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1. Potter Electric Signal Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. All of the products are made in North America and all of the Sprinkler Products are made in St. Louis.
Founded in 1898 by Charles Potter, the Company is privately held and employees about 120 people.
Potter maintains a rigid level of quality in its products and ensures the products are the best in the market. Potter currently produces fire sprinkler, security, fire alarm and industrial control products.Potter Electric Signal Company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. All of the products are made in North America and all of the Sprinkler Products are made in St. Louis.
Founded in 1898 by Charles Potter, the Company is privately held and employees about 120 people.
Potter maintains a rigid level of quality in its products and ensures the products are the best in the market. Potter currently produces fire sprinkler, security, fire alarm and industrial control products.
2. 2 Read and Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Always use the correct tools.
Call the manufacturer. Manufacturers go through a lot of trouble and expense to print instructions, the least people can do is read them occasionally
Dont even think of starting a job without them. For example. If a flow switch calls for a 2 hole, a 2 1/4 holesaw is not close enough.
If you have questions about a product or application and cant find the answer in the instructions, call the manufacturer. If you are willing to buy their product, they should be willing and able to assist you.
Manufacturers go through a lot of trouble and expense to print instructions, the least people can do is read them occasionally
Dont even think of starting a job without them. For example. If a flow switch calls for a 2 hole, a 2 1/4 holesaw is not close enough.
If you have questions about a product or application and cant find the answer in the instructions, call the manufacturer. If you are willing to buy their product, they should be willing and able to assist you.
3. 3 First we will discuss vane type flow switches
First we will discuss vane type flow switches
4. 4 General Information Install on Wet systems only.
Do not trim the paddle.
Drill the correct size hole.
De-burr the hole and clean the inside of the pipe.
For horizontal installations, install on top side of pipe only.
Vane type waterflow switches can be installed on either vertical risers or horizontal branch lines.
If they are installed on a horizontal section, they must be installed on the top side of the pipe. This is to prevent any debris that may be in the pipe from falling into the throat area of the flow switch and affecting the paddle movement.
Vane type waterflow switches can be installed on either vertical risers or horizontal branch lines.
If they are installed on a horizontal section, they must be installed on the top side of the pipe. This is to prevent any debris that may be in the pipe from falling into the throat area of the flow switch and affecting the paddle movement.
5. 5 With the water shut off and the system drained, drill the correct size hole.
The hole should be de-burred and the inside of the pipe cleaned of any rust or scale.
Center the flow switch over the hole and tighten the nuts evenly. This will prevent the paddle from dragging on the inside of the pipe and prevent the flow switch from leaking
With the water shut off and the system drained, drill the correct size hole.
The hole should be de-burred and the inside of the pipe cleaned of any rust or scale.
Center the flow switch over the hole and tighten the nuts evenly. This will prevent the paddle from dragging on the inside of the pipe and prevent the flow switch from leaking
6. 6 Not all flow switches mount using a U bolt and saddle arrangement. For smaller size pipes, generally 1-2, there are screw in flow switches. These switches fit several different sizes and types of pipe.
For instance, the POTTER VSR-S fits copper, plastic and iron pipe from 1 to 2. The device comes with 12 different paddles.
The paddles are marked with the size and type of tee that they fit.
The top or switch side of the tee must be a 1 threaded opening to accept the 1 NPT bushing of the flow switch. [example 11/2x11/2x1 tee]
NEVER use a reducing bushing, mechanical tee, or a welded outlet because the distance from the edge of the fitting to the center of the pipe varies.
Not all flow switches mount using a U bolt and saddle arrangement. For smaller size pipes, generally 1-2, there are screw in flow switches. These switches fit several different sizes and types of pipe.
For instance, the POTTER VSR-S fits copper, plastic and iron pipe from 1 to 2. The device comes with 12 different paddles.
The paddles are marked with the size and type of tee that they fit.
The top or switch side of the tee must be a 1 threaded opening to accept the 1 NPT bushing of the flow switch. [example 11/2x11/2x1 tee]
NEVER use a reducing bushing, mechanical tee, or a welded outlet because the distance from the edge of the fitting to the center of the pipe varies.
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8. 8 Pressure Type Flow Switches Now comes the pressure type flow switches.
Now comes the pressure type flow switches.
9. 9 System must have an alarm valve.
Must install Pressure switch on top of retard chamber, or use pressure switch with built in retard.
Pressure switches should be installed with the mounting nipple facing down towards the floor.
Do not adjust trip point.
Waterflow pressure switches must trip by 8psi per UL & FM. Increasing the pressure at which the switch trips will not act as a retard feature.
Pressure type flow switches are installed on the alarm port of the alarm check valve.
Under normal conditions this section of pipe has no water or air pressure in it.
One benefit of this is that they can be installed or replaced without disabling the sprinkler system.
Wet systems that have an alarm check valve can use a pressure type flow switch.
Pressure type Flow switches on wet systems must have a retard. This can be accomplished one of two ways.
