What is a safety tray and termination device and why have we quoted it ?
Ensuring Hot Water System Safety: The Role of Safety Trays and Automatic Shut-Off Valves
In Australia, adhering to safety standards for indoor hot water systems is crucial to prevent potential water damage and ensure reliable operation. A key aspect of these standards involves the use of safety trays and automatic shut-off valves, such as the Mildred Automatic Shut-Off Valve.
Understanding Safety Trays
When installing hot water systems indoors, especially in areas without floor drains, it’s mandatory to place a steel safety drip tray beneath the tank. This tray acts as a safeguard, capturing any leaks from the tank or its connections. To effectively channel any collected water, the tray should be equipped with a 25mm drain leading to an appropriate disposal point. In situations where installing such a drain isn’t feasible, an approved automatic shut-off valve becomes essential.
The Mildred Automatic Shut-Off Valve
The Mildred Valve is designed to detect leaks and immediately halt the water supply, thereby preventing potential flooding and damage. Key features include:
Leak Detection: The valve’s sensor identifies water accumulation in the safety tray and promptly shuts off the water supply to the hot water system.
Battery Operated: Powered by 4 x AAA or AA batteries, the device requires annual battery replacement. An audible alarm alerts homeowners when it’s time to replace the batteries.
Compliance: The Mildred Valve meets Australian Standards AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 and WMTS-476:2016, ensuring it aligns with national safety regulations.
Incorporating the Mildred Valve into your hot water system setup not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also provides peace of mind by actively protecting your property from water damage.
For a detailed installation guide, you can refer to the following video:
BuildTuff Mildred Valve – Installation Guide
Ensuring that your hot water system is equipped with the appropriate safety measures is vital. Always consult with qualified professionals to guarantee that installations meet the required standards and effectively safeguard your property.
5.4 Protection Against Damage From Leaking Water
5.4.1 Concealed Water Storage Tanks
All water containers, cold water storage tanks, cold water storage tank-fed water heaters, or storage water heaters that are installed in roof spaces, in cupboards, or otherwise concealed shall be placed on safe trays complying with Clause 5.4.3. The safe trays shall be drained by safe wastes complying with Clause 5.4.4.
Notwithstanding the above requirements, mains pressure water heaters may be installed on a safe tray without a safe waste, provided a leak protection device is fitted adjacent to the cold water inlet and upstream of any expansion control valve.
5.4.2 Unconcealed Water Storage Tanks
Unconcealed water storage tanks, installed inside buildings on or above a floor surface that is impervious to water and suitably drained to a trapped or untrapped floor drain or an external doorway, do not require safe trays. A mains pressure water heater with a leak protection device fitted adjacent to the cold water inlet and upstream of any expansion control valve does not require a safe waste.
All other unconcealed water storage tanks that are installed inside buildings shall be installed with safe trays complying with Clause 5.4.3 and safe wastes complying with Clause 5.4.4.
NOTE: Free outlet-type storage water heaters, not exceeding 13.5 L capacity, and instantaneous water heaters do not require safe trays.
Experience and Expertise You Can Trust
When it comes to the safety of your hot water system, you want to make sure you’re working with a team that prioritizes your peace of mind. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled technicians understand the importance of adhering to Australian Standards to safeguard your property and ensure dependable water service. Don’t leave your safety to chance; choose a trusted specialist!
