Tech Tips

A 40VA transformer is rated for 40 VA or volt-amps on the secondary. For a typical 24 volt secondary, this is simply using Watt's law to calculate amperage. (For more information on Watt's or Ohm's laws, please check out this article HERE.) 40 ÷ 24 = 1.666666 ∞ (round up to 1.67 already) So, you […]

Yes, I'm walking a fine line with that title or even writing about Labor Day or workers' movements at all. So, let's take a step back, strip away the politics and economic theory, and talk about this from a human standpoint. Peter McGuire was born in New York in the 1850s to a poor family […]

Oil pressure controls, oil failure controls, oil safety controls… They’re a pain in the neck when they trip, and diagnosing those problems can really tax even the best of techs. As semi-hermetic compressors get larger, they can no longer rely on simple splash or “sling” type lubrication strategies where oil is just flung around inside […]

This is Part 4 series by Senior Refrigeration Tech (and prolific writer) Jeremy Smith. Pay attention to this one, folks. I know rigging and safe lifting practices may be boring to some of you, but it could very well save your back or your life. Disclaimer This article is written by a technician representing his […]

This is Part 3 series by Senior Refrigeration Tech (and prolific writer) Jeremy Smith. Pay attention to this one, folks. I know rigging and safe lifting practices may be boring to some of you, but it could very well save your back or your life. Disclaimer This article is written by a technician representing his […]

This is Part 2 series by Senior Refrigeration Tech (and prolific writer) Jeremy Smith. Pay attention to this one, folks. I know rigging and safe lifting practices may be boring to some of you, but it could very well save your back or your life. Disclaimer This article is written by a technician representing his […]

This is an open letter sent to staff at Kalos Services. Hey Everyone, First, I want to remind you that you are in no way obligated to read company emails or do anything work-related when you aren’t working. So, if you don’t want to be bothered by this on your day or time off, then […]

This is ANOTHER series by Senior Refrigeration Tech (and prolific writer) Jeremy Smith. Pay attention to this one, folks. I know rigging and safe lifting practices may be boring to some of you, but it could very well save your back or your life. Disclaimer This article is written by a technician representing his real-world […]

If you do any larger commercial work, you've probably seen a DIN rail without knowing what it is called. It is simply a mounting standard that originated in Germany in the 80s and slowly worked its way over here. DIN rails can be used to mount terminal blocks, relays, starters, breakers, and just about anything […]