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Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a list of most commonly asked customer questions. If you have a question that is not answered below, then please contact us.

Pressure Reducing Valve FAQs

WHAT IS A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE?

A pressure reducing valve (or pressure reducer) is a valve fitted in a pipe system, which in spite of varying pressures on the inlet side (inlet pressure), makes sure that a certain pressure on the outlet side (outlet pressure) is not exceeded, thus protecting the components and equipment on the outlet side.

HOW DOES A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE WORK?

A PRV opens and closes an aperture based on the set tension of a spring pushing on a diaphragm. The spring tension is set or adjusted via a plate this relates to a “bar” pressure setting point. Once in operation, the pressure of water pushing on the diaphragm is countered and adjusted by that of the spring.

WHICH ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES?

Pressure gauges can be purchased separately or with the pressure reducing valve.

CAN THE CUSTOMER SET THE PRESSURE HIMSELF?

Yes, the outlet pressure can be adjusted within the spring range by means of standard tools.

DOES VARYING INLET PRESSURE HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON THE OUTLET PRESSURE?

No, the pressure reducing valves are described as "fully balanced", this means that varying inlet pressures are compensated by means of the geometry of the valve and thus have no influence on the outlet pressure.

IN THE CASE OF A MECHANICALLY OPERATED PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE, WHICH PRESSURE IS CONTROLLED: THAT ON THE INLET OR THAT ON THE OUTLET SIDE?

The pressure reducing valve controls the outlet pressure – the inlet pressure has no influence on the control of the pressure.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STATIC OR DYNAMIC PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE?

A static control valve will limit the downstream pressure when there is no movement of water, whereas a dynamic valve control valve will only limit the pressure while there is movement of water.

CAN PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES BE INSTALLED ONTO HOT AND COLD PIPE WORK?

The specification of the required pressure reducing valve should be checked for its eligibility prior to installation, however, many models are compatible with both supplies.

WHAT ORIENTATION SHOULD THE PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE BE INSTALLED?

Pressure reducing valves can be installed horizontally or vertically. If the valve is installed horizontally then the cartridge should be vertically mounted. Consideration should be made with regards to accessing the cartridge for future service/replacement.

Thermostatic Mixing Valve FAQs

WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT MY LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING SAFE HOT WATER?

A Range of Best Practice Guides and Regulations exist through various Standards agencies, but 2 good reference websites include www.safehotwater.co.uk and www.antiscald.co.uk.

MY SYSTEM IS WITHIN THE REQUIRED LIMITS FOR THE VALVE BUT I CANNOT ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE, WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF THIS?

There are two likely explanations: firstly, some of our TMV Range feature anti-tamper caps which free spin. These pop off and the adjustment spindle is directly below. Secondly, the feeds may be cross-connected.

CAN YOUR TMV RUN X AMOUNT OF OUTLETS?

This depends on the legislation attached to the sort of property that is being worked on, however, it is also dependant on how much water the system can provide and how much pressure it is providing it with and the limits of the valve selected for the job.

ARE THE TMVs PROVIDED AT A FACTORY SET TEMPERATURE?

No, as it is impossible to predict what the Valve will be attached to, please follow the commissioning instructions provided and the desired temperature can be set on installation.

ARE THE TMVs APPROVED TO WRAS, TMV2 OR 3 STANDARDS?

We have TMVs accredited to all of these standards, please ask Sales for the Valve most appropriate to your requirements.

DOES IT MATTER WHICH WAY UP MY TMV IS ALIGNED?

No, as long as the Feeds are correctly orientated for the Valve (IE hot Pipe into hot Inlet etc.) the valve will work equally well, whichever way up it is.

WILL FLUSHING / DISINFECTING MY SYSTEM WITH THE TMV "IN SITU" AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TMV?

We have noted in the past that certain disinfectant chemicals may wholly or partly remove the lubricant from the thermostatic Mixing Valve. We strongly recommend that the valve is checked for performance after flushing and re-lubricate / service if necessary.

ARE NON-RETURN VALVES AND FILTERS INCLUDED IN THE TMV DESIGN?

All of our point of use valves feature non-return valves and filters. We also have a range of Group TMVs which have optional Non-Return Valves built into the Unions if required.

CAN THE TMVs BE USED ON UNDER FLOOR HEATING?

Yes, but the normal blended outlet temperature range is disregarded, only a temperature between flow and return incoming temperatures can now be achieved.

