Is the valve shipped from the factory with the stem up or down?

It depends on how it is ordered. If you order the entire assembly (valve and actuator), the valves will come with the stem positioned up. This means the valve is open or closed, depending on if the valve body is Normally Open or Normally Closed. If you order the valve body alone it comes factory shipped with the stem held down 50% by the safety cap leaving the valve partially open. This allows the valves to be installed and the system flushed without needing to mount or power up the valve actuator.

Do the Installation Instructions show how to keep the hex nut in the Connector of the SSB Actuator?

Yes. Do not remove the hex nut from the screw. When you are wiring the device, loosen the screw only enough to remove the plastic piece, which protects the termination block from the valve actuator. Once the termination block has been fitted with the signal wiring, align the hex nut with the slot in the actuator, and snap the termination block and plastic housing back into place. The hex nut itself is on the terminal block cover that provides strain relief. The screw is machined to minimize the possibility of the hex nut slipping off.  Click here to view the installation instructions.

What is the purpose of the wall molded into the SSB valve actuators? This wall seems to block the termination openings for the wiring.

The wall serves as a strain relief for the signal wiring into the terminal plug. To properly install the wires, remove the outer jacket of the wiring to the actuator so that it makes contact with the termination block housing. Screw down the signal wires in the terminal plug, then feed around the wall where the wires will exit the housing. The terminal block cover is designed to work with typical plenum wire. The part is molded to allow easy rework of the strain relief entry with a utility knife, as the wall's thickness in this area has been reduced.

Can the valves and actuators be purchased separately?

Part numbers are available for the entire valve and actuator assembly, as well as the valve bodies and actuators to be purchased separately.

What is the cost difference in ordering the valves as assemblies versus ordering valve and actuator separately?

There is no cost difference.

Where can I find the Technical Instructions for the Powermite 599 Series valves?

Technical instructions for the Powermite 599 MT valves are the following part numbers:

Technical instructions for the Powermite 599 MZ valves are the following part numbers:

How do I know when to select the Powermite 599 MZ series versus an MT series valve solution?

The MZ valve assemblies are for low-rise building up to 3-stories high. Use these when the application requires a solution with lower close off force or cost is a major factor in decision-making.

The MT bodies are for high-rise applications or for applications where the pump head pressure or piping run length creates a force larger than can be handled by the MZ valve assemblies. The MT series valves should also be used in pneumatic applications or when spring return to a fail-safe position is required.

How does one distinguish valve bodies of the same (or different) line size from one another if they have different Cv's? This is a critical issue during installation or if field replacement is ever necessary.

When the valve bodies are shipped, they will be stamped (ink jetted in black) on the valve body with four pieces of information: the valve body part number, the Cv, an arrow showing direction of flow and a date code. If an entire assembly is ordered, a bib will be placed over the valve body that displays the assembly's part number. This should minimize any confusion during installation.

What is the resolution of the Powermite 599 series valve bodies?

The valve bodies have a resolution of 50:1 for Cv’s less than 1 and 100:1 for Cv’s greater than 1.

What is the run time for the Powermite 599 series valve actuators?

Run time is measured from the time the signal is applied until the valve is closed (for normally open valves) open (for normally closed valves)

Is the termination block on the SSB valve actuators orderable separately?

Yes. Order part number ASY100 for the SSB61U. Order part number ASY99 for the SSB81U.

If I want to wire the SSB valve assemblies in conduit, what do I need?

Order part number ASY97. You will receive a conduit connector that adapts to 3/8-inch flex conduit. The conduit adapter is metal, and fits the location vacated by the plastic plenum cable housing.

Can these valves tolerate backflushing?

Yes.

If these valves are flow-sensitive, how do I avoid installing them backwards?

A directional arrow is stamped onto the valve body to avoid incorrect installation. When a valve is installed backwards, you typically hear a high frequency noise generated by the reverse flow or a hammering noise as the plug approaches the seat.

Is the wire termination block included on the valve actuator for the SSB?

Yes.

Are there any restrictions on the valve body mounting orientation?

No. There are only restrictions on the actuator; it should not be mounted below horizontal.

How do I position the MZ valve assemblies manually?

Use a 3 mm hex wrench. This is not included when purchasing the Powermite 599 MZ valve assemblies or the SSB actuators.

During installation, the visual position indicator cover for the SSB actuator was lost. What do I do?

Order part number 4 224 5611 8. This kit includes a new position indicator cover and the two plastic gears to rotate the cover. This kit will be available late this spring.

Is there a cross reference for VMP42 Series Valve to Powermite 599 Series?

Yes. There is a cross reference for VMP42 Series Valve to Powermite 599 Series.