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.

7. Complete the Installation
If an interface is not available, proceed to the ″Installation Checkout″section, and ″Test for Leaks without an
Interface.″
NOTICE: Do not plug in the power cord until all interface cables are connected.
NOTE: Make drip loops in all cables and cords.
Route the interface cable(s) in the wall from the valve location to the interface installation
location(s).
If not already installed, install the interface(s) according to the instructions packed with the product.
Attach a split boot to each interface cable.
Connect the interface cable(s) to the valve.
Press the boot over the connection and into the valve socket. If only one interface is installed, insert
a solid boot into the unused socket.
Verify there is power to the 120 V GFCI electrical outlet.
Plug the power cord into the outlet.
Slide the split boot onto the
interface cable.
Split Boot
Solid Boot
Kohler Co. 11 1217542-2-B

8. Installation Checkout
Turn on the water supply to the valve.
Test for Leaks without an Interface
Disconnect the power from the valve.
Connect the jumper to the valve, then reconnect the power.
Wait 10 seconds for the valve to initialize; the outlets will activate.
Check all connections for leaks.
Disconnect the power, then remove the jumper.
Reconnect the power to the valve.
Test for Proper Operation (Requires an Installed Interface)
Press the power icon on the user interface. The interface screen should be lit.
If not already completed, refer to the ″Digital Interface Homeowners Guide″to set up the interface.
NOTE: For more information about using the interface, refer to the ″Digital Interface Homeowners
Guide.″
Use the interface to turn on the water outlets.
Check for leaks and make any adjustments as needed.
Verify that the water flow is sufficient for your showering needs.
Exercise the Valve (Requires an Installed Interface)
NOTE: Valves which have been recently installed, or have not been used for some time should be
exercised before running tests or setting the maximum temperature.
NOTE: The maximum water temperature to the outlets is limited to 120°F (49°C). The valve will
automatically shut down if the temperature exceeds 120°F (49°C).
Verify that the hot and cold water supply lines are connected to appropriate valve inlets.
Using the up and down arrow icons on the user interface, adjust the temperature from cold to hot
and back to cold several times, pausing for 30 seconds at each extreme.
Jumper
1217542-2-B 12 Kohler Co.

Clean the Inlet Screens
Disconnect the power and turn off the water supply.
Unthread the plastic nuts from the hot and cold inlets.
Remove the copper tubes. The O-ring and screen may be attached to the end of the tube.
If the screen remains in the check valve, use a small bladed screwdriver to gently pull the check
valve from the valve inlet.
Remove the screens from the copper tubes or check valves.
Clean the screens to remove any dirt or debris.
Rinse or replace the check valves and screens.
Reassemble the inlet connections.
Troubleshooting
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Disconnect power before servicing.
CAUTION: Risk of personal injury. The valve may contain hot water; be careful when draining
any residual water.
NOTICE: Valve maintenance should be performed by a KOHLER Authorized Service Representative.
NOTE: For service parts information, visit your product page at www.kohler.com.
This troubleshooting guide is for general aid only. For service and installation issues or concerns, call
1-800-4KOHLER.
Troubleshooting Table
Symptoms Probable Cause Recommended Action
1. Valve will not turn on. A. Valve is not plugged into the
outlet. A. Plug the valve into an outlet.
B. Interface cable connections may
be loose or disconnected. B. Check all interface cable connections, connect if needed.
Screen
Nut
Copper Tube
Check Valve
Seal
O-Ring
Boot
Split
Boot
Kohler Co. 13 1217542-2-B

Troubleshooting (cont.)
Troubleshooting Table
Symptoms Probable Cause Recommended Action
C. Circuit breaker has been
tripped. C. Reset the circuit breaker.
D. The valve memory may require
resetting. D. Disconnect and reconnect the valve power cord from the electrical
outlet.
E. A″straight-through″cable or
coupler was used to connect the
interface to the valve.
E. Connect the interface to the valve
using a ″cross-over″cable and
coupler.
F. If none of the recommended
actions for the above issues
correct the symptom, the valve
or interface requires servicing.
F. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
2. The interface power
indicator is lit, but the
system will not turn on.
A. Interface cable connections may
be loose. A. Check all interface cable connections, connect if needed.
B. If the above recommended
action does not correct the
symptom, the interface or valve
requires servicing.
B. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
3. The interface functions
normally but no water
flows from the
components.
A. Valve outlets may be blocked. A. Check the valve outlets for
blockage or debris. Clean the outlet
screens.
B. Fittings/Spray faces may be
blocked. B. Clean the spray faces and any screens in your fittings.
C. Hot and cold water supplies are
not turned on. C. Turn on the water supply to the valve.
D. The valve memory may require
resetting. D. Disconnect and reconnect the valve power cord from the electrical
outlet.
E. System error. E. Check the user interface for an
error code. Refer to the ″Error Code
Diagnosis″section in the Digital
Interface Homeowners Guide.
F. If none of the recommended
actions for the above issues
correct the symptom, the valve
requires servicing.
F. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
4. Maximum blend
temperature too hot or
too cold.
A. Incorrect maximum temperature
setting. A. Refer to the ″Temperature – Set the
Maximum″section in the Digital
Interface Homeowners Guide.
B. If the above recommended
action does not correct the
symptom, the interface or valve
requires servicing.
B. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
5. Continuous flow. A. System will not switch off. A. Turn off the water and power
supply and contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
B. Flow rate exceeds 10 gal/min
(45.5 l/min) from one outlet. B. Ensure flow restrictors are installed in both outlets.
6. Only cold water flows
from the outlets. A. Hot water supply is either not turned on or not connected to
the valve inlet.
A. Check if the hot water supply is
turned on and connected to the
valve inlet.
B. Hot water inlet is blocked. B. Check the hot water inlet screen for
blockage. Clean or replace the inlet
screen.
1217542-2-B 14 Kohler Co.

