The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.,
103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Model MBEC-14
Extended Coverage
Ordinary & Extra Hazard
Horizontal Sidewall Sprinklers
for Metal Building Applications
Bulletin 169
Rev
.
F
Bulletin 169
Rev.
F
Model MBEC-14
(SIN R6932)
Features
1. Designed to be installed on piping that is sup-
ported by the primary structure, not the purlins.
2. Provides Extended Coverage Ordinary & Extra
Hazard protection to 175 ft
2
(16.3m
2
) per sprinkler.
3. Very extra large orifice of nominal K =14 (200)
permits low pressures.
4. Density/Area Demand based upon hazard to be
protected.
5. 165°F (74°C) & 212°F (100°C) temperature rat-
ings.
6. Standard finishes in brass and chrome.
7. Can be used for all editions of NFPA 13 that per-
mit extended coverage sprinklers.
Listings & Approvals
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and UL Certified
for Canada (cULus).
2. Certified by FM Approvals
FM Global considers this sprinkler as a
“Quick Response” extended coverage sprinkler.
3. NYC MEA 258-93-E
UL Listing Category
Sprinklers for Storage Protection (Specific Application)
UL Guide Number
VNIV
Patents: US Patent No. 6,889,774 B2
Product Description
The Reliable MBEC-14 Extended Coverage Sprinkler is a
special application sprinkler for the protection of metal buildings
with purlin roof support. The sprinkler has a very extra large
orifice, Nominal K=14 (200).
When the system is designed to NFPA 13 requirements,
MBEC-14 sprinklers provide protection in Ordinary Hazard
(Groups 1 and 2) and Extra Hazard (Groups 1 and 2) Occupan-
cies to 175 ft
2
(16.3 m
2
) per sprinkler .
For FM Global, use Table 2 of FM Global Data Sheet 3-26 for
nonstorage occupancies. FM does not permit the use of these
sprinklers in areas with flammable liquids or shielded discharge.
FM Global representatives must be contacted for exact require-
ments. Reliable MBEC-14 sprinklers are to be installed accord-
ing to the design criteria shown in this bulletin. Figure 3 shows
a suggested method of installing the line piping.
Reliable MBEC-14 sprinklers use a levered fusible alloy solder
link.
Design Criteria
Reliable Model MBEC-14 sprinklers are to be used in systems
designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13, FM Global
requirements and all other local codes and ordinances. The
following design criteria also apply:
• Design Density/Area method sprinkler. Minimum End-
head Pressure: 7.0 psi (0.5 bar) Minimum density: 0.21
GPM/ft
2
(8.56 Lpm/m
2
).
• Maximum building height at peak is 32’ (9.8 m). Maximum
protected bay width is 25’ (7.6 m). See Figures 1. & 2.
• Sprinklers may be installed on pipe lines attached to the
top flange of primary roof beams. Sprinklers are to be in-
stalled with deflectors parallel to the floor. See Figure 2.
• Maximum sprinkler spacing along the pipe is 14’ (4.3 m)
and maximum water discharge length from the pipe is
12.5’ (3.8 m). 175 ft
2
is the maximum coverage area. See
Figures 2 & 3.
• Minimum sprinkler spacing is 7’ (2.1 m) for NFPA and 8’
for FM Global. (This does not apply to back-to-back sprin-
klers separated by the I-beams.) See Figures 2, 3 & 4.
• Deflector to commodity clearance shall be a minimum of
10’ (3.1m). See Figures 2 & 3.
• Miscellaneous and in-process storage of 12’ (3.7 m) for
NFPA applications and 10’ for FM Global is permitted.
• Deflector distance below roof/ceiling is 12” (305 mm) to
16” (406 mm). If there is an interior liner panel installed on
the bottom side of the roof purlins, the acceptable deflec-
tor distance is 4”- 6” below the liner panel. See Figure 3.
• Follow NFPA 13 requirements for obstructions to sprinkler’s
discharge (Extended Coverage Sidewall Spray Sprin-
klers).
• Sprinklers can be installed under a sloping ceiling not ex-
ceeding 2” (50.8 mm) of rise in 12” (305 mm) of run.
• Maximum working pressure is 175 psi (12 bar) at the
sprinkler.
• Available for use in wet, dry, or preaction systems.
