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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Introduces the Largest Pipe Clamps on the Market

pipe clamp

Orange, Calif., October 13, 2020 – Fieldpiece Instruments, HVACR tools and test instruments specialist, announces the launch of the largest jaw pipe clamps for the HVACR industry, the wired TC48 and the wireless system JL3LC. With an unprecedented 4 1/8” jaw opening the new pipe clamps are perfect for commercial and refrigeration field service professionals and also serve the residential market.  The clamps, sporting a ¾” to 4 1/8” range, can be used on a wide variety of pipe sizes, especially in large commercial and refrigeration applications.

The new pipe clamps incorporate Fieldpiece-patented Rapid RailTM Sensor Technology making the response time to get an accurate temperature reading merely seconds, thereby enabling the HVACR pro to be more productive.  With this proprietary technology, temperature readings are not affected by ambient air as the thermocouple is thermally isolated and the clamps will perform immediate reaction to changes in system adjustments as the technician is working. This can greatly facilitate taking a superheat and/or subcooling measurement on most commercial refrigeration appliances or commercial/residential air conditioners.

“It may not seem like a big problem, but field service professionals have a tough time getting good readings on larger pipes. Fieldpiece offers these two new solutions to that problem with our large 4 1/8” jaw-opening clamps,” said Tony Gonzalez, Fieldpiece Technical TrainingManager. “Other pipe temperature tools on the market use straps or tape to hold the thermocouple on the pipe. Place our rugged pipe clamps and they will stay put making it easy to get instant, accurate readings.”

The versatile clamps fit virtually anywhere they need to and offer a secure connection even on wet or damp pipes. They are compact, and have an easy-to-open design that allows for quick single-handed placement.

When used with the Fieldpiece Job Link mobile app, the JL3LC makes it easy to record and share data. Their compatibility with Job Link means that the data can be displayed in a professional report to be emailed to the customer or home office. In addition, the JL3LC leverages a strong wireless system. Measurements are sent up to 350’ away directly to a mobile device with the Job Link App, and the JL3LC also works seamlessly with the Fieldpiece SMANs, models SM380V and SM480V. The wireless signal is able to penetrate even the thick walls of walk-in coolers and freezers.

Included with the TC48 Large Pipe Clamp Type K Thermocouple is a long 6’ kink-free cable and an Emery Cloth for Cleaning Pipes. The Job Link® System Premium Large Pipe Clamp Probe includes the probe, batteries, and an Emery Cloth for Cleaning Pipes.

The trade price for the TC48 is $99.00 and the JL3LC is $146.00. They are available at distributors now. For more information about the TC48 and JL3LC please visit www.fieldpiece.com, or call us at 714.634.1844.

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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Welcomes Jeb Ball as New Vice President of Sales

jeb ball

Orange, Calif., July 2, 2020 — Fieldpiece Instruments, the only company solely dedicated to creating tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, announces that Jeb Ball has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Jeb is a proven sales leader with a focus on driving results, building strong partner relationships, delivering excellent customer service and developing team and employee success.

“I’m excited to have Jeb join us to help drive sales and our overall growth,” said CEO Cameron Rouns. “Jeb’s business knowledge and experience combined with his proven track record are well suited for Fieldpiece’s expansive growth strategy.”

Most recently, Jeb worked with Fieldpiece in an advisory role helping with strategic planning and leading their go-to-market efforts.  Previously, he held a number of Executive positions with technology and visual marketing companies. His positive impact of sales leadership in industry leading firms included companies such as Noosh were he was Executive Board Member and Coloredge where he was CEO.

“I’m proud to be part of the Fieldpiece team during a time of industry growth and increasing customer demand for our new, technology-driven products. I look forward to working with our customers and accelerating Fieldpiece’s tremendous success,” said Jeb.

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Tech Articles

How Manometers Help HVACR Professionals Diagnose and Balance Furnace and A/C Systems

SDMN6-Tmb (1)

What Is a Manometer?

A manometer is an instrument used to measure and indicate pressure. There are two types of manometers, analog and digital. The most basic and simplest form of an analog is the U-Tube manometer, a glass or rubber tube bent in the shape of a “U” where numbers are listed and spaced every inch on each side, and water is placed in between the bends of the “U”. When pressure is applied, either positively or negatively, the water moves to indicate the pressure behind it expressed in inches of water column (inWC). Inches of water column is the most common form of measurement in the HVAC industry when measuring static or gas pressure, although other units of measure are available and used worldwide. One of the most common analog types is the Magnehelic® gauge. These are found many times installed by the manufacturer of the system so that contractors can easily read the pressure of the system. However standalone digital manometers have become the new industry standard when it comes to measuring static pressure. With a higher accuracy readout, optional dual ports, additional parameters and readouts, in many cases they are much easier to use.

