When it comes to emergencies, water temperature matters. Plumbing engineers, designers and specifiers can help avert potential injury by ensuring a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is installed on all emergency product plumbing, thereby giving employees access to tepid water in the event of an accident. Speakman Company recently unveiled its Safe-T-Zone line that puts emergency plumbing concerns at ease. Learn more about the line in the following interview exclusive to plumbing Engineer magazine. 

PE: Please describe the new line.

SC: Speakman’s all new Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves are available in high, medium and low capacity. The solid brass, lead-free thermostatic mixing valves in the new Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves include the STW-370 (9.7 GPM), STW-362(38 GPM) and STW-350 (62.5 GPM). Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves have available optional accessories that include stainless steel flush- or surface-mount cabinets for corrosion resistance with integrated locks and mounting brackets.  

PE: Is this a new line?

SC: The Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valve products are a completely new line designed and engineered by Speakman. 

PE: What makes this thermostatic mixing valve different from others on the market?

SC: Speakman’s new Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves contain Speakman’s legendary quality design and engineering, along with higher GPM capacity, solid brass construction and lead-free bodies on all products. Safe-T-Zone valves have top or bottom inlet positioning, allowing installation flexibility depending on water supply location. Speakman’s new Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valve s are also competitively priced. 

PE: What benefits does this line offer to designers and specifiers? 

SC: All Speakman thermostatic mixing valves in the new Safe-T-Zone line are engineered to provide higher GPM capacity, giving engineers and specifiers a range of choices, including 9.7 GPM (STW-370), 38 GPM (STW-362) and 62.5 GPM (STW-350) at 30 psi, with legacy Speakman quality and engineering. 

PE: Are there highlights to note for designers and specifiers as it relates to temperatures listed in the product spec sheets?

SC: The new Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves have an adjustable set point to allow for customization of water temperature and a cold-water bypass in the event of hot water failure and a positive shut-off when the cold water supply is lost. 

PE: Is there anything untraditional about the line engineers, designers and specifiers should be aware of?

SC: No, the Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves are incredibly easy to install and allow engineers, specifiers and designers to make any project compliant, regardless of whether it’s a new construction project or a retrofit of existing equipment. Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valve are compatible with most existing Optimus, Eyesaver, and Speakman Traditional Series 400 and 500 eyewash systems. 

PE:  Were add-ons included with the new line due to user feedback and demand? Or was that decision made for another reason?

SC: The new Safe-T-Zone line of thermostatic mixing valve was created and engineered by Speakman to meet the highest standards of quality and performance for which Speakman is known. Speakman Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valve have optional accessories available that include stainless steel flush- or surface-mount cabinets for corrosion resistance. The optional cabinets come with integrated locks and mounting brackets. Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves come in high, medium and low GPM capacity and feature solid brass bodies and lead-free construction. 

PE: Of the certification standards listed for the line in the spec sheet, are any especially timely or notable for engineers, designers and specifiers?

SC: Speakman’s new Safe-T-Zone thermostatic mixing valves are certified to meet ASSE 1071, CSA B125.3, NSF/ANSI 372 standards, and are cUPC certified. 

Speakman Company is a 149-year old industrial plumbing manufacturer headquartered in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The company is known throughout North America for its engineered emergency eyewash and emergency safety shower solutions, and iconic fashion and commercial plumbing. Speakman is recognized in the industry for a heritage of superior quality and performance innovation. Learn more at www.speakman.com.