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
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>
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