How can we say for sure if the water path is open in the sprinkler or not? The answer is the OS&Y valve. It stands for outside screw and yoke.
Let’s learn more about this detail. Is it so important when installing fire protection equipment and what should be considered when renovating?
Why an OS&Y Valve Controls Access to Water in Fire Protection?
How does it work? The valve stem is visible from the outside. It’s easy to tell by its position whether it is open or closed. The stem is up and an OS&Y is in the open position if water can flow. On the contrary, when it’s down, there’s no access.
Just for comparison, it is not so easy to understand the state in other types of valves. This is why OSY valves have become a true standard in fire protection.
How Does an OS&Y Gate Valve (Outside Screw and Yoke) Work?
The OSY valve (sometimes called OS&Y valve) stands for outside screw and yoke. Basically, it’s a valve with a visible stem. When you turn the handwheel, the stem moves up (the path for water is open) or down (closed).
There are different types of valves, such as ball valves or butterfly valves. But all of them are not so visually informative. Here, visual control is built right into the design.
Why OS&Y Valves Are Commonly Used as Control Valves
Any contractor appreciates OS&Y valves because of their simplicity. That’s because you don’t have to guess or disassemble the system. Just a quick glance can help you see the position.
Plus, this type meets most NFPA requirements. So if you want a stress-free inspection, this is definitely the valve to get.
Key Benefits of OS&Y Valves—Reliable Water Supply Control
Let’s summarize what has been said above. It looks like this valve has a pretty impressive list of pros:
- Easy inspection of the open position.
- Compliance with NFPA standards and local codes.
- Easy operation without complicated tools.
- Reliability—less risk of the mechanism souring.
You may still have a question: how can the OSY valve relate to other fire sprinkler system components, such as sprinkler heads? No worries; you can read which head is best to choose in our article Fusible Link Sprinkler Head vs Glass Bulb Types—there’s a lot of useful information there too.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of an OS&Y Valve
Inspectors love these valves because the inspection takes minutes (literally). All you need to do is make sure the stem is in the correct position and there is no corrosion. As you may recall, OS&Y is in the open position if all is well and water can flow freely to the outside.
However, despite their simplicity, such elements require regular maintenance services. This is what keeps the system running smoothly. If you’re in CA right now, reach out to our FirePro Tech experts with any OS&Y valve issue. They will not only help you but will also explain everything in detail if you have any questions.
How to Properly Inspect an OS&Y Valve
The inspection process is simple, but it’s best to follow a checklist:
- Inspect the stem—it should be free of rust.
- Check that the flywheel turns freely.
- Check that the OSY valve is in the open position.
- Make a note in the inspection log.
Sometimes it is also a good idea to flush the valve to remove possible sediment. And to understand why this is important for the whole installation, it is worth understanding how a fire sprinkler works as a whole system.
Testing and Ongoing Maintenance of OS&Y Valves
Testing the OSY valves involves a complete cycle: close the OSY valve, then open it again. This method shows if there is no seizure.
It is also recommended to lubricate the threads once a year and do a visual check. This is cheap and helps you avoid a lot of stress. So, if you by any chance need our help with OSY valves (or any other part of the system), call FirePro Tech at (818) 860-0166.
Why OSY Valve Is Essential for Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems
No outside screw and yoke valves? Well, the system will not be able to pass inspection and comply with regulations. This is key in residential buildings, where inspectors scrutinize every detail.
That is why the outside screw and yoke are considered mandatory elements. It is like proof that the condition of the valve can always be determined visually. And this means that the fire protection will work without delays.
How to Tell if an OSY Valve Is in the Open Position
To tell if a valve is open, you only need to look at its construction. With the outside screw and yoke type, the stem is always visible from the outside. If it is up and the threads are clearly visible, it is a sure sign that the valve is in the open position. This means that water is flowing freely into the system.
This simple visual inspection makes the OS&Y valve easy to inspect and maintain. By the way, we often share these practical tips on Instagram and discuss real-life examples on Facebook together with contractors and fire safety experts—join us there to keep in touch!