#ecm

Tech Tips:

The Difference Between Variable-Speed and X13 Motors
First, let's cover the basics. X13 is a brand name for the Regal Beloit/Genteq brand of constant torque motors; there are other manufacturers that make them, but the term “X13” has become pretty much synonymous with the fractional horsepower HVAC constant torque motor. Also, this article specifically discusses common residential/light commercial motors. There are other […]
Read more
Diagnosing ECM & X13 Motors
First, let's give proper credit. Most of the best practices and tools for diagnosing ECM and X13 motors come from Regal/Genteq and their site, thedealertoolbox.com, and their app, The Dealer Toolbelt (available on the App Store and Google Play). Your best bet is to follow the practices shown there and use their TECInspect diagnostic tool […]
Read more
Does Mass or Volume Move Heat?
I once heard someone say, and have since repeated many times that BTU's ride on the back of Cubic Feet of Air or CFM. As I've learned more I've come to the conclusion that the weight or mass of the air passing over the evaporator coil is far more important to understand both in terms […]
Read more
How I Failed to Re-diagnose: The Lesson I Learned
This is the tale of how I found myself stuck on a service call for over 12 hours on a weekend due to my failure to re-diagnose an issue. I was working for a service company that had many accounts with local gas stations. These were large customers, and we did everything we could to […]
Read more
Tech Question – Why Do ECM Motors Trip a GFCI?
This question was submitted on the site in response to the recent GFCI tip. It's a good question with several possible answers. What do you think? Hey Bryan, I have had a few instances where we are firing off a furnace in a new build with a temporary power pole outside with gfci outlets installed […]
Read more
ECM, VFD, and Inverter – What’s the Difference?
Ever since Nikola Tesla invented the modern induction motor, we have been struggling with varying the speed of motors efficiently and reliably. The trouble in the HVAC industry is that there are several different types of technologies in play, and they can easily get confused. ECM (electronically commutated motor) In residential and light commercial HVAC, […]
Read more

Podcasts:

What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers
 Bryan Orr and Steve Rogers dive deep into measuring power consumption in HVAC blower motors, particularly focusing on the differences between PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) and ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technologies. The discussion stems from a question raised at an educators' conference about the accuracy of clamp-on meters in measuring blower motor watt draw, […]
Read more
Analog vs. Digital Sine – Short #179
 In this short podcast, Bryan breaks down the differences between analog and digital sine waves. Analog readings deal with an unlimited number of values; they are very precise and can have any number of decimals. As a result, the alternating current (AC) analog sine readings have very smooth curves when we read them on […]
Read more

Events:

The Value of First Time Completion of PSC Motor Failures With Universal ECM
NOTE: If you cannot view the recording, the video may still be processing. The maximum wait time is 24 hours. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
Read more
ECM and RTFM, This Is the Way!
NOTE: If you cannot view the recording, the video may still be processing. The maximum wait time is 24 hours. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
Read more
loading

To continue you need to agree to our terms.

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips
made possible by generous support from