System Sensor WFDNA Series, WFD20NA, WFD25NA, WFD50NA, WFD60NA Installation And Maintenance Instruction

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION

WFDNA Series Vane-type Waterow

6581 Kitimat Road, Unit 6, Mississauga, Ontario L5N-3T5

Detectors

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: 2.6 in H x 3.5 in W x 6.7 in D
Operating Temperature Range: 32°F to 150°F (0°C to 66°C)
Compatible Pipe: Steel water pipe, schedule 7 through 40 (See chart below)
Shipping Weight: 3 to 6 lbs (according to size)
Enclosure Rating: NEMA Type 4, as tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
U. S. Patent Numbers: 5,213,205

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.

The model WFDNA is a vane-type waterflow detector for use in wet-pipe fire
sprinkler systems only. Vane-type waterflow detectors shall not be used as
the sole initiating device in both deluge and preaction systems; waterflow de­tectors used in these types of systems may result in an unintended discharge
caused by a surge, trapped air or a short retard time.

Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in accordance with
all national and local codes and ordinances.

Shock hazard: Disconnect power source before servicing. Serious injury or
death could result.

Risk of explosion: Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious injury or
death could result.

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

Vane-type waterflow detectors mount to water-filled pipes in fire sprinkler
systems. Waterflow in the pipe deflects a vane, which produces a switched
output, usually after a specified delay. All WFDNA’s have a pneumatically
controlled mechanical delay mechanism. Delays do NOT accumulate; they
reset if the flow of water stops or drops below minimum triggering flow rate
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 fire sprinkler/fire alarm applications.

Model

WFD20NA 2 7 thru 40 450
WFD25NA 2.5 7 thru 40 450
WFD30NA 3 7 thru 40 450
WFD40NA 4 7 thru 40 450
WFD50NA 5 10 thru 40 450
WFD60NA 6 10 thru 40 450
WFD80NA 8 10 thru 40 450

Pipe Size

(inches)

Pipe

Schedule

Max. Pressure

Rating (psig)

Do NOT use any of the WFDNA 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.

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
CAN/ULC S524: Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
Other applicable Canadian and NFPA standards, local codes, and the re-

quirements 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 fire 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 accidental
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 arrows and directional cover match the direc­tion of flow in the pipe. See Figure 6.

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Drain the pipe.

2. Cut a hole in the pipe at the desired location. Center the hole on 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.

1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]

www.systemsensor.ca

SS-200-035 1 I56-4175-002

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

CAUTION

8.9 CM

WRONG

TAMPER PROOF

WARNING

scale and foreign matter from the inside of the pipe for a distance equal
to the pipe diameter on either 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 (see Figure 3). 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 1 for torque values).

6. Remove the 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.

Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow and directional cover point in the correct
direction or else water flow will go unreported. See Figure 3 and Figure 6.

FIGURE 1. MOUNTING DIMENSIONS:

(3.5")

6.6 CM
(2.6")

PIPE DIAMETER

PLUS 12.7 CM

UBOLT

NUT

PIPE

SADDLE

(5")

PRE-OPERATION TESTING

1. Fill the fire 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.

2. Connect an ohmmeter or continuity tester across the COM and B-NO
switch terminals. The ohmmeter should indicate an open circuit.

3. Deflect the actuator lever and hold it until the pneumatic delay shaft
releases the switch buttons. The ohmmeter or continuity tester should
show a short circuit after the delay has elapsed. If there is no delay,
check the setting of the delay adjustment dial.

FIGURE 3. ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM:

WRENCH

MOUNTING PLATE

PIPE SADDLE

ROLL PADDLE

OPPOSITE OF
FLOW ARROW

WHILE INSERTING

(P/N WFDW)

COVER

TIMER
(REPLACEMENT
P/N FS-RT)

COVER TAMPER

SWITCH
(OPTIONAL P/N CTS)

ELECTRICAL
CONDUIT
ENTRANCE

U-BOLT
NUT

UBOLLT

OVERALL WIDTH = PIPE DIAMETER + 6.4 CM (2.5")

FIGURE 2. MOUNTING HOLE LOCATION:

REMOVE BURRS FROM EDGE OF HOLE. CLEAN OUT SCALE

AND FOREIGN MATTER FROM INSIDE WALL OF PIPE.

RIGHT

TABLE 1:

WFDNA MODEL HOLE SIZE (IN) TORQUE

20, 25 1

1

/4 30–35 ft.-lb.

40 2 45- 50 ft.-lb

30, 50, 60, 80 2 60- 65 ft.-lb.

PIPE

PIPE
VANE

W0384-00

W0106-00

SADDLE GASKET

PIPE

LOW

WATERF

REFER TO

T ABLE 1

U-BOLT

W0392-00

FIELD WIRING

1. All models have two SPDT switches. Switch contacts COM and B-NO
are closed when water is flowing and open when it is not. Connect the
switches, as shown in Figure 7, depending on the application.

2. When connected to a listed fire sprinkler/fire alarm control panel, the
initiating circuit must be unable to be silenced.

3. 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 4.

4. Use proper waterproof conduit fittings where required.

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.

When utilizing switches at voltages greater than 74VDC or 49VAC

means to provide all–pole disconnection must be incorporated in the

fixed wiring, such as a circuit breaker.

