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Supply Chain

Supply Chain Update - October 2024

Updated October 7, 2024

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ILA Strike Suspended

The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) union strike, which had begun on October 1, was suspended. The tentative agreement extends the workers’ current contract through January 15 and reopens 14 major shipping ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. While we welcome this news, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ will continue to monitor the situation. This short closure and severe storms affecting the southeast have created logistical challenges at many of these ports. We have some of the industry’s top inventory and operations people on our team. They are already taking steps to ensure that our supply levels remain strong, and we continue to fulfill our commitments to our valued industry partners.

Supply Chain News by Category

APPLIANCES

Whirlpool Icemaker #306003 and #306004 – Feature Update

  • Icemaker #306004 does not come with a water line. Refrigerator models that come with a water line should use #306004.
  • Icemaker #306003 comes with a water line. Refrigerator models that come without a water line should use #306003.
  • Whirlpool models affected included: WRT148FZ series (#301032), WRT318FZ series (#301026, #301082, #301028), and WRTZ5028PB series (#306105, #306106).
ELECTRICAL

SMOKE ALARM STANDARDS UPDATE: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) released the latest update to their fire safety standards for smoke and combination alarms. Based on careful study of modern fire hazards and real-world safety concerns, UL 217 8th Edition represents the most significant update of manufacturing standards for smoke alarms in nearly two decades.

  • To learn more about these standards and why the updates were made, read What is UL8?
  • To read and download a list of equipment impacted by these updated standards, click here.
HVAC
  • Century Motors – Limited Availability – Manufacturer production delays have led to limited availability on the following motors:
    • #102011 (6203X) Evergreen EM 1/3HP 230V blower motor for X13 replacement
    • #102012 (6205X) 1/2HP 230V blower motor for X13 replacement
    • #103019 (B6507) 1/5HP 230V blower motor
    • #103034 89PSC (D289/2089) 1/10HP 115V 1050RPM double shaft blower motor
    • #103035 385 (D158/2881) 1/5HP 115V 1050RPM blower motor
  • FASCO Motors – Limited Availability – Manufacturer production delays have led to limited availability on certain motors. Availability on several items expected to improve soon. Items affected include:
    • #103079 D1050/D1050A 1/8HP 230V 1550RPM Trane replacement condenser motor
    • #103076 D151/D151A 1/4HP 230V 1050RPM blower motor
    • #103072 D258/D258A 1/5 HP 230V 1550RPM blower motor
    • #103091 D1071 condenser motor
    • #103092 D832 1/8 HP 825RPM 230V condenser motor
    • #103088 D337 (3676) 1/8HP 115V 1550RPM blower motor

HVAC Regulation Update

As of January 1, 2024, the EPA has required a 40% reduction in the production of R-410A refrigerants.

  • This is a phase down, not a phase out, R-410A refrigerant will still be available.
  • For deadlines and further information, see the Q&A on our Product Knowledge.

HVAC Equipment Update

  • º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ is well stocked with our exclusive Brothers Air Conditioning R-410A equipment.
  • We also have a limited inventory of Goodman and AirQuest R-410A equipment available.
  • For customers planning to transition to A2L refrigerant when that equipment becomes available, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ will carry Brothers (R-32), Goodman (R-32) and AirQuest (R-454B) compatible equipment.
POOLS
  • D E Filter Powder #361033 – Limited Availability – Manufacturer delays have led to limited availability.


Shipping Updates

PANAMA CANAL - Daily transits of the canal were increased to 35 in August, which transit officials are describing as “practically back to normal.” This is outstanding news for a global shipping infrastructure that has been taxed due to severe weather and other logistical challenges over the past year.

SUEZ CANAL - The number of container ships transiting the Suez Canal remains significantly reduced due to attacks on shipping vessels. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. As much as 30% of global container trade typically traverses that passage.