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switching relays/ Taco vs Caleffi vs?

Dear Gurus,
We are updating an old job.
Existing: Taco Switching Relay: SR506-4
Thinking of using instead: Caleffi Zone Relay: CZVR106

Have people had good experiences with the Caleffi Zone Relays? If you have any wisdom to share, we would love to hear it. Are any other products more reliable/higher quality?

Comments

  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,769
    Why would you replace a circ relay with a zone valve relay ?
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • Both manufacturers are top quality. I’m being picky when I say the line voltage screw terminals on Taco controls are beefier and less likely to strip. 
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,249
    We polled a lot of contractors when we built the Caleffi zone panels. Here is their top list of wants.

    Larger enclosure for ease of routing wires
    No wire nuts required on the line voltage
    Transformers plug in and are circuit breaker, self resetting protected
    The switching relays now have 40 Va transformers
    R, W, and C connections for the thermostats
    Post purge, pump exercise every 72 hours
    Enough screw connections for L, W, and ground wires
    Indicator lights on the front
    Can daisy chain multiple boxes with 3 wire thermostat wire, box 1, zone 1 is always priority
    Priority is always relay 1
    Three sets of TT connections, one dedicated to relay 1, always
    ZVR is for zone valves
    ZSR is for switching pumps

    The single switching relay fits on a 4 square box metal box.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    Alan (California Radiant) ForbesEdTheHeaterMan
  • GroundUp
    GroundUp Member Posts: 2,090
    I don't care for the Caleffi ZSR one bit. I primarily use Azel now for switching relays, but I like how robust the Taco's terminals are. Their internal space on the other hand, not so much.
  • seeking_quality
    seeking_quality Member Posts: 12
    Thank you all! You guys rock.
  • Joe Mattiello
    Joe Mattiello Member Posts: 719
    why are you thinking of replacing Taco SR control? it's a great product, and facilitator. are you experiencing any issues? If you need tech support, you can contact taco at 401-942-8000 and ask for tech support.
    Joe Mattiello
    N. E. Regional Manger, Commercial Products
    Taco Comfort Solutions
    Alan (California Radiant) ForbesEdTheHeaterMan
  • seeking_quality
    seeking_quality Member Posts: 12
    Joe, the Taco panel failed after 10 years or so... no longer outputting 24V... that's ok, no equipment lives forever.
  • seeking_quality
    seeking_quality Member Posts: 12
    We got the Caleffi Zone Relay: CZVR106, and installed it yesterday. Seems like a great, well thought out product so far. Does anyone have any opinion about powering it via a UPS (universal power supply) to protect it and all the thermostats from power blips, outages which last about a second or so before the generator kicks on? Seems like a good idea to me, just wondering what the experts think.
  • Robert_25
    Robert_25 Member Posts: 549
    You can wire in a UPS if you want, but in my experience the internet modem & wireless router take longer to reboot than the smart thermostats. If you are mainly concerned about surge protection, they do make HVAC surge protectors that you can easily wire in at a junction.

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/A-C-Disconnects-19150000

    *I have a small UPS that gives me 4+ hours of internet in a localized power outage, and also prevents us from waiting for the WI-FI to come back up after a short power blip.
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,300
    edited November 2023

    switching relays/ Taco vs Caleffi vs?

    Sounds like Saturday Night Smack Down where @hot_rod in the Caleffi boxer shorts is sized up against @Joe Mattiello in the Green Taco tights... and Joe got a late Start in offering a replacement transformer idea to get the original Taco operational.

    Looks like @hot_rod wins after just one round in the ring.

    Some folks just don't think it through. A complete control were a replacement transformer will do just fine.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?