Is a balancing valve the same thing as a ball valve

[MrEd]

Simple question: Is a balancing valve the same thing as a ball valve? I am talking about the "balancing valve" that the termovar calls for, would a regular old ball valve work?

How far from the termovar should it be installed? On another thread someone mentioned about having too close would cause a problem. Seems a lot of folks are having problems with their termovar's and I want to get mine setup right the first time, thanks.

 

[Couderay80]

Yes and no. Can a ball valve be used as a balancing valve?? Yes. A typical B&G;circuit setter 1/2"-2" is a ball valve with T&P;ports and a scale built in so you can use it as a positive shut off and go back to the setting you had the little stop set at. There are better styles out there. One would be using a thermo flow balancer from B&G;or a STV series style balancing valve from MACON as this has much more control over your settings. Remember a ball valve has only 90* of movement with most control after 45*-to closed, not a great way of throttling flow.