes, they are designed to provide stable delivery temperatures and to reduce flow in the event of a cold water supply failure.

zurn.com

sharkbite.com

HeatLink’s potable water system features stainless steel press fittings, PEX-a tubing and the company’s EasyFit manifolds. Available in sizes from 1/2” to 1-1/4”, the tubing is designed to be lightweight, and to be freeze, scale and chemical resistant. It is rated to handle pressures up to 100 psi and temperatures up to 180˚F. The stainless steel press fittings are also available in 1/2” to 1-1/4” sizes.

With an effective sensor range of 22” to 42”, Sloan Valve Company’s solar powered WETS 2002.1201 high-efficiency flushometer and water closet offers dual flushing capacities of 1.6 gpf and 1.1 gpf. The water closet stands 15” tall and features a floormounted vitreous china bowl. The flushometer’s battery life is rated for six years at 4,000 flushes per month, and the unit functions at operating pressures between 15 and 100 psi.

sloanvalve.com

heatlink.ca

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It’s hard to beat a solid track record. As we start our second million, we know success breeds imitators. Other similar valves will hit the market, but they have a lot of catching up to do before they achieve the reliable performance and stellar reputation of The Bradford White ICON System™. Having the well tested, proven technology of over one million

intelligent gas control valve sold exclusively through

Bradford White ICON System water heaters in the field is a

plumbing professionals.

statistic you and your business can depend upon.

Bradford White would like to thank all of

If you haven’t tried the ICON system, here’s another

you who have embraced this innovative

reason to make the switch. The Bradford White

technology and made the ICON System the

ICON System remains the only “wholesale only”

incredible success it has become.

www.bradfordwhite.com

To Find A Wholesaler Call

866.690.0961

By David Janzen

Photos: Jean Jasmin

ROAD WARRIOR

Daniel Monette, president of Plomberie Charbonneau Inc. in Montreal, Que., is a dedicated Montreal Canadiens and CIS University football fan. His passion for sports is rivalled only by his commitment to hard work, and running a successful plumbing firm. Oh, and honing his chipping and putting.

Playing

Name: Daniel Monette Company: Plomberie Charbonneau Inc. Title: President Born and resides in: Laval, Que. Age: 45 Family: Partner, France, and a 20-year-old daughter Roxanne Pet: A Chihuahua named Penelope Trade School: Montreal Plumbing School

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Favourite car: VW Touareg

Favourite thing about the job: I enjoy the range and diversity of circumstances that I encounter each day.

Aside from Mechanical Business, what is your favourite magazine? Golf Digest.

What brought you to the trades? I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and making things work.

Favourite sport and athlete: Definitely golf. I like watching Phil Mickelson.

Time behind the wheel per day: Three hours Service vehicle: 2008 GMC Savana Kilometres logged per day: 200 km Service area: Montreal and its suburbs Latest job: We were called in to replace the grease trap at Casino Montreal.

Favourite outdoor activity: When I get the time, I enjoy going for a cruise on my 20-foot power boat. Favourite local restaurant for dinner: Aqua Restaurant for a beef fillet. It’s the best. What is your favourite website to browse? PGA.com to check and see how much I need to improve my own scores.

What is your beer of choice? Coors Light.

What do you do in your spare time? I do my best to keep a regular fitness routine to stay healthy.

How about smoked meat? My favourite stop is Schwartz’s.

Last book read: Golf 101

Are you a Habs fan? Absolument! CFL or Canadian University football? Coming from Laval, I’m a big fan of the Canadian University league, so it’s Rouge et Or all the way! Which do you prefer and why, Old Montreal or Crescent Street? My vote is Crescent Street because it is far more lively than Old Montreal. Any interesting work-related stories? I recall once finding dentures in a clogged toilet. I still can’t quite wrap my head around that one. Favourite tool: Pipe wrench Favourite bands/performers: Celine Dion, Guns N’ Roses, and Tiesto Best concert you ever attended? Pink Floyd came to Montreal back in 2000. It was a fantastic show.

Do you play any other sports? What position? Hockey. I’m a left-winger.

One word that describes you: Goodness. My rule of thumb is... One day at a time. The best advice somebody has given you is: Have faith in tomorrow. If I had a million dollars... I’d buy a country house. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a... Veterinarian. Where is the best place to get a Steamie? Lafleur’s, of course – where else?

If you were granted one wish: Peace on earth. Biggest pet peeves: Don’t get me started on health care in Quebec. Radio stations: NRJ 94.3 or Choice 104.3 for classic rock One place in the world you would like to visit and why: Polynesia has always intrigued me. I’d love to go there for the beautiful sights and warm weather. If you could have lunch with any celebrity, who would it be? Sandra Bullock.

Favourite movie: The Godfather M e c h a n i c a l

What’s a Steamie? A steamie, or Montreal Hot Dog, is a long standing culinary tradition in Montreal. The city forbade the use of street concessions, which prompted restaurants like Lafleur’s to set up shop. Don’t forget to order a side of fries, or a poutine for the true Quebecois experience. B u s i n e s s

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This Month’s Quiz: THE PROBLEM INSTALLATION Designing a modern hydronic heating system for a home renovation should have been a breeze, but sometimes a simple twist can have you in fits. The owner of the house in this example has been involved in the hydronics industry for many years. With access to the latest equipment and accessories, he decided he would remove the forced air furnace and install a complete hot water system so he would have firsthand knowledge of just how comfortable and efficient hydronic heating is. During construction of the basement in-law suite complete with track radiant floor, the first floor received in-joist radiant heating and the small addition received radiant in-floor heating. A towel warmer was installed in the master bath and the furnace was upgraded to a variable-speed modulating hot water air handler. An indirect DHW heater/buffer tank completed the hydronic system. This multi-temperature multi-zoned system should have worked like a charm. The buffer tank handled the micro loads with ease – and did so until it got cold. There was lots of DHW, but the heating wasn’t keeping up. What happened?

Congratulations to John Mulder of Mulder Heating Ltd in Coalhurst, Alta., our November/December winner. He’s the proud new owner of a Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Expander. Be sure to pick up the next edition of Mechanical Business to see who claims the next prize, and for the next edition of Find the Fix!

Answer and win! IT’S HAMMER DRILL TIME! Send us your solution to this month’s puzzle by May 6 and you could find yourself holding the hammer drill. We’re giving away an M12 Hammer Drill, courtesy of Milwaukee Electric Tool, so get your solution in to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com and the subcompact cordless tool could be yours.

Look to Runtal for INSPIRED RADIANT heating solutions. Comfort, style, durability, versatility and ENERGY EFFICIENCY are the hallmarks of residential and commercial building spaces designed the Runtal way. The worldwide LEADER in standard and custom designed radiators for over 50 YEARS our ENGINEERING ASSISTANCE takes the guess work out of every job. And when it comes to off-the-shelf solutions, you can rely on our IN-STOCK solutions.

1-888-829-4901 www.runtalradiators.com 74

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The January/February Fix: THE PROBLEM: The thought process was sound. Replace on old cast iron boiler in the church with modern high-efficiency condensing modulating boilers. The two boilers in the new system would provide some redundancy and improve the turn down ratio to 10:1. By combining with outdoor reset, the efficiency could really be pushed to the maximum. The new boilers are designed to provide up to 399,000 BTUH each, and the boiler fittings are 1-1/4” for both supply and return. During the upgrade, an 80-gallon indirect was added for DHW purposes, and the old forced-air furnaces were replaced with new variable speed hot water air handlers.

Get your fix online For more puzzles from our archives, visit us on the web, www.mechanicalbusiness.com.

As the DHW and the air handlers required high temperature water, they were connected to the priority side of the boiler number 2. With relays, boiler 2 would also back-up boiler 1 for the main heating system. Two boilers at 50 per cent are more efficient than one boiler at 100 per cent. The two pumps on boiler 2 do not run at the same time.

Jeff House is an experienced industry professional and hydronics trainer, and handles the Golden Horseshoe territory for Jess-Don Dunford, a manufacturers’ rep in Ontario. He can be reached at jhouse@jessdondunford.com.

Although this system is providing heat and hot water, how could you simplify and improve the system? What would you do different and why?

THE FIX: Here is how our quizmaster, Jeff House, would set things up: There are many ways to pipe a heating system. And although some practices can be fundamentally wrong, they can still deliver heat to the building – just not necessarily in the expected quantity or at the anticipated time. For the current example, it is helpful to remember that just because the manufacturer has 1-1/4” fittings on the boiler, the flow will dictate the piping size. In order to carry the 38 gpm of each boiler, the pipe size should be increased to 2”. To create the primary secondary on boiler number 2, a threeway valve could be used to save the energy and cost of another circulator.

As space is usually at a premium, primary/secondary valves or twin tees can be used to ensure hydraulic separation. Using one set of tees on the existing piping, and then connecting piping reverse return to the boilers, ensures both boilers see the same low return temperature, which helps to maximise efficiency. Getting the pipe size correct, and the sequence, improves performance and simplifies the install. Mechanical

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Marketing with DOUG MACMILLAN

This is the third of Doug’s three-part look at social media. Check out Social Media, A Primer (Mechanical Business, November/December 2010, page 42) for Part 1 in the series, and The ins and outs of social media (Mechanical Business, January/February, page 74) for Part 2 in the series. Both are available at mechanicalbusiness.com.

