INSIDE INSIDE - Plumbing & HVAC

These adapters allow new rooftop units to 

sit on existing curbs. 

Solid support on page 13 

Volume 15 Number 6 November/December 2005 

This new tub/shower valve is designed to 

reduce jobsite aggravation. 

Stress reduction plan, page 23 

Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170. Return postage guaranteed NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C4 

INSIDE 

◆ Ban urged on water guzzling toilets 

◆ New national building codes 

◆ Fewer workers willing to take camp jobs 

◆ Busy year for national associations 

Circle Number 100 for More Information 


www.drainbrain.com 


A macerating toilet system allows the 

plumber to build a bathroom anywhere. 

Go underground, page 23 

Keep the ladder inside the truck with this 

telescoping model from Quebec. 

Extend your knowledge, page 29

The results are in 

And we’re 

very proud of our 

little prodigy. 

When we introduced the Defender Safety System , our FVIR 

water heater, we made a lot of claims about performance, 

convenience and features. It’s so gratifying to look back 

and see that everything we promised was absolutely true. 

The new design didn’t effect the dimensions of our 

water heaters. This makes replacement an easy job. 

Service calls pertaining to the new design are 

virtually non-existent. More importantly, we 

haven’t altered capacities for the new technology. 

The features we provided, including a pedestal base, a 

resettable thermal switch, a combustion chamber sight 

window and a Piezo Igniter have joined the ranks of such 

proven winners as the Hydrojet ® Total Performance System 

and our exclusive Vitraglas ® lining. 

While we’re proud we kept our word regarding the Defender, 

there’s one Bradford White feature that stands far above 

the rest. All Bradford White products are available only to 

plumbing professionals. We remain a company that is 

engineered for the trade. 

What’s next from Bradford White? Get ready for more. Soon 

we will incorporate Defender technology into additional 

models. We can’t imagine anything but straight “A’s.” 

For more information on The Defender 

Safety System , please contact your 

Bradford White representative. 

Count On Bradford White 

For Everything Hot Water 

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866-690-0961 

www.bradfordwhitecanada.com 

©2005, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. 

Circle Number 103 for More Information

Features 

In This Issue 

Departments 

Products & Technologies 

Hot Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Efficient gas fireplaces 12 

It doesn’t have to be a tough sell 

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 

People & Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 

Coming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 

Mechanical Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 

Literature Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 

Shop Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 

Faucets & Fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 

Pipes, Valves & Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 

Tools & Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 

Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

E-Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 

Zoning strategies 15 

Adding zones is relatively inexpensive 

with hydronics 

Refrigerated warehousing 18 

Line blurs between service and design 

THERE ARE TOOLS TO GET THE JOB DONE. 

AND THERE ARE TOOLS TO GET THE JOB DONE BETTER. 

New trucks for 2006 24 

Popular small van reaches the end of 

the line 

No matter what industry you’re in, Rogers TM has the tools to help your 

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that equip your field service team with real-time job and customer history 

information, so they can serve your customers even better. Whether you 

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submitted from the field, reducing paperwork, trips back to the office 

and the time it takes to generate an invoice. With time for more service 

calls in a day, your field service team will be more productive, and your 

business will benefit from a better bottom line. 

For more information on how Rogers can wirelessly enable 

your organization, visit rogers.com/enterprise or e-mail us at 

wirelessenterprisesolutions@rci.rogers.com. 

Cover photo: HVAC mechanic Garth Davis of 

Napoleon Home Comfort Inc., Barrie, Ont. 

demonstrates the key difference between 

fireplace and furnace service. Appearance 

TM 

is important! (Photo by Simon Blake) 

Trademarks of Rogers Wireless Inc. or of Rogers Communications Inc. Used under licence. ©2005. 


www.plumbingandhvac.ca November/December 2005 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 3

Small Space Specialists 

Two tools that make working with copper easier. 

CopperKey ® adds new twist to copper prep. 

The patented ratchet handle on the CopperKey lets 

you work in really tight places. Just two or three inches 

of clearance are all you need to prep tubing and 

couplings inside and out. 

That’s not the 

only new twist 

built into the CopperKey. 

It’s faster, easier, and far more 

thorough than abrasive cloth, stripping 

tubing to a shine in seconds. 

Available in 1/2" and 3/4" 

sizes, the CopperKey is more 

durable than conventional tools, 

saves you from hand scrapes 

and flux burns and gives your wrist a rest. 

AutoCut ® cuts copper tubing with 

less than one inch of clearance. 

Just snap it on the tube and spin. There’s no 

knob to get in your way in close quarters or 

slow you down when you stop to tighten it. 

So you make your cut quicker. 

And you’ll never accidentally 

crimp the tubing, because the 

cutter wheel is spring loaded. 

For extra leverage in awkward 

spaces, you can get a ratchet handle. 

It’s a real knuckle saver. 

The AutoCut comes in 1/2", 3/4", 

and 1" sizes. Long lasting cutter wheels 

are easy to replace when the time comes. 

Get your hands on these two work savers. Watch out, though; they’ll spoil you. 

Call the Drain Brains ® at General for more information at 877-273-7246 or 412-771-6300. 

For a wholesaler in your area, contact: 

Alberta – Tom Donaldson Co., Calgary 403-287-7933, Edmonton 780-486-2288 

British Columbia – West-Am, 877-600-0210 

Manitoba – Quadra Sales, 204-832-2354 

Ontario – Newgen Sales Ltd., 905-895-5999 

Quebec & Atlantic Canada – Rafales-Law Agency, 514-731-3212 

Saskatchewan – Asta Sales, 306-933-4125 

www.drainbrain.com/specialties 

© General Wire Spring 2005 


Hot Seat 

November/December 2005 

Volume 15, Number 6 

ISSN 1499-5271 

Burned once, twice shy 

Holding on to an opinion about a 

particular technology these days 

can be dangerous. Products 

change so rapidly that one-day’s junk 

can become tomorrow’s industry mainstay. 

The rapid evolution of plumbing 

and HVACR technology means that a 

contractor cannot afford to write off a 

new technology, even where it works 

poorly at first. 

There are few examples that represent 

this reality better than the 

plumbers’ struggle with six-litre lowflush 

toilets. Some of the early versions 

– particularly those where a six-litre 

tank was simply placed on an older 

design – just plain didn’t work. 

The problems were so severe that 

there were reports of contractors from 

the U.S coming up to Canada to buy 

truckloads of “water-guzzler” 13-litre 

models after six litres became U.S. law 

in 1992. And municipalities – offering 

grants to homeowners that installed 

water conserving faucets and fixtures – 

wondered about the validity of the 

CSA B-45 code that every water closet 

must meet before it can be sold in 

Canada. In fact, they were so concerned 

about it that they worked with 

the Canadian Water and Wastewater 

Association to develop their own tests. 

First conducted in 2003, over half the 

low-flush toilets failed. 

HVAC contractors faced similar 

experiences with condensing oil appliances 

that used European technology 

incompatible with the high sulfur content 

in North American No.2 fuel oil. 

Contractors faced enormous expense 

and headaches in their efforts to rectify 

these situations for their customers. 

Today there are still many plumbers 

that won’t install low-flush toilets and 

many HVAC mechanics that want nothing 

to do with condensing oil furnaces. 

And that’s understandable. 

But technology evolves. Manufacturers 

don’t want and can’t afford 

to develop a reputation for products 

that don’t work properly. In the case of 

low-flush toilets, many manufacturers 

adopted the test procedures developed 

for the CWWA. In the most recent 

round of testing, over 90 percent of the 

toilets passed – a remarkable turnaround 

for the industry in a very short 

time period and representative of the 

fact that manufacturers had already 

properly tested their products prior to 

submitting them for the official test. 

Today, there is little opposition to a 

proposal to make six-litre toilets 

mandatory in the National Building 

Heat Transfer Coils & 

Corrosion Protection Coatings 

Code. Likewise, governments and oil 

companies are working on low-sulfur 

fuels while manufacturers have already 

developed condensing technology in 

anticipation of its availability by 2010. 

Of course it’s easy to blame manufacturers 

when problems occur, but the fault 

does not always lie with the product. 

Installation practices are more critical 

with high technology equipment. Many 

problems with direct-vent HVAC equipment, 

for example, resulted from the failure 

to properly seal all venting. 

But the main point is this: the contractor 

must remain open minded and 

not let lingering anger from earlier experiences 

make him/her turn a blind eye to 

technologies that they must eventually 

adopt if they are to remain competitive. 

A narrow mind can be a recipe for business 

disaster. 

And, with that in mind, we wish all of 

our readers and supporters a happy 

Christmas season and a healthy and 

prosperous New Year free from disasters 

of any sort! 

Editor 

Simon Blake 

(416) 614-5820 

sblake@newcom.ca 

Editor Emeritus 

Ronald H. (Ron) Shuker 

(416) 614-5816 

rshuker@newcom.ca 

Contributors 

Roy Collver 

John Carr 

Ron Coleman 

Barry Cunningham 

Arthur Irwin 

Publisher 

Mark Vreugdenhil 

(416) 614-5819 

mark@plumbingandhvac.ca 

National Sales Manager 

John Pallante 

(416) 614-5805 

john@plumbingandhvac.ca 

Design and Production 

Tim Norton 

production@nytek.ca 

Circulation Manager 

Pat Glionna 

Corporate Services 

Anthony Evangelista 

PLUMBING & HVAC PRODUCT NEWS Magazine is 

published six times annually by NEWCOM Business 

Media Inc. and is written for individuals who purchase/ 

specify/approve the selection of plumbing, piping, hot 

water heating, fire protection, warm air heating, air 

conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, controls and 

related systems and products throughout Canada. 

Head Office 

NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 

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Ontario, Canada M9W 5C4 

Tel: (416) 242-8088 

Fax (416) 242-8085 

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Copyright 2005. The contents of this magazine 

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Heating Refrigeration Air Conditioning 

Institute of Canada 

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Industry News 

In Brief 

13 SEER date delayed 

A plan to harmonize the effective 

date for mandatory 13-SEER air 

conditioning equipment with the 

U.S. on Jan. 23 has been delayed, 

reports the Heating, Refrigeration 

and Air Conditioning Institute of 

Canada (HRAI). NRCan will prepublish 

the new regulation in 

December with a 75-day period for 

public/industry comment. Implementation 

is now expected in April. 

Sask. CFC ban 

Saskatchewan will ban the refilling 

of refrigeration equipment and 

cylinders with chlorofluorocarbon 

(CFC) refrigerants. CFCs will no 

longer be allowed in commercial 

refrigeration equipment up to 4 kW 

effective Jan. 1. The ban takes 

effect for 4-22kW equipment 

Jan. 1, 2007, with equipment over 

22 kW following Jan. 1 2008. Air 

conditioning systems cannot be 

refilled with CFCs after Jan. 1, 

2009. With one exception, chillers 

cannot be refilled with CFCs if 

they have undergone an overhaul. 

There is a once-only provision for 

refilling chillers if they are to be 

converted off CFCs or replaced 

within 12 months. 

Ontario gas/oil burner trade 

The Ministry of Training, Colleges 

and Universities (MTCU) of Ontario 

is considering an apprenticeship 

trade for gas technician/oil burner 

mechanic. A meeting with trade and 

industry groups took place Sept. 30, 

reports HRAI. The ministry assured 

those present that this would have 

no impact on existing trades. Concern 

was also raised over the ability 

of MTCU to work with the Technical 

Standards and Safety Authority, 

which is responsible for gas 

and oil burner mechanic licensing. 

PCs promote apprenticeship 

A proposal by the Conservative 

Party of Canada would provide an 

incentive of $1,000 to all new 

apprentices in the first two years 

of an apprenticeship program, a 

tax credit for employers equivalent 

to 10 percent of apprentice wages 

and a boost to the small tools tax 

deduction from $200 to $500, 

along with the ability to claim the 

Capital Cost Allowance on tools 

costing more than $500. 

Ban urged on “sport 

utilities of toilet land” 

By Simon Blake 

Water-guzzling 13-litre toilets will 

disappear if lobbying efforts for 

uniform national water efficiency 

rules are successful. 

“We’re an island among Western 

societies in allowing over-consuming 

toilets – the sport utilities of toilet land,” 

remarked Glen Pleasance, water efficiency 

co-ordinator for the Region of 

Durham, east of Toronto. 

The United States made six-litre lowflush 

toilets mandatory in 1992. Most of 

Europe has done the same. “I have a feeling 

there’s a backlog of 13-litre stock that 

can’t be sold anywhere else, so it’s arrived 

here,” said Pleasance, who also chairs the 

water efficiency committee of the 

Canadian Water and Wastewater 

Association (CWWA). Several provinces, 

Environment Canada and the Canadian 

Institute of Plumbing and Heating 

(CIPH) are also urging the Canadian 

Commission on Building and Fire Codes 

(CCBFC) to include water efficiency 

rules in the National Plumbing Code. 

The proposal would have been unthinkable 

just a few years ago. Six-litre 

toilets created a nightmare for plumbers 

because some models just plain didn’t 

work, reported Duncan Ellison, CWWA 

executive director. The situation was so 

bad that the CWWA questioned the 

validity of the Canadian Standards 

Association B-45 test that all toilets must 

pass before they can be sold in Canada. 

The CSA code has since been updated, 

although Pleasance says it remains 

inadequate. “We are still seeing junk 

get on to the market.” CSA was unable 

to comment prior to press time. 

Better test procedures 

CWWA worked with Veritec Consulting 

Inc. of Mississauga, Ont. to develop better 

test procedures. About half of 80 sixlitre 

toilets failed the first Maximum 

Performance Test (MaP) in December, 

2003. The most recent test results, 

released in September, show a dramatic 

improvement. Over 

150 of 170 toilet 

models passed. 

The new tests 

have been widely 

adopted in the U.S. 

and Canada. “Manufacturers 

have 

embraced the methodology (which uses 

realistic soybean ‘turds’). They are doing 

it themselves before they bring their 

product for testing,” said Pleasance. 

Toilets flush about 45 percent of all 

water used in the average household, he 

added. And while banning 13-litre toilets 

would save homeowners money on 

their water bill, the primary motive for 

municipalities is to service more homes 

with existing water treatment facilities 

in regions experiencing rapid growth. 

Patchwork of regulations 

Water conservation currently falls under 

a patchwork of provincial and municipal 

regulations. “What we want to avoid 

is having all these municipalities creating 

their own bylaws. We need a national 

uniform protocol for water efficiency,” 

said CIPH president Ralph Suppa. 

Toilets flush about 

45 percent of all 

water used in the 

average household. 

He added that any National 

Plumbing Code change must respect 

applicable CSA standards, allow manufacturers 

and distributors time to sell 

existing stock and to retool their plants. 

The proposal faces one serious roadblock. 

The objectives of the National 

Plumbing Code do not currently include 

water conservation. “It is purely public 

health and safety,” noted Ellison. 

However, that 

could change, reported 

John Archer, 

CCBFC secretary. All 

provincial and territorial 

governments 

must first be consulted, 

something that is 

scheduled to begin during a meeting at the 

end of November, he added. 

While the next National Plumbing 

Code will not be published until 2010, 

an interim change can be made sooner 

if provinces and territories can convince 

the code committee that conservation is 

a serious health or economic issue. 

The CWWA would like to see the 

change as soon as possible. Six-litre toilets 

are unlikely to replace 13-litre versions 

as long as the water guzzlers 

remain on the market, remarked 

Pleasance. “A lot of retail sales staff have 

bought into the myth that all six-litre 

toilets are bad.” Many plumbers are 

loyal to 13-litre models as well. 

“We’ve got product out there now 

that works properly. Consumer acceptance 

of water conserving products is 

there ...,” added Suppa. 

LEED school in N.S. 

