Ignoring or neglecting any aspect of fire safety is a matter of life and death. Fire safety is a non-negotiable priority and fire protection systems like sprinklers must be carefully assessed to ensure they remain in perfect working order.
Selecting the right components for fire sprinkler systems can often feel like a minefield, but the seriousness of this process cannot be overlooked in any way. Among these vital components, ball valves stand out as some of the most critical, yet their importance is often overlooked or not easily understood.
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the purposes and applications of ball valves, before looking at how the fire industry relies on these vital products for safe and compliant mechanics in sprinkler systems.
How Fire Sprinklers and Ball Valves Work
Before delving into the specific function and purpose of ball valves, it’s worth clarifying how modern fire sprinkler systems work.
Essentially, these systems rely on a constant supply of water that can be immediately deployed when conditions in rooms warrant such. According to the latest British Standard Fire Safety regulations (BS 9251:2021), all lever-activated ball valves in residential fire sprinkler systems must be monitored.
A closed ball valve completely shuts off water to the sprinkler system, rendering it ineffective and preventing its autonomous activation. Without monitoring, a valve could remain closed without anyone being aware that the system has been compromised, possibly even until it’s too late.
This could mean that sprinklers don’t activate when needed, potentially putting buildings and people at risk.
The Role of Monitored Ball Valves in Fire Protection
Monitored ball valves serve as both a control mechanism and a safety feature in fire protection systems. They perform two essential functions:
- Control water flow to different zones within an existing sprinkler system
- Send alerts when the valve is closed, when it needs to stay open
When a monitored ball valve is closed, it triggers a signal to a centralised control panel, immediately alerting building management that the fire sprinkler system is not operational.
This instant notification ensures that proactive action can be taken to restore the system to full working order. If this is not present, should a fire break out, the sprinkler may prove ineffective at preserving life, thus putting building owners at risk of breaching fire safety regulations.
Why Our Monitored Ball Valves Are Superior
Applications Engineering has developed high-quality monitored ball valves that offer an improved level of protection and peace of mind for commercial building managers. We have incorporated several innovative, game-changing features into our ball valve products that address common installation and operational challenges.
- Mechanical interlock system: This provides positive engagement between the monitor and the lever handle of the ball valve.
- Compact design: The smaller design of the ball valve monitor saves space in environments where room is limited.
- Quality materials: Our valves are constructed from flame-retardant plastic to improve overall safety and resilience. This also saves valuable installation time as well as lengthy calls to technical advisors for assistance.
- Ease of installation: All of our monitored valves come with 1m of FP200 cable already connected, making on-site wiring easier. Resistor insertion is straightforward with the help of lever clamp terminals on a monitored PCB, which is handy for poorly lit spaces.
- Retrofitting: The 3-piece construction design allows for easy and seamless mounting onto existing ball valves.
- Testing validation: Each monitored ball valve undergoes rigorous quality control checks and pressure testing to ensure workability.
- Multiple size options: Our valves are available to buy in 1″, 1¼”, 1½”, 2″ and up to 4″ sizes to accommodate various system requirements.
- Value-added service: We can carry out additional services by applying CPVC adapters during the installation process, which many customers appreciate.
- Cost-effectiveness: We are proud to offer competitive prices of ball valves to discerning customers.
Integration with Fire Control Systems
Applications Engineering’s monitored ball valves feature sophisticated wiring options. They can be used with SPDT contacts for basic normally open or normally closed operation.
There are dedicated terminals for end-of-line resistors, and fire resistors allow direct connection to fire panels. Their advanced signalling capabilities automatically signal a “fault” when the ball valve is closed and “fire” when the flow switch activates.
Quality Fire Protection Products from Applications Engineering
At Applications Engineering, we understand the need to install and maintain fire protection systems with ball valves that tick compliance boxes while ensuring systems remain in perfect working order all throughout the year, not just when the weather gets warmer.
Our wide range of high-quality and intricate ball valves is designed to meet the stringent requirements of the fire industry, providing reliable performance when it matters most. Our ISO 9001 certified management system ensures that every ball valve we supply meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
With significant amounts of valves in stock at our Sussex facility, we can provide quick delivery times to support your fire safety projects.
Whether you’re designing a new fire protection system or upgrading your existing solution, our experienced team can help you select the perfect ball valves. Contact Applications Engineering today to get started.