½-Inch Freeze Protection Valve Assembly with Strainer Tee

Product Description

½-Inch Freeze Protection Valve Assembly with Strainer Tee – 03900006

The Encon 03900006 is a ½-inch NPT freeze protection retrofit and replacement assembly for compatible Encon combination emergency shower/eyewash and eye/facewash stations. The self-actuating valve begins opening at 35°F (1.7°C) to establish an exterior discharge path as temperatures approach freezing, helping reduce the risk of damage and pipe breakage in exposed piping. As warmer supply water reaches the valve, it fully closes at 40°F (4.4°C).

An Encon-built strainer tee with a cleanable, reusable 16-mesh 304 stainless steel screen helps intercept debris before it reaches the freeze protection valve. The valve operates mechanically and requires no electrical power, wiring, external sensor, or control signal.

Highlights

• Complete freeze protection retrofit and replacement assembly
• Designed for compatible Encon combination emergency shower/eyewash and eye/facewash stations
• ½-inch NPT male threaded station connection
• Begins opening at 35°F (1.7°C)
• Fully closes at 40°F (4.4°C)
• Ambient-sensing, standard-flow operation
• Self-actuating design requires no electrical power or control signal
• Serviceable Encon strainer tee with reusable 16-mesh screen
• Hand-removable strainer cap provides convenient screen access
• 300-series stainless steel valve body
• Valve component rated for a maximum operating pressure of 300 psig (20.7 bar)
• Valve component rated for a maximum operating temperature of 185°F (85°C)

Automatic freeze protection for compatible Encon equipment

The 03900006 is intended to help protect compatible Encon emergency equipment in low-temperature applications where water retained in exposed piping may freeze. It can be used as a retrofit assembly or as a replacement for an existing 03900006 installation.

The assembly is specifically configured for compatible Encon emergency shower and eyewash equipment. Correct selection, installation location, orientation, drainage, and maintenance are necessary for effective freeze protection.

How the temperature-controlled valve operates

In its standard-flow configuration, the internal thermal actuator initially responds to the ambient temperature surrounding the valve. When the sensed temperature falls to 35°F (1.7°C), the valve begins opening and allows cold water to discharge.

Once flow is established, the actuator responds to the temperature of the water passing through the valve. As warmer supply water reaches the actuator, the valve fully closes at 40°F (4.4°C). This automatic operating cycle helps move colder water out of exposed piping without requiring personnel to operate a manual drain valve.

Serviceable 16-mesh strainer tee

The Encon strainer tee helps intercept particulate before it reaches the freeze protection valve. Its serviceable construction includes:

• Chrome-plated brass tee body
• Chrome-plated brass removable strainer cap
• Cleanable and reusable 16-mesh 304 stainless steel screen
• EPDM O-ring
• Schedule 40, 304 stainless steel close nipple

After the station water supply has been shut off and pressure has been relieved, the strainer cap can normally be removed by hand. The screen can then be removed, cleaned, inspected, and returned to service. Inspect the EPDM O-ring whenever the strainer is opened and replace it if it is damaged, worn, or deteriorated.

Installation considerations

Install the 03900006 only on a compatible Encon station and in accordance with Encon IOM 01999964, Revision B. Important installation considerations include:

• Shut off the station water supply and flush the piping before installation, replacement, or plumbing maintenance.
• Attach the assembly’s ½-inch threaded male fitting to the applicable station tee or accessory fitting.
• Install the assembly with the valve’s flow-direction arrow pointing downward toward the intended discharge location.
• Use an appropriate pipe wrench and pipe-thread sealant when attaching the components.
• Route discharged water to an appropriate drain or disposal location.
• Position the assembly so that discharge produces flow through the piping sections requiring freeze protection.
• After installation, inspect all connections for leakage and activate the emergency station to verify the proper flow pattern and water volume.
• Recommended station dynamic, or flowing, water pressure is 30–80 psi.

The station’s recommended 30–80 psi dynamic pressure range is separate from the valve component’s 300 psig maximum operating-pressure rating.

Additional fittings may be required, depending on the station configuration:

• Eyewash station installation: Encon recommends using self-draining ball valve P/N 00011037, sold separately.
• Combination shower/eyewash station using both freeze and scald protection assemblies: Accessory Tee Assembly P/N 01052082 is required and sold separately.
• Eye/facewash station using one protection assembly: Accessory Tee Assembly P/N 01052082 is required and sold separately.
• Eye/facewash station using both freeze and scald protection assemblies: ½-inch cross fitting P/N 00001704 and ½-inch close threaded nipple P/N 00006801 are required and sold separately.