What are you up to out there? he past couple of columns have served as a bit of a primer for the social media novice. We spent some time defining the different types of social media, and looking at the ins and outs of these communication and marketing tools.

Social media is a rapidly evolving animal. Every day a new idea comes forward. So, it begs the question... how are you using social media for business?

Now, let’s get practical and look at a few straightforward ways that social media can be used efficiently and effectively by an HVAC/R or plumbing contractor. As with any other marketing activity, an investment is required. In this case though, it’s more of a time investment than money... unless you prefer to pay someone else to do this for you.

What you can do today SOCIAL MEDIA

BE A

- PART 3

web star

Justin Bieber was discovered on www.youtube.com. There are hundreds of thousands of instructional videos at places like www.howcast.com and www.videojug.com. When it comes to the web, we are relying on short videos a lot more these days. With a $150 camera you – or the person in your company best suited for stardom – can record a perfectly suitable three- to five-minute video to promote your business. Be creative though. How-to videos are a lot more interesting than a cheesy corporate profile. Record demos on how to program a setback thermostat, tips to keep the heat and cool in, how to change or rinse your filter... the list is endless.

Quicktip 76

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Link in

More and more customers are investigating potential business partners online. Owners and leaders in your business are wise to create a free profile with www.linkedin.com. Basically, it’s an online curriculum vitae that also allows you to invite testimonials from people who have done business with your company. It’s also easy to set up a business page, which serves as another way for people to find you. And once you’re in, spend a little time poking around... you never know which former colleague or current customer can “link” you to new work!

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fâ&#x20AC;? word Facebook isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily the place for business marketing, but there are some specific, interesting ways your company can play in this 500 million user sandbox. Invite customers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;likeâ&#x20AC;? your company Facebook page and then post very specific, useful status information such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time to clean your furnace filterâ&#x20AC;? once per month. Avoid promoting sales or discounts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Facebook frowns on this so keep the information useful and minus the direct sales pitches.

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Facebook is also a great way to rally people for an event or fundraiser. If your business supports the community with a specific charitable initiative, set up a Facebook page to keep interested participants up to date with the news and updates specific to that program.

Quicktip

online

Chances are good if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve planned a vacation, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve checked the web for reviews on holiday destinations and cruise lines. Why trust the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slick website when you can dig around for the real evidence? Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a critic and today, we have an easy soapbox.

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Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experience on such websites as www.homestars.com or www.casaguru.com (youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to register your business) helps spread the word about your quality work and exceptional customer service. Of course, the opposite can be true, too. Keep an eye on things to know right away if your business is getting slammed by an unhappy customer. That kind of feedback is valuable when properly managed.

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Doug MacMillan is president of MacMillan Marketing Group in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, e-mail dmac@macmillanmarketing.com. M e c h a n i c a l

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By Craig Jobber

IAQ

Marketing the Invisible:

Craig Jobber is president of Healthy Indoors Partnership, and is an IAQ specialist and entrepreneur who has co-founded and run successful duct cleaning and indoor air quality monitoring businesses. www.healthyindoorspartnership.ca

SELLING Indoor Air Quality T

here is a growing movement within the HVAC industry to promote indoor air quality (IAQ) to residential and commercial customers as new information underscores the importance of clean indoor air.

Sell the health benefits

over the comfort concerns Concerns about the air we breathe tend to relate more to health than to

Whether they’ve admitted it or not, HVAC contractors have been prescribing IAQ solutions to their customers for years, addressing temperature, humidity and ventilation challenges – all key indoor air quality issues. But today, as asthma and allergy sensitivities emerge as a key health issue, and as the baby boomers move into their golden years, clean indoor air has been identified by Health Canada as an essential priority. Public awareness of the risk is increasing, and clients are developing strong concerns of particulate contamination and airborne chemicals. Thankfully, advanced products and services are available to deal with this silent health threat in today's homes and offices.

comfort. Of course, when it comes to explaining the benefits of say a ventilation or filtration system, most HV AC contractors do focus on the comfort factor. To be successful in this new field contractors would be well served to pick up an understanding of the health concerns, and the various IAQ solutions available to address them. One of the challenges faced by contractors is the public’s perception of IAQ and HVAC. Health Canada’s most recent health survey of Canadians families

continued on page 80

showed that only one per cent of Canadians would turn to their HVAC contractor for assistance with IAQ issues. The majority turn to Health Canada for information. This gap between what HVAC contractors can offer, versus what the public perception of the offerings from the contractor community, will need promotional efforts, and organizations like HRAI and the Healthy Indoors Partnership are working to encourage this change of mindset.

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SELLING STARTS WITH LISTENING Discussing indoor air quality with customers is new to some contractors, but the selling strategy is not new at all. All it takes is the application of solid sales skills to a new customer demand. Listen, listen, listen, and then address the concerns with empathy – and the right solutions.

Distributed by:

www.flirthermography.ca

1-800-430-6754

IAQ

continued from page 78

Making a connection

CAUTION: Never explicitly guarantee health relief or specific remedies. Remember, we are contractors and not doctors. It is more than fair to talk about studies and manufacturers’ claims, but one cannot expect any technology to work exactly the same with all clients. A HEPA filter will certainly reduce dust in the home, but dust reduction alone can have varied results on a child’s breathing.

Contractors are adopting a new approach to improving the health of a family, one with less technical jargon, more empathy, and a clear intent to address health concerns and not just install mechanical boxes. Rather than chatting about total volatile organic compounds and technical details, getting to know the health advantages and talking those up is a strategy that will help a technician connect with most customers. Empathy is probably the key word in describing what is required for effective dialogue with these healthconscience consumers, but it is a word that must be better understood within our profession. It requires as much listening as talking. When Mrs. Smith wants to alleviate her son’s coughing in the morning, only a sympathetic ear will be able to hear what is not being said, what the concerns really are, and what the correct response is. Successful IAQ contractors spend time understanding the make-up and needs of a customer’s family, and tailoring the conversation towards the specific advantages of improving their indoor air quality situation. The customer’s requirements take on a whole new meaning when it is no longer a box in the basement, but a technology designed to improve the health and wellness of the family.

White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa 253 Taylor Rd. SS4 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Tel: 1-800-263-5766

www.symposium.coha.ca 80

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• Making a connection • Reduce, ventilate and filter

Tech talk Acronyms to understand but not o veruse:

Reduce, ventilate and filter

HRV: Heat recovery ventilators allow for clean fresh air to be brought into the building, and old stale air to be exited, while capturing most of the energ y held within the depar ted air.

Becoming familiar with the vast array of studies and resources available through objective, thirdparty organizations can bring credibility to your sales calls.

CMHC: The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is a Crown corporation that conducts extensive research into housing stock. It is a great resource for residential IAQ information.

Surveys suggest that Canadians trust Health Canada, so communicate its mantra when it comes to IAQ: Reduce, ventilate and filter, in that order.

HEPA: A high efficiency particle arrestance filter will remove 99.97% of all particles below 10 microns. IAQ: Indoor Air Quality is the sum of all the par ts of healthy air. It is measured predominately in the home as temperatur e, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particles and airborne chemicals.

The first line of attack is to reduce the number of contaminants in the home. These include chemicals, dust, pets and dander , and smoke.

UV: An ultraviolet light that emits primarily UV C light can kill microorganism in the air. These units, in some cases, have shown to be effective in reducing airborne microbes, and improving health.

The next step is to effectively ventilate the home, to bring in fresh clean air from outside and exit the old stale air . Few Canadians understand ventilation, so it is important to take the time to talk about heat recovery ventilators and simple fresh air intakes in plain language.

TVOC: Total volatile organic compounds is the term f or the various airborne chemicals that have become aerosolized. It is a soup of man y chemicals, and can have an effect on an individual’s health.

The third step is filtration. If you’ve taken the time to understand the homeowner’s requirements, recommend the right filter to resolve the issue in the home. Just selling filters or HRV s without a discussion on contaminants and their health effects is unfair to the consumer .

HIP: Healthy Indoors Partnership is an indoor air quality trade association with strong ties to government, industry and health related non-government organizations, such as The Asthma Society.

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By Phil J. Boudreau

REFRIGERATION

IPLV vs. EER In 1998, the Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI – formerly ARI) established the IPLV rating for air-cooled and water-cooled chilling packages. Unlike EER which is an efficiency rating for one point only, the IPLV method also takes annual full and part-load efficiencies into consideration. This approach is more reasonable since most systems do not operate at constant load throughout the year.

Advances in

Compression Technology ompressors are typically designed to provide a desired mass flow rate at a desired pressure increase. Due to the varying thermodynamic properties of refrigerants, along with the vast number of possible applications, it is impossible to design a compressor as a “one size fits all” solution. A compressor is most efficient when operating at the conditions that it has been optimized for.

