Which ball valve control to choose for an alarm system?

The discussion focuses on selecting the appropriate ball valve control for integration with an alarm system to shut off water when armed and open it when disarmed. Two main valve control types are compared: two-point and three-point control. Three-point valves use one neutral (N) wire and two live (L) wires for opening and closing, drawing power only during state changes, which reduces continuous current consumption and heat generation. Two-point valves often draw current continuously in one position, leading to higher power dissipation and potential overheating. Solenoid valves, typically monostable NO or NC types, also draw current continuously when in one state, which can be inefficient and cause heating.

The preferred solution is a three-point ball valve with limit switches to provide feedback on valve position to the alarm control panel, enhancing reliability and enabling fault detection. Power supply considerations include using 12V DC valves powered independently from the alarm panel to avoid battery drain during power outages, or 230V AC valves with manual bypass valves for emergency water access. The importance of manual override in case of power failure is emphasized. Flood detectors integrated with the alarm system can provide additional protection by triggering valve closure upon water detection, with separate alarm zones and distinct reset codes.

The discussion also covers practical aspects such as valve sizing (e.g., 1¼ inch valves), power consumption (typically 7-12W during operation), and the trade-offs between complexity, reliability, and cost. Some users recommend simplifying the system to increase reliability, avoiding complex UPS or large battery setups. Examples of valves with 7-wire or 3-wire configurations and limit switches are mentioned, with links to commercial products. The final solution adopted by the original poster involves a 230V three-wire valve with limiters, controlled by the alarm panel, and a manual bypass valve for emergencies.

Additional points include the impact of valve operation on water supply hose integrity, with motorized ball valves preferred over solenoids to avoid hydraulic hammer. The discussion also touches on powering valves from alarm panel outputs, with caution advised to avoid overloading the panel battery. Overall, the consensus favors three-point controlled motorized ball valves with limit switches, powered independently, integrated with flood sensors and manual overrides for robust water shut-off in alarm systems.
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