Horne Engineering Ltd is widely recognised for the superior Horne 15 and Horne 20 Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) - two of the first valves to be approved as D 08 Type 3 TMVs. Recent innovation, has increased the benefits of the Horne 15 TMV – by adding the ‘4th Connection’.

Typically, all TMVs have three connections; one for the cold water supply, one for the hot supply and the third for the mixed water flow. The ‘4th connection’ is a cold supply flow from the cold side of the TMV, which should be connected to the inlet of the cold tap at the wash-hand basin. Although simple and perhaps unremarkable, the added benefits of this product feature should be considered.

The ‘4th connection’ is downstream of the integral isolating valve and fine mesh strainer on the Horne 15 TMV. The strainer, therefore, protects both the TMV and the internal mechanism of the cold tap. Designed to be optimal for the purposes of protecting the internal mechanism of the TMV, the strainer is also highly suitable for protecting the tap mechanism, particularly where ceramic discs are featured.

The ingress of dirt and debris into a tap can cause significant problems during system commissioning and throughout the lifespan of the tap. By protecting the tap with a fine mesh strainer, these problems are greatly minimised.

The ‘4th Connection’ also allows for the cold tap to be isolated by the integral isolating valve on the Horne 15 TMV. In addition, the ‘4th Connection’ is right-angled to the incoming cold water supply, such that the need for an additional tee is also eliminated.

In short, the benefits of this simple additional feature eliminate the need for a variety of fittings and all the associated labour that is typically required when installing a TMV, with the added benefits of cold water tap strainer protection.

Published April 2002