Archive for March, 2009

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Eichler Low Pressure Excess Flow Valve

Friday, March 27th, 2009

I came across a product that truly can save lives.  Simply put, it is an excess shut-off valve that is installed in a gas line next to a meter outside of a home.

On the company’s website; www.eichlervalve.com there is a video presentation that shows how simple this patented technology really is; and also how easy it is to install within minutes in the existing piping system.  

The unit can be installed vertically or horizontally and fits snugly in the inside of the supply pipe.  

The valve, harnessing a spring loaded technology allows a safe amount of gas to pass through the unit, if a leak is detected and excessive flow of gas is present, the unit itself shuts off the gas flow to the home.  Once the leak is remedied, the valve automatically opens and re-allows the normal flow of gas through the valve.

It is truly a wonderful product that I hope gets added to homes throughout North America.

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Posted in Safety, Valves | No Comments »

CSA International Product Alert – Fire on Ice – Gas Fireplace Kits

Friday, March 20th, 2009

I have just received word of a CSA product alert.

CSA International is alerting the public regarding Fire on Ice brand gas fireplace installation kits. The kits are marketed as a decorative and heating appliance that can be inserted in a standard wood-burning fireplace, fire pit or fire table. The kits consist of a burner unit and parts that are intended to be covered by coloured, tempered glass. The gas appliance and related documentation bears counterfeit (unauthorized) registered CSA trade-marks on the unit and packaging.

The gas fireplace installation kits have not been tested or evaluated by CSA International. The safety or performance characteristics for these products are unknown to CSA International and consumers are advised to contact their point of purchase or local gas regulatory authority for guidance.

Below is the CSA Bulletin:

Toronto, ON – February 24, 2009 – CSA International is alerting the public regarding Fire on Ice brand gas fireplace installation kits. The kits are marketed as a decorative and heating appliance that can be inserted in a standard wood-burning fireplace, fire pit or fire table. The kits consist of a burner unit and parts that are intended to be covered by coloured, tempered glass. The gas appliance and related documentation bears counterfeit (unauthorized) registered CSA trade-marks on the unit and packaging. The affected products were manufactured and distributed by Fire on Ice, Inc., California and sold throughout Canada and the United States online at www.fireonice.com, as well as at distributors listed therein.The product is not certified by CSA International, and is not eligible to bear the CSA International certification mark.

The gas fireplace installation kits have not been tested or evaluated by CSA International. The safety or performance characteristics for these products are unknown to CSA International and consumers are advised to contact their point of purchase or local gas regulatory authority for guidance.

Name of Product: Fire On Ice gas fireplace kit with counterfeit CSA certification markings.

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Fire on Ice - Product Recall

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Fire on Ice - Product Recall

Please pass this information !!!

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Posted in General , Product Recalls/Alerts, Safety | No Comments »

Double Blocking Valves – One Component – Saves Space – Saves Time!

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Over the last few years there has become a wider industry acceptance for the installation of double blocking gas valves that are all built into one housing.  In Europe, these types of units have been widely accepted for many years, and in the late 1990’s they started to appear in more North American installations.

The popularity of these safety shut off valves continues to rise amongst engineers, contractors, and end users alike.  Each finding these units to be less cumbersome, easier to pipe, wire, and control.  They take up less space on a manifold and some units can include gas pressure switches, proof of closure, proof of opening, pressure taps, and even gas pressure and zero regulators.  Being able to package all these components into one housing has been a driving factor in their increased popularity.

These multi functional gas control devices are generally more expensive than buying the components separately.  An example is on a pilot line; two solenoid valves and a reducing regulator are required to satisfy most North American Authority Having Jurisdiction.  The three parts require more space and take more time to install, however with the double blocking valve combination control, the installer requires less space on the valve train, and less time to complete the installation, thus the cost factor seems to equalize regardless if one decides to use individual components or one multi function component.

Another added benefit is the time saved in sourcing the equipment from one only supplier, as opposed to multiple component from a few sources.  Siemens and Dungs have taken the lead on such components, however the Karl Dungs line of components, customer service, and availability seem to out weight all the competition.

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Posted in Equipment, General , Valves | No Comments »

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