Nova Scotia is building the first 

LEED-certified (Leaderhsip in 

Energy Efficiency and Design) 

school in the province, to open 

next September. The 35,300-sq. 

ft. Iona School in Cape Breton will 

be equipped with solar panels to 

heat water, specially glazed 

windows to retain heat, and state 

Continued on page 9 

www.plumbingandhvac.ca 


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Industry News 

New National Plumbing 

Code offers flexibility 

By Ron Shuker 

Contractors and engineers will have 

more flexibility in the design and 

installation of plumbing systems 

under the 2005 model National 

Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes 

released at the end of September. At 

least that’s what officials at the 

Canadian Commission on Building and 

Fire Codes are saying about the new 

objective–based codes. 

As well, almost 1300 technical changes 

have been made to the previous editions 

since they were published in 1995. 

Mobile worker 

shortage studied 

Astudy recently completed by the 

Construction Sector Council reveals 

why it is becoming increasingly 

difficult to find workers that are 

willing to move from jobsite to jobsite. 

“Mobile workers are generally a dissatisfied 

group and the construction 

industry, particularly the industrial sector, 

could suffer because of it,” reports 

Bob Blakely, CSC labour co-chair and 

director of the Canadian Affairs for the 

Building and Construction Trades 

Department, AFL-CIO. 

It’s not hard to see why. The typical 

mobile worker “is married, with at least 

two children under the age of 18 years, 

and his working mobile has a net-negative 

impact on his marriage and family,” 

reports the study, Working Mobile: A 

Study of Labour Mobility in Canada’s 

Industrial Construction Sector. 

To make matters worse, mobile 

workers are often regarded with the 

suspicion that they are taking local jobs 

by the communities where they work 

and they don’t receive the tax breaks 

that other mobile workers, such as 

truckers, receive. See the full report at 

www.csc-ca.org. 

Together, designers and installers 

have reason to be optimistic about the 

innovative alternatives they can adopt 

once the new code is adopted by each 

province and territory, reported Raman 

Chauhan, technical advisor at the Codes 

Centre of the National Research 

Council in Ottawa during an address to 

the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors 

Association Annual Meeting, held Sept. 

19-21 in Oshawa, Ont. These changes 

address many technological advances 

along with health and safety concerns. 

The old prescriptive code simply stated 

that: “You have to do it this way or 

that way. There is no other acceptable 

way,” explained Chauhan. Objectivebased 

codes outline the problem the 

code determines to solve, describe the 

objective(s) to solve the problem and 

leave the actual determination of a solution 

to the system designers. 

Chauhan said, for example, the code 

requirement is to ensure public safety in 

the use of toilets. The objective is to 

ensure a toilet does not collapse when 

used. The designer must select the fixture 

and the method of installation so it 

won’t fail. A simple way of meeting this 

requirement is to ensure the toilet complies 

with a recognized standard. In the 

case of toilets, the CSA B-45 standard is 

referenced in the NPC. 

A big concern with performance 

codes was the need for performance 

standards. “These can take decades to 

develop and establish as valid and consistent. 

Many code requirements lacked 

that performance data,” he said. “Now 

there is additional information in the 

objectives to help evaluate equivalents,” 

he added. 

What has not been publicized is how 

this code ties into new provincial 

(Ontario and B.C., for example) 

mandatory upgrades and certification 

of designers. That goal is to ensure 

accuracy in drawings and permit applications, 

and speed up the approval 

process. It also means mandatory use of 

the provincial building permit application 

form, Al Suleiman, acting manager, 

code interpretation, regulation and 

training, Ministry of Municipal Affairs 

& Housing, told OPIA members. 

continued from page 7 

of the art air and vapour barriers 

for improved insulation. Energy 

savings of 30 to 40 percent a year 

are expected. 

Apprenticeship study 

launched 

The Canadian Apprenticeship 

Forum has launched an apprenticeship 

study that is expected to 

be broader in scope than previous 

surveys. It will provide employers, 

apprentices, governments and 

educational facilities cost and benefit 

information on a wide range of 

apprenticeship trades, reports 

project manager Arlene Wortsman. 


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Industry News 

HRAI CONFERENCE REPORT 

Clear vision key, 

HRAI delegates hear 


and industry aimed at developing a 

highly skilled construction workforce, 

recently approved $300,000 in funding 

for the project. HRAI will provide another 

$150,000 over three years. 

But creating an effective program 

won’t be easy. “Career awareness is not as 

simple as printing 

brochures and creating 

websites … there’s a lot of 

competition for Canada’s 

Over 280 delegates enjoyed the 37th equipment) with the goal of preserving 

John Murphy, right, passed the 

Annual General Meeting of the the original principles of the standard. 

chairman’s gavel to Mike Burns. 

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Delegates also discussed the difficulties 

faced in drawing bright young peo- 

youth,” reported CSC exec- 

New executive team 

Conditioning Institute of Canada Aug. 

25-27 at the beautiful Deerhurst Resort ple into the industry. HRAI is active on George utive director George Mike Burns, vice president of sales and 

in Huntsville, the heart of Ontario’s several fronts. The group is working with 

Gritziotis 

Gritziotis. 

marketing for CFM Specialty Home 

Muskoka region. 

Keynote speaker Donald Cooper – of 

Cooper hockey equipment fame – 

kicked off the opening breakfast with 

his “straight goods” approach to human 

marketing. 

The number one problem that anyone 

running a business faces, he said, is 

that: “There are just too many people 

selling what you are selling. You’re not 

selling water in the desert; it’s more like 

trying to sell sand.” 

He encouraged delegates to develop a 

clear vision of what they are trying to 

achieve and to focus on the areas where 

they can be successful. 

That was just the beginning of a busy 

three days for delegates with more than 

15 business sessions covering topics 

such as: business and marketing strategies, 

the Ottawa-based Construction Sector 

Council (CSC) on a three-year project to 

define the needs of the HVACR industry 

and build awareness of the opportunities 

for young people. The CSC, a national 

partnership between government, labour 

A key component of the project is to 

conduct a national occupational analysis 

for the residential HVAC industry 

and to build a strategy for developing a 

more direct pathway into the industry 

for new recruits. 

Products, Mississauga, Ont., was appointed 

HRAI chair. Also named to the 

2005 executive were: Nancy McKeraghan 

– vice chair and chair of the Heating, 

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 

Please see ‘HRAI’on page 33 

energy auditing, relationship 

building, zoned heating and cooling, 

establishing an effective in-house training 

program and synchronizing the 

supply chain. 

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation 

issues related to today’s tighter 

homes were on many delegates’ minds. 

“(Homeowners) don’t know who the 

experts are and there’s all kinds of conflicting 

information …” reported Roger 

Grochmal, president of Atlas Air 

Climatecare in Mississauga, Ont. 

Several contractors said they often 

find themselves as baffled as the homeowner 

when asked to recommend equipment 

to deal with medical issues such as 

allergies and asthma. “I think there’s a 

real need to know what you are talking 

about because of the (potential) liability 

issues,” said Mike Latreille, president, 

Holmes Heating Inc., Kanata, Ont. 

However, IAQ also presents a business 

opportunity and HRAI is well placed 

to offer training and certification because 

of the reputation of its SkillTech 

program, noted Grochmal. “The utilities 

will take the IAQ market if we don’t.” 

IAQ was the key topic in three of four 

submissions to the HRAI National 

Assembly Aug. 27. Delegates passed resolutions 

to pursue, with other industry 

stakeholders, a national IAQ standard 

and related training program; to create 

a position statement on a pending CSA 

B149 code requirement that all plastic 

piping used for venting must conform 

to ULC-636 (which rules out all currently 

manufactured ABS); that HRAI 

should initiate and financially support a 

study of residential ventilation with a 

focus on homes built in the past 10 

years and take a more aggressive role in 

the current review of the CSA F326 

code (residential mechanical ventilating 



Fall Heating 

Gas fireplaces in an 

energy efficient world 

It doesn’t have to be a tough sell 


Customers typically choose their gas fireplace for 

its appearance and heating capability. But in a 

world of increasing energy costs, efficiency is 

becoming a concern. If the contractor can offer the 

right answers when the question comes up, gas fireplaces 

will remain a popular upgrade. 

“Fireplaces are not just a luxury item. They are very 

practical and they increase the equity in a home …” 

remarked Dana Moroz, manager of technical services 

for Wolf Steel, manufacturer of Napoleon and 

Continental fireplaces in Barrie, Ont. 

One useful sales approach is to treat the fireplace as 

a form of zoned heating. “They permit the homeowner 

to heat the space they are actually living in at a given 

The efficiency formula 

Steady-state rating systems like those used for 

furnaces and boilers don’t work well with fireplaces, 

reports Vukanovich. 

“Factors like the way a fireplace is used – 

homeowners switch it on an off as required – and 

the large piece of glass in the front were playing 

havoc with the readings.” 

Since October 2003 gas fireplace manufacturers 

have been required to test their units to the 

CSA P.4.1-02 standard. This establishes a 

Fireplace Efficiency (FE) rating. 

As well, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) 

has established an EnerGuide for Gas Fireplaces 

program, managed by the Heating, Refrigeration 

and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) 

and the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of 

Quebec (CMMTQ) in that province. 

A list of qualified fireplaces can be found 

on the EnerGuide web site at 

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca or through the HPBAC 

web site at www.hpbacanada.org. 

The program has struggled for consumer awareness. 

HRAI recently created a pocket guide 

explaining the system that contractors/dealers can 

distribute to their customers, reported Caroline 

Czajko, manager of the HRAI manufacturers 

division. 

As well, HRAI recently sent out literature 

comparing the FE system – the only system 

recognized in Canada – to other rating systems 

that may appear on manufacturer literature. 

“There’s a bit of confusion out there,” she noted. 

Moroz has misgivings about the test procedure 

because it requires fireplaces to operate on 20- 

minute on-off cycles and does not account for the 

improved efficiency that a heat-circulating blower 

adds to the fireplace. He believes more efficient 

energy use can be achieved with a lower Btu/h 

unit that operates continuously. 

Vukanovich says the new FE system may not be 

perfect, but it has helped establish a level playing 

field for the industry. 

Gas fireplaces continue to evolve. Standing 

pilot lights will likely disappear within two years, 

reported Suderman. His company is using spark 

ignition with a battery backup on the majority of 

its models. 

time,” said Moroz. “Instead of heating the whole house 

to be comfortable in the recreation room, they can just 

heat the rec room.” 

A properly designed and installed fireplace system 

can reduce the load on the central heating system and 

actually reduce the heating bill, added Ashley Hovater, 

marketing services manager for Monessen Hearth 

Systems, Florence, Alabama, manufacturers of 

Monessen and Lexington Forge fireplaces. 

Sizing for comfort 

The first step in selling a fireplace is to determine what 

the homeowner is looking for. 

Do they want a fireplace that can heat a room quickly, 

or is the ambience with the benefit of some heat 

more important? 

Traditionally, direct vent fireplaces have provided 

the best heat while a chimney-vented fireplace was 

more decorative, noted Hovater. However, tighter 

homes are making the B-vent units obsolete. 

Manufacturers are now making sealed combustion 

direct vent units that provide a beautiful appearance 

while topping the energy efficiency charts, with lower 

Btu/h units available where heating is not a priority. 

Fireplace inserts have evolved the same way. “The 

industry has gone to direct vent inserts because indoor 

air quality is such an issue in homes today …” said 

Moroz. 

Fireplaces should be sized by output, said John 

Vukanovich, president of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue 

Association of Canada (HPBAC) and director of marketing 

for Selkirk Canada Corp., Stoney Creek, Ont. 

“More Btu’s (input) doesn’t always mean more heat 

into the room,” he added. “You need more Btu’s combined 

with efficiency.” He suggests that contractors 

compare the EnerGuide efficiency number to the 

Btu/h input. (Please see sidebar.) If four fireplaces are 

rated at 40,000 Btu/h, the one with the highest 

EnerGuide number will 

usually create the most heat 

while achieving the best 

efficiency, he explained. 

However, added Moroz, 

“It’s important that we 

don’t just look at the P.4, or 

any energy efficiency number, 

in itself.” The CSA P.4 

test requires fireplaces to 

cycle on and off every 20 

minutes. “A properly sized 

fireplace can be a lower 

Btu/h. For example, on a 

main floor, a fireplace can 

be 17,000 Btu/h, but burn continuously to maintain a 

comfortable temperature in that room while not suffering 

the heat losses of a cycling appliance.” 

The fireplace high-low regulator control allows the 

homeowner to tailor fireplace output to ambient air 

temperature. Fan-equipped models will push the heat 

further. 

As with any modern heating appliance, over-sizing 

causes problems. “The complaint you are going to get 

from the homeowner is that: ‘I’ve got this big beautiful 

fireplace and, after only 15 minutes, it’s too hot in the 

room and I need to turn the fireplace off,’” remarked 

Moroz. 

“The industry has gone 

to direct vent inserts 

because indoor air quality 

is such an issue in 

homes today …” 

Technicians Garth Davis, front, and Evan Hazlett 

(Napoleon Home Comfort Inc., Barrie, Ont.) install a 

26,000 Btu/h gas fireplace. 

A basement fireplace is typically larger than a main 

floor unit. Things like room size and air tightness have 

to be considered. And it is important to maintain the 

look the customer wants from one fireplace size to the 

next. 

Installing and maintenance 

Technicians who diligently follow the manufacturer’s 

instructions seldom have problems with direct vent 

fireplaces, reports Moroz, a former installer himself. 

The biggest issue he sees is the failure to seal all vent 

joints – a problem that’s difficult to fix once the venting 

has been boxed in. 

Gas fireplace maintenance 

is similar to a natural 

gas furnace. However, there 

are some differences. 

Typically the venturi, the 

primary air shutter on the 

burner, the pilot orifice and 

the blower unit need to be 

cleaned annually. 

The technician should 

keep in mind that, unlike a 

furnace, a fireplace is a 

showpiece for the home. 

He/she needs to clean the 

glass and touch up the paint as part of the annual service. 

“These are things that show the consumer value … 

the visual is very important in selling the service to 

them,” says Moroz. 

Energy efficiency concerns are not the only factor 

having an impact on sales. Customers are increasingly 

looking for contractors who can do the entire renovation 

including drywall, mantles, etc., remarked Garry 

Suderman, Hearth Technologies Inc., Mississauga, 

Ont. “We are no longer just installing a metal box.” 

In some cases, it pays to form a partnership with a 

renovation contractor to sell complete fireplace installations, 

he added. 

12 Plumbing & HVAC Product News – November/December 2005 www.plumbingandhvac.ca

Mid furnace line 

The Armstrong and AirEase Enhanced 

80V, Advantage 80II and Advantage 80 

gas furnaces feature two-pipe combustion 

air supply from any pressure zone 

independent from the exhaust vent for 

extra installation flexibility. 

Armstrong Air Circle no. 300 

Variable-speed mid 

Echelon gas-fired 80% AFUE furnaces 

by Coleman are available in downflowhorizontal 

variable-speed 

models with an 

ECM motor 

and EcoTrak, 

which enables 

installers to 

customize the 

comfort performance 

for 

dry, temperate 

or humid climates. 

The line 

includes single 

and two-stage models with advanced 

diagnostics, 40-in. high, easy-access 

panel, and quiet operation. 

Coleman Div., York Int’l. Circle no. 301 

More mid options 

The five brands in ICP’s 80 AFUE 

SoftSound, SmartComfort, X-Series 

and QuietComfort 

gas furnace lines 

include quiet variable-speed 

models 

with ECM motors. 

Features include 

silicon nitride igniters, 

a two-stage 

gas valve, control 

boards with troubleshooting 

LED 

fault indicators, 

blower door sight 

glass, remote flame sensing along with 

24 and 115 volt humidifier connections. 

They are available in 50, 75, 100 and 

125,000 Btu/h capacities. 

Int’l Comfort Products Circle no. 302 

Thermostat 

The MACH-Stat from Reliable Controls 

features an I/O configuration of seven 

Custom climate furnace 

The Acclimate 80 AFUE gas furnace 

from Luxaire features GeoTrak technology 

to customize the indoor climate to 

the outdoor climate, 

with an 

ECM motor for 

lower operating 

costs and quiet 

operation with 

effective humidity 

control. It is available 

in variable 

speed and single 

or two-stage 

models. The heat 

exchanger has a 

20-year warranty. 

