Frequently Asked Questions
2. Why should I consider the Zipset System?
3. Does the Zipset System require any hard wiring?
4. Does the Zipset System require any building power?
5. Does the Zipset System include the balancing dampers?
6. My project’s balancing dampers are already purchased / installed. Now what?
7. Are there size limitations to the single blade dampers?
8. How is the damper locked in place after balancing is finished?
9. When should I consider using the Option #1, CR-1 ceiling bracket?
The Zipset System (ZS) is the flagship product of The Zip Group, LLC, (ZG) and is the ultimate answer for adjusting inaccessible air balancing dampers from a remote location. The ZS does away with the long outdated 100% mechanical gadgets in favor of a “one size fits all” electro–mechanical and software solution.
Reliability, economy, aesthetics. The ZS eliminates the need for access doors as well as custom–fitted, labor intensive and often cantankerous twist or sliding cable hardware, (think bicycle brake cables). Gone are worm gears, universal joints, square or round steel rods, or any mechanical gadgets previously associated with adjusting inaccessible balancing dampers.
The Zipset System has been designed to address several issues . . .
- It had to be mechanically as simple and reliable as possible, using 21st Century technology. No access doors, and no “50’s era” worm gears or twist or sliding cable gadgets were even considered.
- It had to be inexpensive to manufacture. Everyone wants quality at a competitive price.
- It had to install easily regardless of job site conditions, without any custom fitting of its parts.
- The features have to make real–world sense. For instance, only the CFM reading at the air device matters. Reading out or ‘dialing in’ the blade angle position during the balancing task adds cost but has little or no value.
- To minimize field installation labor costs, the ‘average time to install’ of 5 to 10 minutes had to be a realistic goal. There would be no need for any special framing or misc. hardware to support the ceiling receptacle.
- The system had to accommodate ducts designs where control of the dampers might be required at distances of 100 feet or more.
- A method of verifying the integrity of the electrical and mechanical connections prior to the ceiling installation had to be included.
- Adjustment of the balancing dampers had to be an efficient and precise task. To save time and labor expense, a single balancing technician could take downstream air flow measurements while simultaneously adjusting the damper with wireless remote control.
No. The very flexible two conductor power-signal cable from the actuator to the connection point (ceiling brackets or remote panels) can be routed freely as needed around any above-ceiling ductwork, piping, conduit, cable trays, etc. The 8 ft cable which comes pre-wired on every ZSA-1 actuator, as well as extension cables when needed, are plenum-rated (CMP) for use above ceilings designed for return air flow to the AHU.
No. The handheld controllers, HHC-1 and HHC-1R, standard 9 volt battery provide all the power required to operate its electronics as well as the ZSA-1 damper actuator.
Usually. The ZS offers a very competitive line of commercial-grade, galvanized balancing dampers, which generally ship with the ZSA-1 actuator preinstalled, ready for mounting to the ductwork. Customer feedback has confirmed that this is the most economical way for a contractor to provide the damper requirement, when the labor cost for mounting the actuators is included. Click on the damper image near the bottom of the home page for details.
No problem. The unique design of the ZSA-1 actuator allows it to be easily installed on almost any round, oval or rectangular dampers using the included universal mounting bracket. All that is required is for the damper blade drive shaft to be from 1/4″ thru 1/2″ round, hex or square profile, and have a free extended length of at least 3-1/4″. Refer to the ZSA-1 actuator details by clicking its image on the home page.
The ZS standard round dampers range from 4 thru 20 inches. The ZSA-1 actuator torque is rated at 30 in-lbs, which is sufficient to operate free moving rectangular dampers up to 12 sq ft at 2″ max w.g. The maximum single blade damper size is 24W x 18H. However, up to three sections can be ganged together in the width dimension when 24 inches is not wide enough. Only one actuator is required to operate this arrangement.
The design of the ZSA-1 gear train is such that once the balancing is completed at a particular air device, and the power from the HHC controller is disconnected, the actuator permanently locks the damper blade in position.
The CR-1 bracket is usually a good choice when the connection point to the actuator power cable will be in a hard ceiling and generally within a few feet of the actuator. On the Home Page, click on the ‘Option #1’ image for more details.