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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.

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Tech Articles

HVAC/R Instruments Vital in Military Effort

hvac military

from the article:

The Right Stuff for Use in the Field
by Jack Sine
June 28, 2010
theNEWS
achrnews.com

“They’re a critical part of the work HVACR technicians do. Often called “tools of the trade,” the instruments and tools a technician has in his bag are almost as important to him as his expertise. A tech can possess all the knowledge and experience in the world, but if one of his tools fails or is inaccurate, it can really ruin his day and do damage to his employer’s business. In the case of Warren Brader and his crew, lives could literally hang in the balance…”

Fieldpiece test instruments are essential in keeping military communications up and running around the world.

Click here to read the rest of the story as told in the ACHR News.

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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Introduces Two New Wireless Clamp Meters That Connect Directly with the Job Link® System App

clamp meters

Orange, Calif., November 4, 2019 — Fieldpiece Instruments, the only company solely dedicated to creating tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, introduces two new wireless power clamp meters that work with the Fieldpiece Job Link® System App for on-the-go testing and reporting. The SC480 and SC680 meet the rigorous demands of the HVAC professional in the field for HVACR electrical tests.

HVACR professionals are dealing with time constraints in getting their jobs completed in a suitable manner, while having the accurate measurements they need. These new clamp meters utilizing the Job Link® System offer advanced solutions for HVACR electrical tests that can be customized for the jobs they are working on.  While working on-the-go, technicians must get the correct data to make informed decisions about the service they are providing in a timely manner, including measuring power in kilowatts to help determine how efficiently a system is running. With the electrical measurements documented, technicians can recommend cost saving actions to the customer. The Fieldpiece Job Link app makes the job easier, faster, better.

With the mini-split market continuing to grow, these new meters are perfect for getting electrical measurements on mini-splits. The included Molex tips are super thin to get readings on hard to reach circuitry and a low pass filter provides more reliable voltage readings on variable frequency drives (VFDs). Plus, the SC680 also measures DC amps for inverter systems.

“It’s easy to receive and document a complete system snapshot by pairing the new meters with our manifolds, wireless scale, and Job Link Probes,” said Russ Harju, Product Manager Fieldpiece Instruments. Harju added, “Working as a team, technicians can clearly communicate the health of the system with co-workers and even with the customer! This will help reduce call-backs and increase sales.”

Using Power (kW), phase rotation, True RMS, Inrush features, and super thin Molex test leads, the field technician can easily test HVACR electrical equipment. Because these new meters are CAT IV rated at 600 Volts they cover the higher levels of transient overvoltage HVACR professionals may encounter when working on utility service equipment.

A summary of additional benefits and features follows:

  • Molex Test Leads SC480 and SC680
    • Work efficiently on hard to reach circuitry like mini-split boards.
  • Power (kW)
    • Help customers understand how much their system is costing in electricity usage.
  • Electrical Testing for HVACR
    • True RMS readings through the clamp or leads. Capture starting amps with Inrush.
  • VFDs voltage accuracy SC480 and SC680
    • Low Pass Filter (LPF) to remove noise and get true voltage on VFDs.
  • Swivel Head with LED Flashlight SC680
    • Open the clamp to illuminate the wire bundle you’re hunting.
  • Test 3-Phase Power with Only Two Leads SC480 and SC680
    • Conveniently test phase rotation without carrying around that extra lead.
  • Trusted Dual-Temp SC480 and SC680
    • Reliable temperature in fast changing environments. View both temperatures or T1-T2.
  • Capacitance SC480 and SC680
    • Test motor start and run caps. Determine when a capacitor needs to be replaced.
  • Wireless Bluetooth Beacon SC680
    • 115’ (35 meters) wireless connection direct to mobile device
  • Dial Backlight SC680
    • Clearly view the dial in low light situations

Included with the clamp meters are:

  • SC680 or SC480 Job Link® System Power Clamp Meter
  • ATB1 Thermocouple (2x on SC680)
  • ADLS2 Silicone Leads
  • ASA2 Gator Clip Leads
  • ANC7 Padded Case
  • RCT2 Molex Tips

For more information about the new clamp meters please visit http://www.fieldpiece.com or call us at 714.634.1844.

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Press Releases

Fieldpiece Instruments Introduces New Vacuum Pump for the European Market

hvac vacuum pump

Orange, Calif., June 12, 2019 — Fieldpiece Instruments, the industry leader in tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, introduces a new vacuum pump for the European market that is lightweight and portable, full of features and competitively priced.  The VP55INT is designed for European HVACR professionals who are pulling vacuum in A/C and refrigeration units either prior to adding refrigerant on a new installation or performing a system repair.

The VP55INT is a 5cfm pump with an AC motor and has dual voltage to easily change from 110 VAC to 230 VAC. A unique feature of the Fieldpiece vacuum pumps is the four in-line ports in three different sizes that allow for tidy hose routing and hose options. Another feature for the HVACR professional is the extra wide base to help prevent the pump from tipping and spilling oil.

Oil management, including inspecting the condition of the oil as well as ease of changing the oil, is important when installing or repairing a system. With the Fieldpiece Vacuum Pump, the HVACR professional can clearly view the oil condition through the large oil tank window. The oil backlight not only allows the technician to see the condition of the oil but also to see if the fill level is correct. In addition, with the Fieldpiece RunQuick™ oil change system, the oil can be replaced in under 20 seconds, even without losing a vacuum while the pump is running.

Russ Harju, Product Manager Fieldpiece Instruments says, “Performance and features are at the core of our new vacuum pump. We are excited to launch this new vacuum pump in the European market at a competitive price. With our proven track record of performance, the VP55 will become the one pump the technician asks for.”

The VP55 is available now. The European headquarters of Fieldpiece is located at:

Fieldpiece Instruments B.V., Kingsfordweg 151, 1043GR Amsterdam, Netherlands. Telephone: +34 659.181.882 or +44 1604 654164.