Approval Standard for Deluge Systems and Preaction Systems

Class Number 1011 and 1012

November 1973

2002 FM Approvals LLC. All rights reserved.

Foreword

FM Approvals are intended to verify that the products and services described will meet stated conditions of performance, safety and quality useful to the ends of property conservation. The purpose of FM Approval Standards is to present the criteria for FM Approval of various types of products and services, as guidance for FM Approvals personnel, manufacturers, users and authorities having jurisdiction. Products submitted for Approval shall demonstrate that they meet the intent of the Approval Standard, and that quality control in manufacturing and/or applications shall ensure a consistently uniform and reliable product or service. FM Approval Standards strive to be performance-oriented and to facilitate technological development. For examining equipment, materials and services, FM Approval Standards: a) must be useful to the ends of property conservation by preventing, limiting or not causing damage under the conditions stated by the Approval listing; and b) must be readily identifiable. Continuance of Approval and Listing depends on compliance with the Approval agreement, satisfactory performance in the field, on successful re-examinations of equipment, materials, and services as appropriate, and on periodic follow-up audits of the manufacturing facility or service/application. FM Approvals LLC reserves the right in its sole judgement to change or revise its standards, criteria, methods, or procedures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Basis for Approval ............................................................................................................................................................ 1 II. DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2 2.1 Automatic Water Control Valves ....................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Release Mechanisms/Automatic Release ........................................................................................................................... 2 2.3 Fire Detection Devices/Actuating Mechanisms ................................................................................................................. 2 2.4 Supervisory Air Supply Systems ....................................................................................................................................... 2 2.5 Power and Control Units .................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.6 Auxiliary Equipment .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 3 3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 3.2 Markings ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3 3.3 Sizes .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3.4 Rated Working Pressure ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 3.5 Instructions and Test Equipment ........................................................................................................................................ 4 3.6 Serviceability ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4 3.7 Non-Electrical Fire Detection Devices .............................................................................................................................. 4 IV. DESIGN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................... 4 4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 4.2 Materials ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 4.3 Construction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5 4.4 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 4.5 Power Supplies ................................................................................................................................................................... 5 4.6 Circuitry .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5 V. TESTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................... 6 5.1 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 5.2 Power Supply Back-Up ................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.3 Malfunction Tests ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.4 Solenoid Valves .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 5.5 Environmental Tests ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 5.6 Other ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 VI. DESIGN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................. 7 6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 6.2 Materials ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 6.3 Construction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 6.4 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 6.5 Alarm and Trouble Signals ................................................................................................................................................ 7 VII. TESTS MECHANICAL SYSTEMS .............................................................................................................................. 8 7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 7.2 System Operation ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 7.3 Hydrostatic Tests ................................................................................................................................................................ 8 7.4 Supervisory Air System ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 7.5 Environmental Tests ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 APPENDIX A: UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................... 9 APPENDIX B: APPROVAL MARKS ........................................................................................................................................ 10

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I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope 1.1.1 Deluge and Preaction Systems are approved as complete systems to be engineered and installed by the manufacturer or a qualified sprinkler system installer. Both systems are normally without water in the system piping and the water supply is controlled by an automatic valve operated by heat responsive devices and manual devices independent of the sprinklers. 1.1.2 Deluge Systems have open sprinklers and are used where it is desirable to deliver water simultaneously through all sprinklers in the system. These systems are used in such locations as aircraft hangars, pyroxylin storage or working areas, and similar special hazard occupancies requiring the immediate application of large quantities of water over large areas. 1.1.3 Preaction Systems have many of the same components used in deluge systems. Two important differences are that normally closed sprinklers are used, and that supervisory air pressure may be maintained in the sprinkler piping. These systems may be used wherever a wet- or dry-pipe system is applicable and where it is desirable to have a dry-pipe system comparable in speed to a wet-pipe system. These systems normally provide an alarm before sprinklers operate, reduce the risk of water freezing, and minimize the water damage due to premature operation or mechanical injury.

