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Optimize Efficiency and Consistent Draft: Explore Field Controls Draft Controls for Reliable Operation in Heating Appliances

Draft must remain constant for proper operation and efficient fuel consumption in heating appliances.

When draft control is used in oil, gas, and/or coal-fired heating appliances, fuels are utilized efficiently. Field Controls Draft Controls maintain consistent draft by counteracting the negative forces caused by changes in temperature and barometric pressure, as well as the effects of wind. Draft Controls come in a variety of types for specific applications. When do you need to use a draft Control?

When to use a draft control? Refer to our product below on when to use a draft control with a draft inducer/power venter, power burners, forced draft burners, dual fuel appliances and gas-fired appliances. We offer training classes that are NATE and NORA certified.

Draft Control

Forced Draft Burners

Forced Draft installed with a stack height in excess of 30 feet will probably develop excessive natural draft, reducing the amount of pressure within the furnace or boiler. A barometric draft control will help eliminate this undesirable stack action and permit the unit to be pressurized.

Draft Inducers/Power Venters

With Draft Inducers and Power Venters, draft is increased or created, causing fluctuations in air flow through the combustion chamber. These fluctuations can be negated by the use of a barometric draft control located between the draft inducer or power venter and the furnace, boiler, or water heater it services. Use a single-acting control for oil and gas-fired equipment with a power vented system. Use a single acting control for oil, and a double-acting control for gas-fired equipment with a draft induced system.

Power Burners

A power burner is designed so that a fan delivers negative air pressure to the combustion chamber. A single-acting draft control for oil maintains that negative pressure. A power burner designed to burn natural or LP gas operates in the same manner. While a draft hood (diverter) is often used on gas units fired with an atmospheric burner, a double-acting barometric draft control should be used for furnaces or boilers fired with power burners.

Gas-Fired Appliances

Gas-fired furnaces and boilers generally require a double-acting draft control. Like a single-acting control, it opens inwardly to maintain a uniform draft. But, unlike a single-acting control, it is also free to open outwardly to spill the products of combustion, in case of blocked flues or downdrafts. National codes often mandate the use of a draft control. Usage is generally limited to furnaces or boilers designed for use with power burners and incinerators. Draft controls are generally used when oil-fired units are converted to gas

Dual Fuel Appliances

Burners capable of burning either gaseous fuels or oil should be equipped with a barometric draft control. Field Controls suggests using a double-acting control on units where fuels are frequently changed. The double-acting feature is important for gas-firing appliances because it allows spillage of combustion products in case of blocked flues or downdrafts. To detect flue gas spillage on dual fuel installation, a Field Thermal Safety Switch is recommended.

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