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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Covered Product Category: Pre-Rinse Spray Valves

Updated February 2012

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance and Federal efficiency requirements across a variety of product categories, including pre-rinse spray valves, which are a FEMP-designated product category. Federal laws and executive orders mandate that agencies meet these efficiency requirements in all procurement and acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.

Federal agencies are required by Executive Orders 13423 and 13514 to reduce water consumption and its associated energy use in their facilities. Executive Order 13423 requires Federal agencies to acquire water-saving products labeled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program or those designated by FEMP as being among the highest 25% in efficiency for equivalent products.

This product category overview covers the following:

Efficiency Requirements for Pre-Rinse Spray Valves

The following table describes the requirements Federal agencies must follow when procuring water-efficient pre-rinse spray valves.

Table 1. Efficiency Requirements for Federal Purchases of Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
Type Flow Rate1 Cleanability1
Pre-Rinse Spray Valves 1.25 gallons per minute (gpm) or less 26 seconds per plate or less

1 Based on ASTM F2324-03: Standard Test Method for Pre-Rinse Spray Valves

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Buying Low Flow Pre-Rinse Spray Valves

These efficiency requirements apply to pre-rinse spray valves used in commercial food service facilities such as cafeterias and dining halls. Product performance must be measured in accordance with ASTM F2324-03: Standard Test Method for Pre-Rinse Spray Valves. Other types of spray valves (i.e., those used to fill kettles, etc.) and products not tested in accordance with ASTM F2324-03 are excluded.

The Federal supply sources for pre-rinse spray valves are the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells pre-rinse spray valves through its Multiple Awards Schedule program and online shopping network GSA Advantage! DLA offers them through its Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) EMALL. Products sold through DLA are codified with a 13-digit National Stock Number (NSN) and, in some cases, a two-letter Environmental Attribute Code (ENAC). When buying pre-rinse spray valves through DLA sources, look for models with the ENAC "DN" attached to the end of the NSN. In all procurements, specify or select products that meet the performance requirements shown above.

These requirements apply to all forms of procurements, including guide and project specifications; construction, renovation, repair, energy service, operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; and solicitations for offers. Energy performance requirements should be included in all evaluations of solicitation responses. Buyers shall insert the standard clause from FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in Federal facilities. Agencies can claim an exception to these requirements through a written finding that no ENERGY STAR®-qualified or FEMP-designated product is life cycle cost-effective for a specific application.

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Buyer Tips

There is substantial difference in the performance of pre-rinse spray valves, even among models with the same flow rate, due to variations in product design and spray patterns. Products with high velocity spray patterns show substantially better cleaning performance than those that simply employ a restrictor to reduce water flow. To ensure performance, FEMP requires pre-rinse spray valves to have a cleanability rate of 26 seconds per plate or less.

Some pre-rinse spray valves can be disassembled for cleaning and other maintenance. Consider purchasing products with this feature in areas with hard water.

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User Tips

Scale buildup caused by hard water reduces the effectiveness of pre-rinse spray valves and lengthens washing times. Pre-rinse spray valves that can be disassembled should be taken apart and cleaned to remove this scale as needed. Since these products are inexpensive and easily interchangeable with different manufacturer assemblies, it is more cost-effective to replace severely clogged valves instead of "drilling out" the scale to restore water flow, a practice that lowers spray velocity, increases water use, and reduces the overall performance of the valves.

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Determining Cost Effectiveness

An efficient product is cost effective when the water cost savings over its functional lifetime exceed any initial incremental cost above a less-efficient model (i.e., water cost savings are greater than additional costs at time of purchase). Federal purchasers may assume that ENERGY STAR–qualified and products meeting FEMP-designated efficiency requirements are life-cycle cost effective. However, users wishing to determine cost effectiveness for their application may do so using the cost effectiveness example in table 2.

Products meeting FEMP-designated efficiency requirements or ENERGY STAR performance specifications may not be life-cycle cost effective in certain low-use applications, such as when a device is purchased for backup purposes and will remain in off mode for most of its useful life. For most other average or high-use applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life-cycle cost.

Table 2. Cost-Effectiveness Example
Performance Base Model1 Required Best Available2
Flow Rate at 60 psi 1.60 gpm 1.25 gpm 0.64 gpm
Annual Water Use 48,000 gallons 37,500 gallons 19,200 gallons
Annual Energy Use 260 therms 200 therms 105 therms
Annual Operating Cost $450 $350 $180
Lifetime Operating Cost $1,950 $1,515 $780
Lifetime Cost Savings – $435 $1,170

1 Based on ASTM F2324-03: Standard Test Method for Pre-Rinse Spray Valves.
2 Data for the Best Available model was obtained from the Food Services Technology Center website. More efficient products may have been introduced to the market since this specification was published.

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Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions

In table 2 above, pre-rinse spray valves are used an average of two hours per day, 250 days per year, which is typical for cafeterias in Federal buildings that serve two meals per day (i.e., breakfast and lunch). Annual Energy Use is calculated for a water heater with a thermal efficiency of 80%, an inlet temperature of 58°F and an outlet temperature of 110°F. The price for natural gas is $0.90 per therm, and the combined water and sewer rate is $4.50 per 1,000 gallons. These utility costs represent the average for Federal facilities in the United States. Lifetime Operating Cost is the sum of the discounted value for annual water and sewer costs and annual energy costs based on average usage and an assumed product life of five years. Future price trends for energy, water, and sewer, as well as a discount factor of 3% are from the September 2011 version of Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (NISTIR 85-3273-26).

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Using the Cost-Effectiveness Table

In table 2 above, the Required pre-rinse spray valve is cost-effective if its purchase price is no more than $435 above that of the Base Model. The Best Available model is cost-effective if its purchase price is no more than $1,170 above the Base Model. In facilities that serve three meals a day or operate 365 days per year, such as dining halls on military bases and hospitals, the savings will be greater.

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What If My Operating Conditions Are Different?

The Food Service Technology Center has a Web-based cost calculator for pre-rinse spray valves that allows users to input different operating conditions. Enter the hours and days of operation, utility rates, water heater type and efficiency, and temperature rise at your facility in the "User Input" section and then click "Calculate." Values that better reflect your operating conditions and utility costs will be displayed in the "Results" section at the bottom of the page.

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For More Information

The following resources provide additional information surrounding the purchase of efficient products:

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