The Zone Control Blog

Night Setback

Some customers, especially commercial customers, will want to use a night thermostat to set back all the zones in a zoning system to allow for occupied and unoccupied temperature scheduling of the building.

The components needed are a night thermostat, a 7-day time clock, and an override timer. Occupied and unoccupied scheduling can be accomplished with most zoning systems by interrupting the “R wire” between the zone control panel and the equipment. Other zoning system control boards like a Jackson Systems’ Z-2000 have terminals built into the boards for these connections. The time clock is set to open the equipment control circuit at night which will lower temperature in the case of heating (and raise the temperature in the case of cooling) to the set point on the night thermostat. The override timer is used to override the night thermostat and give control back to the zone control system.

As for wiring of the components, this depends on the control board used.  The time clock, night thermostat, and override timer must be in parallel.  Either the board must accomplish this, so you will see a separate terminal for each device, or you must physically wire the three devices in parallel.

Using these components will allow for even greater energy savings for the customer.

Troubleshooting Zone Control

By: Mike Holscher, Inside Sales Engineer at Jackson Systems, LLC

Although forced air zone control systems vary from one manufacturer to another, the principle of zoning is basically the same. A residential or light commercial zone control system uses multiple thermostats and motorized or pneumatic zone dampers along with a logic panel to control the air distribution from a single HVAC unit to individual zones. In most applications, a bypass damper is also incorporated to maintain the system static pressure as zone dampers open and close.

Typical Zoning System Layout

With proper test, check and start-up procedures, modern zone control systems require very little, if any, maintenance after the original installation. Unfortunately, not every system is thoroughly tested to assure that everything is functioning properly which usually leads to a user complaint after the fact.

If the service contractor is not the original installer of the zoning system, it is always a good practice to find out from the user what brand system requires troubleshooting as the original manufacturer can provide technical assistance, along with installation and operation manuals that will make the service technicians’ job a lot easier in diagnosing the problem. The zone thermostat on the wall is not necessarily the zone control brand. The user needs to confirm the manufacture of the logic panel which could be located on or near the HVAC unit, in a closet, garage or even in an attic. If they simply don’t know, or locating the panel is too inconvenient, then the technician is making a blind service call. This is where basic understanding of zone control systems can be a real plus in the troubleshooting process.

Before heading for the jobsite, the service technician should make sure to have the following in the tool kit:
Quality multi-meter
Digital thermometer
Small screwdriver that fits electronic terminal blocks
Flashlight
18-gauge thermostat jumper wires

Where to start:

Most user complaints come from not being comfortable. This could be related to multitude of things including zone thermostats, zone dampers, the logic panel or even the HVAC equipment. A good start is to find out if the problem is isolated to one zone or multiple zones. If it’s a single zone, the diagnostic process becomes less involved.  Typically a single zone problem can be traced back to a malfunctioning zone damper or zone thermostat.  Testing of the zone damper to see if it is opening and closing properly and replacing any defective parts on the zone damper can solve many problems.

Checking Zone Dampers for Proper Operation

Testing of the thermostat to see if it is operating normally by having it call for conditioned air would be the second troubleshooting step on single zone problems.  This can be accomplished by confirming that the zone control panel is receiving the correct corresponding signals from the thermostat. A jumper wire can come in handy here.  Disconnecting the thermostats from the logic panel and placing a jumper wire between the R terminal and the W terminal on one zone terminal can simulate a call for heat.  This can help confirm that the logic panel and the HVAC equipment are working properly.  Usually if a contractor can troubleshoot a thermostat that does not have zoning, they can troubleshoot a thermostat that does have zoning.
Multiple zone problems can be more complicated but the troubleshooting steps are similar to a single zone problem.  Isolating zone dampers and zone thermostats and testing each component individually should help you find the problem.
Troubleshooting the logic panel can more involved than troubleshooting individual zones.  The logic panel is where the thermostats, dampers and the HVAC equipment are tied together.

