When it comes to managing water pressure in a high-pressure washer machine or system, safety valves and unloader valves are crucial components to have in your corner. This is because they serve as essential control and safety components, minimising the potential for equipment or system failure and/or maintenance. In light of this, today’s blog will hone in on the differences between safety valves and unloader valves and their varying applications.
What is an Unloader Valve?
An unloader valve is the component that allows a high-pressure washer’s pump to bypass the flow of water while its gun is closed. In essence, it is a safety device that is designed to protect the pump in the event of over-pressurisation.
What is a Safety Valve?
As its name suggests, a safety valve is the component that releases excess pressure in a system, consequently safeguarding the pump. Rather than controlling water flow in a system, the safety valve is built to self-activate. This means that when pressure exceeds the set limit in the line, the valve will open automatically, avoiding damage caused by over-pressurisation.
Where are Unloader and Safety Valves Used and How Do They Work?
Unloader valves are best suited to closed-loop systems, for example, our high-pressure washers. During application, when the gun is open or closed, the unloader valve will redirect water flow to a different channel. When working with these valves, it’s important to note that over-adjusting an unloader valve can lead to over-pressurisation and/or pump failure.
Safety valves, on the other hand, are ideal for open-ended systems such as misting lines. They also work in conjunction with unloader valves to provide an extra level of safety if the unloader valve fails. In the case of over-pressurisation, safety valves can instantly and safely release excess pressure out of the system, whilst ensuring that the machine is not damaged. In the event of a pressure spike or bypass failure, the valve will instantly open and dump excess pressure.
Summary of Key Differences: Unloader vs. Safety Valves
Unloader Valve:
- Purpose: To control and bypass the flow of water while the gun is closed, which prevents over-pressurisation.
- Ideal Application: Closed-loop systems (e.g. high-pressure washers).
- Trigger Point: Activates when the gun is opened or closed.
Safety Valve:
- Purpose: To release pressure from a system that has exceeded a set limit, which protects the system.
- Ideal Application: Open-ended systems (e.g. misting lines and in-line with an unloader valve).
- Trigger Point: Activates when pressure exceeds a set limit.
CEMSA stocks a wide range of high-pressure accessories, including both safety and unloader valves. If you are working with a pressure washer, be sure to have an unloader valve for safety purposes. Are you interested about unloader valve maintenance? Find more information here. To learn more, check out our VRT3 and H Series unloader valves.
Keep in mind that when it comes to the maintenance of your valve component or high-pressure washer, our sister company, MaPa Cleaning Technologies, has your back – offering service plans and maintenance support 7 days a week! If you have any enquiries regarding unloader valves or safety valves and their correct applications, feel free to contact your nearest CEMSA branch or distributor via our contact page.
