What Are ROSS EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves?

ROSS EEZ-ON® (pronounced "ease-on") Soft-Start Valves are specialized pneumatic safety valves engineered to provide gradual re-application of compressed air pressure to industrial equipment after shutdown, maintenance, or emergency stop conditions. Unlike standard pneumatic valves that deliver instantaneous full pressure, EEZ-ON valves feature an adjustable restriction mechanism that controls the rate of downstream pressure buildup, preventing rapid and potentially dangerous equipment movement during system startup.

The Critical Safety Problem EEZ-ON Valves Solve

When pneumatic systems are de-energized for maintenance, cleaning, or safety events, air cylinders and actuators may shift position due to gravity, opposing loads, or manual adjustment by maintenance personnel. Upon restoration of compressed air, standard valves deliver instant full pressure, causing:

• Sudden, uncontrolled actuator movement that can strike personnel
• Equipment damage from high-impact cylinder extension or retraction
• Premature component wear from repeated shock loading
• Production line disruption from damaged machinery
• Workplace injuries from unexpected machine motion

ROSS EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves eliminate these hazards by allowing actuators to move slowly into their normal working positions before full line pressure is applied, providing a critical safety buffer during the vulnerable startup phase.

Key Features and Benefits of ROSS EEZ-ON Valves

Adjustable Pressure Buildup Control

The defining feature of EEZ-ON technology is the field-adjustable needle restriction that determines the rate of downstream pressure increase. This allows engineers to customize the soft-start timing to match specific application requirements:

• Variable delay timing from seconds to minutes
• Controlled actuator speed during initial pressurization
• Automatic full-flow switching at approximately 50% inlet pressure
• No external controllers required - purely mechanical operation

Dirt Tolerant, Wear-Compensating Design

ROSS EEZ-ON valves utilize proven spool construction technology that delivers exceptional reliability in harsh industrial environments:

• Self-cleaning action prevents contamination buildup
• Automatic wear compensation maintains performance over millions of cycles
• Quick response times with high flow capacity
• Cast aluminum body with stainless steel and acetal internal components
• Buna-N seals suitable for filtered compressed air applications

Full-Size Exhaust Ports

Exhaust ports are sized equal to or larger than supply ports, ensuring:

• Rapid air evacuation when valve is de-energized
• Threaded exhaust connections accept standard silencers or remote exhaust lines
• Positive shut-off of supply air during exhaust cycle
• No separate shut-off valve required for 3/2 valve configurations

Manual Override Capability

Single solenoid models feature flush-mounted, flexible manual overrides that provide:

• Non-locking operation for safety compliance
• Emergency manual actuation during electrical failures
• Maintenance and troubleshooting accessibility
• Flush mounting prevents accidental actuation

EEZ-ON Valve Technical Specifications

Available Valve Configurations

Valve Functions:

• 2/2 (Two-Way, Two-Position): Supply and outlet only, no exhaust port
• 3/2 (Three-Way, Two-Position): Supply, outlet, and exhaust for complete control

Actuation Methods:

• Pneumatic Pilot Controlled: Internal pressure-operated actuation
• Electrical Solenoid: 24 VDC, 110/120 VAC, or 230 VAC options
• Manual Lockout with EEZ-ON: Combined L-O-X® lockout and soft-start functionality

Operating Parameters

Port Sizes and Flow Capacities

The 27 Series offers six body sizes to accommodate diverse flow requirements:

Thread Options:

• NPT (National Pipe Thread) - Standard US/North America
• G (BSPP - British Standard Pipe Parallel) - International metric

Safety Certifications and Compliance

ROSS EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves are certified to the highest international safety standards:

ISO 13849-1 Certification

• Safety Category: Category 1
• Performance Level: PLc (Performance Level c)
• Diagnostic Coverage: Basic fault detection capability
• Mean Time to Dangerous Failure (MTTFd): High reliability rating

IEC 61508 Safety Integrity Level

• SIL Rating: SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2)
• Probability of Failure on Demand: 10⁻³ to 10⁻² range
• Suitable for: Moderate risk reduction applications

