automatic vent dampner with a pilot light gas valve.?

dale_7

I have an older utica boiler i want to put a automatic vent
dampner on to save heat in the boiler between cycles.
i have a 12volt WR gas valve without elec. ignition.
Can it be done?
If not, then why?

Unknown

Yes it can, but

the vent damper has to be interlocked with the voltage to your gas valve. Your post says it is 12 volts are you sure it is not 24 volts?

Interlock means that the thermostat brings in the vent damper, then once the damper is fully open the end switch brings in what ever now brings in your gas valve. I assume you have a relay on your boiler. It is just a matter of wiring it correctly. If you give me all the numbers on the controls on your system I can tell you how to wire it.

You will also have to make sure the knockout plug in the damper is removed because you have a pilot and its products of combustion have to have a way out of the boiler when the damper is closed.

You also want to make sure that the instructions for the retrofit damper contain Exhibit A and Exhibit B to protect you from litagation.

If you are not a professional you should hire a contractor to do this for you.

John Van

What are Exhibit A and Exhibit B? (nm)

Unknown

Exhibit A and B

at the end of any retrofit type control package written instructions from control manufacturers the ANSI standards folks have developed two pages called EXHIBITS (legal terminology). The purpose of these is to protect the contractor who installs a retrofit device on a piece of design equipment. It also protects the homeowner from incorrect changes to design equipment. Usually Exhibit A is titled preliminary inspection of appliance and Exhibit B procedures for installation.

It works this way, if you follow the specifications outlined in the spec sheets that come with the retrofit you have satisfied A and B. If down the road for some reason a legal situation or incident occurs A and B can be used in court to justify the fact of installing the retrofit.

I have been involved in several court cases (as an expert witness) and used this and it works very well (judges accept it immediately). It is then up to lawyers to prove error on the contractors part as to the installation itself. A and B cover you as to what is called long standing practice for retrofitting heating and cooling equipment. It is always a good idea to make a copy of those last two pages and put it with your service report on the job for future reference.

The absence of exhibit A and B with any retrofit other than one directly from the equipment manufacturer (a factory authorized change to that equipment) is not acceptable and should not be installed.

Mark J Strawcutter

dual safety

I think most vent dampers also require a dual safety shutoff gas valve. Depending on how old your's is, the gas valve may need replaced as part of the installation.

Mark

Unknown

You are correct Mark

that information is in the instructions for retrofit of all vent dampers.

The requirement for a redundant gas valve on heating equipment pertains in any case that involves changes to boilers and furnaces.

You have to be careful as some control companies still have a single seated valve available in their catalogs.

Look for Honeywell VR 8200 or VR 8300.

Robertshaw 7200 series.

White Rodgers 36 E series

Valves to be safe.