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Pressurized setup (> 0.5 bar / > 7 psi)

A pressurized setup in this context means that OpenValve is connected to a water source such as a garden tap/outdoor faucet that has a static pressure exceeding 0.5 bar.

OpenValve is rated for a maximum operating pressure of 4 bar. During normal operation, the pressure at OpenValve must not exceed this value. If your water source provides more than 4 bar, a house pressure regulator is required. When the pressure is below 4 bar but still above 2 bar (as is common in most pressurized lines), an irrigation pressure regulator is strongly recommended for drip or micro-irrigation systems, because many irrigation components are not designed for high pressure. A pressure regulator can also improve battery life by reducing the force needed to close the valve. Always connect pressure regulators upstream (before OpenValve).

warning

Pressure reducers should always be installed upstream (before OpenValve, not after).

Be careful when choosing an pressure regulator. There are two types of pressure regulators:

  • irrigation pressure regulators
  • house pressure regulators

Irrigation pressure regulators are usually designed as downstream regulators. They reduce the pressure only within a specified flow rate, but they do not reduce the pressure reliably or at all when the valve is closed and the pressure is static. When the water source does not exceed 4 bar, a standard irrigation pressure regulator is enough. However when the water source pressure is above 4 bar, a house pressure regulator is required.

tip

House pressure regulators also limit the pressure reliably when the water pressure is static (no water is flowing).

Here is an example of how OpenValve can be installed in a pressurized system.

Faucet
  ↓
Irrigation pressure regulator (if pressure > 2 bar) / House pressure regulator (if pressure > 4 bar)
  ↓
3/4" thread to 1/2" hose compression fitting
  ↓
1/2" hose
  ↓
1/2" hose to 1/2" thread compression fitting
  ↓
OpenValve
  ↓
1/2" hose to 1/2" thread compression fitting
  ↓
1/2" hose
  ↓
1/2" to 1/2" hose adapter
  ↓
1/2" drip hose