Cistermiser Infrared Control Valve (IRC) Installation Guide

Introduction

The Cistermiser Infrared Control Valve (IRC) automatically manages water supply to a urinal cistern. It is designed for use with a cistern and can be fixed to solid or cavity walls, false ceilings, or directly onto pipework. The IRC sensor unit can be installed separately from the solenoid valve.

The IRC activates a 30-minute cycle upon detecting movement, allowing water flow into the cistern. During the last five minutes of this cycle, the sensor checks for occupancy. If no movement is detected, the valve closes. If movement is detected, a new 30-minute cycle begins. After 12 hours of no detected movement, a hygiene cycle is activated.

Adjust valve to fill in 30 min (See Section 6).

Supplied Parts

• 1. Sensor Unit
• 2. Solenoid Valve
• 3. Mounting Bracket (for cavity walls or ceiling tiles)
• 4. Remote Valve Plug & Gasket
• 5. Mounting Screws M3.5 x 40mm (x2)
• 6. Solenoid Mounting Screw M3 x 30mm

Not Supplied: 2 core low voltage cable for remotely installed applications.

Do not power the unit until installation is complete and wiring is carried out to BS7671 IEE regulations. Isolate water supply before powering up.

Fit in accordance with Water Regulations. Urinals should use no more than 7.5 litres per bowl per hour (10 litres for a single bowl).

Positioning

The IRC can be installed in several configurations:

• Pipe Mounted (Battery-powered only): The sensor unit is mounted directly on the solenoid valve.
• Remote Mounted (Mains and/or Battery-powered only): The sensor unit is installed separately from the solenoid valve, connected by a low voltage cable (max 10m, 1mm²).

Installation Options:

• Solid Wall: Sensor can be surface mounted.
• Cavity Wall / Ceiling: Sensor can be flush mounted using the provided mounting bracket.

Sensor Range: The sensor has a 125-degree field of view. With a typical UK male height of 1.7m, the maximum detection range is approximately 2.5m at floor level. For ceiling mounted installations, with a typical ceiling height of 2.4m, the maximum detection range is approximately 9.2m.

Valve Installation

Install the valve on the 15mm pipe feeding the cistern. It is recommended to install an isolation valve upstream from the IRC valve.

Important Notes:

• The valve should be positioned with the directional arrow pointing in the same direction as the water flow, with the solenoid unit positioned on top.
• There should be no restriction, such as a petcock or bibtap, installed after the valve.

Changing the Flow Direction: If the solenoid head obstructs the sensor fitting, it can be rotated:

1. Remove the solenoid coil clip (1).
2. Lift the solenoid (2) and rotate the valve body (3).
3. Replace the solenoid coil clip (1).

Note: For installations where one cistern feeds multiple urinal outlets, ensure the outlets are evenly distributed and balanced for equal flushing. One IRC unit is required for each cistern.

Sensor Installation

Pipe Mounted (Battery-powered only):

• Insert batteries into the sensor unit.
• Attach the sensor to the solenoid using the solenoid mounting screw.
• Remove side covers to access battery compartment.

Remote Sensor (Mains and/or Battery-powered):

• Connect the cable from the solenoid using the floating socket supplied. Ensure correct polarity: connect terminal 1 to 1 and terminal 2 to 2.
• If mains power is used, connect the 230V supply here.
• Secure the cable clamp after wiring.

Mounting:

• Solid wall/ceiling: Use suitable screws (not supplied) and wall fixings (not supplied) to mount the sensor.
• Cavity wall/ceiling (Flush mounted): Use the mounting bracket to secure the sensor. Cut a hole in the wall/ceiling using the template provided in the box. Mount the sensor flush with the surface. Mounting screws locate at the back of the battery compartment and should be hand-tightened only. Attach the front cover.

Power

Pipe mounted installations are battery-powered only. Remote mounted installations can be battery-powered, mains-powered, or both.

Battery Power:

• Remove the front cover.
• Insert 4 x AA batteries.

Mains Power:

• Connect 230V mains supply.
• Mains cable specification: Nominal 230V ±10% AC 50 Hz.
• Solenoid cable specification: CSA= 1mm², Length 10m (max) from sensor to solenoid.
• Secure cable clamp after wiring.

Do not mount a valve with mains power directly onto pipework; only use battery power in such cases. 230V mains power should be installed by a qualified electrician on a 3 Amp fused spur.

Commissioning

After installation, adjust the flow rate to suit the specific setup. Use the flow regulator on the bottom of the solenoid valve to increase or decrease water flow. The cistern should ideally flush once every 30 minutes.

Flow Regulator Adjustment:

• Turn the screw at the base of the brass valve body clockwise to reduce flow.
• Turn anti-clockwise to increase flow.

Setting the 30-minute flush interval: Adjust the flow through the valve so it takes the time specified in the table below to fill a 100ml measuring cup.

Test & Economy Modes

Test Cycle:

• Press and hold the test button (2) for more than 2 seconds but less than 10 seconds, then release.
• The unit enters Test mode:
  • It first tests the valve (sensor shows amber, flashing each time the valve opens/closes, 5 times).
  • Then it tests the sensor (flashes amber to confirm motion detection).
• Pressing and releasing the test button at any point halts the test cycle, and the valve closes until movement is detected.

