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Need help?Do you have a question about the Kohler Rite-Temp K-8304-K and is the answer not in the manual?
Details key features including valve body, cartridge, rough-in guide, flow rate, lever design, and anti-scald protection.
Highlights the forged De-zincification Resistant Brass body for durability and resistance to aggressive water.
Explains pressure-balancing diaphragm technology for stable outlet temperature during pressure fluctuations.
Covers design for various installations, integral mounting, reversible cartridge, and rough-in testing.
Lists available optional accessories like deep rough-in kits and test caps for specific valve bodies.
Lists relevant industry codes and standards the product complies with, such as ASME and CSA.
Provides nominal product dimensions, including cutout sizes for various wall thicknesses.
Specifies minimum inlet pressure and valve body material.
Offers guidance on avoiding cross-flow, capping outlets, and installing pipe drops and wall supports.
The KOHLER Rite-Temp® Valve Body & Cartridge Kit Complete, K-8304-K, is a comprehensive solution for shower installations, designed to provide a consistent and comfortable showering experience. This kit includes the essential valve body, a pressure balance cartridge, a rough-in guide, and a mud guard, ensuring a smooth and protected installation process.
At its core, this device is a pressure-balancing shower valve that regulates water temperature and flow. It is engineered to maintain a stable outlet temperature, even when there are fluctuations in the hot or cold water supply pressure. This is achieved through its advanced pressure-balancing diaphragm technology, which keeps the outlet temperature within a tight range of +/- 3 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature is crucial for preventing sudden and uncomfortable temperature changes, commonly known as "shower shock," which can occur when other water fixtures in the home are used.
The valve operates with a single lever design, offering intuitive control over both water flow and temperature. Users can cycle the lever from the off position through cold to hot, allowing for precise temperature selection. The valve also incorporates an automatic anti-scald protection mechanism, enhancing user safety by preventing the water from reaching dangerously high temperatures.
The valve body is designed for versatility, accommodating various installation scenarios. It features integral mounting locations and symmetrical valve inlets, which simplify the installation process. The cartridge itself is reversible, a thoughtful design choice that allows for flexibility in installations where hot and cold supplies might be reversed, eliminating the need for complex re-plumbing.
The KOHLER Rite-Temp® valve is built for ease of use and adaptability within a bathroom setting. It is compatible with 1/2" Universal NPT and direct sweat inlets and outlets, making it suitable for a wide range of plumbing systems. The valve supports a maximum flow rate of 5.0 gallons per minute (18.9 liters per minute) at 45 psi, ensuring a robust and satisfying shower experience.
A key user-adjustable feature is the high-temperature limit stop. This allows users to set a maximum water temperature, providing an additional layer of safety and personalized comfort. This is particularly useful in households with children or elderly individuals, where preventing excessively hot water is a priority.
The rough-in guide included in the kit is designed to facilitate both standard and thin wall installations, offering flexibility for different construction types. This guide helps ensure that the valve is correctly positioned and secured within the wall, contributing to a professional and durable installation.
The valve requires a separate valve trim kit to complete the installation, which is sold separately. This modular approach allows users to choose a trim style that best matches their bathroom decor and personal aesthetic, offering design flexibility.
Maintenance of the KOHLER Rite-Temp® valve is designed to be straightforward and minimize disruption. The one-piece cartridge design is a significant advantage, simplifying both installation and future maintenance. Should the cartridge ever need to be replaced or serviced, its integrated design makes the process quicker and less complicated than multi-component systems.
The valve body itself is constructed from forged De-zincification Resistant Brass. This material choice is critical for long-term reliability and durability. It provides excellent resistance to aggressive water conditions, which can otherwise lead to corrosion and premature failure in lesser quality materials. This robust construction ensures that the valve will perform consistently over many years, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
During installation, the valve rough-in can be flushed and pressure tested up to 150 psi (using air or water) without the cartridge installed. This feature, facilitated by the K-10351 Test Cap (an optional accessory), allows plumbers to verify the integrity of the plumbing system before the final cartridge is inserted, preventing potential leaks and issues down the line. This pre-testing capability is a valuable maintenance and installation aid, ensuring a watertight system from the outset.
The design also considers future accessibility. The ability to test the system without the cartridge means that the sensitive internal components are protected during the initial plumbing stages, reducing the risk of damage from debris or high-pressure testing.
Overall, the KOHLER Rite-Temp® Valve Body & Cartridge Kit Complete, K-8304-K, is engineered for reliable performance, user comfort, and ease of maintenance, making it a robust choice for any shower installation.
General| Brand | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | K-8304-K |
| Product Type | Control Unit |
| Material | Brass |
| Installation Type | Wall Mount |
| Connection Size | 1/2 Inch |
| Connection Type | NPT |
| Maximum Pressure | 125 psi |
| Finish | Polished Chrome |
| Flow Rate | 5.0 GPM |
| Certification | ASME A112.18.1 |
