The gas pipe valve in the apartment: features of choice, installation and maintenance standards

Regular gas explosions in apartments are of concern to owners, residents and utilities. Installation of a leakage control system partially solves this problem: it helps prevent fire, explosion, and poisoning. The design, in addition to the signaling device, should include a valve on the gas pipe, which shuts off the fuel supply in case of dangerous situations.

In this publication, we will get acquainted with the requirements of gas services for the integration of such a device into the pipeline. We learn what types of valves can be connected to gas detectors, what standards they must meet. Plus, we will understand the nuances of installing the device on the pipe.

Building rules and regulations

According toSP 60.13330.2016 equipment of premises gas sensors It is optional and is carried out at the request of the customer. But this only applies to already built buildings.

In accordance with Section 6.5.7 SP 60.13330.2016 gas alarm is required in new, reconstructed residential buildings to be repaired, where it is expected to operate boilers, columns, stoves and other equipment.

The actuator of such a sensor is a high-speed solenoid valve - a cut-off blocking the gas supply. It should be installed at the gas inlet to the room and blocked with the signaling device, so that when the last signal is given, the valve will immediately stop the supply of blue fuel.

The location of the signaling device and the shutoff device depends on the density of the gas used and the wiring features in the apartment. Choosing a place requires a highly qualified master

At the planning stage, the room is examined. Close attention should be paid to areas where gas accumulation is possible (cavities, niches). “Dead zones” must not be allowed.

In addition to altering the internal wiring, if necessary, they disassemble, assemble or replace kitchen furniture, appliances, and also install:

• hidden wiring;
• alarm reporting systems;
• forced ventilation.

All work is carried out on the project, which requires preparatory action. First you need to contact the regional gas service.

The coordination instruction looks like this:

1. Drawing up an application on the model indicating the desired changes in the highway. The document serves as the basis for the visit of the master to the place of installation of the equipment.
2. Already on the spot, a representative of the organization inspects everything, checks, carries out calculations in accordance with the standards, taking into account the applicant’s plan.
3. The estimate is calculated, a plan is prepared.
4. The plan and estimate are agreed upon: the document is handed over to the applicant for review and consent to the installation.
5. Payment in case of agreement with the proposed project.

If the estimate and / or plan does not suit the customer, this is negotiated with the master, a compromise solution is found and the project is being finalized.

The choice of equipment for the apartment

All elements of the system must be equipped with permits, a Russian passport, a certificate and / or a declaration of conformity with the technical regulations of the Customs Union, which allow their use on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The gas protection system kit includes the detector itself (there may be two of them - from carbon monoxide and natural gas), a shut-off valve, connecting wires

Buying a special kit is preferable to purchasing devices separately. In the first case, the elements of the kit are already coordinated among themselves in terms of parameters, adapted to work in a domestic environment, equipped with operating instructions.

The market presents models of domestic and imported. Replacing and repairing the first is cheaper, easier.

If you select equipment separately, please note that there are sensor models that are not designed to connect a solenoid valve. They signal a leak, are able to inform the owner of the danger by sending SMS to the phone, but they do not block the gas.

Installation of one sensor without a valve is inexpensive, it can be installed independently, but the reliability of protection against such a design is doubtful. Yes, and such a system will not comply with the current rules.

Varieties of electromagnetic shut-off valves

Two types of cutoffs are connected to the sensor: open (NO) and closed (NC). The first block the fuel supply only after the alarm is triggered in the system. The latter react when a power outage occurs.

It is possible to restore the original position of the valve after actuation either manually or automatically. In an apartment, gas valves are predominantly installed with manual cocking, they are simpler and cheaper.

Household gas shutoffs are most often made of brass or aluminum (silumin). They are suitable for various non-aggressive gases: natural, propane, liquefied petroleum

Normally-open manual shutoffs allow the equipment to work while there is no supply voltage on the coil. De-energized condition extends their service life.

But due to the lack of voltage, such a device will not block the gas during a power outage, which is unsafe.

When working with a normally-open valve, it is necessary to remove the protective cap, cock the bolt up to lock, put the cap back on. When power is supplied, the shut-off device closes. The procedure is repeated to resume work.