Traditionally, it was very common to design compressors that would operate under a variety of operating conditions and could also be applied using more than one refrigerant. This is a convenient approach since one compressor could essentially be used for several application types and refrigerants. In many areas of the world, energy costs are much greater than what we experience here in North America. As such, demand for high efficiency equipment and components is on the increase. Additionally, equipment owners are looking for ways in which to reduce their carbon footprint.

In order to reduce one’s carbon footprint, it is necessary to reduce energy consumption of mechanical equipment and utilize refrigerants that have a low global warming potential (GWP). Proactive compressor manufacturers are already developing compressors to meet this demand and even developing technologies based on predictions of future energy and environmental requirements. As a result, compressor technologies are changing at a very rapid pace. Generally speaking, high-efficiency compression processes can be realized by designing compressors to operate with a specific refrigerant and set of operating conditions. Phil Boudreau, is the Ontario sales manager for Bitzer Canada Inc. and also provides training and technical support for Bitzer’s clientele. Phil is also a refrigeration instructor at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Phil may be contacted at pboudreau@bitzer.ca

The

COMBATTING

over and under

Scroll and screw compressors increase pressure in a number of compression pockets. Since these pockets are formed upstream of the discharge port, the refrigerant will be over-compressed if the Vi is too great. Conversely, the refrigerant will be under-compressed if the Vi is too low . In this situation the pressure is not elevated to discharge pressure before the discharge port is exposed to the final compression pockets. With this scenario, the low Vi compressor will have to work to overcome the discharge pressure. Therefore, the location and geometry of the discharge port become very important in scroll and screw compressor types.

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Volume-Index

The volume-index, or Vi of a compressor, is basically the volume reduction ratio of the suction gas to the discharge gas. The Vi is calculated using the following formula: where:

Vi = Vs ÷ Vd

Vi is the volume index or volume reduction ratio, Vs is the specific volume of the suction vapour, Vd is the specific volume of the discharge vapour. The volume-index varies with the refrigerant and operating conditions. Ideally, the Vi will match the volume reduction ratio that is most suitable for the refrigerant used in a particular

• The volume-index • Optimizing the compression process Let’s consider a system where the saturated suction temperature (SST) is 20°F, return gas temperature (RGT) is 40°F, the saturated discharge temperature (SDT) is 100°F and where compression is isentropic. Under these conditions, the specific volume of the R-134a would be 134.3 per cent greater than R-507. However , R-134a has a greater ability to absorb heat at 20°F SST than R-507 on a per pound basis. In the R-134a system, the mass flow rate will be less and the HP per ton will be less. Also, the displacement requirement for the R-134a compressor is 68.7 per cent greater. Additionally, the BHP will be 10.5 per cent less.

Optimizing the

In summary, the R-134a compressor requires a larger displacement and a lower BHP than R-507 under the conditions described. So what should be expected when we apply a compressor that has been optimized for R-507, to an R-134a system operating under the same conditions? The results in this case are very predictable. The compressor will not be able to circulate enough refrigerant. Secondly , the horsepower of the motor will be larger than needed for a given displacement.

With reciprocating compressors, the size, location, quantity and shape of valve-plate suction and discharge ports are very important. Ideally, the refrigerant leaves the cylinders at a pressure that is only slightly higher than the discharge line pressure. In general, the port discharge area must be sufficiently large so as not to restrict the flow and cause over-compression.

The theoretical Vi for these two processes may be calculated by dividing the specific volume of the suction vapour by that of the discharge vapour . For the stated operating conditions of the R-507 and R-134a cycles, the ideal V i will be 3.6 and 3.9 respectively.

Figure 2 - R-507 and R-134a Cycle Comparison Figure 1 - Specific Volume at Various Saturated Suction Temperatures

Compression Process In order to achieve maximum efficiency, the compressor must be optimized. Perhaps the two most prevalent opportunities for optimization exist in the adaptation of compressor Vi along with the adaptation of the motor.

Vi is not typically mentioned in the context of reciprocating compressors. However, as with all types, these compressors may also be designed to increase refrigerant throughput at the lowest power level in accordance with specific refrigerants and applications.

For a given compressor and refrigerant type, the mass flow rate will vary with the compression ratio. The higher the compression ratio, the lower the mass flow rate will be. This is true because the specific volume of the refrigerant varies in proportion with the pressures.

Figure 3 – Compression Ratio at Various Saturated Suction Temperatures, assuming 100°F SDT.

application. In water-cooled systems, for example, the compression ratio along with the Vi requirement will generally be lower than that of an aircooled system. Furthermore, the Vi of a compressor that is optimized for heat recovery will be higher than that of a compressor that is optimized for water-cooled applications. Another important consideration that compressor manufacturers take into account is the brake horsepower (BHP) requirement. In order to optimize efficiency, it is necessary to provide just enough horsepower for pull-down and holding of the load. Excess motor power contributes to inefficiency .

To put this into perspective, consider a compressor that is specifically designed for use with R-507 in a medium-temperature (MT) application. If this same compressor is used in an R-134a, MT application, the mass flow rate will be less and the motor BHP will be too high for the R-134a process. The result is that a lower efficiency will be realized. However , the compression ratio when using R-134a will be about 14 per cent greater . According to Figure 1, the specific volume of R-134a is greater than R507A. This means that the volumetric throughput would have to be larger , if we were to assume the same mass flow rate.

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By Patricia Diamente

BATHTUBS

PICK A TUB, ANY TUB F

Patricia Diamente is the vice-president of brand marketing with MAAX Bath. She can be reached at patricia.diamente@maax.com

or years, calling a bathtub a "fixture" couldn't have been a more apt description. The typical cast iron tub of the day would often outlast everyone in the household – a thankful durability factor because no one was planning on moving these tubs anytime soon. Large models can weigh nearly a quarter ton, even before being filled with a single drop of water. The Plastics Age changed that, giving builders, property owners and remodelers far more flexibility when it came to bathing options. Those choices grow every decade when it comes to materials, shapes and colours. This was not necessarily always for the better. Anyone remember, or still have, an avocado tub from the late '60s and early '70s?

OL’ IRON SIDES

Today, a tub exists for every type of person, lifestyle and budget. It's just a matter of finding the right match. Three types of tubs dominate the North American market: gelcoat, acrylic and cast iron. Each is perfect for certain situations, and less desirable for others.

CHOOSING A TUB When choosing a bathtub, most people first think of style , colour or cost. What they should think of is how and when the tub be used. will use the bathtub (homeo wners, children, guests, renters)? • Who How will the tub be used (dail y, weekly, monthly or less)? • How frequently frequently tub really be cleaned (daily, weekly, monthly or less)? • Where will the tubwillbethelocated (upper floor, against an outside wall, near a • light source or in a basement corner)? How will the tub be brought into house (up or do wn stairs, through a • narrow door or hallway, though a window)? What expectations there for the tub's lifespan (a lifetime, a • decade or until stylesarechange)? Pros:

The first tubs complete with attached plumbing were built by the Romans who piped water in and out with lead or bronze pipes.

Cast iron tubs remain a popular, nay the only, choice for some traditionalists. Manufacturing of them has changed little: molten iron is poured into a tub-shaped mould, then a layer of porcelain enamel is fused at a high temperature. The cost of materials and production methods is why cast iron remains the most expensive choice, but with added expense comes a lifetime of durability as it is long as cared for properly – and the owner's tastes don't change. The enamel surface, most often described as hard as glass, is generally easy to clean. However, like glass, enamel can be subject to chipping. Repair can be difficult and, if not done promptly and properly, can lead to the iron base rusting or corroding. There are numerous styles of cast iron tubs available, but even modest five-footers can top 300 pounds. This needs to be considered if the homeowner is looking for a cast iron tub for an upper floor bathroom. The services of a structural engineer might be needed to determine whether extra joists or other support materials will be needed for the tub.

CAST IRON

• Durable and sturdy • Timeless look and appeal • Easy to clean, very hard to chip, dent and scratch • Retains heat well Cons: • Weight may make transportation and placement difficult • May require structural floor support • Enamel may chip • Limited shapes and styles • Mid-price to expensive continued on page 86

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“I can’t take a leak.” “That’s why I only use Dahl valves.” Nothing makes my blood boil like going back on a job to replace a leaky valve that’s caused water damage. I just can’t stand it, and now I don’t have to because I’m using Dahl valves, covered by a 25-year warranty. With Dahl on our trucks, I sleep better at night. Want to know more? Call toll-free 1-855-423-4862. Josh, Gaylen or Thomas will answer your questions. Or visit us at www.dahlvalve.com

Made in Canada. Really.

