To improve the operation of a new-style safety valve when used
on a hand-fired boiler:
• Specify that the blowdown be 4 percent or less
• Specify the valve on the basis of the heating surface, not on
the basis of the pipe size of the original valve
• Insist on a valve with an ASME “V” stamp
• Consider using a valve larger than the smallest one allowed by
the code
• Try to find a valve distributor who is familiar with the
unique requirements of hand-fired boilers
• Do not install any fitting that is smaller than the inlet to
the valve
• Do not install any fitting that is smaller than the outlet to
the valve
• Do not install any valve between the safety valve and the
boiler
• Do not use a pipe wrench to install a safety valve
• Verify the accuracy of your steam gauge before firing your
boiler the first time after installing a new safety valve
• Verify the accuracy of the setpoint and blowdown
• Do not assume that the gauge is wrong if it does not agree
with the setpoint of a new valve
• Do not operate the boiler close to the setpoint of the safety
valve any more than necessary
• Do not pop the valve more often than necessary
• Consider installing an old-style valve set to pop below the
setpoint of the new valve
