Lockout Valves with Soft Start, 27 Series Piloted Valves with Manual Energy Isolation Lockout L-O-X® Control and EEZ-ON®

Product Overview

The ROSS Controls encompasses the 27 Series Piloted Manual Energy Isolation L-O-X Lockout Valves with EEZ-ON Soft-Start, the most capable product in the ROSS energy isolation valve line. This series integrates three distinct pneumatic functions into a single valve assembly: OSHA-compliant padlock-capable manual energy isolation, remote electrical solenoid or pneumatic pilot control for production on/off switching, and EEZ-ON adjustable gradual pressurization for safe controlled restart after lockout or shutdown.

The adjustable needle restriction built into the EEZ-ON section of the series allows engineers and safety personnel to field-tune the rate of downstream pressure buildup to match specific application requirements. The adjustment range spans from several seconds to multiple minutes, depending on downstream system volume and the restriction setting. This tuning capability distinguishes the series from the 1289 Series 15 Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON, where the transition point is fixed. When downstream pressure reaches approximately 50 percent of inlet pressure, the valve automatically transitions from the restricted soft-start flow path to the fully open poppet valve, providing unrestricted flow capacity for normal production operation.

The Series uses a blue operating handle, consistent with all ROSS L-O-X with EEZ-ON products, distinguishing it from the red-handle standard L-O-X series. The valve body is yellow. The poppet construction of the 27 Series base valve provides dirt tolerance, wear compensation, and high flow capacity in the body size range from 3/8 inch through 1-1/4 inch, with port sizes up to 1-1/2 inch. Buna-N seals in the poppet section and Fluorocarbon slipper seals in the manual actuation section ensure reliable performance across the full operating temperature range.

Safety certifications include Category 1 and PL c per ISO 13849-1 and SIL 2 per IEC 61508. Select models carry CSA/UL certification for North American installations and EAC Declaration of Conformity for CIS market compliance. These certifications support integration of the series into documented machine safety architectures where both energy isolation and soft-start functions are required and must carry engineering-documented safety ratings.

Key Engineering Features

• Three Safety Functions in One Valve - Combines OSHA-compliant manual padlock-capable lockout, remote electrical or pneumatic pilot control for production on/off, and EEZ-ON adjustable gradual pressurization into a single inline valve assembly. Eliminates the need for separate lockout, control, and soft-start valve components.
• Adjustable EEZ-ON Restriction for Field-Tunable Soft-Start Timing - An accessible needle restriction within the EEZ-ON section allows field adjustment of the downstream pressure buildup rate from several seconds to multiple minutes. This tuning capability allows safety engineers to optimize restart timing for specific machine volumes and actuator loading conditions.
• Automatic Transition to Full Flow at Approximately 50% Inlet Pressure - After the soft-start restriction phase, the EEZ-ON mechanism automatically shifts to fully open at approximately 50 percent of inlet pressure. No operator action is required for the transition. Full Cv flow is immediately available after the transition point is reached.
• Blue Handle Distinguishes EEZ-ON Variants from Standard L-O-X - Blue handle (versus red handle on standard 1287 and 1288 Series) visually identifies the EEZ-ON function to maintenance workers and safety auditors. Yellow body is consistent with all ROSS L-O-X family energy isolation devices.
• Remote Pilot Control with Manual Lockout Priority - The blue handle always takes priority over pilot signals. When locked in the closed position, no electrical solenoid or pneumatic pilot signal can open the valve. Remote control is active only when the handle is in the open (unlocked) position.
• Poppet Construction for Dirt Tolerance and Wear Compensation - 27 Series poppet design provides excellent contamination tolerance and automatic wear compensation, maintaining consistent response and flow performance through extended high-cycle operation in industrial plant environments.
• Full-Size Exhaust Ports for Rapid Downstream Isolation - Exhaust ports sized equal to or larger than the supply port ensure fast downstream air evacuation when the blue handle is pushed closed. Threaded exhaust ports accept silencers or remote exhaust connections.
• Integrated 1/8 NPT Sensing Port - Standard on all Series variants for installation of ROSS pop-up indicator (988A30) or pressure switch (586A86 or 1153A30) for visual or electrical zero-energy verification.
• SIL 2, Category 1, and PL c Safety Certifications - Certified to Safety Integrity Level 2 per IEC 61508 and Category 1, PL c per ISO 13849-1. Supports machine safety risk assessment documentation and compliance with EU Machinery Directive and global equivalent standards.
• CSA/UL and EAC Certifications Available - Select Series models carry CSA/UL certification for North American code compliance and EAC Declaration for CIS market installations, supporting global OEM machine builder certification requirements.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Electrical Data (Solenoid Pilot Valves)

Electrical solenoid models rated for continuous duty. Available voltages for the series.

