Potter VSR-SF Vane Type Water flow Alarm...

[1793]

I have been asked to connect the feed and horn/bell for a fire suppression system in a 4 unit condo. The original EC appears to have run some lines but the unit was never connected, and to make make things worse, the Water Flow Alarm was covered by drywall. The lines stubbed out next to the water line are "dead".

I would like to know if someone would be willing to help with a few questions,

1) Does this unit have to be fed from the House panel or can it come from any source?

2) Does this flow alarm need to be on a separate circuit?

3) What type of horn/bell should be used and where does it need to be located?

 

[Riograndeelectric]

I have been asked to connect the feed and horn/bell for a fire suppression system in a 4 unit condo. The original EC appears to have run some lines but the unit was never connected, and to make make things worse, the Water Flow Alarm was covered by drywall. The lines stubbed out next to the water line are "dead".

I would like to know if someone would be willing to help with a few questions,

1) Does this unit have to be fed from the House panel or can it come from any source? this is a question for the fire Marshal. I know some jurisdictions require the power to orginate from the main FACP and others want the horn strobe supervised.

2) Does this flow alarm need to be on a separate circuit?

3) What type of horn/bell should be used and where does it need to be located?

you will need a horn strobe unit listed for outdoor locations located above the Fire dept connection. whether this is a 120 volt or a 24VDC is up to your fire Marshall.
'if connection is to the main FACP you will need to make sure the FACP can handle the addtion cuurent for the horn strobe.

 

[1793]

you will need a horn strobe unit listed for outdoor locations located above the Fire dept connection. whether this is a 120 volt or a 24VDC is up to your fire Marshall.
'if connection is to the main FACP you will need to make sure the FACP can handle the addtion cuurent for the horn strobe.

Thanks for the input. As I'm sure all can tell I don't have a great deal of experience with these systems.

 

[goldstar]

and to make make things worse, the Water Flow Alarm was covered by drywall.

This will probably present a problem for you. You'll have to make sure the wiring compartment is exposed so that it can be serviced. In addition, once you open the compartment you'll find two SPDT switches (you'll only need one for your purpose) that are in the "operated" position by the stem leading to the paddle inside the pipe so don't attach any wire based on the switch markings. Use a meter to determine which is the N/O terminal. Next you'll find an Agastat timing device. You'll have to check with local authorities but make sure you set that pneumatic timer for something other than zero (it's usually 30 seconds in my area)

1) Does this unit have to be fed from the House panel or can it come from any source?

Again, you'll have to check with the local AHJ. This is not something that draws a lot of electricity. It just sits there in standby mode until a sprinkler head breaks.

2) Does this flow alarm need to be on a separate circuit?

Maybe,maybe not. Again, check with the AHJ. The main thing is that power cannot be arbitrarily shut off to the flow switch/horn-strobe setup by an unauthorized person. You may have to install a disconnect switch with a lockable handle. The main premise to this whole setup is that as long as there is water flowing through the sprinkler system that horn-strobe has to operate.

3) What type of horn/bell should be used and where does it need to be located?

I believe Riogrand's answer is correct.

Hope this helps,

Phil,
Gold Star Electric,
New Jersey

 

[iwire]

I do not disagree with the others but I really feel you have to stop by the AHJs office and ask some questions. In my area this would be the local Fire dept.

1) Does this unit have to be fed from the House panel or can it come from any source?

I would be required to supply it from emergency if available. In some towns if there is no emergency they have made us tap the service conductors with a 30 amp fused disconnect with a 15 amp fuse to supply the bell circuit.

2) Does this flow alarm need to be on a separate circuit?

In my area, yes always dedicated, paint breaker red, install lock on device.

3) What type of horn/bell should be used and where does it need to be located?

In my area a Horn strobe is never used for the stand alone water flow, always a red bell located outside directly next to the sprinkler room / area.

In my area the fire dept would flip out about the drywall, it would be removed before I could get a CO.

This should have all been on some engineered plans, are you getting pulled into a unpermitted job? The drywall makes me think so.

 

[1793]

I do not disagree with the others but I really feel you have to stop by the AHJs office and ask some questions. In my area this would be the local Fire dept.



I would be required to supply it from emergency if available. In some towns if there is no emergency they have made us tap the service conductors with a 30 amp fused disconnect with a 15 amp fuse to supply the bell circuit.



In my area, yes always dedicated, paint breaker red, install lock on device.



In my area a Horn strobe is never used for the stand alone water flow, always a red bell located outside directly next to the sprinkler room / area.

In my area the fire dept would flip out about the drywall, it would be removed before I could get a CO.

This should have all been on some engineered plans, are you getting pulled into a unpermitted job? The drywall makes me think so.

Where to start. This complex is two level raised, garage/car port, at ground level, stacked condos per side connected with a breezeway for lack of better description. I'll try to get photos to help clarify this set-up.

According to some folks I have talked with there are NO plans on file with Zoning / Building Department in town. This project was started in 2003, first permit date for the building.

First unit of 4 started 2004 with final electrical dated 2007 for the unit that houses the Flow Alarm and Sprinkler valves. Then other units became occupied. I can see all of the permits pulled and status. At this time all units are completed and occupied.

The Fire Suppression permit pulled 1/2/04 and final PASS 3/21/05.

This Flow Alarm attached to the Sprinkler System is located in the utility room of one of the Condos. I don't know when the drywall went up. Only access is through the owners unit. This unit is on the other end of the complex from the Service main and the Fire Dept. connection.

I have suggested that the Condo Assoc. get in touch with the original contractors involved with this project and make them figure it out.

I look forward to more thoughts and insights and I will post updates.