Luxaire Div., York Int’l. Circle no. 304 

Chimney adapter kits 

Masonry chimney adapter kits by ICP 

eliminate the need for a metal liner 

before venting into tile-lined chimneys. 

They are designed for 80 AFUE singlestage 

four-position gas furnaces and 

most two-stage and variable-speed 

models in the ICP line. 


Rooftop adapters 

Thybar Retro-Mate adapters sit on 

existing rooftop curbs to adapt them to 

new rooftop units, including larger 

models. They are factory prefabricated 

on heavy gauge galvanized or 

Galvalume steel, with 1-1/2-inch threelb. 

insulation, transitions, baffles and 

structural supports. 

Thybar Corp. Circle no. 306 

Efficient gas furnaces 

The ICP Comfortmaker VS90 gas furnace 

models are rated at 90% AFUE or 

higher. They feature an ECM variablespeed 

motor, RPJ III stainless steel heat 

exchanger with lifetime limited warranty, 

two-stage gas 

valve, one or twopipe 

venting, silicon 

nitride igniter, 

24/115 volt 

humidifier connections, 

external 

filters and rack 

and flame rollout 

sensors. They 

are available in 

models from 

50,000 to 125,000 Btu/h. 


THE PLUMBING AND HEATING PRICE GUIDE LEADER 

Accurate, up-to-date pricing. 

On the dash or the desktop – you decide. 

Efficient oil heat revisited 

W I N P R I E R 

Fall Heating 

Dear editor, 

The article Efficient Oil Heat (P&HVAC, Sept./Oct. 2005) states “The code allows 

the contractor to go down only one size with an adaptor.” I could not find such an 

article in the B-139 Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment. 

The code states: 4.2.5.1: The internal diameter of the vent connector shall equal 

that required for the vent by Clause 4.2.2.4 and Table 1 or 2. 4.2.5.2: Where the vent 

collar of the appliance is larger or smaller than the size required by Clause 4.2.2.4, a 

gradual transition piece shall be used, and the system shall be tested to ensure that 

adequate draft is available. 

As per code, as long as the transition piece is gradual, you can then comply with 

having the vent size reduced to fall within the requirements of Table 1 or 2. There 

is no restriction for only reducing one size. In 1996 the City of Yellowknife 

Inspections Division implemented a requirement that chimney sizing is reduced to 

the minimum sizing possibly from those listed in Table 1 or 2 of the CSA-B139 

Code. In addition it is also required that the chimney is installed in an insulated 

chase where it passes through a cold attic space or when the installation would have 

normally been an exterior exposed chimney. 

This requirement came about due to a number of chimney failures in the previous 

heating seasons. These failures were caused by the effects of cool and condensing 

flue pipe gases. In some extreme cases, the collapse of the chimney liner 

led to a buildup of carbon monoxide and created a threat to the occupants. The 

reduced chimney sizing and use of insulated chases have also resulted in less ice 

build-up at the top of the chimney. 

Paul T. Chang, Mechanical Inspector 

City of Yellowknife 

Editor’s note: We received two letters and several phone calls on this issue. Many 

years ago the B-139 code allowed a technicians to go up or down only one chimney 

size with an adaptor. As Paul and several others noted, this has been changed. 

Today gradual transition adaptors are available to go up or down multiple sizes. 

We apologize for any confusion that resulted from our error. 

Worth looking into. 

inputs and eight outputs. Each output is 

a socket into which a relay or universal 

output module can be inserted. 

Reliable Controls Circle no. 303 

Whether you prefer it on the dashboard or 

on the desktop, we provide the industry standard 

in up-to-date plumbing and heating price guides. 

For more information, please visit us 

at www.allpriser.com 

or call us at 1 800 361 9484 




Hot Water Heating 

Zoning strategies for hydronic systems 

By Roy Collver 

It is frustrating to 

deal with a customer 

who compares 

the cost of a 

hydronic heating 

system to the usual 

off-the-shelf forced 

air system that 

many builders offer as a standard. The 

builder usually offers only a fraction of 

the true cost of the forced air system as 

a credit and whacks a big mark-up onto 

his quoted price for a hydronic system. 

To add even more pain, the customer 

often opts for a system that treats just 

about every room as a separate zone, forgetting 

that the forced air system was designed 

with a single thermostat and 

treated the whole house as one zone. 

Every time you add a zone to a heating 

system, you add hundreds of dollars 

in cost. The good news with a hydronic 

system is that zoning is relatively inexpensive 

compared to a forced air system. 

Let’s look at how to go 

about zoning hydronic heating 

systems and come up 

with some easy rules to get 

your customer the most 

bang for the buck. 

There are three ways to 

control the heat output from 

the terminal units: 

1) We can start and stop 

the flow of heating fluid. 

2) We can speed up or 

slow down (modulate) the 

flow of heating fluid. 

3) We can leave the flow constant and 

adjust the fluid temperature to give us 

more or less heat. 

Modulate the flow 

The first method is accomplished by 

using an on/off zone valve or pump 

controlled by a room temperature thermostat. 

The heat terminal units alternately 

heat up and cool off, pulsing the 

heat into the room. 

This is probably the most common 

method used in North America today. It 

is relatively inexpensive and offers customers 

a wide variety of choices when it 

comes to thermostats – from simple 

mechanical wall thermostats to electronic, 

multi-schedule, programmable 

set-back thermostats. The most complex 

systems use room sensors, feeding 

back to a building management system 

that can be accessed from a remote 

location for monitoring and adjustment. 

The building management 

system in turn operates the zone valve 

or pumps. 

Thermostatic valves 

The second method is normally accomplished 

using thermostatic radiator valves. 

These have an internal device that 

throttles fluid flow through the terminal 

unit (radiator, radiant floor, etc.), increasing 

the temperature drop through 

the terminal unit and changing its average 

temperature. The throttling device 

is actuated by a thermostatic head 

either mounted directly onto the valve 

or, by using a capillary, mounted 

remotely on the wall. 

This method, hugely popular in 

Europe, is the least expensive and simplest 

way to zone. It is becoming more 

popular here, but its biggest disadvantage 

is that room temperature setback 

has to be done through a central system 

setback (lower the water temperature in 

the whole system), or manually by turning 

down individual zones one at a time. 

Temperature adjustment 

The third method is technically the 

most correct way to do it. By changing 

the fluid temperature as required by the 

heat loss of the zone, but leaving the 

flow constant, the temperature drop 

across the terminal unit will be more 

constant and, theoretically, the room 

The good news with a 

hydronic system is that 

zoning is relatively 

inexpensive … 

temperature will be more even. 

Unfortunately, to do this properly 

requires a mixing system for each zone 

as well as some kind of room temperature 

feedback sensor, which gets expensive 

using today’s technology. A number 

of manufacturers are working on more 

economical ways to accomplish this. 

So now to the rules: 

1) If your customer wants to zone every 

room and doesn’t mind paying for it – 

give them what they want. Ask questions 

about how involved they want to be in 

the operation of their system. Some 

well-heeled patrons may want a fullblown 

building management system so 

they can check on their house when they 

are vacationing in the Riviera. Or they 

may want the same system so YOU can 

monitor it for them. OR they may want 

simple thermostatic radiator valves – 

turn clockwise for warmer, counterclockwise 

for cooler. It is important to 

know the choices so you can properly 

explain them. 

2) If your customer is worried mostly 

about the cost, look at the zoning possibilities 

and do some cutting. What zoning 

options can they do without? In 

some cases, they may be happy with a 

single thermostat, but explain what they 

will be giving up, such as: 

a) Sunny side of the house versus 

A zoned system can be simple or complicated. Careful communication with the 

customer is a must to determine their needs. 

shady/windy side: Rooms with large 

windows should be treated as separate 

zones. When the sun shines, the solar 

gain will overheat them and you will 

want to shut down or reduce the heat 

input from the hydronic system. (If the 

solar gain is extreme, these rooms may 

still overheat.) These windows will suck 

heat out of the zone on a cold windy 

night, but you can boost the heat input 

with a zoned system. 

b) Determine always-used rooms 

versus seldom-used rooms. Why heat a 

guest room, garage or unfinished basement 

to the same temperature as the 

rest of the home? High energy costs 

may dictate zoning choices. 

c) Special needs rooms: if Auntie 

Emma needs her room hotter than 

everyone else – indulge her. It is easy 

with a hydronic system. If your 

customer likes their master bedroom 

cooler – we can do that too. 

d) Special reasons. There are a myriad 

of special reasons to zone individual 

areas of a house. Some owners want their 

radiant floor warmed even in the summer. 

We can do that by using a floor sensor 

and treating the floor as its own zone. 

Once again, you MUST communicate 

clearly with your customer. I hope 

you aren’t getting tired of this message 

that I keep preaching, because I am not 

going to stop. Poor communication 

with the customer is the most common 

reason for dissatisfaction with hydronic 

heating systems. 

If you or your customer just cannot 

decide on whether to zone a particular 

area, make sure the distribution piping 

is done so that a zone valve or pump can 

be easily added later if necessary. 

Install a basement bathroom 

without breaking the floor. 

BEFORE 

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• Easy installation, do it yourself. • Your floors stay intact. No breaking, no mess. 

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Add convenience • Add luxury • Add value to your home 

For a FREE brochure please call: 

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www.saniflo.com 



GUESS WHO VOTED MOEN #1? YOUR CUSTOMERS. 

When it comes to reliability and durability, your customers think we’re the best. And who could argue? Moen 

has a reputation for having a wide range of styles that look as good as they last. And we have a lifetime guarantee 

on our products. So, if you want the brand that will help you build customer loyalty and increase sales, there 

really is only one choice. Moen.To find out more about us, visit moen.com or call us at 1-800-465-6130. 

1-800-465-6130 • www.moen.com 

© 2005 Moen Incorporated. All rights reserved. 


Hot Water Heating 

Integrated mixing 

The X-Pump Block by Taco combines a 

variable-speed mixing control, heat 

source and constant-speed system wet 

rotor circulators in a single unit for total 

system isolation. Features include plugin 

low voltage connections and replaceable 

cartridge design. The heat exchanger 

is a brazed plate and counterflow 

design. Control can be by outdoor reset, 

setpoint or Delta T limiting control. 

Taco Canada Circle no. 308 

Water heaters 

The John Wood Signature Series 80 percent 

efficient gas hot water heaters from 

GSW feature UTECH electronic ignition, 

Honeywell electronic controller, 

vent damper, inlet-outlet ports on top, 

front and back, slide-out burner tray, 

multiple anode rods, a ceramic fibre 

combustion chamber and handhole 

cleanout. Available sizes range from 

125,000 to 399,000 Btu/h. 

GSW Water Heating Circle no. 309 

Condensing boilers 

AERCO’s 2.0 million Btu/h stainless 

steel gas-fired Benchmark condensing 

boilers for commercial 

applications 

feature 

dual-fuel capability 

and a modulating 

burner 

with a 20:1 turndown 

for 98 percent 

thermal efficiency. 

It is suitable 

for applications 

utilizing 

cooler water temperatures. 

AERCO Circle no. 310 

Combo system 

The Enerboss by Nu-Air provides space 

heating from any source of hot water, 

including indirect-fired and geothermal 

systems or a tankless electric boiler. This 

unit includes a heat recovery ventilator 

(HRV) and ECM motor. An air conditioning 

package is optional. A single 

Enerboss will heat up to 3500 square 

feet. 

Nu-Air Ventilation Circle no. 311 

Mixing valves 

Taco iSeries mixing valves in two or 

three-way injection configurations provide 

outdoor reset control or fixedwater 

supply temperature. Features 

include an outdoor reset controller in 

the direct-drive actuator to modulate 

valves, adjustable reset ratio, and setpoint 

from 80 - 180°F with a 15°F supply 

water setback. These valves are available 

in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" sizes. 

Taco Canada Circle no. 312 

Designing with boilers 

Aerco has produced a 24-page fullcolour 

technical manual on ‘Designing 

with High-Efficiency Gas-Fired Boilers’. 

It explains 

how Aerco 

condensing 

boilers can 

enhance fuel 

efficiency and 

lower project 

costs on five 

hydronic 

heating designs: 

traditional 

loops, 

high Delta T designs, two-pipe systems, 

combination DHW-space heating and 

water-loop heat pump systems, each 

with a facility case study. 

Aerco International Circle no. 313 

Water heater wins award 

The Marathon Lifetime residential electric 

water heaters from Rheem, available 

in 15 to 105 gal.(US sizes), received the 

2005 Consumer Award by the Society of 

the Plastics Engineers. It recognizes the 

seamless 

blow-moulded 

polybutene 

storage tank 

wound in 

multiple layers 

of fibreglass 

filament 

with a new 

generation 

polyurethane 

resin and 

moulded outer shell. This is stronger 

than a styrene-based polyester system it 

replaces. 

Rheem Canada Circle no. 314 

Packaged heating 

Energy Star rated Conematic CM-1 90 

percent AFUE hydronic space and 

demand water heaters or CM-RU 

radiant heating systems provide 

53,000 Btu/h in a wall-hung modular 

appliance. Features include HBX controls, 

cone design for effective heat 

transfer, low CO levels and indoor-outdoor 

reset. 

Conematic Heating Systems Circle no. 315 

New Indoor Air Quality 

Products! 

ELITE STEAM HUMIDIFIER 

RS-20 ROOM STEAM INJECTION 

DS-20 DUCT STEAM INJECTION 

HEPA AC500 

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HEPA Air cleaner at 

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Includes all components for installation 

E1 Temperature Compensating Humidistat 

MAC SERIES 

■ MAC2000 Mega-Mac 

20x25 Merv 10 Media Air Cleaner 

■ MAC1400 Mighty-Mac 


■ MAC1200 Mini-Mac 


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Circle Number 118 for More Info 

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NEW 



Refrigeration 

Refrigerated warehousing 

A blurred line between service and design 

By John Carr 

Based on a 2003 

United States Department 

of Agriculture 

study on refrigerated 

warehouses, there is 

about one square meter 

(10.8 sq. ft.) of refrigerated warehouse 

space for every man, woman and child 

in North America. And some of these 

facilities are huge – in excess of 18,600 

square meters (200,000 square feet). 

All of this temperature-controlled space 

operates due to the efforts of refrigeration 

mechanics. These mechanics are constantly 

re-engineering to accommodate energy 

efficiency, expansion, new products, equipment 

changes and many more innovative 

or legislated modifications. 

An engineer may 

have performed the initial 

design of a refrigerated 

warehouse, but as 

time goes on the need 

for upgrading and 

updating systems falls 

into the domain of the 

technician. 

Two major refrigeration 

system types exist, 

ammonia-based, in general 

for warehouse operations exceeding 

10,000 sq. ft., and fluorocarbon based, 

used in systems of any size but mainly 

those in restaurants, supermarkets and 

warehouses of less than 10,000 sq. ft. The 

large warehouses use ammonia as the 

refrigerant of choice for various reasons 

including refrigerant cost and the operat- 

The screw compressors are 

relatively new. 

These mechanics 

are constantly 

re-engineering to 

accommodate energy 

efficiency, expansion, 

new products, 

equipment changes … 

ing characteristics of NH3. 

All systems are operated within 

increasingly tighter parameters of government 

inspection, environmental 

concerns and increased safety awareness. 

This is leading to larger contracting 

firms performing services on the 

larger systems. The smaller units seem 

to be managed by small to mid-sized 

service and contracting firms. 

Smooth operation 

My experience in warehouse service 

work was all fluorocarbon based. One 

of my major service jobs was maintaining 

the refrigeration systems at Bridge 

Brand Food Services Ltd. This was back 

in 1970s – the “Freon 

days.” I returned to the 

operation in 2005 to 

review its changes as 

part of this article. 

To my surprise, the 

building’s exterior was 

the same, but the interior 

was a different 

matter (See Fig. 1). 

Whereas in the old 

days the systems were 

basically single systems 

with one compressor for each 

evaporator, today compressor racks 

supply refrigerant to an increasing 

number of evaporators. 

