A practical guide for procurement teams who need the valve to match the code, the service, and the submittal
“Bronze & iron valves” sounds like a broad category—until you’re staring at a submittal package that needs to satisfy a fire marshal, a municipal water spec, and an MRO reliability standard all at once. The difference between “works on paper” and “works in the field” often comes down to the details: listing/approval requirements for fire service, AWWA standards for waterworks, stem configuration (OS&Y vs NRS), coating and corrosion exposure, and how the valve will be operated and supervised.
Below is a clear, jobsite-friendly framework IFW Supply uses to help buyers across the United States keep valve selection compliant, durable, and easy to support—especially when timelines and global logistics matter.
Start with the service: fire protection, waterworks, irrigation, or industrial?
A fast rule: pick the valve standard based on what the system is protecting and who is inspecting it.
- Fire protection: prioritize listed/approved fire service valves and the installation standard for private fire mains.
- Waterworks / irrigation: prioritize AWWA-rated valves, coatings, and municipal compatibility (flange drilling, bury depth, valve box access).
- Industrial / PVF: prioritize process conditions (temperature/pressure/chemistry), actuation needs, maintainability, and plant standards.
Fire protection valves: “AWWA” alone usually isn’t enough
A common pitfall is assuming that a valve built to a waterworks standard is automatically acceptable for fire protection. Fire service typically requires valves evaluated for that use and installed per fire protection standards. For gate valves in fire-protection water piping systems, the UL 262 standard covers gate valves intended for fire-protection service (OS&Y and NRS types). (standards.globalspec.com)
On the installation side, NFPA 24 is the key reference for private fire service mains and appurtenances, including requirements around valve accessibility, valve pits, and hydrant connection valving. (studylib.net)
Waterworks & irrigation valves: focus on AWWA scope, pressure class, and size range
For resilient-seated gate valves used in water supply service, AWWA standards define minimum requirements for materials, design, testing, and marking. AWWA C509 applies to iron-body resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service (NRS and OS&Y), with defined temperature range, velocity assumptions, and size/pressure rating details. (store.awwa.org)
If your project specification calls for reduced-wall resilient-seated valves, AWWA C515 addresses reduced-wall resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service, including NRS and OS&Y configurations and a recommended minimum design working pressure. (store.awwa.org)
Bronze vs. iron: what buyers are really deciding
“Bronze & iron valves” is often shorthand for two different purchasing tracks:
- Bronze valves are common where corrosion resistance, smaller sizes, threaded/solder end connections, and serviceability matter (many facilities/MRO environments standardize bronze for certain building and utility services). A widely used reference standard for bronze gate, globe, angle, and check valves is MSS SP-80. (webstore.ansi.org)
- Iron/ductile iron valves dominate waterworks and many fire-water applications due to strength-to-weight, flange/grooved compatibility, and size availability—especially for buried or yard piping.
Procurement tip: Ask for the full “valve identity” up front: service (fire/water/industrial), size, end connection (flanged/grooved/mechanical joint/threaded), operator (handwheel/gear/actuator), stem style (OS&Y vs NRS), coating, and required listings/approvals.
AWWA C509 vs. AWWA C515: how to think about it during submittals
Many specifications call out AWWA C509 or AWWA C515 for resilient-seated gate valves in water supply service. At a high level:
| Spec Topic | AWWA C509 (resilient-seated gate valves) | AWWA C515 (reduced-wall resilient-seated gate valves) |
|---|---|---|
| Intended service | Water supply service; includes NRS and OS&Y; defines velocity and temperature range. (store.awwa.org) | Water supply service; “reduced-wall” design approach; includes NRS and OS&Y ranges. (store.awwa.org) |
| Why it matters | Often used where the spec or utility standards have long-established C509 language and acceptance. | Can be used when the spec prefers reduced-wall designs while still meeting defined performance/testing requirements. |
| Submittal “gotcha” | Confirm the project’s size/pressure rating expectations match the valve size range and pressure rating language. | Confirm reduced-wall acceptance with the governing spec (municipality/engineer/owner) before ordering long-lead sizes. |
Important boundary: AWWA standards address water supply service. For fire protection, you’ll often need fire service listings/approvals in addition to (or instead of) a waterworks standard callout, depending on the AHJ and the system design. UL 262 is one of the key standards specific to gate valves for fire-protection service. (standards.globalspec.com)
Valve placement and isolation: details that affect inspections and outages
In fire protection site piping, valve location isn’t just convenience—it can impact acceptance and long-term serviceability. NFPA 24 addresses isolation arrangements and common practices for how connections to private fire service mains can be isolated (for example, using post indicator valves, indicating valves in pits, or other approved arrangements), and it also includes guidance around valve pits and hydrant connection valving. (studocu.com)
Did you know? Quick facts buyers use to avoid rework
- NFPA 24 addresses minimum nominal sizes for mains supplying hydrants (commonly not less than 6 in.) and includes requirements tied to hydrant connection valving. (studylib.net)
- UL 262 scope includes gate valves (OS&Y and NRS) intended for water piping systems supplying fire-protection service. (standards.globalspec.com)
- AWWA C509 describes resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service, including defined velocity assumptions (intended for applications where velocity does not exceed the standard’s limit when fully open). (store.awwa.org)
A step-by-step valve specifying checklist (usable for RFQs and submittals)
Step 1: Identify the governing standard and inspector
Decide whether the controlling requirement is fire protection (AHJ/fire marshal), municipal waterworks, owner/engineering standard, or a plant reliability requirement. If it’s fire service, confirm the valve is acceptable for fire-protection service and compatible with the installation approach used in NFPA 24. (webstore.ansi.org)
Step 2: Define the connection and installation environment
Buried vs. above ground, mechanical joint vs. flanged vs. grooved, indoor corrosives vs. outdoor freeze/thaw, and whether the valve will live in a pit/box all drive coating, operator selection, and long-term accessibility. NFPA 24 includes requirements around valve pits being constructed to protect equipment from freezing, movement of earth, and water accumulation. (studylib.net)
Step 3: Specify stem type and supervision needs
OS&Y (outside screw & yoke) provides a clearly visible open/closed position and is common where above-ground indication matters. NRS (non-rising stem) is common underground and in valve boxes. For fire systems, confirm the required indicating/supervisory approach aligns with the system design and AHJ expectations.