1.2 Basis for Approval 1.2.1 FM Approval is based on examination and tests of production samples, inspection of manufacturing and quality control facilities, and satisfactory field experience. The following items are carefully evaluated in the course of an examination: functional suitability, operational reliability, adequacy of design and workmanship, uniformity and dependability of production, effectiveness of quality control, and availability of replacement parts and service. 1.2.2 The requirements of this standard are intended as guidelines reflecting current FM Approval tests and practices. Items which do not precisely conform to these requirements may be Approved if shown to perform as well as or superior to Approved items and to meet the intent of this standard. In the same way, items that do conform to each of these written requirements may not be Approved if other considerations seriously affect the performance of the product. 1.2.3 Deluge and preaction systems are composed of many components, some or all of which may be Approved as separate items for use in other fire protection applications. Examples include: release mechanisms used for closing fire doors; supervisory air supplies for dry-pipe systems; smoke, fire and heat detectors in alarm circuits; pressure switches, water motor gongs, control valves, and pressure gages for use in many applications. Examination of each item will be based on the performance of the item as a component of the deluge or preaction system. Testing of previously approved components may not be performed at the discretion of FM Approvals; however, additional testing may be required if it is felt necessary in order to judge the system performance.

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II. DESCRIPTION
2.1 Automatic Water Control Valves Water control valves hold back water from the deluge or preaction system piping until automatically released by a system of electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic signaling and releasing devices. These valves are usually single or multiple clapper valves, with the clappers held on their seats by a series of latches and levers or by differential water pressure. Water control valves may be used for applications other than deluge and preaction systems (such as special extinguishing systems of sprinklers, spray nozzles, or mechanical foam-making equipment) and are examined in accordance with Approval Standard Class No. 1020 (Water Control Valves, Automatic).

2.2 Release Mechanisms/Automatic Releases Release mechanisms act to trip the automatic water control valve after receiving a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical signal from the fire detection device(s). Examples include a diaphragm connected to a series of levers which releases a latched weight to trip the water control valve, and a solenoid which, when energized or de-energized, acts on a series of levers to trip the water control valve. Release mechanisms associated with differential type automatic control valves are simply diaphragm by-pass valves which vent the differential pressure chamber of the water control valve. Release mechanisms can also be used to perform a variety of other mechanical actions including operating fire doors, ventilation systems, dip tank covers, and motor stops; however, the release mechanisms used for deluge and preaction systems are specifically matched to the automatic water control valve used in that system.

2.3 Fire Detection Devices/Actuating Mechanisms The component of a deluge or preaction system that actually detects and signals the presence of a fire is the fire detection device. Heat responsive devices may have either or both a fixed temperature release mode and a rate-of-rise release mode which actuates the release mechanism electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Fire detection devices are distributed throughout the same area as the sprinklers. Those which are approved can be spaced so as to be at least as sensitive as an automatic sprinkler. Fire detection devices are examined in accordance with Approval Standard Class No. 3210 (Thermostats for Automatic Fire Detection) or No. 32303250 (Smoke Actuated Detectors for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling). Other types of fire detection devices, if used in deluge and preaction systems, will be evaluated during the system examination in accordance with appropriate approval requirements.

2.4 Supervisory Air Supply Systems Supervised air supplies are required for the pneumatic actuation systems used in some deluge and preaction systems. Supervised air is also required for the sprinkler piping (when more than 20 sprinklers are installed) in preaction systems. These systems use air pumps, compressors, reliable plant air systems, or nitrogen supplies. Typical components include dehydrators, check valves, pressure switches, gages, and regulating devices.

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2.5 Power and Control Units Power and control units are used on deluge and preaction systems with electrical signaling devices. These systems have a power supply consisting of a normal current source with a reliable back-up system. The control unit indicates a fire condition or electrical malfunction, operates various trouble and alarm systems, and trips the water control valve.

2.6 Auxiliary Equipment Each deluge and preaction system utilizes various pieces of auxiliary equipment depending on the type of system and the specific conditions of installation. This may include: (1) trouble lights and horns to indicate low air supply in pneumatic systems or loss of normal power in electrical systems, (2) position monitoring switches on valves, (3) hydraulic and electrical alarms to indicate water flow, (4) anti-water columning devices and antiflooding valves on hydraulic systems, (5) air filters, restrictions, and mercury check valves in pneumatic systems.

