Fire protection

0685EN November 2019

Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

A201 A202 A203 A204

Description Versions and product codes

The field adjustable pressure reducing valve. Range for installations where Series Size Type
pressure must be controlled at different floors, either for standpipe or sprinkler
systems. To better understand the installation of the pressure reducing valve, A201 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” Double female - Angle
we would like to refer to the following example of installation. A202 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” Female x Male hose thread - Angle

A203 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” Double female - Straight

A204 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” Female x Male hose thread - Straight

Roof

10th floor Operating

The valves are capable of adjustment to provide a range of the outlet
9th floor
pressures and flowrates.
8th floor
The valves may first be installed, and then adjusted for pressure and flowrate.
7th floor

6th floor
Advantages
5th floor
Only one kind of valve for every floor.
4th floor
No error in the installation, as every valve is adjustable.
3rd floor Valves should be installed by qualified personnel only.
2nd floor

1st floor
Technical data
Pressure depends on floor
• Maximum inlet pressure: 400 psi
• Outlet pressure range: 65-175 psi

Materials
• Body: casted bronze
Angle valve for hose connection • Handwheel: aluminum
Straight valve for sprinkler To pump room • Spring: stainless steel
• Gasket: NBR rubber
The design of sprinkler and standpipe systems for high-rise buildings often
creates pressures at some locations in the building that exceeds 200 PSI. For Approvals
standpipe systems, lesser pressure may be required at hose valves by NFPA 14,
local fire departments and/or the design needs of certain hoses and nozzles. LISTED 12HO 12HO
For sprinkler systems, NFPA 13 and the needs of particular equipment also
require lesser pressure.

The straight valves (A203, A204) have the inlet and outlet in a straight line; the
inlet is indicated by an arrow.

The angle valves (A201, A202) have the inlet on the lower part indicated by an
arrow. The outlet is at an angle of 90°.

The valves are available with male female threads according to the requested use.
All valves have two 1/4” side taps for upstream and downstream pressure
gauges.

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Fire protection
0685EN November 2019
Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

