Many people think of Stromquist when it comes to buying those “hard to find” parts — the old or obsolete parts or those that just aren’t very common. We’re well known for our great counter and inside sales staff who find matches and replacements for such items. While we do appreciate that you think of us for these, we want you to also think of us for those everyday, run of the mill parts like thermostats, valves, gauges and sensors. Some people automatically go to the bigger supply house chains for these types of parts and only come to Stromquist for the more elusive items. So we would like to ask that you give us a try on your “regular” parts too. We stock a wide range of Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric (formerly TAC/Invensys), Belimo, White Rodgers and many more. And we’re competitive on our pricing. The next time you need that simple thermostat, a relay or pneumatic fittings, give us a call. We’d be happy to pull one off the shelf for you in addition to finding the replacement for that rusty part that’s 25 years old.
Energy Saving Timers
February 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Everyone is looking for simple and inexpensive ways to save energy and money. Here’s a thought to consider: hot water heater timers. Intermatic’s WH Series time switches provide automatic control for electric water heaters. They provide to-the-minute accuracy in programming and time keeping, and they can be programmed for repeat daily scheduling, 5-day working week scheduling, weekend scheduling or any individual day scheduling. Timers can be scheduled for operation during the lowest time-of-day rates or to switch off the electric heater during periods of peak power usage. The time switch can be set to operate for up to 6 ON/OFF operations daily for a maximum of 42 on/off operations weekly. They provide a convenient external override switch and LED load indicator for ease in scheduling hot water as required for extra hot water demands.
If you are in Georgia or Florida, you can contact Stromquist for more information on Intermatic timers. All others can order this product from one of our affiliates at CGNA.
Calibrating a Pneumatic T-Stat
December 28, 2009 by 1 Comment
- Determine the throttling range for your control system. Let’s use 3-13#’s as an example.
- Next measure the ambient temperature at the thermostat with a precision temp meter.
- Adjust the setpoint knob on the T Stat to the current ambient temperature.
- Pull the branch line off the T-Stat and T tap a gauge between the T-stat and branch line.
- Adjust the calibration screw in the T-Stat until the branch PSI reads zero.
- Now adjust the calibration screw in the opposite direction until the branch pressure reads mid range. In this case our differential is 10#’s of pressure, so (13-3)= 10(diff) /2 or 3+5 = 8 psi.
- Verify the box damper and reheat valve(if applicable) are both closed. Fine tune if needed.
- Remove your calibration gauge and replace the branch line back onto the T-Stat.
- Adjust the T-Stat to the desired setpoint.
Your T-Stat is now calibrated…
How to save time and money when replacing gas valves
December 21, 2009 by Leave a Comment
You can’t get heat and your troubleshooting skills (hopefully learned at a Stromquist & Company training class) have lead you to the conclusion that your gas valve will have to be replaced. Being the great technician that you are, you write down all the information and part numbers of the furnace or heater you are working on and head off to see Bob, Jerry, or Mark at the Stromquist counter to get a new valve.
After driving across town you are less than happy when you are told that the replacement gas valve cannot be determined by the furnace or heater number. Although there are hundreds of gas heater and furnace manufacturers, there are only three major controls companies that make gas valves for these companies: Honeywell, White Rodgers, and Robertshaw. What makes it tricky is that these three companies will make and sell these valves as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts for all these different heater companies and will put different part numbers on them. In some cases, the valves even function differently.
Why would a manufacturer want a different part number? For one thing it makes it very difficult for you to get a replacement valve at your local distributor. Think about it, these companies are in business to make money and if you have to come back to them for your replacement parts, they are able to sell more products. The problem with this is that very few of them have local inventory, and since they are manufacturers instead of wholesalers, quick shipping is usually not one of their skill sets. So you have to wait, which is usually not an option when your heat is not working. In a few cases the valve is built differently and you have no choice but to go back to the manufacturer, which usually results in you paying higher prices and dealing with longer lead times.
