FAQ Bulldog
Bulldog Valve Robot - Frequently Asked Questions
If you are having trouble with your Bulldog Valve Robot installation, Please email support@EcoNetControls.com. An Installation Specialist will get back to you promptly and can help with installation, setup and configuration.
The Bulldog mounts over a standard ball valve, no special tools or plumbing work is required. The included mounting kit supports various valve types in sizes ½" inch to 2 inch. (Typical Residential Installations use a ¾" or a 1" valve size)
♦ Battery Backup ♦ Z-Wave Inclusion ♦ Outdoor ♦ Damage Pipes ♦ Internet ♦ Extension Cable ♦ Z-Wave Exclusion
♦ Manual Operation ♦ Power Rating ♦ No Hub Required ♦ Dimensions ♦ Required Tools
♦ Gas Valve ♦ High Stroke Rating ♦ Temperature ♦ Backward Status ♦ Clockwise Off
♦ Controller/Hub ♦ Valve Sizes/Types ♦ Z-Wave
Can the Bulldog be used outdoors? (top of page)
Although the Bulldog is resistant to dirt, dust and rain, for outdoor installations, the Bulldog and valve installation should be covered with a utility enclosure or similar box.
What controllers and HUB's are compatible with Bulldog? (top of page)
The Bulldog works with Vera, SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Homeseer, Wink, Nexia and several other DIY type controllers. The Bulldog also works with most professional category controllers that include a Z-Wave radio. The Relay Contact Version of the Bulldog (Bulldog-RC) works with any system, including many proprietary home security systems, that support relay output contacts.
What valve sizes are supported by the Bulldog? (top of page)
The Bulldog has enough torque to turn the most difficult ball valves up to 2 inch in size. The standard Bulldog mounting kit supports valve sizes 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1.25" and 1.5" Check the Valve Compatibility Table for more details. Custom mounting kits are available as required for unique and specialized ball valves. HC2L and HC2XL mounting kits shown below:
Will the Bulldog still operate in the case of a power failure? (top of page)
No. The Bulldog requires power to operate. It is possible to add a battery back up to the Bulldog to support operation in the case of a power loss. A 12V Rechargeable 6000mAh Li-Ion Battery (Amazon) is a good choice for 24+ hours of Backup power.
How do I pair the Bulldog to a Z-Wave Network/Controller? (top of page)
The Bulldog is a Z-Wave Plus Certified device and it is compatible with most controllers/Hubs that support Z-Wave. The Bulldog is set to Z-Wave pairing/inclusion mode by pushing ("clicking") the button on the control module 3+ times, very quickly. "click, click, click, click. It is a good idea to add an extra "click" just to be sure. See instuction video below:
Will the Bulldog still operate if your internet connection is down? (top of page)
Yes, depending on your choice of controller/HUB. Some controllers require an internet connection to complete their pre-programmed settings/routines. Check with your controller/HUB supplier for more details on operation without an internet connection. Also see Leak Detection and Prevention Systems Best Practices. .
Can the Valve Robot damage plumbing? (top of page)
No. The Bulldog solution meets standard plumbing practices and regulations.
Other solutions use the pipe to mount the motor assembly and this adds stress to the plumbing joints.
The Bulldog only uses the valve body for mounting:
Can the Bulldog Control Module cable be extended? (top of page)
Yes. The Bulldog Motor assembly connects to the Control Module using a standard PS/2 cable.
In cases where it is convenient to remotely mount the control module a distance away from the Bulldog Motor Assembly, a standard PS/2 extension cable will do the trick. We have tested PS/2 extension cables up to 50’ in length. (6 pin, male/female)
Can the Bulldog be operated by hand in the case of a power loss? (top of page)
Yes. The Bulldog has a clutch pin on the bottom of the motor assembly. Push in and hold the clutch pin and use the valve handle to open or close the valve.
Is the Bulldog available for EU and other Z-Wave controller/country frequencies? (top of page)
The Bulldog is currently available in Z-Wave frequency 908.40 for the USA, Canada, Mexico, most of South and Central America, others.
The Bulldog is also available in Z-Wave frequency 868MHz covering the EU & the UK
What is the power rating of the Bulldog? (top of page)
The Bulldog includes a 12V, 1amp AC Adapter. Peak power required by the Bulldog is 700ma at 12V DC. Standby power is 80ma at 12V DC
Can the Bulldog be used with a water sensor but without a Smart Home controller/HUB? (top of page)
Yes, we have a kit available that includes the Bulldog and Leak Sensors, no smart home controller is required and no internet connection is required. Simply install the Bulldog and position the leak sensors and you are good to go. If any of the leak sensors gets wet, the Bulldog shuts off the water.
What are the dimensions of the Bulldog? (top of page)
The space the Bulldog occupies and the assembly dimensions depend the the mounting bracket used (Large or Extra Large) as well as the valve size and type:
Are special tools or a plumber required to install the Bulldog? (top of page)
No special tools are required to install the Bulldog over a standard ball valve. No plumbing is required to install the Bulldog over a standard ball valve. A Philips screw driver is all you require to mount the Bulldog over an existing ball valve. If you are planing to do some plumbing work, you should consider the Bulldog-IV with an integrated valve.
How do I exclude the Bulldog from a Z-Wave Network/Controller? (top of page)
If you are having trouble pairing/including the Bulldog to your Smart Home Controller/Hub, it is a good idea to first successfully Z-Wave "Exclude" and then Pair/Include the Bulldog. See Z-Wave Video Exclusion instructions video below using a SmartThings Controller/Hub:
Can the Bulldog be installed on a ball valve for a gas system? (top of page)
Yes, the Bulldog works with any standard ball valve that has a single sided handle for Water, Gas and Oil systems.
The Bulldog is not rated "Explosion Proof" as it relates to Gas Valves and Systems.
Has the Bulldog been tested for high stroke cycles? (top of page)
Yes. We simulated a 10 year twice a day operation test over a 10 day period, opening and closing a ¾” valve every 100 seconds.
The ball valve was wearing a bit but the Bulldog was still going strong after 17,000+ strokes.
What is the operational temperature range of the Bulldog? (top of page)
0 C to 50C (32F to 122F)
My valve position/status is backwards showing open when closed and closed when open. How can I fix this? (top of page)
To activate the flip-flop setting, hold down the control module button when connecting the AC Adapter.
A second after the power is applied you can release the button. The Bulldog stroke control should now be set to reverse.
(off = open and on = closed) You can repeat the flip-flop setting process to reverse or change the setting back to On = open and Off = closed.
Does the Valve Robot support a valve with a backwards stroke? (top of page)
No and Yes: The standard for ball valves is clockwise to close and counter-clockwise to open. We have come across a few installations
with a valve that has the stoke for open/close backwards. (clockwise to open/counter-clock wise to close).
In some cases, it is possible to remove the valve handle, mount it 180 degrees (facing the opposite direction) to correct the
direction of the stroke for open/close. You will likely also have to remove the mechanical stop tab (use a dremel or hacksaw.)
