Steam install and a question about pressuretrols

Unknown

V83 - actually a nice piece of equipment for steam . The problem we had was with the pressuretrol , again . I had to set the PA404A to cut in at 5 psi just to get it to turn on the burner the first time . When I changed it out, I looked for sediment - nothing . And I made sure there were no wires touching anything they shouldnt have been near in the control . Has anyone else been having troubles with this control right out of the box ?

Unknown

This one we did the other day

As usual , I forgot to get the boiler name . I like how they put in the pressuretrol though . Sorry about the darkness - the pic comes out like that when the camera is cold or the batteries need recharging .

Steamhead

Beautiful job, Ron

as usual!

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Unknown

Thanks Steamhead

We were gonna walk off this one - the whole pathway to the basement was a sheet of ice , and the customer was adamant about not using ice melt on his new concrete . After about 45 minutes of using this little ice chipper and getting nowhere , he relented and got the melt . By the way , what pressuretrol do you use nowadays ?

Tom M.

Details

Two signs that you are a thoughtful installer: as much straight pipe as possible before the draft regulator and a relief valve that can be replaced without bringing in the torch.
Nice job.

Unknown

I have a few

3/4 male by compression adapters , which are great for piping relief valves horizontal , but I like to keep em handy for leaky water mains instead . And I was thinking of angling the smoke pipe more , but someone would bang their head if they had to flush the returns out . Thank you Tom .

Lew

Ron,

It's hard to tell from the pic. Is there 18" clearance to noncombustibles at the flue pipe?

Unknown

I would say

pretty damn close .

Steamhead

Depends on the system

We haven't had trouble with the PA404A on one-pipe or two-pipe air-vent systems. On Vapor where there is no Return Trap or Differential Loop I always change the Pressuretrol to a Vaporstat that cannot be set higher than 1 PSI. I like to do the same if the Differential Loop or Return Trap is still there, but it's not quite as important since the Loop or Trap will see that the water returns properly. And on any system that chronically overheats, the Vaporstat will often help.

I've found that if the vents are sized and installed properly and the firing rate is reasonably close to the load, you never see more than a few ounces pressure until all the vents are closed. If a cranked-down Pressuretrol cuts out before the system is fully heated, you probably have a venting problem!

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

[Deleted User]

Nice job,

Jr. Looks like you have the same problem we do w/ getting cast iron fittings.

The answer to your question is YES. I have a shelf full of PA404A's. Just waiting for someone to ask for them, or donate to the trash folks. We use the L404A only. Costs more, but you can see the mercury tube do it's thing. And. It will be there to use on the next boiler. We also use only brass pigtails on controls. Amazing how little garbage sticks to their insides.

Steamhead. Can't sleep? Even us service types should be ZZZZZing at 2 AM.