Determining the proper outlet pressure 9- After installation the valve should be flow tested to determine that the
1- According to UL 1468 issue December 4, 2007, “A valve intended for desired residual pressure and flow are provided at the valve outlet. Such
standpipe system outlets shall be constructed to incorporate a setting or testing is required by NFPA 14, Section 8-5.
settings to provides static outlet pressures not exceeding 175 psi (1219 kPa) Note: flow testing at the hydraulically most remote location of the standpipe
for 2-1/2” inch outlets and residual outlet pressures at the flow specified in system will not permit calculation of residual valve outlet pressures at less
Table 9A.1 of the above mentioned Standard. That means the following remote locations equipped with pressure reducing valves
Residual outlet pressure, psi @ flowrate ≥65 and ≤175 at less than or equal 10- The rod key used to adjust the valve setting should be given to responsible
to 250 gpm. personnel at the installation location, who should be instructed in its use if an
emergency adjustment in necessary. The valve should also be tagged with
2- For sprinkler systems, the valve shall be set information stating where the rod key can be located.
to obtain the desired outlet pressure at the
required water flow. According to UL Standard
1468 December 4, 2007, the minimum residual Maintenance
pressure for a valve intended for use in sprinkler For inspection, testing and maintenance requirements of Water-Based Fire
system shall have a minimum residual pressure Protection Systems refer to NFPA 25.
of 50 psi (354 kPa) for the ranges specified in the
1- It is recommended to conduct at least yearly a flow test to allow the
installation instructions
valve to open and reset itself. After a flow test has been run, it is important
all gauges be monitored to assure that the downstream pressure does not
3- To determine the pressures at the hose nozzle or sprinkler, the hydraulic
creep upward.
calculation information provided in NFPA 13 and the NFPA Fire Protection
2- In the event the pressure does not hold, the test valve should be opened
Handbook should be followed. In any case, the design flow demand required
again to flush the valve.
by the hose nozzle and/or sprinklers shall not exceed the flow range specified
3- The valve should be inspected for damage or corrosion and is not designed
in the following performance charts.
to accept replacement parts other than the hand wheel.
4- The valves are designed and Listed to reduce inlet pressures of up to 400 4- The valve should be operated by hand, never using a torque bar or other
PSIG to an outlet pressure range from 65 to 175 PSIG. Authorities having device to exert pressure. Excess torque may damage the seat and/or stem,
jurisdiction should be consulted to confirm that the outlet pressures and disc, and other working parts.
flowrates are acceptable. 5- If the valve fails to perform as intended, the valve should be replaced.
5- To determine the proper valve setting to achieve the desired residual outlet
Warning.
pressure, consult the chart which is appropriate to the valve type (angle or Direction of water flow is to be as shown by the indicating arrow
straight) and the required flow rate. On that chart, identify on the horizontal axis on the valve. Each valve is dispatched in conformity with the quality
the residual pressure at the valve inlet (Inlet Residual PSI). Where the vertical line system after a complete test has been carried out.
from that Inlet Residual PSI figure intersects the curves on the graphs indicates
the Outlet Residual PSI (vertical axis) to be achieved for the valve setting shown
on each curve. For example, if an angle valve is used for a 250 GPM flow Function of the valves
requirement, and the Inlet Residual PSI is 250, a valve setting of “100” will produce The side indicated by an arrow is the inlet and is connected to the upstream flow.
an outlet Residual PSI of 64, a setting of “140” will produce an Outlet Residual PSI The water passing through the seat creates a reduction in downstream
of 98, and a setting of “175” will produce an Outlet Residual PSI of 125. pressure. The same seat is a check valve which does not allow a reverse flow
from downstream to upstream: the spring keeps the valve closed when there
is no water flow. The downstream pressure passes through a duct and reaches
Installation of 2 ½” valve size the first circular chamber. From this it flows into another duct, reaching the
For installation requirements refer to NFPA 13 for sprinkler systems or to NFPA second chamber. The water pressure pushes the disc upwards. The force of
14 for Standpipe and hose systems. These valves are to be set to provide the water pressure is counterbalanced by the force of spring. This spring is
outlet pressures and flows end tested after installation in accordance with regulated by a graduated cylinder used for setting the valve. To set the valve
NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 whichever is applicable and tested periodically in on the cylinder the selected line must be level with the arrow. The models are
accordance with NFPA 25. UL Listed under categories Special System Control Valves Class I (VLFT) and
1- Pipe unions or rubber-gasketed fittings are to be installed immediately Pressure Reducing Devices (VUTX).
upstream and downstream of the valve to permit easy replacement.
2- When a pressure reducing valve of this nature is installed, pressure can be
trapped on the downstream side of the valve. In accordance with NFPA 13,
when the valve is used in a sprinkler system, a relief valve of not less than 1/2
inch size is to be installed on the downstream side of the pressure reducing
valve and pressure gauge are to be installed on the inlet and outlet sides of Spring housing

each pressure reducing valve.

Adjustable Spring
3- Connect the valve to the piping, paying attention to follow the setting
arrows that are cast into the valve which indicate the direction of flow.
Operating chamber
4- To adjust the valve setting, a rod key (D/L 0.39/11.8 inch) which is included Duct

with the valve, shall be used. The rod key is to be inserted in the valve cylinder
as indicated in the illustration on page #3. Refer to the graphs contained in UPSTREAM
Duct
DOWNSTREAM
Inlet pressure Outlet pressure
these instructions and select the appropriate setting.
5- Rotate the cylinder with the rod key, until the desired setting is aligned with
the indicating arrow on the valve.
6- The valve is now set. If the valve is intended to be open, check that the
indicator reads “OPEN” and that the green cylinder, which appears above the
setting zone, is in full view.
7- As the valve is automatic, the system must be flushed thoroughly to insure
that all debris and impurities, are removed.
8- Upon completion of the hydrostatic test on the system, it is important that
the system be slowly filled with water in order to prevent water hemmer. 2
Fire protection
0685EN November 2019
Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

Technical features * Note.