SS-200-035 2 I56-4175-002

NUMBER ON DIAL

ADJUSTMENT

MECHANICAL DELAY ADJUSTMENT

CAUTION

The pneumatic delay is preset at the factory to 30 seconds. To adjust the set­ting, turn the adjustment dial clockwise to increase the delay, counterclock­wise to decrease it. The delay is adjustable from 0 to 90 seconds max. See
Figure 5. As a point of reference when setting time delay in dark environ­ments the notch in the dial indicates an approximate 30 second time delay
and the larger of the three tabs indicates an approximate 60 second time
delay.

NOTE: Set the delay to the minimum required to prevent false alarms from
flow surges.

Periodically test time delay as required by Authority Having Jurisdiction or
code authority.

OPERATIONAL 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.

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 in accordance with applicable ULC and NFPA codes and
standards and/or the Authority Having Jurisdiction for leaks and replace if a
leak occurs. Test detectors at least quarterly, 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. However, if the delay mechanism becomes
faulty, a replacement kit is available. To replace the delay mechanism, re­quest Part No. FS-RT. Complete instructions are enclosed with replacement
parts. The mechanism can be easily replaced without removing the detector
from the pipe or draining the pipe. 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. 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.

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.

FIGURE 4. KNOCKOUT PLUG REMOVAL:

GROUND

SCREW

FIGURE 5. DELAY ADJUSTMENT DIAL:

NOTE: RETA RD TIME MAY EXCEED 90 SECONDS. ADJUST

AND VERIFY THAT TIME DOES NOT EXCEED 90 SECONDS.

IS APPROXIMATE TIME DELAY IN SECONDS

W0383-01

DELAY
DIAL

W0385-00

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 fire sprinkler system.

SS-200-035 3 I56-4175-002

WARNING

FIGURE 6. DIRECTIONAL COVER

NOTCHED COVER INDICATES FLOW DIRECTION AT A

DISTANCE FROM MULTIPLE VIEWING ANGLES

FIGURE 7. WFDNA WIRING:

ULC-LISTED
COMPATIBLE
CONTROL PANEL

POWER
24VDC
OR
120VAC

INITIATING

LOOP

+

-

+

-

W0382-00

SUGGESTED EOL
RESISTOR

SSM24-X

SSV120-X

NOTE: COMMON AND B-NO
CONNECTIONS WILL CLOSE
WHEN VANE IS DEFLECTED, I.E.,
WHEN WATER IS FLOWING. DUAL
SWITCHES PERMIT
APPLICATIONS TO BE COMBINED
ON A SINGLE DETECTOR.

CONTACT RATINGS

125/250 VAC 10 AMPS

24 VDC2.5 AMPS

Please refer to insert for the Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems

1. Waterflow detectors may not work or operate properly if sprinkler piping being moni­tored is plugged with pipe scale, mud, stones or other foreign material. Sprinkler sys­tems should be checked regularly for such blocking material, following the instructions
in Chapter 5 of NFP

2. Alarms generated by the activation of waterflow detectors may not be received by
a central station if telephone or other communication lines to the detector are out of
service, disabled, or open.

System Sensor warrants its enclosed waterflow detector to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of three years
from date of manufacture. System Sensor makes no other express warranty for this
waterflow detector. No agent, representative, dealer, or employee of the Company
has the authority to increase or alter the obligations or limitations of this Warranty. The
Company’s obligation of this Warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of any
part of the waterflow detector which is found to be defective in materials or workman
ship under normal use and service during the three year period commencing with the
date of manufacture. After phoning System Sensor’s toll free number 800-SENSOR2
(736-7672) for a Return Authorization number, send defective units postage prepaid

SS-200-035 4 I56-4175-002
©2015 System Sensor

A Standard 13A.

SCHEMATIC OF
INDIVIDUAL
SWITCH IN
"NO WATERFLOW"
CONDITION

BREAK WIRE AS
SHOWN FOR
SUPERVISION OF
CONNECTION. DO
NOT ALLOW
STRIPPED WIRE
LEADS TO EXTEND
BEYOND SWITCH
HOUSING. DO NOT
LOOP WIRES.

THE LIMITATIONS OF WATERFLOW ALARM DEVICES

THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

3. Vane-type waterflow detectors have a normal service life of 10-15 years. Hard water
systems, however, may substantially reduce waterflow detector service life.

4. Waterflow detectors are not a substitute for insurance. Building owners should always
insure property and lives being protected by sprinkler systems.

5. If valves controlling the water supply to a sprinkler system are closed, vane-type wa
terflow detectors will not work. All valves controlling a sprinkler water supply should
be sealed or locked in the normally open position.
be monitored by a sprinkler supervisory switch.

to: System Sensor, Returns Department, RA #__________, 6581 Kitimat Road, Unit 6,
Mississauga, Ontario L5N-3T5. Please include a note describing the malfunction and
suspected cause of failure. The Company shall not be obligated to repair or replace units
which are found to be defective because of damage, unreasonable use, modifications,
or alterations occurring after the date of manufacture. In no case shall the Company
be liable for any consequential or incidental damages for breach of this or any other
Warranty, expressed or implied whatsoever, even if the loss or damage is caused by the

­Company’s negligence or fault. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply
to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

A-NC

COM

B-NO

W0393-00

-

The normally open position should