Switching Sensor Mode:

• Hold the test button (2) for longer than 10 seconds to switch between Normal and Economy modes.
• The sensor light (1) indicates the current mode:
  • Solid green: Normal mode
  • Flashing green: Economy mode

Mode Descriptions:

• Normal mode: Valve remains open for 30 minutes upon presence detection. A single green flash is seen during operation.
• Economy mode: Valve delays opening for 15 minutes, then opens for 30 minutes upon presence detection. A double green flash is seen during operation.

Notes:

• In either mode, if the sensor detects movement in the last 5 minutes of the 30-minute cycle, a new cycle is reactivated.
• The unit is supplied in Normal mode.
• The selected mode is remembered when the unit is powered down.

Usage Advice and Specification

Specifications:

LED Sequences:

• GREEN flash once every 3 seconds: Valve open - battery powered
• GREEN flash once every 2 seconds: Valve open - mains powered
• AMBER flash: Start up or Test cycle
• RED flash: Low power
• RED double flash: Fault

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Test mode does not function

No power: Ensure the unit is powered. Change batteries if battery-powered; ensure mains electrical power is functioning if mains-powered.

Power supply fault: Disconnect one source of power and check by pushing the test button. If the sensor is mounted directly on the valve, it should be battery-powered ONLY. Check remote wiring if the sensor is remote from the valve.

No water passing the valve

Water supply: Ensure the water supply is turned on and reaching the valve. The valve is suitable for water pressures of 0.1 to 6.0 bar.

Blockage on the outlet pipe: If a petcock or bibtap has been fitted, ensure it is removed or fully open. Instructions state there should be no restriction after the valve.

Mesh filter blocked on inlet: Remove the valve and check the filter on the inlet side for blockages.

Flow regulator: Ensure the flow regulator is fully opened. When the valve is letting water run, adjust it down to the required flow rate.

High water pressure (above 6 bar): Fit a pressure reducing valve before the IRC valve.

No power

Ensure the unit is powered. Change batteries if battery-powered; ensure mains electrical power is functioning if mains-powered. Run the test cycle when power is restored.

Economy mode

The unit may have been put into Economy mode. Refer to Section 7 to reverse this setting.

Water is continuously flowing through the valve

User perception: The valve remains open for 30 minutes and reactivates if movement is detected in the last five minutes of the cycle. It may appear to work continuously if someone is frequently in the washroom.

No power: If power fails while the valve is open, it will remain open. Ensure the unit is powered. Change batteries or check mains power. Run the test cycle when power is restored.

Valve incorrectly fitted: Ensure the arrow on the brass body points in the direction of water flow.

The valve remains shut when the room is occupied but opens at other times

Incorrect remote wiring: If the sensor and valve are remote, ensure wiring is correct: '1' to '1' and '2' to '2'. If wired '1' to '2' and '2' to '1', the valve operates in reverse.

Water flow rate through the valve seems to be very slow

Flow regulation: Increase the flow rate by turning the flow regulator anti-clockwise until the desired rate is achieved. Ideally, it should fill the cistern once per activation (approx. every 30 minutes). Refer to Section 6 'Commissioning'.

Mesh filter blocked: Check and clear the filter on the inlet side of the valve.

Water flow rate through the valve is fast and the cistern is flushing too frequently

Flow regulator: Decrease the flow rate by turning the flow regulator clockwise until the desired rate is achieved. Ideally, it should fill the cistern once per activation (approx. every 30 minutes). Refer to Section 6 'Commissioning'.

I have just changed the batteries and there is no power to the unit

Battery orientation: Check battery orientation. Ensure there is no excessive corrosion on battery terminals. Use reputable brand batteries.

Cistermiser Product Warranty and Extended Warranty

Cistermiser products are guaranteed for 12 months from the date of manufacture, covering faulty products and parts only (no labour warranty). To report a fault, contact Cistermiser directly on 0118 969 1611 or at support@cistermiser.co.uk, providing a photograph and serial number for diagnosis.

The warranty can be extended from 12 months to three years from the date of installation, at no cost, if registered within one year of the date of manufacture. Details for extension are on page 17.

Please note the serial number and take a photograph of the installation before leaving site.

Commissioning Checklist & 3-Year Extended Warranty

To qualify for the 3-year extended warranty, complete the product commissioning checklist below to demonstrate compliance with installation instructions. Email a photograph of the completed form to warranty@cistermiser.co.uk or post it to Cistermiser, Unit 1, Woodley Park Estate, 59-69 Reading Road, Woodley, Berks, RG5 3AN.

Product Details:

• Product serial number: [Enter Serial Number]
• Installation address: [Enter Address]
• Installer's name: [Enter Name]
• Telephone number: [Enter Phone Number]
• Email address: [Enter Email Address]
• Date: [Enter Date]

Checklist:

Notes

[Blank lines for user notes]

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Cistermiser Contact Information

Cistermiser Limited

Unit 1, Woodley Park Estate, 59-69 Reading Road, Woodley, Reading, Berkshire RG5 3AN

Telephone: +44 (0) 118 969 1611

Email: sales@cistermiser.co.uk

Website: cistermiser.co.uk

Cistermiser is a Davidson Holdings company.

Cistermiser uses paper from sustainable sources.