Ordering a Opti-Valve is like ordering dinner ala carte in a restaurant. Every package must have certain things. For example, a power pack is always required. Other components are selected for each application. A valve size must be chosen, either 3/4 or 1-inch diameter. Then decide which type of sensor is best for the system -- pressure, temperature or motor current.

Valve sizing
The valve size decision is pushed by two factors 1) the mechanical opening on the pump, if used; and 2) the required water flow to cool the pump.
Required water flow is based on the pump size. A good rule of thumb is to allow 1 to 1.5 percent of the flow rating of the pump for casing relief flow. Opti-Valve's 3/4-inch valve flows up to 40 gpm; the 1-inch handles 60 gpm maximum.
Look for a plugged hole on the side of the pump casing just ahead of the discharge flange. This point can be used for placement of the temperature probe (if it is to be used as a stand-alone sensor) or as a location to place a pipe T. Install the sensor in the stem and the flow control valve on the opposite side of the T from the pump.
Discharge of the solenoid valve should be routed to atmosphere (floor drain) or back to a fluid storage sufficient to act as a heatsink (e.g. a large in-ground concrete water cistern). Recirculating fluid to the pump inlet allows heat back into the pump and defeats the purpose of the relief valve. Some applications will/may require routing discharge flow to a particular place (e.g. floor drain) by code.
Remember that the valve does NOT have to be placed at the pump itself. Any other location that results in flow through the pump will produce the desired result. If used to protect a fire sprinkler pump, be sure to avoid tripping flow switches when the valve is open.

Power supply
Opti-Valve is powered by a single "duplex" type wall outlet. Opti-Valve's package includes a weather-tight "wet area" cover that replaces the cover plate of the wall outlet and protects the transformer. The transformer is plugged into the top of a duplex outlet, blocking the bottom outlet. If the pump itself can operate on a backup power source, such as an engine generator, the duplex outlet should also operate on both sources

Sensors
Pressure: If a pressure sensor is to be used, pick the maximum system pressure and the preferred type of switch. (Alco switches are standard; Mercoids and Potter switches are available.) Opti-Valve installation instructions will offer a number of different piping setups.

Temperature: If the choice is temperature sensor with its automatic cycling characteristic, decide how it will monitor direct fluid temp - in the pump or with a pipe T connected adjacent to the pump, but ahead of the flow control valve. Fluid temperature sensors are 3/8-inch NPT. Special temperature ranges are available.

Motor current: Motor current sensors are supplied with a current transformer that must be sized for the motor "full load current" that is stamped on the motor nameplate. Be sure it's the current value for the motor's actual operating voltage; many motors can operate at two or three different voltages, depending on wiring.

Multiple sensors: Sensors can be used in any combination.
Two examples:
1) A temperature sensor is connected in series with a motor current sensor. The result is a pumping system that allows high temperature fluid to be pumped, but will bypass if flow stops.
2) Three pumps are piped in parallel as a tri-plex potable booster for a high-rise building. If the solenoid is placed to flow from the discharge header, one solenoid valve and three temperature sensors can protect all three pumps. Each pump has its own sensor and they are connected in parallel.

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