15 Series L-O-X® and EEZ-ON® Valves Installation Instructions

Overview

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, offers the 15 Series Manual Lockout L-O-X® Valves and L-O-X® Valves with Soft-Start EEZ-ON® Operation as premium-quality pneumatic energy isolation devices designed for in-line mounting. These valves provide the critical lockout/tagout capability required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 and international safety standards, allowing maintenance personnel to safely isolate and exhaust pneumatic energy before working on machinery.

The L-O-X® valve (red handle) cuts off air supply and exhausts downstream lines when the handle is pushed inward. The L-O-X® valve with EEZ-ON® operation (blue handle) performs the same lockout function but delivers gradual pressure buildup when the handle is pulled outward — flow increases slowly until outlet pressure reaches approximately 25 psi (1.7 bar) less than inlet pressure, then opens fully. This soft-start feature reduces shock to downstream components during re-pressurization.

Available in Modular, Classic, and High-Capacity configurations, the 15 Series serves virtually all industrial compressed air system sizes and port requirements. Per specifications and regulations, these valves are energy isolation devices — NOT emergency stop devices. For support, contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

L-O-X® Manual Lockout with Padlock Capability

The L-O-X® valve handle incorporates a lock hole (0.27 inch / 7.0 mm diameter, 0.43 inch / 10.9 mm length for Modular and High-Capacity types) that accepts a standard padlock for positive lockout in the closed position. For port sizes 1-1/2 and 2, the valve can be padlocked at two locations — at the handle or at the end of the spool — providing additional lockout flexibility. Follow correct lockout procedure as prescribed by OSHA 1910.147 and company standards.

EEZ-ON® Soft-Start Operation

The EEZ-ON® operation (blue handle) feature is uniquely valuable for systems where sudden re-pressurization could damage flexible hoses, actuators, or cause uncontrolled machine movement. The adjustable brass adjusting screw in the top of the blue handle controls the rate of pressure buildup. Initial setting: turn clockwise until resistance is felt, then counterclockwise 1/2 turn as a preliminary setting. Fine-tune to suit the application requirements.

Sensing Port for Pressure Verification

A 1/8 NPT sensing port allows installation of a Pop-Up Indicator (model 988A30 for standard; 1155A30 for stainless steel) or Pressure Switch (model 586A86; 1162A30 for stainless steel) to provide positive downstream pressure verification. These accessories confirm that downstream pressure has been fully exhausted before maintenance work begins — an important safety verification step required by many machine safety standards.

Technical Specifications

Construction: Spool and sleeve
Mounting Type: In-line
Temperature Range: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Flow Media: Filtered air
Inlet Pressure (Modular and High-Capacity): 0 to 200 psig (0 to 14 bar)
Inlet Pressure (Classic and High-Capacity): 0 to 300 psig (0 to 20.7 bar)
Inlet Pressure (L-O-X® with EEZ-ON®): 0 to 150 psig (0 to 10 bar)
Lock Hole Diameter (Modular and High-Capacity): 0.27 inch (7.0 mm)
Lock Hole Length (Modular and High-Capacity): 0.43 inch (10.9 mm)
Sensing Port: 1/8 NPT
Pop-Up Indicator: Model 988A30 (standard) / 1155A30 (stainless steel)
Pressure Switch: Model 586A86 (standard) / 1162A30 (stainless steel)
Safety Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147; ANSI/ASSE Z244.1; ANSI B11.0; RIA 15.06; ISO 13849; ANSI/PMMI B155.1; ANSI B11.2; EN 13736; ANSI B11.3; ANSI B11.19; ANSI B11.TR6

Applications

Machine Tool Maintenance Lockout

The 15 Series L-O-X® valve is the primary energy isolation device for pneumatic machine tools, robotic systems, and automated assembly equipment. When maintenance is required, the operator pushes the handle inward, the valve locks out air supply and exhausts downstream lines, and the padlock is applied. This procedure, combined with the Pop-Up Indicator or pressure switch, provides positive energy isolation verification.

