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Guide To OS&Y Valves For Fire Protection Systems
Guide To OS&Y Valves For Fire Protection Systems
Guide To OS&Y Valves For Fire Protection Systems
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Top 5 Causes of
Discharges and Leaks
Control valves are some of the most vital components of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems,
Robert on #213 – Fire
controlling water flow to the network of pipes that feed the sprinklers. This article is a guide to
Sprinkler Accidents: The
outside screw and yoke (OS&Y) valves, which, along with butterfly valves, often serve as
Top 5 Causes of
system control valves.
Discharges and Leaks
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We’ll frequently refer to two model standards: NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler
Systems (2022 edition) and
Fire Extinguishers NFPA 25:Fire
FDCs Standard for the Inspection,
Sprinklers Testing,
Fire Hose and and Maintenance
Hydrants Fire Signs of Pipe System,
TestPart 4
and Monitor Valve
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (2020 edition). Our focus here is on sprinkler systems, but QRFS Team on #225 –
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much of the information we present (especially from NFPA 25) also applies to standpipes. Distance Rules, Part 2:
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Sprinkler Head
Whether you need a big order for a new construction project or just one replacement
Obstruction Distance
component, QRFS is your resource for fire protection supplies and equipment. Check out our
Rules for Standard Spray
selection of threaded OS&Y valves today!
Fire Sprinklers
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OS&Y valves are gate valves, meaning that the flow of water is controlled by the movement
of a barrier, or gate. The gate moves perpendicularly to the water’s path. When it is down and
pressed against components in the valve body called the valve seats, a seal is formed, and
water cannot flow. Pulling the gate up and away from the valve seat lets the water through.
OS&Y is an abbreviation for “outside screw and yoke” (also, sometimes “outside stem and
yoke”), which explains the parts that make this happen. The gate is attached to a threaded
screw/stem fitted into a handwheel. The handwheel is held in place by the yoke. Turning
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the handwheel moves the stem (and the gate) up and down. Orders Contact Us
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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OS&Y valves may have a complicated name, but their mechanical function is pretty basic. This
diagram points out the major components.
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OS&Y valves often serve as control valves Orders Contact Us
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In fire protection, OS&Y valves are often used as control valves, which govern water flow to a
fire Fire
sprinkler or standpipeFDCs
Extinguishers system and possibly
Fire sectionsFire
Sprinklers of it. If the
Hose andmain control valve
Hydrants Fire is closed,
Signs Pipe Test and Monitor Valve
the system is effectively “off,” rendering it useless. Every sprinkler system needs at least one
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main control valve—usually on the riser between the water main connection and the system’s
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network of pipes.
OS&Y valves make good control valves because they have two critical features required by
NFPA 13: they are indicating, and they take at least five seconds to close. Here’s what the
standard says:
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From the 2022 edition of NFPA 13
16.9.3.1.2 At least one listed indicating valve shall be installed in each source of water supply.
A valve that has components that provide the valve operating position, open or closed.
[24,2022] (AUT-PRI)
Listed indicating control valves shall not close in less than 5 seconds when operated at
maximum possible speed from the fully open position. (888) 361-6662
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To paraphrase the section: a control valve must be listed (approved for use by safety testing
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and approvals organizations like UL or FM Global) and indicating. Indicating valves do just
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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what their names say: they visually indicate whether a valve is open or closed. It’s a vital feature
because mistakenly closedFDCs
Fire Extinguishers control valves are the number
Fire Sprinklers Fireone cause
Hose of fire sprinkler
and Hydrants Firefailure
Signs Pipe Test and Monitor Valve
during an emergency.
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Additionally, all sprinkler valves must close slowly—in at least 5 seconds—to avoid water
hammer. Water hammer is a damaging surge in pressure that can happen when flowing water
is stopped suddenly.
OS&Y valves meet these criteria perfectly. The valve clearly indicates its state: When the stem
is up, it’s open. When the stem is down, the valve is closed. And the process of
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incrementally closing the valve—turning the handwheel multiple times—protects against
pressure surges.
school valves still have one benefit for sprinkler system designers: lower friction.
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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Building owners and facilities managers don’t usually think about the hydraulic design of their
sprinkler systems or makeFDCs
Fire Extinguishers choices about the valves they
Fire Sprinklers have—it’s
Fire Hose andjust their job toFire
Hydrants maintain
Signs the Pipe Test and Monitor Valve
equipment. But for sprinkler designers and contractors, valve selection can be important.
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Sprinkler design depends on achieving the required flow and pressure. And gravity plus friction
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from pipe walls, various fittings, and valves fight against these goals.
As gate valves, OS&Y valves reduce pressure and flow less than butterfly valves. That’s because
the gate is entirely out of the path of the water when it’s open. In contrast, a butterfly valve’s
disk remains somewhat in the water’s way even when it’s open. The latter creates more
turbulence and friction, which can appreciably reduce pressure and flow.
