Kohler K-557 User manual

Installation Guide
Three-Port Thermostatic Valve
Mproduct numbers are for Mexico (i.e. K-12345M)
Los números de productos seguidos de Mcorresponden a México
(Ej. K-12345M)
Français, page ″Français-1″
Español, página ″Español-1″
K-557
1217542-2-B

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed,
including the following:
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Connect only to a circuit protected by a Ground-Fault
Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI)*. Grounding is required. The unit should be installed and grounded by a
qualified service representative.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. A qualified electrician should route all electrical wiring.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Disconnect power before servicing.
WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause poor performance of the valve. Do not make
modifications to the valve as this could adversely affect the performance of the valve and void the
warranty. Kohler Co. shall not be liable under its warranty or otherwise for personal injury or
damage caused by any such unauthorized modification.
WARNING: Risk of injury or property damage. Please read all instructions thoroughly before
beginning installation.
NOTICE: Follow all plumbing, electrical, and building codes.
NOTICE: Provide generous, unrestricted service access to the valve. Provide access for servicing the
valve and interface. This access must be located immediately next to the valve. Refer to the roughing-in
information.
NOTICE: The valve manufacturer’s minimum flow rate is 1.6 gal/min (6 l/min).
*Outside North America, this device may be known as a Residual Current Device (RCD).
Specifications
Pressures
Maximum Static Pressure 125 psi, 862 kPa, 8.6 bar
Supply Pressure Differential* Max 5 psi, 34.5 kPa, 0.34 bar (Equal pressures recommended.)
Minimum Flow Rate 1.6 gal/min (Less than 72 psi dynamic pressure.)
6 l/min (Less than 500 kPa maintaining pressure.)
2.1 gal/min (Greater than 72 psi dynamic pressure.)
8 l/min (Greater than 500 kPa maintaining pressure.)
Temperatures
Programmable Temperature Max 120°F (49°C) Min 86°F (30°C) Full cold may also be selected.
Default Temperature at Start-up 100°F (38°C)
Minimum Mixed Temperature
Differential from Hot Supply 3.6°F (2°C)
Temperature Stability at Recommended
Supply Conditions +/- 1.6°F (1°C)
Ambient Temperature Greater than 34°F (1°C), Max 104°F (40°C)
Maximum Relative Humidity 95% non-condensing
Electrical
Electrical Rating 120 V, 15 A, 60 Hz
User Interface Cable Length (supplied) 20 ft (6.1 m)
*In commercial applications where there is a large difference in hot and cold supply pressures or frequent
fluctuation in either supply line is anticipated, it is strongly recommended that pressure regulators be
installed.
1217542-2-B 2 Kohler Co.

Tools and Materials
Plus:
• (2) 1/2" Union Connectors
• Wood and Framing Materials
• PEX Tubing, Copper Tubing, or PVC
• (2) Water Hammer Arrestors (Recommended)
• (2) Supply Shut-Off Valves
Solder Propane
Torch
Hacksaw or Tube Cutter Sealant
Tape
Kohler Co. 3 1217542-2-B

Roughing-In
Before You Begin
NOTICE: Do not install the valve under a whirlpool surround or any location where the temperature may
exceed 104°F (40°C). The valve and its integrated power supply is rated to operate in temperatures up to
104°F (40°C).
NOTICE: Do not apply excessive heat near the valve or apply flux or acids directly onto the valve. This
valve contains plastic and rubber components which will melt if heat is directly applied.
NOTICE: Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants to the valve components. Doing so will damage the
valve components.
NOTICE: Do not use oil-based, non-setting compounds, such as plumbers putty, on the threaded
connections.
NOTICE: Do not remove the check valves from the inlets as this can damage the product.
NOTICE: If the valve will be used for a bath/shower application, the bath fill supply line must be routed
from the #1 outlet port.
Read these instructions and determine the locations of all required components before beginning
installation.
For optimum performance, 1/2″dedicated water supply lines are recommended.
When possible, install the valve before installing the interface(s).
If possible, flush all piping thoroughly before installing the valve. If the pipes are flushed after the
valve is installed, clean the inlet screens before using the system.
3-3/8"
(86 mm)
1-13/16
(46 mm)
2-11/16"
(68 mm)
12-1/2"
(318 mm)
9-1/2"
(241 mm)
12" (305 mm)
15-1/8" (384 mm)
8-1/16" (205 mm)
10-5/16" (262 mm)
11-5/8" (295 mm)
13-3/8" (340 mm)
1"
(25 mm)
1-5/16"
(33 mm)
3/4"
(19 mm)
2"
(51 mm)
2-3/8"
(60 mm)
2-3/8"
(60 mm)
1-3/8"
(35 mm)
1-1/2"
(38 mm)
1217542-2-B 4 Kohler Co.