Flow Performance Data

Representative flow and dimensional data for 27 Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON (Series). Cv values represent full-flow capacity after automatic EEZ-ON transition. During the soft-start phase, flow is restricted by the adjustable needle setting. Sample models from product search shown.

Certifications & Compliance

Typical Applications & Industries

Automotive Assembly and Stamping

• Transfer line zone control with safe restart: Series valves with electrical solenoid actuation installed on air supplies to individual transfer line zones allow production supervisors to cycle zones off under PLC control during operation and provide manual lockout for maintenance. The adjustable EEZ-ON ensures cylinders advance slowly to working positions on restart, preventing collisions and personnel injuries in high-density multi-actuator zones.
• Stamping press counterbalance and air clutch systems: Piloted Series valves on air supplies to stamping press counterbalance cylinders and air clutch/brake systems provide both solenoid-controlled on/off for production sequence management and gradual restart to prevent sudden counterbalance cylinder extension at full force after a maintenance event.
• Welding robot end-of-arm tooling restart: Multi-axis welding robots with pneumatic tooling changers and part clamps benefit from the series combination of PLC-controlled lockout and gradual re-pressurization when returning a robot to its working envelope after end-of-arm tooling maintenance.
• Automotive body paint booth conveyor systems: EEZ-ON restart on conveyor drive air supplies prevents sudden lurching of hangers and carriers on restart after color change maintenance, protecting freshly applied paint surfaces and preventing fixture collisions.

Packaging and Consumer Goods

• Form-fill-seal machine safe restart: High-speed flexible packaging machines with pneumatic seal bars, film pull rollers, and forming shoulder cylinders benefit from adjustable EEZ-ON soft-start after format changeovers, preventing seal jaw crashes and film breaks from simultaneous full-pressure actuation of all actuators on restart.
• Palletizing system controlled startup: Robotic and conventional palletizers with pneumatic layer formers, pushers, and tier sheets benefit from graduated pressure buildup after scheduled maintenance stops, preventing product layer disruption from sudden actuator surges.
• Filling line CIP restart: After clean-in-place (CIP) sanitization cycles requiring lockout of all pneumatic supplies, the series with adjustable EEZ-ON provides controlled restart of filling nozzles, conveyor diverters, and capping heads to prevent product spills and mechanical damage.

General Industrial Manufacturing

• Large multi-actuator pneumatic circuits: Manufacturing cells with 10 or more cylinders all fed from a single supply point benefit most from the adjustable EEZ-ON tuning capability. The restriction setting can be optimized so all cylinders begin moving simultaneously at a controlled force level, rather than the fastest-loading cylinder reaching working pressure before others have begun to move.
• Automated assembly test fixtures: Assembly cells with air-gauging, leak-test, and torque-verification stations using pneumatic clamping benefit from gradual restart after batch changeovers, ensuring part seating occurs at controlled force before measurement cycles begin.
• Industrial robot pneumatic supply: Six-axis robots with pneumatic end-of-arm tools, vacuum generators, and compliance devices benefit from both remote solenoid control integrated into robot controller safety I/O and manual lockout during maintenance, with EEZ-ON preventing sudden tool actuation when air is restored after teach programming sessions.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Processing

• Batch reactor pneumatic supply control: Piloted Series valves on air supplies to pneumatic agitator seals, valve actuators, and sampling systems allow DCS integration for automated process control with local manual lockout capability for maintenance access during batch transitions.
• Pharmaceutical tablet press and coating equipment: Clean-room compatible Series valves on air supplies to tablet press feeder paddles, compaction systems, and coating pan drives provide remote PLC control for automated batch start/stop and manual lockout for mold punch and die maintenance, with EEZ-ON preventing sudden feeder surge on restart.
• Reactor and pressure vessel flange maintenance: Adjustable EEZ-ON restart after pneumatic supply isolation during flange break and gasket replacement activities ensures that actuators restore position gradually, providing time for personnel to clear hazard zones before full system pressure is available.