III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General Deluge systems and preaction systems are installed as complete systems at a particular location by a specific manufacturer or sprinkler system installer. Component parts of these systems may be examined and Approved in accordance with other Approval standards, however, the intent of this standard is to provide requirements for each system in terms of its overall performance. The design and test sections of this standard have been divided into two parts: Electrical Systems and Mechanical Systems. This division is for convenience of presentation and does not indicate definitive boundaries; each system will be evaluated in accordance with applicable portions of both sections.

3.2 Markings Each component of the system shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer s name or trademark; applicable operating characteristics, such as rated working pressure, rated temperature and electrical ratings; size, type or model number; and year of manufacture. In addition, it is recommended that Approved items be marked with the symbol of FM Approval.

3.3 Sizes Standard sizes for automatic water control valves are: 112, 2, 212, 3, 4, and 6 in. NPS (25, 38, 51, 64, 76, 102, and 152 mm). Additional sizes may be Approved if there is a demonstrated need for them. Other system components are sized or rated in relation to the water control valve.

3.4 Rated Working Pressure All deluge and preaction system components which came in contact with system water pressure shall have a minimum rated working pressure of 175 psig (1216 kPa).

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3.5 Instructions and Test Equipment The following material shall be provided with each deluge or preaction system: A wiring diagram for all electrical components and a schematic of the system with all components properly identified. A piping diagram showing the arrangement of all components, piping, and fittings used in the mechanical system. A description of the sequence of operation of all components under such conditions as fire, break in fire detection circuit, low supervisory air pressure, primary power failure, and other operations. Complete installation, maintenance, and operating instructions for all components of the system. A suitable test unit for simulating a fire condition under a fire detection device.

3.6 Serviceability Deluge and preaction systems are complicated systems initially installed and set-up by the manufacturer or sprinkler system installer. The system shall be designed so that routine maintenance and tests can be performed easily by one person without special knowledge of the system. Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent unauthorized tampering with system components while maintaining the ability to service the system in case of malfunction.

3.7 Non-Electrical Fire Detection Devices This category of detectors includes those that produce a non-electrical (mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) signal when a fire condition is discovered. These detectors will be examined in accordance with applicable portions of Approval Standards 3210 and 3230-50, including the sections titled, Construction and Materials, Spacing, Operation and Marking. These devices will also: (1) be examined to applicable portions of this standard, (2) have all operating characteristics described by the manufacturer evaluated and verified and (3) be subjected to specific tests applicable to the particular design and construction of the device.

IV. DESIGN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

4.1 General The requirements of this section apply to all electrical components which are part of a deluge or preaction sprinkler system. Some components used in deluge and preaction systems may be designed and used for other applications. It may not be necessary to retest such Approved components during system examination; however, particular emphasis will be given to their performance as a part of the deluge or preaction system.

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4.2 Materials All electrical components shall be constructed of materials suitable to resist the ambient conditions common to industrial occupancies, and be able to withstand the abuse associated with normal installation and handling. Parts exposed to moisture shall be of corrosion resistant materials.

4.3 Construction 4.3.1 All electrical components shall be designed to accommodate conventional wiring and mounting methods without placing undue strain on wiring, ducts, or piping systems. Electrical contacts, operating members, and setting adjustments shall be adequately protected from atmosphere or damage by a suitable enclosure or housing (equivalent to NEMA Type 1, General-Purpose). 4.3.2 Electrical components mounted on or near the water control valve shall be enclosed in a housing equivalent to NEMA Type 4, watertight.

4.4 Operation 4.4.1 All components associated with the operation of any electrical or mechanical release, switch, or automatically operated valve shall be of sufficient size and design to operate in a positive manner with no sluggishness. The system shall be capable of performing at least twice the work necessary to perform a specific action or operation at the maximum rated conditions. A solenoid, for example, used to move a latch or lever should be able to move the same latch or lever if twice the resistance of the normal movement is encountered. 4.4.2 Electrical systems shall exhibit no significant changes in operational characteristics through the range of input voltages from 85% to 110% of rated. 4.4.3 Each component shall be able to operate in an environment from 32F to 125F (273K to 324K) throughout its expected life without adverse effects. 4.4.4 Each system shall have means to manually test system components without flooding sprinkler piping.