THE VALVE IS STOPPING ALL FLOW OF WATER, WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY CAUSES OF THIS?

Firstly, check that both the Hot and Cold Feeds are providing water to the TMV, if not the TMV may be “Fail-safe-ing”. Secondly, look at the Non-Return valves and Filters to ensure they are not clogged or jammed.

Thermostatic Radiator Valve FAQs

WHAT IS A THERMOSTATIC RADIATOR VALVE?

TRVs sense the air temperature around them and regulate the flow of water through the radiator to which they are fitted, they do not control the boiler.

HOW DOES A THERMOSTATIC RADIATOR VALVE (TRV) WORK?

TRVs consist of two main parts, a Thermostatic Head which senses the air temperature around them, and the valve body. Together, these regulate the flow of water through the radiator which they are fitted to. Inside the Thermostatic Head is a sensor containing a wax or liquid material which expands as the room temperature warms up and contracts when it cools down. The sensor is connected, in turn, to a valve seat inside the body which opens as the sensor expands and closes as the sensor contracts. As the TRV opens to allow more hot water from the boiler through the radiator, more heat will be given out by the radiator. As the TRV closes and restricts the flow through the radiator, less heat will be given out by the radiator, however, please note that the TRV does not switch the boiler on/off, it only regulates the flow of the available hot water.

WHAT ARE THE SETTINGS ON THE TRV THERMOSTAT USED FOR?

TRVs are designed with a range of temperature settings to allow individual rooms to be maintained at different room temperatures and even allow unused rooms to be switched off, to save energy. However, the TRV can only provide heat to the radiator if the boiler is providing hot water.

DOES IT MATTER WHERE TRVS ARE FITTED?

Yes, to provide good control and save energy, it is very important that TRVs are mounted in ‘free air’ and not blocked by, for example, furniture, curtains, or enclosed within decorative cabinets. The TRV can only work to the temperature which it can sense so.

HOW CAN I FIT A THERMOSTAT AWAY FROM THE RADIATOR?

Where it is impossible to fit a TRV without it being covered (eg. Decorative Radiator Covers), Caleffi offer a range of remote sensing or remote sensing and control TRVs.

CAN TRVs REDUCE MY HEATING BILLS?

Yes, when installed as part of a complete set of heating controls that include timers and room thermostats, TRVs can provide householders with substantial savings in the major area of energy expenditure, 84% of the energy use in a domestic house is in heating and hot water.

SHOULD I CONSIDER CHANGING MY EXISTING TRVS?

If your TRVs are older than 10 years, you should consider upgrading at least the TRV heads because old TRVs can lose their accuracy and performance over time.

CAN TRVs BE INSTALLED ONTO BOTH THE FLOW AND THE RETURN FROM A RADIATOR?

It’s always advisable to check the manufacturer’s instructions, however, most modern TRV are bi-directional.

Sealed System Kit FAQs

WHICH SYSTEM WOULD A SEALED SYSTEM KIT BE COMPATIBLE WITH?

Nearly all domestic closed systems would be compatible, however, it’s advisable to check actual system expansion needed so as to size the vessel correctly. It must also be noted that certain age radiators cannot be sealed due to pressure issues.

CAN A SEALED SYSTEM KIT BE USED TO UPGRADE AN OPEN VENTED SYSTEM?

It’s the perfect solution to convert an open vented system to a sealed one, thus removing the risk of storing water in the loft space.

WHAT RATING DOES THE SAFETY RELIEF VALVE CARRY THAT IS FOUND WITHIN THE KIT?

This product is supplied with a 3bar safety relief valve which is normally the standard across domestic installation.

CAN THE VESSEL BE MOUNTED IN ANY POSITION?

It is acceptable to mount in any orientation, however, Altecnic would always recommend following local building regulations and where possible having the safety relief valve positioned in such a way that debris cannot sit on the valve seat.

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD THE VESSEL BE?

Altecnic Reflex heating vessel is grey, however, in the industry heating vessels have been supplied in both grey and red colours.

DO I HAVE TO FIT ALL THE COMPONENTS IN THE KIT TOGETHER?

The sealed system, or “robokit”, provide a one-stop shop for a sealed system, however, it is not always the case that all components require fitting. If you have a combination boiler or a system boiler, the machine already includes an SRV which requires installation, removing the need to install the SRV included in the robokit.

DO I HAVE TO CHECK THE KIT ANNUALLY?