BATHTUBS

continued from page 84

CRY OUT FOR ACRYLIC tubs. The non-porous surface makes mildew Somne of the most popular tub types on the and soap scum harder to stick on, helping it market today are made of acrylic. These retain that shiny showroom look longer than combine modest pricing, a multitude of styles, other materials. and overall strong performance and durability. While generally resistant to chipping, acrylic They are created by heating a large sheet of can be scratched. Scratches can be carefully plastic materials then using a vacuum process Whether you call it fibreglass, gelcoat or FRP buffed out and, when done properly, these can to stretch and fit it over a mould of the desired (short for " fibreglass reinforced polyester"), be nearly invisible. This is because unlike other shape. this popular tub material is the least Manufacturers generally add fibreglass or other tub materials, the colour is not merely a expensive, most lightweight and most surface coating; it goes completely through the composite support materials to the backing to versatile in design of them all. material, which also means little long-term give more strength and support to the Layers of fibreglass and base fading. lightweight acrylic. To counter this, acrylic tubs reinforcement are moulded into GELCOAT Pros: are sometimes set in wet plaster, a base shape, sprayed with a • Most inexpensive mortar or industrial grade foam coloured polyester resin, and ACRYLIC • Lighter than acrylic insulation to better solidify the feel. strengthened with fibreglass. The Cons: Acrylic tubs have a hard, glossy finish Pros: resulting material is less durable • Prone to shipping damage that makes them as easy to clean as • Durable than an acrylic tub, but a quality • Finish can oxidize porcelain-enamel coated cast iron • Wide variety of styles and shapes gelcoat tub can still give you • Colour may fade over time • Fade-free colours many years of good use if proper • Lightweight care is taken. The gelcoat • Easy to clean surface, being much softer and porous than • Resistant to mould, mildew and most chemicals acrylic or cast iron, is far more susceptible to Cons: scratching and fading over time. While • Minor scratches are only buffed scratches can reveal the fibreglass under the • Deeper scratches are filled with composite compound gelcoat, they can also be easily and cheaply and painted repaired by a professional or even a handy • Mid-range price do-it-yourselfer.

“GEL”-LING?

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FLOOR-MOUNTED

CONNECTIONS

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By Thomas Neill

BOILER PROTECTION

Thomas Neill is project engineering manager with Mestek Corp. He can be reached at tneill@mestek.com.

Mixing valves AND MORE I

BY DEFINITION: Thermal Shock - A rapid change in temperature of a metal that causes a fracture in the material. Mixed Water Temperature – The resulting final water temperature when two volumes of water are combined.

n our efforts to make heating systems operate more efficiently, we often use a Building Automation System (BAS) to reset water supply temperature to a building based on outdoor air temperature. The warmer it is outside, the cooler the water temperature that can be used to satisfy the space heating load. If the supply water temperature is reset too low, operational problems can occur with traditional boilers, however. For instance, if the boiler maintains a constant 180ºF (82ºC) and the building only requires 100ºF (38ºC) there could be a very large temperature difference between the “hot” boiler water and the “cold” system return water. This, combined with a high volume flow rate, can result in thermal shock occurring to the boiler. There are a number of ways to prevent thermal shock from occurring. The first is to design the system to keep the temperature difference across the boiler from exceeding 40ºF. This reduces the

chance of cold water from returning to a hot boiler. This type of control sequence is typical of a condensing boiler. Since there is no minimum operating temperature in a condensing boiler, its operating set point can be reset as low as is dictated by the BAS and not exceed the temperature difference. In a non-condensing boiler it is necessary to keep the average boiler water temperature above 130ºF (54ºC) to prevent flue gas condensation from occurring within the boiler. So when we need to supply lower water temperature to the building we traditionally use a three-way valve to reset the hot boiler water temperature by mixing boiler supply water with system return water and sending this mixed temperature water out to the building. continued on page 90

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SPIROVENT

QUAD

AIR SEPARATOR • HYDRAULIC SEPARATOR DIRT SEPARATOR • LOW LOSS HEADER Over the past couple years we have had unprecedented requests to develop a hydraulic separator with real air elimination and dirt separation capabilities. You know, the features, benefits, and efficiencies of a Spirovent® and what has made it the industry standard that others are still trying to match. Not empty vessels with baffle plates, no optional baskets of random material, and certainly not simple empty vertical headers with an air vent stuck on top.

We Heard You. Spirotherm is proud to introduce the Spirovent Quad, a true hydraulic separator with world class Spirovent and Spirotrap® features in a low loss header. Years of research, development, and testing in many of the world’s hydronic capitals have resulted in a product you can trust, and the one you asked for. We don’t compromise on design so you don’t have to compromise your installations. Since the original design almost 40 years ago, we have tested all the ways to appease the cost reduction gurus, and shortcuts just won’t meet our standards. When you buy and install a Spirovent, you get a world class product backed by a family owned and operated company with factory trained representatives across North America.

The Spirovent Quad is available in the following conﬁgurations and construction: 1” thru 11⁄2” in Brass with Female Threads or Sweat Connections and the ability to use different size connections on each side to simplify your piping. 2” through 12” in Steel with Male Threads through 4” or Flanged Connections through 12” in standard ASME construction. All models include the full Spirotube® elements, problem free integral Spirotop® vent head and blow down valve.

T F W E

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BOILER PROTECTION continued from page 88

Gathering the facts When it comes to considering thermal shock, there are a number of factors to consider when designing heating systems and making boiler selections. • What will the system design temperature be to deliver the heat required through the terminal units? • Is the design temperature within the operating range of the selected boiler? • Is a condensing boiler or a noncondensing boiler appropriate? Once these decisions have been made it is then possible to address system temperature drop, and the possible need for thermal shock protection.

Working with

smaller pumps

An alternative to the use of a large pump on some systems is the use of a three-way or four-way mixing valve on the return side of the boiler in conjunction with a standard-sized pump. The use of the thee-way valve allows for the diversion of cold return water away from the boiler, limiting the volume of return water from the system and giving the valve and pump combination a chance to temper the return water before it reaches the boiler. This approach will protect the boiler, however it may increase the time to bring the system set-point temperature up to the desired level, since we are adding a lower flow rate of water from the outlet of the boiler to the system. We are, however, still adding the BTUH capacity of the boiler. The flow rate through a boiler is an important factor to the temperature rise the boiler will experience. A boiler with a design flow rate that results in a 20ºF temperature rise across the boiler will provide the total BTUH capacity of the boiler at full input, whether the boiler heats return water from 100ºF to 120ºF or 160ºF to 180ºF. But our system may not be able to heat the space with the lower water temperature at design outdoor air temperatures.

BLENDING with pumps for protection If we use a three-way mixing valve, the addition of a “blend pump” to supply hot boiler water to mix with building return water before it reaches the boiler it can help maintain the desired delta T. The size of this blend pump is determined by knowing the volume flow rate of the system – in gallons per minute – and the return temperature, as well as the boiler water temperature. Once these values are known we can use a simple mixed water formula to determine the mixed water temperature. (GPM-hot X Temp-hot) + (GPM-low X Temp-low) / (GPM-hot + GPM-low) = Mixed Water Temperature This is based on the fact that one BTU will raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. So if we have a system that requires 2,000,000 BTUH, where the boiler maintains 180ºF with a system design temperature drop of 20ºF, the system pumping rate would be 200 gpm and, at design, the return water temperature would be 160ºF. Now when we use a three-way valve to reset water temperature, and in the spring only need to send 100ºF water to the building we could have 90ºF water coming back to the boiler. Should the three-way valve go from nearly closed (bypassing water away from the boiler) to fully-open allowing 100 per cent water flow through the boiler, the boiler will see a 90ºF temperature difference. We need to protect the non-condensing boiler. One option is to add a blend pump. The flow rate of our blend pump can be found by using the blended water temperature equation. Since we have boiler water at 180ºF and return water flowing at 200 gpm at 90ºF, our blend pump is required to mix boiler water at 180ºF with return water at 90ºF to have a mixed water temperature of 140ºF, and the flow rate would have to be 260 gpm. This is more than our actual system flow rate but is required to obtain the temperature increase we are looking for. This is one situation where the old “rule of thumb” that a blend pump should be selected at 1/3 the system pumping rate would get us in trouble. If we had followed that selection process our pump would only have been 67 gpm, and our return water temperature to the boiler would have been only 112ºF. This would result in a 68ºF delta T and the potential for thermal shock resulting in possible damage to the boiler over time, not to mention flue gas condensation occurring in the boiler.

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HVAC/R

Selling with Audits

Jaron “Ron” Jordan is the Manager of Business Development and Sales for GreenSaver’s Home Energy Audits division. He can be contacted at jaron.jordan@greensaver.org or by phone at 416-908-7532

lthough the federal government has stopped subsidizing energy audits and retrofits through the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program, audits are still an excellent benchmark upon which to base efficiency upgrades for your clients. Even with the federal funding of that program being wrapped up, there are other programs – some from the various levels of government, and some from utilities – that can help homeowners complete energy-saving upgrades. A home’s HVAC system consumes the most energy of all household appliances, and with electricity costs on the rise, homeowners are always looking for ways to help lower their heating and cooling energy usage. Partnering with a home energy auditor helps contracting firms capitalize on these opportunities by taking an honest and transparent approach to selling your customers on upgrading their HVAC equipment. It’s a win-win-win situation. You win by closing more sales; your customer wins by lowering their monthly energy costs. And we all win by improving C anada’s environmental sustainability, one home at a time.

Where to start

A home energy audit is the first necessary step in this process. Regardless of incentives, the home energy audit process offers a number of benefits to homeowners, and opportunities for HVAC contractors.

