Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this edition's sponsor -- Caroma, leaders in high efficiency dual flush toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs). New Caroma Smart Technology* provides significant water savings, averaging 0.9 gallons/flush, saving up to 44% compared to 1.6 gpf and 74% compared to 3.5 gpf toilets. The Smart technology is also used in the recently introduced waterless and 1 pint urinals. All Caroma toilets have a large trapway, virtually eliminating blockages. With 41 WaterSense labeled toilets, Caroma provides exceptional performance while conserving valuable water resources. www.caromausa.com
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Plumbing Engineer sales rep by visiting www.plumbingengineer.com.
Phc News & Dan Holohan team up for AHR webcast
Northbrook, Ill. -- Economy got your trade show travel schedule on hold? No worries! Phc News -- sister publication of Plumbing Engineer -- and Dan Holohan have teamed up to bring you a 2009 AHR webcast. Don’t miss the chance to get a VIP tour of the AHR Show in Chicago without even being there. Join Dan Holohan as he tours the show floor interviewing manufacturers. If you are unable to catch the show live, don’t miss this free exclusive three-part webcast featured on hvactv.com February 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m. EST. Be sure to catch Holohan’s in-depth interviews with manufacturers on the latest company news and products; get a first-hand look at new product technology; and, of course, Dan Holohan’s unique perspective.
For sign-up details, please visit PE’s sister publication’s website at www.phcnews.com.
IAPMO R&T lab opens electrical laboratory
Ontario, Calif. -- IAPMO R&T Lab, a long-trusted name in independent testing, research and technical services for the plumbing and mechanical industries, has formally opened a new electrical laboratory to further enhance its already comprehensive list of testing capabilities.
Incorporating more than 1,300 square feet of the lab’s ongoing expansion at The IAPMO Group World Headquarters in Ontario, Calif., the electrical laboratory features separate spaces for both wet and dry testing. Wet testing comprises all instances where there is direct interaction between water and the applicable electrical unit. These include a host of plumbing products, such as hydro massage bathtubs or spas with stereos, LCD televisions and chromotherapy mood lighting built into the unit, electronic faucets, water softeners, submersible or non-submersible pumps, chlorinators, sprinkler controllers, pedicure spas, and bidet seats (washlet) with built in heaters, solenoid valves, electric water heaters, blowers and deodorizers.
The dry testing or burnout room houses the testing associated with scenarios of catastrophic failure. A third space, the ozone offgas test room, will be completed soon for the testing of ozone generators to OSHA regulation.
Many of IAPMO R&T Lab’s manufacturer clients now market products featuring consumer friendly electrical amenities. The new electrical lab once again offers these manufacturers all of the necessary testing services under one roof, expediting the process and managing the costs associated with product testing.
Disaster prevention and response goal of FEMA, Code Council agreement
The International Code Council and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters. A memorandum of understanding calls for FEMA and the Code Council to support the maintenance, adoption, outreach, training and enforcement of disaster-resistant building safety codes to reduce human and economic losses resulting from natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and flooding.
Under the agreement, the Code Council will provide direct assistance to FEMA on a range of programs designed to reduce losses during natural disasters. FEMA will participate in the Council’s code development process, using its data to help develop future codes that increase public safety. The organizations also will jointly develop a strategy to promote code adoption to enhance disaster resistance in the built environment.
FEMA and the Code Council have a history of cooperating successfully to enhance public safety. FEMA was one of the first federal agencies to recognize the benefits of model building codes and to participate in the code development process. The two organizations worked together to incorporate the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management regulations and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Recommended Provisions in safety codes developed by the Council.
The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
AMCA International revises Publication 111-99 (R2007),(REV. 10/08), Laboratory Accreditation Program
Arlington Heights, Ill. -- The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA) has revised its publication 111-99, Laboratory Accreditation Program. AMCA 111 now recognizes ISO 13347:2004 Fans – Determination of fan sound power levels under standardized laboratory conditions, Part 1: General overview, Part 2: Reverberant room method, Part 3: Enveloping surface methods, and Part 4: Sound intensity method. By recognizing these standards, products tested in accordance with them can now have their performance certified using the AMCA Certified Ratings Program (CRP).
In addition to expanding the types of tests recognized by AMCA International, the accreditation program was strengthened by adding a requirement for periodic visits the accredited lab to ensure that it is properly maintained.
An AMCA Accredited Laboratory, is a laboratory that has been accredited in accordance with the AMCA Publication 111 Laboratory Accreditation Program. An accredited laboratory may be owned and operated by a certified ratings Licensee or by and independent individual or organization.
The association’s laboratory located at AMCA Headquarters in Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.A., and other independent Accredited Laboratories may be designated as an AMCA Laboratory by the AMCA Board of Directors for the purposes of performing pre-certification tests, check tests and challenge tests under AMCA’s Certified Ratings Program.
Update issued on WaterSense new homes program
WaterSense released a draft specification for water-efficient, single family new homes in May 2008. As EPA refines its draft specification for WaterSense labeled new homes, the Agency has been working with seven pilot builders to construct homes that meet EPA’s water-efficiency criteria and developing tools to help builders across the country participate when the specification becomes final in 2009.
On November 25, 2008, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced the first new home completed and certified to the draft specification. Built by Vanguard Homes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the home is designed to use 20 percent less water than similar new homes by incorporating WaterSense labeled products, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, and other water-efficient features and systems inside and out.
