What is Another Name for a Ball Valve?
When searching for industrial or plumbing valves, you might come across the term ball valve. Did you know that ball valves can go by different names depending on the industry, location, or valve type? In this article, we’ll explain the different names used for ball valves, why they exist, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What Is a Ball Valve?
Before diving into alternative names, let’s briefly revisit what a ball valve is.
A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that controls fluid flow using a rotating ball with a hole through its center. When the hole aligns with the pipe, the valve allows fluid to flow freely; when you turn the valve 90 degrees, it stops the flow.
Many industries use ball valves because they offer durability, fast shut-off, tight sealing, and minimal pressure drop.
What Is Another Name for a Ball Valve?
The most common name is “ball valve,” but people often use other names depending on the situation. Here are the most relevant:
1. Shut-off Valve (Quarter-Turn Shut-off Valve)
In plumbing and HVAC systems, especially in homes and businesses, people often call a ball valve a shut-off valve.
A ball valve’s main job is to fully open or close the flow, which makes it ideal for isolating sections of a system.
Note: Not all shut-off valves are ball valves, but many shut-off valves in plumbing are of the ball-type design.
2. Quarter-Turn Valve
This name highlights the operating mechanism of a ball valve. Because it only needs a 90-degree turn to open or close, a ball valve is part of a larger group called quarter-turn valves.
Other valves in this group are butterfly valves and plug valves. However, when people mention a “quarter-turn valve” by itself, they usually mean a ball valve.
3. Isolation Valve
In industries, an “isolation valve” is a valve that stops flow in a pipeline for safety or repair.
People use gate, globe, or ball valves to stop flow, but they prefer ball valves because they close fast and seal tightly.
4. Stop Valve
A general term used in various industries, “stop valve” can refer to any valve designed to halt flow.
In some European and marine settings, people call small ball valves with lever handles “stop valves.”
5. Floating Ball Valve / Trunnion Ball Valve
These terms refer to design subtypes, but sometimes they are casually used as product names.
• Floating Ball Valve – The ball is positioned between the seats and creates a seal through the applied pressure.
• Trunnion Ball Valve – The valve design fixes the ball at the top and bottom, making it ideal for larger or higher-pressure systems.
In technical discussions, engineers may say, “We’re installing a trunnion valve,” referring to a specific ball valve design.
6. Lever Valve (Informal)
In field work, especially by maintenance teams or plumbers, the handle or actuation method becomes the identifier.
You might hear, “Turn off the lever valve,” especially when referring to small brass or stainless-steel ball valves with lever handles.
Common Structural Variants of Ball Valves That Influence Their Names
Understanding ball valve variants can also help explain why different names exist. Here are some of the most common structural differences and how they affect naming and application:
One-Piece, Two-Piece, and Three-Piece Ball Valves
These terms refer to how the valve body is constructed:
• One-piece: Compact and economical; often used in low-pressure plumbing.
• Two-piece: Allows easier maintenance and internal access; common in industrial systems.
• Three-piece: These valves are easy to service and are perfect when you need to clean or replace internal parts often, such as in the food and beverage industry.
Some industries may refer to these simply as two-piece shut-off valves or three-piece isolation units.
Full Port vs. Reduced Port
• Full port (full bore): The ball opening is the same size as the pipe, minimizing pressure drop.
• Reduced port (standard bore): The ball opening is smaller than the pipe, often used where pressure loss is acceptable.
This can lead to naming variations like full flow shut-off valve or standard bore valve, though both may still be ball valves at their core.
Industry Standards and Naming Conventions
Various industry standards have formalized the design and function of ball valves, but they also influence how these valves are referred to across different sectors.
✦ API 6D / ISO 17292 / ASME B16.34
In the oil & gas and energy sectors, references to API 6D valves or trunnion-mounted valves are common. Although these refer to ball valves, the standard or mounting method becomes the dominant naming term.
✦ ANSI and DIN Variants
In North America, you may hear “ANSI ball valve” used, while European manufacturers or engineers might refer to “DIN isolation valve,” both of which may describe functionally equivalent ball valves with different dimensional standards.
