Short #37 – The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto (Podcast)

This is a voice-over audio presentation of the article of the same title on the HVACRschool.com website (“The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto).

The manifesto discusses the value of technicians and the trades in modern society. It also covers the plague of snobbery that we are all too familiar with in the world.

You can read “The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto” HERE.

Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies HERE.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Comments

Deploying Surge Protection & Voltage Monitoring w/ DITEK

Pumping vs. Compression – Short #218

Building Tech Confidence w/ Refrigeration Mentor

Molecular Transformator – Short #217

Surge Protection Basics w/ DITEK

Q&A – Am I Toxic For Caring? – Short #216

App Based HVAC Learning

Q&A – Apps for Doing Proper Loads – Short #215

Jim Bergmann & MQ Update from NCI Summit

Q&A – System Won’t Dehumidify? – Short #214

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Bryan discusses surge protection devices (SPDs) with Mike from DITEK, focusing on practical applications for HVAC contractors and how to provide value to clients. Mike emphasizes that surge protection is essential for modern HVAC systems, particularly given that they are typically the most expensive appliance in a home and increasingly rely on sophisticated electronic components like variable-speed compressors and inverter boards.

The conversation delves into installation best practices, with a detailed discussion of proper wiring techniques for SPDs. Mike explains that surge protectors should be installed in parallel with the circuit, typically at the disconnect, and addresses common concerns about double-tapping lugs and ground connections. He emphasizes the importance of keeping wire lengths as short as possible and provides guidance for installations both with dedicated disconnects and panel-direct connections.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on DITEK’s Kool Guard (KG2) product, which represents an evolution in HVAC protection by combining surge protection with voltage monitoring. Mike explains how modern HVAC equipment, particularly inverter-driven systems, is increasingly sensitive to both over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. The Kool Guard monitors voltage on each phase independently and provides visual indication of fault conditions through LED indicators, making it easier for homeowners to identify potential issues without opening electrical enclosures.

Key Topics Covered:

· Why every modern HVAC system needs surge protection

· Installation locations and proper wiring techniques for SPDs

· The difference between line-side and load-side installation

· Ground connection best practices

· How to protect both condensers and air handlers

· The evolution from basic surge protection to voltage monitoring

· The importance of voltage monitoring for modern inverter-driven equipment

· How Kool Guard monitors voltage phase-to-ground vs line-to-line

· Common power quality issues beyond lightning strikes

· How to discuss surge protection with customers

· The limitations of utility-provided surge protection

· The impact of aging power infrastructure on power quality

· The advantages of USA-made surge protection products

· How voltage monitoring prevents damage from brownouts and over-voltage conditions

· The pre-programmed voltage protection ranges in Kool Guard

· Visual indication features for fault conditions

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.