Waterflow pressure switches must trip by 8psi per UL & FM. Increasing the pressure at which the switch trips will not act as a retard feature.
Pressure type flow switches are installed on the alarm port of the alarm check valve.
Under normal conditions this section of pipe has no water or air pressure in it.
One benefit of this is that they can be installed or replaced without disabling the sprinkler system.
Wet systems that have an alarm check valve can use a pressure type flow switch.
Pressure type Flow switches on wet systems must have a retard. This can be accomplished one of two ways.
10. 10 Install the pressure switch on top of a retard chamber.
Retard Feature #1 A retard chamber is a metal container capable of holding a few gallons of water.
When a surge occurs, the chamber partially fills with water and absorbs the pressure to prevent the switch from false tripping. There is a small drip valve at the bottom of the chamber to allow the surges to drain.
Retard chambers require maintenance to make sure the surges can always drain.
Installing the pressure switch before the retard chamber does absolutely no good.
A retard chamber is a metal container capable of holding a few gallons of water.
When a surge occurs, the chamber partially fills with water and absorbs the pressure to prevent the switch from false tripping. There is a small drip valve at the bottom of the chamber to allow the surges to drain.
Retard chambers require maintenance to make sure the surges can always drain.
Installing the pressure switch before the retard chamber does absolutely no good.
11. 11 Retard Feature #2 Use a pressure switch with a built in retard.
This device incorporates the same type of retard that is used on the vane type flow switches.
It allows for much more accurate retard times and reduces the possibility of false alarms caused by clogged retard chambers.
If there is a retard chamber, it would only be used to delay the water motor gong if there is one.
This device incorporates the same type of retard that is used on the vane type flow switches.
It allows for much more accurate retard times and reduces the possibility of false alarms caused by clogged retard chambers.
If there is a retard chamber, it would only be used to delay the water motor gong if there is one.
12. 12 This drawing shows a system with both the WFSR-F which is a pressure switch with a built in retard and a retard chamber.
Typically there would only be one or the other.
If a pressure switch without a retard was used, it would be installed on top of the retard chamber, in line with the water motor gong.
This drawing shows a system with both the WFSR-F which is a pressure switch with a built in retard and a retard chamber.
Typically there would only be one or the other.
If a pressure switch without a retard was used, it would be installed on top of the retard chamber, in line with the water motor gong.
13. 13 Waterflow Pressure Switches For Dry Systems Must use Pressure type flow switches
Vane type flow switches not allowed per NFPA
Water flow pressure switches for dry systems shall NOT have a retard
Pressure type flow switches for dry systems are the same as those used on top of retard chambers for wet systems.
The pressure switch is installed on the alarm port of the dry pipe valve.
Under normal conditions there is no air or water in this section of piping.
Pressure type flow switches for dry systems are the same as those used on top of retard chambers for wet systems.
The pressure switch is installed on the alarm port of the dry pipe valve.
Under normal conditions there is no air or water in this section of piping.
14. 14 Air Pressure Supervisory Switches Dry sprinkler systems should have an air pressure supervisory switch installed. This switch will trip if the air pressure drops 10 psi below the normal system pressure, or increases 10 psi above normal.
The purpose of low air supervision is to prevent accidental tripping of the system due to compressor failure.
High pressure supervision prevents the system from having too much air which would increase the time it takes to bleed enough pressure off the system to allow the dry pipe valve to trip.
Air supervisory switches are factory set for a normal system pressure of 40 psi.
If the system pressure is something other than 40 psi, the switch can be field adjusted.
Low pressure switches should be installed in line with a bleeder valve.
The purpose of the bleeder valve is to exhaust the pressure between the valve and the pressure switch. This allows testing of the switch without any possibility of accidentally tripping the dry pipe valve. It also speeds up the testing process since only a small amount of air is being released.
Dry sprinkler systems should have an air pressure supervisory switch installed. This switch will trip if the air pressure drops 10 psi below the normal system pressure, or increases 10 psi above normal.
The purpose of low air supervision is to prevent accidental tripping of the system due to compressor failure.
High pressure supervision prevents the system from having too much air which would increase the time it takes to bleed enough pressure off the system to allow the dry pipe valve to trip.
Air supervisory switches are factory set for a normal system pressure of 40 psi.
If the system pressure is something other than 40 psi, the switch can be field adjusted.
Low pressure switches should be installed in line with a bleeder valve.
The purpose of the bleeder valve is to exhaust the pressure between the valve and the pressure switch. This allows testing of the switch without any possibility of accidentally tripping the dry pipe valve. It also speeds up the testing process since only a small amount of air is being released.
15. 15 Here is a typical low air supervisory switch, pressure gauge and bleeder valve assembly.
Closing the valve will bleed off the air between the valve and pressure switch.
The gauge can be observed to ensure that the switch operates at the correct pressure.Here is a typical low air supervisory switch, pressure gauge and bleeder valve assembly.
Closing the valve will bleed off the air between the valve and pressure switch.
The gauge can be observed to ensure that the switch operates at the correct pressure.