✦ Hygienic Valves
In industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals, ball valves may be referred to as:
These variants meet specific cleanability and contamination-free standards, but they’re still ball valves at the core.
How to Choose the Right “Ball Valve”—No Matter What It’s Called
When faced with various names and options, the best way to choose the correct ball valve is to focus on function and application rather than terminology. Here’s a simple selection checklist:
| Consideration | What to Look For |
| Flow control type | Shut-off (on/off) or throttling (note: ball valves are not ideal for throttling) |
| Media type | Water, oil, gas, chemicals, food-grade fluids? |
| Pressure and temperature | Choose floating or trunnion based on system demands |
| Space & maintenance | One-piece for compactness, three-piece for serviceability |
| Connection ends | Threaded, flanged, welded? Match your piping system |
If you’re unsure whether to ask for a “quarter-turn valve” or an “isolation valve,” simply explain your requirements, and a knowledgeable supplier or engineer will guide you to the right ball valve product.
Ball Valves vs. Their Alternatives
In some cases, ball valves are mistakenly interchanged with similar valves due to naming confusion. Here are a few examples of what ball valves are often confused with:
• Plug valves: Similar operation (quarter-turn), but use a tapered or cylindrical plug instead of a ball.
• Butterfly valves: Also quarter-turn, but use a rotating disc, not suitable for the same pressure ratings.
• Gate valves: Better for throttling in large-diameter pipes, but slower and more prone to leaks over time.
• Globe valves: Often preferred for flow regulation, but not ideal for simple shut-off.
When someone refers to a “shut-off valve,” it’s always good to clarify whether a ball, gate, or globe valve is intended, since they each have different internal mechanics and performance characteristics.
Why Ball Valves Remain the Preferred Shut-off Solution
Despite the range of alternatives, ball valves remain the top choice for many industries due to:
• Tight shut-off even in high-pressure systems
• Fast operation (ideal for emergency stops)
• Durability and long service life
• Low maintenance needs
For industries ranging from HVAC to oil & gas, ball valves provide a compact, cost-effective solution where flow needs to be stopped or started quickly.
FAQ: What Is Another Name for a Ball Valve?
1. What is the most common alternative name for a ball valve?
The most common alternative name is shut-off valve or quarter-turn valve, especially in residential plumbing and HVAC systems.
2. Is an isolation valve the same as a ball valve?
Not exactly. An isolation valve refers to the function, not the structure. Many isolation valves are ball valves, but not all.
3. Are plug valves and ball valves the same?
No. Plug valves and ball valves are both quarter-turn, but they differ in internal design. Plug valves use a plug, while ball valves use a sphere.
4. What is a trunnion ball valve?
A trunnion ball valve is a high-performance subtype where the ball is fixed and supported at both ends. It’s used in high-pressure or large-bore applications.
5. Is a lever valve the same as a ball valve?
In informal contexts, yes. “Lever valve” often refers to a ball valve with a manual handle.
6. What is the difference between full port and reduced port ball valves?
Full port has a bore equal to the pipeline; reduced port has a smaller bore, which may cause minor pressure loss but offers compactness.
7. Can I use a ball valve for throttling?
It’s not recommended. Ball valves are ideal for on/off service. For throttling, consider a globe or needle valve.
8. What industries commonly use other names for ball valves?
• Plumbing: shut-off or lever valve
• Oil & gas: trunnion valve
• Food/pharma: sanitary shut-off valve
• Industrial: isolation valve
Ready to Source Ball Valves from a Trusted Manufacturer?
At COVNA, we don’t just sell valves—we engineer solutions. Whether you need:
• Floating or trunnion-mounted designs
• Sanitary-grade ball valves
• Custom actuated or electric ball valves
• High-pressure shut-off systems
Our engineering team and production lines are ready to support your project. All of our products meet international standards (API, ISO, CE) and undergo strict quality testing to ensure long-term performance.
Reach out now to get a quote or request a technical drawing.
Let us help you find the right valve—no matter what you call it.