Trouble shooting Zone Panel

Testing the logic panel can be accomplished by using a quality multi-meter and checking for voltage or continuity at certain terminals on the panel.  If you are getting an input signal from the thermostat but you are not getting an output signal to the HVAC equipment the logic panel might need replaced.  Any and all fuses on the logic panel should also be checked to make sure they are in proper working condition.  It is best to have a separate dedicated transformer powering the logic panel in order to isolate the zone control system from the HVAC equipment.  Many logic panels have built in LED’s to help troubleshoot the zoning system.  These LED’s can tell the contractor when dampers are open or closed, when cooling or heating is being called for by the thermostat or when the fan is being called for.  The use of these LED’s can provide invaluable assistance in diagnosing zoning problems.
When testing any component, care is needed to make sure all wires are landed securely and that there is no break in any of the wiring.  If pneumatic tubes are used, make sure there are no leaks and the pump is functionally properly.
If the zone thermostats, zone dampers, and the logic panel seem to be in working order, then attention now needs to be focused on the HVAC equipment.  Disconnecting the R wire and the W wire from the logic panel and wiring these two together should bring on the equipment.  Testing of the HVAC equipment can follow the same testing procedures as if there was not zone control.  Sub-cooling, super-heat, temperature, and pressure readings should all be taken.
Forced air zone control technology has taken tremendous steps in the last decade.  Ease of installation, reliability of parts, and technical support from manufactures, are all areas that have improved that have allowed zone control to grow both in residential and light commercial markets.  Troubleshooting zone control systems is also an area that is seeing a higher level of expertise among contractors.  This expertise allows the end user to have a higher level of comfort than has been enjoyed in the past. 

Honeywell &8150 Air Ventilation System

The control operates a fresh air intake damper and, when necessary, activates the main HVAC blower to efficiently meet ASHRAE ventilation rates.

A fresh air duct and damper must be installed between the outdoors and the return side of the HVAC equipment.  The W8150 control will be mounted near the HVAC system and wired between the thermostat and the fan control.

Today's energy-efficient homes do a great job of keeping conditioned air in. The downside is that reduced ventilation and air exchange with the outside can result in poor indoor air quality and possible health problems. Even air systems that are designed with fresh air intake do not provide ventilation or exhaust when they are not running. Economical and affordable ventilation control systems are ideal for use with exhaust fans, air handlers, heat recovery ventilators, intermittent whole-house exhaust systems, or anywhere specific ventilation rates are desired. Mixing the house air can increase energy efficiency, reduce moisture condensation problems, and increase indoor air quality.

Typically, the damper is installed in a 6" duct that runs from the outdoors to the return side of the air handler on the central heating and cooling system. The control opens the damper to introduce fresh air when the air handler operates to satisfy a space heating or cooling call from the thermostat. Once the damper has been open the appropriate length of time to satisfy the calculated requirement for ventilation, the damper will no longer open during regular heating or cooling periods. Alternatively, if there have not been sufficient heating or cooling calls to introduce adequate fresh air, the control will open the damper and activate the air handler. The control resets and begins counting every 24 hours.

Features and Benefits
-Microcontroller optimizes the air delivery schedule to make efficient use of normal HVAC run times.

-Test mode that includes immediate feedback to installer to confirm that air delivery requirements of selected ventilation standard are being met.

-Economical supply-only ventilation; works with forced air system.

Specifications

Y8150 includes:
-W8150A Fresh Air ventilation Control
-EARD6 Fresh air damper (6” diameter, Powered Open/Spring Closed)
-AT120B Transformer
-Mounting hardware for control
-Homeowner information label
Power Supply: 24Vac
Power consummation 3.5VA
Input Setting Ranges:
Bedrooms 2-5
Area: 1000-4600 sq ft.
Vent Airflow 40-160 cfm

Installation
-Installing a damper directly to the return duct may be convenient to support the damper and reduce ducting.

W8150 A Control
-Ventilation Limit
This setting determines the maximum amount of time that the fan runs for ventilation.  Ventilation control reads the new dial setting only when test button is pushed or power is cycled.
Setting the control
Set the number of bedrooms dial
Set the sq ft area dial
Set the cfm airflow dial
For homes with multiple systems, Honeywell recommends a ventilation control and fresh air intake for each system.

The Honeywell Y8150 A is used in conjunction with central HVAC fan systems. It consists of a motorized damper, a transformer, and control that contains an "intelligent algorithm". The algorithm calculates the amount of ventilation needed based on particular settings for the home. The installer enters the square footage of the home, the number of bedrooms, and the amount of outdoor air being introduced when the air handler operates and the damper is open. The latter value is obtained by directly measuring the volume of air moving through the duct with a tool such as a pilot tube. The control then opens the motorized damper the appropriate amount of time to achieve the required volume of fresh air for the home.

To learn more about Jackson Systems visit www.jacksonsystems.com.

Jackson Systems' expands product line to include technology in gas detection

Jackson Systems has expanded their product line to include technology in gas detection.  Some of the more common air quality hazards that need monitoring include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), NO2, O2, CL2, and refrigerants.  Whether you require a fully engineered gas detection network or a more modest detection solution, we can customize a solution to meet your needs.  Gas detection can be a critical component of ensuring clean air in parking garages, mechanical rooms, computer server rooms, or in refrigerant systems. 

