Wax Thermostatic Element LG046X
The LG046X Wax Thermostatic Element is a low-temperature, light-duty thermostatic actuator engineered for applications requiring strong mechanical response in the 5°C to 30°C activation range. Built with Legom’s proprietary patented wax formula, it delivers consistent, repeatable stroke actuation across a rated lifespan of 100,000 cycles. It has passed European product certification by accredited institutions including ACS and WRAS.
With a primary stroke of 2.7 ± 0.3mm between 5°C and 20°C and a maximum temperature rating of only 50°C, the LG046X is purpose-built for cold-range thermostatic applications where the element must respond decisively at near-ambient temperatures and cease to be the active controlling element above 50°C. Combined with the light-duty platform of 90N maximum load and 1N/mm spring rate, it is suited for low-force valve assemblies operating in cold-climate plumbing, HVAC, and specialty applications.
Key Benefits
- Lowest maximum temperature rating in the Legom range – Rated to only 50°C, the LG046X is specifically designed for low-temperature applications where the element must operate within a cold-to-ambient range and is not intended for hot water or elevated temperature environments
- Strong primary stroke at low temperature – Delivers 2.7 ± 0.3mm between 5°C and 20°C, providing decisive valve actuation in the cold-water and near-ambient temperature zone where most low-temperature control applications require the most travel
- Stroke reference at 20°C – Unlike most Legom models referenced at 25°C, 38°C, or 55°C, the LG046X uses 20°C as the reference point, reflecting its cold-range design intent
- Controlled deceleration above 20°C – Reduced stroke of 0.7mm between 20°C and 30°C ensures the element transitions gradually as temperature rises above the primary active zone
- Light-duty 90N platform – Designed for valve assemblies with low-resistance return springs where standard 140N elements would overdrive the host mechanism
- Ultra-soft spring rate of 1N/mm – Enables precise, controlled piston travel in low-resistance valve assemblies where standard 5N/mm stiffness would cause over-actuation
- Patented wax formula – Proprietary Legom formulation delivers superior sensitivity and temperature-response accuracy versus standard wax elements
- ACS and WRAS certified – Passed European experimental institution product certification, confirming suitability for potable water and HVAC applications in international markets
- Rated for 100,000 cycles – Exceptional service life verified through rigorous lifecycle testing, ensuring reliable long-term performance in high-use installations
- OEM and ODM customization available – Temperature range, working stroke, and maximum load can be customized to suit specific product requirements
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | LG046X |
| Material | Copper |
| Maximum Load | 90N |
| Minimum Load | 15N |
| Testing Load | 45N |
| Spring Rate | 1N/mm |
| Maximum Temperature | 50°C |
| Stroke | L = 19 ± 0.3mm at 20°C, 45N |
| Lifespan | 100,000 cycles |
| Certification | ACS, WRAS |
Temperature vs. Stroke
| Temperature (°C) | Stroke (mm) |
|---|---|
| 5°C ~ 20°C | 2.7 ± 0.3 |
| 20°C ~ 30°C | 0.7 ± 0.15 |
Stroke values measured during heating-up cycle. Cooling-down cycle may exhibit slight hysteresis typical of wax thermostatic elements.