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NFPA 13’s Table 28.2.3.1.1 approximates the friction loss from fittings by comparing them to
the friction loss experienced from equivalent lengths of pipe. Depending on their size, butterfly
valves create between three and 10 times more friction loss than gate valves. Thus, if
designers want to minimize water pressure and flow loss due to friction, they might specify
using OS&Y control valves instead of butterfly control valves.
Like all parts of a fire sprinkler or standpipe system, OS&Y gate valves must be inspected,
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tested, and maintained (ITM) regularly according to NFPA 25.
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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Fortunately, the list of tasks for these valves is short and simple. But before you try to do
anything yourself, check your
Fire Extinguishers FDCslocal ordinances—a
Fire Sprinklers licensed fire protection
Fire Hose professional
and Hydrants (and, at
Fire Signs Pipe Test and Monitor Valve
Inspection
All control valves require regular inspection. NFPA 25’s section 13.3.2.2 says you must check
OS&Y control valves for:
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The proper signage marking them as control valves
That they are sealed, locked, or supervised
The correct position—open or closed
Accessibility
Any external leaks
The frequency of this inspection depends on how closely monitored control valves are. Valves
without any lock, seal, or supervisory device must be inspected weekly. If they are locked or
sealed open, this gets extended to a monthly interval. If, as NFPA 25 encourages, you have
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electronic supervision for your control valve, inspections can be carried out quarterly. Again, 361-6662
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electronic supervision refers to devices that send a signal alerting whether a valve is closed.
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This OS&Y control valve is equipped with electronic supervision. The supervisory device, seen here
connected to gray cables, will trigger a signal if the valve is ever closed. With electronic supervision,
control valve inspections can be carried out quarterly instead of weekly or monthly.
backed one quarter-turn from being fully opened (13.3.3.3). In addition to happening
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annually, this test should also be performed every time the valve has to be operated, such as
during
Fire system repairs.
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Maintenance on OS&Y valves is simple—the stem should be greased annually (13.3.4.1). The
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valve should be opened and closed to work the lubricant into threads, so the ideal time to
lubricate an OS&Y valve is during the annual test.
NFPA 25 emphasizes that just opening the control valve after a test is not sufficient to verify the
system is functional. Thus, it requires a valve status test (13.3.3.4) every time the valve has
to be closed. Previously covered by a “main drain test,” this newer procedure also flows water
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to evaluate system pressure. Abnormally low pressures may indicate a leak or obstruction in
the piping system.
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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Like all approved control valves, OS&Y valves are indicating (the position of the stem shows
whether the valve is openFDCs
Fire Extinguishers or closed),Fire
and they take time
Sprinklers toHose
Fire close,
andpreventing
Hydrants water hammer.
Fire Signs As Pipe Test and Monitor Valve
a building owner or contractor, you should typically replace the valve types currently in place if
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an inspection reveals it is required.
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For your system repair jobs or new projects, shop our catalog of threaded OS&Y indicating
valves. If you require a different model or otherwise need help placing an order, call 888-361-
6662, email support@qrfs.com, or use our online contact form.
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at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on Twitter @QuickResponseFS.
Anupam Majumdar
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March 19, 2022 at 9:47 am
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Jeyson V
May 23, 2022 at 3:59 pm
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Thanks for this useful information. Some questions I had while reading this post.
What is the expected useful service life of an OS&Y valve that has had good and
regular maintenance?
Is the expected useful service life different when the OS&Y valve is on the
exterior of a building?
I have seen some OS&Y valves that don’t have a working viewing screen. Is this
something that can be fixed or does it call for the entire OS&Y assembly to be (888) 361-6662
replaced? Orders Contact Us
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3/27/24, 10:23 AM Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems
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QRFS Team
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May 23, 2022 at 5:54 pm
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submit your question with some information about your building, and a
fire protection professional will provide an answer based on best
practices, standards, and codes. Our pros include AHJs, contractors,
engineers, and code experts with 150+ years of combined experience!
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Ben
May 27, 2023 at 3:42 pm
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I do inspections on fire sprinkler systems for a living and in my experience OS&Y
valves are the worst valves ever. I feel like I’m the only one that actually greases
the stems of the valve. The article is telling you about no flow restriction and you
can’t close it less then 5 seconds to prevent water hammering but what there not
telling you is that rarely does anyone grease the stems to maintain the valve.
One time it took me 2 minutes to close an OS&Y valve cause it was so stiff the
valve was never greased. Also if you have that valve indoors they leak from the
stem cause the packing gives out every few years big mess. My opinion is to use (888) 361-6662
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as less OS&Y valves as you can, butterfly valve are the better choice.
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QRFS Team
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May 27, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Ben — Thank you for your perspective; practical feedback from fire
protection pros is almost always very valuable. OS&Ys have a few
moderate system design advantages, hence their continued use (in new
Feedback
systems or existing systems) but valves require maintenance (as you point
out). Some of your observations and others regarding convenience (such
as integrated tamper switches) are why butterfly valves have become the
more commonly preferred choice. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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