Waterflow Alarm Switch (WAS)
1- Product Overview
The Waterflow alarm switch usually installed in the main pipe or branch
pipe of the pipe system. This Switch is an important part of the automatic
sprinkler system. When the Paddle detects the water flow, the water flow
signal will be converted to electrical signal, and then switch on the alarm
system, at the same time, the fire zone will be indicated.
UL Listed, Vane-type Waterflow Alarm Switch mount to water-filled pipes
in fire suppression systems.
Waterflow Alarm Switch in the pipe deflects a vane, which produces a
switched output usually after a specified delay. Most of the Waterflow
Alarm switches have a pneumatically controlled mechanical delay
mechanism.
Waterflow Alarm Switch usually installed in the main pipe or branch pipe
of the sprinkler pipe system. When the vane detects the water flow, the
water flow signal will be converted to electrical signal, and then switch on
the alarm system or start the fire pump directly, at the same time, the fire
zone will be indicated.
| Warning |
| Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in accordance with all national and local codes and ordinances. Shock hazard. Disconnect power source before servicing. Serious injury or death could result. Risk of explosion. Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious injury or death could result. |
Service Use:
Automatic Sprinkler
One or two family dwelling
Residential occupancy up to four stories
National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA-13
NFPA-13D
NFPA-13R
NFPA-72
| CAUTION |
Do not trim the paddle. Failure to follow these instructions may prevent the device from operating and will void the warranty. Do not |
| WARNING |
– Please read the instructions carefully before installation, any damage caused by improper installation will not be liable for the |
| Standard Specifications | |||
| 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C) | Operating Temperature Range | 450 PSI | Static Pressure Rating |
| indoor use | Enclosure Rating | 18 Feet Per Second (FPS) | Maximum Surge |
| Standard with UL models | Cover Tamper Switch | 4–10 GPM | Triggering ThresholdTriggering ThresholdBandwidth (Flow Rate) |
| Steel water pipe, schedule 10Steel water pipe, schedule 10through 40 | Compatible Pipe | Two openings for ½˝ conduit. OneTwo openings for ½˝ conduit. Oneopen, one knock-out type | Conduit Entrances |
| Two sets of SPDTTwo sets of SPDT(Form C) 10.0 A, ½ HP @ 125/250 VAC 2.5 A @ 6/12/24 VDC | Contact Ratings | ||
| Dimension | Size | Nominal Dimension | |||||||
| Hole Dia | E | D | C | B | A | R | mm | Inch | DN |
| 32 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 116 | 30.15 | 60.3 | 2” | 50 |
| 32 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 120 | 36.6 | 36.3 | 2 ½” | 65 |
| 51 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 145 | 44.45 | 44.45 | 3 | 80 |
| 51 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 185 | 57.15 | 57.15 | 4 | 100 |
| 51 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 212 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 5 | 125 |
| 51 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 254 | 82.55 | 82.55 | 6 | 150 |
| 51 | 79.5 | 140 | 59.5 | 100 | 298 | 109.55 | 109.55 | 8 | 200 |
2- Material Specifications
| Part No. | Part | Material |
| 1 | Cover | ASTM B85-96 383.0E |
| 2 | Rubber Gasket | EPDM |
| 3 | Spring | SS304 |
| 4 | Air Delay Device | PC GV3410R |
| 5 | Stem Sealing Gasket | SS304+NBR |
| 6 | Connecting Rod | POM 500P |
| 7 | Micro-Switch | PC GV3410R |
| 8 | Connection Plate | ASTM B85-96 383.0E |
| 9 | Connection Plate Seal | NBR |
| 10 | Saddle | ASTM A536,65-45-12 |
| 11 | Vane | PTFE |
| 12 | U-Bolts | Carbon Steel Zinc Plated |
| 13 | Nuts | Carbon Steel Zinc Plated |
3- Installation
a) Hole Cutting
Hole Cutting Size mentioned in above table
| CAUTION | |
| Hole must be drilled perpendicular to the pipe and vertically centered. Refer to theHole must be drilled perpendicular to the pipe and vertically centered. Refer to theCompatible Pipe/Installation Requirements chart for size. | |
| Incorrect | Correct |
 |
 |
| Warning |
| Remove all the materials in the pipe, otherwise, the pipe can be blocked. |
b) Grinding
Deburrs to make the hole edge smooth.