Regulatory Compliance

• OSHA Compliant: Meets US Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements
• ANSI Standards: Conforms to American National Standards Institute guidelines
• CSA/UL Certification: Available on select models for North American installations
• CE Marking: European conformity declaration for global installations
• EAC Declaration: Eurasian Conformity for Russian and CIS markets

Industrial Applications for EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves

Manufacturing and Assembly Operations

• Automated assembly lines requiring frequent start/stop cycles
• Robotic work cells with pneumatic end-effectors and grippers
• Material handling systems with vertical lift cylinders
• Transfer systems and part loading/unloading stations
• Press operations with pneumatic clutch/brake systems

Packaging Industry

• Filling and capping machines with pneumatic actuators
• Labeling equipment requiring precise cylinder positioning
• Palletizing systems with multiple-axis pneumatic control
• Conveyor systems with air-powered diverters and gates

Automotive Manufacturing

• Stamping press counterbalance systems requiring soft-start recharge
• Welding fixtures with pneumatic clamps and positioning
• Assembly tooling with multiple pneumatic movements
• Paint booth equipment with air-operated mechanisms

Food and Beverage Processing

• Bottling lines with high-speed pneumatic operations
• Sorting and inspection systems with cylinder-actuated gates
• Packaging machinery requiring gentle product handling
• Sanitary processing equipment with washdown-rated pneumatics

General Industrial Equipment

• Machine tool pneumatics for clamping and positioning
• Woodworking machinery with pneumatic hold-downs
• Plastics processing equipment with air cylinders
• Test equipment requiring controlled pneumatic actuation

Integration with ROSS Safety Valve Ecosystems

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Solutions

ROSS offers L-O-X® Lockout Valves with integrated EEZ-ON functionality, combining two critical safety functions in a single valve:

Combined Features:

• Manual energy isolation with lockable blue handle (OFF position only)
• Gradual pressure reapplication when handle is pulled to ON position
• Visual status indication through handle position
• Single Point Lockout compliance for maintenance safety
• Integrated sensing ports for pressure verification

This integration eliminates the need for separate lockout and soft-start valves, reducing:

• Component count and installation complexity
• Potential leak points in pneumatic systems
• System cost through consolidated functionality
• Space requirements in crowded machine panels

Control-Reliable Safety Systems

EEZ-ON valves can be incorporated into higher-category safety architectures when combined with:

• DM2® Series Double Valves for redundant control (Category 4, PLe)
• Pressure monitoring switches for diagnostic coverage enhancement
• Pilot-operated check valves for load-holding applications
• Dump valves for rapid system exhaust on emergency stop

Installation and Adjustment Guidelines

Proper Valve Orientation

• Inline mounting with supply port connected to upstream compressed air
• Outlet port directed to pneumatic equipment or distribution manifold
• Exhaust port (3/2 models) threaded for silencer or remote exhaust line
• Vertical or horizontal orientation - no restriction on mounting angle

Adjusting Soft-Start Timing

The adjustable needle restriction is accessed externally and requires:

1. Initial Setting: Start with restriction fully closed (clockwise)
2. Energize Valve: Apply pilot pressure or electrical signal
3. Monitor Pressure Buildup: Observe downstream pressure gauge
4. Adjust Opening: Turn restriction counterclockwise to increase flow rate
5. Test Cycle: Verify actuator movement is controlled and safe
6. Lock Setting: Some models include locking mechanisms for setting retention

Typical Adjustment Range: From several seconds to multiple minutes depending on system volume and desired startup speed.

Recommended System Design

• Install upstream of control valves and pneumatic equipment
• Use with filter/regulator for clean, controlled supply air
• Size appropriately based on flow requirements and system response time
• Consider multiple valves for zone-based control in large systems

Maintenance and Service Life

Routine Maintenance Requirements

ROSS EEZ-ON valves are designed for long service life with minimal maintenance:

• Inspection interval: Annual or per machine maintenance schedule
• Wear indicators: Monitor for leakage or delayed response
• Cleaning: External surface cleaning; internal components self-cleaning
• Adjustment verification: Confirm soft-start timing remains appropriate

Expected Service Life

With proper installation and filtered air supply:

• Millions of cycles typical operational life
• Wear-compensating design maintains performance as components age
• Seal replacement may extend service life further
• Field serviceable for long-term cost efficiency

Comparison: EEZ-ON Valves vs. Alternative Solutions

EEZ-ON vs. Flow Control Fittings

EEZ-ON vs. Electronic Pressure Controllers

Additional Resources in This Catalog

The complete ROSS EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves catalog includes:

• Dimensional Drawings: CAD-quality illustrations with mounting dimensions
• Flow Curves: Performance data across operating pressure ranges
• Port Configuration Diagrams: Visual reference for proper connections
• Model Numbering System: Decode ROSS part numbers for accurate ordering
• Installation Instructions: Step-by-step setup and commissioning procedures
• Troubleshooting Guide: Common issues and resolution steps
• Warranty Information: Coverage details and claim procedures
• Technical Support Contact: Direct access to ROSS application engineers

Related ROSS Controls Product Families

Explore complementary pneumatic safety products:

• L-O-X® Lockout Valves: Energy isolation for LOTO compliance
• DM2® Series Double Valves: Redundant safety control (Category 4, PLe)
• Pilot-Operated Check Valves: Load holding and position retention
• Sensing Valves: Pressure verification and system monitoring
• Air Preparation Equipment: Filters, regulators, and lubricators

Why Choose ROSS Controls EEZ-ON Valves?

75+ Years of Pneumatic Safety Expertise

ROSS Controls has been the industry standard for pneumatic safety since 1921, with:

• Deep engineering knowledge in machine safeguarding
• Proven track record in demanding industrial applications
• Continuous innovation in valve technology
• Global support network for technical assistance

Made in USA Quality

• Manufactured in Troy, Michigan with rigorous quality control
• ISO-certified production processes
• Extensive testing before shipment
• Domestic availability for rapid delivery

Application Engineering Support

ROSS provides comprehensive technical support:

• Free application consultation for system design
• SISTEMA library files for safety calculations
• Custom valve configurations for unique requirements
• On-site troubleshooting assistance available

Download Your Free ROSS EEZ-ON Catalog Today

Get instant access to:
Complete technical specifications for all 27 Series models
Installation and adjustment procedures
Safety certification documentation
Dimensional drawings and CAD data
Application examples and case studies
Ordering information and model selection guide

Questions about EEZ-ON valve selection or application?
Contact ROSS Controls Technical Support:

• Phone: 1-800-ROSS-VLV (1-800-767-7858)
• Email: techsupport@rosscontrols.com
• Live Chat: Available on rosscontrols.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between 2/2 and 3/2 EEZ-ON valves?
A: 2/2 valves provide supply and outlet ports only, suitable when a separate exhaust valve exists. 3/2 valves include an integrated exhaust port that exhausts downstream air when de-energized, providing complete control without additional components.

Q: Can EEZ-ON valves be used with hydraulic systems?
A: No, EEZ-ON valves are specifically designed for filtered compressed air applications. For hydraulic soft-start requirements, consult ROSS for appropriate hydraulic valve solutions.

Q: How do I calculate the required flow capacity (Cv)?
A: Flow capacity depends on your system volume, desired actuation speed, and pressure drop. ROSS application engineers can assist with calculations. General rule: larger Cv values provide faster response at full pressure.

Q: Are replacement parts available?
A: Yes, ROSS offers complete seal kits and service parts for all EEZ-ON valve models. Contact ROSS customer service with your valve model number for parts availability.

Q: Can I retrofit EEZ-ON valves into existing systems?
A: Absolutely. EEZ-ON valves are designed for easy inline installation and can replace standard valves or be added upstream of existing pneumatic equipment. Verify port sizes and mounting space before ordering.

Technical Support and Custom Solutions

For complex applications requiring specialized valve configurations:

• Modified port sizes or custom threading
• Extended temperature ranges for extreme environments
• Special seal materials for unique media compatibility
• Integrated mounting brackets or manifold assemblies
• Pre-assembled valve packages with lockout and air preparation

Contact ROSS Application Engineering:
applications@rosscontrols.com
+1-248-589-2050 (International)
www.rosscontrols.com/contact