AUTOMATIC ROOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL VALVES
ENGINEERING INFORMATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL TRADE
Non-electric thermostatic heating valves for both hot water and low-pressure steam systems
ISTEC Valves and controls as illustrated above are installed in hot water or
low pressure steam heating systems. The normal temperature for hot water
or steam is 230 F (110 C) For hot water systems the valves could operate
for a short time at temperatures up to 284 F (140 C) The maximum
operation pressure for low low-pressure steam systems is 15 psi.
ISTEC Thermostatic Controls are self-contained, non-electric and are
suitable for free – standing radiators, baseboards, or convectors. The
continuous modulation of the flow of heat prevents wide temperature
swings and minimizes expansion noises in the heating system. All ISTEC
controls have built-in freeze protection (Position *) and positive shut-
off(Position 0)
INSTALLATION HINTS
Each ISTEC valve is supplied with a temporary cap to protect the valve
mechanism during installation. With this cap you can open or close the
valve. The efficient operation of a valve is assured with a clean heating
system. Dirt particles or other foreign matter in the heating water could
interfere with the proper functioning of the valve. Flush all pipes and
radiators clean. If necessary, install a strainer which could collect most of
the floating dirt particles.
Whenever possible install the valve body on the supply side of the heating
element. Make sure the arrow on the valve body points in the flow
direction. As soon as the valves are installed the heating system can be
operated. Do not install the thermostatic actuator directly above the valve.
The actuator should be in the horizontal position. The actuator should not
be exposed to drafts, direct sunlight or be covered by curtains or
furniture. If the valve is inside an enclosure a Remote Sensor must be
used. The Remote Sensor bulb or Remote Control can be located to the side
of the enclosure. The enclosure bulb can also be installed on the bottom of
the baseboard or convector where it can sense the temperature of the return
air. For valve bodies with NPT threads make sure that the new pipe thread
is free from chips and that the pipe connection does not extend excessively
into the valve body.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
*MOST IMPORTANT: SENSOR SHOULD NOT BE ENCLOSED
OR ON TOP OF PIPE. FOR GOOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL
THE SENSOR HAS TO BE EXPOSED TO CIRCULATING AIR IN
THE ROOM/
FIELD ADJUSTMENT:
All ISTEC Actuators are factory-adjusted to control any temperature
desired between 50 F (10 C) to 82 F (28 C). Under normal heating
conditions, a setting between 6 and 7 on the actuator will give a room
temperature of about 72 F (22 C). The temperature could change
depending on output of heating element, size of room, heat loss and air
circulation. This does not influence the effectiveness and functioning
of the ISTEC controls. In most cases, a re-adjustment of the actuator is
not necessary. To re-adjust proceed as follows:
Adjust the Actuator to position 5 and make sure that the room
temperature has stabilized. In the center of the room measure the
temperature of the room with a thermometer 3 feet above the floor.
Position 9 = 82 F (28 C) Position 4 = 64 F (18 C)
Position 8 = 78.5 F (26 C) Position 3 = 59 F (15 C)
Position 7 = 75 F (24 C) Position 2 = 53 F (12 C)
Position 6 = 72 F (22 C) Position 1 = 48 F ( 9 C)
Position 5 = 68 F (20 C) Position * = 42 F ( 6 C)
Position 0 = Closed Valve
Remove the number – marked actuator cap and adjust it in accordance
with specifications above. Each number corresponds to a change of
approximately 4 F (2.25 C) room temperature.
The factory adjustment of the actuator is as follows: The Red mark on
the threaded white plastic adjustment ring (which contains the
thermostatic element) is aligned with the locking notch. Press
numbered cap onto the actuator so that the number 5 appears in the
reading opening
DO NOT PUT SENSOR INSIDE AN ENCLOSURE
DO NOT INSTALL VALVE SO THAT SENSOR HEAD IS IN
VERTICAL POSITION (ON TOP OF PIPE). SENSOR NEEDS
CIRCULATING AIR TO REGULATE ROOM TEMPERATURE
 ROOM TEMPERATURE LIMITING
The upper temperature can be limited with the ISTEC Thermostatic Actuator and is set as follows:

Check the position and number of the highest desired room temperature setting. EXAMPLE: 7 ½ Open to Number 9 and insert the extraction
tool into the groove between the upper and lower plastic parts of the Actuator. Turn the Actuator cap to the lowest number. The cap will
extract itself from the base. Remove the tool. Turn the white adjustment ring so that the red mark is aligned with the opening of the base.
Push the cap to the base with the Number 5 in the opening and turn to the highest position desired. EXAMPLE: 7 1/2 (X). Disengage the
cap from the white adjustment ring and turn it to Number 9 and press it firmly together until fully engaged.