The valves are designed and Listed to reduce inlet pressures of up to 400 PSIG According to UL 1468, Dec.4, 2007 Par.9.4 „Valves intended for use in
to the range from 65 to 175 PSIG. The valves have a checking device. sprinkler systems shall have a minimum residual pressure of 50 psi for
flow ranges specified in this leaflet“.
Pipe unions or rubber-gasketed fittings are to be installed immediately
upstream and downstream of the valve to permit easy replacement.*
Angle valve 50 GPM Angle valve 100 GPM Angle valve 150 GPM
180

180

180
160

160

160
175*
175*
175*
Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140

140

140
140*
120

120

120
140*
140*
100

100

100
100*
100*
80

80

80
100*
60

60

60
40

40

40
20

20

20
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi]

Angle valve 200 GPM Angle valve 250 GPM Angle valve 300 GPM
180

180
180

160

160
160

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140
Residual outlet pressure [psi]
140

175* 175*
175*
120

120
120

140*
100

100

140* 140*
100

80

80
80

100* 100*
100*
60

60
60

40

40
40

20

20
20

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi]
Residual inlet pressure [psi]
UL1468: @250 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG UL1468: @300 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG

Angle valve 350 GPM

180
160
Residual outlet pressure [psi]
140

175*
120
100

140*
80

100*
60
40
20

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

Residual inlet pressure [psi]
UL1468: @350 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG
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Fire protection
0685EN November 2019
Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

Straight valve 50 GPM Straight valve 100 GPM Straight valve 150 GPM
180

180

180
175*
160

160

160
175*
175*
Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140

140

140
140*
120

120

120
140*
140*
100

100

100
100*
100*
80

80

80
100*
60

60

60
40

40

40
20

20

20
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi]

Straight valve 200 GPM Straight valve 250 GPM Straight valve 300 GPM

180
180
180

160
160
160

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140
140
Residual outlet pressure [psi]
140

175* 175*
175*
120
120
120

140* 140*
100
100

140*
100

80
80
80

100* 100* 100*

60
60
60

40
40
40

20
20
20

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi]
Residual inlet pressure [psi]
UL1468: @250 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG UL1468: @300 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG

Straight valve 350 GPM Straight valve 400 GPM Straight valve 450 GPM
180

180

180
160

160

160
Residual outlet pressure [psi]
140

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

Residual outlet pressure [psi]

140

140

175*
120

120

120

175*

175*
100

100

100

140*
140*
80

80

80

140*
60

100*
60

60

100* 100*
40

40

40
20

20

20

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi] Residual inlet pressure [psi]
UL1468: @350 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG UL1468: @400 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG UL1468: @450 gpm; range 100÷175 PSIG

* Note.
These valves are not outlet pressures or flows under residual flow
conditions. They refer to the position for cylinder adjustment. They
correspond to the approximate outlet pressure under zero-flow conditions.
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Fire protection
0685EN November 2019
Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

Caution Dimensions
The valves will produce the residual outlet pressure indicated on the graphs A201 A202
of these instructions only when the numerical values of the inlet pressure (for
example, the “150” of 150 PSI inlet pressure) exceeds the numerical value of A A
the valve setting.
When the numerical value of the inlet pressure is less than the numerical
value of the valve setting, a substantial reduction in outlet pressure will be
experienced because of friction losses with the valve.
In such a situation, the setting graphs in these instructions are inapplicable.

