The requirements aren't the same for every building. Check what this facility actually needs — and avoid the mistakes that fail compliance.
The requirement for a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) or a tempering valve comes down to the facility type, not just the water temperature. A tempering valve under AS 4032.2 limits water temperature to 50°C at personal hygiene outlets and is required for most residential hot water systems. A TMV under AS 4032.1 is required in facilities serving people who cannot protect themselves from scalding — aged care, childcare, hospitals, disability accommodation.
TMVs have stricter requirements than tempering valves: mandatory annual commissioning tests, more detailed maintenance schedules, and specific fail-safe behaviour. Using a tempering valve where a TMV is required is a compliance failure, even if both devices achieve the same outlet temperature in normal operation.
Use this when quoting or installing hot water in any facility other than a standard single-residential dwelling. The tool shows the exact compliance path for the facility type, which outlets are affected, and state-specific notes where requirements differ.
Tick every outlet type that's getting hot water. The tool will tell you which ones need a valve and which don't.
Tempering valve installed where TMV is required
A tempering valve is NOT a TMV. They look similar but a TMV has a failsafe shutoff and tighter temperature accuracy. Installing a tempering valve in an aged care facility is non-compliant.
TMV installed but no maintenance schedule set up
TMVs require annual maintenance by a qualified technician per AS 4032.1. Installing the valve is only half the job — the facility needs a documented maintenance plan.
Tempering valve on kitchen sink (unnecessary)
Kitchen sinks are not personal hygiene outlets and don't need tempering. Fitting one limits the hot water temperature for dishwashing and cleaning — makes the sink less useful for no compliance gain.
TMV set to 50°C in a facility that requires 45°C
High-risk facilities (aged care, childcare, hospitals) require max 45°C at personal hygiene outlets. Setting a TMV to 50°C in these facilities is non-compliant even though the valve itself is correct.
No isolation valves on TMV / tempering valve
Isolation valves on both hot and cold supply to the TMV/tempering valve are needed for servicing. Without them, you have to shut down the whole hot water system to service one valve.
Hot water storage set below 60°C
Hot water must be stored at minimum 60°C to prevent Legionella growth (AS/NZS 3500.4). The TMV/tempering valve reduces delivery temperature — don't reduce storage temperature instead.
No strainer/filter upstream of TMV
Debris in the water supply can jam the TMV thermal element and cause it to fail. Strainers should be installed on both supply lines and cleaned at each maintenance visit.