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Re: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install
From: Don <kb5kwv@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2020 15:40:21 -0500
List-post: <mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
I need to replace the AC at my house and was looking at Trane also. The Trane at the cabin has no RFI from it. It is very basic, no variable speed condenser fan, 3 or 4 speed blower motor, and is not a heat pump. Installed about 6-7 years ago.

I Will be following this.

Don KB5KWV


On 10/7/2020 2:46 PM, David Winarsky wrote:
My contractor reached out to Trane to ask about the RFI mitigation (in case I 
do have an issue after install) and apparently Trane told him they are not 
under any FCC regulation or RFI obligation. Is there a specific law I can refer 
him to?  Would it be part 15?

Thanks,
David K6ZD

On Oct 1, 2020, at 11:48, David Winarsky <david@winarsky.com> wrote:

Thanks John, that is very helpful regarding the air handler and ECM motor.

I am planning on doing my RFI survey before and after and will keep the group here 
updated on that.  I’m also skeptical that I will find a contractor that will 
agree to being responsible for any potential remediation, but will try my hand!

David K6ZD

On Oct 1, 2020, at 5:06 AM, John Pelham <john@radiophile.com> wrote:

David,

Googling "Trane 4TTL6 4 ton 16 SEER Slimline" brought me to a description of 
that unit. But it's just the outside unit, the condenser. You also need to consider the 
air handler inside, where the evaporator and fan are located.

About eight years ago I bought a Trane heat pump (same as AC, except can be 
reversed to provide heat) for my house. Hoping to get no RFI, I specified a 
single-speed motor. What I got was an ECM (electronically commutated motor) 
that was set up to run at a single speed, in the inside air handler. The ECM 
generated significant RFI. I was able to reduce it to negligible levels with 
#31 ferrites on the motor and thermostat wires.

The contract text "Upon installation <the HVAC contractor> will test for RFI, if RFI is 
detected we will work with manufacture in resolving the issue. Any additional labor, parts, or kits to be 
installed will be at an additional cost to be determined at such time" is poor. The contractor is 
not competent to "test for RFI." You should do the testing, at your station. And the 
remediation of any RFI found should be paid for by the manufacturer or contractor. Good luck getting a 
contractor to agree to this.

73, John W1JA

-----Original Message-----
From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces+john=radiophile.com@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
David Winarsky
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:00 PM
To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: [RFI] Ensuring an RFI free air conditioner install

I’ve had enough of the global warming induced heat waves in Northern California and am 
finally being forced to install air conditioning in my home.  I’m well aware that there is an 
RFI risk when installing this type of appliance.  In order to mitigate that risk, I’m taking 
the following steps:

1.  I’ve made sure that the model does not include a variable speed motor, but 
is anyone aware of any issues with the Trane 4TTL6 4 ton 16 SEER Slimline AC?

2.  I’ve researched whether there is an RFI kit available from the 
manufacturer, but apparently according to train there is none for this model.  They 
are apparently only intended for models with variable speed motors.

3.  In addition, I’ve read on the list previously that I should include 
language in the contract to ensure it is an RFI free installation.   I asked my 
contractor to include this in the contract and he included the following:

"Upon installation <the HVAC contractor> will test for RFI, if RFI is detected we will 
work with manufacture in resolving the issue. Any additional labor, parts, or kits to be 
installed will be at an additional cost to be determined at such time.”

I’m concerned that this simply means he will charge me for any additional work related 
to the RFI mitigation, but I can also understand that he can’t foresee what will be 
involved.

Are there any additional steps others would recommend and can anyone recommend 
language to include in the contract that will provide more protection for 
myself and incentive for the contractor?

73,
David K6ZD
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