Hayward TBH “Z-Ball” True Union Ball Valve: Sizing & Lockout/Tagout Guide
Real Cv sizing data, pressure ratings, and a built-in lockout/tagout mechanism purpose-built for sodium hypochlorite service.
Hayward drills the TBH Series ball specifically for sodium hypochlorite service — a real, named design feature, not a generic PVC ball valve claim. If your process handles NaOCl, the drilled-ball geometry is the detail worth confirming before you spec a substitute.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1/2" – 2" (DN15–DN50) |
| Body material | PVC (ASTM D1784 Cell Class 12454) or CPVC (ASTM D1784 Cell Class 23447) |
| Pressure rating | 250 PSI / 16 Bar @ 70°F non-shock (socket/threaded) · 150 PSI / 10 Bar @ 70°F non-shock (flanged) |
| Seals | FPM · Double O-Ring stem seals · Reversible PTFE seats (standard) |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 61 & NSF/ANSI 372 Listed |
| Compatibility | Direct replacement for existing Hayward TB-Z Series |
| Actuation | Actuator-ready, ISO mounting flange — pneumatic or electric actuator options |
| Size | Cv |
|---|---|
| 1/2" / DN15 | 8.0 |
| 3/4" / DN20 | 16.0 |
| 1" / DN25 | 29.0 |
| 1-1/4" / DN32 | 75.0 |
| 1-1/2" / DN40 | 90.0 |
| 2" / DN50 | 150.0 |
Pressure loss: ΔP = (Q / Cv)² — Q = flow in GPM, ΔP = pressure drop. Flanged valves rated to 150 PSI @ 70°F non-shock.
The TBH Series builds a lockout/tagout mechanism directly into the valve body — not an aftermarket accessory. That matters in the field: the photo shows a real corroded, tagged-out valve on a sodium hypochlorite line, actively leaking at the union joint.
A properly lockout-capable valve, correctly maintained, is what prevents this exact failure mode from becoming a safety incident during service — the built-in LOTO mechanism secures directly to the valve body for enhanced safety, versus a bolt-on or improvised lock point.
Because the TBH is a true union design, the ball, seats, and seals can be serviced or replaced without cutting the line or disturbing adjacent piping — the union nuts unthread, the valve body comes free, and a new cartridge goes back in. For a sodium hypochlorite service line where downtime and chemical exposure during maintenance are real safety concerns, that's the practical reason to spec true union over a standard (non-union) ball valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Z-Ball, and why does it matter for sodium hypochlorite?
The Z-Ball is Hayward's ball geometry, drilled specifically for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) applications on the TBH Series. It is a named, documented design detail — not a generic PVC ball valve claim — worth confirming before specifying a substitute valve on a hypochlorite line.
What is the pressure rating of the Hayward TBH true union ball valve?
250 PSI / 16 Bar at 70°F, non-shock, for socket or threaded end connections. Flanged end connections are rated to 150 PSI / 10 Bar at 70°F, non-shock.
Does the TBH Series have a built-in lockout/tagout point?
Yes. The lockout/tagout mechanism secures directly to the valve body — it is a built-in feature of the TBH design, not an aftermarket accessory bolted on afterward.
What is the advantage of a true union ball valve over a standard ball valve?
A true union design lets the ball, seats, and seals be serviced or replaced without cutting the line or disturbing adjacent piping — the union nuts unthread, the valve body comes free, and a new cartridge goes back in. On a sodium hypochlorite line, that reduces both downtime and chemical exposure during maintenance.
Can the Hayward TBH replace an older TB-Z Series valve?
Yes — Hayward specifies the TBH as an easy, direct replacement for the existing TB-Z Series.
Is the Hayward TBH valve NSF certified for potable water contact?
Yes, it is NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 Listed.
Send LibertyCES the process data, not a part number
Fluid, chemistry, concentration, temperature, flow, pressure, line size, and current equipment — that's what a real spec review needs to start.