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June 15, 2007
Alarm Devices 703a
WATERFLOW
TECHNICAL DATA
INDICATOR
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Road, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-945-4495 Email: techsvcs@vikingcorp.com
1. DESCRIPTION
The Waterfl ow Indicator is a vane-type waterfl ow switch designed to detect a sustained fl ow of water exceeding 10 gpm. It is intended
for use on wet-pipe sprinkler systems only. The Model VSR-F has a built-in adjustable pneumatic retard device delays actuation of the
electrical switches to reduce the possibility of false alarms caused by one or more transient fl ow surges. The Model VS-SP does not
have a retard to prevent false alarm, therefore, it should NOT be used on systems with variable water pressure, except in the case
of elevator recall. The unit includes two single-pole double-throw snap action switches used to operate local alarms, indicate signals
to annunciator panels, trip municipal fi re alarm boxes, start fi re pumps, or any other function that can be initiated or controlled by the
opening or closing of an electrical switch. The device may be installed on the main riser to give a system waterfl ow signal or on branch
feed mains, cross mains, or branch lines to give a waterfl ow signal by zone or area.
2. LISTINGS AND APPROVALS
Model VSR-F and VS-SP
UL Listed - Guide No. USQT
FM Approved - Waterfl ow Detectors, Vane Type
Model VSR-D 10”
UL Listed - System Extinguishing Attachments - Guide No. USQT
3. TECHNICAL DATA
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Potter Electric Signal Company
Water Working Pressure:
Model VS-SP rated for water working service pressure up to 250 psi (1 730 mm) kPa)
for size 1-1/2” (40 mm)
Model VSR-F rated for water working service pressure up to 450 psi (3 013 kPa) for sizes 2” (50 mm) to 8” (200 mm)
Model VSR-F 10” rated for water working service pressure up to 300 psi (2 076 kPa) for size 10” (250 mm)
Switches:
Model VSR-F
Two single-pole double-throw switches with Form C contacts rated at 15 Amps 125/250 V. AC, 2.0 Amp 0-30 V. DC. Each switch can
be wired for open or closed circuit operation. See Figure 2.
Model VS-SP
Two single-pole double-throw switches with Form C contacts rated at 15 Amps 125/250 V. AC, 2.5 Amp 0-30 V. DC. Each switch can
be wired for open or closed circuit operation. See Figure 2.
Adjustability for Flow Sensitivity:
Pneumatic retard adjustable from 0 to approximately 90 seconds with automatic resetting.
Unit may be installed vertically or horizontally. Vane is corrosion resistant plastic. CAUTION: Vane-type waterfl ow indicators should
be used only in wet-pipe systems and not in dry, deluge, or preaction systems. The paddle and/or mechanism may be damaged by
the sudden surge of water in those systems.
Material Standards:
Body: Cast Aluminum
Base: Cast aluminum.
Enclosure: Die-cast, red enamel fi nish
Cover held in place with tamper resistant screws
Ordering Information:
See Table 1
Viking Technical Data may be found on
The Viking Corporation’s Web site at
http://www.vikinggroupinc.com.
The Web site may include a more recent
edition of this Technical Data Page.
4. INSTALLATION
The waterfl ow indicator must be located on the system side of the system control valve, check valve, and main drain valve. Install a
minimum of 6 inches (147 mm) from any fi tting that changes the direction of the waterfl ow and 24 inches (588 mm) from a valve or
drain. The device may be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal piping, the unit should be mounted in a vertical position
with the cover on top. If necessary, it may be mounted off center, but never exceed an angle greater than 90 degrees from vertical.
Close the water supply control valve and drain the system, relieving all pressure. At the selected location, drill a hole in the pipe using
a circular saw in a slow-speed drill. The 2” (50 mm) and 2-1/2” (65 mm) devices require a 1-1/4” (32 mm) hole. All other sizes require
a 2” (50 mm) hole. De-burr the hole and clean the pipe of all growth ad other material for a distance equal to the pipe diameter on
each side of the hole.