Material Handling and Logistics

• Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): Series valves on compressed air supplies to pneumatic pin-locks, gripper systems, and tote-handling actuators in AS/RS installations provide remote PLC control during normal operation and manual lockout during periodic maintenance without requiring personnel to navigate to remote control panel locations.
• Distribution center conveyor sortation: Piloted Series valves on air zone supplies to pneumatic sorter shoes, pop-up transfer units, and divert gates allow zone-level control from warehouse management system I/O while supporting LOTO for maintenance access to individual sortation zones.

Printing and Converting

• Web offset press zone control: Series valves on printing unit and folder air supplies allow pressroom supervisors to cycle individual press units offline for cylinder packing or blanket changes using solenoid control while maintaining manual lockout capability for maintenance staff. Adjustable EEZ-ON prevents sudden impression cylinder engagement at full force during press startup.
• Wide-format digital press and laminator: Pneumatic grip rollers, nip pressure actuators, and media advance systems on wide-format printers and laminators benefit from both remote production control and controlled restart after substrate loading procedures.

Ordering and Model Number Configuration

The ROSS 27 Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON model number follows the 27 Series piloted valve structure with soft-start suffix codes indicating the EEZ-ON mechanism. For G (BSPP) threads, prefix the model number with D. Select body size based on required flow Cv and port size to match the supply line.

For G (BSPP) threads on all ports, add prefix D or YD to the model number (e.g., YD2783A8065 for 1-1/2 inch G thread, 1-1/4 body, EEZ-ON).

All Series valves include the adjustable EEZ-ON soft-start mechanism and are identified by the blue operating handle.

Pneumatic pilot models support ambient temperatures up to 175 F (80 C). Electrical solenoid models are limited to 120 F (50 C) ambient.

Operating pressure range is 15 to 150 psig (1 to 10 bar) for all Series body sizes.

Soft-start adjustment requires initial setting with restriction fully closed (clockwise), then gradually opening (counterclockwise) while monitoring downstream pressure buildup rate.

CSA/UL certification is available on select models. Specify at time of order if certification documentation is required.

For applications with larger port sizes or flows above Cv 30, refer to the 27 Series standard L-O-X (1288 Series) or consult ROSS for application support.

Accessories

Pop-Up Pressure Indicator

Model 988A30. Visual mechanical indicator for the 1/8 NPT sensing port. Button pops up when downstream pressure is present; retracts flush at zero pressure, providing simple mechanical zero-energy confirmation.

Pressure Switch (EN 175301-803 Form A Connector)

Model 586A86. Normally-open contacts close at 5 psig on falling pressure. Provides electrical signal to safety PLC for zero-energy confirmation in integrated safety architectures.

Pressure Switch (M12 Connector)

Model 1153A30. M12-connector pressure switch. Contacts close at 5 psig on falling pressure.

Multiple Lockout Device

Model 356A30. Hasp device for group LOTO procedures. Accepts multiple individual padlocks so more than one worker can each apply a personal lock before entering the hazard zone.

Exhaust Silencers

ROSS aluminum silencers for Series exhaust port sizes, rated to 290 psig.

Warning: Silencers must have flow capacities at least as great as the exhaust flow capacity of the valve. Clogged silencers raise back pressure and can prevent complete downstream exhaust.

Related Products & Accessories

• 15 Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON (1289 Series) - Manual L-O-X with fixed soft-start for smaller port sizes where remote pilot control is not required. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/1289-lockout-valves-with-soft-start-15-series
• 27 Series Standard L-O-X (1288 Series) - Piloted L-O-X without soft-start for higher-flow applications requiring remote control without gradual restart. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/1288-lockout-valves-27-series
• 15 Series Standard L-O-X (1287 Series) - Manual L-O-X without soft-start for simple manual energy isolation in smaller port sizes. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/1287-lockout-valves-15-series
• DM2 Series Double Valves - Redundant safety control valves for Category 4, PL e press control and machine guarding. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/dm2-series
• Exhaust Silencers - ROSS silencers rated to 290 psig for all Series exhaust port sizes. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/90-silencers
• 27 Series Standalone EEZ-ON Soft-Start Valves - EEZ-ON valves without lockout function for soft-start-only applications not requiring manual energy isolation. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/documents/332/27-series-eez-on-valves

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What three functions does the series combine in a single valve?

