Ames Fire & Waterworks 400B Bronze Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies - Manual (Page 2)

2
Installation Guidelines
Indoor Installation
For indoor installations, make sure the Series 400B is easily
accessible to facilitate testing and servicing. Do not install in
concealed locations. If the location of the Series 400B is parallel
and close to the wall, make sure the test cocks are easily
accessible, and the drain line can adequately drain if required. An
air gap and drain line (see literature ES-A-AG/EL/TC) are piped
from the relief valve connection as shown, allowing evidence of
discharge to be clearly visible and preventing the occurrence of
water damage.
Outdoor, Above Ground Installation
For outdoor installations, it is recommended that you install the
Series 400B-A where there are no freezing conditions and above
ground whenever possible.
You must install the Series 400B in an accessible location to
facilitate testing and servicing. The installation must also allow for
adequate drainage from the air gap and the discharge line
if needed.
WARNING !
1. Do not allow the drain line to empty directly into a drainage
ditch, sewer system, or sump.
2. Do not install the Series 400B in any location where any part
of the unit could become submerged in standing water.
Air Gap
Strainer
Meter
12" (300mm) Minimum
(refer to local codes)
Ames
400B S
Ames
400B-A
Ames Series 400B Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies
A. Shutoff Valves: If you remove the shutoff valves from the Series
400B, reassemble the shutoff valve with the test cock mounted
on the inlet side of the unit.
B. Always install the Series 400B in an accessible location to
facilitate testing and servicing (See page 2). Check the state and
local codes to ensure that you install the backflow preventer in
compliance with those codes, such as the proper height above
the ground.
C. It is recommended that you install a strainer ahead of the Series
400B assemblies to protect the internal components from un-
necessary fouling.
CAUTION !
Do not install a Series 400B with a strainer in rarely used water
lines, such as a fire sprinkler system which is only used during
emergencies.
Start Up: Close the downstream shutoff. Open the upstream
slowly and fill the valve. When the valve is filled, open the
downstream shutoff slowly, and fill the water supply system. This
is necessary to avoid water hammer and/or shock damage.
D. Vent the air gap and drain line from the relief valve in accor-
dance with code requirements. Terminate discharge approxi-
mately 12" (300mm) above the ground or through an air gap
piped to a floor drain.
Min. 12" (300mm)
Parallel Installation
For parallel installations, you can install two or more small sized
Series 400B’s (when approved) to serve a large supply pipe
main. You can use this type of installation in an application where
increased capacity beyond that provided by a single valve is
required. Additionally, this type of installation permits testing and/
or servicing of a single valve without shutting down the complete
line.
The number of Series 400B units installed in parallel should be
determined by the engineer’s judgement, based on the operating
conditions of a specific application.
NOTICE
The total capacity of all the units installed in the application
should equal or exceed that required by the system.
Ames
400B