One common gas detection application is monitoring CO in parking garages.  These monitoring systems can activate ventilation through relays on multiple levels and at varying speeds depending on the concentration of gas measured.  Cars produce carbon monoxide (CO) as a result of incomplete combustion.  When a large number of vehicles are within an enclosed area such as a parking garage, the concentrations of CO can reach harmful levels.  Large reductions in energy and maintenance costs can be had by activating fans only when CO levels reach a certain hazardous level instead of running them all the time.

A gas detection system typically includes a main control panel, sensors, and audible/visual alarm devices that can be linked to a controller or a building automation system (BAS).   The system can be either hardwired or wireless.  Many people think that wireless mesh networking is the wave of the future.

To learn more about Jackson Systems visit www.jacksonsystems.com.

Special Offer from Jackson Systems - Free Zone Control Panel

Mention this blog and get 1/2 off a new Green Zone panel.  Only one offer per customer.  Hurry! Offer ends September 30, 2008. 

To receive this special offer call us at 1.888.652.9663 or visit us online at www.jacksonsystems.com.

How The Green Zone Works
The Green Zone panel is the “heart” of the zone control system. It receives signals from the zone thermostats and directs the right amount of conditioned air to the proper zone at the right time.

Comfort System™ dampers regulate the air to each zone or area. The zone control panel tells the dampers whether they should be open or closed, making sure that conditioned air is only sent where needed.

Zone thermostats act as the “command center” for controlling the zone temperatures. The Green Zone system will work with most thermostats allowing for maximum flexibility.

Features

• Auto changeover
• First Call Priority- 20 Minute Time Share
• Independent Fan Mode
• Short Cycle Protection
• No Adjustments Required
• 10 Amp Heavy Duty Relay Contacts
• Fused Inputs and Outputs
• Electronic Discharge Air Sensor
• 10 Year Panel Warranty
• Single Stage (1H/1C)
• Multi-Stage (2H/2C)
• Heat Pump (2H/1C)

Learn more about the Z-200 The Green Zone at http://jacksonsystems.com/search/178.

Jackson Systems Announces TK-400 Universal Twinning/Paralleling Kit

Jackson Systems, LLC, an Indiana-based, award-winning HVAC manufacturer and wholesaler, announces the TK-400 Universal Twinning/Paralleling Kit. The TK-400 is designed to allow a single thermostat to control two separate HVAC units. The TK-400 can also be expanded to control a total of four HVAC units.

“We saw a need among our clients for a simple product to perform like the TK-400 and were able to quickly develop a solution to this need,” said Tom Jackson, C.E.O. of Jackson Systems. “The HVAC industry now has an easy-to-use product for controlling multiple HVAC units. HVAC contractors will appreciate the simple application with precise control.”

The TK-400 can be used on common or separate ducted systems with single stage (1 Heat / 1 Cool), multi-stage (2 Heat / 2 Cool) and heat pump (3 Heat / 2 Cool) equipment. Only standard 18 gauge thermostat wire is required. Thermostats and HVAC units can be located up to 300 feet from the TK-400 panel. When HVAC units share a common return and supply duct, backdraft dampers should be installed and thermostat fan operation must be set for electric.

Key features of this product include: 
 Easy to install and set-up
 Competitively priced
 Strong Technical Support
 Design assistance available
 All orders shipped the same day
 Free standard shipping
 5 year warranty
 Factory direct to contractors
 Online ordering

This product is available in-stock now and may be purchased online at www.jacksonsystems.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-652-9663.

Z-200 The Green Zone: Part 2

This video features the second part of the progression of design and development of The Green Zone.  This product expands Jackson Systems' product line as well as allows the end user to be environmentally friendly.  To view Z-200 The Green Zone: Part 1 check out Jackson Systems TV from our website.  You can also view all of our videos on YouTube. 

New "Green" Product Launches

Jackson Systems, LLC Launches First ‘Green’ Product, The Z-200TM Zone Control Panel

Indianapolis, IN – Jackson Systems, LLC, an Indiana-based, award-winning HVAC manufacturer and wholesaler, announces the launch of their first green product, the Z-200TM. The Z-200TM, also known as The Green ZoneTM, is a two zone residential and light commercial zone control system that allows a single HVAC system to have up to two separate zones. Each zone is controlled by its own space thermostat and motorized zone damper.

“The Green ZoneTM was created for our customers who need a quality but inexpensive zone control system,” said Tom Jackson, C.E.O. of Jackson Systems. “We believe this product surpasses all other two zone systems on the market. It’s a quality product full of value, simple to use, saves money, and helps lower energy which is good for the environment”.