Why Should You Use a Manometer?

Static pressure is the amount of pressure a fan pushes or pulls against in order to move air throughout HVACs ducting. To imagine static pressure in a simple form, imagine the pressure in a tire, this is static pressure pushing against the inside of the tire to inflate it. One of the most overlooked opportunities for a service technician is to offer customers improved HVAC system performance. There are many ways to improve a systems performance – adding larger or additional ducts; finding and repairing pinch points and restrictions; installing dampers; balancing the system; and adjusting the fan’s speed.   A national study performed by NCI shows that the average inefficient HVAC system was performing at 55% of its rated capacity. That means that a customer is paying 45% more than they need to for the electricity to run their inefficient system.

Balancing static pressure is one of the most important factors in HVAC systems design. To put it simply, static pressure refers to the resistance to airflow in a HVAC system’s duct work and its components. The pressure (push) of the air must be greater than that of the resistance to the flow or air will not circulate properly or efficiently through the ducts.

If the static pressure exceeds the fans designed specifications the results will be a system with poor or low airflow. While simple maintenance, replacing restrictive air filters and cleaning dirty fans and coils, will increase airflow, if the static pressure in the system is over or under the designed conditions, the system will never operate at full efficiency or capacity. This can result in more unsatisfied customer call backs and the possibility of future equipment failure.

The Fieldpiece SDMN6 a trusted solution.

The SDMN6 also measures gas pressure up to +/- 60” WC (inWC) with a resolution of 0.1”, helping to determine if the gas pressure coming out of the house or regulator is correct. Static pressure readings up to +/- 2” WC with a resolution of 0.010” WC which will enable technicians to measure small differences in the static pressure. The instrument’s ability to read both positive and negative pressure allows for it to be used to measure vacuum control lines. The easy–to–read dual display shows the selected port on the upper display while the differential pressure is displayed below it, without the need to scroll through the display or make calculations. A zero button allows for a simple zero adjust bringing the meter to different ambient pressures. The included static pressure probes significantly improve the accuracy while allowing for an easier and simple setup.

With four different units of measurement to choose from (inWC, mmWC, mBar, and PSI), whatever measurement is required by the manufacturer can easily be selected and read. A brightly lit backlight display illuminates for ease of use no matter how dark the area you are working in. Additionally, the SDMN6 features an APO (auto power off) function to help conserve the life of the battery, a magnetic strap for “hands free” operation, and a carrying case that fits the manometer, all its accessories, and a few universal pressure switches. Backed by world class technical support and one of the industry’s best warranty services, you can rest assured you and your tools are in good hands.

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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Introduces an Easier Way to Measure Static and Gas Pressure with New Job Link® System Wireless Manometer

how to measure static pressure

Orange, Calif., April 2, 2020 — Fieldpiece Instruments, the only company solely dedicated to creating tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, introduces a new dual-port wireless manometer that works with the Fieldpiece Job Link® System App for taking pressure measurements quickly and easily. The JL3KM2 dual-port manometer allows the HVACR professional to document readings in the Job Link® System app from up to 350 feet away.

The Fieldpiece Job Link® System app is a robust app used with compatible HVACR test instruments for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and evaluating HVACR systems.  Because the probes are not tethered – single, dual, and multi-port measurements are not limited by the length of the hose and can be placed in the perfect locations on the system (multi-port will be available this summer). The measurements are more accurate because the probes can be placed behind closed doors and in tight locations.

Technicians can take inlet gas pressure, outlet gas pressure, and total external static pressure of a furnace with multiple probes hooked up and view them all at the same time in the Job Link® System App. An indicator switch on the manometer automatically tells the Job Link System which side is being tested with the color-code switch (Blue is for P1 and Red is for P2). View real-time return static, supply static, and total external static pressure all at once with just two probes. The  system allows for up to eight individual manometers at one time in the Job Link App. This is helpful when measuring real-time pressure drops between blowers, filters, and coils with multiple probes (more than two readings up to eight will be available this summer). The results will display at the same time on the mobile device using Job Link® System App.

“Pair these probes with the other Job Link Probes and you have a powerful set of tools that give you a total snapshot of the equipment all in a small form factor,” said Russ Harju, Product Manager Fieldpiece Instruments. Harju added, “We made these tools so easy to deploy at a job site that there is no excuse not to measure your static pressure at every job.”

