Pipe Sizing and Material
Requirements for the size and material of supply piping are generally covered by local plumbing codes. Reference should be made to such codes when laying out piping for service fixtures and safety equipment. Pipe sizing is also affected by the number of fixtures or outlets installed on a run. However, typical piping standards for single fixtures and outlets are as follows:
| Service | Piping Material | Minimum Pipe Size |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Black Iron or Stainless Steel | 3/8″ |
| Inert Gases | Copper | 3/8″ |
| Special Gases | Copper or Stainless Steel | 3/8″ |
| Water | Copper | 1/2″ |
| Distilled, Deionized and Purified Water |
PVC / Polypropylene / PVDF | 1/2″ |
| Emergency Showers | Copper | 1″ |
| Eye, Eye/Face Wash and Drench Hose Units |
Copper | 1/2″ |
| Safety Stations | Copper | 1-1/4″ |
Inlet Shanks / Hole Sizing
WaterSaver fixtures are furnished with standard size inlet shanks to penetrate the bench or wall surface. Minimum hole sizes for these shanks are listed below:
| Inlet Shank | Minimum Hole Size |
|---|---|
| G1/2 Mounting Shank | 7/8″ (22mm) |
| 1-3/16″ diameter Mounting Shank(ex: BT400 series mixer taps) | 1-1/4″ (32mm) |
| G1 Mounting Shank (ex: BTEW1022 eyewash/drench hose unit) | 1-3/8″ (35mm) |
Locator Pins
Except for fume cupboard outlet fittings, all ColorTech BT fittings are furnished with (2) locator pins to prevent the fitting from turning on the counter or panel. Pins are 3.2mm diameter x 2.4mm exposed length. When drilling countertops or panels, provide holes in the required locations for the locator pins.
Locator pins are pressed into the base of the fitting. If the pins are not required, they are easily removed with pliers
Installation Procedures
Installing WaterSaver laboratory faucets, valves and safety equipment requires the use of common plumbing installation techniques. Observing the following guidelines will help to assure trouble-free installation:
- Thoroughly clean and flush supply lines prior to installing faucets and valves. Pipe shavings, scale, tape and other debris can be carried through a pipe and into a faucet or valve when the system is activated. This debris can damage valve components and interfere with the proper operation of the faucet or valve.
- When placing a faucet or valve on a laboratory countertop or wall, secure the fixture using the lockwasher and locknut. Tighten the locknut sufficiently to secure the fixture to the counter or wall. Do not overtighten.
- ColorTech BT fittings are furnished with either (i) G inlet threads in accordance with ISO 228-1 or (ii) plain tubes ends in metric sizes. For fittings with G inlet of the thread to be used with a matching fitting. Since a pressure-tight joint is not made on the thread, there should be no need to use pipe or thread sealant. If sealant is used, do not apply the sealant in a way that will permit it to enter into the tap or valve.
- Observe the maximum test and working pressures for faucets and valves. Testing or using a valve at pressures for which it is not designed can result in leakage or failure. Refer to the Valve Selection Guide on page 7 for information on maximum test and working pressures.
- Do not use valves for services and applications for which they are not intended. In particular:
- Valves for oxygen service and high purity gases must be specially cleaned, lubricated and packed. Valves that have not been specially cleaned are not acceptable.
- Needle valves should be used for gas services only. They are not suitable for water or steam services.
- Push/turn valves should be used for burning gas services only. They are not recommended for use with other gases.
- Valves for ammonia and acetylene must be stainless steel.
- To prevent surface damage, use caution when applying a wrench or other tool to the exterior of a faucet or valve.
- Every WaterSaver faucet is fully assembled at the factory. This includes installing the gooseneck into the faucet body and the outlet fitting into the gooseneck. Mounting shanks are furnished either loose (designated by the suffix “WS”) or assembled (designated by the suffix “WSA”), as ordered.
- WaterSaver valve assemblies (such as needle valve or ball valve assemblies) are factory assembled, inspected and tested. Mounting shanks are furnished either loose (designated by the suffix “WS”) or assembled (designated by the suffix “WSA”), as ordered. Factory assembly permits us to test the connections between the valve, the mounting fitting (turret or flange) and the mounting shank. Factory assembly also minimizes the field labor required to install the fixture and minimizes the possibility of damaging the fixture’s finish during installation.
- Clean faucets and valves using a soft cloth and soapy water. Do not use abrasives, detergents or other cleaners which can damage the finish on the fixture. In particular, do not use any solvent in or near a faucet or valve. Solvents can dissolve the lubricants used in the valve mechanism.