A. Sizing a control valve refers to the proper selection of several internal parts of the valve to be suitable for the job site condition, which allows for proper adjustment and provide the best ride quality. It does not refer to the physical port sizes of the valve. UV-4R has 3/4" NPT ports. The UV-5AT and UV-5ATC have 2" NPT ports. The UV-7B and UV-7BC have 2 1/2" NPT ports. Optional grooved adapters are available for both UV-5AT and UV-7B valve series.

A. There are many ways to check the sizing of the control valve. Using this sizing tool and answering a set of simple questions about the application will provide the correct control valve size. Using the valve sizing tables and charts in the Control Valve Catalog will also help you in choosing or verifying the correct control valve size.

A. The valve serial number is located on top of each control valve and provides important information, which helps during troubleshooting and servicing of the valve. It is very important to identify the complete valve serial number when you call EECO. The serial number is a series of letters and digits with specific meanings:
The first character gives the valve size. (3)
The second character identifies the valve series. (T)
The third & fourth characters provide the year the control valve was manufactured (12 = 2012)
The fifth character represents the month the control valve was manufactured. (1 = January) October, November and December are signified as "O", "N" and "D". The remaining digits are the manufacturing control numbers.
NOTE: If there are two characters preceding the valve series letter, the first character refers to the size of the bypass piston and the second character refers to the size of the down piston.
The serial number is important to identify the proper replacement parts when servicing the control valve. It is also important to note that the serial number does not determine coil voltage requirements to operate the elevator system.

A. In addition to the serial number, the type of control valve can be identified visually. The UV-5AT and UV-5ATC have 2" NPT ports. The UV-7B and UV-7BC have 2 1/2" NPT ports. UV-4R has 3/4" NPT ports. The UV-5A valve series can be identified by the color of their flanges. The UV-5A "S" series, which were manufactured prior to November 2001, has silver flanges. The UV-5AT "T" series which is the standard model available after November 2001 has gold flanges. The UV-5ATC, with the constant down speed option, has blue flanges. The UV-7B valves have cast aluminum flanges, whereas the UV-7BC with the constant down speed option has blue markings on the down flange.
  Another way to visually determine the type of control valve installed is by the orientation of the coils: UV-4R coils are arranged in a square configuration, UV-5A coils are in a straight line, and UV-7B coils are in an L shape configuration.

A. No. It is used only when the application requires the down speed of the elevator to stay constant between no load and full load conditions. The standard UV-5AT is a temperature compensated valve, which means it will provide a consistent ride quality over the entire operational temperature range. The UV-5ATC, in addition to being temperature compensated, is also pressure compensated to provide constant down speed.

A. No. Because coil voltage requirements vary per application they are available as separate items to order. UV-4R and UV-5AT series control valves use the same physical size coils, which are green in color. The UV-7B series control valves use a larger size coil, which is black in color. Refer to the Control Valve Catalog or EECO website for details concerning available coil voltages.

A. In August 2003 the coil designations were simplified on all EECO control valves.
U1 - Up Fast (Red wires) - (was ULS)
U2 - Up Slow (Yellow wires) - (was UDS)
D1 - Down Fast (Black wires) - (was DMS)
D2 - Down Slow (Blue wires) - (was DLS)
NOTE: Not all coils are available with colored wires.

A. No. All EECO control valves are factory tested and adjusted to a set of standard conditions for the valve size being tested at the factory.   You do not have to preset adjusters. You only need to adjust DM and BP. Other adjusters may require fine-tuning to suit your application.

A. The pressure fittings are available options for your control valve. You can order them separately or have them pre-mounted on the control valve per EECO recommended configurations. Refer to the Control Valve Catalog or EECO website for further details.

A. All EECO control valves have two ports designated on the valve body. The Jack (Ram) port is used to check the system static and working pressures. The Pump port is used when setting the Pressure Relief Valve.

A. Yes. We keep all sizes of EECO control valves in stock ready for immediate shipment with the exception of the UV-5ATC and UV-7BC valves with the constant down speed option, which require a short lead time.

A. Yes. EECO control valves are the most user friendly valves on the market. They are designed to be serviced and upgraded in the field. If any internal component needs to be serviced, the control valve can be disassembled without losing o-rings, springs or other components. Reassembly of the valves is also easy. View Control Valve Adjusting Videos.

A. No. Several improvements to the internal components of the UV-5A "S" series valves manufactured prior to November 2001 resulted in the next generation "T" series valve, hence    UV-5AT. Retro fit kits are available to upgrade your existing UV-5A "S" series valves. Although the UV-5A "S" series is not obsolete, several of its internal components are no longer available.

A. With proper care and service, clean oil, and operating the valve within the operational temperature range (80º F (27º C) min, 150° F (65° C) max.) your EECO control valve will last a very long time. Prolong operation at higher temperatures or if the application is located in a dirty environment, would require more frequent service.

A. EECO recommends the use of a good brand of ISO VG 32 turbine oil with a viscosity of 150 SSU @ 100^o F (38^o C). A minus pour point is recommended. Biodegradable (vegetable) oil is acceptable if it meets the same specifications and does not contain a high acidic property. All EECO Products are "Green Compatible" as a standard.

A. Yes. EECO recommends the use of a 5 micron filtration system with all hydraulic elevator control valves. The EECO Valve Return Filter (VRF) attaches to the tank return port of the valve. The filter bag is easily replaceable. The EECO VRF allows you to easily comply with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Rule 8.6.5.1.1, which states: "Pressure tanks shall be thoroughly cleaned internally at least every three years..." By capturing particles 5 microns in size and larger, the EECO VRF helps prevent the buildup of debris within the tank, making it easier to clean. The EECO VRFis a passive oil filtration system. It uses the gravitational potential energy of the car. Every time the car moves down, return oil is forced through the filtration bag resulting in the removal of contamination, 5 microns in size or larger. The VRF also reduces oil turbulence as it returns to the tank, which also helps in reducing the noise.