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Gas Q & A
MANUAL SHUT OFF VALVES
Your gas questions answered !
Compiled by ESV ’ s Gas Installations and Appliance Safety team .
As per previous issues of Energysafe , we are pleased to provide answers for a varied range of frequently asked questions received on ESV ’ s Gas Technical Helpline , 1800 652 563 .
Note The technical regulator may require notification before work commences and confirmation that completed work is in accordance with this Standard ( AS 5601 : 2013 ) and any other relevant requirements .
Question Answer Clause
Why is a manual shut-off valve required in a gas installation ?
The operation of a manual shut-off valve allows a gas appliance or section of consumer piping to be shut-off for repairs or replacement of consumer piping and gas appliances .
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 1.8.70 Manual shut-off valve
What are the selection criteria for manual shut-off valves ?
What are the characteristics of a manual shut-off valve ?
When selecting a manual shut-off valve consideration shall be given to : »» materials
»» pressure rating
»» pressure drop
»» service involved
»» emergency use
»» reliability of operation . A manual shut-off valve must be certified to AS 4617 , Type 1 or Type 3 .
What are the characteristics of a manual shut-off valve ? A manual shut-off valve shall have the following characteristics : »» be of the quarter-turn type
»» be open when the handle is in line with the pipe and closed when the handle is across the pipe ; and the seat of the handle and the spindle top are such that the handle cannot be fitted in any other way »» be installed so that the valve cannot open under the action of gravity or vibration
»» be capable of being connected to the inlet piping such that , when the outlet piping is disconnected , the valve will remain securely attached to the inlet piping .
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013
4.8.1 Miscellaneous components
4.8.2 Manual shut-off valves
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 4.8.2 Manual shut-off valves
Which type of material shall not be used for manual shutoff valves in above ground situations ?
What are the requirements for installing manual shut-off valves in buildings of multiple occupancy ?
Manual shut-off valves constructed of plastic shall not be used above ground . These valves are also known as Type 3 valves ( AS 4617 ).
In the case of multiple occupancies within the same building manual shut-off valves shall be : »» installed in the consumer piping to each occupancy shall be of a quarter turn type
»» accessible and , where practicable , external to the occupancy
»» provided with a durable , permanent sign , located in a prominent position adjacent to the valve , identifying it as a gas valve , and if remote from the occupancy identifying the occupancy .
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 4.8.2 Manual shut-off valves
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013 5.2.9 Occupancy isolation
What are the requirements for installing a manual shut-off valve for combination cooking ranges ?
Where two or more gas commercial catering appliances ( with a maximum of six appliances ) are connected together to form a combination cooking range the gas supply pipe shall have a manual shut-off valve ( which will shut off gas to all appliances ) fitted in an accessible location .
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013
6.10.2.1 Combination cooking ranges
When installing a manual shutoff valve in a high-rise building what criteria must you follow ?
Manual shut-off valves must be installed in all lateral branch pipes , as close as is practicable to the riser . A manual shut-off valve must also be installed at the gas entry point to each riser where there is more than one riser . These valves must be clearly identified and shall be installed in an accessible position .
A manual shut-off valve shall be installed for each tenancy , unless the valve for the lateral branch pipe already serves that purpose .
AS / NZS 5601:1:2013
5.7.4 Manual shut-off valve in riser and lateral