Before You Begin (cont.)
This valve is not intended for single- or dual-outlet use.
A qualified electrician should install a 120 V GFCI electrical outlet, within the stud framing, in close
proximity to the valve.
If possible, install the electrical outlet prior to installing the valve.
Kohler Co. 5 1217542-2-B

1. Mounting Configurations
NOTICE: Do not mount the valve with the inlets located at the top. Doing so will damage this product.
Vertical and horizontal mounting options are shown above. Do not mount the valve with the inlets
or cable sockets pointing up.
Mounting on a Horizontal SurfaceMounting on a Vertical Surface
Inlets
Cable
Sockets
1217542-2-B 6 Kohler Co.

2. Plan the Component Locations
NOTICE: If the valve will be used for a bath/shower application, the bath fill supply line must be routed
from the #1 outlet port.
NOTE: Only one interface is required, located inside the showering enclosure. A second interface can be
installed outside the showering enclosure. The interfaces are identical and either can be used for the
primary and secondary connection.
Determine the locations of all required components before beginning installation.
When routing piping, the numbers marked at each valve outlet must correspond to the appropriate
showering component for pre-programmed or custom showering experiences to function properly.
Coupler
Drip Loop
Drip
Loop
Power
Cord
Outlet
Interface
Interface
20' (6.1 m) Cables
NOTE: Only one interface, installed
inside the shower, is required.
Outlets
Supply Inlets
Kohler Co. 7 1217542-2-B

3. Prepare the Site
NOTICE: The valve will not fit within a standard stud cavity. A minimum 18″(457 mm) x 18″(457 mm)
cavity is required.
NOTE: Horizontal wall installation is shown. The valve can also be wall-mounted vertically or mounted
to a horizontal surface. Refer to the ″Mounting Configurations″section.
Construct a minimum 18″(457 mm) wide 2x4 stud cavity.
Install adequate bracing for mounting the valve. Notch the bracing as needed to accommodate the
inlets and outlets.
4. Install the Electrical Outlet
NOTICE: Do not install the valve under a whirlpool surround or any location where the temperature may
exceed 104°F (40°C). The valve and its integrated power supply is rated to operate in temperatures up to
104°F (40°C).
Install a 120 V GFCI electrical outlet within the stud framing, in close proximity to the valve. Locate
the outlet above the valve.
Cross Brace MountBoard Mount
Notch bottom brace.
18"
(457 mm) Min
2-3/4"
(70 mm)
Min
9-1/2"
(241 mm) 12-1/2"
(318 mm)
18"
(457 mm) Min
11-5/8"
(295 mm)
Drip Loop
Place the outlet
higher than
the valve.
1217542-2-B 8 Kohler Co.

5. Assemble the Adapters and Unions
NOTICE: Do not apply excessive heat near the valve or apply flux or acids directly onto the valve. This
valve contains plastic and rubber components which will melt if heat is directly applied.
Disassemble the adapter. Ensure all rubber and plastic components are removed.
Slide the union nut onto the inlet/outlet tube.
Solder the inlet/outlet tube to the union. Allow to cool completely.
Assemble the union.
Slide the adapter nut onto the inlet/outlet tube.
Assemble the adapter lock onto the inlet/outet tube and slide the assembly into the adapter nut.
Slide the O-ring onto the inlet/outlet tube.
For inlet tubes only: Insert the screen into the end of the inlet tube.
Reinstall the adapter assembly to the valve.
Repeat for all inlet/outlet tubes as required.
1/2" Union
Inlet/Outlet Tube
Adapter Nut
Screen (Inlets Only)
O-Ring
Adapter Lock
Solder this connection.
Kohler Co. 9 1217542-2-B

6. Install the Valve
NOTICE: Do not apply excessive heat near the valve or apply flux or acids directly onto the valve. This
valve contains plastic and rubber components which will melt if heat is directly applied.
IMPORTANT! If your water supply has high amounts of particulates, install wye strainers in the supply
lines.
Route 1/2″dedicated water supply lines. Use unions to install removable pipe segments to the
valve inlets to allow access for periodic cleaning of the inlet screens.
Install shut-off valves and water hammer arrestors in the supply lines prior to the valve.
Hold the valve up to the installation location. Verify fit and mark the hole locations.
Pre-drill the holes.
Secure the valve with the washers and screws. Do not overtighten.
IMPORTANT! Make sure the shower components are connected to the corresponding numbered outlet(s)
on the valve.
Route the piping from the valve outlets to the appropriate shower components.
Connect the hot and cold supply lines to the appropriate valve inlets. Hot is red and marked with
″HOT,″cold is blue and marked with ″COLD.″
Secure all piping to the framing.
Shut-Off Valve
1/2" Union
Water Hammer Arrestor
Offset Foot
Cross Brace Mount
Board Mount
1217542-2-B 10 Kohler Co.