Elkhart Brass UP VALVES User Manual

ELKHART BRASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY

INSTALLATION and OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

for

MODEL “UP”

I. Models and Sizes Covered:

Inlet and Outlet Connections:

*NPT = American National Standard Taper Pipe Threads (ANSI/ASME B1.20.1-1983, Latest Edition)
NH = American National Fire Hose Connection Screw Thread (NFPA 1963-Latest Edition)

II. Application Guidelines:

The model UP valves are designed for use as pressure restricting valves in fire protection standpipe systems. The
2-1/2” models are intended for use in Class I and Class III systems, and 1-1/2” valves are for use in Class II
systems. They are combination shut-off and flow throttling valves which serve to reduce excessive standpipe
pressures under flowing conditions only
Laboratories as Pressure Reducing Devices (VUTX). Requirements for the installation of pressure restricting
valves in standpipe systems are given in Section 5-8 of NFPA-14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and
Hose Systems, Latest Edition. The following maximum flow rate limits for the Model UP valves should be
observed:

Valve Model & Size

UP-20, 1-1/2"
UP-25, 1-1/2"
UP-20, 2-1/2"
UP-25, 2-1/2"

Valve Model Max. Flow (gpm) Max. Pressure (PSI)

PRESSURE RESTRICTING HOSE VALVES

UP-20, 1-1/2" size
UP-25, 1-1/2" size
UP-20, 2-1/2" size
UP-25, 2-1/2" size

*Inlet Thread

1-1/2" fem. NPT
1-1/2" fem. NPT
2-1/2" fem. NPT
2-1/2" fem. NPT

to below prescribed limits. These valves are listed by Underwriters

*Outlet Thread

1-1/2" fem. NPT

1-1/2" male NH

2-1/2" fem. NPT

2-1/2" male NH

98277000 Rev A

UP-20 & UP-25, 1-1/2" 100 175

UP-20 & UP-25, 2-1/2" 300 175

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When hose racks are used, the UP-20 valves can be utilized along with a special hose nipple for support of the
rack. NFPA 14 requires that hose valve outlet pressure for Class I and Class III service be no greater than 175
PSI, and no less than 100 PSI. When permitted by the authority have jurisdiction, pressures less than 100 PSI
may be allowed, but in no case shall the valve discharge pressure be less than 65 PSI. Class II hose valves must
be limited to a maximum residual outlet pressure of 100 PSI, but the minimum outlet pressure shall not be less
than 65 PSI.

Acceptance Tests

Upon completion of the system, each pressure restricting hose valve shall be tested in accordance with
paragraph 8-5.5 of NFPA 14 to verify that the installation is correct, that the valves are operating properly, and
that the inlet and outlet pressures at the valve are in accordance with the design.

III. Valve Performance Characteristics & Limitations
A. Valve Construction & Operating Principle

The model UP valves are similar to standard angle hose valves except that they have a special mechanism
incorporated into the stem and bonnet to limit how far the valve can be opened. This opening limit is adjustable to
allow accurate setting of the valve outlet pressure for a given inlet pressure and flow rate. The valve design
provides no ability to reduce outlet pressure under no-flow conditions. In the event of low supply pressure
conditions, the adjustment mechanism can be overridden by fire department personnel by simply breaking off the
restriction stem by prying with a spanner wrench.

B. Valve Adjustment

For valve setting adjustment instructions below, please refer to Figure I.

1. Close valve with hand wheel.

2. Back off four setscrews (2) & (4).

3. Allow bottom side of the gage stop sleeve (1) to rest upon the packing nut (5).

4. Insert the gauging stem (3) into the gage stop sleeve (1) until the dash directly above the “0”
setting is flush with the bottom side of the gage stop sleeve.

5. Temporarily tighten one setscrew (2) which will hold the gauging stem (3) in the gage stop sle eve.

6. Push upward on the bottom of the gauging stem (3) until it is stopped by the packing nut (5).

7. Tighten the two setscrews (4).

8. Back off the setscrew (2).

9. Determine inlet pressure for each valve location

10. Consult the adjustment position graphs, Figures II & III, to find the correct gauging stem setting to
produce the discharge pressure of 100 PSI with the inlet pressure available.

11. Keeping valve closed, set gauging stem (3) to setting required, and tighten two setscrews (2).

12. If possible, flow test valve to verify setting.

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