To get started visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy for a list of certified energy audit service organizations in your area.

Drive

Grants

Still available

Sales One goal of a home ener gy audit is to help the homeowner understand the upgrades that will have the gr eatest impact on energy consumption. Up to 77 per cent of air conditioning units in Canadian homes are below 13 SEER. This is a tremendous opportunity where a home energy audit can demonstrate to your customers how more efficient products can amount to significant cost

Some provinces and municipalities do have incentives. Government grants allow you to offer significant benefits to your customers without cutting into your bottom line. Contact your local government’s environmental office, or the local utility companies, to see what energy efficiency incentives are available to your customers.

savings over time. More Selling with Audits on page 94

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HVAC/R

continued from page 92

Getting an EnerGuide EnerGuide ratings provide a measure of a home’s energy consumption, assigning that home a rating from zero to 100. The ranking will be based on how its energy efficiency levels compare to an operational standard. Only a certified energy advisor is licensed to provide these ratings. By recommending that your customers work with an energy auditor , not only do you offer them the opportunity to learn how to save money , but you also provide a quantifiable measure of the improvement made to their home with the installation of your product. EnerGuide ratings provide added value to your HVAC services for your customer in the form of a comparative home energy usage reference point and a certified rating which can be used to raise a property’s value at the time of resale.

Safer, healthier homes

Many provinces, including Ontario, B.C., Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec have discussed the addition of energy efficiency measurements as part of their building code, and some will be using EnerGuide ratings as their standard. A home energy audit can help your clients get a head start on these upcoming regulations.

Insulation and air flow can have a significant impact on air quality within the home, which can impact the health of the residents. Poor air exchange in the home can lead to back drafting of combustion devices, or excessive moisture build-up. Too much moisture in the house can lead to mould and mildew .

DEVELOP A GREEN IMAGE Going green is not a fad. C onservation is a key factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions, and it is a factor that is here for the long haul. Demonstrating your organization’s commitment to the environment could mean the difference between closing a sale and losing the lead to a more green-minded competitor. Working with an energy auditor demonstrates your organization’s stance on environmental sustainability. Recommending a home energy audit has no apparent direct profit motive to you in the eyes of your customer – the auditor will be from a third party company unrelated to yours – but the environmental benefit is measurable and significant, and that will resonate with your customer.

Certified energy advisors are trained to look for the possibility of this health hazard and can provide suggestions to address poor ventilation or back drafting problems. Encouraging your clients to conduct a home energy audit prior to proceeding with upgrades shows you understand the possible associated ef fects, and are concerned with their health and safety.

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By Ebbe Hassl

REFRIGERATION

CONTROLLING SUPERHEAT WITH THE

TXV

Ebbe Hassl has 27 years of HVAC industry experience, and is currently the product manager for controls and valves at Danfoss Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, North America. Ebbe can be reached at ebbe.hassl@danfoss.com.

Installation Notes The bulb should not be installed on the bottom of the suction line because oil collects in the bottom of the pipe and will insulate the refrigerant from the sensing bulb

he function of a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is to control superheat. In operation, the TXV is constantly measuring superheat readings. The bulb is taking the pipe temperature, and either internally or through an external equalization line, the valve is sensing suction pressure. These pressure and temperature values, along with any manual adjustments made to the valve, determine the superheat at any given time. The stem of a TXV is exposed to both the low and high pressures of the system on either side of the orifice. In a standard valve, inlet pressure acts on the stem in one direction and can affect the superheat setting. In small valves, the exposed surface area of the stem is small enough that this is not a problem, but when the surface area of the stem exposed to the inlet pressure increases there may be a problem using the standard design. In contrast, a balanced port design causes the inlet pressure to act on the stem in both directions so that it does not affect the stem.

Avoiding the HUNTING TRIP

Hunting in the evaporator can be eliminated by using the following procedure: 1) Increase the superheat by turning the expansion valve setting spindle clockwise until hunting stops. 2) Turn the setting spindle slowly counter-clockwise until hunting begins again.

Soldering tips When possible, keep nitrogen flowing through the valve during soldering to help keep the internal parts of the valve and system clean. Excessive heat can damage the internal parts of valves. Brass body valves should be wrapped with a wet rag before soldering to keep internal parts cool.

3) From this position, turn the spindle 2째F clockwise. With this procedure hunting can be avoided in most applications but remember, a variation of 2째F in superheat is not regarded as hunting. If the TXV bulb is properly mounted and the valve continues to hunt regardless of the setting, the valve capacity may be too high and the orifice assembly or valve may need replacement with a smaller one. If the superheat is too high regardless of the setting, the valve capacity is too low and the orifice assembly may need to be cleaned or replaced with a larger one.

continued on page 98

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TXV VALVES

TOOL TIPS

continued from page 96

Matching the charge to the application TXV bulb charges vary depending on the application. On critical systems it is impor tant to replace TXVs with identical ones, which can often be purchased through the OEM. However, a universal charge TXV can be used in many applications or to get a system operating temporaril y (with OEM approval). TXVs can contain one of thr ee different types of charges:

It’s hammer time!

1. Universal charge

his month in the tool tip, we are looking at making holes in hard surfaces, and whether it is driving through a cinder-block wall to run a plumbing line, or drilling through a foundation to install an air conditioning unit, having a tool designed to take on the hard stuff is the only way to go.

TXVs with Universal charge are used in most refrigeration systems where there is no pressure limitation requirement. Universal charge TXVs can have the bulb located in a warmer location than the power element.

2. MOP charge 3. MOP charge with ballast Universal charge

In a cam-type hammer drill, the hammer action is provided by two cam plates that make the chuck rapidly pulse forward and backward as the drill spins on its axis. A rotary hammer accelerates only the bit with a primary Sure any drill with an appropriate dedicated hammer mechanism with a bit can go through concrete, but separate rotation mechanism. Rotary if you want to make quick work hammers have much less vibration and of the task, reach for either a are much better at penetrating tough hammer drill or a rotary hammer. building materials.

Want to save a bit of time?

When purchasing one of these units, it can be advisable to look for a tool that offers some form of vibration control, and a clutch mechanism to help protect the gears on the unit. Some models feature removable handles, which can help with controlling the drill. These can be removed when it is necessary to get into tight spaces. Other features to look for are a depth gauge rod and variable speed selection.

Universal charge has a liquid charge in the bulb large enough that the charge remains in the bulb independent of whether the element is colder or warmer than the bulb . MOP charge MOP stands for Maximum Operating Pressure. MOP valves limit suction pressure. Sometimes this can be called Motor Overload Protection because limiting suction pressure can help protect the compressor. TXVs with MOP charge are typically used on factory-made units where suction pressure limitation is required on starting. All MOP TXVs have a small charge in the bulb . This means that the valve and power element must be located in a warmer location than the bulb. If not, charge can migrate from the bulb to the element and pr event proper operation of the expansion valve. MOP ballast charge

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TXVs with MOP ballast charges are used to limit valve “hunting,” for example in air conditioning systems and plate heat exchangers. MOP ballast-charged TXVs can have up to 5°F lower stable superheat, and have a dampening effect on valve operation. The valve opens slowly as bulb temperature rises and closes quickly as bulb temperature falls.

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Regulating superheat

Selecting the right

The function of a thermostatic expansion valv e is

TXV for the application

determined by three fundamental pressures: P1: Bulb pressure which acts on the upper surface of the diaphragm, in the valve opening

When selecting the proper TXV the following should be known:

direction. P2: Evaporating pressure which acts on the

■ Refrigerant ■ Evaporator capacity ■ Evaporating pressure ■ Condensing pressure ■ Subcooling ■ Pressure drop across valve ■ Internal or external pressure equalization/pressure drop across the evaporator.

underside of the diaphragm, in the valve closing direction. P3: Spring pressure which also acts on the underside of the diaphragm, in the valve closing direction. When the TXV regulates, balance is created between bulb pressure on one side of the dia phragm and evaporating pressure plus spring force on the other side. The spring is used to adjust superheat.

Setting the valve If necessary, adjustments can be made using the valv e’s setting spindle. Turning the spindle clockwise increases the superheat. Turning it counter-clockwise reduces superheat. It is important to let the system stabilize after superheat adjustment. As a rule of thumb y ou should allow 10 to 20 minutes for stabilization. For an electronic expansion valve, superheat is determined by and adjusted from its controller.

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By Allan Black

TROUBLESHOOTING

FINDING, AND AVOIDING, A

WEAK LINK f a valve or relay won’t energize, your customer is going to be very uncomfortable and then the pressure is on to find the missing connection–sometimes in a sea of random wires. If it isn’t wired right the first time, be ready to work late.

CONTROL

WIRE BASICS

Control wires, or conductors, are measured in AWG units. The term AWG stands f or American Wire Gaug e, and is something is used thr oughout the w orld of contr ols. The measurement system has been around since 1857 in both the U .S. and Canada. But what a lot of people don’ t realize is that it’ s a bit like g olf, a lo wer n umber is a bigg er deal! Lowering an AWG number increases a wire’s diameter.

