HVAC North Center Chicago | Expert Power Efficient System Designs

Do not be confused by the name NY Engineers is your best option if you are looking for Full Service Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineering Firm in Chicago Illinois. We are not only an HVAC Chicago but also a leading provider of Sprinkler System Engineering services throughout North Center Chicago. Call 312 767.6877

Recently huge crowds have been stopping by the New York Engineers website searching for Electrical Engineering in or near the Chicago area. This is due because of the following we have develop in this kind of work. However, a lot of building managers from Carpentersville to Phoenix, are not aware that NY-Engineers.Com is also a top contender for anyone searching for HVAC Chicago.

The pursuit of energy efficient buildings involves energy-efficient HVAC system design. This may include systems for domestic water heating, architectural enclosure, HVAC, lighting, and vertical transportation. The loads for that HVAC systems may come primarily from 5 different places including lighting (cooling), the construction envelope (cooling and heating), ventilation (cooling and heating), equipment for program use (cooling) and occupancy (cooling).
The ventilation load will certainly be a function of either the devices required to be able to introduce it into a space and control contaminant concentration or the quantity of people that may be in the room. In the majority of climates within the southwestern and eastern regions of the united states, to reduce outter air-flow will save energy whenever the

outside air is either humid and warm or very cold.
Managing the ventilation rate is going to be dependant upon occupancy which is called a form of demand control ventilation. This really is a everyday sort of energy conservation strategy that is utilized for homes with intermittent or heavy occupancy. Having heating and cooling loads dropped as low as possible can be achieved through the use of a very high performance building envelope, occupancy sensors, and performance lighting that apply daylight response of lighting controls.

Chicago HVAC Engineering services versus HVAC Technicians

If you’ve ever discussed the distinction between a HVAC Technician vs HVAC Engineers, then continue reading:

HVAC engineers are the people who watch over installing of air conditioning systems both for residential and commercial buildings. They spend a great deal of their day in offices doing higher-level organization and arranging of installations but they do also visit job sites every once in awhile.

But, HVAC technicians in Chicago have a tendency to do a lot of the hands-on work with repair and maintenance. A HVAC technician may work together with an engineer to do some of the installation work, especially on smaller jobs. Generally HVAC techs do a lot more travel and may even spend considerable time identifying leaks, changing filters, doing recharges or getting rid of old and outdated systems that utilize old refrigerants.

HVAC engineers could possibly have the opportunity to make more decisions about systems that are used, and they also are definitely the people who would offer assistance with one of the most sensible refrigerants and which systems would best suit a greater building. In the trade, there is certainly some conflict between ‘the suits’ and ‘the ones that will get their hands dirty’, but the two jobs do require an effective understanding of how air conditioner really works. Nowadays huge crowds have been crawling our sites searching for things like HVAC License Chicago. Nevertheless, the goal of our organization is to become the number one choice for anyone looking for a HVAC Chicago and or any of our other services including Protection Engineering services. We ask that anybody looking for additional information about our Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineering Firm in Chicago Illinois visits at our blog…

Selecting the Right Type of Electrical Raceway for your Architectural Engineering Project: Nonmetallic Conduit Options

Our previous article covered the main types of metallic conduit for electrical conductors, and now we will discuss nonmetallic conduit and its applications in architectural engineering and other engineering areas. Nonmetallic conduit is normally the more affordable option, providing improved electrical isolation and corrosion resistance, while reducing the degree of physical protection.

Like with metallic conduit, all electrical installations must be according to the NFPA National Electric Code and local electrical codes. Conductors are not intended for unprotected installation, except for specific types that include metallic armor or polymer sheathing.

Keep in mind that this article is no replacement for electrical codes; the technical information provided here is very general. When working with engineering projects that involve electrical installations, you should check the specific code requirements for each application.

Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (PVC)

PVC is possibly the most common type of nonmetallic conduit used in architectural engineering projects, being lightweight and affordable, while offering decent mechanical resistance for its low weight. In addition, it is virtually unaffected by humidity and corrosion, and is also an electrical insulator. However, the insulating properties of PVC are both a benefit and a disadvantage: the conduit itself cannot be electrified, but a grounding conductor becomes mandatory as a result, while metallic conduit can be used as both raceway and grounding in various applications.