Chinook Refrigeration of Calgary is 

responsible for maintenance and ongoing 

design changes at Bridge Brand. 

Refrigeration mechanic Mike Mulhall, a 

student of mine back in the early 1980’s, 

is assigned to manage the systems. We 

toured the warehouse together, and 

then sat in the mezzanine cafeteria to 

discuss how the refrigeration systems 

had been redesigned over the years. 

In my service day there were two 

large freezers, several coolers and loading 

docks open to the outdoor air. The 

floors under the freezer/cooler rooms 

had electric heaters to prevent frost 

heaving in the ground. There was no 

leak detection, or other safety features. 

Forklifts traveled through somewhatclear 

plastic curtains. 

Fig. 1: Bridge Brand Foods in Calgary maintains different areas of its 

refrigerated warehouse at different temperatures. 

One memorable day saw 

me standing on a pallet 

loosely set on the forks of a 

lift. The operator lifted me 

up the 15-plus feet needed so 

I could inspect an evaporator 

drain pan that was spilling 

water onto the floor. The 

water had formed a small ice 

mound below, right in the 

driving path. The operator 

kept rocking the forklift to 

get over the mound. I 

clung to the grease-laden 

mast as it lurched forward 

and back a meter in each 

direction, screaming at the 

operator to stop. I lived and 

was well lubricated for the 

rest of the day. 

Safety, equipment upgraded 

Today safety is at the forefront of the 

operation. Technicians are enclosed in 

boxes that are raised to the coils with a 

forklift. Scissor lifts are used for major 

projects. Refrigerant leak monitoring 

equipment is used extensively. Door 

openings are now high-speed operations 

that automatically open and close 

as the forklift arrives and departs. 

Bridge Brand Foods utilizes these safety 

and automatic devices, but the 

changes are far more extensive. 

Bridge Brand now has six freezers 

with a total floor area of over 5,000 

square meters (54,000 sq. ft.), five coolers 

with a total area over 2,230 square 

Huge evaporators supply air to the frozen food. 

(Photos/graphics by John Carr) 

Fig. 2: Unit 16 – Freezer with R-22 refrigerant 

meters (24,000 sq. ft.) and over 1,600 

square meters (17,000 sq.ft.) of refrigerated 

loading docks. 

Fig. 2 provides a good example of 

today’s operation through a detailed 

look at the operation of one freezer. 

A monitoring system automatically 

calls Mike, or his backup, when the control 

system senses a problem. This 

reduces product loss and maintains customer 

confidence. 

Watch for further articles on this 

subject with troubleshooting problems 

and solutions included. 

John Carr is the continuing education 

coordinator at SAIT Polytechnic in 

Calgary. He can be reached at 

john.carr@sait.ca. 

1. Space Temperature: 22°C (- 8°F) 

2. Compressors: Hill Phoenix Screw rack with a capacity of 194 KW 

(660 MBTU/H) with 4 – 40 HP Carlyle screw compressors. 

3. Evaporators: four coils at 48.4 KW (165 MBTU/H) with hot gas 

defrost. There are current sensing relays in the fan circuit 

of each motor. They signal high or low fan amperes 

to protect the compressor rack from liquid slugging and 

for early motor problem detection. 

4. Condensers: 12-fan condenser split into three stages. 

a. Stage 1 is 50% capacity. 

b. Stage 2 is 25% capacity. 

c. Stage 3 is extra storage for maintaining a minimum charge. 

5. Control system: CPC Einstein controller which monitors or controls: 

a. Inlet, outlet, drain line, hot gas inlet and liquid line temperature. 

b. Suction pressure. 

c. Compressor unloading for capacity control. 

6. Compressor monitoring: Carlyle LonCEM electronic module: 

a. Monitors discharge and motor temperatures. 

b. Monitors suction, discharge and oil pressures. 

c. Controls liquid injection for motor and discharge cooling. 

7. Under-floor heating: A glycol loop with: 

a. heat from a heat exchanger with a discharge-gas heat supply. 

b. A 1-1/2 HP pump. 

c. Supply temperature 9°C (48°F) 

d. Return temperature 3°C (38°F) 


Controls 

Pressure Transducer 

The Setra Multi-Sense Series Model 

260 pressure transducer senses very low 

differential or gauge (static) pressure 

and converts the difference to a proportional 

electrical output for field-selectable 

uni-directional or bi-directional 

pressure ranges. Features include userselectable 

pressure ranges in fixed range 

performance, analog outputs and 

AC/DC excitation on voltage output 

operation. 

Alpha Controls Circle no. 316 

models with relay outputs replacing triacs. 

Reliable Controls Circle no. 319 

Fixed gas detectors 

The Crowcon Xgard Series of fixed gas 

detectors feature replacement plug-in 

sensors, a two-year sensor for oxygen 

monitoring, catalytic beads for combustible 

gases, electrochemical sensors for 

toxic gases and oxygen, thermal conductivity 

sensors for high-volume concentrations, 

sulphistors for hydrogen sulphide 

and high background gas levels. 

Crowcon Detection Circle no. 320 

Fuel unit 

The Danfoss BFPS II Double-Cut fuel 

unit features electrically-controlled cutin 

and cut-off directly by the integrated 

solenoid valve, operates independent of 

the pressure regulator assembly, has a 

shut-off valve at the nozzle outlet, automatic 

bypass between one and two-pipe 

systems and a three gph rated filter. 

Danfoss Inc. Circle no. 321 

Boiler control 

The A.O. Smith EMC-5000 energy 

management boiler control features 

adjustable two-stage firing, premium 

silicon nitride igniter, microprocessor 

display of all system temperature settings, 

diagnostics in English and touchsensor 

control switches. It is available 

on the company’s Genesis boilers from 

300,000 to 750,000 Btu/h. 

A.O. Smith Water Heaters Circle no. 322 

HVAC controller 

The CPU 1000 HVAC controller by 

HBX of Calgary requires no cross 

wiring for inputs or outputs and features 

arc suppression, graphing, pump 

sequencing, set points, DHW controls, 

colour-coded and key-indexed terminals 

and thermister inputs from outdoor-boiler-system 

sensors. 

HBX Control Systems Circle no. 323 

Zone controller 

The IVAR Zone Controller, a product of 

Sydney, N.S., is a six-zone wiring centre 

for hydronic heating. Six angled terminal 

blocks (expandable to 12) provide easy 

wiring for thermostats and two-wire 

actuators. There is also a relay with an 

output for a circulator switching relay. 

Dip switches eliminate jumper wires. 

IVAR North America Circle no. 317 

Control catalogue 

The Siemens’ Master HVAC Products 

Version 4.0 catalogue CD includes 700 

pages of HVAC control components, 

valves, actuators, sensors, thermostats, 

damper actuators, VFDs, controllers, 

and accessories. Featured are SED2 

variable frequency drives, RWD controllers, 

Q-Series temperature and 

humidity sensors and GND fire and 

smoke damper actuators, with product 

specification information, sizing and 

selection tools, technical data and application 

information. It is free at: 

http://www.sbt.siemens.com/hvp/Com 

ponents/ 

Siemens Building Tech. Circle no. 318 

Control upgrade 

MACH-Vision controllers by Reliable 

Controls of Victoria, B.C., now feature 

Offer your customers all the advantages of 

advanced electronic controls - Taco’s innovative 

products make your job simple. 

Whether you’re looking for switching relays, zone valve controls, priority zoning circulators, 

or whatever, Taco’s extensive line of electronic controls are all designed to be contractor-friendly. 

They’re uncommonly fast and easy to install, with external indicator lights making them a snap 

to diagnose and service. Plus advanced expandable features allow you to mix-and-match to 

customize the system. 

At Taco, we’ve pushed the envelope in hydronic technology to produce a complete line of 

integrated products and controls to help you work faster and smarter. Ask your distributor about 

all the innovative advantages that Taco offers to you and your business. 

TACO CANADA LTD. 

6180 Ordan Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2B3 

Tel. 905-564-9422 Fax. 905-564-9436 

www.taco-hvac.com 

ProFit Parts Mixing Valves 

six input and six output models, a non- 

LCD model with a set point adjust iSeries 

Software Radiant Mixing Circulators Air Eliminators Electronic Hot Water on 

slider for applications not requiring a 

Mixing Valves 

Blocks 

Controls D’MAND ® 

display. For the first time there are 



ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Fleet Upgrade 

General Motors of Canada offers full 

contractor packages as a no-charge 

incentive on new trade trucks 

GM offers pickups to suit virtually every construction 

site need. 

GM full-sized cargo van with the Work-Ready package 

is fully equipped before it leaves the dealership, 

allowing the contractor to get right to work and 

avoid costly downtime to have the van outfitted. 

The role of a vehicle used by a 

manager or engineer may be 

considerably different from that 

of a truck used by technicians 

and other job site personnel. 

For any contractor still debating whether to outfit a new truck himself or use a professional, General 

Motors of Canada will make their decision a no-brainer. 

GM is offering a number of no-charge options through its Business Choice program for fleet vehicles. 

These include a complete upfit for GM cargo vans. The package consists of an all-purpose storage bin 

system with partition or polymer liner with partition and factory floor mat from Adrian Steel. Each package 

can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual contractor. 

The Work-Ready Equipment cargo van package, valued at up to $2725, is available for Chevrolet 

Express, Chevrolet Uplander, GMC Safari, and GMC Savana cargo vans. The Work-Ready package 

for Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado along with GMC Sierra and Canyon pickups offers a choice 

of different toolbox configurations. 

These are just two of the incentive packages that GM is offering its fleet vehicle customers. And 

the GM Business Choice program has been expanded to include more vehicles and more options. 

The program now covers all Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick and GMC sport utility vehicles (SUVs), 

vans and pickups. This recognizes that the role of a vehicle used by a manager or engineer may be 

considerably different from that of a truck used by technicians and other job site personnel. There 

are actually three no-cost option packages available depending on the type and role of the vehicle. 

The Commercial Upfit Cash Back program provides $500 to $750 towards the purchase or lease of any 

eligible vehicle. By removing that amount from the price, the contractor can apply the money to GM 

Canada accessories or upgrades from an outfitter of their choice. 

GM accessories eligible under the Business Choice program include things such as a bed liner, bed rail 

protectors, bed rack, bed extender, trailer hitch mount package, under seat storage, tie-down hooks, hard 

or soft tonneau cover, running boards and outside rearview mirror extenders. 

The program also covers non-GM options such as racks, bins and interior shelving, safety 

partitions/bulkheads, winches, under-hood integrated power generators and snowplows. 

When the vehicle requires no upfitting, GM’s Business Choice Tool Package offers $500 or $1000 tool 

packages from DeWalt, Delta and/or Porter Cable. Or if tools are not your thing, the program also offers 

a $500 Home Depot Gift Card. 

Contractors must have a GM fleet account number to be eligible for the GM Canada Business Choice 

program. They can apply for this through their GM dealer or at fleet.gmcanada.com. The rules are straightforward 

– a contractor must either purchase three GM fleet vehicles or have five or more GM vehicles in 

his/her commercial fleet. 

For more information see your GM Dealer or visit fleet.gmcanada.com. 

The Commercial Upfit Cash Back program offers both GM and aftermarket 

truck accessories.

2618 * 

That’s the retail value of the Work-Ready Equipment you can receive when you 

purchase or lease an eligible new GM van through the Business Choice program. 

Quality Adrian Steel ® all purpose storage bin system helps you put all the plentiful 

space inside Chevrolet Express/Astro and GMC Savana/Safari Vans to very good use. 

With Adrian Steel, you know the upfitting equipment is going to be durable, just like 

your GM van. The right choice for your line of work – Business Choice. It’s Your Business, 

It’s Your Choice. Visit fleet.gmcanada.com or call 1-800-866-0313 for more information. 

*2287 for Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana or 2618 for Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari. 

®Adrian Steel is a registered trademark of Adrian Steel. 


artfullycool 

Exquisite design, powerful cooling available in four models, 

LG Art Cool designs are an asset to any interior. Ultra-slim and 

wall mountable, they suit every setting and can be colour matched 

to any room treatment. Equal to the unique style, the 3- 

dimensional airflow system provides faster and even cooling. 

3-Dimensional Air Flow 

Cools air faster, further 

and more evenly (Available 

on 9,000, 12,000 and 

18,000 BTU models). 

Jet Cool 

Fan operates on super high 

speed for 30 minutes or until 

18º C is reached, providing 

fast, powerful cooling. 

LG , Art Cool and the LG logo are registered trade marks of LG Electronics Inc. 

18,000 BTU - Metal Finish (Standard) 

14,000 BTU - Mirror Finish (Standard) 

9,000 - 12,000 BTU 

Metal Finish (Standard) 

Optional Front Panel Kits: 

BLUE 

WOOD 

Sleep Mode 

Employs side air flow for 

indirect, comfortable cooling 

(on 14,000 BTU models, 

slow fan speed is used). 

17 ONTARIO LOCATIONS · 905-364-0720 

4 WESTERN CANADA LOCATIONS · 204-775-9731 

14 QUEBEC / EASTERN CANADA LOCATIONS · 514-329-5349 

www.LG.ca 


Faucets & Fixtures 

Four-litre flush 

The new Sloan Flushmate IV pressureassist 

tank-type one gallon (US) or 

four-litre flush system is designed for 

high-efficiency toilets with advanced 

bowl designs. A Green Building product, 

this unit generates nearly three 

times the flow rate of gravity units at 

70-gpm and reduces water use by 33 

percent over the ‘standard’ lowflush sixlitre 

toilets. 

Sloan Valve Co. Circle no. 324 

For difficult installations 

The SaniGrind Macerating Toilet 

System works with any standard bottom-outlet 

water closet positioned on a 

platform a few inches above a 

SaniGrind macerator. The 110-volt/8.6 

amp induction pump can pump effluent 

18-ft. vertically or 150-ft. horizontally 

from floor level at 8.24 gpm 

through a 3/4 or one-inch pipe. It also 

discharges from basins, baths, showers 

or laundry tubs. 

SFA Saniflo Circle no. 325 

Catalogue highlights line 

The Premier Faucet full-line 72-page 

full-colour catalogue highlights more 

than 130 kitchen, lavatory, tub/shower 

and bar faucets, with product specs, 

photos and dimensional line art. 

Featured are 55 distinctive new styles, 

PRODUCT PROFILE 

Less stress for the plumber, more options for customer 

The word ‘revolutionary’ may be over-used these days, but 

it’s not a stretch to say that a new universal tub/shower 

valve from Delta Faucet Canada will change the way 

plumbers go about their business while allowing homeowners 

and designers unprecedented flexibility in planning 

bathroom renovations. 

The MultiChoice Universal valve allows the plumber to 

change shower and tub function or make trim changes whenever 

required by the homeowner, all without touching the 

plumbing behind the wall. And the plumber no longer has to 

worry about installing the wrong valve for the trim package 

that the customer chooses. 

The key element is a three-cartridge system that allows 

the plumber to change the function by simply changing the 

cartridge. The 13 and 14-Series Delta tub/showers use a 

single-function cartridge (temperature control only). A dualfunction 

pressure balanced cartridge for 17 Series tub/showers 

allows the user to control pressure and temperature 

separately. The third option is a dual-function thermostatic 

valve cartridge. It keeps water temperature consistent by 

actually measuring and monitoring the temperature. Offered 

for all 17T Series Delta tub/showers, this allows the user to 

set the temperature so it remains constant shower after 

shower. 

There is only one rough to install. A sturdy metal mounting 

bracket secures the valve to a stringer. The square 

plaster guard is the size of a standard 4-1/4" tile. It can be 

removed or snapped in place without tools. The bonnet nut 

has Teflon coated threads to prevent it from seizing to the 

valve body. A heat resistant pressure test cap allows air or 

Dual flush toilet 

The Aquia dual-flush toilet by Toto 

flushes at six litres or four litres. A powerful 

gravity flapperless flush design 

pushes the 

water through 

the rim, down 

the steep sides 

and through a 

2-5/8-inch 

trapway. Features 

include a 

skirted and 

sculpted bowl, 

a wide neck, with the dual-flush handle 

integrated into the lid. 

