A2L certification
A2L certification by a third party, (Fieldpiece used CSA Canada Standards Association) is going to be required around the world in the next few years due to global regulations on refrigerants. The world has already been migrating through generations of refrigerants to address known negative impacts on the environment. New refrigerants while better for the environment, are more flammable. Therefore, certain products like vacuum pumps have to be tested and certified to be safe to use around the new more flammable refrigerants. A2L certification of Fieldpiece tools means it was designed and tested and certified by a third party to work with the next generation of refrigerants that are already being mandated in EU and APAC regions and soon in the Americas.
Several versions available
Fieldpiece offers 3 models in its latest vacuum pump series - the VPX7, VP87 and VP67. These models offer different pumping capacities, motor styles, and much more. The VPX7 and VP87 feature DC motors, which when compared to AC are lighter, pack more power, are friendlier in low voltage situations and are better for cold starts.
The VPX7 also features a pump body made with the EPO aluminum alloy (patent pending). EPO stands for Electro Plasma Oxidation and is a durable coating of the aluminum pump. This coating ensures the lightweight aluminum is more durable, making it the lightest and most powerful pump for evacuation. This new EPO coated pump has been rigorously tested by Fieldpiece, sustaining thousands of hours of use, and testing continues.
The chart below highlights a few main differences in each:
| VPX7 | VP87 | VP67 |
| 10 CFM | 8 CFM | 6 CFM |
| Pump Body | EPO* Aluminum alloy | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Motor | 3/4 HP DC Motor | 3/4 HP DC Motor | 1/2 HP AC Motor |
| Weight | 24lbs | 27lbs | 29lbs |