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Re: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install

To: <rfi@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install
From: "John Pelham" <john@radiophile.com>
Reply-to: john@radiophile.com
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2020 08:06:37 -0400
List-post: <mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
David,

Googling "Trane 4TTL6 4 ton 16 SEER Slimline" brought me to a description of 
that unit. But it's just the outside unit, the condenser. You also need to 
consider the air handler inside, where the evaporator and fan are located.

About eight years ago I bought a Trane heat pump (same as AC, except can be 
reversed to provide heat) for my house. Hoping to get no RFI, I specified a 
single-speed motor. What I got was an ECM (electronically commutated motor) 
that was set up to run at a single speed, in the inside air handler. The ECM 
generated significant RFI. I was able to reduce it to negligible levels with 
#31 ferrites on the motor and thermostat wires.

The contract text "Upon installation <the HVAC contractor> will test for RFI, 
if RFI is detected we will work with manufacture in resolving the issue. Any 
additional labor, parts, or kits to be installed will be at an additional cost 
to be determined at such time" is poor. The contractor is not competent to 
"test for RFI." You should do the testing, at your station. And the remediation 
of any RFI found should be paid for by the manufacturer or contractor. Good 
luck getting a contractor to agree to this.

73, John W1JA

-----Original Message-----
From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces+john=radiophile.com@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
David Winarsky
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:00 PM
To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install

I’ve had enough of the global warming induced heat waves in Northern California 
and am finally being forced to install air conditioning in my home.  I’m well 
aware that there is an RFI risk when installing this type of appliance.  In 
order to mitigate that risk, I’m taking the following steps:

1.  I’ve made sure that the model does not include a variable speed motor, but 
is anyone aware of any issues with the Trane 4TTL6 4 ton 16 SEER Slimline AC?

2.  I’ve researched whether there is an RFI kit available from the 
manufacturer, but apparently according to train there is none for this model.  
They are apparently only intended for models with variable speed motors.

3.  In addition, I’ve read on the list previously that I should include 
language in the contract to ensure it is an RFI free installation.   I asked my 
contractor to include this in the contract and he included the following: 

"Upon installation <the HVAC contractor> will test for RFI, if RFI is detected 
we will work with manufacture in resolving the issue. Any additional labor, 
parts, or kits to be installed will be at an additional cost to be determined 
at such time.”

I’m concerned that this simply means he will charge me for any additional work 
related to the RFI mitigation, but I can also understand that he can’t foresee 
what will be involved.  

Are there any additional steps others would recommend and can anyone recommend 
language to include in the contract that will provide more protection for 
myself and incentive for the contractor?

73,
David K6ZD
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