D770-01-00 1
I56-0459-017R
WFD Vane-type Waterflow Detectors
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: 630-377-6495
www.systemsensor.com
IMPORTANT
Please Read Carefully And Save
This instruction manual contains important information about the installation
and operation of waterflow detectors. Purchasers who install waterflow detec-
tors for use by others must leave this manual or a copy of it with the user.
Read all instructions carefully before beginning. Follow only those instruc-
tions that apply to the model you are installing.
CAUTION
Use vane-type waterflow detectors in wet-pipe systems only. Do NOT use
them in dry pipe, deluge, or preaction systems. The sudden inrush of water in
such systems may break the vane or damage the mechanism.
Do not use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Do not allow unused wires
to remain exposed.
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Vane-type waterflow detectors mount to water-filled pipes in sprinkler systems.
Waterflow in the pipe deflects a vane, which produces a switched output–
usually after a specified delay. All waterflow detectors have a pneumatically
controlled mechanical delay mechanism. Delays do NOT accumulate; they re-
set if the flow of water stops before the entire delay has elapsed. All switches
actuate when the water flow rate is 10 gallons per minute or greater, but will
not actuate if the flow rate is less than 4 gallons per minute. This System Sen-
sor installation manual covers the following waterflow detectors for sprinkler/
fire alarm applications.
Model
Pipe Size
(inches)
Pipe
Schedule
Max. Pressure
Rating (psig)
WFD20
2
10 thru 40
450
WFD25
2.5
10 thru 40
450
WFD30-2
3
10 thru 40
450
WFD35
3.5
10 thru 40
450
WFD40
4
10 thru 40
450
WFD50
5
10 thru 40
450
WFD60
6
10 thru 40
450*
WFD80
8
10 thru 40
450*
*Maximum Pressure Rating 400 psig as approved by Factory Mutual Research.
CAUTION
Do NOT use any of the WFD models on copper pipe. The clamping forces of
the mounting bolts may collapse the pipe sufficiently to prevent the detector
from functioning properly.
Do NOT install steel or iron pipe sections in copper piping for mounting a
waterflow detector. Incompatibility between the dissimilar metals causes bi-
metallic corrosion.
SPECIFICATIONS
Contact Ratings:
10 A @ 125/250 VAC
; 2.5 A @ 24 VDC
Triggering Threshold Bandwidth (Flow Rate):
4 to 10 gpm
Static Pressure Rating:
See models listed below
Dimensions, Installed:
3.5 in H x 3.0 in W x 6.7 in D
Operating Temperature Range:
32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C)
Compatible Pipe:
Steel water pipe, schedule 10 through 40
Shipping Weight:
4 to 7 lb (according to size)
Enclosure Rating:
NEMA Type 4, as tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (IP56)
U. S. Patent Numbers:
5,213,205
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Before installing any waterflow alarm device, be thoroughly familiar with:
NFPA 72:
National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA 13:
Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Sect. 3.17
NFPA 25:
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems, Sect. 5.3.3.2
Other applicable NFPA standards, local codes, and the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction
NOTE:
Installation methods other than those listed in this installation manual
may prevent the device from reporting the flow of water in the event the asso-
ciated sprinkler system is activated by a fire. System Sensor is not responsible
for devices that have been improperly installed, tested, or maintained.
1.
Mount the detector where there is adequate clearance for installation and
removal and a clear view of it for inspections. See Figure 1 for mounting
dimensions.
2.
Locate the detector 6 to 7 feet above the floor to protect from acci-
dental damage.
3.
On horizontal runs, position the detector on the top or side of the pipe.
Do not mount it upside down because condensation may collect in the
housing and impair the operation of the detector. For vertical flow appli-
cations, mount the detector on pipe through which water flows upward.
Otherwise, the unit may not operate properly.
4.
Mount the detector at least 6 inches from a fitting that changes the direc-
tion of water flow and no less than 24 inches from a valve or drain.
5.
Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow matches the direction of flow in the pipe.
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Drain the pipe.
2.
Cut a hole at the desired location. Center the hole in the pipe, as shown
in
Figure 2
, and be sure the hole is perpendicular to the center of the
pipe. Before drilling, use a punch or scribe to mark the drill site to pre-
vent the bit from slipping. If the hole is off center, the vane will bind
against the inside wall of the pipe. Use a drill or hole saw to cut a hole of
the proper diameter. See Table 1 for hole size.
CAUTION
When drilling the hole with a hole saw, make certain that the center of the cut
does not remain in the pipe.
3.
Remove burrs and sharp edges from the hole. Clean and remove all scale
and foreign matter from the inside of the pipe for one diameter on each
side of the hole to ensure free movement of the vane. Clean the outside
of the pipe to remove dirt, metal chips, and cutting lubricant.
4.
Seat the gasket against the saddle and mount the detector directly to the
pipe. Carefully roll the vane opposite the direction of flow and insert it
through the hole. Seat the saddle firmly against the pipe so that the locat-
ing boss goes into the hole.
I56-0459-0
17R