EPA has also developed and is currently soliciting public comments on a water budget tool to help builders, landscape designers, and irrigation consultants determine ways to design attractive, water-efficient landscapes. Many comments have been received on various aspects of the draft specification, including the landscape design criteria. EPA included the following two options to ensure water savings outside a WaterSense labeled new home:
- Turf cannot exceed 40 percent of the landscapable area; or
- Builders can incorporate a water budget approach, which is a site-specific method of calculating the allowable amount of water to be used when designing a landscape.
- EPA’s landscape water budget tool will help builders and their landscape designers determine:
- The amount of water the landscape of new home is allowed to use, based on EPA criteria, and still earn the WaterSense label.
- How much water the designed landscape requires based on climate, precipitation, plant type, and irrigation system efficiency.
- Whether the designed landscape meets the budgeted amount.
This approach offers flexibility in landscape design, and EPA hopes this tool and the detailed guidance provided on how to use it will make it easier for builders and their landscaping consultants to determine water budgets and design landscapes to meet them. EPA is collecting public comments on the tool until December 19, 2008; interested parties should email their comments to watersense-newhomes@erg.com.
New Products
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Waterless urinal The new H2Zero waterless urinal from Caroma utilizes breakthrough technology for optimum performance and water conservation. The unique patented cartridge technology does not use an oil-based seal, as traditionally used in waterless urinals. Within the cartridge is a Bio Fresh deodorizing block that activates during use. A Bio Seal* allows urine to pass through the seal freely, eliminating unnecessary waste build-up within the cartridge. The Bio Seal acts as a one-way airtight valve to seal the cartridge from the drainage system. Caroma |
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Winter heating products special With the winter heating season here, Matco-Norca has announced its 2008 Heating Products Special, with discounts on over 20 products, including: brass radiator steam angle valves, in sizes ranging from ½" to 1½" (nuts & tailpiece on sizes 1"and 1¼"); brass radiator gates valves, in sizes 1" and 1¼"; C.P. steam air valves, in sizes 1/8", ¼" and ¾"; cast iron circulator flange kits (two flanges, four bolts and four nuts per kit), in kit sizes ¾", 1" and 1¼"; boiler manifold headers in 2, 3 and 4 zones and 12", 18" and 24" lengths; baseboard tees in 3/4" and 1" both with 1/8" FIP outlet (3/4" available with vent cap); and backflow preventors. Matco-Norca.
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Electronic pedestal faucets Electronic pedestal model SF-2400 runs off a 6 VDC plug-in transformer with battery backup, and model SF-2450 is battery powered. Both provide either tempered or hot/cold water operation and are ADA-compliant. The touch-free faucets, which stand 7 inches tall, provide the ultimate in sanitary protection. Automatic water shut off prevents recontamination from touching a handle to turn off the water after washing. An infrared sensor detects a user and the solenoid activates water flow. Tempered water flows until the user steps away. Sloan Valve Co. |
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Low water cutoff controls Low Water Cutoff (LWCO) line of controls with the addition of two new series -- the LTA-2 and the LF -- have been added. Company offers three series (LTR, LTA-2 and LF) for reliable protection of all types of boilers, ranging from small residential hot water boilers to large industrial steam boilers. LWCO’s are designed to prevent a boiler from operating if the water level dips below the minimum safe operating level, since in a low water condition heat can rapidly accumulate causing significant damage to the boiler and pose a potential external safety hazard. Taco.
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Movers & Shakers
AHRI elects chairman; names new officers
Arlington, Va. -- Keith Coursin, president of Desert Aire Corp., headquartered in Germantown, Wisc., was elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) at the organization's Board of Directors meeting held November 16 in Carlsbad, California. Coursin has been an active member of AHRI for more than 20 years. He has served as AHRI's treasurer, chairman of the Component Controls and Condensing Units product sections, chairman of the ARI Audit Committee, and as a member of the former Wholesalers Relations Committee. He currently serves as chairman of the AHR Expo Policy Committee.
Other officers elected to the association's Board of Directors include two new vice chairman: Morrison Carter, CEO, Beckett Gas, Inc., North Ridgeville, Ohio; and Ray Hoglund, president and CEO, Hill PHOENIX, Conyers, Ga. Harry Holmes, president and CEO, Morrison Products, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, was elected treasurer and C. David Myers, vice president and president, building efficiency at Johnson Controls, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisc., will serve as immediate past chairman.
AHRI's board also elected 11 vice presidents:
• Todd M. Bluedorn, CEO, Lennox International, Richardson, Texas • Steven S. Duerwachter, president, Baltimore Air Coil, Baltimore, MD • Dan Ellis, president, ClimateMaster, Oklahoma City, Okla. • J. R. Jones, president and CEO, Rheem Manufacturing Co., Atlanta, Ga. • Bonnie Kern-Koskela, president and CEO, Maxitrol, Southfield, Mich. • David LaGrand, president and CEO, Nordyne, O'Fallon, Mo. • Michael Lehman, president and CEO, Bard Manufacturing Co., Bryan, Ohio • Edgar M. Purvis, Jr., Executive Vice President, Emerson Climate Technologies, Sidney, Ohio • Ajita Rajendra, president, A.O. Smith Water Products, Ashland City, Tenn. • John Reilly, CEO, National Refrigeration Products, Philadelphia, Pa. • Eric Roberts, president, CES Group, Chaska, Minn. |