Danfoss Valves Reduce Water Damage in Norway


12 November 2010 - Each day, over 200 households in Norway experience some degree of damage due to water leakage. And each year, Norwegian insurance companies pay out approximately $1 billion in water damage claims. In an effort to reduce water damage in new buildings and renovations - and cut insurance premiums - The National Office of Building Technology and Administration (BE) has clarified building requirements for water installations. And the new regulations, which came into force on July 1, 2010, are keeping Danfoss Norway's operations busy.

Living up to tough building requirements
Water damage usually occurs over time. Leaking pipes and the slow build-up of condensation cause mold and microorganisms to grow. If the growth is allowed to continue unchecked, structural damage will occur. But in many cases, this damage may not be visible.

The new building regulations stipulate that wet rooms must be designed and built in such a way that fittings, structures and materials cannot be damaged through water splashes, leaks or condensation. And all water installations connected to water mains, such as dishwashers, ice makers and coffee machines, must have some form of protection from leakage. If these installations have no overflow, they will need an automatic leak stopper or moisture sensor. And that's where Danfoss comes into the picture.

Danfoss has been working with leading leak protection companies in Norway for over 15 years. Approved by the Norwegian Building Research Institute, Danfoss solenoid valves meet tough Norwegian requirements for the use of solenoid valves in homes. Used for preventing leakage in sanitary systems and water installations, Danfoss dezincification-resistant brass solenoid valves have fast become an industry favorite.

Best in class
One of Norway's largest water leak protection companies, Waterguard Intl A/S has been a Danfoss customer for over 10 years. All Waterguard systems are fitted with a sensor that registers water leaks and sends a signal to the solenoid valve, which immediately stops the water flow. When asked why Waterguard uses Danfoss valves, Haakon Munkejord, Managing Director, says "We use Danfoss solenoid valves in our leak protection systems because they are best-in-class for water leak prevention, and they're great value."

And with an automatic leak stopper installed in a water installation, Norwegian consumers can look forward to a cut in their insurance premiums by up to 20 percent.

For more information, please visit http://www.danfoss.us/ia.

Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Angela Peconi, Marketing & Inside Sales Manager
Danfoss LLC
Industrial Automation
11655 Crossroads Circle
Baltimore, MD 21220
Angela.Peconi@danfoss.com

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