HvacTotal.com - Information about HVAC Relays
An HVAC relay is a type of HVAC control system commonly used to monitor temperature, pressure, and humidity of large commercial and industrial facilities. HVAC controls, such as in building automation system, are significant in the optimal start programs. When the program calls for a warm-up, the central air handling systems of the plant would start and operate with a recirculation air of 100 percent. When it calls for a cool-down, the central air handling systems of the plant
would start and operate with
a return air of 100 percent.
An HVAC relay uses either one or perhaps more central controllers to regulate terminal unit controllers that are remote, communicating through an operator interface, usually one or more PCs. An HVAC relay is also often integrated with other systems such as smoke, fire, or light controls.
There are many types of HVAC relays available in the market. Temco Controls has actually three HVAC relays. Their MR3000 is a general-purpose mechanical relay and fits for both low voltage as well as excellent power switching. To activate it, it needs only 10-12 VDC (voltage direct current) at 100ma (milliampere) for its low-power coil. Its double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) relay is estimated to be at 10A (ampere). Each relay consists of LED that indicates
its voltage status. Its mechanical relay board is a slight modification of MR3000. They are actually two types of it: 4- and 8-gang versions. Its features are very similar to that of an ordinary MR3000 mechanical relay in the sense that it still has a low-power coil and possesses LED lights for each relays. Additional LEDs are used to monitor fuse loads. The mechanical board relay jumper can be set in two modes. It can be switched at 24 VAC on common ground, or you can use dry contact mode.
Temco Control SSR3000 features photo isolation of 4,000 volts and voltage turn-on, among others. It is a type of a solid-state relay. However, the word relay may be a misnomer as it is not a relay at all. It depends on electronics to do the actual switching. SSR3000 is known to provide solid-sate dependability for your HVAC systems. For best performance, each relay is pretested before it is delivered.
Fujitsu Components America is one of the world leading manufacturers and distributors of electronic parts all throughout America. In 2004, it introduced and released into the market its newest type of HVAC relay called FTR-K3. It is a slim relay with a power of 20 amperes and an operating power of 780mW (milliwatts), the lowest of among its class. It has variety of uses, such as to switch compressor and inverter loads found in air conditioners and other appliances found in offices and in homes. FTR-K3
is very durable and long-lasting, capable of 2 million operations (its mechanical life) or 100,000 operations (its electrical life) at its rated load.
Another leading company in the mechanical engineering industry is American Zettler. It boasts of being world no. 1 manufacturer and seller of HVAC relays. Its catalog or product list, which you can download, features over thirty kinds of relays for different purposes. Furthermore, each model has its own distinctive characteristic, allowing you to choose the best or the most appropriate for your need.
Omron has one of the best kinds of contactor relays. They consist of main contactors with an addition of contact blocks. Moreover, their components are finger proof and come in different sizes; definitely, you have almost infinite ways of possible configuration.
HVAC relays are sometimes manufactured as part of power packs. We can take, for example, Leviton occupancy sensors, which are the most highly developed, functioning sensors in the market. These sensors, along with its own built-in HVAC relays, can actually place all control connections in one central location. Computers can also be used to control HVAC relay operations through an open- or closed-contact representation. This is because PCs use binary logic-either one or zero, yes or no, true or false-that
is transformed into electrical signals and eventually into true-or-false digital signals.
HVAC tools
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Getting the right HVAC tools and gauges is as important as having the right ingredients in cooking. Furthermore, utilizing the right tools is one big step in having the right system. Thus, it is advisable for HVAC practitioners, especially for beginners, to know what basic tools are currently used today.
One basic HVAC tool is the wrench. This device is used to tighten or loosen bolts (usually those with hex heads) and nuts. There are many kinds of wrenches: open-end, combination, adjustable open-end, flare nut. Most HVAC technicians prefer using the ratchet-type box wrench. They are excellent time savers as they immediately tighten or loosen around nuts and bolts. For refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, however, they go for the flare nuts. One note for you, though. The best ones are those that
are made of alloy steel because they are tough. You also check the shape of the opening, see if they can easily hold and release nuts and bolts, as well as the grip.
For HVAC systems, you also need a screwdriver. To allow it to endure twisting torque, choose a screwdriver with tempered tips. Good ones are also with steel shafts. In using this tool, you have to remember some few things. First, a screwdriver can never replace a chisel or a pry bar. Select the most appropriate device needed at the moment. Second, it is necessary that you maintain the form of the screwdriver tip to avoid damage to the implement or injury to yourself.
Pliers are used to hold little objects or to bend or cut wires. Just like the other tools mentioned, there a variety of pliers available that come in different shapes and sizes. The most ideal for pipe work is the locking-type pliers (Vise-Grips). These pliers have the most effective holding power. Tension degrees are also adjustable. Pliers should never replace wrenches.
Another classic HVAC tool is the hammer, specifically a duct hammer. This is used when installing ducts and air distribution systems. Generally, its face is square and has a chisel-like back. In selecting the right hammer, its handle should be made of steel, wood, or fiberglass. Otherwise, more-than-enough pressure will bend or even break it.
A hacksaw can cut piping materials but not with the ones used for piping circuits that carry refrigerants. Other valuable tools are drills, meters, and gauges.
You can go to your nearest hardware store or shop online when purchasing HVAC tools. There is an extensive list of HVAC tools manufacturers and sellers that offer the best buys and quality products. HVACtool.com carries the widest range of HVAC products from various manufacturers like Amprobe, Fieldpiece, Maglite, to name a few.
Yet technology is starting to play a key role in the development of HVAC tools. There are already software programs available like Elite and Design-Build 6.0 that can do accurate load calculations and duct sizing, among others, without using any more hand tools. Furthermore, you can practically build your desired HVAC system from scratch, allowing you greater freedom to choose and identify other much-needed HVAC tools.
The truth is it is improbable and impossible to build something without anything to help you get by. In installing and even maintaining an effective and proper HVAC system, you need to have the right kinds of tools-that is, they are really useful in helping you implement your plan. And since they are the likely the same devices you are going to use in the future, you need to take care of them. They should always be cleaned and not utilized inappropriately. Handling them with care will not only make them long-lasting
but, it will also protect you from injury or accidents.
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