Toto U.S.A. Circle no. 328 

Old and new 

Both old-fashioned and contemporary 

lines distinguish the Essex lavatory 

from Cheviot. It features three convenient 

metal towel rails and tubular legs 

in a 24x18" wall-mount model. There is 

also a standard pedestal model, both 

with the stepped half-sidewall, in 

24x18" or 28x21". 

Cheviot Products Circle no. 329 

The new Delta MultiChoice universal tub/shower valve 

reduces job site aggravation for the plumber. 

water testing to 300 psi prior to installing the cartridge. The 

unit is available with IPS, PEX and universal connections. 

The cartridge is packaged with the trim. This helps eliminate 

theft or damage on the job site and reduces up front 

costs at the rough-in stage. 

Delta has made a number of performance enhancements 

over the company’s previous tub/shower valves as well. Flow 

for the 13, 14 and 17 series is up by one gpm. The temperature 

limit stop is a one-piece design with finer teeth for 

more precise temperature adjustment. 

Delta Faucet Canada Circle no. 330 

Clarification 

Waterfree urinals by Falcon Waterfree 

Technologies, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 

reported in the September/October 

issue of P&HVAC, are distributed in 

Ontario and Quebec by Champagne 

Marketing, Longueuil, Que., and in the 

Atlantic provinces by Green Pea Ltd., 

Stillwater Lake, N.S. R.G. Dobbin 

Sales Ltd, Downsview, Ont., distributes 

Sloan waterfree products in Canada. 

We apologize for any confusion our 

error may have caused. 

and decorative brushed nickel and oilrubbed 

bronze finishes. All are CSA 

approved. 

Premier Faucet Circle no. 326 

New faucets, finishes 

Price Pfister’s Treviso and Amherst 

kitchen faucets come in polished 

chrome and stainless steel, with the 

Amherst models also available in oilrubbed 

bronze. New finishes include 

Marielle Rustic Bronze and Rust Pewter. 

The Amherst faucet features a high arc 

spout with three-hole installation for 

matching spray and soap dispenser. 

Price Pfister Circle no. 327 




Trucks for the Trade 

Trade truck lineup 

shrinks for 2006 

End of the line for popular small van 


The most significant news for 2006 is 

what’s missing. The contractors’ 

favorite small van – the Chevrolet 

Astro and GMC Safari cargo van – has 

disappeared from the General Motors 

lineup. The only mini-van built on a 

truck chassis, it fulfilled a unique niche 

for contractors in busy cities. 

Meanwhile, all manufacturers continue 

to refine their trade truck offering. 

Although the spike in gasoline 

prices hadn’t occurred when the 2006 

models were being planned, many 

upgrades are geared towards improved 

fuel economy. 

The Dodge Sprinter comes in a number of configurations. 

Sprinter tops Dodge lineup 

The Dodge Sprinter has topped the van 

lineup at DaimlerChrysler of Canada 

since the retirement of the long-running 

Dodge Ram van models. It is available 

in three wheelbases – 118, 140 and 

158 inches, two roof heights and can 

seat up to five people. Power is by a fuelefficient 

five-cylinder 2.7 litre turbo 

diesel, which can achieve 25 miles per 

gallon (mpg). 

Refinements for 2006 include a rear 

backup system, full partition with sliding 

window, wiring for handsfree communication 

and a driver-seat power 

outlet. A cab-chassis version was introduced 

in 2005. 

There are significant upgrades to the 

Dodge pickup truck line for 2006. The 

new Mega Cab, available on Dodge Ram 

1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, is the 

largest cab ever offered on a pickup 

with comfortable seating for six adults 

and their gear. 

Dodge designers achieved this by taking 

the Ram 2500 160.5 inch wheelbase 

longbow model and replacing the eightfoot 

box with a 6'3" box, allowing an 

additional 20 inches for the cab. 

The Ram 1500 pickup is available 

with 5.7 litre Hemi V-8 that is designed 

for – who would have thought – fuel 

economy. The engine features Chrysler’s 

multi-displacement system (MDS) that 

enables the engine to switch seamlessly 

from eight cylinders to four cylinders in 

a split second depending on load. This 

results in a 20 percent savings in fuel for 

this top-of-the line 345 horsepower 

engine. A new stiffer frame and 

redesigned suspension result in an 

improved ride. 

Ford’s long-running E-Series vans offer a number of contractor friendly features. 

A new variable line pressure transmission 

for models equipped with the 

3.7-litre V-6 and a front axle disconnect 

system on four-wheel drive models also 

contributes to better fuel mileage. Other 

than the Mega Cab, the Ram 2500 and 

3500 models are relatively unchanged 

for 2006, as is the smaller Dakota pickup 

that underwent a complete redesign 

for 2005. 

General Motors 

The Chevrolet Express and GMC 

Savana full-sized cargo vans return to 

General Motors is offering its 

Duramax 6600 250 hp turbo diesel 

V-8 in its Express and Savana 2500 

and 3500 vans. 

the GM lineup for 2006 in three wheelbases 

and 1/2, 3/4 and one-ton versions. 

The big news is the availability of the 

Duramax 6600 250 hp turbo diesel V-8, 

available on the 2500 and 3500 models. 

It operates through a Hydramatic fourspeed 

automatic that has been tuned for 

the unique characteristics of a diesel 

engine. The engine has been revised for 

quieter and smoother operation. A 

choice of four Generation III Vortec 

engines – one V-6 and three V-8s – is 

also available. 

The Duramax 6600 diesel is also 

available on the GMC Sierra and 

Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty pickups. 

The matching Allison 1000 automatic 

transmission (also used with the 

Vortec 8100 8.1 litre V-8) has been 

upgraded to six speeds. The sixth gear is 

essentially a second overdrive gear, 

allowing the engine to operate at lower 

rpm during freeway driving. 

The 1500 models are now available 

with the 345 hp Vortec MAX 6000 V-8. 

A new extended cab matched to a 5'8" 

box is also offered. 

Hydrid models 

Perhaps the most interesting vehicle in 

the General Motors line from a contractor’s 

point of view is the Silverado/ 

Sierra 1500 (1/2-ton) hybrid pickup. 

Not only does it offer reduced gas 

mileage (12 percent) due to its electric 

motor that takes over at low speeds, but 

ATMOSPHAIR 

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL 

REFRIGERATION, AIR-CONDITIONING 

& HEATING 

61 Telson Road, 

Markham, Ontario, L3R 1E4 

COOLING PRODUCTS 

◗ Condensers 

• Shell & tube 

• Tube in tube 

◗ Condensing units 

• Air cooled 

• Water cooled 

◗ Packaged chillers 

• Air cooled 

• Water cooled 

• Outdoor 

• Remote condenser 

◗ Chiller vessels 

• 2-225 tons 

◗ Compressors 

• Hermetic screw 

• Open drive screw 

• Hermetic reciprocating 

• Open drive reciprocating 

◗ Custom coils 

• Chilled water 

• Glycol 

• Direct expansion 

Direct replacement of 

Dunham-Bush 

Chiller Vessels 

PUMP PRODUCTS 

◗ Boiler feed pumps 

◗ Steam condensate pumps 

◗ Steam vacuum pumps 

◗ Circulating pumps1/4-200 HP 

• Close coupled 

• Base mount 

• Inline circulator 

• Double suction 

HEATING PRODUCTS 

◗ Thermostatic valves 

◗ Balancing valves 

◗ Steam specialties 

• Low pressure thermostatic 

traps 

• High pressure thermostatic 

traps 

• Float and thermostatic traps 

• Bucket traps 

Specials – Balancing Valves 

2 1 ⁄2” $ 167.35 5” 

◗ Radiation 

$ 

products 

542.26 

• Walvector 

3” $ 254.31 6” • Convector $ 767.69 

4” $ 421.67 8” $ 1,371.54 

While Quantities Last 

◗ Unit heaters 

• Steam or hot water 

• Horizontal 

• Vertical 

• Cabinet 

◗ Custom coils 

• Steam 

• Hot water 

◗ Vari-Vac® 

• Vacuum differential heating 

Control system 

Formerly Dunham-Bush Inc. 

Tel: (905) 470-7786 • Toll Free: 1-800-387-8059 

Fax: (905) 470-5391 • Toll Free Fax: (888) 751-5637 

Formerly Dunham-Bush Inc. 


Trucks for the Trade 

it morphs into a mobile generating station 

with four 120 volt/20 amp outlets 

to power tools for use on remote or 

unserviced construction sites. The outlets, 

located on the back wall of the cab, 

free up the bed to carry tools and materials 

without the clutter of a generator. 

Introduced last year, the truck will be 

available across North America in 2006. 

This unit offers 12 percent better fuel 

economy than a conventional pickup. 

Instead of a conventional starter 

motor and alternator, the Silverado 

hybrid uses a compact 14-kW electric 

induction motor that also serves as a 

starter and generator. It is sandwiched 

between the engine and transmission. 

The electric motor provides fast quiet 

starts, with the gas engine automatically 

shutting off at low speeds or while 

stopped to conserve fuel. 

The motor/generator also smoothes 

out driveline surges, charges the batteries 

and provides regenerative coastdown 

braking. The hybrid uses the 

Vortec 5300 295 hp V-8. 

and, again, improved fuel economy. 

Ford’s F-250 and F-350 Super Duty 

trucks are available with a selection of 

18 and 20" wheels for 2006. Transmission 

options include a six-speed manual 

or five-speed automatic. 

Towing capacity has been improved, 

with the F-350 capable of hauling 8,709 

kg (19,200 lbs.) Trucks are available 

with Ford’s TowCommand control system 

and electronic brake controller. 

This includes a special brake strategy 

that operates when the truck’s anti-lock 

braking system detects poor traction. 

The imports 

North American manufacturers no 

longer own the full-sized pickup truck 

market. In the 1960s Nissan (Datsun), 

Toyota and Mazda introduced their 

mini-pickups to the North American 

market, quickly establishing a whole 

new sector of pickup trucks. Today 

Toyota and Nissan are making inroads 

into the full-sized pickup market. 

The Nissan Titan full-sized pickup 

is available in King Cab and Crew 

Cab versions. Features 

include rear 

doors that open 168 

degrees on the crew 

cab, a factory installed 

spray-in bed 

liner and Nissan’s 

Utili-track tiedown 

system. The engine is 

a 5.6 litre 305 hp V-8. 

The Toyota Tundra is 

available in four versions 

from a standard 

pickup to king and crew cab versions. 

There are two engine options – a 

four-litre 236 hp V-6 or a 4.7 litre 271 

hp V-8. The standard transmission is 

a five-speed automatic. Four-wheel 

drive models feature dash-mounted 

controls. 

The Nissan Titan is available with a 305 hp V-8. 

Ford of Canada 

‘Don’t mess with success’ could well be 

Ford of Canada’s motto when it comes 

VENTILATION FANS DESIGNED TO BE VIRTUALLY 

IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR, SEE, OR RESIST. 

Dodge RAM trucks are available with 

a larger cab. 

to the long-running E-Series (Econoline) 

full-sized vans. More than six million 

have been built since its introduction 

in the fall of 1960. 

For 2006 the slim-line engine console 

becomes standard. 

The E-Series cargo area is a unique 

double-wall design that protects the 

exterior from dents caused by shifting 

tools and supplies. The engine lineup 

consists of 4.6 and 5.4 litre V-8s, a 6.8 

litre V-10 and the 6.0 litre Power Stroke 

turbocharged diesel. 

The engine selection for pickups 

includes the 5.4-litre Triton V-8 that 

includes a host of high-tech features for 

better fuel economy and drivability. 

These include three valves per cylinder 

and variable cam timing. 

The F-150 (1/2 ton) features a torquebased 

electronic throttle control that 

uses driver input on the gas pedal to 

modulate torque at the drive wheels, 

producing a seamless engine response 

At every CFM level, Broan QT Series ventilation fans hardly make a sound. HVI-certified, they’re still the 

easiest fans to install and offer unsurpassed power and performance. Add to that attractive designs that are 

ENERGY STAR ® qualified and you get a very happy customer. And a healthy bottom line too. 

When it comes to quality in a ventilation fan, silence speaks volumes. 

For more information, call 1-888-882-7626. Or visit us online at www.Broan.ca. 

©2005 Broan-NuTone, LLC. Broan is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone, LLC. Patents pending. 

The GM Silverado/Sierra is available 

in a hybrid version. 



simply the 

simply the 

quietest 

best 

Panasonic ® introduces 

the next generation of 

WhisperCeiling and 

WhisperLite ventilation 

fans. Engineered to be 

so quiet that you may 

not be able to tell the 

difference between 

‘off‘ and ‘on’. 

Don’t hear anything? 

Neither do we. 

That’s the whole point. 

• True whisper 

quiet operation is 

achieved with 

new TechnoFlow 

patent pending 

technology 

• Engineered for 

continuous, 

trouble-free 

operation 

• Easy, flexible 

installation 

• Surpasses 

ENERGY STAR® 

requirements 

For more information on our complete line of ventilation fans email us at Ventilationfans@ca.panasonic.com 


Pipes, Valves & Fittings 

Waste piping system 

Fuseal polypropylene and Fuseal 25/50 

polyvinylidene fluoride corrosive waste 

piping systems feature high flame retardant 

capabilities and high strength at 

elevated temperatures. Fittings include 

double 45-degree wyes in 1-1/2 to fourinch 

sizes, double reducing wyes of 2 x 

1-1/2 to 4x 3-inches, along with electrofusion 

or mechanical joining systems. 

Geo. Fischer Sloane Circle no. 331 

Digital control valves 

Spence DigiBoss high-capacity hung 

cage guided control valves 

for modulating applications 

feature a digital electronic 

actuator, stall-proof 

motor that permits shutoff 

up to 750 psi, cast iron, 

carbon steel or chrome 

moly bodies in two to 

eight-inch sizes with NPT, 

RF and DIN flanged connections. 

Spence Engineering Co. Circle no. 332 

Grease-oils removal 

Big Dipper units remove and recover 

nearly 100 percent of grease, fats, solids 

and oils from kitchen and food processing 

flows, eliminating 

traps, interceptors 

and pumping 

costs. There are 

point of source 

and central models, 

both with internal 

strainers of 

1.16 to 3.7-gal., 

and automatic solids transfer, with a 20- 

40 lbs./hr skimming rate. 

Thermaco Inc. Circle no. 333 

Mixing valves 

Honeywell AMX Series mixing valves 

allow the water heater temperature to 

be higher than the safely mixed water at 

the faucet. Features include a unique recirculation 

port that allows hot water to 

continuously circulate through the 

house. It is adjustable from 90 to 130°F, 

includes a built-in check valve and is 

solid brass. 

Honeywell Ltd. Circle no. 334 

Termination flange 

The Copper Stopper termination flange 

from Kamco transitions a copper tube 

back to standard pipe in both indoor 

and outdoor 

natural gas 

applications. 

The 

cast bronze 

flange eliminates 

several 

feet of excess tube awaiting hook-up to 

an appliance, prevents damage to the 

tubing, enables pressuring testing and 

fits all 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8-inch fittings. 

Kamco Products Circle no. 335 

Pressure reducing 

Apollo A127 LF pressure reducing 

valves maintain constant lower downstream 

pressure across a wide flow 

range, with a pilot valve operating free 

of pressure fall-off. Features include a 

combined regulator 

bypass and 

a pilot-operated 

main valve with 

two smaller 

PRVs and a 

strainer. It is 

available in sizes from 1-1/4-in. or 32 

mm to six inches or 150 mm, and temperatures 

from 32 - 180°F with a range 

of connections. 

Conbraco Industries Circle 336 

Pipe support 

The Caddy rooftop pipe support system 

is a UV-rated ‘sled-design’ support with 

a 4 x 5 inch 

footprint. It 

can be bonded 

to the roof or 

float with pipe 

expansion and 

contraction. It 

holds up to 

three 1/2-inch 

or two 3/4-inch or 1-inch pipes or conduit. 

