DielectricUnionfor Steam

Ordinary dielectric unions are designed to reduce or eliminate the corrosive effects of electrolysis. Electrolysis happens when water (or any other electrolytic liquid) is passed through a system that consists of two or more dissimilar metals.

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If you have any questions regarding tempering valves, their installation or how Fallon Solutions can help you with the process, give us a call on 1300 054 488 or book online today below.

DielectricUnionfor electrical conduit

Dielectric Unions are a crucial tool used to greatly reduce the effects of corrosion in a plumbing network. A dielectric union used in instrumentation is similar to a dielectric connector that might be on top of a hot water heater. There are, however, a few key differences.

For general plumbing needs, a dielectric union consists of a steel connector mated to a brass connector with an electrical insulator between the differing metals. While instrumentation dielectric unions are designed in a similar fashion, they’re actually stainless on both sides. This is because they’re designed to help with a different aspect of corrosion mitigation.

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This process begins with a piece of material (referred to as the anode) that is buried in the ground near the component that requires protection (referred to at the cathode). Both the anode and cathode are connected to a machine called a rectifier.

Yes, there is – the required tempering valve for your hot water system will depend on the type and size of your system. These include :

Additionally, tempering valves must be installed by a licenced plumber and are required to be installed in the following circumstances (according to the Plumbing Code of Australia):

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Hot water is a luxury that can very easily be taken for granted, so when it comes to hot water for your home or business, you want to ensure you have the best and safest system for your circumstances to avoid any unnecessary issues or problems. This may not mean just the system on its own though – this can mean any necessary additions, such as a tempering valve, to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and your friends. If your not sure if you have a tempering valve and need us to come and assist you can call now on 1300 054 488 or send an enquiry here. We are available 24/7 for hot water emergencies in the Greater Brisbane area.

A tempering valve is one of the best ways to ensure people are not harmed or scalded by hot water when it comes out of a faucet. It works as a mixing tool, as it combines both cold and hot water to correctly produce the required water temperature to be released from a particular outlet.

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Instrumentation dielectric unions are for electrical isolation of sensitive electronics. Unlike dielectric unions for plumbing, they do not prevent corrosion on their own. They must be used in conjunction with an active corrosion mitigation system and should not be used to connect dissimilar metals.

Both thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) and tempering valves blend hot and cold water together to create a suitable water temperature, however, there are some important differences, including :

This can generate a small electrical current that causes the less noble material to corrode and wither away over time. A secondary effect of electrolysis is that the more noble material will be less susceptible to corrosion.

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The rectifier then cycles an electric current through the system causing electrolysis. This flowing electrical current replenishes the electrons that would normally be lost to oxidation. In doing so, it protects the cathode from the corrosion that it would naturally experience.

Realistically, this means that all hot water system replacements should be installed with a tempering valve, however, the requirements do not extend to some repairs – it is still highly recommended however that you arrange for the installation of a hot water tempering valve to ensure your safety.

Instrumentation dielectric unions are not designed to prevent the natural electrolysis between varying types of metals. Rather, they provide a barrier between sensitive electronics and the electrical current that must pass through the cathode (the component requiring protection). Connecting metering or testing equipment directly to the electrified cathode could cause false readings or equipment damage and failure.

Yes, you do! In order to ensure the water temperature being produced from your outlets complies with Australia Standards (AS3500), you are required to have a tempering valve installed on any hot water system in Brisbane. The Standards state that, in order to avoid scalding, hot water must be set at a particular safe temperature and includes aspects such as:

If applied correctly, the natural phenomenon of electrolysis can be harnessed to prevent corrosion in certain applications. Two examples of this are metal components like underground piping systems and storage tanks that are in contact with the ground.