Truma Frost Control Valve Guide
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What is the purpose of the frost control valve?
The Truma FrostControl valve serves as an automatic safety and drain mechanism for boilers in cold temperatures. Its primary purpose is to prevent freezing and potential damage to the boiler and water system by opening and emptying the boiler when temperatures drop to around 3°C. This action helps to prevent the water inside the boiler from freezing, which could lead to expansion and potentially cause cracks or other damage to the system.
In essence, the Truma FrostControl valve helps to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the boiler by safeguarding it against the harmful effects of freezing temperatures. This can be particularly important in motorhomes or other applications where boilers are used for heating or hot water, as freezing can cause significant disruptions and costly repairs.
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Does the Truma frost protection valve require electricity?
The Truma FrostControl valve is designed to operate without electricity. It is a mechanical device that utilizes temperature-sensitive components to open and drain the boiler when temperatures drop to a certain level, typically around 3°C. This means that the valve's operation is based on the physical properties of its components and does not rely on an external power source.
The absence of electricity in its operation makes the Truma FrostControl valve a reliable and energy-efficient solution for protecting boilers from freezing in cold temperatures. It offers a simple and effective way to safeguard your boiler and water system without the need for constant power consumption.
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Can I just cover the frost valve to avoid it opening in the cold weather?
Covering the Truma FrostControl valve to prevent it from activating is not recommended. The valve is designed to provide essential frost protection for your boiler and water system by automatically opening and draining the boiler when temperatures drop to a certain level (usually around 3°C). This action is crucial for preventing freezing and potential damage to the system.
Blocking or covering the valve could compromise its ability to function properly and may lead to freezing and damage. It's important to allow the valve to operate as intended to ensure the safety and functionality of your boiler, especially in cold weather conditions.
If however you find that in very cold conditions it will not reset then you could preheat the habitaion area to around 4°C to avoid this.
- Rotary switch position “Normal Operation”
- Pushbutton position “Closed”
- Pushbutton position “Drain”
- Drainage socket (routed outside through floor of vehicle)
Only when the temperature at the drain valve is above approx. 7 °C can it be closed manually with the pushbutton (Position 2)and the boiler be filled. At temperatures below 7 °C, it is recommended to switch on the vehicle heater in order to warm up the interior.
Automatic opening of the drain valve
If the temperature at the drain valve is below about 3 °C, it opens automatically and the pushbutton pops out (Position 3). The water from the boiler drains out through the drainage socket (4).
Various ambient influences can interfere with the opening of the drain valve and the free run-off of the water, and Truma therefore cannot provide a warranty for frost damage.
Manual drain valve opening
Turn the rotary switch through 180° until it engages, where by the pushbutton pops out (Position 3). The water from the boiler drains out through the drainage socket (4).
Closing the drain valve
Check whether the rotary switch is set to “Operation” (Position1), i.e. parallel to the water connection and engaged. Close the drain valve by pressing the pushbutton. The pushbutton must engage in the “closed” position (2).Only when the temperature at the drain valve is aboveapprox.7 °C can it be closed manually with the pushbutton (Position 2) and the boiler be filled.
Maintenance
The FrostControl drainage socket (4) must be free of contamination (slush, ice, leaves, etc.) at all times so that the water can drain out easily! No claims may be made under the warranty for frost damage!
The safety/drain valve must be operated regularly (at least twice annually) to remove limescale deposits and to be certain that it is not blocked.
Technical data
- Pump pressure: max. 2.8 bar
- System pressure: max. 4.5 bar
- Closing temperature: over approx. 7 °C (ambient temperature)
- Opening temperature: below approx. 3 °C (ambient temperature)
- Operating temperature: -30 °C – +80 °C
- Weight: 200 g Version with connections for flexible hoses Ø 10 mm - 250 g Version with connections for fixed pipes Ø 12 mm (John Guest system)
Troubleshooting
Drain valve (FrostControl) is opening.
Cause:
Temperature at drain valve below approx. 3 °C. (the drain valve opens automatically at temperatures below approx. 3 °C!)
Remedy:
Switch on vehicle heater if necessary. At temperatures above approx. 7 °C at the drain valve, it can be closed again
The drain valve (FrostControl) can no longer be closed.
Cause:
Temperature at drain valve is below approx. 7 °C.
Remedy:
Switch on vehicle heater if necessary. At temperatures above approx. 7 °C at the drain valve, it can be closed again.
Water flows intermittently from the FrostControl discharge nozzle.
Cause:
Water pressure too high
Remedy:
Check pump pressure (max. 2.8 bar). If the boiler is connected to a central water supply(rural or urban connection), a pressure reducer must be used, which will prevent pressures higher than 2.8 bar from occurring.