16. 16 Valve Tamper Switches This section covers the installation and operation of valve tamper switches used to supervise valves in an open condition.
This section covers the installation and operation of valve tamper switches used to supervise valves in an open condition.
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18. 18 This is an OSYSU tamper switch mounted to an OS&Y valve
The device mounts to the Yoke of the valve.
The trip rod sits down in a groove in the stem of the valve.
As the valve is being closed, the stem of the valve screws in and the trip rod rides up out of the groove and trips the switch.
This should happen within the first two revolutions of the handwheel or 1/5 of the valve travel.
The valve should then be closed completely. The trip rod will roll over the threads but that should not activate the switch.
The Switch must be installed so that if it is removed from the valve, the switch will trip. Normal position is when the trip rod is perpendicular to the base. The switch should trip if the rod is moved in either direction.
This can easily be checked when the switch is installed. Close the valve enough to operate the switch. Grab the trip rod and raise it higher. If the switches trip again, the device is not installed correctly.
This is an OSYSU tamper switch mounted to an OS&Y valve
The device mounts to the Yoke of the valve.
The trip rod sits down in a groove in the stem of the valve.
As the valve is being closed, the stem of the valve screws in and the trip rod rides up out of the groove and trips the switch.
This should happen within the first two revolutions of the handwheel or 1/5 of the valve travel.
The valve should then be closed completely. The trip rod will roll over the threads but that should not activate the switch.
The Switch must be installed so that if it is removed from the valve, the switch will trip. Normal position is when the trip rod is perpendicular to the base. The switch should trip if the rod is moved in either direction.
This can easily be checked when the switch is installed. Close the valve enough to operate the switch. Grab the trip rod and raise it higher. If the switches trip again, the device is not installed correctly.
19. 19 This shows a tamper switch installed on a typical Butterfly valve
The switch is installed in a factory tapped opening on the side of the valve gear box.
The trip rod is operated by a cam in the valve.
When the valve is fully open, the cam is pushing against the trip rod. As the valve is closed the cam moves away from the rod and the switch trips
Installation:
Remove the nipple from the PCVS and install it in the valve.
Loosen the set screw holding the trip rod in place and extend the rod.
Partially close the valve and slide the switch over the nipple.
The trip rod will hit the cam of the valve and adjust itself to the proper length.
Remove the device and push the trip rod in another fraction of an inch, (approx 1/32). This will prevent the rod from moving due to an imperfection on the cam. Now tighten the set screw holding the trip rod.
Slide the device back over the nipple with the device oriented so the cam will push against the trip rod when the valve is fully open. Tighten the set screw that holds the nipple in place.
This shows a tamper switch installed on a typical Butterfly valve
The switch is installed in a factory tapped opening on the side of the valve gear box.
The trip rod is operated by a cam in the valve.
When the valve is fully open, the cam is pushing against the trip rod. As the valve is closed the cam moves away from the rod and the switch trips
Installation:
Remove the nipple from the PCVS and install it in the valve.
Loosen the set screw holding the trip rod in place and extend the rod.
Partially close the valve and slide the switch over the nipple.
The trip rod will hit the cam of the valve and adjust itself to the proper length.
Remove the device and push the trip rod in another fraction of an inch, (approx 1/32). This will prevent the rod from moving due to an imperfection on the cam. Now tighten the set screw holding the trip rod.
Slide the device back over the nipple with the device oriented so the cam will push against the trip rod when the valve is fully open. Tighten the set screw that holds the nipple in place.
20. 20 Post Indicator Valves use the same tamper switch as Butterfly valves do
The switch is installed in a factory tapped opening located on the side of the valve near the windows.
If the valve is not pre-drilled, the installer can drill and tap the valve. Or, if there are two windows and it is acceptable to the AHJ, one of the windows can be removed and the switch installed on a steel plate in place of one of the windows.
The trip rod sits on the valve target. As the valve is closed the trip rod follows the target.
The switch should trip within 2 revolutions of the valve. Occasionally it may be necessary to adjust the target of the valve.
Post Indicator Valves use the same tamper switch as Butterfly valves do
The switch is installed in a factory tapped opening located on the side of the valve near the windows.
If the valve is not pre-drilled, the installer can drill and tap the valve. Or, if there are two windows and it is acceptable to the AHJ, one of the windows can be removed and the switch installed on a steel plate in place of one of the windows.
The trip rod sits on the valve target. As the valve is closed the trip rod follows the target.
The switch should trip within 2 revolutions of the valve. Occasionally it may be necessary to adjust the target of the valve.
21. 21 Frequently there are ball valves installed in the trim of dry pipe valves and alarm check valves between the valve and the alarm pressure switch.
These valves should be supervised.
The tamper switch should be installed so that the switch operates before the valve is 1/5 of the way closedFrequently there are ball valves installed in the trim of dry pipe valves and alarm check valves between the valve and the alarm pressure switch.
These valves should be supervised.
The tamper switch should be installed so that the switch operates before the valve is 1/5 of the way closed
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