Description
The 15mm Compression Butterfly Ball Valve is a professional-grade isolation valve designed for cold water applications. Featuring WRAS approval, nickel-plated brass construction, and a distinctive blue handle for easy cold water identification, this full-bore quarter-turn valve delivers reliable shut-off control for domestic and commercial plumbing installations.
Key Features & Benefits
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WRAS Approved – Meets UK water regulations for quality and compliance
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Blue Handle – Clear cold water identification for safety and compliance
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Quarter-Turn Operation – Quick, easy 90° butterfly lever action
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Full Bore Design – Unrestricted water flow when fully open
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Nickel Plated Brass – Corrosion-resistant, durable construction
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Compression Fittings – Standard 15mm compression connections for easy installation
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BS EN331 Compliant – Meets British and European standards
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High Pressure Rating – PN25 (25 bar) working pressure
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Wide Temperature Range – Operates from -10°C to +85°C
Technical Specifications
- Size: 15mm
- Connection Type: Compression (both ends)
- Valve Type: Butterfly lever ball valve
- Handle Colour: Blue (cold water identification)
- Body Material: Brass
- Finish: Nickel plated
- Bore Type: Full bore
- Operation: Quarter-turn (90°)
- Working Pressure: PN25 (25 bar / 362 psi)
- Working Temperature: -10°C to +85°C
- Standards Compliance: BS EN331
- Certification: WRAS approved
- Application: Cold water systems
- SKU: K55582
WRAS Approval Explained
WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval confirms this valve meets stringent UK water supply regulations. WRAS-approved products have been independently tested and certified as safe for use in potable water systems, ensuring they won't contaminate drinking water or cause system issues. This certification is essential for professional installations and building regulations compliance.
Blue Handle Identification
The blue handle clearly identifies this valve as suitable for cold water applications, following industry-standard colour coding (blue = cold, red = hot). This visual identification helps prevent installation errors, aids maintenance, and ensures compliance with plumbing best practices and building regulations.
Full Bore vs Standard Bore
Full bore valves maintain the same internal diameter as the connected pipework (15mm), ensuring unrestricted water flow when fully open. This eliminates pressure drop and flow restriction, making full bore valves ideal for applications where maximum flow rate is important, such as mains supply isolation, shower feeds, and high-demand appliances.
Quarter-Turn Butterfly Operation
The butterfly lever design allows quick, easy operation with a simple 90° turn from fully open to fully closed. The lever position provides clear visual indication of valve status (parallel to pipe = open, perpendicular = closed). This makes butterfly valves faster and more convenient to operate than traditional multi-turn gate valves.
Applications & Use Cases
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Cold Water Isolation: Main supply shut-off points
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Appliance Connections: Washing machines, dishwashers, water softeners
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Bathroom Installations: Basin, toilet, and shower supply isolation
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Kitchen Plumbing: Sink and appliance feeds
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Heating Systems: Cold feed and make-up water (within temperature limits)
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Commercial Installations: Hotels, offices, schools, care facilities
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Service Valves: Maintenance access points throughout plumbing systems
Installation Instructions
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Prepare Pipe: Cut pipe square and remove burrs with a deburring tool
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Measure & Mark: Mark insertion depth on pipe (typically 12-15mm)
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Assemble Fitting: Slide nut and olive onto pipe in correct order
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Insert Pipe: Push pipe fully into valve body to marked depth
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Hand Tighten: Screw compression nut hand-tight
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Final Tighten: Use spanners to tighten 1-1.5 turns beyond hand-tight
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Test: Turn on water supply and check for leaks
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Adjust if Needed: Tighten slightly if minor weeping occurs
Installation Tips
- Always use two spanners when tightening – one to hold the valve body, one to turn the nut
- Don't over-tighten compression fittings as this can damage the olive and cause leaks
- Ensure pipe is cut square for proper olive compression
- Install with lever accessible for easy operation
- Consider valve orientation for lever clearance
- Use PTFE tape or jointing compound on threaded connections only (not compression fittings)
Maintenance & Care
Butterfly ball valves require minimal maintenance. Operate the valve periodically (every 3-6 months) to prevent seizing, especially on infrequently used isolation points. If the valve becomes stiff, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant can be applied to the spindle. Check compression fittings annually for signs of weeping and tighten if necessary. The nickel-plated finish resists corrosion and requires no special care.
Pressure & Temperature Ratings
PN25 Rating: This valve is rated for 25 bar (362 psi) working pressure, which far exceeds typical UK mains water pressure (3-5 bar). This high rating provides a substantial safety margin and ensures reliable performance even in high-pressure systems.
Temperature Range: The -10°C to +85°C operating range covers all cold water applications and some low-temperature heating applications. For hot water above 85°C, use a valve specifically rated for higher temperatures.
BS EN331 Compliance
BS EN331 is the British and European standard for manually operated ball valves for gas and/or water installations. Compliance ensures the valve meets rigorous requirements for materials, construction, performance, durability, and safety. This certification is essential for professional installations and building regulations compliance.
Why Choose Compression Fittings?
Compression fittings offer several advantages for plumbing installations:
- No soldering or heat required – safer and easier
- Reusable and adjustable – can be disassembled if needed
- Works on copper, plastic, and some other pipe materials
- Reliable, leak-proof seal when properly installed
- Ideal for DIY and professional installations
What You'll Need for Installation
- 15mm compression butterfly ball valve (this product)
- Two adjustable spanners or 22mm spanners
- Pipe cutter or hacksaw
- Deburring tool or file
- Tape measure or ruler
- Cloth for cleaning pipe ends
About WRAS Certification
The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is the UK's leading authority on water fittings regulations. WRAS approval means this valve has undergone independent testing and meets all requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. Using WRAS-approved products ensures compliance with UK water regulations and protects water quality.
Perfect for: Professional plumbers, heating engineers, maintenance teams, property developers, landlords, and competent DIY enthusiasts seeking reliable, WRAS-approved cold water isolation valves with quick quarter-turn operation and full-bore performance.
