Over 500 backflow testers have purchased and used our gauges in more than 20 states over the past 3 years, but to maximize their usefullness to the customer and streamline production and delivery, we have paused new purchases of the gauges. This is not a stock or performance issue, just establishing new pricing, packaging ,and delivery sy
Over 500 backflow testers have purchased and used our gauges in more than 20 states over the past 3 years, but to maximize their usefullness to the customer and streamline production and delivery, we have paused new purchases of the gauges. This is not a stock or performance issue, just establishing new pricing, packaging ,and delivery systems.
We will offer gauge calibration and other services during this process. Price and packaging ( what to include with the standard order ) will be reviewed and released later. If you have any input - please feel free to reach out at krugerinstruments@gmail.com or 917-887-5613
Need a Backflow Class - check out our courses at Kruger's Training Academy
We currently recommend the Midwest 845-2 or Arbiter MK-2 which have the similar 2 valve construction and are available online at www.backflowtestkits.com ( Midwest ) and www.arbiterbackflow.com ( Arbiter ) for around $1,000
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
108 First Ave, UPS Store Box #408, New York, New York 10009, United States
Email - krugerinstruments@gmail.com Phone - 917-887-5613