Step 4: Lock down documentation before you release the PO
For fast approvals and fewer returns, request: data sheet, standard compliance statement (AWWA/UL as applicable), pressure rating, temperature range, coating details, and any listing/approval marks required by the project. If export is involved, add packing requirements, country of origin, harmonized codes if needed, and documentation expectations.
Local angle: consistent valve selection across U.S. projects (and export-ready documentation)
IFW Supply supports buyers across the United States who need consistent “spec-matching” valves across multiple metros—often with different inspectors and slightly different municipal preferences. Whether you’re coordinating a waterworks project, a fire protection yard main, or an industrial expansion, standardizing your RFQ language (service + standard + connection + operator + documentation) is one of the simplest ways to reduce schedule risk and change orders.
If your job includes overseas delivery or consolidated shipments, IFW’s export support can help align technical submittals with packing, crating, inspections, and shipping options so product arrives ready to install.
Explore categories and team support: Fire protection equipment, Waterworks & irrigation products, Industrial products, Safety products, and Export sales services.
Need help matching “bronze & iron valves” to a spec or submittal package?
Send IFW Supply your valve schedule or a single line item (size, end connection, service, and required standard/listing). We’ll help cross-reference options, confirm documentation, and support domestic or export-ready shipping.
FAQ: Bronze & Iron Valves
Are AWWA C509 or C515 valves acceptable for fire protection?
Sometimes, but don’t assume. Waterworks standards address water supply service; fire protection often requires valves evaluated for fire-protection service and installed to fire standards. UL 262 covers gate valves intended for fire-protection service. (standards.globalspec.com)
What’s the practical difference between AWWA C509 and AWWA C515?
Both address resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service, but C515 is written for reduced-wall designs, while C509 is the long-established standard for resilient-seated gate valves in water supply service. Always follow the project spec and confirm acceptance with the engineer/municipality. (store.awwa.org)
When should I use OS&Y vs. NRS?
OS&Y is often preferred where visible position indication above ground is important; NRS is common for underground installations and valve boxes. In fire protection, the system design and AHJ expectations around indication/supervision typically guide the selection.
Do private fire mains have special valve location requirements?
Yes—NFPA 24 addresses isolation arrangements, accessibility, and installation details such as valve pit construction and hydrant connection valving. Confirm the edition adopted by your jurisdiction and coordinate with the AHJ early. (studylib.net)
What should I include in an RFQ for bronze & iron valves?
Include: service (fire/water/industrial), standard/listing required, size, pressure rating, temperature range, end connections, operator type, stem configuration, coating requirements, and required documentation (data sheet, compliance statement, export docs if applicable).
Glossary (quick definitions)
AWWA (American Water Works Association): Publishes consensus standards commonly used for waterworks valves and components in water supply service. (store.awwa.org)
AWWA C509: Standard describing resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service, including scope on valve types and application limits. (store.awwa.org)
AWWA C515: Standard covering reduced-wall, resilient-seated gate valves for water supply service. (store.awwa.org)
NFPA 24: Standard that covers installation requirements for private fire service mains and appurtenances. (webstore.ansi.org)
OS&Y (Outside Screw & Yoke): Rising stem gate valve configuration where stem position provides visible open/closed indication (common above ground).
NRS (Non-Rising Stem): Gate valve configuration where the stem does not rise; common in underground/valve box installations.
UL 262: Standard covering gate valves intended for installation in piping systems supplying water for fire-protection service. (standards.globalspec.com)
MSS SP-80: Standard practice establishing requirements for bronze gate, globe, angle, and check valves across multiple pressure classes and end connections. (webstore.ansi.org)
Related resources from IFW Supply: Products, Other products, Reference material, Literature.