PVC also offers features that simplify installation: it can be heated for quick manual bends, recovering its rigidity once it cools down. In addition, its low weight simplifies handling, and the conduit is easy to cut. PVC fittings are unthreaded and designed for slip-on installation, using solvent cements. PVC pull boxes also bring the reduced weight advantage, making them easier to handle and install.

This type of nonmetallic conduit is available with three different wall thicknesses: Schedule 20 is the thinnest, Schedule 40 is intermediate, and Schedule 80 is the thickest. Trade sizes range from ½” to 6”.

Schedule 20 PVC, with its thin walls, is not approved by the NEC for electrical installations. Therefore, it is used mostly in communication systems.
Schedule 40 PVC is the general-purpose option, adapting to a wide range of applications.
Schedule 80 PVC is used there conduit is exposed to physical damage. It is more expensive than Schedule 40, but its added strength increases the allowed applications.

The use of PVC conduit is not allowed in hazardous locations, areas where the ambient temperature exceeds 50°C (122°F), or applications where conductor insulation temperature exceeds the rated temperature of PVC. When used for lighting circuits, PVC cannot be used as physical support to hang lighting fixtures. Although the code does not prohibit its use with low ambient temperatures, consider that extreme cold can make PVC brittle, offering reduced protection for conductors.

High Density Polyethylene Conduit (HDPE)

HDPE is a type of nonmetallic conduit for applications where the circuit is buried or encased in concrete. It is not approved for indoor use or for exposed installation. Like PVC conduit, HDPE is not allowed in hazardous locations unless the code makes a direct exception, and it subject to the same ambient temperature and conductor insulation temperature limitations. The approved HDPE trade sizes range from ½” to 6”.

Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC)

RTRC is more commonly known as fiberglass conduit. Its applications are very similar to those of Schedule 40 PVC, but there is one key advantage: PVC can become brittle when exposed to very cold weather, while RTRC conserves its mechanical properties. RTRC is suitable for exposed or buried installation, indoor or outdoor use, and is unaffected by humidity and corrosion.

The applications where RTRC is not allowed are similar to those of Schedule 40 PVC: hazardous locations, luminaire support, and areas where it is exposed to physical damage or high temperature. Like with PVC and HDPE, trade sizes range from ½” to 6”.

Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC)

LFNC has a self-explanatory name: it is a type of nonmetallic conduit intended for connections and cable runs with obstacles that are difficult to bypass with rigid conduit. LFNC is a versatile option, approved for various indoor and outdoor applications. Usage is not allowed where it will be exposed to damage, in hazardous locations, or if temperatures exceed conduit ratings. Like PVC, LFNC is vulnerable to extreme cold: it may become brittle, losing its flexibility. Unless codes make an exception, LFNC should not be used in runs longer than 6 ft or with circuits above 600V. Approved trade sizes range from ⅜” to 4”.

Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT)

ENT has similar applications to LFNC, but can be used for runs longer than 6 feet. In indoor locations, ENT can be either exposed or concealed. It resists moisture and corrosion, but can only be used outdoors if encased in concrete or protected from sunlight. Direct burial is not allowed, and it can only be installed exposed to the sun if specified as sunlight resistant.

ENT trade sizes range from ½” to 1”, and it is subject to the same usage restrictions that apply for many other types of nonmetallic conduit: hazardous locations, high temperatures and luminaire support.

Additional Recommendations from an Architectural Engineering Professional

Although each application is unique, non-metallic conduit generally offers a cost advantage over metallic conduit, giving up on some physical protection. However, keep in mind that metallic conduit may be mandatory in various architectural engineering applications; for example, the most demanding environments typically require rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC).

To achieve the best results in electrical installations, working with qualified professionals is highly recommended. In new construction, you can achieve drastic cost reductions with smart design decisions. For example, energy efficiency reduces the electrical load, which in turn reduces conductor and conduit diameter.