A: The Series 27 Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON integrates (1) OSHA-compliant manual padlock-capable energy isolation via the blue handle and lock hole, (2) remote electrical solenoid or pneumatic pilot on/off control for production automation, and (3) adjustable EEZ-ON gradual pressure buildup for safe controlled restart after lockout or shutdown. A system requiring all three functions from separate components would need a manual lockout valve, a solenoid valve, and a soft-start valve plus all associated piping and fittings. The Series delivers all three from a single body with a single set of port connections.

Q: How does the adjustable EEZ-ON restriction work and how do I set it?

A: The EEZ-ON section of the series contains an internal needle restriction accessible from the valve body exterior. Starting with the restriction fully closed (clockwise rotation), energize the valve and observe the rate of downstream pressure rise on a gauge. Turn the restriction counterclockwise to increase flow and decrease startup time. The goal is to achieve a pressure buildup rate that moves actuators slowly and controllably to their working positions before full pressure is applied. Lock the setting when satisfied. The transition from restricted to full flow happens automatically at approximately 50 percent of inlet pressure. Typical adjustment range extends from several seconds to multiple minutes depending on downstream system volume.

Q: What is the difference between the series and the 1289 Series?

A: Both series combine L-O-X manual energy isolation with EEZ-ON soft-start. The 1289 Series is based on the 15 Series spool valve platform and is manually actuated only, with a fixed EEZ-ON transition at approximately 50 percent inlet pressure without field adjustment of the startup rate. The Series is based on the 27 Series poppet platform, adds remote electrical solenoid or pneumatic pilot actuation in addition to the manual handle, and includes an adjustable needle restriction that allows field tuning of the EEZ-ON pressure buildup rate. The Series is the appropriate selection when remote PLC control of the valve is needed in addition to manual lockout and soft-start, or when the startup timing needs to be tuned to a specific application requirement.

Q: Can the series be controlled by a safety PLC output?

A: Yes. The electrical solenoid option (24 VDC, 110 VAC, or 230 VAC) can be wired to a safety PLC or safety relay output, and the pressure switch accessory (586A86 or 1153A30) in the sensing port provides electrical feedback to a safety PLC input confirming zero downstream pressure. However, the valve's certified safety rating is Category 1, PL c, SIL 2 in a singular configuration. For higher-performance safety functions requiring Category 3 or 4, PL d or e, a redundant architecture using ROSS DM2 Series double valves with monitoring should be specified. The Series is best used as the energy isolation and soft-start valve upstream of a higher-category control valve circuit.

Q: Does the blue handle lockout override the remote pilot signal?

A: Yes. The blue manual handle always has priority over any remote electrical or pneumatic pilot signal. When the handle is pushed to the closed and padlocked position, the valve remains closed and all downstream air is exhausted regardless of any pilot or solenoid command. Only after the padlock is removed and the handle is physically pulled to the open position can remote pilot signals control the valve. This ensures that a maintenance worker's personal padlock cannot be defeated by any automated or intentional remote signal from the control system.

Q: What are the seal materials and temperature ratings?

A: The poppet section of the series uses Buna-N seals for normal compressed air service. The manual actuation section uses Fluorocarbon slipper seals. Electrical solenoid models are rated for 40 to 120 F (4 to 50 C) ambient temperature with media temperature up to 175 F (80 C). Pneumatic pilot models are rated for 40 to 175 F (4 to 80 C) ambient and media temperature. All models require filtered compressed air as the fluid media.

Q: Is the series available with G (BSPP) threads for international installations?

A: Yes. For G (BSPP) threads on all ports, prefix the model number with D or YD. For example, YD2783A8065 is the G-thread version of the 1-1/4 body, 1-1/2 inch port, pneumatic pilot, EEZ-ON model. G thread options are available across all Series body sizes and port configurations.

Q: What sensing accessories are available for zero-energy verification?

A: The 1/8 NPT sensing port on every Series valve accepts the ROSS pop-up indicator model 988A30 for visual mechanical confirmation, or pressure switch model 586A86 (EN 175301-803 Form A connector) or 1153A30 (M12 connector) for electrical zero-energy confirmation at 5 psig on falling pressure. These accessories are interchangeable between all ROSS L-O-X valve series, simplifying accessory inventory standardization across a plant with multiple valve types.

Q: What certifications are available for CSA/UL and EAC requirements?