The pipe-retaining mechanism 

ratchets down to hold pipes securely or 

can be set for loose guiding. 

ERICO Circle no. 337 

Flanged circulators 

The Armstrong Astro 70F and BF 

flanged circulators in cast iron and 

bronze are designed for a high head and 

low-flow rate 

pump with 

common twobolt 

mounting 

flanges or union 

and sweat connections. 

Features 

include a 

screw-less terminal 

strip and lever-operated spring 

clamps that grip each conductor for 

easy connection. 

Armstrong Pump Circle no. 338 

Steel PEX clamp 

A stainless steel clamp from CPI connects 

Dura-Pro fittings on Dura-PEX 

piping installations to create a temperature, 

pressure-tight and leak-free connection 

between 

clamp and insert 

fittings. Unique 

tabs on clamping 

ears allow the 

use of a single clamp installation tool 

for all clamp sizes. 

Consolidated Plumbing Ind. Circle no. 339 

23 - 428 Millen Road, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 3N9 

Phone: (905) 664-8274 • Toll Free: 1-800-527-HEAT (4328) • Fax: (905) 664-8846 

www.superiorradiant.com sales@superiorradiant.com 

Pressure reducing 

The TLV DR20 compact lightweight 

steam system pressure reducing valve is 

a flow-up design with a flat valve and 

plug arrangement to promote secondary 

pressure stability 

to reach a turnover 

ratio of 30:1. It features 

stainless steel 

packless construction 

with a bellows diaphragm 

and a builtin 

screen. 

TLV Corp. Circle no. 340 

A full range of infrared space heating equipment 

Model RE (for workshops, residential garages) 

• rates from 30 and 45 MBTUH 

• balanced flue construction 

• 85% thermal efficiency 

• fully assembled for installation ease 

TECH TIP 

Equalizing sump water levels 

By Jerry Boulanger 

If two or more sumps (cooling towers for example) are installed in parallel 

it is common to have equalizing lines connecting them so that 

they operate at the same water level. The only differential pressure 

available to push water from sump to sump is the difference in the 

sump water levels. In some applications, this static head differential 

may only be on the order of a few inches of water column before the 

water level in the high sump reaches the overflow outlet. For example, a six-foot 

length of two-inch steel pipe with a ball valve installed between sumps will only flow 

about 30 US gpm from one sump to the other if the difference in the sump water levels 

is four inches. If equalization lines are not properly sized to handle the required flow at 

low differentials, the high sump may flood and lose water (and possibly chemical) out 

the overflow. This can be an expensive problem. Increasing the size of the equalization 

line, including the entry and exit openings into the sumps, will keep the sumps close to 

the same level. 

Jerry Boulanger is national sales manager for Axiom Industries Ltd., Saskatoon, Sask. 

He can be reached at jboulanger@axiomind.com. 

Model Premier VS (engineered performance) 

• a vacuum operated burner-in-series system that is 

engineered for the customer’s specific requirements 

• burner rates 60 to 250 MBTUH 

with multiple branch capability 

• system outputs to one million BTUH 

• state of the art electronic control panel 

Two High Low Valves 

For the Price of One. 

Introducing the Leonard “New Generation” Hi-Low System 

SUPERIOR RADIANT PRODUCTS 

Model UA (workhorse of the line up) 

• rates from 40 to 220 MBTUH 

• jet stream burner design maximizes 

radiant output 

• deep dish reflectors are 100% efficient 

• warranty: 3 yr. on parts, 5 yr. on heat exchanger. 

Model UX (more features, more 

performance) 

• fully enclosed construction 

• operating status lights 

• standard 24v thermostat 

• post purge function 

• 10 yr. heat exchanger 

warranty option 


www.plumbingandhvac.ca November/December 2005 – Plumbing & HVAC Product News 27 

NEW 

• Maximum Dual-Valve Safety 

• Same Price As Single Valves 

• Legendary Leonard Reliability 

• Simple design, easy installation 

1360 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910, 888-797-4456, Fax 401-941-5310 

www.leonardvalve.com info@leonardvalve.com 


www.ThermoPan.com 

FOR RETURN AIR FRAMES 

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Made in USA 

 

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Side 

• No tools or screws required - simply 

Snap 

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snap into place. 

• Just depress tabs for easy removal 

and cleaning. 

• Save time, labor and money. 

• Paint to match any decor. 

• No rusting, no chipping metal to touch up. 

• Pre-marked for screws if used with other brand frames. 

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• Precision Molded Polypropopylene... 

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• Safety Edged... All Sides and Ends. 

• Double Frames can be Cut for Use as a Single. 

• Place Grille over frame and Screw into Precision 

Molded Frame Holes on Finished Drywall. 

• 10 pc/pkg for the Contractor. 

Utility Knife Cut On V Groove 

To Make Two Single Frames. 

Safety Edged... 

All Sides And Ends 

Staple Or Nail To Studs On 

Marked Points. 

Frames Come In Standard, 

Windowed or Filtered Styles. 

Place Grille Over Frame And Screw Into 

Precision Molded Frame Holes 

On Finished Drywall. 

O 

THE RESIDENTIAL PANNING STANDARD FOR NORTH AMERICA! 

THERM 

THERMO-PAN is a high-quality sheet 

metal alternative for constructing 

return air ducts. 

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• No duct noise • Satisfied homeowners 

• Excellent for open web trusses 

• Lightweight • Easy to install 

• Four (4) precision pre-cut 

header sizes available 

• Will not sustain combustion 

• Stops Line Set Snagging. 

• Creates a Permanent, Air-Tight Seal through Walls. 

• High-Density Foam Gaskets Keep out Air, Insects 

and Other Pests. 

• No Ugly Holes to Patch. 

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SNAPCLAMPSPatented 

UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKETS 

Thermo-Snap Clamps are the low-cost solution to all 

your pipe mounting jobs. Pre-mounted brackets provide 

an easy one man installation job that is literally a snap! 

• Five heavy duty sizes • UV protected 

• Multi-use applications including copper, PVC 

and ABS pipes 

• Maintenance Free -- use indoors or out 

• Eliminates vibrations and noise call backs 

• Easy to re-open for an addition or custom adjustments 

ICC LEGACY 

REPORT 95-41.01 

ICC LEGACY 

REPORT 5398 

PRODUCT ORDER # SIZE PC/BOX 

THERMO-PAN 16048 16" X 47.5" 25 

THERMO-PAN 19048 19.5" X 47.5" 25 

THERMO-PAN 22048 22" X 47.5" 25 

THERMO-PAN 24048 24" X 47.5" 25 

THERMO-PAN 32036 32" X 35.5" 25 

PRODUCT ORDER # SIZE PC/BOX 

STANDARD HEADER 16012 16" X 12" 250 

STANDARD HEADER 16016 16" X 16" 250 

I-JOIST HEADER 16017 16" X 17" 250 

I-JOIST HEADER 16019 19" X 16" 250 25 PC/PKG 

FOR THE 

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THERMO-HEADERS 

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Look for these ETL® test values on every 

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Flame Spread Index 25 

Smoke Index 5 

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Fire-Resistant Product ORDER # SIZE PC/BOX 

THERMO-PAN 16050 16" x 47.5" 25 

Excellent for soffits and tub enclosures 

Fire-Resistant Product ORDER # SIZE PC/BOX 

STANDARD HEADER 16013 16" x 12" 250 

STANDARD HEADER 16015 16" x 16" 250 

I-JOIST HEADER 16018 16" x 17" 250 

I-JOIST HEADER 16020 19" x 16" 250 

THERM 

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• Save time • Add rigidity 

ORDER # SIZE PC/BOX 

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THERMO MANUFACTURING INC. 

CANTON, OHIO 44705 | TOLL FREE PHONE: 888-678-3709 | TOLL FREE FAX: 888-678-8711 

www.THERMOPAN.com 


Tools & Instruments 

Economical root machine 

The Metro-Rooter from General Pipe 

Cleaners is an economical root-cutting 

drain cleaning 

machine for three 

to six-inch lines. 

Cable options include 

75 feet of 

5/8" Flexicore wire 

rope centre cable, 

or 100 feet of 1/2" 

Flexicore cable. It 

has a narrow profile 

for tight places 

and loading, fold-down handle, truck 

loading wheel and 10" semi-pneumatic 

wheels. 

General Pipe Cleaners Circle no. 341 

Constant swing cutters 

New Ridgid Model 150 and 150-L constant 

swing tubing cutters offer these X- 

CEL features: ball-detent quick-change 

wheel pin, a 

larger ergonomic 

knob 

which stores 

an extra cutter 

wheel, an 

enclosed 

feed-screw 

design and a fold-away reamer stored in 

the frame. It cuts close-to-the-flare on 

copper, aluminum, brass and stainless 

steel tubing. 

Ridge Tool Co. Circle no. 342 

without breaking. Other features 

include a quick blade-change mechanism 

with no tools, in retractable and 

fixed handles 10 and five blades. 

Lenox Saw Circle no. 345 

Groove-joint pliers 

Irwin’s versatile Vise-Grip GrooveLock 

pliers adjust quickly and precisely to 13- 

19 ratchet 

grooves at the 

push of a 

Press-N-Slide 

button. An 

all-purpose 

jaw fits flat, 

round, hex 

and square 

shaped work pieces and fasteners. It is 

available in 8, 10 and 12-inch sizes. 

Irwin Industrial Tool Circle no. 346 

Compact gas monitor 

The compact GasBadge Plus single-gas 

monitor for 

CO, hydrogen 

sulphide, oxygen, 

nitrogen 

dioxide, or sulphur 

dioxide 

displays gas 

readings in 

percent by volume 

or parts 

per million, 

shows gas type 

and direct gas 

readings and 

includes a self-test function. 

Industrial Scientific Circle no. 347 

Portable pipe storage 

The Folding Pack-Jack from Sumner 

has a 2,000-lb. capacity and handles 

pipe up to 36" in diameter. It is available 

with a standard vee head or optional 

ball transfers. Legs fold for compact 

storage and a carrying handle and large 

easy-grip adjustment handle make it 

easy to set up. 

Sumner Mfg Co. Circle no. 348 

The Highest Standard 

In Air Curtains 

■ Low air velocity and full opening coverage 

■ Low noise levels and high energy efficiency (>90%) 

■ High quality and low maintenance costs 

■ Effective almost year round 

“The best comfort you can 

offer in climate separation” 

Underbed boxes 

The Weather Guard steel underbed box 

line for pickup trucks feature a stainless 

steel D-handle, three-point latching system, 

redesigned 14-gauge steel body 

frame, a door that drops down 180 

degrees, removable chain stays and 16- 

gauge stainless steel doors. They are 

available in two lengths – 36" and 48" – 

and measure 18" high by 18" wide. 

Knaack Mfg Co. Circle no. 343 

Telescoping ladder 

The Metaltech tubular telescopic extension 

ladder, made in Laval, Quebec, 

provides a 16-ft./4.9 metre reach but 

retracts to just 

30" or 45 cm in 

height as the 

tubular components 

slide 

into one another. 

It weighs 25- 

lbs./11.4 kg, 

and is made 

from aerospace 

grade 6061-T6 

aluminum. 

Metaltech-Omega Inc. Circle no. 344 

Long-lasting blade 

Lenox Gold utility knives feature a titanium 

nitride-coated edge and titaniumcoated 

stainless steel nose for durability. 

The bi-metal steel blades can bend 


Biddle Air Systems Ltd. 

P.O. Box 1089 Cookstown, Ontario, Canada L0L 1L0 

toll free 1-866-693-4333 tel. 705-458-0333 fax 705-458-1272 

www.biddle.ca 


meet the newest 

in home heating! 

The KNIGHT Heating 

Boiler From Lochinvar 

• 93% AFUE 

• Up to 98.6% efficiency in low 

temperature radiant heating applications 

• SMART SYSTEM Control puts precise 

comfort control at your fingertips 

• Built from commercial-grade materials 

for the highest reliability 

• 12-year limited warranty 

• Condensing boiler modulates between 20% 

and full fire for greater comfort and energy savings 

Dealer Imprint Area 

Hero 

4390 Paletta Court 

Burlington, Ontario L7L 5R2 

Phone (905) 631-5815 • Fax (905) 637-8655 

www.aquatech.ws 




Ventilation 

Combustion air 

The Tjernlund VSUB-Series modulating 

combustion air system is a variable 

speed auto-draft inducer. The CPC-3 

controller offers 

various programming 

options and 

displays fault status. 

Versatile universal 

blowers operate 

in open and 

sealed modes. 

CGF Products Circle no. 349 

Smoke detectors 

York Source 1 SL-2000 Series duct 

smoke detectors are available in ionization 

and photoelectric versions. Features 

include no-tool cover removal and a 

test port for aerosol smoke testing. 

SL models are listed for air velocities 

from 100 to 4,000 ft./min. 

York International Circle no. 350 

Germicidal UV lamps 

The Abatement Tech. CAP500 central 

air purifier is designed for duct mounting 

through a one-inch hole and three 

pilot holes for mounting screws. It 

features a high-output replaceable 16" 

UV lamp, three visual and audio 

alarms, and operates on 39 Watts. 

Electric components are sealed from 

dust and tampering. An interlock 

switch disconnects the lamp when the 

cover is opened. 

Abatement Technologies Circle no. 351 

Cooling system 

The AirLink QuietCool System from 

HeatLink features an air distribution 

centre that self-balances and can dehumidify 

up 20 percent more than a conventional 

system, the manufacturer 

reports. KoolDuct main plenum and air 

distribution boxes use a two or threeinch 

supply duct system for primary 

and secondary distribution centres. 

HeatLink Canada Circle no. 352 

Quiet fans 

Broan-Nutone QTXEN fans and fanlights 

for bathrooms and powder rooms 

feature very quiet operation at 0.3 to 1.4 

sones at 50 to 150 cfm. Designed for sixinch 

duct, they 

are Energy Star 

qualified. Lighting 

is by a 26- 

watt fluorescent 

bulb and four 

watt nightlight. 

Four-inch duct QTREN models are also 

available and operate at 1.0 to 1.5 sones. 

Broan-Nutone Circle no. 353 

Heat recovery ventilators 

The Nutech Lifebreath HRV line features 

seven models with airflows from 89 cfm 

to 265 cfm at .1 Wg or 25 Pa. They are 79 

to 87% efficient at -25°C. Features 

include a recirculating defrost system on 

four models and a damper on two. All 

models are single-phase five-speed. 

Nutech Brands Circle no. 354 

APPRENTICESHIP. 

A Smart Investment. 

Air filtration guide 

The Camfil Farr 31-page full-colour 

catalogue features air filter systems for 

HVAC, clean rooms and containment 

applications. 

These include 

particulate filters, 

carbon 

panels, cylinders 

and multi-stage 

adsorption 

systems, 

HEPA, 

ULPA and terminal 

filters, 

ceiling modules, safety and protection 

products. 

Camfil Farr Circle no. 355 

AMBITION, WILLINGNESS TO LEARN AND HARD WORK got you where you are today. Now, you can build on these 

qualities – and build your business – by hiring and training apprentices. A motivated and skilled workforce goes a long 

way towards ensuring your competitive advantage and maintaining a healthy bottom line. Apprentices’ knowledge and 

skills – coupled with the on-the-job training – makes for a profitable and smart investment for your business. 

Visit www.careersintrades.ca today. Find out how apprenticeship can help you build your business. 

WWW.CAREERSINTRADES.CA 

NEVER RUN OUT OF HOT WATER 

BOSCH High Efficiency 

Water Heater 

with additional storage 

The 

Best of 

Both 

Worlds! 

• BOSCH for long life, 

efficiency and 

fast recovery. 

• Fast tub fills and 

multiple fixture use. 

• Minimal standby loss. 

• Combination heating system certified. 

PHONE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

ON OUR AMS-HM SYSTEM 

Enough Hot Water for All Your Needs! 


This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program. 

ASTRAVAN DISTRIBUTORS LTD. 

