will a vaporstat work on utica boiler?

moneypitfeeder

Hi all, I've read the manufacturer's manuals and still can't tell if a honeywell L408B vaporstat will work on my boiler. I have a Utica PEG187CIDE boiler and currently have a Honeywell pressuretrol PA404A. Its not giving me the lower rates I'd like to see it set to, and, I can get a mercury filled vaporstat for what seems to be a decent price. The PA404 hasn't given up the ghost yet, (but I've read on here that they are known for being inaccurate) and I like the idea that maybe by getting the pressures down I might be able to save a little more fuel over time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

BobC

Vaporstat

The only difference between a Pressuretrol and a Vaporstat is the degree of repeatability and the range of pressure they can control. So yes you can just make sure whatever you buy will break the circuit on pressure rise.



Some Vaporstats have both NO and NC contacts and they will do either.



Bob

moneypitfeeder

Thanks for the quick reply...

 Accord. to manufact. info it has a Spst switch, and it says it "makes" switch action on pressure rise. So, does that info mean it is not compatible? Thanks!

BobC

Makes?

That "makes action on pressure rise" is a little odd, I would verify that is how it works with a meter. Honeywell is famous for obscuring facts. I had some initial confusion like that and i  was able to easily solved by finding a Vaporstat with SPDT action that could work on any system.



Bob

Steamhead

It won't work

You want it to BREAK the circuit on pressure rise. The proper number would be an L408A or J or an L608A, which tops out at 16 ounces and breaks on rise. 

moneypitfeeder

Thank you both,

I will just keep on looking till I can find the appropriate stat, I definitely want an old one with the mercury, I've found as with many things "they just don't make them like they used too". Thanks again,

Dee

jpf321

methinks that ..

L408J is not specific enough .. you need L408J1009 .. or L408A-1132 (obsolete) or L608A-1046 (obsolete)



0-16oz. - Break R-B on rise.



http://customer.honeywell.com/honeywell/ProductInfo.aspx/L408J1009



L408J-1025 is MAKE on rise ONLY ..

L408J-1017 is 0-4LBS

L408J-1033 is 0-4LBS



Good luck finding an old merc one .. one place that you can reliably get NEW one (microswitch) online is patriot-supply.com (or maybe their eBay storefront as well.)

http://www.patriot-supply.com/products/showitem.cfm/HONEYWELL_L408J1009



I really have no problems with my microswitch one .. I did adjust the jewelers calibration screw once though.

Charlie from wmass

Mercury is nice, but

a new one has a warranty and is the right one with no background saga. yes saga as it is far longer than a story. I feel buying used controls from unknown people is a poor way to spend money. It was different when it was new/old inventory. Dial down your eisting pressuretrol as low as you can and open up your main line venting with the proper vent sizes. If you want ounce control use the money saved by the other steps to put away for a nice new vaporstat. It will have the new control smell.

jpf321

haha ...

"new control smell" .. i like it. 

BRIANJ

REAL SAVINGS

If your using natural gas with your new vaporstat, I would hire a pro to install a two stage gas valve. It will allow you to run at lower pressures and really save some money.