4.5 Power Supplies 4.5.1 The normal source of power shall be from a reliable electrical source. Adequate circuitry shall be provided to automatically switch to the back-up power supply in case of loss of normal power. Alarms shall be provided to indicate any loss of power or malfunction in the normal power supply. 4.5.2 The back-up power supply shall be an independent and reliable system. Suitable equipment shall be provided to maintain the back-up system in a constant state of readiness and to check the condition of the system during periodic maintenance.

4.6 Circuitry 4.6.1 All current carrying components shall: (1) be of high quality, (2) be conservatively sized for the service and rating, (3) be suitably insulated, covered or separated by at least 18 in. (3 mm) and (4) be provided with proper overcurrent protection. 4.6.2 The fire detecting circuitry shall be the closed, electrically supervised type arranged to give an audible trouble signal when a break in the circuit occurs. In the event of a break in the circuit, means shall be provided to manually or automatically rearrange the system and keep it operable on open unsupervised circuits until repairs are made. The trouble signal may be silenced when the system is rearranged as long as means are provided to clearly indicate that the system is in an abnormal condition.

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4.6.3 The release circuitry shall be the closed, electrically supervised type arranged to give an audible trouble signal when a break in the circuit occurs or the release operates. The trouble signal shall be wired to continue operating until the break is repaired or the release is reset.

V. TESTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

5.1 Operation The system shall be operated with water pressures varied from 20 psig (138 kPa) to the maximum rated working pressure and power supply voltages varied from 85% to 110% of rated. The water control valve and all associated equipment shall operate satisfactorily for all conditions stated, both automatically and manually, and using the primary power source and the back-up power source.

5.2 Power Supply Back-Up With primary power supply disconnected, the back-up supply shall power the system for a total of 90 hours continuously. At the end of this period, the back-up supply shall be able to operate the system at the maximum rated pressure and provide a satisfactory alarm for at least 10 minutes.

5.3 Malfunction Tests Breaks in power supply circuits, fire detection circuits, solenoid release circuits, general wiring, trouble circuits, and other areas will be simulated. All specified alarms and trouble indicators shall operate satisfactorily. Audible trouble alarms shall be able to meet the sound level requirements stated in Approval Standard Class 3151-3152, Section III (Tests).

5.4 Solenoid Valves Solenoid operated valves shall be subjected to an endurance test of 20,000 operations against normal system pressure (up to maximum rated working pressure). No malfunction or leakage shall occur as a result of this test.

5.5 Environmental Tests System components which may be affected by extremes of temperature will be tested as follows: The component will be maintained in its normal operating condition at an ambient temperature of 32F (273K) for a minimum of 96 hrs. The component will then be maintained at an ambient temperature of 125F (325K) for a minimum of 96 hrs. No impairment of component function shall result from these tests.

5.6 Other Other tests may be required at the discretion of FM Approvals.

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VI. DESIGN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

6.1 General Mechanical systems operate hydraulically, pneumatically or both. Some systems are designed to utilize several methods of operation or combinations of electrical and mechanical actuations, depending on the conditions of the installation. Systems that utilize combinations of electrical and mechanical devices will be evaluated on a case by case basis in accordance with applicable portions of the electrical and mechanical sections of this standard. Individual components may be designed and approved for uses other than in deluge and preaction systems; however, in all cases, performance as a component of the deluge and preaction system will be evaluated.

6.2 Materials 6.2.1 All components will be manufactured from materials suitable for the intended purpose. All contact surfaces between rotating or moving and stationary parts shall be corrosion resistant. 6.2.2 Rubber or rubber-like materials contained in system components may be subjected to a detailed investigation including evaluation of water absorption, hardness, aging and adhesion.

6.3 Construction All components shall be able to withstand the normal conditions of vibration and atmospheres associated with manufacturing and storage facilities, and be able to withstand the abuse associated with normal installation and handling.

