One item customers regularly ask about is the Elektrogas proof of closure (POC) device. We thought it would be beneficial to put together a list of some of the most commonly asked questions from customers.
Q: Another manufacturer’s literature states that their POC device has a lifespan of 200K cycles. Does Elektrogas have the same limitation?
A: We do not publish anything like that in our documentation. The POC devices from Elektrogas should well exceed 200K cycles, though of course the actual number of cycles is dependent upon the voltage and current used, and the environment.
Q: The valve I use now has no replacement option for the POC switch. Is the Elektrogas valve junk if the POC switch fails or becomes damaged? Can I buy a new POC device and install it myself?
A: Our team has been trained and is authorized by Elektrogas to replace and calibrate the POC devices on their valves. We can perform this work on site or in our facility, where we try to keep these devices on hand. Contact us for a quote!
Q : My Elektrogas POC device isn’t working correctly. It inaccurately reports the position of the valve. Can I adjust it in the field?
A: No, we do not recommend adjustment of the POC device by other parties for safety reasons. If you’re experiencing some trouble, the first thing you should do is check the valve internals. Ensure these are free of debris that might affect the opening/closing of the valve. The second thing to check is the supply voltage and current for the POC device. If you’ve verified both of these things, contact us. We can evaluate the POC device either on site or in our facility in Kent, Ohio. We can check the calibration, or replace the POC device if necessary.
Q: Will adjusting the safety device in the field void its warranty?
A: The manufacturer’s warranty covers manufacturing defects. The installation instructions detail opening the valve to check for debris and wear. This is part of a regular maintenance schedule. Do not open the POC device. Opening the POC device is likely to result in the need to replace it.
Q: What is the warranty for Elektrogas products?
A: Elektrogas offers a warranty against manufacturing defects for one year from the date of manufacture. Combustion 911 will honor the one year warranty from the date of sale.
Q: The systems I sell use pressures in the 25 PSI range and require proof of closure. Do you have anything to offer me?
A: Of course! We now have a 90 PSI version of our SSOV with proof of closure available.
Q: What are some of the causes you’ve seen for failure of a POC device?
A: The most common cause is mechanical damage. Something impacts the POC device and damages the outer casing, or it is damaged in transit, or damaged during installation. Users are cautioned not to use the POC device as a foot or stand. The valves are heavy and could cause the POC device’s enclosure to break.
Another possible point of failure is the microswitch. Be careful to supply power to the POC device in accordance with the specifications. If the supply is too low, the POC device may not work. If the supply is too high, the microswitch can be damaged. Each model, P and P6, has unique specifications. P6 is for low current. P is for standard current.
Sometimes customers report a proof of closure failure when there’s no failure at all. If a valve is unable to close properly due to debris in the valve, or due to application conditions, then the valve isn’t operating and the POC device is not at fault.
Finally, sometimes a microswitch just goes bad. They should last for a large number of cycles, it’s possible one might goe bad prematurely. If that’s the case, and the valve is under warranty, send us the valve and we can replace the POC device in Kent Ohio.
The calibration of the POC device is almost never the problem. All POC valves are calibrated in the factory prior to shipment to us, and we verify calibration in our facility prior to shipment to you.
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