
Protecting any expensive tool from damage is always a concern. With a more concentrated and symmetrical layout, i.e. the components are much closer to the center of gravity, the TK-2 is less awkward to hold in your hand, making it easier to use and less likely to be dropped. Also, since the TK-2 has full size 1/4” connections and large body needle valves, much less water gets trapped inside the gauge when not using it, reducing the possibility of freeze damage or calcification deposits seen in similar gauges with 3 or 5 valves. The big advantages of a 2 valve configuration would be less trapped water preventing calcification and freeze damage, lower weight ( 2.4 lbs for the head ), and a tighter center of gravity making it less awkward to hold and less likely to be damaged in a fall.
The TK-2’s body is aluminum with brass valves and fittings, making the entire body metal. Also the needle valves used are heavy duty and all brass. Combined with a tight center of gravity, even if you drop a TK-2 from 5 feet onto concrete, it is unlikely to need repair. If you do have to repair the connections due to a fall, the fittings used are commercially available so you could easily replace broken components. When freezing, water can easily crack plastic, especially if trapped, often with a 3 or 5 valve configuration even if the needle valves are open, water freezing outside to inside can become trapped and crack the body. Metal construction is much stronger and more resistant to freezing. TK-2s that we use in classes with Kruger’s Training Academy are sometimes frozen solid and we just give them half an hour to thaw and they are good to go.
The main body of the gauge is the Orange Research 1516 with a 0 - 15 PSI range and a 1.3% or 0.2 PSI accuracy. This is an industry standard and the base differential pressure module used for the Watts TK-9A, Buffalo Backflow, and most Accugage products. Our Production Information / Submittal Sheet includes an Accuracy Statement from Orange Research stating that the kit is manufactured to this higher accuracy (1.3% vs 2%), mostly because each dial is slightly customized and printed according to each individual body, instead of a standardized dial that is then calibrated to the accuracy. The gauge body, attachments, and hoses are ASSE 1064-2020 compliant and meet the generally accepted USC Guidelines similar to Midwest, Watts, and other manufacturers.
On our YouTube Channel, we created a series of videos where we test the four types of preventers using the TK-2. These can give you insight on the gauge operation, as well as the 2-valve or Single Hose Testing Procedures, which you may may not have been exposed to. Most if not All Jurisdictions accept either ASSE or USC testing procedures, many accept both:
Reduced Pressure Principle (RPZ) - USC 2-Valve Procedures
Reduced Pressure Principle (RPZ) - ASSE 5000 Single Hose Procedures
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCV) - USC Procedures
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCV) - ASSE 5000 Single Hose Procedures
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - USC Procedures
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - ASSE 5000 Single Hose Procedures
Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB) - USC Procedures
Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB) - ASSE 5000 Single Hose Procedures
Download These Procedures in PDF
All Orders include laminated copies of these step-by-step illustrated procedures
The Standard Package for $499.99 includes (1) Kruger Instruments TK-2, (1) 36" red quick connect type hose, (1) 1/4 Male x Flare Test Cock Adapter, (1) 1/2 x 1/4 Bushing, and (1) 3/4 x 1/2 Bushing. This Standard Order includes all materials necessary to perform the ASSE 5000 Single Hose Test Procedures.
For an additional $100, you can upgrade to the University of Southern California (USC) package, which includes (1) Kruger Instruments TK-2, (4) 36" red quick connect type hoses, (4) 1/4 Male x Flare Test Cock Adapters, (4) 1/2 x 1/4 Bushings, (4) 3/4 x 1/2 Bushings, (1) 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD x 6" Clear Hose, and (1) Bleed off Tee. This package includes all materials necessary to perform the USC Procedures, or the ASSE ones, whichever are required. This also includes four hoses and sets of adapters needed if you have to bypass from No. 1 to No. 4 test cock on the RPZ Test 1, where many other kits on the market only include three sets of adapters and you may not be able to complete this bypass on an ABPA or AWWA backflow exam. Keep in mind that this package includes a short clear hose and bleed off tee which are extra when comparing prices with other kits.
The order does not include a plastic or metal carrying case, but will include a strong shipping container that should last for a while if taken care of. All Shipping is Included At No Extra Charge.
You can order online (preferred) or you can order and pick up at any of our classes. You can also order over the phone at 917-887-5613. If ordering online, jus click one of the links below and then fill out the order form below that with the address and attention you want the gauge sent to. You do not need a PayPal account, just click "Pay as Guest" if you do not have one.
$550 is the price initially charged. You pay the $550 via credit card, the shipping is included but sales tax must be assessed. We then keep the sales tax and refund the difference, so for example NYC is 8.875% so you pay $550, and are assessed $499.99 for the product and then $44.37 in sales tax, so you would be charged $544.36 and refunded $5.64 via PayPal upon shipment. This is the only way I see to have online payment available, you can also pay by phone at 917-887-5613. Once paid, you fill out an order form below
$660 is the price initially charged. You pay the $660 via credit card, the shipping is included but sales tax must be assessed. We then keep the sales tax and refund the difference, so for example NYC is 8.875% so you pay $660, and are assessed $599.99 for the product and then $53.24 in sales tax, so you would be charged $653.23 and refunded $6.77 via PayPal upon shipment. This is the only way I see to have online payment available, you can also pay by phone at 917-887-5613. Once paid, you fill out an order form below.
Do you prefer a plastic gauge ? Some areas, notably Texas, require a plastic construction gauge since aluminum, especially if water is trapped inside of it, can accumulate calcification, but these are under extreme conditions usually.
Same plastic gauge as above, but with the additional USC requirements. Once paid, you fill out an order form below.
P.O. Box 1307 (Gracie Station), New York, New York 10028, United States
Email - krugerinstruments@gmail.com Phone - 917-887-5613
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