6.4 Operation 6.4.1 All components shall be designed so that all movements of level systems, diaphragms, valves and switches are positive and repeatable with no sluggishness. The system shall be capable of performing at least twice the work necessary to perform a specific action or operation at the maximum rated conditions. A dropping weight, for example, used to trip a water control valve should exert at least twice the energy necessary to trip the valve against the rated working pressure. 6.4.2 Each component shall be able to operate in an environment of 32F to 125F (273K to 325K) throughout its expected life without adverse effects. 6.4.3 Each system shall have means to manually test system components without flooding sprinkler piping.

6.5 Alarm and Trouble Signals Components and component systems associated with deluge and preaction systems shall have alarms and trouble signals to indicate operations and/or malfunctions. This will include: waterflow indicators (water motor gong, pressure activated waterflow switches) to signal flow of water into the sprinkler piping. low air pressure alarms on pneumatic signaling systems and on supervisory air systems. position indicating devices to signal closed system supply valves. other indications to monitor critical system parameters.

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VII. TESTS MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

7.1 General All system components shall be tested to ensure that actual operating characteristics correlate with the manufacturer s specifications for the component. Trip and restoration values, temperature ratings, pressure ratings and capacities will be verified during actual operation of the system.

7.2 System Operation The system shall be operated with water supply pressures varied from 20 psig (138 kPa) to the maximum rated working pressure both automatically and manually. The water control valve and all associated equipment shall operate satisfactorily for all conditions stated.

7.3 Hydrostatic Tests 7.3.1 All system components that come in contact with system water pressure shall be hydrostatically tested to 700 psig (4.8 MPa) or 400% of rated working pressure, whichever is greater, for 5 minutes. No leakage, deformation, or function impairment shall result from this test. 7.3.2 Components with diaphragms shall have a strength of diaphragm test consisting of a differential pressure equal to 200% of the maximum rated working pressure across the diaphragm for 5 minutes. No leakage or function impairment shall result from this test.

7.4 Supervisory Air System Supervisory air system components will be tested for satisfactory operation during all modes of operation. In addition, individual components such as compressors, pumps, solenoid valves, and others will be given an endurance test to ensure adequate operation after simulated service conditions.

7.5 Environmental Tests System components which may be affected by extremes of temperature, will be tested as described in Paragraph 5.5. Other tests to evaluate chemical and galvanic corrosion resistance; susceptibility to malfunction due to dust, dirt and foreign material, damage caused by vibration; and others will be performed as deemed necessary by FM Approvals.

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APPENDIX A UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

LENGTH: in. - inches; (mm - millimeters) mm = in. 25.4 ft - feet (m - meters) m = ft 0.3048 F - degrees Fahrenheit (C - degrees Celsius) C = (F - 32) 59 psi - pounds per square inch; (kPa - kilopascals) kPa = psi 6.895

TEMPERATURE:

PRESSURE:

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APPENDIX B APPROVAL MARKS

REPRODUCTION ART: FM Approval Marks

For use on nameplates, in literature, advertisements, packaging and other graphics.
1) The FM Approvals diamond mark is acceptable to FM Approvals as an Approval mark when used with the word Approved. 2) The FM Approval logomark has no minimum size requirement, but should always be large enough to be readily identifiable. 3) Color should be black on a light background or a reverse may be used on a dark background.

For Cast-On Marks

4) Where reproduction of the mark described above is impossible because of production restrictions, a modified version of the diamond is suggested. Minimum size specifications are the same as for printed marks. Use of the word Approved with this mark is optional.

NOTE: These Approval marks are to be used only in conjunction with products or services that have been FM Approved. The FM Approval marks should never be used in any manner (including advertising, sales or promotional purposes) that could suggest or imply FM Approval or endorsement of a specific manufacturer or distributor. Nor should it be implied that Approval extends to a product or service not covered by written agreement with FM Approvals. The Approval marks signify that products or services have met certain requirements as reported by FM Approvals.

Additional reproduction art is available through FM Approvals P.O. Box 9102, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062 USA

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