A: Select Series models carry CSA/UL certification for North American installations where local electrical or product safety codes require it, and EAC Declaration of Conformity for CIS market installations. The YD2783A8065 variant, for example, is confirmed to carry both CSA/UL and EAC certifications. Specify certification requirements at the time of order so that ROSS can provide compliant model numbers and supporting documentation.

Q: How does EEZ-ON compare to using a separate flow control in the pneumatic supply?

A: A flow control fitting placed in the supply line limits initial flow but cannot prevent full system pressure from reaching the outlet on the first stroke of any downstream actuator. It controls actuator speed individually but does not control the rate of overall system pressure rise. EEZ-ON controls the rate of downstream system pressure buildup, affecting all connected actuators simultaneously and preventing any actuator from reaching full working pressure during the soft-start phase. EEZ-ON also carries Safety Category 1, PL c, SIL 2 certification and its setting is secured inside the valve body, reducing the risk of accidental or intentional tampering compared to an external inline flow control.

Q: What is the maximum flow capacity of the series?

A: The largest confirmed variant in the series is the 1-1/4 body size with 1-1/2 inch ports, achieving Cv 30 in the supply-to-outlet direction and Cv 31 in the outlet-to-exhaust direction. The 3/4 body size with 1/2 inch inlet achieves Cv 13 in 2/2 configuration and Cv 12 to 16 in 3/2 configuration. For flow requirements above Cv 30 in a lockout valve, specify the standard 27 Series L-O-X (1288 Series) which covers body sizes up to 2 inch with Cv to 70.

Q: What is the warranty coverage for the series?

A: ROSS Controls provides a one-year warranty on all Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON products covering defects in material and workmanship from date of purchase. Contact ROSS Customer Service at 1-800-GET-ROSS (1-800-438-7677) for warranty claims or Technical Service at 1-888-TEK-ROSS (1-888-835-7677) for product support.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

• Install the series valve as the first valve in the compressed air supply line to the machine or zone, upstream of all control valves, cylinders, and actuators.
• Connect inlet (Port 1) to upstream supply, outlet (Port 2) to the downstream circuit, and exhaust (Port 3) to atmosphere via a silencer or remote exhaust line.
• Verify supply line sizing does not restrict inlet pressure below the 15 psig minimum operating pressure under all load conditions.
• Do not restrict the exhaust port. Silencers must have flow capacity equal to or greater than the valve exhaust capacity. The EEZ-ON restriction applies only to the supply flow path, not the exhaust path.
• Wire the solenoid coil (electrical models) to the correct voltage source with continuous duty rated wiring. Connect pilot supply (pneumatic models) to a clean pilot source at or above inlet pressure.
• Set the EEZ-ON restriction with the downstream circuit at operating pressure: start fully closed (clockwise), energize the valve, and open the restriction (counterclockwise) until the desired pressure buildup rate is achieved. Verify actuator motion is controlled and safe before finalizing the setting.
• Install the pop-up indicator (988A30) or pressure switch (586A86 or 1153A30) in the 1/8 NPT sensing port and verify functional operation before placing in service.
• To lock out the valve: push the blue handle inward until the valve shifts closed and downstream air exhausts, then insert a padlock through the lock hole. Verify the padlock prevents handle extraction.
• For group lockout, install the 356A30 multiple lockout device on the handle. Each worker applies their own personal padlock.
• After maintenance is complete and all workers have removed their padlocks, pull the blue handle to the open position. EEZ-ON gradual pressurization will activate automatically before full flow is restored.
• Supply filtered compressed air with a 5-micron filter rating for best service life and consistent EEZ-ON performance.
• Do not use the series L-O-X with EEZ-ON as an emergency stop device. It is designated as an energy isolation device only.

Warranty & Global Support

ROSS Controls provides a one-year warranty on all Series L-O-X with EEZ-ON products covering defects in material and workmanship from date of purchase.

Technical support available through ROSS USA at 1-888-TEK-ROSS (1-888-835-7677) and Customer Service at 1-800-GET-ROSS (1-800-438-7677). Global support through ROSS offices in Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, UK, India, China, and Japan.

SISTEMA library files for ISO 13849-1 safety calculations and declaration of conformity documentation available at rosscontrols.com.

Contact ROSS Application Engineering for EEZ-ON timing analysis, safety architecture integration, and CSA/UL or EAC certification documentation support.

Download Catalog: https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/1290-lockout-valves-with-soft-start-27-series