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TECHNICAL
Every part has its place , in the right place !
By
Rory Macnamara
It is very clear that the training on geysers is generally not up to scratch . Questions asked on social media are scary and whilst the plumbers on the group do their best to assist in answering the question , even going so far as to placing the standard online ( contrary to copyright ), one must ask , just what are our colleges teaching or perhaps what are they not teaching and what are plumber ’ s paying for ?
This is a potential bomb that is being installed if done incorrectly , never mind the harm to the inhabitants of the building should the geyser explode . So , we chatted with Kwikot Benchmark Training head , Deon Smit , and he kindly allowed us to publish the diagram here with all the illustrated detail one needs to install correctly .
But publishing the diagram does not mean this is all one needs to know as practical experience does more for the learning process . So , if you have any doubt , go on a benchmark course that is accepted , tried and tested .
The diagram will just assist you when up in the ceiling as a double check .
Another point raised in the geyser context is what comes first : SANS , second : Bylaws and third : Manufacturer ’ s installation instructions . SANS comes first and refers one to the manufacturer ’ s installations in the same document . Bylaws are therefore overridden by SANS compulsory standards . PA
Upside down valve
By
Patrick Gordon of 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 : 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 , |
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
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline January 2021 Volume 26 I Number 11