ROOM TEMPERATURE LOCKING

Follow steps explained above until (X). Engage the cap with a notch on each side of the single notch on the base. Press the cap and the
base firmly together until fully engaged.

CHECKOUT PROCEDURE : Check the following: Temperature & Pressure

Automatic Freeze Protection
Findings : Is temperature adjusted correctly? Temperature Range: 40° - 80° F
Is circulating pump switched on? Maximum Temperature: 250° F
Max. Water Pressure: 150 psi
Low room temperature : Is pump regulated with additional equipment? Max Steam Pressure: 15 psi
Is pump capacity too small?
Is pump direction correct?
Does the thermostatic actuator have restricted air flow? (furniture or
curtains) Solution: Remote Sensor or Remote Control
Is the radiator or baseboard heating element too small?
Is Remote Sensor in correct position? It should be at least 3 feet high.
Is heating system up to temperature and pressure level?
Is capillary tube on Remote Control restricted or broken?
Is Actuator shielded from direct sunlight?

Thermostatic Valve Is Thermostatic Actuator connected tightly to the regulating valve?

is not regulating : Is control head cross-threaded?
Is capillary tube broken or flow restricted?
Is air in the heating system, is valve seat damaged?

Room Overheating : In most cases this problem is caused by dirt particles being trapped underneath valve
seat. These particles can be flushed away by first removing the Actuator and
then pushing the valve stem totally down several times. If valve seat dish is
damaged, use special ISTEC Easy-Demo tool to change seal without draining the
heating water.

Valve leaking : Is padding nut loose?

Is O ring damaged? (can be changed without draining)
Is bonnet loose?
Is connection (solder or threaded) tight?

Valve chattering Is valve installed with flow in direction of arrow?

and excessive noise : Was system flushed out? (Activate stem a few times to dislodge dirt particles)
Is pump pressure correct?
Is pressure reducing valve needed?

WHY DO PROFESSIONALS PREFER QUALITY PRODUCTS?

• ISTEC products are easy to install.

• ISTEC products are energy efficient and very reliable.
• Actuators are temperature sensitive and adjust continuously.
• Valves can be used for hot water or low pressure steam.
• Locking and limiting feature. Adjustment range in guide mark numbers.
• Full line of thermostatic products.

5 Park Lake Road, Sparta NJ 07871

PHONE: (973) 383-9888 FAX: (973) 383-9088
www.istec-corp.com

9/76/7
HOW TO INSTALL ISTEC RADIATOR VALVES
MOST IMPORTANT: SENSOR SHOULD NOT BE ENCLOSED OR ON TOP OF
PIPE. FOR GOOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL THE SENSOR
HAS TO BE EXPOSED TO CIRCULATING AIR IN THE ROOM.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION

DIFFERENT AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS

Sensor X has to be exposed to circulating air

Self - Contained Remote Sensor Bulb Remote Control

Controller

DO NOT
DO NOT INSTALL VALVE
PUT SENSOR
(WITH BUILT-IN SENSOR)
INSIDE AN
SO THAT CONTROLLER 9/76/5
ENCLOSURE
IS ON TOP OF THE PIPE
ONE PIPE STEAM
AUTOMATIC ROOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL VALVES
THIS VALVE HAS BEEN DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ROOM TEMPERATURE REGULATION OF LOW PRESSURE
ONE-PIPE STEAM SYSTEMS. THE VALVE HAS A MAXIMUM PRESSURE RATING OF 15 PSI. THE AIR VENTING
SYSTEM WILL MODULATE WITH CHANGING ROOM TEMPERATURES. A ONE-PIPE STEAM CONTROL INSTALLATION
CONSISTS OF A VALVE BODY, AN AIR VENT AND A TEMPERATURE CONTROL HEAD. THE VALVE BODY IS
ATTACHED TO THE RADIATOR BY A 1/8" THREADED CONNECTION. THE AIR VENT (1/8" NPT) CONNECTION IS
TIGHTENED TO THE TOP OF THE VALVE OR SIDEWAYS WHEN AN ANGLE AIR VENT IS USED.

