[RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install

[David Winarsky]

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 at 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 at 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 at contesting.com] On Behalf Of David Winarsky
>> Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:00 PM
>> To: rfi at 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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>