Troubleshooting (cont.)
Troubleshooting Table
Symptoms Probable Cause Recommended Action
C. The hot water supply is
exhausted. C. Allow time for the water heater to come up to temperature.
D. If none of the recommended
actions for the above issues
correct the symptom, the valve
requires servicing.
D. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
7. Fluctuating or reduced
flow rate. Valve is
functioning properly.
A. Valve inlets may be blocked. A. Check the valve inlets for blockage
or debris. Clean the inlet screens.
Refer to the ″Clean the Inlet
Screens″section.
B. Fittings/Spray faces may be
blocked. B. Clean the spray faces and any screens in your fittings.
C. Water outlet pressure is low. C. Check that the flow rate is at or
above the minimum rate required.
Refer to ″Specifications″section.
D. Fluctuating supply pressure. D. Verify that the dynamic inlet
pressures are within specifications.
Refer to ″Specifications″section.
E. Water supply temperatures are
not within the recommended
range.
E. Check if inlet water temperatures
are within the recommended range.
8. Blend temperature drift or
temperature cycling. A. Fluctuating water supply temperature. A. Check the inlet temperature differentials and verify they are
sufficient. Refer to ″Specifications″
section.
B. Pressure difference greater than
5 psi (34.5 kPa) between the hot
and cold supply lines.
B. Install pressure regulators to bring
the supplies within 5 psi (34.5 kPa)
of each other.
C. If none of the recommended
actions for the above issues
correct the symptom, the valve
requires servicing.
C. Contact your Kohler Co.
Authorized Service Representative.
9. Water leaking from the
valve.
CAUTION: Risk of
personal injury or
product damage. Turn off
the main power and
water supply.
A. Connections are not secure. A. Check all connections. Make
adjustments as needed.
B. Seals are worn or damaged. B. Order a seal service pack and
replace all seals.
C. Internal leak. C. Unit requires overhaul. Contact
your Kohler Co. Authorized Service
Representative.
10. Hot water only, the valve
shuts down. A. Hot and cold lines are reversed. A. Switch hot and cold water supply connections. Verify the hot water
supply is connected to the ″Hot″
inlet and the cold water supply is
connected to the ″Cold″inlet.
Kohler Co. 15 1217542-2-B

Guide d’installation
Vanne thermostatique à trois orifices
INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANTES
AVERTISSEMENT: Lors de l’utilisation de produits électriques, toujours observer les
précautions de base, notamment:
AVERTISSEMENT: Risque de choc électrique. Raccorder uniquement à un circuit protégé par un
disjoncteur de fuite de terre (GFCI)*. Une mise à la terre est requise. L’appareil doit être installé et
mis à la terre par un représentant technique qualifié.
AVERTISSEMENT: Risque de choc électrique. Tout le câblage électrique doit être réalisé par un
électricien qualifié.
AVERTISSEMENT: Risque de choc électrique. Déconnecter l’alimentation électrique avant
d’effectuer un entretien.
AVERTISSEMENT: Des modifications non approuvées pourraient provoquer une mauvaise
performance de la vanne. N’effectuer aucune modification sur la vanne, car ceci pourrait avoir un
effet indésirable sur la performance de celle-ci et annuler la garantie. Kohler Co. décline toute
responsabilité sous sa garantie et pour toutes blessures ou tous dommages causés par de telles
modifications non autorisées.
AVERTISSEMENT: Risque de blessures ou d’endommagement du matériel. Lire toutes les
instructions avec attention avant de commencer l’installation.
AVIS: Respecter tous les codes de plomberie, d’électricité et de construction.
AVIS: Fournir un large espace non restreint pour pouvoir accéder à la vanne. Fournir un espace pour
pouvoir accéder à la vanne et à l’interface. Cet accès doit être situé juste à côté de la vanne. Se référer à
l’information de raccordement.
AVIS: Le débit minimum du fabricant de la vanne est de 1,6 gal/min (6 l/min).
*Hors de l’Amérique du Nord, ce dispositif peut être connu sous le nom de dispositif à courant résiduel
(RCD).
Spécifications
Pressions
Pression statique maximale 125 psi, 862 kPa, 8,6 bars
Différentiel de pression d’alimentation* Max 5 psi, 34,5 kPa, 0,34 bar (pressions égales recommandées.)
Débit minimum 1,6 gal/min (moins de 72 psi de pression dynamique.)
6 l/min (moins de 500 kPa de pression de maintien.)
2,1 gal/min (plus de 72 psi de pression dynamique.)
8 l/min (plus de 500 kPa de pression de maintien.)
Températures
Température programmable Max 120°F (49°C) Min 86°F (30°C) L’option entièrement froid peut
également être sélectionnée.
Température par défaut au démarrage 100°F (38°C)
Différentiel de température mélangée
minimum en provenance de
l’alimentation en eau chaude
3,6°F (2°C)
Kohler Co. Français-1 1217542-2-B