The good news is that with the right information, your local distributors like Stromquist & Company can provide you with the right gas valve at the right price. To make sure you get the right valve, either take the bad valve out and bring it into your local distributor or use your camera and take pictures of the valve, making sure to get the part numbers in the picture. Make sure to watch Mark’s video, Replacing Gas Valves On Furnances and Hot Water Heaters.
Replacing gas valves on furnaces and heaters
December 8, 2009 by 3 Comments
There are hundreds of furnace and heater manufacturers out there, yet there are only three main companies that make the gas valves for all these heaters. The companies that make the gas valves usually put a different part number on the valves for each of these heater companies. This makes finding the right replacement valve tricky.
Although you can go back to the manufacturer to buy replacement parts using the part number of the heater, you usually wind up paying a lot more for the valve and will have a hard time getting the valve shipped quickly.
The best choice is going to a local wholesaler like Stromquist & Company, or another company within CGNA ( Controls Group North America).
When you go to the local wholesaler don’t make the same mistake most people do. Most people take the part number off of the furnace, but we need the number off of the gas valve itself. In this video, Mark from Stromquist & Company will show you where it is.
Sizing a Control Valve
October 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Stromquist designed this great form to help you get the correct valve or valve/actuator assembly for your application. When you don’t have part numbers, it is important that we get as much information as possible when helping you choose the correct parts. You may not always have all of the information, but the more you can give us, the better. The back of the form even has diagrams to help determine if you need a two- or three-way, mixing or diverting valve. If you have any questions, need any help filling out the form, or would like to get a supply of these forms, call Stromquist at 1-800-241-9471.
The Real Color of Green
October 9, 2009 by 2 Comments
For a while now the new buzz word for our clients and manufacturers has been “green” products, which are products that are specifically designed to cause less damage to the environment. In concept we can all agree that thinking green is a good idea.
Does a new green product make your client green? What can we do as distributors to help our clients become green?
When working with a facility manager who wants to become green, the first step is to identify what in the client’s system or processes is not working to peak efficiency. This seems like a no brainer, but it is amazing how many clients want to talk green when valves are leaking, pipes are not properly insulated, boilers are not firing efficiently, or oversized and undersized control valves and equipment are not addressed. As controls experts our integrity is on the line here folks! Take the time to look carefully at the job site and determine what core products you sell that will increase the bottom line energy savings to a client’s facility. Take the time to offer your help and knowledge even on the products you may not sell but may contribute in helping your product be more efficient.
When a client’s system is running properly it is easier for you to show the client where and how that new green product can help them become GREENER, and that my friend is the real color of green.
In the Georgia and Florida areas please contact your Stromquist and Company representative to help you with your energy savings needs.
Leaking Valve?
October 6, 2009 by Leave a Comment
We often get calls from customers who have a leaky valve and need help with finding a fix for it or a replacement. In some cases, you can purchase a repacking kit to repack the valve and take care of the leak. Sometimes you’ll need to replace the valve, and depending on the age of the valve/actuator assembly, you may have to replace the entire assembly.
To get started we need part numbers from the valve and the actuator. Based on this information we can determine if a repacking kit is available (and it usually is). It’s up to you if you want to try to repack it and see if that works or just buy a new valve. We can usually get a direct replacement valve or cross it to a new one if yours is old and obsolete. Depending on the age and the replacement options, you may also need a new actuator and linkage to work with the new valve.
So what if you can’t find any part numbers? It’s not that uncommon, especially on older models, and it takes a little more effort, but it’s still possible to find a solution. Here’s what we need from you: the type of valve (globe, ball, etc.), the size of the valve (1 in., 2 in., etc.), if it’s 2-way or 3-way, and if it’s mixing or diverting (if 3-way). It is also helpful to know the type of actuator on the valve and any information you can find regarding the actuator. Basically, the more details you can provide, the better we will be able to find what you need. If you need assistance in determining any of the above information, call Stromquist at 404-794-3440, and we can try to help you over the phone or send someone out (if you’re local) to look at what you have.
Stromqust TV: Pneumatic Tool Kit
August 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Take a look at the tool kit we’ve designed for commercial and industrial control field professionals.
Visit Stromquist.com to order your kit.