The headache of troubleshooting When trying to get to the root of a wiring problem, it is always best to start at the end of the circuit you’re tracing and work backward to the power supply. With that rule in mind, I can’t tell how many times I’ve gone to a site where I’m sure the original installer used “end of the roll” flea market wire stock, or worse. Oh, where to begin when it comes to the troubles I’ve seen on jobsites. Whether it is that the standardized colour examples weren’t followed that’s causing the troubles with making troubleshooting

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a quick and easy game, or perhaps that the same wire has undergone a chameleon change inside the control panel and emerged on the other side sporting a new colour, when it comes to finding the source of the problem, every day, and every new job, presents its own unique challenge or surprise. Here’s one for you, have you come across stranded wire coupled to solid with a Marrette wire nut? Isn’t it

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amazing how dissimilar conductors can part company while hidden away inside of a Marrette? What about the newer terminal blocks with AWG receptacles that are sized for “up to” a specific number of AWG conductors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen more than one conductor jammed under the same terminal screw. And, of course, one of the conductors will eventually back out of the

continued on page 102

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TROUBLESHOOTING terminal’s retainer, hiding loosely behind all the other wires. It usually happens at night when the AWG gremlins can’t be seen.

continued from page 100

Solid versus stranded Looking at AWG 18 solid versus AWG 16 solid, the 16 has a larger diameter and more surface area than the other. As such, it is capable of carrying more current at a specific voltage.

TROUBLESHOOTER’S

TIP

Next, we have AWG stranded. The same sizing rule applies regarding current capacity and voltage. As with solid wire, the larger diameter conductor can carry more current than thinner stranded wire. Where things get interesting is when you compare different types of wire.

After you’ve made the connection to an AWG terminal block, give the conductor a gentle tug to make sure it is retained.

Another AWG gremlin can occur at the terminal block itself. In general, the conductor belongs above the movable retainer as you tighten the screw, not under it. But, there are terminal blocks where the opposite is also true, so get to know the parts that you are playing with, and make sure that you are using them properly.

To move the same amount of current, did you know that you could use a smaller diameter stranded conductor instead of a larger diameter solid conductor? Why? Well, let’s go back to basics. “Most” of the electricity travels over the surface of a conductor , and less through its core. If you are using stranded wire, obviously there is more surface area for the electricity to travel over its multi-stranded conductors.

Remember, crimp type terminal connectors don’t hold solid wires as well as they do stranded conductors. They will release solid wire when you’re not looking, and then you’ll be on another search for the break in the circuit.

So which one should you use, stranded or solid? It all depends on the application. For short runs between controllers, stranded is the popular choice. F or thermostats located a distance away from an appliance, A WG solid is the usual choice. Keep in mind though, stranded is more expensive than solid.

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• Solid versus stranded • Shielded cable • A good ground WORKING WITH SHIELDED CABLE

Ooh, the colours When it comes to wiring, there are standardized colours for common applications. For example; Black = AC hot, Red = switched AC hot, Yellow = AC hot from another source (ie: another control panel power supply), White = neutral, Red with white tracer = switched neutral, Green or green with yellow tracer = ground/earth ground. These are found inside control cabinets between controllers and controlled (switched) loads, but many external HVAC terminal boards are standardized as R, W, Y, G, O, C. So now, R= Red switched AC/Hot, W= Heating, Y= Cooling, G= Fan, C= Common, O= Auxillary (for a damper or reversing valve, perhaps).

WG 18-2 shielded-twisted pair, with two conductors in one cable, is often used with thermistor-type temperature sensors. The shield protects the conductor from being influenced by electrical AC flux of nearby line voltage in parallel with the sensor cable. Without the shield the sensor may inaccurately transmit its values to the controller. Sometimes it’s necessary to ground the shield of the conductor . If you do this, connect only one end of the shield to an earth ground. If you ground both ends, you will reduce the effectiveness of the shield, and actually create an antenna, which means you may hear a local FM station in your control cabinet. The thermistor can also detect if hot water is already in the system and will prevent the pump from turning on even if an activation device sends a signal to the pump.

A GOOD GROUNDING All electronic controls love a true earth ground. Usually, this is a nearby copper water pipe – and not the ground screw of an electrical box. However, if the copper pipe is connected to a plastic main after the water meter, then it’s not an earth ground.

Allan Black is president of Comfort Control Solutions Inc. He can be reached at allan.black@sympatico.ca.

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By Dale Stroud

PLUMBING

Delivering savings and convenience, on demand ver stayed at a hotel where you had to wait for the hot water to kick in? How much water was wasted during that wait? And would you stay there again?

No hotel could operate without a system that delivers hot water quickly to every guest room, regardless of the distance from the hot water source. Without recirculation, the hot water wait for a hotel guest in a remote room would be lengthy, and a considerable quantity of water would flow down the drain while waiting. Recirculation systems conserve water, customers and cash in the hospitality industry. This same technology can save water, time, energy and money for homeowners as well. Widespread use of hot water recirculation in homes can help conserve water and energy while also providing the convenience of rapid hot water delivery.

Dale Stroud is the North America business strategy manager for Uponor North America and has more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing. He can be reached at dale.stroud@uponor.com.

HOW ON-DEMAND

WORKS

An on-demand system uses a higher capacity pump to rapidly fill the trunk line with hot water. However, unlike continuous or timed systems, the on-demand pump operates only when activated by the homeowner. User-controlled transmitters send a signal to the pump to turn on. The most common activation devices are motion sensors and buttons that communicate with the pump via either hardwired or wireless methods. To limit the amount of time that the pump operates, it is equipped with an on-board thermistor that senses when the trunk line has been filled with hot water. The thermistor registers a temperature rise in the water that enters the pump body (from the return portion of the trunk line) and shuts the pump off as soon as the pre-set amount of temperature rise is detected. The thermistor can also detect if hot water is already in the system and will prevent the pump from turning on even if an activation device sends a signal to the pump.

RECIRCULATING

WITHOUT A SCHEDULE Historically, hot water recirculation has been done by extending the main trunk of a plumbing system beyond the last fixture, returning the main trunk line back to the inlet to the water heater , and slowly pumping hot water continuously through the trunk line. Alternatively, the pump can sometimes be eliminated in favour of a siphoning effect in which a temperature differential forces water to circulate slowly within the plumbing system. By circulating hot water in the main trunk, the plumbing system is always charged with hot water. When a hot water tap is opened, only the cooled water in the branch line that connects the trunk to the faucet must be purged before hot water flows from the tap. Water waste is minimal compared with a system without recirculation. However continuously operating a pump consumes energy and may make the water heater cycle more frequently. To combat this, some systems use a timer to restrict the pumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating time, thereby limiting hot water circulation to peak-demand or user-programmed periods. During non-timed periods, the pump will not operate.

continued on page 106

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Hard-wired button (red arrow) allows user to activate the on-demand pump to bring hot water to the ta p in a more timely manner.

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PLUMBING

continued from page 104

An alternative to continuous and timed systems is on-demand recirculation. On-demand recirculation allows the user to specifically select when hot water is circulated. Like continuous or timed recirculation, ondemand uses a looped plumbing system in which the main trunk returns to the coldwater inlet to the water heater, and water is pumped through that system. The pump operates only when there is an on-demand call for water. By controlling when the pump runs, electricity can be saved and there is less wear and tear on the plumbing system.

On-Demand Looped System: Here the pump operates only when there is an on-demand call f or water, saving energy, water, and wear and tear on the system.

GREEN

ALMOST INSTANT

POINTS

Because a short period is required to fill the system with hot water, the user must undergo a slight learning cur ve. He or she should not expect hot water to flo w from the tap instantaneously after activating the pump. Instead, they will need to wait f or several seconds while the pump completel y fills the trunk line with hot water.

Of the various techniques for

hot water recirculation, only the on-demand method is recognized by a number of the national residential green building programs. Programs like LEED for Homes provide points for the use of on-demand hot water r ecirculation.

INSTALLATION TIPS •

Plumb the system in a loop , so all of the hot water fixtur es in the dwelling are supplied by the main trunk line and k eep the branch lines as shor t as possible.

•

Do not downsize the return portion of the trunk line . The return line should be at least 3/4" nominal diameter.

•

The on-demand system works equally well with tank and tankless water heaters. For tankless models that require a pressure differential for activation, a larger on-demand pump may be required.

•

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Avoid installing motion sensors in high-traffic ar eas, like kitchens.

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A hard-wired motion detector can be installed in low-traffic areas, like a master bathroom. Don’t use them in high-traffic locations, like kitchens.