*** A FUEL-SAVING SOLUTION FOR ONE-PIPE STEAM HEATING SYSTEMS ***

OPERATING PRINCIPLE TYPICAL INSTALLATION
1. ROOM TEMPERATURE SENSOR
2. ROOM TEMPERATURE SELECTOR
3. PATENTED SPECIAL BALANCING SPRING
4. LOCKING/LIMITING STOPS
5. INSULATED PUSH ROD
6. 0 RING SEALS (3)
7. SEAT EPDM MATERIAL
8. STAINLESS STEEL VALVE STEM
9. VALVE & CONTROL
(EXCEEDS ASHRAE STANDARD 102-1983)
10. MEMORY DISC

ROOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL ACTUATOR

THE ILLUSTRATION ABOVE SHOWS A SELF-CONTAINED, NON-ELECTRIC TEMPERATURE REGULATING UNIT.
THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SENSOR ELEMENT EXPANDS OR CONTRACTS WITH THE ROOM TEMPERATURE.
THIS MOVEMENT ADJUSTS THE VALVE OPENING WHICH INCREASES OR DECREASES THE AIR FLOW. THIS
CONTINUAL MODULATION KEEPS AN EVEN TEMPERATURE IN EACH SEPARATE HEATING AREA.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

PROVIDES EVEN TEMPERATURE THREADED CONNECTIONS 1/8" FOR
FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT ONE PIPE STEAM SYSTEMS.

EASY TO INSTALL DIRECT TEMPERATURE SENSING-REMOTE

CONTROL AND EXTERNAL SENSOR MODELS

PREVENTS OVERHEATING, BALANCES VARIABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

HEAT DISTRIBUTION CAN BE LOCKED AT DESIRED TEMPERATURE
OR UPPER LIMIT CAN BE SET WITH FULL
STRONG DIE-CAST BRASS VALVE BODY, RANGE OF LOWER TEMPERATURE LEVELS
STAINLESS STEEL SPINDLE

DESIGNED FOR LOW PRESSURE STEAM-

MAXIMUM PRESSURE - 15 PSI

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A) IN ORDER FOR THE ONE-PIPE STEAM VALVE TO FUNCTION
PROPERLY, THE BOILER MUST BE CYCLED.
B) IF THE BOILER IS CYCLED BY A ROOM THERMOSTAT, DO
NOT INSTALL A ONE-PIPE STEAM CONTROLLER IN THIS ZONE.

5 Park Lkae Road, Sparta NJ 07871

PHONE: (973) 383-9888 FAX: (973) 383-9088
www.istec-corp.com 9/41/5
MANUAL CONTROLLER
MODEL # 2100
The Controller #2100 offers variable flow control on any valve size or pattern by
adjusting the control knob.

Full Flow Through Valve With Positive Shut-Off

Remove cap (pull out).
Close valve with white adjustment screw.
Attach cap in “closed” position (see “A”).

Limited High Flow

For limited high flow, you can also adjust for highest desired flow rate with adjustment
screw and to re-attach the cap to the highest position (see “B”).

Freeze Protection Or Minimum Flow Rate

Remove cap.
Close valve with adjustment screw to minimum flow and re-attach cap in position A.

A B C

Lock Flow Rate

Remove cap.
Set flow rate with adjustment screw.
Re-attach cap in middle position (see “C”).

5 Park Lake Road, Sparta NJ 07871

PHONE: (973) 383-9888 FAX: (973) 383-9088
www.istec-corp.com
9/45/1
AIR VENT

1/8” NPT 1/8” NPT

Straight Angle
# 2050 # 2052

The ISTEC Air Vents are chrome plated, easy to install products. The materials are
either brass or copper and the connections are silver brazed for durability. These
fast venting units provide fast heat and are designed with back-venting directional
bleed ports.

∗ ALL VENTS ARE 100% TESTED WITH LIVE STEAM 10 PSI

∗ ALL CONNECTIONS ARE HIGH TEMPERATURE SOLDERED OR SILVER BRAZED

∗ ALL VENTS ARE DESIGNED WITH ‘’BACK-VENTING’’ DIRECTIONAL BLEED PORTS

∗ ALL UNITS ARE FAST VENTING FOR QUICK HEAT

∗ ALL BRASS/COPPER CONSTRUCTION

∗ HAND-BUFFED, HIGH LUSTRE FINISH

For radiators with One Pipe Steam systems, consider

the installation of One Pipe Steam Valves with
Automatic Room Temperature Controllers. Just make
sure that the steam system is cycling (not continuous
pressure). These valves help to balance the heating
system and prevent overheating.
8/496/1