Soft-Start Re-Pressurization Applications

Applications using flexible hoses, fragile tooling, or cylinders that must not receive sudden pressure shock during re-pressurization benefit from the EEZ-ON® blue handle valve. The adjustable gradual-fill rate allows the downstream circuit to pressurize under control, preventing hose whip, actuator surge, and component stress. This is particularly important in food processing, pharmaceutical, and precision assembly environments.

Safety and Compliance Standards

IMPORTANT: 15 Series valves are energy isolation devices, NOT emergency stop devices. These valves conform to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, ANSI/ASSE Z244.1, ANSI B11.0, RIA 15.06, ISO 13849, ANSI/PMMI B155.1, ANSI B11.2, EN 13736, ANSI B11.3, ANSI B11.19, and ANSI B11.TR6. Installation and maintenance must be performed by trained and experienced personnel. Supply filtered air — use a 5-micron rated filter close to the valve. ROSS does not recommend disassembling 15 Series valves for cleaning or repair.

Installation and Setup Guide

Installation Steps

Step 1: Push L-O-X® valve handle inward to closed position before installation.
Step 2: Blow air lines clean of all contaminants before installing the valve.
Step 3: Install a 5-micron rated air filter in the inlet line close to the valve.
Step 4: Ensure supply line (Port 1) is of adequate size to avoid pressure restriction.
Step 5: Connect downstream lines (Port 2) free of crimps and sharp bends.
Step 6: Do not restrict exhaust (Port 3); use ROSS silencer to reduce noise (up to 25 dB reduction).
Step 7: For pipe installation, engage pipe one turn, apply sealant, then tighten.
Step 8: For EEZ-ON® blue handle: push handle fully inward before applying line pressure; set adjusting screw clockwise until resistance, then 1/2 turn counterclockwise as preliminary setting.
Step 9: Install Pop-Up Indicator or Pressure Switch in 1/8 NPT sensing port if positive pressure verification is required.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, invented the concept of pneumatic machine safety lockout valves and has pioneered fluid power safety technology for over a century. The 15 Series L-O-X® and EEZ-ON® valves represent the industry standard for pneumatic energy isolation. Contact ROSS Technical Services at 1-888-TEK-ROSS (835-7677) or 1-800-GET-ROSS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the 15 Series valves emergency stop devices?

A: No. Per specifications and regulations, 15 Series valves are defined as energy isolation devices, NOT emergency stop devices. They must not be used as emergency stops.

Q: What is the difference between the red and blue handle valves?

A: The red handle is the standard L-O-X® valve that exhausts downstream when pushed inward and opens fully when pulled outward. The blue handle is the L-O-X® with EEZ-ON® operation — it exhausts when pushed inward but provides gradual pressure buildup when pulled outward, opening fully when outlet pressure is approximately 25 psi below inlet.

Q: What is the inlet pressure range?

A: Modular and High-Capacity: 0-200 psig. Classic and High-Capacity: 0-300 psig. L-O-X® with EEZ-ON®: 0-150 psig.

Q: Can the 15 Series valves be disassembled for cleaning?

A: ROSS does not recommend disassembling 15 Series valves for cleaning or repair. Contact ROSS or an authorized distributor for service options.

Q: What standards do 15 Series valves conform to?

A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, ANSI/ASSE Z244.1, ANSI B11.0, RIA 15.06, ISO 13849, ANSI/PMMI B155.1, ANSI B11.2, EN 13736, ANSI B11.3, ANSI B11.19, ANSI B11.TR6.

Q: What is the lock hole size for the Modular type?

A: 0.27 inch (7.0 mm) diameter, 0.43 inch (10.9 mm) length.

Q: How do I verify that downstream pressure has been fully exhausted?

A: Install the Pop-Up Indicator (model 988A30) or Pressure Switch (model 586A86) in the 1/8 NPT sensing port to provide positive downstream pressure verification.

Q: Should I restrict the exhaust port?

A: Do not restrict the exhaust port (Port 3). A ROSS silencer can be installed to reduce noise by up to 25 dB while producing minimal back pressure.