| CAUTION |
| Clean the pipe after grinding, no other material inside or outside of the pipe |
c) Field Installation
Select the correct Waterflow alarm switch corresponding to the pipe diameter.
Check the direction of the water flow, make sure the arrow direction on the saddle same as the Waterflow alarm switch direction
| Warning |
The arrow direction must be same as the water flow direction, otherwise, the water flow indicator cannot start and function properly. Roll the vane, insert the vane into the hole, press the locating slot into the hole, make sure the rubber gasket must be in the locating slot when installed horizontally, the water flow indicator should be at the top of the pipe or side of the pipe, not at the bottom of the pipe.
|
d) Fasten the Bolts
Mount the U-bolts, fasten the nuts alternately, keep the sealing surface between saddle and pipe evenly. Switch the rod to verify if
the vane can be active or not. If the vane acts slowly, perform above steps again.
| CAUTION |
| Do not exert force to the signal part when fastening, otherwise, the signal part will be damaged. |
e) Electrical Wiring
The Waterflow alarm switch (WAS) has two switches, one can be used to operate a central control station, proprietary or remote
signaling unit, while the other contact is used to operate a local audible or visual annunciator.
| WARNING |
| Cut off the power source when wiring, an uninsulated section of a single conductor should not be looped around the terminal and serve as two separate connections. The wire must be severed, not exposed outside. |
A ground screw is provided with all waterflow alarm switch. When ground-ing is required, clamp wire with screw in hole located between conduit entrance holes
f) Cover the Shell
Cover the shell, fasten the bolts .
g) Adjustment
Delay Function Adjustment
The original set time is 30 seconds, if need to adjust the time,
rotate the rotary knob to make sure the arrow direct to the
scale, increase time with clockwise rotating, and reduce the
time by anticlockwise rotating. The unit of the scale is
second, the accuracy is 50%.
CAUTION
| CAUTION |
| Do not exert force to the signal part when fastening, otherwise, the signal part will be damaged. |
h) Test & Operation
When system is full of water, check if there’s leakage around the Waterflow alarm switch, verify the leakage position.
• If the leakage is between the connecting plate and the saddle: Open the cover, fasten the hexagon nuts.
• If leakage is between the saddle and pipe: Fasten the U-bolts alternately, make sure the sealing surface is even & uniform.
• If leakage from the rod sealing gasket: Contact the customer service agent to replace the rod sealing gasket
• Otherwise drain the water in the system, remove the saddle, check if there’s other material or inclusion under the sealing
gasket, make sure the pipe should be no defects of bulge or sunken, then install again.
i) Adjustment of Delay Time
Adjust the rotary knob, if delay time is not as desired, to increase time with clockwise rotating, and reduce the time by anticlockwise rotating
4- Maintenance & Service
a) Quarterly Inspection
– Inspection requirement: appearance and marking inspection, function of the start and reset of the Waterflow alarm switch; accuracy
of signal delivery.
– Inspection operation: check the appearance of the Waterflow alarm switch; open the test & drain assembly and test valve of the
floor, and verify the signal action of the Waterflow alarm switch from the fire control equipment; close the test & drain assembly
and test valve, and verify the signal reset of the Waterflow alarm switch from the fire control equipment.
b) When the Waterflow alarm switch is damaged from fire or other causes, replace for a new one immediately.
c) The retard and switch assembly are easily replaceable at field. Contact the sales agent if there is problem with any parts.