Form No. F_051889
Revised page replaces page 703a-b dated September 23, 2005
(Revised Format)
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Alarm Devices 703b
June 15, 2007
WATERFLOW
TECHNICAL DATA
INDICATOR
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Road, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-945-4495 Email: techsvcs@vikingcorp.com
Roll the vane in the opposite direction of the waterfl ow, taking care not to bend or crease the vane and insert it into the hole. The
vane must be inserted so the arrow on the saddle points in the direction of the waterfl ow. Install the saddle strap and tighten the nuts
alternately to 50 ft. lbs. (7 m kgf) of torque. To verify the vane does not bind in the pipe, press the trip rod toward the timing head and
then release. It should move and return smoothly.
Place the system back in service and test the waterfl ow indicator using the system inspector’s test valve. If necessary, adjust the
pneumatic retard and/or equipment and perform quarterly inspection.
A. Adjustments
The pneumatic retard is adjustable from 0 to approximately 90 seconds. To increase the time delay, turn the dial to the next higher
letter. Normal setting is between 30 and 45 seconds. In no case should the time be set less than 20 seconds nor more than 90
seconds.
The fl ow sensitivity is set at approximately 10 gpm. A small coil spring holds the vane in its normal position against the waterfl ow.
The spring can be adjusted to increase or decrease sensitivity, if necessary, but it must not be over-tightened. Too much tension
will decrease the sensitivity of the device. The pneumatic retard must be checked after adjusting the fl ow sensitivity. All testing and
adjusting of the waterfl ow indicator must be done using the remote inspector’s test valve.
5. OPERATION
The Waterfl ow Indicator detects a fl ow of water exceeding 10 gpm in the piping when the fl exible vane is defl ected. This motion acti-
vates the fi eld-adjustable pneumatic retard device. The pneumatic retard device delays activation of the electrical switches to reduce
the possibility of false alarms caused by a single or series of transient fl ow surges. The retard device instantly resets during a series
of surges to prevent a cumulative effect. After a sustained fl ow, the two switches operate to open or close electrical contacts.
6. INSPECTIONS, TESTS AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Any system maintenance or testing that involves placing a control valve or detection system out of service may eliminate
the fi re protection of that system. Prior to proceeding, notify all authorities having jurisdiction. Consideration should be given to em-
ployment of a fi re patrol in the affected area. Ascertain what alarms and equipment are connected to the waterfl ow indicator and take
necessary precautions to protect connected equipment.
A. Inspection:
It is imperative that the system be inspected and tested on a regular basis. The following recommendations are minimum requirements. The frequency of the inspections may vary due to contaminated water supplies, corrosive water supplies, or corrosive
atmospheres. In addition, the alarm devices, detection systems, or other connected trim may require a more frequent schedule.
Refer to applicable codes and the authorities having jurisdiction for minimum requirements.
1.
Monthly: Take necessary precautions and notify all connected alarm services, local fire department, security guards, or other
affected personnel that the waterflow indicator is being tested to prevent a false alarm from being transmitted.
2.
With the system in service, fully open the inspector’s test valve and record the time required to activate the alarm.
3.
Close the inspector’s test valve. The waterflow indicator will automatically reset. All alarms and connected equipment should
have operated as required by the system design. Compare the recorded operating time to previous readings. Investigate and
correct any major changes in operating times.
4.
Reset all connected alarms and equipment. Notify all affected personnel that the testing is complete and any further alarms
must be responded to.
B. Repairs
Any waterfl ow indicator requiring repairs due to damaged components should be replaced with a new unit. Refer to installation
instructions for adjustments.
7. AVAILABILITY & SERVICE
Viking Waterfl ow Indicators are available through a network of domestic and international distributors. See the Viking web site or
contact The Viking Corporation for closet distributor.
8. GUARANTEES
For details of warranty, refer to Viking’s current list price schedule or contact Viking directly.