B B

Flow characteristics
Flow characteristic with inlet below setting at 50 PSIG and 125 PSIG
inlet pressure while setting is 175
D D
120
Outlet Residual PSI

C C
100 INLET 125 PSIG

80 A203 A204

60
A A
INLET 50 PSIG
40

20

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

Flow GPM B B

Flow characteristics with inlet below setting at 40 PSIG and 50 PSIG inlet
pressure while setting is 60
D
D
50
Outlet Residual PSI

C
C

40
Series Size A B C D

30
A201 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” 7 7/8” 18 1/4” 3 13/32” 3 3/4”

A202 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” 7 7/8” 18 1/4” 3 15/32” 3 3/4”

A203 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” 7 7/8” 15 13/16” 7 7/8” 1 31/32”

20
A204 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” 7 7/8” 15 13/16” 7 15/16” 1 31/32”

10
0 100 150 200
Flow GPM

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 Fire protection
0685EN November 2019
Pressure reducing valve
A201, A202, A203 and A204 series

Product specifications
A201
Field adjustable pressure reducing female-female angle valve used as a
zone control valve for in-line application to regulate high-pressure sprinkler,
stand pipe and combined fire protection systems. The body is in casted
bronze with 2 1/2” female NPT threads inlet and outlet. The handwheel is in
red painted aluminum. Two side taps 1/4” NPT are for pressure gauges. An
internal checking device improves the backflow preventer feature. The valve
is used to regulate inlet pressure to 400 psi to a downstream pressure range
of 65-175 psi; the valve is UL and ULC listed for 400 psi. An indicator bonnet
shows whether valve is opened or closed; the adjustable scale permits easy
field setting.

A202
Field adjustable pressure reducing female-male angle valve used as a zone
control valve for in-line application to regulate high-pressure sprinkler, stand
pipe and combined fire protection systems. The body is in casted bronze with
2 1/2” female NPT inlet and 2 1/2” male hose thread outlet. The handwheel is
in red painted aluminum. Two side taps 1/4” NPT are for pressure gauges. An
internal checking device improves the backflow preventer feature. The valve
is used to regulate inlet pressure to 400 psi to a downstream pressure range
of 65-175 psi; the valve is UL and ULC listed for 400 psi. An indicator bonnet
shows whether valve is opened or closed; the adjustable scale permits easy
field setting.

A203
Field adjustable pressure reducing female-female straight valve used as a
zone control valve for in-line application to regulate high-pressure sprinkler,
stand pipe and combined fire protection systems. The body is in casted
bronze with 2 1/2” female NPT threads inlet and outlet. The handwheel is in
red painted aluminum. Two side taps 1/4” NPT are for pressure gauges. An
internal checking device improves the backflow preventer feature. The valve
is used to regulate inlet pressure to 400 psi to a downstream pressure range
of 65-175 psi; the valve is UL and ULC listed for 400 psi. An indicator bonnet
shows whether valve is opened or closed; the adjustable scale permits easy
field setting.

A204
Field adjustable pressure reducing female-male straight valve used as a zone
control valve for in-line application to regulate high-pressure sprinkler, stand
pipe and combined fire protection systems. The body is in casted bronze with
2 1/2” female NPT inlet and 2 1/2” male hose thread outlet. The handwheel is
in red painted aluminum. Two side taps 1/4” NPT are for pressure gauges. An
internal checking device improves the backflow preventer feature. The valve
is used to regulate inlet pressure to 400 psi to a downstream pressure range
of 65-175 psi; the valve is UL and ULC listed for 400 psi. An indicator bonnet
shows whether valve is opened or closed; the adjustable scale permits easy
field setting.

Additional information
For further information, visit the website www.giacomini.com or contact the technical service: ' +39 0322 923372 6 +39 0322 923255 * [email protected]
This information is intended as an example. Giacomini S.p.A. reserves the right to modify the contents - at any time and without prior warning - for technical or commercial reasons. The
information in this technical sheet does not exempt the user from scrupulously observing the existing regulations and standards relating to good technical practices.
Giacomini S.p.A. Via per Alzo, 39 - 28017 San Maurizio d’Opaglio (NO) Italy
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