1-800-663-8405 

www.astravan.com 

Circle Number 136 for More Info

E-Business 

Piping design software 

Victaulic is offering new versions of its 

pipe system design software. Vic Cells 

3D software is designed for Micro- 

Station V8 users with features such as 

three-dimensional piping, pipe cutlength 

calculations and full-size drawings 

in cell library-modules. Fourteen 

to 24" pipe and fittings sizes have been 

added to the Vic Cells 2D software for 

the new Victaulic Advanced Groove 

Pipe System. 

Victaulic Co. of Canada Circle no. 356 

Venting products CD 

The Tjernlund Draft, Combustion Air 

& Ventilation Resource CD features 

brochures, spec sheets, performance 

curves, installation and service instructions, 

wiring diagrams, parts breakdown, 

cross-reference, Power Point presentations, 

and combustion air videos 

for all product lines. 

CGF Products Circle no. 357 

Data logger software 

ACR TrendReader Standard 2 software 

emphasizes logger connectivity and 

data management. 

Using Windows® 

Explorer, it allows 

users to edit information 

from all loggers 

tied to the PC. 

With built-in menus 

for sample rate and 

mode, start delay, 

equations and more, setup is easy. Realtime 

readings are displayed in status, 

setup and maximized real-time views. 

ACR Systems Inc. Circle no. 358 

ASHRAE Handbooks on CD 

The new four-volume American Society 

of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 

Engineers on Handbook CD+ 

2002-2005 is now available. It contains 

the latest updates in a searchable electronic 

format, featuring: spreadsheets 

demonstrating the radiant time series 

(RTS) method of load calculation; 

greatly expanded climatic design data 

tables from the 2005 Handbook- 

Fundamentals; NAIMA 3E Plus software 

for calculating insulation thickness; 

a desiccant wheel performance 

estimator; video clips of kitchen hood 

airflows; equipment animations; interactive 

charts and spreadsheets; supplemental 

examples and text; more 

links to organizations and data; colour 

graphics. 

ASHRAE Book Store Circle no. 359 

Valve catalogue 

Crane Supply is offering its valve catalogue 

on CD. It covers all Crane Valve 

Group products with schematics and 

detailed 

technical 

specifications. 

These 

include industrial, 

plumbing 

waterworks 

and specialty 

valves. 

Crane Supply Circle no. 364 

www.plumbingandhvac.ca 

PRODUCT PROFILE 

Pricing, software in one package 

ACanadian company long known for its plumbing and 

hydronic heating price book has developed a software 

program that can substantially increase the accuracy 

and reduce the time a contractor spends on paperwork. 

In fact it is Allpriser’s pricing data that makes its latest 

Winpriser software program unique, reports company 

spokesman Bruce Preston. Winpriser is a no-charge option 

with a subscription to the company’s Winpriser Computer 

Pricing Service. “For many contractors, Winpriser is all the 

software they need to produce estimates, invoices and 

purchase orders,” he added. Invoices can be printed from 

Winpriser or exported to office programs like QuickBooks 

and Simply Accounting. 

There are two versions of Winpriser – the Standard Edition 

for stand-alone computers and the Professional Edition for 

sharing pricing data among networked computers and/or 

transferring invoices to other programs. 

The Big Night Out 

The pricing data can also be used with other software. 

“Customers can subscribe to our Winpriser computer pricing 

service and use the regular update files to maintain pricing 

in their Accubid, Estimation, Quickpen or other software,” 

noted Preston. “However, many customers using other software 

find that our Winpriser program still comes in handy 

for smaller jobs, addendums and changes.” Either way, the 

key is reliable pricing information that is updated regularly. 

There are several editions of the Allpriser Computer 

Pricing Service. The Redbook version contains pricing on the 

standard plumbing items normally stocked by a wholesaler. 

The Goldbook features luxury faucets and fixtures. The 

Silverbook covers heating, ventilation and air conditioning. 

Allpriser is currently developing a service for electrical and 

fire protection services as well. 

When a contractor subscribes, he/she receives a startup 

database containing current pricing and then receives 

regular update files containing price changes either by 

Internet or diskette. 

A similar pricing service with more detailed markup 

information is available for wholesalers. 

Allpriser Computer Services Circle no. 360 

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating 

Invites you to attend the 

Million$ 

Gala 

In support of Habitat for Humanity Canada 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2006 

FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK HOTEL, TORONTO 

✯ 

Toronto's legendary comedy team, will have you laughing the evening away 

with a brand of humour and hands-on improvisation second to none. 

✯ THE RAT PACK RULED LAS VEGAS! Rick Sonata, as 'Old Blue Eyes', Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. 

✯ STARLIGHT ORCHESTRA! Canada's finest big band, the 16 piece ensemble live at the Royal York. 

The Gala takes place on the eve of CMX·CIPHEX 2006, CIPH's and HRAI’s trade show and conference for plumbing, hydronics, water quality, 

HVAC/R, and kitchen and bath products. CMX·CIPHEX 2006 takes place March 23, 24 and 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto. 

The 7th Gala Evening is produced by The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). Since 1994, CIPH members have contributed more than 

$2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity Canada. CIPH is the Canadian association of manufacturers and wholesaler distributors of plumbing and hydronic 

heating products. 

For more information on CIPH and the Gala evening, visit www.ciph.com For information on Habitat for Humanity Canada, visit www.habitat.ca 

Tickets on sale now at www.ciph.com or by faxing CIPH at 416.695.0450 

DINNER – SILENT AUCTION – LIVE AUCTION 

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL 


V I C T A U L I C • N E W A D V A N C E D G R O O V E S Y S T E M 

NEW! The fastest Victaulic pipe joints for 14" to 24" 

piping—with only two housings, you can easily 

complete a top-quality joint in minutes—more 

than twice as fast as welding. 

NEW! 

Flat-out fast. 

Introducing the Advanced Groove System 

for 14" to 24" pipes. It’s fast. It’s strong. 

Imagine how quickly your crew could assemble a 24" pipe 

joint with only two housings—and only two bolts. That 

speed is yours, thanks to the patent-pending Advanced 

Groove System (AGS)—an all-new design by the 

worldwide industry leader. Get the productivity 

welding can’t offer. Watch our demonstration 

video at www.victaulic.com/ags—and see how 

fast and easy dependable joints can be. 

 

Housing 

Gasket 

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NEW! 

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joint—if these faces meet on both 

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Locks in place into a deeper, wider, 

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A complete system—with rigid and flexible couplings, valves, fittings, and more. 

*For complete installation instructions refer to the Victaulic I-100 Installation Manual. 

For more information about our 

Advanced Groove System products, 

log onto www.victaulic.com/ags. 


Industry News 

MCAC CONFERENCE REPORT 

Mechanical contractors 

celebrate 110 years 

Worker safety issues at forefront 


The Mechanical Contractors Association 

of Canada celebrated 110 years 

of service to the industry at its 64th 

annual conference in Charlottetown, P.E.I. 

In fact, MCAC honored three contractors 

– Moose Jaw (Sask.) Plumbing 

& Heating Inc., Randall Plumbing & 

Heating Ltd., Winnipeg. and Adam 

Clark/Lockerbie & Hole, New Westminster, 

B.C. – for 100 years of membership. 

About 25 guests and 311 delegates 

enjoyed this year’s event, held Sept. 14- 

17 at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel in 

Charlottetown. 

Worker safety issues were front and 

centre at the conference. A new federal 

law passed in 2004 (Bill C-45) means 

employers can face criminal negligence 

charges for jobsite injuries. Seminars 

covering injuries and drug abuse went 

far beyond the obvious. 

“Stuff that happens off the jobsite 

often has as much impact as an injury 

on the jobsite,” remarked Dr. Louis 

Francescutti, an emergency room doctor, 

University of Alberta professor and 

the director of the Alberta Centre for 

Injury Control. Losing a key tradesman 

because of a weekend snowmobile accident, 

for example, can be just as devastating 

for the contractor. 

Dr. Brendan Adams, a physician from 

Calgary, noted that drug and alcoholrelated 

incidents are seldom the result of 

the worker “being stoned on the job.” 

Hans Schneider, right, of Moose Jaw 

Plumbing & Heating Inc. accepts his 

plaque from MCAC chairman Tom 

Vincent, centre, and president Richard 

McKeagan. Schneider’s company is 

one of three 100-year MCAC members. 

They more often occur because an 

employee is hung over, coming down 

from drugs and/or tired after a night out. 

HRAI at Deerhurst 

Continued from page 11 

Contractors or Canada (HRAC – the 

HRAI contractor division), Pierre Martin 

– secretary treasurer and chair of the 

Canadian Heating, Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Wholesalers (CHRAW 

– the HRAI wholesalers division), Mark 

Boncardo – Manufacturers Division 

chair, Gerry Cellucci – CHRAW vice 

chair, Make Latreille – HRAC vice chair 

and Warren Heeley – president. 

A number of awards were presented 

including a Merit Award – HRAI’s 

highest honour – to Neil Smith of 

Arvin Air Systems Ltd., Stoney Creek, 

Ont. for his long involvement with 

HRAI and HRAC. 

However, Smith said that he probably 

gained as much as he gave, 

and urged others to volunteer. 

“I was exposed to a lot 

of people, all of whom 

contributed a few nuggets 

to making Neil Smith a 

Neil Smith 

smarter person and making Arvin-Air a 

more successful company.” 

Life membership awards were presented 

to P&HVAC’s Ron Shuker and 

Carrier’s Dennis Moyer for their contributions 

to the industry over the years. 

The 38th Annual General Meeting 

will take place at the Delta Prince 

Edward in Charlottetown, PEI from 

Sept. 7-9, 2006. For more information, 

contact HRAI at 1-800-267-2231 or go 

to www.hrai.ca. 

Chairman John Murphy presented 

P&HVAC’s own Ron Shuker with a 

Life Membership award for his 

support of the industry. 



Industry News 

Mental factors play a key role, added 

Francescutti. He reported that the first 

question he usually asks patients is: “Are 

Hockey Night in Canada’s 

Ron MacLean talked sports at the 

opening breakfast. 

you happy?” Studies show that people 

with good morale, on and off the job 

site, tend to be substantially less prone 

to injuries and illnesses. Unhappy 

employees are far more likely to have 

substance abuse problems, he added. He 

suggested employers could get to know 

their employees better – a key requirement 

in reducing jobsite injuries – by 

asking that simple question. 

Francescutti added that contractors 

involved in large construction projects 

can no longer expect a certain number 

of injuries over the course of the project. 

The industry has significantly 

reduced job site injuries over the past 30 

years, but they still occur and the numbers 

are no longer declining. 

“A job site must be zero tolerance for 

injuries.” But, at the same time, “We 

have to be careful that we don’t create 

policies that drive injuries underground.” 

Keeping accurate records and 

taking concrete steps to prevent injuries 

is a must, said Francescutti. 

A number of contractors mentioned 

that they were increasingly seeing workers 

compensation (WCB) claims for 

health issues related to aging or longterm 

repetitive stress such as carpal tunnel 

syndrome that the employee may 

have developed over the years with 

different employers. 

Annual general meeting 

In his address at the annual general 

meeting, MCAC chairman Tom Vincent 

(Sayers & Assoc., Dartmouth, N.S.) told 

delegates about some of the organization’s 

initiatives over the past year. 

These included forming the National 

Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada 

to work on common issues with other 

associations. Vincent emphasized that 

the group is not intended to replace any 

other group and that MCAC will continue 

to work closely with the Canadian 

Construction Association. 

Vincent added that MCAC will be 

“aggressively addressing” issues raised by 

members in the coming year. These 

include pre-purchasing of equipment, 

encouraging construction purchasers to 

tender the mechanical as one package, 

design-build issues, performance issues, 

claims, change orders, quality of specifications 

and drawings, the downloading 

of engineering work and commissioning. 

Vincent was re-elected chairman. 

James Derksen (Derksen Plumbing & 

Heating (1984) Ltd., Winnipeg) is 

chairman elect and vice chairman western. 

Terry McCaskie (Energy Controls 

and Mechanical Services Inc., Kitchener, 

Ont.) was elected vice chairman central. 

George White (ICS-State, Dartmouth, 

N.S.) was named vice chairman 

eastern. Mel Prowse (H. Griffiths Co. 

Ltd., Woodbridge, Ont.) is secretary and 

McKeagan remains president. 


St. Lawrence Chemical Inc. 

Exclusive distributor of Genetron refrigerants in Canada 

Ontario and Western Canada, Tel: 416-243-9615 Fax: 416-243-9731 

Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, Tel: 514-457-3628 Fax: 514-457-9773 

Education wing thrives 

The education wing of MCAC continues 

to make significant progress. 

Canadian Mechanical Contracting 

Education Foundation chairman Denis 

Brisebois (D.B. Mechanical Ltd., Kingston, 

Ont.) reported that over 400 have 

graduated from the group’s Gold Seal 

project management course. The CMCEF 

estimating course is also drawing considerable 

numbers, he added. Seventy-five 

percent of the programs offered by 

CMCEF are now Gold Seal accredited. 

As part of MCAC’s ongoing efforts to 

draw young people to the industry, student 

chapters have been established in 

Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. 

CMCEF has passed the $1-million 

milestone in fundraising, added 

Brisebois. 

MCAC presented several awards at 

the conference. Former chairmen Lloyd 

McLean (1998-99) and Terry Billings 

(1989-91) were honoured with Lifetime 

Memberships for their work in support 

of the organization. And Bill Dixon, 

executive director of MCA New Brunswick, 

received the Gary Greig Memorial 

Award for his volunteer work in making 

the annual conference a success. 

The tabletop trade show was well 

attended, helped in no small part by a 

draw for a $500 Future Shop gift certificate 

that contractors could enter only by 

having their card stamped at every booth. 

At the AGM breakfast, former 

Montreal Allouettes football star Terry 

Evanshen gave a moving account of 

putting his life back together following 

a near-fatal accident in 1988 where he 

lost all memory as a result of brain 

damage. (Evanshen’s story was the subject 

of a recent TV movie.) 

The next MCAC annual conference 

will be held Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2006 in 

San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, 

call (613) 232-0492 or go to 

www.mcac.ca.

People & Places 

People 

American Standard Canada, Mississauga, 

Ont., has appointed Harry 

Kandilas business leader for Canada. He 

replaces Susan Mileusnich, named 

vice president of business development 

at American Standard headquarters in 

Piscataway, N.J. 

The Refrigeration Service Engineers 

Society International presented its 

Member of the Year award to Nick 

Reggi, CMS, Ontario Maple Leaf 

Chapter, Toronto, at its 68th annual 

conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Nick 

was also elected Region 17 international 

director, succeeding Ron McCarthy 

of St. John’s, Nfld., who was elected 

international president. Wes Maxfield, 

CM, of Edmonton was elected Region 

16 international director, succeeding 

Brian Baker, CMS of Winnipeg. 

Emco Corporation Atlantic, Dartmouth, 

N.S., has appointed Sean Watt 

to business development manager for 

the Hearth, Fireplace and Home Leisure 

Division. 

R.W. Beckett Canada Ltd.,Guelph, 

Ont., has appointed Michael Thomas 

sales engineer for Atlantic Canada. He 

can be reached at 1-800-658-1342. 

Messe Frankfurt, Inc., Atlanta, 

Georgia, has named Jennifer Salvadori 

trade fair manager for the ISH North 

America show. 

Thomas Ryan, Ryan Filter Sales, 

Mississauga, Ont., has been elected 

immediate past president of the 

National Air Filtration Association, 

Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Pinchin Environmental, Mississauga, 

Ont., has appointed Andy Vanin, 

P.Eng., senior project manager for environmental 

management and financial 

due diligence, and John Cracknell, 

P.Eng., to its environmental assessment 

management group. 

Earl Caldwell, president of Nu-Air 

Ventilation Systems Inc., Windsor, 

N.S., was one of four finalists in the 

Turnaround Entrepreneur category, 

Atlantic Region, for the 2005 Ernst & 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Companies 

Rheem Mfg Co., New York, will close 

its Rheem Canada Ltd. Hamilton, 

Ont. manufacturing operation by mid- 

2006. The facility will become a 

distribution centre. 

