Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Seismic Shut Off Valve

Seismic shut off valves (SSOVs) are an essential part of an effective gas safety plan. When an earthquake hits, there is little in your control as far as mitigating damages go. Installing shut-off valves is one of the most simple yet effective ways to ensure you won’t experience a gas fire after an earthquake. Before installing SSOVs at your facility, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make an informed decision. Below are the most important factors to consider when choosing a seismic shut off valve.


Price
The cost of the valve is going to vary from $450 to $10,000 based on the type and size of the valve, as well as the installation requirements and the company installing it. If a valve needs to be welded on then the installer must be a certified welder. Models will also differ based on the orientation in which you install them (horizontal, vertical up, vertical down).


Earthquake Valve Requirements
In order to choose the right valve size and manufacturer, contact your local Department of Building and Safety to find out their earthquake valve requirements. Depending on where you live, different areas will have varying requirements, exceptions, and a list of approved devices.


Where to Buy a Valve
You can purchase a Seismic Valve at supply retailers or licensed plumbing contractors. MBS Engineering can also suggest valves that we have experience with and recommend highly--such as “The California Valve” by Pacific Seismic Products, or Little Firefighter Automatic Shut Off Valve.


Hire an Expert
You should hire a qualified professional to install the earthquake -on your facility’s line. Your local utility company will not install an earthquake for you. MBS has installed over 100,000 seismic shut-off valves throughout the state of California, so we have the experience, knowledge, and team of experts to manage the installation process from start to finish, no matter how simple or complex the project. Give us a call at (925) 905-8212. We’d be happy to share our knowledge with you!