The Green ZoneTM comes with all of these great features and Jackson Systems’ benefits:

• Helps low utility bills
• Helps reduce greenhouse gases
• Three models
     o 1 heat / 1 cool
     o 2 heat / 2 cool
     o 2 heat / 1 cool heat pump
• Auto changeover
• First call priority with time share
• No programming required
• Competitively priced
• 10 year warranty
• Contractor-friendly
• Simple installation
• Contractor-direct
• Strong technical support
• Same day shipping
• Free freight
• Online ordering

Learn more about the Z-200TM, The Green ZoneTM, online at www.jacksonsystems.com.

-30-

Jackson Systems, LLC is an award-winning HVAC company specializing in zone control. We design, manufacture and distribute controls for the heating and air conditioning industry. Our other areas of expertise include commercial zone control, thermostats and indoor air quality. Our headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jackson Systems serves both contractor and wholesale markets throughout the world.

Z-1600 vs Z-2000

The Comfort System Z-2000, formerly known as the Z-1600, is the latest generation of commercial zone control systems that allows a single HVAC unit to have up to 20 individual zones.  This blog will be taking a look at how the new Z-2000 compares to the old Z-1600.

As mentioned above, the Z-2000 allows up to 20 zones while the Z-1600 only allowed 16 zones.

The Z-2000 is compatible with HC or HP in a separate panel; the Z-1600 is switch selectable on the same panel.

The Z-2000 has 2H/2C stages with the Z-1600 having the same stages

The Z-2000 has an electronic discharge air sensor and the Z-1600 has a mechanical discharge air sensor

The Z-2000 has a P+I thermostat and the Z-1600 also has the P+I thermostat

The Z-2000 has a single 24 Volt 75 VA transformer and the Z-1600 has a 24 Volt transformer for the panel, but the actuators require a separate 24 Volt transformer.

The Z-2000 has homerun wiring and so does the Z-1600, so there is no change in the wiring aspect.

For the Z-2000, the majority wins in the control algorithm and that is also the case for the Z-1600.

The minimum call selection for the Z-2000 is switch selectable and the Z-1600 minimum call selection is with call resistors.

The scheduling on the Z-2000 is clock terminals, clock power terminals, and night stat terminals; the Z-1600 has clock terminals for time clock, night stat, and override timer.

The Z-2000 has economizer terminals while the Z-1600 does not.

The panel configuration for the Z-2000 has a single PC board and the Z-1600 has two PC boards.

Both the Z-1600 and Z-2000 have led indication.

The speed up mode for the Z-2000 is a push button; the speed up mode for the Z-1600 is a jumper.

The Z-2000 and Z-1600 are both switch selectable for heat/auto/cool.

The Z-2000 has RC/RH and the Z-1600 does not have RC/RH.

The Z-2000 and Z-1600 both have inputs and outputs for fuse protection.

The dimensions for the Z-2000 is 11”W x 13.5”H x 2”D;  the dimensions for the Z-1600 is 12”W x 16”H x 2”D.

Introducing the Green Zone - Green for the planet, Green for you

Introducing the Z-200 "The Green Zone"

Coming in February!
Zone control can make a difference for a "greener" planet.

Residential living spaces are often challenging and costly to make comfortable with basic heating and cooling systems. The U.S. Department of Energy states that the typical family spends an average of $1300 a year on utility bills, with 44 percent devoted to heating and cooling expenses. This is a large energy waste that contributes to thousands of pounds of added carbon dioxide emission per household. Homeowners are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for ways of reducing energy consumption.

The Green Zone is a simple, high quality and competitively priced residential and light commercial zone control system that consists of a microprocessor based logic panel that can control two zones. The system is available in single-stage, multi-stage and heat pump configurations and is designed to eliminate the 8-12 degree temperature difference that exists between upstairs and downstairs in most two story homes, or between one end and the other in ranch-style homes. The system will also improve overall space comfort and lower operating costs.

How The Green Zone Works
The Green Zone panel is the “heart” of the zone control system. It receives the temperature settings from the zone thermostats and directs the right amount of conditioned air to the proper zone at the right time.

Comfort System™ dampers regulate the air to each zone or area. The zone control panel tells the dampers whether they should be open or closed, making sure that the conditioned air is only sent where needed.

Zone thermostats act as the “command center” for controlling the zone temperatures. The Green Zone system will work with most any equipment compatible thermostat, allowing for a wide selection of choices.

Learn more by visiting The Green Zone on our website.