34 TECHNICAL
Upside down valve
By
Patrick Gordon , Calafrica
Up or down is not the question – but the application !
Q : Are you allowed to install a Pressure Control Valve upside down ? A : This is a question that is often asked and may be a bone of contention . If you only look at the physical operation of the valve , there is no up or down , and the valve will operate at any angle . However , that is not all that has to be kept in mind when the installation is done . SANS 10254 explicitly states :
So , keeping this in mind , the expansion valve must be so positioned that it inclines downwards and that drainage of both the valve and the piping is ensured .
Each manufacturer has a different valve configuration and installation features that must be kept in mind so that complete drainage of the valve and the piping is ensured . PA
5.2 Discharge from valves The discharge pipes from expansion control and safety valves shall : c ) be so installed that : 1 ) they incline downwards continuously to their outlet , 2 ) drainage of both valve and piping is ensured , 3 ) blockage due to freezing or foreign objects is prevented .
“ The expansion valve must be so positioned that it inclines downwards and that drainage of both the valve and the piping is ensured .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6