PLUMBING The cutting head of the ClogChopper from General Pipe Cleaners features six self-sharpening blades. It is designed for clearing metal, plastic or clay pipes and is available in one-inch to four-inch sizes. Connectors are available for operation with a variety of cleaning machines.

drainbrain.com

Blanco’s Horizon series of stainless steel undermount and drop-in sinks offer bowl depths of seven inches. Available in single- or dualbowl configuration, the sinks come in a polished brushed finish and feature rear-positioned drain holes with 3-1/2” strainers. The sinks come with a template to aid installation.

blancocanada.ca

Designed for one- or three-hole installation, Moen’s single-handle Arbor pulldown kitchen faucet features a 68” braided spray hose and a 2.2 gpm flow rate. Its 360˚ rotating spout stands 16" tall and allows the handle to be installed on either the left or right side. The handle operates with less than five pounds of force. The faucet is available in chrome, stainless or bronze finishes.

moen.ca

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HYDRONIC Commercial boilers Weil-McLain Canada’s 88 Series 2 commercial boilers are sized from 1 million to 5.8 million BTUH and offer up to 85.6 per cent thermal efficiency. The gas, oil, or gas/oil burning units can be configured for water or steam applications, feature a built-in air eliminator and are available with or without a tankless water heater.

weil-mclain.ca

Wall-mounted combi system Weighing 100 lb., the Mascot II gas-fired, combination boiler/water heater from Laars Heating Systems has a 95 per cent AFUE efficiency rating and a 125,000 BTUH input rating. It features a stainless steel heat exchanger with a 5:1 turndown, 10 ppm NOx emissions and has an 1.5 amp electrical draw. The 120 V, 60 Hz boiler has 3/4” supply and return flow connections and a built-in 26 gal. (98 L) expansion tank.

Radiant floor panels Designed for even distribution of heat, Creatherm’s Neopor panels are suitable for slab-on-grade, snow melt and retrofit heating applications. On-centre points are spaced every three inches and accommodate 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" PEX tubing. The panels are available in 1.8", 2.8" and 3.3" thicknesses.

laars.com

Natural gas boilers

creatherm.com

Sized from 420,000 to 600,000 BTUH, the SureFlame series of natural gas commercial boilers and water heaters from Camus Hydronics offer thermal efficiencies up to 83 per cent. Weighing between 296 and 331 lb., the units feature a stainless steel external jacket and a heat exchanger rated to 160 psig.

camus-hydronics.com

Non-condensing boilers Sized from 750,000 to 2 million BTUH, Reliance non-condensing commercial boilers from Fulton offer full modulations and a 5:1 turndown ratio. All connections are at the rear of the natural gas- or propane-burning units, which offer up to 88 per cent thermal efficiency, a colour touch-screen control and NOx emissions of less than nine parts per million.

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HYDRONIC Boiler modules Watts’ preassembled, pre-engineered Boiler Header Module package consists of three key components: a PIPF flanged purge valve, a RBFF residential boiler fill fitting and an AS-MB micro-bubble air separator. The RBFF is a 1/2” fitting that features a threeway ball valve and is rated to 30 psi. The PIPF purge valve is available in 3/4” to 1-1/4” sizes, is rated to 400 psi and is constructed from brass. The unit’s air separator is rated to handle glycol temperatures up to 240°F, offering flow rates of 12.5 to 14.5 gpm.

Variable-speed circulator

wattscanada.ca

When operating, the Magna variablespeed wet rotor circulator from Grundfos runs at a noise level of 35 db. Featuring a 230 V permanent magnet motor design, the unit accommodates flow rates from zero to 52 gpm and has a head range between zero and 34 feet. It’s rated to a maximum working pressure of 145 psi and a maximum working temperature of 200˚F.

grundfos.ca

Injection mixing system Taco’s LoFlo injection mixing system features a zone circulator, an injection circulator and common bridge piping in one assembly. Designed for chilled beams and radiant cooling systems, 50 to 60 Hz models are available from 1/40 hp to 1/6 hp. Connection sizes range from 3/4” to 1-1/2”. The units are rated to maximum working pressures of 200 psi and maximum fluid temperatures of 230˚F.

taco-hvac.com

Condensing boilers

Boiler control Beckett’s AquaSmart boiler control is compatible with gas- or oil-fired boilers and has a backlit LCD screen with a programming touch pad. Designed for use with residential and light commercial systems, it has a high-limit setting range of 37 to 115°C (98.6 to 239°F) and operates in ambient environmental temperatures of -20 to 65°C (-4 to 50°F). It also stores system history data to help technicians with diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Hydrotherm’s KN-30 cast iron condensing boilers are sized from 200,000 to 3 million BTUH and offer a 5:1 continuous turndown ratio. Having no inlet water temperature limitations, the 92.7 per cent thermal efficient boilers have machined cast iron sections, present 100 psi maximum working pressures and accept a 10:1 range of water flow through the heat exchanger with low pressure drop.

hydrothermkn.com

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HVAC/R

Two-way valve Unaffected by pressure variations in a hydronic system, the ePIV two-way valve from Belimo measures flow by combining a magnetic flow meter and a two-way control valve to maintain the setpoint designated by the controller. Designed for HVAC applications, the unit can control flow up to 713 gpm.

belimo.ca

Whirlpool’s WFD19 gas furnaces are available in models sized from 46,000 to 115,000 BTUH. Featuring multi-speed blowers, they are rated at 95 per cent AFUE efficiency and have silicon nitride igniters. Available in downflow or horizontal models, they offer convertible gas valves to allow for two-stage operation.

whirlpoolcomfort.com

Systemair’s commercial rooftop ERVs feature eightinch thick aluminum energy recovery wheels and come standard with MERV 7 filters. Offering airflow capacities of 890 cfm to 4,100 cfm, the units weigh between 436 lb. and 1,093 lb., and operate in ambient temperatures from -20˚C to 40˚C (-4˚F to 104˚F).

Featuring two washable electrostatic filters, the VHR704R heat recovery ventilator from Fantech provides 70 cfm of airflow and uses 40 watts of energy. It has five-inch oval duct connections and a preset defrost sequence which is activated at an outdoor temperature of -5°C (23° F) and below. The unit’s two motors are housed in a 24-gauge galvanized steel case. It weighs 30 lb. and comes with a 1/2” OD drain spout.

systemair.net

fantech.net

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HVAC/R Weighing 61 lb., the Lifebreath RNC5-TPD HRV from Airia Brands Inc. offers a maximum temperature recovery of 78 per cent and airflow rates of 62 to 156 cfm. The 60 Hz unit has a 20-gauge galvanized steel case and 1/2” OD drain connections. The unit uses two-speed fans, and each air stream has an independent motorized impeller.

lifebreath.com

Don Park’s galvanized steel Airtight Duct Takeoffs feature a 1-1/2" mounting flange, four pre-punched screw holes and a 1/8" double-sided adhesive gasket. Designed with a 3-1/2” profile, they allow for installation into tight spaces and are available in four-inch to 14” diameters.

Weighing refrigerants in pounds and ounces, or kilograms and grams, the SRS2 refrigerant scale with wireless remote from Fieldpiece Instruments has a maximum load of 220 lb. (100 kg). Constructed with an aluminum base, the scale also features a flip-up magnetic “hat” that allows users to hang the remote at eye level while charging or recovering refrigerant.

donpark.com

fieldpiece.com

The GDA-400 four channel controller from Bacharach is designed to display alarm functions for up to four gas monitors with four 20 mA inputs. It has an ambient temperature range of -25oC to 50oC (13oF to 122oF). Three adjustable alarm levels are provided per channel. Relay outputs allow control of audible and visual alarms, strobes, horns and other alarm events.

mybacharach.com

VanEE’s Gold Series 2001 HRV offers air flow rates between 114 cfm and 235 cfm and features a defrost system. Weighing 71 lb., the 120 V unit has six-inch supply air and exhaust air ducts. The pre-painted steel case houses the unit’s PSC blower motor and crossflow heat recovery core, which offers a 166 sq. ft. polypropylene exchange surface.

vanee.ca

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Infrared thermometer Offering maximum, minimum and average temperature data storage, Dewalt’s 12 V Max Infrared Thermometer Kit includes a thermometer, a lithium-ion battery and charger, and a belt-hook. It can register non-contact temperature measurements from -20 to 932 °F (-29 to 500 °C). The tool can adjust to a material’s emissivity for accuracy.

