Product Description
An Expansion Control Valve (also known as an Expansion Valve or Thermal Expansion Valve) with a pressure rating of 1200 kPa and a 15mm connection is used in plumbing and heating systems to manage pressure and regulate the flow of water in hot water systems or heating installations. Here's a breakdown of its features and typical uses:
Key Features:
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Pressure Rating (1200 kPa):
- The 1200 kPa rating refers to the maximum pressure the valve can handle. This is equivalent to 1.2 MPa (megapascals) or about 174 psi (pounds per square inch).
- This high pressure rating makes it suitable for use in residential or commercial hot water systems, where high pressure might occur due to thermal expansion.
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Connection Size (15mm):
- The 15mm measurement refers to the size of the pipe the valve connects to. It is a standard pipe size, commonly used in domestic plumbing systems.
- Ensure that the pipes in your system are also 15mm for proper fitment.
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Function:
- Expansion Control Valves are designed to control the pressure in a water system, particularly in hot water systems where the water expands as it heats up.
- As water heats and expands, it can cause dangerous pressure increases within a closed system. This valve helps to regulate that pressure by allowing excess water to safely be released into a discharge pipe or to an external area.
- The valve opens and closes depending on the pressure within the system, preventing over-pressurization.
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Material:
- The valve is usually made from brass or stainless steel for durability and resistance to corrosion. These materials are essential in hot water systems, where temperatures and potential corrosion from water minerals can be high.
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Application:
- Typically used in hot water systems, boilers, or heating systems to maintain safe pressure levels. It ensures that pressure increases due to thermal expansion are safely managed.
- It can be found in systems such as solar hot water systems, tankless water heaters, pressurized water systems, and closed-loop heating systems.
- In some cases, expansion tanks are used alongside these valves to absorb extra pressure, though the valve alone provides an effective way of controlling expansion pressure.
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Safety Features:
- The valve is built to open at a specific pressure to release excess water if the pressure exceeds the designed limit, ensuring that the system doesn’t experience damage due to overpressure.
- Some valves include a check valve or safety relief feature to prevent reverse flow or prevent damage during pressure surges.
Typical Uses:
- Residential Hot Water Systems: To prevent over-pressurization in standard domestic water heating systems.
- Commercial Plumbing: In larger heating or plumbing systems where thermal expansion needs to be controlled.
- Heating Systems: In hydronic heating systems, where pressure from expanding heated water needs to be carefully regulated.
Installation:
- Installation Location: It’s typically installed near the hot water outlet or at the point where the water leaves the water heater or boiler.
- Professional Installation Recommended: While installation might be a straightforward process for someone with plumbing experience, working with pressurized systems can be risky. It's often recommended to have the valve installed by a professional plumber to ensure proper fitment and to avoid leaks or damage.
Considerations:
- Pressure Requirements: Ensure that your system operates within the appropriate pressure range. The valve is designed to handle pressures up to 1200 kPa, but check if this suits your specific application.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection is important to ensure that the valve is functioning properly. If it becomes clogged or damaged, it may not properly regulate pressure, which could lead to system issues.
