Important
Please Read Carefully And Save
This instruction manual contains important information about the installation and operation of waterflow detectors. Purchasers who install waterflow detectors 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 instructions that apply to the model you are installing.
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 controlled delay mechanism. Delays do NOT accumulate; they reset 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
Sensor installation manual covers the following waterflow detectors for
sprinkler/fire alarm applications.
Accuflow Models Pipe Diameter Pipe Schedules
AFD20 2" 5 through 40
AFD25 2-1/2" 7 through 40
AFD30-2 3" 7 through 40
AFD35 3-1/2" 7 through 40
AFD40 4" 7 through 40
AFD50 5" 7 through 40
AFD60 6" 7 through 40
AFD80 8" 10 through 40
Do NOT use any of the AFD 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
bimetallic corrosion.
AFD Accuflow
™
Vane-type Waterflow Detector
with Solid State Time Retard
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: 630-377-6495
www.systemsensor.com
Installation Guidelines
Before installing any waterflow alarm device, be thoroughly familiar with:
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 25: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems
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 associated 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 detector 6 to 7 ft. above the floor to protect from potential 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
applications, 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
direction 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 prevent 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.
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.
Specifications
Contact Ratings: 0.6 A @ 125 VAC; 2 A @ 30VDC
Triggering Threshold Bandwidth
(Flow Rate): 4 to 10 gpm
Static Pressure Rating: 450 PSI (Max) 2” – 8”
Dimensions, Installed: 3.5"H x 3.0"W x 6.7"D
Operating Temperature Range: 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C)
Compatible Pipe: See Accuflow models listed below
Shipping Weight: 4 to 7 lb., according to size.
Enclosure Rating: NEMA Type 4
Voltage Range: 8.4–35 V (DC–FWR); 108–132 VAC
Power Requirements: 300µA at 12 and 24 V (DC–FWR) or
400µA at 120 VAC
U.S. Patent Number: 6,084,521; 3,845,259
Panel Compatibility:
The AFD waterflow indicators may receive power and operate on a twowire initiating zone of a fire alarm control panel. When determining compatibility of these devices, the standby operating voltage of the control
panel must be between 8.5 and 35 volts. In the standby mode, the AFD
draws a maximum current of 0.3 mA. In alarm, the AFD acts as a short
across the initiating zone (similar to a manual fire box). For two wire
conventional fire alarm control panels, not more than 5 waterflow
indicators may be connected to a single initiating zone. The maximum
retard/reset time of the waterflow indicator plus the initiating zone shall
not exceed 90 seconds.
For two wire addressable control panels, the number of waterflow
indicators connected to the panel’s signaling line circuit shall be limited only by the circuit’s current capacity.
D770-29-00 1 I56-1570-003R
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 locating boss goes into the hole.
5. Install the U-bolt, tightening the nuts alternately to ensure a uniform
seal. See Table 2 for torque values.
6. Remove the metal cover with the tamper-proof wrench provided.
Move the actuator lever back and forth to check for binding. If the
vane binds, remove the detector and correct the cause before proceeding.
Pre-operation
Fill the sprinkler system and check for leaks around the waterflow detector. If it leaks, first check for the proper torque on the U-bolt nuts. If the
leak persists, drain the system and remove the detector (refer to
Maintenance). Check for dirt or foreign objects under the gasket, and
make sure that the pipe surface is not dented. Reinstall the detector and
check again for leaks. Do not proceed until all leaks have been stopped.
Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow points in the right direction or else
water flow will go unreported. See Figure 9.
Wiring
High Voltage. Electrocution Hazard. Do not handle live AC wiring or work
on a device to which AC power is applied. Doing so may result in injury or
death.
1. All models have two wires and two sets of terminals.
Relay Wires (W1 & W2 designated on PCB): These wires are connected to a latching normally open (as in No Flow) relay contact. They
are isolated from all electronics. They will close and cause a short
when water flows and the retard time elapses. They will remain shorted until waterflow stops. Once waterflow stops, these contacts will reopen. Power Terminals (T2 designated on PCB): This is a two screw
terminal block. The Accuflow gets its power from these terminals.
These terminals must have voltage present from the FACP or other suitable source of power before anything will work. If no power is present,
the Accuflow will not provide proper alarm signals. These terminals
will accept power in any polarity as well as AC-line power.
Aux Relay Terminals (T1 designated on PCB): This is a THREE screw
terminal block. These terminals are connected to a latching Form C
relay. In no flow conditions, COM is connected to A. When flow is
detected COM will disconnect from A and connect to B. This relay will
latch in that state and reset after water stops flowing.
2. Adjust Dip Switch to desired time delay. See Figure 11. For Dip Switch
location, see Figure 9.
3. When connected to a listed sprinkler/fire alarm control panel, the initiating circuit must be nonsilenceable.
4. A ground screw is provided with all waterflow detectors. When
grounding is required, clamp wire with screw in hole located between
conduit entrance holes. See Figure 10A, page 4.
5. If a second conduit entry is required, remove the knockout plug using
a flat blade screwdriver as shown on Figure 10B, page 4. Strike sharply
with a hammer to pierce the wall of the knockout plug. Move to an
adjacent wall section and repeat until the plug falls out. Make sure
that the waterflow detector is supported adequately during this operation to avoid injury.
NOTE: Power terminals must be connected to FACP or other non-
silenceable initiating circuit.
Operation Testing
Always notify a central station monitoring waterflow alarms before
repairing, maintaining, or testing waterflow alarm devices.
1. Replace the cover and tighten the tamper proof screws with the tamper proof wrench. Store the wrench in a secure place.
2. Open the inspector’s test valve and time how long it takes for the detector to indicate a flow condition. The detector should remain activated
until the inspector’s test valve is closed. Air pockets in the sprinkler
system may increase the apparent delay.
A78-1609-00
Figure 1. Mounting dimensions:
3
″
3-3/4″
Pipe saddle
U-bolt nut
Plastic vane
Pipe
U-bolt
Overall width = pipe diameter + 3″
Pipe diameter
plus 5-1/4
″
Maintenance
To prevent accidental water damage, control valves should be shut tight
and the system completely drained before waterflow detectors are
removed or replaced.
Inspect detectors monthly for leaks and replace if a leak occurs. Test detectors at least monthly, as described under Operational Testing, to ensure
proper operation. Test more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction.
Under normal conditions, System Sensor waterflow detectors should provide years of trouble-free service.
Do not repair or replace any other waterflow detector components. If any
other part of the detector does not perform properly, replace the entire
detector. Failure to follow this instruction may result in failure of the
detector to report the flow of water.
To remove a detector:
1. Drain the pipe.
2. Turn off electrical power to the detector and disconnect the wiring.
3. Loosen the nuts and remove the U-bolts.
4. Gently lift the saddle far enough to get your fingers under it. Then, roll
the vane so it will fit through the hole while continuing to lift the
waterflow detector saddle.
5. Lift the detector clear of the pipe.
If a vane breaks in a pipe, find and remove it. If it is not removed, the vane
may restrict the flow of water to all or part of the sprinkler system.
Table 1:
AFD MODEL Hole Size
20, 25, 35 1-1/4
"
30-2, 40, 50, 60,80 2
"
Table 2:
AFD MODEL Torque
20, 25, 35 30 - 35 ft-lb
30-2, 40, 50, 60, 80 55 - 60 ft-lb
Figure 2. Mounting hole location:
A78-1496-07
Wrong
Right
Remove burrs from edge of hole. Clean out scale and foreign
matter for one pipe diameter on each side of hole.
D770-29-00 2 I56-1570-003R