When the assembly is connected only at the fountain-section midpoint of a combination station, the upper shower piping may remain susceptible to freezing. The assembly should be located so that discharge creates flow through the shower piping requiring protection.

Operation and maintenance

Activate the complete plumbed emergency shower or eye/facewash station weekly to flush the supply lines and verify the proper flow pattern and water volume. Maintain test records in accordance with the facility’s inspection and compliance procedures.

Periodically inspect the freeze protection assembly for leakage, damage, obstruction, accumulated debris, and unrestricted discharge. Establish the strainer inspection and cleaning frequency according to facility water quality, observed debris accumulation, operating conditions, and the site’s preventive-maintenance program.

To service the strainer:

1. Shut off the station water supply.
2. Relieve pressure from the piping.
3. Remove the strainer cap by hand.
4. Remove and clean the reusable screen.
5. Inspect the screen and EPDM O-ring.
6. Replace any damaged or deteriorated component.
7. Reassemble the strainer.
8. Restore the water supply and inspect the assembly for leakage.
9. Activate the emergency station and verify its proper flow pattern and water volume.

Do not remove the strainer cap while the assembly is pressurized.

Construction and performance details

• SKU: 03900006
• Product type: Freeze protection retrofit and replacement assembly with strainer tee
• Station connection: ½-inch NPT male threaded fitting
• Sensing configuration: Ambient sensing
• Flow configuration: Standard flow
• Begins opening: 35°F (1.7°C)
• Fully closes: 40°F (4.4°C)
• Maximum valve operating pressure: 300 psig (20.7 bar)
• Maximum valve operating temperature: 185°F (85°C)
• Valve body: 300-series stainless steel
• Internal valve materials: 300-series stainless steel, EPDM, and FEP-encapsulated Viton®
• Strainer tee body: Chrome-plated brass
• Removable strainer cap: Chrome-plated brass
• Strainer screen: 16-mesh 304 stainless steel; cleanable and reusable
• Strainer O-ring: EPDM
• Close nipple: Schedule 40, 304 stainless steel
• External power required: None

Valve component dimensions:

• Diameter: 1.3 inches (33 mm)
• Length: 4.5 inches (114 mm)
• Weight: 0.9 lb (0.4 kg)

The dimensions and weight above apply only to the freeze protection valve component. They do not include the Encon strainer tee and do not represent the complete installed assembly envelope.

FAQs

What is included with the 03900006 assembly?

The assembly includes a self-actuating freeze protection valve and an Encon strainer tee. The strainer tee incorporates a chrome-plated brass body and removable cap, a reusable 16-mesh 304 stainless steel screen, an EPDM O-ring, and a Schedule 40, 304 stainless steel close nipple.

At what temperature does the freeze protection valve begin opening?

The valve begins opening at 35°F (1.7°C).

At what temperature does the valve close?

The valve fully closes at 40°F (4.4°C) as warmer water reaches the thermal actuator.

Does the assembly require electricity?

No. The freeze protection valve is self-actuating and requires no electrical power, wiring, external sensor, or control signal.

Can the strainer screen be cleaned and reused?

Yes. After the water supply has been isolated and pressure has been relieved, the removable strainer cap can be taken off by hand. The 304 stainless steel screen is intended to be cleaned, inspected, and reused.

How often should the strainer screen be cleaned?

No fixed strainer-cleaning interval is specified. Inspection and cleaning frequency should be based on facility water quality, debris accumulation, operating history, and the site’s preventive-maintenance program.

Are the technical drawing dimensions the overall dimensions of the complete assembly?

No. The published 1.3-inch diameter, 4.5-inch length, and 0.9-pound weight apply only to the freeze protection valve component. They do not include the Encon strainer tee.

Will additional fittings be required?

Possibly. Requirements depend on the type of Encon station and whether freeze protection, scald protection, or both assemblies are being installed. Review Encon IOM 01999964, Revision B before ordering or installation.

Does this assembly guarantee that every section of the station will not freeze?

No. The assembly is intended to help protect compatible piping when it is correctly selected, installed, oriented, drained, and maintained. Installation only at the fountain-section midpoint may leave the upper shower piping susceptible to freezing. The assembly must be located so that discharge produces flow through the piping sections requiring protection.

Specifications

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