Other features include a rugged housing; sturdy, rotating magnet to hold the manometer in place; gas adapter and static pressure accessory comes standard; and strong metal barb tips. In addition, the JL3MN measurements can be zeroed on the tool itself so there is no fumbling with the app.

The JL3MN is sold as a single pack and includes the JL3MN, slide-on Gas Adapter, extra hose with Brass Screw Fitting, and a Static Pressure Probe. The JL3KM2 is a double pack dual manometer and includes two JL3MNs, a case, two slide-on Gas Adapters, extra hose with two Brass Screw Fittings, and two Static Pressure Probes.

The trade price for the JL3MN is $124.00 and the JL3KM2 is $183.00. They are available at distributors now. For more information about the JL3MN and JL3KM2 please visit the product page through this link, or call us at 714.634.1844.

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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer

cameron rouns

Orange, Calif., February 4, 2020 — Fieldpiece Instruments, the HVACR industry’s only company solely dedicated to creating tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, recently appointed Cameron Rouns as Chief Executive Officer.

Rouns brings over 25 years of experience delivering market-transforming technologies and instrumentation across a broad range of industries.  Previously he held key positions with diverse companies from pre-revenue start-ups to Fortune 500 companies including Kimberly-Clark, Medtronic, Abbott, and others where he has been responsible for leading teams to develop, manufacture and commercialize break-through technologies.

“Fieldpiece Instruments is an innovative company focused on creating and bringing to market better, simpler, and more efficient HVACR tools and test instruments.  The success of an organization is based on having strong ties to the customers you serve.  I was inspired and very aligned with Fieldpiece’s customer-driven culture and the deep commitment of bringing innovation to the HVACR industry.  My goal is to continue Fieldpiece’s growth and solidify our reputation as the industry’s most trusted and used tools. I’m looking forward to joining the great team at Fieldpiece,” said Rouns.

“We have been searching for the best person to lead Fieldpiece into this new decade and beyond. Cam has a strong history of leveraging advanced innovation to propel businesses to dominant market positions. As we continue to develop new products and refine our current ones, we will rely on Cam to provide feedback and keep us on the right path. With his help, our goal is to continue to bring more useful tools to market,” said Rey Harju, founder, Fieldpiece Instruments.

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Tech Articles

Why True RMS Meters in HVAC/R

true rms meter

If the loads you measure are controlled to do more than go on and off, you may need a true rms meter. Here’s why.

DC voltages and DC current values don’t change if there is no change in the load or supply. The formulas for power are very simple. Power=voltage X current.

AC voltages and currents change very quickly, even if the load isn’t changing. Formulas for power can be very complex. RMS values are used to be able to simplify the relationships of current and voltage to power on AC lines. RMS values on AC lines can be used in the same basic formulas as for DC.

The AC voltage for a 120VAC power line varies from 0 to +169V to 0 to -169V and back to 0. It does this cycle 60 times a second. If the load is a resistive load, like a heater, the current will go up and down exactly the same as the voltage. The “waveforms” (the plot of voltage or current vs. time) will look the same. They will be sine waves. Nice smooth waveforms that go, in the case of a 120VAC line, from 0 to 169V to 0 to –169V and back to zero, 60 times a second.

The convention for hand held meters is to display the value that’s “equivalent” to the DC value. By “equivalent”, they mean the value that will work in the simple power calculations for DC. This way, you can easily use the value in the same power formula: power= volts X amps. This is the “rms” (root mean square) value.

Most DMMs and clamp meters display the rms value for a sine wave. They call this “average responding, rms indicating”. The inner workings of the DMM measure the “average” value and then apply a multiplier to display a reading that’s equivalent to the rms value of a sine wave. In the example above, the rms value is 120V.

In HVAC/R, most signals are sine waves because most loads are AC motors. The shape of the voltage and current waveforms for AC motors are sine waves. For sine waves, an “average” measuring meter will give you the same exact reading as a true RMS meter.

However not all waveforms in HVAC/R are sine waves. Variable speed fan motors can have non-sine wave forms for voltage and current. Also some control signals and heaters. For these, in order to get a number that is equivalent to the DC value that you can use in power formulas, you need a “true rms” meter. This meter, deep down in its inner workings, actually measures the rms value, not the average. It requires extra circuitry and therefore cost more than a more common average responding, rms indicating meter. All true rms meters have a limited ability to accurately measure waveforms that have peaks that are much different from the nominal reading, specified as the “crest factor”.

In practice, the equipment manufacturer will specify when you need a true rms meter. If the service manuals say you need a true RMS meter, chances are there is a variable speed motor and you need a true rms meter. If the operators manuals don’t say you need it, unless you know otherwise (a variable speed fan motor, for example), you probably won’t notice a difference.