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Another pressuretrol question

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ratherbfishing
ratherbfishing Member Posts: 32
in Strictly Steam
I've read through a number of posts related to this but was hoping for more specific answer.

I replaced a pressuretrol that wasn't cutting out (clean pigtail) with a direct replacement (resideo PA404A 1074). I installed it along with a low pressure gauge. It's set at diff =1 cut-in =0.5. It cuts out at ~2.25 and back in (correctly) at 0.5. The gauge setup is temporary just for testing, i'm running the pressuretol directly on the pigtail now.

Should I try to return and get another? Replace with vaporstat (if so, which)? leave alone because it's ok?

thanks




Comments

  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
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    I'd return it and fix the old one, unless the diaphragm is shot. Then I'd try another new one. You can adjust the cut-in, but if the differential isn't what it says on the switch, the switch is defective. I mean, ±67% isn't a reasonable margin of error.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,704
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    It's about as accurate as they get. I'd spend my efforts trying to minimize the pressure so that the pressuretrol doesn't have to worry about it
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • SteamingatMohawk
    SteamingatMohawk Member Posts: 1,008
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    Multiple discussions on HH each winter on this issue.

    @ethicalpaul is right.

    When I tested my new one, with 0.5 cut in and 1.0 diff, it cut out at 2.6 and in at 0.6. I contacted the manufacturer and was told the unit is operating in spec or+/-1.0psi. No satisfaction at all.

    Bottom line is it is not a good choice for low pressure applications.

    A general opinion seems to be to use a 0-4 psig vaporstat if you want to spend the money.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,546
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    I just installed a new one two weeks ago and that's as good as is gets.

    PRETTY SAD...HONEYWELL >>>RESIDIO

    Listening??????
    ethicalpaul
  • ratherbfishing
    ratherbfishing Member Posts: 32
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    So basically this is the best alternative?
    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywell-L408J1017-Vaporstat-Controllers-0-psi-to-4-psi
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,739
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    I wouldn't bother.

    Time and money are better spent elsewhere.

    Get everything else on the system as good as it can be and just let it go.

    Low pressure should come from proper boiler sizing and proper venting.

    How is your venting (especially mains)? Do you know if the boiler is properly sized?
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
    ethicalpaul
  • ratherbfishing
    ratherbfishing Member Posts: 32
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    Need more main venting. not sure about boiler sizing. But was just figuring since I had to shell out for a functioning pressuretrol maybe i should get one that actually is (working) low pressure. the price difference isn't that much
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,330
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    ratherbfishing said:

    Need more main venting. not sure about boiler sizing. But was just figuring since I had to shell out for a functioning pressuretrol maybe i should get one that actually is (working) low pressure. the price difference isn't that much

    Agreed...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • SteamingatMohawk
    SteamingatMohawk Member Posts: 1,008
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    Since you have a low pressure gauge, what pressure does the system operate at? If the system pressure stays low, the existing cut out is probably good enough.

    Save money like @Jamie Hall suggests.
  • ratherbfishing
    ratherbfishing Member Posts: 32
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    The system starts to build pressure after about ~30-35 minutes, 45 minutes to get to 1.5 psi. I'm not sure what the top end of the pressure is (the built in gauge is worthless) because with the LP gauge on, I cut the system before it hits 3 to save the gauge.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,330
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    If you decide to add a 0 to 4 vapourstat, setting it to cut out at 1.5 psi and back in at 0.5 would probably save some fuel. Enough to pay for it? Probably not...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    ratherbfishing
  • ratherbfishing
    ratherbfishing Member Posts: 32
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    Fair, that's a good point. I'm also thinking ~2.5 psi won't do unruly damage to rad/main valves either, right?
    ethicalpaul

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