You don't think this is a wee bit irrational?
In-line ball valves can also fail. These valves are also controlled by motors with step-down gearing. Giving at least two points of failure.
How do I know? I've had a LeakSmart valve for about 7 years. That was tested weekly. And I had a gear fail abruptly, as described in this post.
Hence, in my opinion, anyone who installs an automated in-line valve needs to install it in a bypass loop with two manual ball-valves. The first to turn water back on if the automated valve fails in the closed position, and the second to turn water off if the automated valve fails in the open position.
This bypass loop is not required when using a ball-valve controller like those made by Econet and Dome.