Application & Use Cases
- Cold-climate plumbing protection devices – The 5°C to 20°C primary actuation band makes the LG046X suitable for thermostatic assemblies that must respond to cold water temperatures approaching near-freezing, such as cold-water mixing valves and temperature-sensitive bypass devices in cold regions
- HVAC cold-circuit control – Applied in thermostatic control assemblies for chilled water circuits, cold-air handling units, or other HVAC applications where thermostatic response must be concentrated in the below-ambient temperature range
- Automotive and industrial cooling systems – Used in thermostatic assemblies for cooling circuits requiring precise actuation at cold operating temperatures during cold-start or low-load conditions
- Specialty refrigeration and cold-storage equipment – Integrated into thermostatic valves for refrigerated environments where the active control range falls within the 5°C to 30°C zone
- Sanitary and laboratory equipment – Applied in precision thermostatic assemblies in laboratory or clinical environments where cold-water temperature control within a narrow range is required
- Shipping, military, and other industries – Suitable for specialized applications requiring self-acting, low-temperature thermostatic control within the light-duty load constraint
Installation Notes
- The LG046X must be installed in direct contact with the fluid whose temperature it is intended to sense, ensuring accurate response within the 5°C to 30°C active range
- Ensure the element is fully immersed in the flow path within the host valve or assembly to prevent slow or inaccurate actuation in the low-temperature primary band
- Do not expose the element to temperatures exceeding 50°C. The LG046X has the lowest maximum temperature rating in the Legom range. Exposure above 50°C may permanently damage the wax charge and compromise the element’s cold-range performance
- The LG046X has a maximum load of only 90N. Do not use in valve assemblies with return springs rated above this force
- The spring rate of 1N/mm is significantly softer than standard Legom models. Ensure the host valve return spring stiffness is matched to this spring rate to achieve accurate piston reset on warming
- Keep the element away from heat sources not part of the intended sensing medium. Stray heat above 30°C will move the element out of its primary actuation zone and into the deceleration band
- For OEM integration, confirm three key parameters in writing before finalizing the order: temperature range, working stroke, and maximum load
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the LG046X unique in the Legom wax thermostatic element range?
The LG046X has two characteristics that make it unique. First, it has the lowest maximum temperature rating in the entire Legom range at 50°C, compared to 90°C or 100°C for all other models. This makes it the only model designed exclusively for cold-range applications where elevated temperatures are not part of the operating environment. Second, its stroke reference point is at 20°C rather than the 25°C, 38°C, or 55°C used by other models, confirming its cold-range design intent. It also combines this cold-range profile with the light-duty 90N/1N/mm platform, making it the only cold-range light-duty element in the Legom lineup.
How should I read the two-row stroke table?
The first row (5°C~20°C, 2.7mm) is the primary actuation band where most of the working stroke occurs as the element warms from near-cold temperatures to 20°C. The second row (20°C~30°C, 0.7mm) shows significantly reduced additional stroke above 20°C, indicating the element is designed to deliver most of its travel in the lower portion of the range. No stroke data is published above 30°C, as the element’s active control window ends within this range.
What certifications does the LG046X hold?
The LG046X has passed European experimental institution product certification under ACS and WRAS standards, confirming its suitability for use in drinking water systems and broader HVAC and plumbing applications in certified markets.
What is the expected service life of the LG046X?
The LG046X is rated for 100,000 actuation cycles, supporting long-term deployment in applications where the element cycles repeatedly through its 5°C to 30°C active range.
Can the LG046X be exposed to temperatures above 50°C?
No. The 50°C maximum temperature rating must not be exceeded. Unlike other Legom models rated to 90°C or 100°C that can tolerate high-temperature system flushing or accidental hot water exposure, the LG046X is designed exclusively for cold-range environments. Installing it in a system where temperatures regularly or accidentally exceed 50°C will permanently damage the element.
Can the LG046X be customized for different temperature or load requirements?
Yes. Legom offers full OEM and ODM customization. If your application requires a different activation temperature, working stroke, or load specification, the engineering team can develop a customized solution. Written confirmation of three key parameters is required before any customization project begins: temperature range, working stroke, and maximum load.
OEM & ODM Customization
Legom supports full OEM and ODM services for the LG046X Wax Thermostatic Element. Our engineering team can customize the activation temperature range, working stroke, and maximum load to match your product requirements. Before any commitment, written confirmation of three key performance parameters is required: temperature range, working stroke, and maximum load. All customization projects are handled with strict confidentiality. Contact us via WhatsApp or info@legomsmart.com.
Product information last reviewed by the Legom Technical Team. For the most current specifications, refer to the official datasheet or contact our sales team.
Custom OEM & ODM Solutions
Legom is a direct manufacturer offering end-to-end OEM and ODM services. With our in-house engineering and production capabilities, we work closely with distributors and system integrators to deliver fully customized solutions under strict NDA.
