Waterflow Alarm Switch

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
obstruct or otherwise prevent the trip stem of the Waterflow alarm switch from moving when water flows as this could damage the
Waterflow alarm switch and prevent an alarm. If an alarm is not desired, a qualified technician should disable the alarm system.

WARNING

– Please read the instructions carefully before installation, any damage caused by improper installation will not be liable for the
manufacturer.
– Before installation, check the nominal diameter, nominal pressure, temperature range and fluid of the Waterflow Alarm Switch, do not
install if the technical parameter of Waterflow Alarm Switch don’t match the requirement of the pipe system.
– The Waterflow Alarm Switch can be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal pipe it should be on the top of the pipe or the
side of the pipe, do not at the bottom of the pipe. On vertical pipe it should be mounted on the pipe which the water flow is upward.
– The pipe length before and after the Waterflow Alarm Switch must be no less than 5 times the pipe diameter, and choose the correct
Waterflow Alarm Switch according to the pipe nominal diameter technical parameter table.
-Waterflow Alarm Switch direction must be same as the arrow direction, must not be installed in opposite direction.
– Leave enough space for easy installation and maintenance.

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.

Waterflow Alarm Switch MN