HOT TOPICS
INTRO... RPZ VALVES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN MAINTAINING WATER SAFETY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, SAYS ALTECNIC COUNTRY MANAGER ROI & NI CHRIS REILLY… hot TOPICS Chris Reilly, Altecnic Country Manager ROI & NI High-risk water protection 4 applications under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and BS EN 1717. Fluid Category 4 systems include Altecnic offers a range of RPZ valves.
As modern plumbing and heating systems continue to become more complex, protecting the wholesome mains water supply from contamination remains a critical responsibility for installers, specifiers and building operators. In higher-risk applications where toxic substances may be present within the downstream system, reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves continue to play a vital role in maintaining water safety and regulatory compliance. RPZ valves are specifically designed to prevent polluted or contaminated water from flowing back into the potable mains supply during conditions of back-pressure or back-siphonage. These situations can occur when pressure changes within the system cause water to reverse direction, potentially allowing harmful substances to enter the public water network. Unlike standard check valves, RPZ valves create a controlled separation zone between the incoming mains supply and the downstream system. If abnormal pressure conditions are detected, the valve automatically discharges water through a relief valve, preventing contaminated water from passing back into the wholesome supply. This makes RPZ valves the required level of protection for Fluid Category
applications containing toxic substances that could pose a
significant health hazard, such as chemical dosing systems, industrial processes, commercial heating systems, irrigation systems and certain fire protection installations. In these environments, the consequences of backflow can be serious, making correctly specified backflow prevention essential. Altecnic’s range of BA type RPZ valves, including the 570, 574, and 575 series, are designed to provide high-level backflow protection across a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. The valves are Regulation 4 (Reg4) approved and designed in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 12729 for controllable reduced pressure zone backflow preventers. Alongside system protection, ease of maintenance and ongoing compliance are also important considerations. Altecnic’s RPZ valves are designed with accessible internal components to simplify inspection, servicing and replacement without removing the valve body from the pipework. The devices must also be commissioned and periodically tested by an RPZ-
accredited engineer to ensure continued compliance and safe operation. As regulations continue to focus on water safety and contamination prevention, understanding where RPZ protection is required is becoming increasingly important. Correct specification, installation and maintenance remain essential to protecting both system performance and public health. “Altecnic’s RPZ valves are designed with accessible internal components to simplify inspection, servicing and replacement without removing the valve body from the pipework.”
Contact Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, T: +353 (0)85 215 2288 - E: chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk www.altecnic.co.uk Want to know more?
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