#405 – Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection
Systems
blog.qrfs.com/405-guide-to-osy-valves-for-fire-protection-systems
March 16, 2022
An OS&Y valve often controls access to the water source in a fire
sprinkler or standpipe system
Control valves are some of the most vital components of fire sprinkler and standpipe
systems, controlling water flow to the network of pipes that feed the sprinklers. This article
is a guide to outside screw and yoke (OS&Y) valves, which, along with butterfly valves,
often serve as system control valves.
We cover:
How OS&Y valves work and their basic construction
Their applications, including why they are suitable control valves
OS&Y valve benefits and why they might be used instead of butterfly valves
The requirements for their inspection, testing, and maintenance
We’ll frequently refer to two model standards: NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems (2022 edition) and NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and
Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (2020 edition). Our focus here is
on sprinkler systems, but much of the information we present (especially from NFPA 25)
also applies to standpipes.
Whether you need a big order for a new construction project or just one replacement
component, QRFS is your resource for fire protection supplies and equipment. Check out
our selection of threaded OS&Y valves today!
How do OS&Y gate valves work?
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 the handwheel moves the stem (and the gate) up and down.
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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.
OS&Y valves often serve as control valves
In fire protection, OS&Y valves are often used as control valves, which govern water
flow to a fire sprinkler or standpipe system and possibly sections of it. If the main control
valve is closed, the system is effectively “off,” rendering it useless. Every sprinkler system
needs at least one main control valve—usually on the riser between the water main
connection and the system’s 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.
3.3.235.3 * Indicating Valve.
A valve that has components that provide the valve operating position, open or
closed. [24,2022] (AUT-PRI)
7.6.1 Valve Closure Time.
Listed indicating control valves shall not close in less than 5 seconds when
operated at maximum possible speed from the fully open position.
To paraphrase the section: a control valve must be listed (approved for use by safety
testing and approvals organizations like UL or FM Global) and indicating. Indicating
valves do just what their names say: they visually indicate whether a valve is open or
closed. It’s a vital feature because mistakenly closed control valves are the number one
cause of fire sprinkler failure during an emergency.
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
incrementally closing the valve—turning the handwheel multiple times—protects against
pressure surges.
Benefits of OS&Y valves—lower-friction control of the water
supply
As control valves, OS&Y valves are sometimes considered old-school. Contractors
frequently prefer butterfly valves because they’re lightweight, reliable, and often prewired
for electronic valve supervision that indicates whether they are open or closed. OS&Y
valves can also be electronically supervised, but additional equipment is often required.
Nevertheless, these old-school valves still have one benefit for sprinkler system
designers: lower friction.
Building owners and facilities managers don’t usually think about the hydraulic design of
their sprinkler systems or make choices about the valves they have—it’s just their job to
maintain the equipment. But for sprinkler designers and contractors, valve selection can
be important. Sprinkler design depends on achieving the required flow and pressure. And
gravity plus friction from pipe walls, various fittings, and valves fight against these goals.
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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.
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.
Inspection, testing, and maintenance of an OS&Y valve
Like all parts of a fire sprinkler or standpipe system, OS&Y gate valves must be
inspected, tested, and maintained (ITM) regularly according to NFPA 25.
Fortunately, the list of tasks for these valves is short and simple. But before you try to do
anything yourself, check your local ordinances—a licensed fire protection professional
(and, at a minimum, always a “qualified” individual, as determined by the authority having
jurisdiction) may be needed to do any ITM.
Inspection
All control valves require regular inspection. NFPA 25’s section 13.3.2.2 says you must
check OS&Y control valves for:
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 electronic supervision for your control valve, inspections can be
carried out quarterly. Again, 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.
Testing and maintenance
Like all control valves (13.3.3.1), an OS&Y control valve must be tested annually. The test
is simple: operate the valve through its full range of motion, from fully opened to fully
closed, back to the normal position. To prevent jamming, NFPA 25 says that the valve
should be backed one quarter-turn from being fully opened (13.3.3.3). In addition to
happening annually, this test should also be performed every time the valve has to be
operated, such as during system repairs.
Maintenance on OS&Y valves is simple—the stem should be greased annually (13.3.4.1).
The 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 to evaluate system pressure. Abnormally low pressures may
indicate a leak or obstruction in the piping system.
OS&Y gate valves are a critical part of many fire sprinkler and
standpipe systems
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Every water-based fire protection system has control valves that must be maintained and
remain open when the system is in service. And while many designers opt for butterfly
valves due to their compact convenience, gate valves that open and close with an outside
screw and yolk still have their place, often to satisfy hydraulic design requirements.
Like all approved control valves, OS&Y valves are indicating (the position of the stem
shows whether the valve is open or closed), and they take time to close, preventing water
hammer. As a building owner or contractor, you should typically replace the valve types
currently in place if an inspection reveals it is required.
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 [email protected], or use our online contact form.
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