Inspection camera Extech’s BR100 video borescope features a 2.4” colour display and a flexible 39” gooseneck cable with a waterproof camera. It comes with a mirror, hook, magnet attachments, batteries and a hard shelled carrying case. An optional three-metre extension cable and videoout jack for recording on external devices are also available.

dewalt.com

Cordless hammer drill Hilti’s 36-volt cordless rotary hammer features a padded side handle that rotates 360° and uses 3/16” to 3/4” drill bits. Offering 5,000 impacts per minute and speeds up to 1,050 rpm, the drill is designed for concrete, drywall, wood or sheet metal applications. An electronic switch allows for variable speed regulation and users are able to select hammer or normal drilling modes.

extech.com

hilti.ca

Tool transport With room for an acetylene B tank, the Rolling Tote from TurboTorch features multi-pocketed equipment storage and a telescopic handle. Offering self-lighting No. 8 and No. 3 tips, a torch handle, a regulator and a 12-foot hose, the tote also has a metal sleeve for hot tip storage.

turbotorch.com

Compact hammer drill Weighing 2.8 lb., Milwaukee Electric’s compact M12 Hammer Drill Driver offers 275 inch-pounds of force and has a 3/8” chuck. Featuring a metal gear housing, the drill offers high speed operation to 1,500 rpm and low speed operation to 400 rpm. It is powered by the company’s M12 Red Lithium batteries. The kit includes the driver, two batteries, a charger and a carrying case.

milwaukeetool.ca

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CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

2 0 1 1 CaGBC National Symposium April 13-14, 2011 Toronto, Ont. www.cagbc.org

HRAI Conference August 25-27, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.hrai.ca

MCEE 2011 April 20-21, 2011 Montreal, Que. www.mcee.ca

World Plumbing Conference 2011 September 7-11, 2011 Edinburgh, Scotland www.wpc2011.co.uk

KBIS 2011 April 26-28, 2011 Las Vegas, Nev. www.kbis.com CanSIA 2011 Conferences May 3-4, 2011 Windsor, Ont. May 30-31, 2011 Vancouver, B.C. www.cansia.ca CIPH Ontario Region Business Meetings May 12, 2011 Mississauga, Ont. www.ciph.com RETScreen 2011 June 20-22, 2011 Niagara Falls, Ont. www.retscreen.net Oilheat 2011 June 21-22, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.coha.ca CIPH ABC 2011 June 26-29, 2011 Victoria, B.C. www.ciph.com

OPIA 2011 September 11-14, 2011 Burlington, Ont. www.opia.info MCAC Conference September 14-17, 2011 Quebec City, Que. www.mcac.ca

Kamco. More than just products. Whether it’s been safety or environmental concerns, or just making your next installation easier and more efficient, Kamco has always listened to your needs. And those needs are what have driven each innovative product design and the focus of our customer service. We’re committed to you. We’re customer driven.

Greenbuild International Expo 2011 October 4-7, 2011 Toronto, Ont. www.greenbuildexpo.org

Polyethylene Coated Copper For Natural Gas & LP/Gas Lines

Solar Canada 2011 December 5-6, 2011 Toronto, Ont. www.cansia.ca

GOT AN EVENT? SPREAD THE WORD! If your organization has a conference, trade show or other event coming up, send details to adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com See it all online at www.mechanicalbusiness.com

experience the k amco difference Customer Driven Quality

Customer Driven Innovation

Use only the highest quality copper available U All tubing is quality inspected U Extensive copper industry experience

U All products inspired by customer feedback

and suggestions U Innovative accessories available to simplify

installations

Customer Driven Service U Respect the Wholesale distribution channel U Dedicated Contractor & Wholesaler support U Centralized manufacturing & distribution

TOLL FREE 1.800.891.0800

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THE INFO PAGE GET ON THE INFO PAGE Contact: Bruce Meacock at bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PAGE #

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Tel: (519) 457-1904 www.lifebreath.com

Tel: (905) 946-0264 www.coha.ca

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Tel: (905) 761-6161 www.apollovalves.com

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GE PA PAGE# #

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Tel: (800) 665-6972 www.beckettcorp.com

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Tel: (714) 634-1844 www.fieldpiece.com

Tel: (416) 845-2587 www.hydronicpanels.com

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Tel: (888) 237-2589 www.ceralux.com M e c h a n i c a l

Tel: (800) 553-9749 www.genetron.com

Tel: (800) 565-3548 www.fantech.net

Tel: (905) 696-7800 www.camus-hydronics.com

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Tel: (800) 558-5700 www.insinkerator.ca

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Tel: (905) 884-7444 www.victaulic.com

Tel: (866) 999-2653 www.rscool.com

Tel: (866) 473-9462 www.ipexinc.com PAGE #

Tel: (800) 387-7373 www.viessmann.ca

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Tel: (816) 796-3900 www.watcomfg.com

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Tel: (800) 639-2474 www.mcee.ca PAGE #

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Tel: (877) 655-6686 www.novowater.com PAGE #

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Tel: (603) 307-2662 www.spirotherm.com

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Tel: (888) 829-4901 www.runtalradiators.com

Tel: (519) 756-5760 www.madok.com

Tel: (800) 387-9630 www.mitsubishielectric.ca

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Watch For It Next Issue! - Renewables - Alternatives - High Ef ficiency

Tel: (905) 564-9422 www.taco-hvac.com

Tel: (877) 314-6040 www.osb.ca PAGE #

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Canada’s Renewables & Alternatives Magazine

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Tel: (888) 678-8711 www.thermopan.com

Tel: (800) 268-6966 canada.rheem.com

Tel: (905) 695-8911 www.royfoss.com

SUSTAIN

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• Geothermal • Solar • Bio-mass • Water Conservation • Next-gen Refrigerants • Condensing Technology

A special focus on Low-Impact HVAC/R & Plumbing technologies. For advertising inquiries, call us at 905-465-2919

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RLDVIEW

Are ladies looking for a better way?

include health concerns with regard to soiled toilet seats and over use of the fixtures themselves.

It is not uncommon to see long lineups outside female toilets at public events, but would the market bear a female urinal, and would it change behavior? Late last year I sat in on a presentation in Sydney by Professor Mete Demiriz from Germany’s Gelsenkirchen University. Professor Demiriz is one of Germany’s leading fixture researchers, and he detailed his work on the issues and merits associated with introducing a ladies ‘urinal’ to the market.

Research conducted by Professor Demiriz found that less than half of all women actually sit on the seat in a public toilet. Most prefer to hover or nest (spreading toilet paper over the seat). Can you think of another industry sector where this level of dissatisfaction with a product or service would be tolerated and allowed to continue?

Concerns are often raised by women about the state of their toilet facilities. I don’t need to tell you – it’s the same the world over – that lines outside ladies washrooms at sporting events or other public venues are an embarrassment for all to see. However, it seems most everyone has become accustomed to them.

Only a third of women sit when urinating in a public restroom.

This lack of thoughtful facility design is crazy when you take into account the billions of dollars spent on high-end buildings and venues, only to have this significant social and health issue remain unresolved. While building codes and floor ratios between men’s and women’s facilities are questionable and oft debated, a significant behavioral change would also be required if things were to change.

Jeff Patchell

Professor Demiriz’s research included a live-lab in his university where prototypes of both wall mounted and squat style urinals were manufactured and installed for use by staff and students, who were then polled for their opinion. As much as there was a lot of positive feedback, such a major shift in behavior would take almost an entire generation before a female urinal would be embraced as normal.

SURVEY SAYS

And a challenge continues to be that some of the most ardent critics of this work on women’s urinal development have in fact been women themselves. Check out the full article and survey results at www.worldplumbinginfo.com.

More than half of women surveyed would make And use of a female urinal if one were available. there is more to the issue of female restroom lineups than What creeps women out about public toilets? just the waiting time. The issues More than 96 per cent cited cleanliness and hygiene. are many and varied, but

Jeff Patchell is managing director of Connection Magazines Pty Ltd. He operates www.worldplumbinginfo.com, an online plumbing industry knowledge bank. 116

EVOLVE AND DOMINATE.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN.

In just 6 years, SharkBite ÂŽ push-fit fittings have evolved from our first 1/2" coupling into a best-selling full line that keeps on growing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve climbed to 580 species that make up the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Total Rough-In Solution.â&#x201E;˘ Including 1/4"

to 1" push-fit fittings and PEX tubing, and a wide range of valves with integral SharkBite connectors. As for sharks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trailing us with 440 species. And they had a 415 million year head start.

Â&#x2021; VKDUNELWHSUR FRP

Compiled by Mechanical Business

LEND US A HAND... SHOWER

67%

of Canadian homeowners feel a handshower makes tub cleaning easier.

TANK DRAINERS 53% of Canadian

RUNNING LATE AGAIN?

19% of workers arrive late at least once a week. 30% of employers have terminated employees for tardiness. Need an excuse? One employee claimed he ran himself over with the company truck — Ever use that one?

homeowners spend 10 minutes or more in the shower. At 2.5 gallons per minute, that’s 25 gallons, or almost 100 litr es of water for each user.

WHAT RECESSION? $65.5 Billion Fourth quarter 2010 operating profits for enterprises in Canada.

YOUR PEOPLE MATTER 78%

of Canada’s 50 best managed companies feel that “investing in their people” is a top three priority.

CALLING FOR PAYMENT?

40% of Canadians never provide credit card

vs.

information over the phone.

10% have sent credit card information via email.

26% vs.Canadian corporate average.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY!

36%

Only of homeowners have their fur naces serviced by an accredited company at least once a year .

Sources: Angus Reid, Harris Interactive, TD Canada Trust, Statistics Canada, Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions PM# 41536047 Postmaster: Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2

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12" Wide Trench Drain Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Introducing the New Dead Level DX 12" Trench Drain TM

ustomers who have used our unique Dead Level™ Trench Drain system call it the best trench drain ever. And understandably so. The Dead Level™ system cuts installation time by more than half, and makes floating, pinching, and misalignment things of the past. Now we’ve made a great product even better. Dead Level™ Trench Drain is now available 12” wide. With radiused bottoms and smooth interiors, the new DX channels generate maximum hydraulic flow. For additional information, click on over to wattscanada.ca

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