Spécifications (cont.)
Pressions
Stabilité de température aux conditions
d’alimentation recommandées +/- 1,6°F (1°C)
Température ambiante Plus de 34°F (1°C), Max 104°F (40°C)
Humidité relative maximale 95% sans condensation
Système électrique
Caractéristiques électriques 120 V, 15 A, 60 Hz
Longueur de câble de l’interface
utilisateur (fourni) 20 pi (6,1 m)
* Dans les applications commerciales où il y a une grande différence en pressions d’alimentation en eau
chaude et en eau froide ou si l’on prévoit une fluctuation fréquente dans l’une des conduites d’alimentation,
il est vivement recommandé d’installer des régulateurs de pression.
Outils et matériaux
Plus:
• (2) Connecteurs d'union 1/2"
• Matériels de bois et de cadrage
• Tuyauterie PEX, Tuyauterie en cuivre, ou PVC
• (2) anti coups de bélier (recommandés)
• (2) valves d'arrêt d'alimentation
Soudure Chalumeau
à propane
Scie à métaux
ou coupe tube Ruban d'étanchéité
Kohler Co. Français-2 1217542-2-B

Plan de raccordement
Avant de commencer
AVIS: Ne pas installer la vanne sous un encadrement de baignoire à hydromassage ni dans des endroits
où la température pourrait dépasser 104°F (40°C). La vanne et son alimentation électrique intégrée sont
destinées à fonctionner à des températures de 104°F (40°C) maximum.
AVIS: Ne pas appliquer de chaleur excessive à proximité de la vanne et ne pas appliquer de flux ou
d’acides directement sur la vanne. Cette vanne contient des éléments en plastique et en caoutchouc qui
fondent en cas d’application directe de chaleur.
AVIS: Ne pas appliquer de lubrifiants à base de pétrole sur les composants de la vanne. Ceci pourrait
endommager les composants de la vanne.
AVIS: Ne pas utiliser de composés à base d’huile ou à haute dispersion, comme du mastic de plombier,
sur les raccordements filetés.
AVIS: Ne pas retirer les clapets de non retour des orifices d’entrée, étant donné que ceci pourrait
endommager le produit.
AVIS: Si la vanne est utilisée pour une application de baignoire/douche, la conduite d’arrivée de
remplissage de la baignoire doit être acheminée à partir du port de sortie #1.
Lire ces instructions et déterminer les emplacements de tous les composants requis avant de
commencer l’installation.
Pour assurer une performance optimale, il est recommandé d’utiliser des conduites d’alimentation
dédiées de 1/2″.
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 Français-3 Kohler Co.

Avant de commencer (cont.)
Lorsque possible, installer la vanne avant d’installer l’interface ou les interfaces.
Si possible, purger complètement tous les tuyaux avant d’installer la vanne. Si les tuyaux sont
purgés après l’installation de la vanne, nettoyer les grilles d’entrée avant d’utiliser le système.
Cette vanne n’est pas conçue pour être utilisée pour une sortie unique ou double.
Un électricien qualifié doit poser une prise électrique GFCI de 120 V, dans l’ossature, à proximité
immédiate de la vanne.
Si possible, installer la prise électrique avant d’installer la vanne.
Kohler Co. Français-4 1217542-2-B

1. Configurations de montage
AVIS: Ne pas monter la vanne avec les orifices d’entrée sur le dessus. Ceci pourrait endommager ce
produit.
Les options de montage vertical et horizontal sont illustrées ci-dessus. Ne pas monter la vanne avec
les orifices d’entrée ou les prises de câble dirigés vers le haut.
Montage sur une surface horizontaleMontage sur une surface verticale
Orifices
d'entrée
Prises
de câbles
1217542-2-B Français-5 Kohler Co.