A normally-closed gas valve closes in a second if the alarm went off or the electricity in the apartment went out. In this position, he remains until the elimination of dangerous factors.

The disadvantage of the variety is the constant voltage on the coil and its strong heating (up to 70 degrees).

When working with a normally-closed valve, you must first apply power to the coil, remove the protective cap, cock the bolt until it locks, put the cap back on. When triggered, the actions are repeated

On sale there are cutters with electric pulse control. They work differently. In the open position, the valve is held by a latch. If a current pulse from the sensor hits the coil, the latch is released.

If the closing impulse comes in during a power outage (e / e) and when the alarm is triggered, the device acts as a normally closed one. If the pulse is received only by the sensor signal, the valve operates on the principle of normal-open and does not interrupt the gas supply when the electric power is turned off. These algorithms can be changed using the alarm settings.

More information about the varieties of the solenoid valve and the principle of operation of the device we have given in our other article.

The ratio of the cutter to the system

When choosing a device, the diameter of the pipe in the valve insert section is important. In most cases, for household needs, a device with a value of Dn 15, 20 or 25, which corresponds to pipes 1/2 ″, 3/4 ″ and 1 ″, is suitable.

If present in the system boiler or columnthat do not work when the power is cut off, a normally-open valve is installed.

A normally-open cutter is not convenient when paired with a sensor that automatically checks its outputs. The alarm will send pulses, which will trigger the valve

If the operation of the devices does not depend on the power supply, a normally-closed shut-off device is mounted. He will not block the equipment in the absence of electricity and will not leave the room without protection.

Installation of the device on a pipe

Work on the introduction of a shut-off valve into the system is carried out only by a master - an employee of the gas service or an individual entrepreneur. He must have special permission to perform this type of work and permits.

When choosing a place for installation, it is necessary to take into account the convenience of access to the manual cocking.

The specialist will first shut off the gas supply, then insert the device, check the operability of the equipment and instruct the structure

Where installation is possible:

• before gas meterif its design does not provide for the use of a cut-off device at the input to turn it off;
• in front of a household gas appliance - stove, column, boiler;
• at the entrance of the highway to the room, if it has a gas meter with a disconnecting device at a distance of at least 10 m from the entry point.

To install the valve quickly and efficiently, you should call the masters in advance and clarify whether additional consumables are needed. If so, it is advisable to buy them in advance. The space where work will be carried out must be vacated, and kitchen surfaces, equipment - covered with tarpaulin, burlap or other materials not prone to burning.

Carrying out installation, specialists must strictly adhere to the requirements of standards governing documents. It is also recommended to follow the passports and instructions from the manufacturer to the devices.

Device Maintenance

Self-service is to remove dust from the appliance. If a breakdown is detected, call an employee gas company.

Maintenance includes annual metrological verification of the sensor. Outside of this period, it is carried out when replacing sensors. Valve response is checked by specialists once every six months.

It is forbidden to carry out maintenance on your own. Intentional supply of a non-special gas mixture can lead to the failure of the sensitive elements of the device.

Design Efficiency

Installation of an alarm and a gas valve in an apartment does not guarantee 100% protection against leaks or unauthorized interference with the operation of devices. The system, depending on the installation location, disables only a single section of the gas pipeline or device.

But there may be a leak on the common house line, so the cessation of fuel supply to one device cannot be called effective. False confidence in complete security can provoke much more negative consequences. We recommend that you see information about how gas explodes in an apartment.

Really effective is only equipping the control system of all apartments and premises in the building. In this case, if there is a gas leak, the supply will stop throughout the line.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of household alarm with valve, system assembly.

Analysis of the design of the sensor and valve, its parameters, demonstration of the operation of the device.

Most fires in apartments are due to gas leaks. Installing a sensor with a valve will help prevent severe consequences from such situations. But the safety of property and human lives is guaranteed only when the equipment is correctly selected and its installation is carried out by a qualified employee of the gas service.

Do you have a gas detector installed in your apartment complete with a gas pipe valve and would you like to tell how this equipment protected your family and property from the negative consequences of a gas leak? Share your experience, leave recommendations on the advisability of installing such locking devices - the form for comments is located below the article.