INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Installation and maintenance must be done to the requirements of the local building code or governing agency; or, in the absence of local building codes, to the requirements of the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1), and, if applicable, the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70). Installation and maintenance must be performed by personnel having the qualifications required by law to install and service natural gas lines and equipment.

Whenever possible, the valve should be installed in the gas line before the line enters the protected structure. Generally this is on the customer’s side of the meter; but may be upstream of the meter if allowed by the utility.

Install valve in upright position with the gas flow in the direction of the arrow on the valve body. The plumb chain in the level indicator on the side of the valve must be centered in the hole in the bracket through which it passes.

Warning: If the valve is installed so the gas flow is in the direction OPPOSITE FROM THE ARROW on the valve body, the valve WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

VALVE INSTALLATION

The valve must be rigidly mounted to the earth, to the foundation, or near the foundation of the protected structure, so that seismic movements will be transmitted to the acceleration trigger mechanism located within the valve assembly.

The valve should only be installed in gas lines whose maximum pressure will never exceed the pressure rating stamped on the valve’s nameplate band. During installation, when making pipe connections to the valve body, the turning effort on the valve body’s pipe threads SHALL NOT EXCEED the figures in the table to the right.

After the installation is complete, the gas service should be restored according to the directions given below under "Opening & Resetting of the Valve."

VERIFICATION OF VALVE OPERATION

Unless otherwise specified by code, it is recommended that the valve be inspected at least once a year to assure it is level and has not been damaged. If the valve is found to be out of level or appears damaged, the customer should call a qualified gas service person to arrange repairs.
Warning: Read the following sections before attempting to reset the valve.

OPENING & RESETTING OF THE VALVE—MODELS VB-300, VB-301, VB-302, & VB-303

When the valve is closed, a Red Bar will be visible through the window in the position indicator, which is located on the bottom of the red bonnet, just above the clamp band. To open the valve, first verify that the main gas shutoff valve is closed, then gently rotate the Reset Cam (located on the side of the valve) in the direction indicated by the "to open" arrow, until the Green Bar is visible through the window. Release the turning effort. If reset has occurred, the Reset Cam will return to its original position, and the Green Bar will remain visible through the window. The valve is now open, and the acceleration trigger mechanism is set to respond to a seismic disturbance. The main gas shutoff valve may now be opened.

OPENING & RESETTING OF THE VALVE—MODELS VB-310, VB-311, VB-312, VB-313, VB-314, VB-314F, VB-315, VB-315F, VB-316, VB-316F, & VB-317F

When the valve is closed, a Red Bar will be visible through the window in the position indicator, which is located on the bottom of the red bonnet, just above the clamp band. To open the valve, first verify that the main gas shutoff valve is closed, then gently rotate the Reset Cam (located on the side of the valve) in the direction indicated by the "to open" arrow, which will open the pressure-release poppet in the center of the valve’s disc. Hold the Reset Cam in this position until the pressure equalizes across the valve’s disc. Then, with very little turning effort, continue rotating the Reset Cam until the Green Bar is visible through the window. Release the turning effort. If reset has occurred, the Reset Cam will return to its original position, and the Green Bar will remain visible through the window. The valve is now open, and the acceleration trigger mechanism is set to respond to a seismic disturbance. The main gas shutoff valve may now be opened.

Warning:If the reset shaft does not return to its original position, or the valve remains closed and will not reset, the gas service must be shut off and the valve replaced before service can be restored. If the valve will not reset, please call the factory or your distributor for technical service.

After an Earthquake

The acceleration trigger mechanism within the valve has been factory tested to verify that the finished valve complies with national (ASCE 25-97) and state (California 12-16-1) standards. Gas plumbing damage may have occurred during an earthquake or aftershock. If a gas leak exists, gas service should be turned off at the main shut-off valve. Do not restore the gas service without assistance from a qualified person. You will be safer if you let authorized personnel restore service.