Quality....what happened?

bovide_7

First, I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving.

For steam, I have always gravitated to Burnham's IN series, and now their MegaSteam (love them). This time, I used a different brand, because they allow for two specific details that save a lot of time. We had to get the boiler on by Thanksgiving Day. If you want to know what they are, just ask.

It has been years since I installed this other brand of steam boiler (I use their other products, including in my shop), and I was very disappointed in the quality of this classic that is still prevalent in NYC.

First, the bottom metal/insulation panels and channels have a burr that will slice your hand if you are not wearing gloves. Common sense would say to have someone spend a few seconds getting rid of the sharp edges, just like we do in the field when cutting strut.

Second, I thought I was losing it for a minute until I realized that the rating sticker was applied upside down. That doesn't look good when I am the one who specified the boiler. Now I have to return with a heat gun and hope it comes out clean in order to have the rating sticker right side up for inspection.

Third, the terminals on the fan center relay are too loose, and they fall of from their own weight. I squeezed them a bit tighter, but they are still loose. I think I will have to cut them off and replace them to avoid a callback.

I am renewing my loyalty to Burnham now :)

HydronicMike

I always go around and check (usually re tighten) every screw, nut, bolt on every new piece of equipment. Nothing really surprises me anymore.

Hopefully that was someone having a bad day at the factory and not a trend.

EBEBRATT-Ed

So, what brand it this? Inquiring minds would like to know. Sorry but I can't share any enthusiasm for anything Burnham.

I will take a wild guess and say Weil McLain.

bovide_7

You would be correct, sir. I did not want to flame a company, but I see you are an OG here :)

bovide_7

This is the last Burnham I installed.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@bovide_7

I would prefer Weil or Peerless myself. I am in MA. and Burnhams took a huge market share here in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s were a disaster around here.

bovide_7

I remember reading about a run of bad CI sections. The old standby EG reminds me of an old truck that won’t die, even with the parts falling off.
I got spoiled with the quality of my Buderus at home.

gfrbrookline

I have a burnham 904A that has been flawless for 15 years. It replaced a Peerless that didn't make 8 years with proper maintenance. It developed a hole in the top, I am going to guess a weak spot in the casting and leave it at that. Since nothing is manufactured in the US anymore there is a quality concern with any cast iron boiler regardless of manufacturer.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@gfrbrookline

I think the CI sections are American made.

In the 80s , 90s and early 2000s. Burnham made a big push in the north east where they didn't have much market share. They must have had good prices because they were getting every job. A lot of new schools and commercial building had them installed both water and steam.

The results were awful. Every job with Burnhams had failing boilers both steam and hot water. 10-15 years was not too early for them to fail. Some say its chlorides in the water. Some people love them

STEAM DOCTOR

I have in the back of my head, that Burnham had a contract with some of the gas companies, and were installed on a lot of the oil to gas conversion jobs.