My contractor reached out to Trane to ask about the RFI mitigation (in case I
do have an issue after install) and apparently Trane told him they are not
under any FCC regulation or RFI obligation. Is there a specific law I can refer
him to? Would it be part 15?
Thanks,
David K6ZD
> On Oct 1, 2020, at 11:48, David Winarsky <david@winarsky.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks John, that is very helpful regarding the air handler and ECM motor.
>
> I am planning on doing my RFI survey before and after and will keep the group
> here updated on that. I’m also skeptical that I will find a contractor that
> will agree to being responsible for any potential remediation, but will try
> my hand!
>
> David K6ZD
>
>> On Oct 1, 2020, at 5:06 AM, John Pelham <john@radiophile.com> wrote:
>>
>> 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
>> _______________________________________________
>> RFI mailing list
>> RFI@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi
>>
>
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