User Guide

FREEZE PROTECTION SERIES 850, LF850, 860 AND LF860
1
⁄2" - 2" (15 - 50 mm)
IOM-F-FreezeProtection
Draining Procedure for Freeze Protection
Damage from freezing will be costly. FEBCO products are not warranted
against freeze damage. The following instructions will protect against
freezing of Double Check Assemblies (DC) and Reduced Pressure Zone
Assemblies (RP).
Freeze Protection Guidelines
Backflow prevention assemblies must be protected against freezing for the
winter in areas where freezing temperatures may occur. If the water inside
the assembly freezes, damage to the assembly and the system may occur.
Proper draining, insulation using heat tape and heated protective enclosures
are all acceptable methods of freeze protection. In areas with freezing tem-
peratures the 850U, 860U, LF850U and LF860U with union end ball valves
might be considered. The union end ball valve allows the body of the device
to be removed.
When draining an assembly to prevent freezing, several important points
must be remembered:
1. The assembly cannot be adequately drained though the test cocks. For
proper draining follow the instructions detailed in the Drain Procedure
section.
2. Drain valves must be added on the inlet and outlet sides of the assem-
bly, below the assembly (and preferably below the freeze line if the
remainder of the system is to be drained).
Drain Procedure
1. Close the main shut-off valve (A).
2. Open the inlet drain valve (B).
3. Open the inlet and outlet ball valves (C & D) 45° (half open, half closed).
4. Open all testcocks (F).
5. Open the outlet drain valve (E).
6. Remove the cover (G) and inlet check module until all water inside valve
drains back out through inlet drain valve (B).
7. If you “blowout” the piping downstream of the backflow assembly using
compressed air:
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outlet ball valve (D).
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(D).
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in a half open, half closed position for the winter.
(See the ball valve freeze protection instructions for more details.)
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leak.
8. (RP UNITS ONLY) Loosen the relief valve cover (H) to drain. Tighten
when draining is completed.
Spring "Start-up" Procedure
When there is no more chance of freeze damage:
1. Close all drain valves (E & B), testcocks (F) and ball valves (C & D).
2. Retighten the relief valve cover (H), then slowly open the main shut off
valve (A) and the inlet ball valve (C).
3. Slightly open, and then close, all testcocks (F) one at a time to empty air
from the device.
4. Slowly open the outlet ball valve (D) and refill the system.
You are required to thoroughly read all installation instructions and product
safety information before beginning. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PROPER
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PRODUCT FAILURE WHICH CAN
CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Local building or plumbing codes may require modifications to the informa-
tion provided. You are required to consult the local building and plumbing
codes prior to installation. If this information is not consistent with local
building or plumbing codes, the local codes should be followed.
WARNING
!