Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Matco-Norca. For more than 55 years, Matco-Norca has been the leader in the importing and distribution of various plumbing products throughout the U.S. Whether it's soil pipe and fittings, valves, malleable fittings, faucets, or any of the more than 15,000 products stocked in Matco-Norca's four distribution centers, and six regional warehouses, you can be assured you have purchased product from a company committed to quality, conformance, inventory and service. Learn more by visiting their web site at www.matco-norca.com.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Plumbing Engineer sales rep by visiting www.plumbingengineer.com.
UL to Certify Plumbing Products for New EPA WaterSense Conservation Program
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recently announced that it will provide testing and certification services for EPA’s WaterSense program. This new initiative safeguards the U.S. water supply by identifying and promoting more water-efficient products and services.
As an approved certification organization, UL works with manufacturers to help them obtain the WaterSense label for plumbing products that demonstrate at least 20% greater efficiency in water use. The WaterSense label is currently available for high-efficiency toilets and irrigation control technologies.
“In the growing market for environmentally responsible products, UL is positioned to help manufacturers compete more effectively,” says UL’s Ann Marie Gebhart.
A recent government survey showed that 36 states anticipate local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. EPA launched the WaterSense program in 2006 to address this issue by encouraging manufacturers to produce high-efficiency products and services that conserve water. Learn more at www.ul.com/water.
Smoke Characterization Study Could Change the Face of Fire Safety
The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have compled a joint study that enhances the fire safety community’s understanding of modern fire hazards. In fact, the findings may eventually change how people are protected from fire.
The year-long Smoke Characterization Project systematically investigated the characteristics of smoke and how materials used in modern residential settings have changed the way fires behave in homes. The project studied 27 synthetic and natural materials and various combinations of materials which are commonly found in homes. Until recently, these different smoke characteristics could not be studied in such detail.
“What we are learning will enable public safety officials to further develop education and training programs regarding the use of smoke alarms in residential structures and provide valuable data to fire science engineers as they strive to develop new smoke detection technologies,” says FPRF’s Kathleen Almand.
“The initial results of this project reflect that smoke can no longer be characterized just by color or density, but that smoke is highly complex and chemically different based on each unique fire event,” says UL’s John Drengenberg. “From the sheer amount of data we’ve gathered, we believe the results will change the way the fire community perceives smoke produced in home fires, which could further reduce the risk of injury or loss of life due to fires.”
According to Drengenberg, the study will also help material scientists better understand how materials decompose in residential fires and may lead to the development of safer materials in the home.
“With this Smoke Characterization Project, UL and FPRF are helping move fire science to a whole new level,” says Chief Jim Harmes, president, International Association of Fire Chiefs. “Home furnishings and products constructed from new synthetic materials and formulations are growing in popularity. This project has provided the data and measurement techniques needed to more fully assess a burning material's impact on detection.”
Powers Offers Safety Solution Guide for Safe Water Delivery
Powers has released a new 12-page safety solution guide that focuses on critical issues facing hotels and resorts regarding safe water delivery to guest rooms and public restrooms.
A recent audit of hotels revealed maximum hot water temperature averaged over 125 F in 50% of the 350 rooms surveyed. More than 12% of guest rooms surveyed delivered water in excess of 140 F. At 140 F, it takes only seconds to sustain a third-degree burn.
The Safety Solutions Guide provides a detailed overview of the hotel temperature study findings, examines the key reasons for excessive hot water in guest room baths, reviews the impact on guest satisfaction and return visits, analyzes the real costs associated with improper valve selection, and recommends water tempering product/system solutions that can minimize the risks of scalding and legionella bacteria. To download the guide, visit www.powerscontrols.com.
Conbraco Industries Increases Warranty on Apollo Line
Conbraco Industries has extended the warranty period for the company’s complete line of American-made Apollo valves and accessory products to 2 years.
Doubling its long-standing 1-year warranty reflects the company’s confidence in its in-house quality assurance programs and the total control it exercises over Apollo valve production, from procurement and manufacturing to assembly, testing and packaging.
“As an American manufacturer, we want customers to know that we stand behind our products,” says Conbraco’s Cal Mosack. “The extension to 2 years is a way of dramatizing our resolve to provide the very best products to the domestic and global marketplace.” For more information, visit www.conbraco.com.
New Products
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Wet Rotor Circulator The Quiet Revolution Grundfos VersaFlo UP(S) wet rotor circulators are designed so that the water being pumped surrounds the rotor, cooling and lubricating the shaft and bearings. This eliminates the need for a fan, a potential source of noise. VersaFlo UP(S). Circulators are seal-less and oil-less -- virtually maintenance-free. |
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Faucet Line The Matco-Norca Ravello line of faucets offers European styling at affordable prices. All Ravello faucets are available in both chrome and brushed nickel finishes, and are offered with washerless or ceramic cartridges, solid brass handles and brass waterways providing superior quality and durability. |
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Universal Beam Clamp Sioux Chief’s new TouchDown Universal Beam Clamp adds versatility to the existing TouchDown and TouchDown II pipe clamp product lines. The beam clamps easily attach to I-beams or steel truss me for parallel or perpendicular pipe runs. Quick and simple installation reduces labor costs. The TouchDown Universal Pipe Clamp holds up to 1-in. CTS and Sch. 40 pipe while the TouchDown II holds up to 2-in. CTS and Sch. 40 pipe. |
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Solid-Surface Lavatory System SloanStone, a solid-surface lavatory system from Sloan Valve Co., is quick and easy to install, and is completely serviceable from the top, which keeps service people off their knees. New double- and triple-station systems incorporate true point-of-use sensor faucet operation for accurate, water-efficient hand washing. System is able to withstand heat, resist stains and chemicals, and features design integrated overflows for each supply, as well as grid strainers that lead to separate waste lines, to better handle runoff and prevent clogs. |
Movers & Shakers
National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the longest-tenured fire sprinkler advocacy organization in the U.S., has announced that its director of public fire protection, Jim Dalton, has been awarded the inaugural Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education by the Home Safety Council. The award, which recognizes a lifetime of achievement in for safety education, was presented to Dalton at the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, on March 29. Dalton currently serves as the director of public fire protection for NFSA, supporting community fire sprinkler initiatives across the nation, ultimately becoming the driving force behind efforts to pass the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. |
ITT announced that John Williamson has been named President of its Residential and Commercial Water (R&CW) value center. Williamson succeeds Gretchen McClain, who has been promoted to President of ITT Fluid Technology Corporation. Since July of 2005, Williamson has served as vice president and director, operational excellence for ITT Corp. in White Plains, NY. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University - Fullerton, and a Certificate in Strategic Marketing from the Harvard Business School. |
Williamson Appointed President of
Purdue University associate professor William Hutzel, P.E., has been selected for ASHRAE’s first Washington, DC, federal fellowship. The 1-year fellowship allows participants to work in the federal government in a technical advisory role. This year’s fellow will be placed on Capitol Hill, most likely in the Science Committee staff office. At Purdue, Hutzel works in the university’s College of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology where he teaches undergraduate courses in thermodynamics, controls, fluid mechanics and HVAC. In addition, Hutzel serves as cofaculty advisor for the ASHRAE Purdue Student Branch. |