CGF Products Inc., Toronto, has appointed 

Allan Donally, president, ESS 

Enersys Sales and Service Inc., to handle 

CGF products in eastern Ontario. 

In Memoriam 

BRUNO BENEDETTI 

Belimo Aircontrols Canada, 

Mississauga, Ont., reported the 

passing of Bruno Benedetti Aug. 

29. He was area sales manager for 

Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan 

for 13 years and was an active 

member of the ASHRAE Toronto 

Chapter along with his son David. 

Selkirk Canada, Stoney Creek, Ont., 

has selected SureSpec Inc., Columbus, 

Ohio, (www.surespec.com) as an additional 

online access point for information 

on Selkirk commercial and 

industrial chimney products. 

Redmond/Williams Distributing, 

ULC, Mississauga, Ont., has added the 

Haier mini-split air conditioning line and 

the Williams Comfort Products heating 

equipment line to its product offering. 

Wolseley Canada, Burlington, Ont. 

has acquired Sudbury Valve Fitting & 

Control Ltd. 

Fluke Electronics Canada, Mississauga, 

Ont., has assumed responsibility 

for the Canadian operations of LEM 

Instruments, Liverpool, U.K. following 

its acquisition by Fluke Corp., Everett, 

Washington. 

The Canadian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association – a group of 

commercial HVAC contractors in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario – has 

wound down its operations and donated its remaining funds to the HVACR Heritage Centre. 

Above, CRACCA’s Bill Whitten, right, presented the cheque to Heritage Centre board 

members, from left, Mario Bernardi, Ron Shuker and Richard Siddall, at the recent HRAI 

national conference in Huntsville, Ont. 



Coming Events 

National HVACR/plumbing show returns 

Organizers of the Canadian Mechanicals 

Exposition, Canada’s largest 

HVACR trade show, will welcome 

plumbers back to their event in 

Toronto this March. The HVACR and 

plumbing industries will present a fullrange 

combined show for the first time 

in ten years after the Heating, Refrigeration 

and Air Conditioning Institute of 

Canada (HRAI) reached an agreement 

with the Canadian Institute of Plumbing 

& Heating (CIPH) in late 2004. 

CMX/CIPHEX Ontario will take place 

March 23-25 at the Metro Toronto 

Convention Centre. 

The Refrigeration Service Engineers 

Society of Canada will also hold their 

annual meeting in conjunction with the 

show, while CIPH will hold its Gala 

Fundraising Evening for Habitat for 

Humanity on the eve of the event. 

About 500 companies will exhibit the 

latest technologies in heating, air conditioning, 

refrigeration, PVF, faucets, fixtures, 

tools and trucks, filling every corner 

of the North Building. 

Key seminar topics for the CMX/ 

CIPHEX 2006 Learning Forum include 

micro co-generation, supermarket 

refrigeration, electrical troubleshooting, 

IAQ, solar DHW/heating and water 

quality. Refrigeration veteran Garth 

Denison will offer practical advice for 

technicians. Cash Acme’s Richard Proulx 

New products. 

New technology. 

New applications. 

A WORLD OF 

HVAC&R SOLUTIONS. 

• Over 1,800 Exhibitors from 30 Countries 

• Dozens of Free Educational Sessions 

• Special Industry Events, and more 

will explain how to meet the new 49°C 

DHW requirements. Natural Resources 

Canada will present a series on codes 

and standards. Three hydronic heating 

heavy hitters will share their wisdom. 

Richard Trethewey, the plumber from 

This Old House, John Siegenthaler, 

engineer and author, and Robert Bean, 

the mastermind behind the HRAI 

SkillTech hydronic heating program, are 

all scheduled to speak. 

For registration and more information, 

visit www.cmxciphex.com. Watch 

for a full show preview in the next issue. 

Chicago hosts AHR Expo 

Those who enjoyed California and 

FREE Show Registration and Information: 

www.ahrexpo.com 

Florida for the previous two AHR 

Expos will find little reason to go outdoors 

when the show returns to 

Chicago this winter. 

And that’s just as well, with a lot 

happening on the show floor Jan. 23-25 

at McCormick Place. This year’s special 

features include a radiant house with 

state-of-the-art radiant heating systems. 

The Radiant Panel Association will 

demonstrate radiant floor tubing, electric 

elements, pre-manufactured floor 

and wall panels, ceiling installations, 

insulation, controls and other products 

in the wood frame structure. 

There will be a focus on green building 

technology with exhibits and seminars 

by members of the Green Building 

Council. An expanded New Product 

Technology Theatre will feature special 

product sections on building automation, 

controls and software. 

The International Air Conditioning 

Heating & Refrigeration Expo, established 

in 1930, will showcase an expected 

1,800 companies in 400,000-sq.ft. Call 

203-221-9232 or visit www.ahrexpo.com 

for more information. 

Calendar 

MAR. 12-16: Canadian Construction 

Association Annual Conference, Hilton 

Waikoloa Village, The Big Island, 

Hawaii. Contact (613) 236-9455, 

www.cca-acc.com. 

MAR. 22: Canadian Institute of Plumbing 

& Heating Habitat for Humanity Gala 

Evening, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 

Toronto. Contact: (416) 695-0447, e- 

mail ciph@ciph.com, www.ciph.com. 

May 3-4: MEET 2006 (Mechanical 

Electrical Electronic Technology), 

Moncton Coliseum Complex, 

Moncton, N.B. Contact: (506) 658- 

0018, 1-888-454-7469, info@masterpromotions.ca, 

www.masterpromotions.ca/meet. 

INTERNATIONAL AIR-CONDITIONING • HEATING • REFRIGERATING EXPOSITION 

January 23-25, 2006 

McCormick Place North & South 

Chicago, Illinois 

Co-sponsored by: 

Honorary sponsor: 

Endorsed by: 

AABC • ABMA • ACCA • AMCA • BMA • CABA • CTI • GAMA 

• HARDI • IIAR • LONMARK • MCAA • MSCA • NADCA • NAFA • 

NEBB • RETA • RPA • RSES • SPIDA • USGBC 

• TSSA Update Workshop 

• ODP Renewal 

/ 

Produced by: tel: (203) 221-9232 e-mail: info@ahrexpo.com 

the School of Applied Technology at Humber College 


Circle Number 143 for More Info 


Mechanical Marketplace 

The bulletin board of products, services, professionals, 

employment opportunities and more for Canada’s Mechanical 

Contracting Industry. 

Fabric Air Diffuser Systems 

INDUSTRIAL 

MAKEUP AIR 

FLOWCON Air Diffusers 

are being used as a 

highly effective system 

for dispersing and mixing 

outside makeup air and 

are reversible. 

Patron Products Inc, Scarborough, Ont. M1V 5G4 

1-800-361-5451 Fax: (416) 298-1412 

Coming in the 

Next Issue! 

Huge 

CMX/CIPHEX 

show issue 

■ Troubleshooting 

refrigerated 

warehouse systems 

■ Water efficient 

plumbing fixtures 

on test 



Index of Advertisers 

FOR SALE 

■ Brand New (used 1 hour) Acroprint ATR Biometric 

Time Clock (Eliminates buddy time card punching) 

- Ties right in to payroll software. 

Asking $ 1,350 or B.O 

■ 4 Gas PhD Plus Portable Gas Detector by 

Biosystems with Pelican Case - Brand new condition 

Asking $ 1,700 or B.O 

Terry 416 233-3281 


Literature Showcase 

Following are some of the latest catalogues, manuals, software and product 

brochures from the industry’s leading manufacturers. To receive a copy, please 

circle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card in this issue, fill 

out your contact information, and mail it or fax it to (416) 620-9790. 

Purify the air your family breathes 

with CFM’s CX3000 

Complete Air Purification System 

The patented filtration process will help eliminate 

dust particles, aerosols, VOC’s, mould spores, chemicals, 

bacteria, viruses and germs from the air 

stream. The CX3000 provides purified air to an area 

up to 3000 square feet. Contact www.aeroflo.com 

for more information. 

Aeroflo Inc. 

Circle no. 361 

New Ridgid chain vise 

The Ridge Tool Company has introduced the compact 

RIDGID® 425 Tristand Chain Vise, a new tristand 

that is portable and lightweight, yet maintains 

the company’s highest standard of quality. Designed 

specifically for service applications, the new 

RIDGID 425 Tristand is the most durable and 

portable 2-1/2" tristand available. Ideal for a variety 

of pipe materials including steel, copper and PVC, 

the new tristand can be used for pipe ranging in size 

from 1/8" to 2 1/2". www.ridgid.com. 

The Ridge Tool Co. 


Looking For Design Software... 

that saves time, improves accuracy, 

produces CAD-quality HVAC designs 

& creates professional proposals? 

Right-Suite Canada Residential 

offers all of these design 

features and so much more! 

Commercial program also available. 

Available through 

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada 

Call Cynthia at 1-800-267-2231 ext. 245 for more information. 


Jet Set drain machines 

General Pipe Cleaners manufactures a full line of 

high pressure jet drain cleaning machines for clearing 

drains clogged with grease, sand, sludge and ice. 

General’s Jet Set, designed to clear drains from 1-1/2 

to 8 inches in diameter, is described in a new catalog 

that illustrates the jets and their accessories. The 

new Jet Set catalog features a comparison chart to 

help you determine which machine is best for your 

needs. www.drainbrain.com. 

General Pipe Cleaners 


Advertisers 

Page 

AHR Expo – Chicago . . . . . . . .36 

Allpriser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 

Aquatech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 

Astravan Distributors . . . . . . . .30 

Atmosphair C&I . . . . . . . . . . . .24 

Biddle Air Systems Ltd. . . . . . .29 

Bluegrass Technologies . . . . . .29 

Bradford White-Canada . . . . . . .2 

Broan-Nutone Canada . . . . . . .25 

CIPH Habitat Gala . . . . . . . . . .31 

CGF Products . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Carrier Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

DaimlerChrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 

Delta Faucet Canada . . . . . . . .10 

Fujitsu North America . . . . . . .33 

General Motors Canada . . . .20-21 

General Pipe Cleaners . . . . . . . .4 

Grundfos Canada . . . . . . . . . . . .7 

Honeywell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 

Humber College . . . . . . . . . . . .36 

Leonard Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 

LG Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Madok Manufacturing . . . . . . . .5 

Mitsubishi Electric Sales . . . . .39 

Moen Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

NOFP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 

Panasonic Canada . . . . . . . . . .26 

Raptor Cutting Tools . . . . . . . .23 

Ridge Tool Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 

Rheem Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 

Roberts Gordon Canada . . . . . .29 

Rogers Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 

SFA Saniflo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Selkirk-Metalbestos . . . . . . . . .17 

Skilled Trades . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

Superior Radiant Products . . . .27 

Taco Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 

Thermo Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

Urecon Pre-insulated Pipe . . . .38 

Victaulic Co. of Canada . . . . . .32 

Viessmann Manufacturing . . . . .14 

Weil-McLain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

White-Rodgers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 

Zurn Plumbing Products . . . . . .38 

Mechanical Marketplace . .37 

HRAI, Patron Products Inc., Roto- 

Rooter, Terry Cord

Shop Management 

Co-opetition 

Working with a competitor for mutual benefit 

By Barry Cunningham 

Anyone who watches 

NASCAR Nextel 

Cup racing or any 

NASCAR competition 

knows who Darrell 

Waltrip is. For those 

who don’t, Darrell is one of stock car’s 

all-time greats with three Cup titles, 84 

wins (third on the all-time list) in 780 

starts. A colorful character during his 

career, he now does color commentary 

for the Fox network’s 

broadcasts 

of NASCAR events. 

Early in his career a 

fellow competitor 

nicknamed him 

Jaws “because he 

was always jawing 

‘bout how good he 

is” – an example of 

the psychological 

warfare we now call 

‘trash talking’. Waltrip 

seems to go by 

‘Ol’ DW’ nowadays. 

So why am I 

telling you this and 

what’s it got to do with being a mechanical 

contractor? Well, early this season 

while discussing the upcoming race, 

Darrell coined a new word. He is always 

doing that, driving the English majors 

nuts, but the word he used was ‘co-opetition’. 

To use another Waltripism, I 

gotta ‘splain that. 

In a long race, 500 miles usually, one 

of the truisms is that in order to finish 

first, you first have to finish. It seems 

pretty obvious, but getting caught up 

The idea for 

this co-operative 

group is to 

gain advantage 

over the 

other guys … 

Supplying PRE-INSULATED PIPE 

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racing hard early in the race can lead to 

equipment failures, driver errors or just 

plain accidents. As one driver explained 

after climbing out of his wrecked car, “I 

got down into the corner too fast and 

just ran out of talent.” 

Share the workload 

Co-opetition is racing only as hard as 

you have to early and, if someone is 

faster, let them go. In the last hundred 

miles or so you can 

“get up on that 

wheel” and race 

hard for the win, 

but only if the 

competitors cooperate 

enough to 

get to that point 

without wrecking. 

At some of the 

big tracks the 

speeds are so high 

that the cars make 

a big hole in the air 

as they go through. 

The car second in 

line gets an advantage 

of not having to push that air and 

can go faster than the one ahead. We call 

that ‘drafting’. The car behind is also 

doing the one ahead a favor by displacing 

the air that normally would draw in 

behind, slowing him as well. The aerodynamics 

are complex but the outcome 

is that those two cars working together 

go faster than each one running separately. 

Three cars are better than two. 

That’s what Waltrip was talking about. 

Working together makes that group 

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Two stock cars can go faster if they worker together. Two contractors can also 

achieve more if they co-operate. (NASCAR photo) 

faster than the other guys fighting 

amongst themselves. 

This co-opetition can be applied to 

what we do as well. Groups of contractors 

can, for instance, co-operate in 

what’s still a competitive environment 

with everyone gaining. The idea for this 

co-operative group is to gain advantage 

over the other guys that are not part of 

it. They share ideas and experiences, 

work together at home and trade shows, 

perhaps share advertising where sensible 

and even share work sometimes. 

If you are too busy and simply can’t 

look after a call, phone another member 

of the group who can. He’ll do the same 

one day. If you have to be away for a 

much needed holiday, for example, perhaps 

the group can split up some of 

your emergency calls while you’re gone. 

There’s even an opportunity to do bulk 

purchases of commodity items. 

There are literally dozens of ways that 

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these groups can gain advantage and it’s 

happening all over North America, as small 

independent operators are discovering. 

Trust is key 

Of course a certain amount of trust is 

involved. Make sure the outfits you get 

involved with are as trustworthy as you 

are. (You are trustworthy aren’t you?) 

You probably already know the ones in 

your area you can work with and those 

that you can’t. As time goes on, the benefits 

start to show in the quality of output, 

seamless customer service and 

most important, satisfied repeat clients 

and more cash in your jeans. A bonus is 

that it can be fun. These informal 

groups sometimes wind up as small 

associations that plan social activities 

together. In the worst case, maybe you 

can get in a golf game or something. 

I think this type of arrangement is 

going to be big. It’s a way for the small 

firms to help themselves compete with 

the bigger outfits. Think about how you 

could take advantage of this type of arrangement. 

Check around for an existing 

group and maybe talk to a few of the 

members. It may be one that’s far enough 

away that it’s not workable for you, but 

you will get a feel for how it works. If 

there’s not a group working the area, 

maybe it’s time there was one. It’s worth 

looking at. Better I think to be working 

with them than against them. Co-opetition. 

Three guys drafting are faster than 

one guy alone. Just ask Ol’ DW. 

Barry Cunningham is the chairman of 

the Canadian Hydronics Council and 

sales manager for Triangle Supply in Red 

Deer, Alberta. 

Editor’s note: This also works on the 

provincial and national level. Contractors 

that belong to groups like the 

Mechanical Contractors Association of 

Canada, the Heating, Refrigeration and 

Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada, 

the Canadian Oilheat Association, etc. 

find real benefit in the ability to share 

ideas and issues with other contractors. 

These groups all have local chapters that 

focus on issues of concern in their 

particular regions. 




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INSIDE INSIDE - Plumbing & HVAC

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