The vessel will require the “pre-charge” testing once a year, this usually forms part of the annual service carried out when the boiler is checked.

Guru Integrate SATK32 FAQs

WHAT IS CONTINUOUS COMMISSIONING?

Continuous commissioning improves network efficiency by maintaining set points, reducing network drift and reducing costs.

WHY IS CONTINUOUS COMMISSIONING IMPORTANT?

Even where networks are well-designed and properly commissioned before residents move in, heat networks are often left to drift, with performance degrading over time.

This is often not due to a fault in equipment, but rather is due to the accumulation of many small changes in the system over time, for example, maintenance engineers changing one part of a heat network without regard to the effect on the whole.

Guru’s real-world monitoring of heat networks over a three-year period delivered
in collaboration with the UK Government, showed that the cost of heat and carbon
emissions can more than double on a heat
network within three years if action is not taken.

I NEED RELIABILITY AND CONVENIENCE

The Guru API supports a range of metering and billing services. providing the freedom to swap to more competitive service providers without changing your infrastructure or disturbing customers.

Technology within the Guru Integrate SATK32 uses 868 MHz wireless mesh communication to ensure high reliability, including in areas where SIM cards won't work due to lack of signal.

WHAT SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE?

The wireless mesh network is more secure than unencrypted wired systems and all data is covered under Guru's ISO27001 certification for cyber security.

Data collected by the Hub III Core helps you meet the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, comply with the Code of Practice for Heat Networks, and report against Heat Trust’s customer service and consumer protection standards.

WHAT ACCREDITATION DOES THE SATK32 HOLD?

The SATK32 is fully accredited by WRAS and KIWA.

Automatic Air Vent FAQs

ARE ANY AAVs WRAS APPROVED?

Altecnic/Caleffi offer a full range of WRAS approved air vents for the UK market.

ARE THERE COMMERCIAL VERSIONS AVAILABLE?

Altecnic/Caleffi offer a size range from ¼” to 1”, and also offer air separation devices from 3/4” to DN150 for commercial applications.

DO ANY AAVs COME WITH CHECK VALVE FOR SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE?

Yes, there are several codes in differing sizes which come complete with a service check valve. Upon removal of the AAV, the check valve closes, meaning the system does not have to be drained if the AAV requires attention.

I HAVE A HIGH-TEMPERATURE APPLICATION. CAN I FIT A STANDARD AAV?

This will depend on exactly how high the temperature is. Our standard AAV range has maximums of 110-120C depending on model. However, we also offer a solar range which can accept a higher 160C and a glycol mix.

IS THERE A MAXIMUM PRESSURE RATING?

Yes, for example the Robocal range has a maximum of 10Bar, whereas the Maxcal has a pressure rating of 16bar.

IS THERE A RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION POINT?

Yes, as AAVs collect air rather than separate it from in the system, it is best practice to install these at the high point of the system for the best efficiency.

WHEN IS AN SRV IMPORTANT?

The purpose of an SRV is to protect a sealed circuit from over-pressure.

Safety Relief Valve FAQs

WHERE SHOULD AN SRV BE CONNECTED IN A HEATING CIRCUIT?

In a sealed heating circuit, building regulations state where possible to install the SRV close to the heat source on the flow.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SRV?

Yes, there are standard SRVs and solar rated versions along with temperature and pressure relief valves (T&P valves).

IS THE COLOUR OF THE CAP IMPORTANT?

No, it is indicative to manufacturers, the important information is the pressure rating displayed on the top.

CAN THE CARTRIDGE BE REPLACED?

No, removal of the cartridge means the valve is no longer calibrated and will invalidate any warranty.

CAN A GAS BALL VALVE BE USED ON WATER?

It is important that the ball valve is used on the medium for which it is intended. In this case no.

Ball Valve FAQs

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM PRESSURE A WATER BALL VALVE WILL TAKE AT 65C?

The pressure rating correlates to the temperature the valve is seeing, for example at 65C max pressure would be 10Bar, however, at a higher temp of 110C the same valve will be rated at 6Bar.

ARE BUTTERFLY AND LEVER TYPE HANDLES INTERCHANGEABLE?

This is dependent on model size and code type.

IS THERE A CORRECT WAY TO INSTALL BALL VALVES?

No, however, it is always advisable to install the valve with spanner flats closest to the inlet.

DO YOU HAVE A BALL VALVE WITH A FULL BORE INTERNAL?

Yes, all our ball valves meet and exceed the standard for full bore isolation valves.

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