The NEWS’ fifth annual Dealer Design Awards’ Testing & Monitoring Products category winners were all golden according to the judges who scored the winning entries.

The three gold winners emphasized the need for user-friendly testing and monitoring tools that provide accurate and timely information.

The winners are testo Inc.’s testo 327 hand-held combustion analyzer, Copeland Brand Products by Emerson Climate Technologies’ Copeland PerformanceAlert™, and American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s American Standard Acculink® with telephone access module.

GOLD WINNER

Testo Inc.’s testo 327 is a hand-held combustion analyzer for the set up and maintenance of all types of residential and commercial combustion systems. The multi-purpose 327 performs flue gas tests, efficiency analyses, carbon monoxide safety checks in stack and ambient air, fuel pressure setup, as well as draft/differential pressure analysis and differential temperature testing.

The unit is designed for heating technicians installing or servicing burners, boilers, furnaces, and other combustion appliances. One judge said, “I am intimately familiar with the 327. The instrument is flawless, definitely a huge thumbs up.”

According to the company, the 327, with a built-in elastomeric covering that gives the unit robust protection from impact, has a rugged, single-line probe with fast and easy connection. “There is no chance of incorrect connecting, it’s just one click.”

The sensors are durable. However, replacement is simple enough for the user to handle. There is no need to send the unit back to the factory. Clearly worded menus guide the technician’s work.

Powerful magnets also enable the analyzer to be attached to equipment surfaces. The brightly backlit four-line display may be configured to show readouts in any order desired; a printout can be provided from the infrared printer.

“The ability to print out reports is a plus,” said one judge. “The easy-to-use, easy-to-service features should make this a good choice for contractors and techs.”

GOLD WINNER

Copeland Brand Products by Emerson Climate Technologies’ Copeland PerformanceAlert™ monitors compressor operating conditions by using the compressor as a sensor, providing advanced protection, diagnostics, and fault history. Designed for use in new and existing refrigeration systems with Copeland® brand compressors, it communicates on site and enables remote monitoring, aiding in the prevention of system failures.

The Copeland Performance Alert compressor controller works in tandem with Copeland brand compressors in supermarket, walk-in cooler, and industrial refrigeration applications. Featuring 11 fault codes and remote communication, Copeland PerformanceAlert is designed to increase the life of refrigeration equipment and aid in system troubleshooting.

“This is innovation from a recognized leader in the market, what else can be said,” noted one judge. “It would be wonderful if more OEMs would install it,” pointed out another.

The system also offers low-voltage phase alarm protection, 120/230 V compatibility, and a phone number for round-the-clock technical support.

“These features ease installation and provide troubleshooting assistance, all while saving the contractor time and money,” said the company. “Contractors in the refrigeration market will be better able to diagnose problems before damage occurs, making end users happy with the life and stability of their systems.”

The Copeland Performance Alert compressor controller provides complete diagnostic and protection functionality for refrigeration systems. This single piece of equipment accomplishes what is traditionally only achieved with multiple devices.

GOLD WINNER

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s American Standard Acculink® with Telephone Access Module (TAM) allows the homeowner and dealer to remotely control the operation of the system via phone. It also allows the system to call out if there is a need for routine maintenance or when the system is not performing to standards. This provides the consumer with real-time operating status of their AccuLink system and allows the dealer to remotely access the system for diagnostics before making a service call.

“Dealers lose time and money, and homeowners can be frustrated, when a home HVAC system cannot be repaired during a service call because the proper parts aren’t available,” said the company. “American Standard’s TAM engineers a solution to these challenges by enabling communication with the system from within the home or offsite.”

The TAM is an option on the company’s Allegiance and Heritage 18 outdoor units and Freedom 95 furnaces. The AccuLink System uses digital technology to set standard performance criteria. When the system is out of balance with the criteria - for example, a minimum or maximum temperature threshold is reached in the home, the TAM will call up to three pre-determined phone numbers with an alert message. Installing the TAM requires a phone jack and electric outlet anywhere in the home.

It can be connected to the home’s existing phone line and does not tie up the line unless it is calling out about a potential service issue, or unless the homeowner or technician is calling in for remote control or diagnostics.

Honorees: Testing & Monitoring Products

Golds
testo Inc.
www.testo.us
testo 327

Copeland Brand Products by Emerson Climate Technologies
www.emersonclimate.com
Copeland PerformanceAlert™

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
www.americanstandardair.com
American Standard AccuLink® with Telephone Access Module

Honorable Mentions
Extech Instruments
www.extech.com
True RMS 400A AC/DC Clamp Meter + IR Thermometer

testo Inc.
www.testo.us
Video Pro Inspection Scope

Publication Date: 07/14/2008