Amerex HELIX User manual

P/N 26291 REV A (February 2018)
Customer Service:
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
Technical Service:
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
AMEREX CORPORATION
P.O. Box 81
7595 Gadsden Highway
Trussville, AL 35173
www.amerex-fire.com
POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT (PCU) FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
DESIGN, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & RECHARGE MANUAL

Revision Record
Revision Revision
Date
Page/
Section
Description
Feb, 2018
2.3.5/2.14.4 Added Compression Seal (P/N 26427)
A
2.4.1 Modified 14032-R to accept Electrical Junction Box
2.10.4 Added Outdoor Pressure Switch Extension Cable (P/N 21539-XX)
3.6.1
Added Note for outdoor installations. Revised Figure 3.6.1c to show (2)
Communication Cables (for dual direction communication). Added Figure 3.6.1e
and associated wording.
3.6.2 Added Outdoor Installation View & wording
3.6.3 Added Figures 3.6.3c/3.6.3d and associated bold wording
3.6.4 Added “Note” to wording
3.6.5 Added Figures 3.6.3c/3.6.3d and associated bold wording
4.3.1 Revised Step 6 and added Figure 4.3.1b
4.5 Revised step 2 (Linear Actuator Install). Revised Figure 4.5b
4.7.3 Revised Figure 4.7.3a to show indoor/outdoor installations
4.7.5 Added P/N 26427. Added views 4.7.5d/e/f for outdoor installations
4.8.1 Revised View 4.8.1a/4.8.1b to show option of junction/conduit box
4.8.2 Revised Step 1. Revised Figure 4.8.2 to show junction box option
4.8.4 Revised wording and revised Figure 4.8.4a /4.8.4b to show junction box option
4.8.5 Revised Figure 4.8.5a to include “*” Note
4.9 Revised Tables 4.9a/b to include “**” and “***” notes
All Replaced “Strike” with “STRIKE™“ & “HELIX” with “HELIX™”
All Added alternate units to dimensions [mm]
TOC Added page numbers to table of contents page
4.9 Added page 76, (Ref section 4.9)

1
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Table of Contents
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: General Information...............................................................................................5
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................6
1.2 What Can Be Protected ..............................................................................................6
1.3 Testing Performed ......................................................................................................6
Chapter 2: Component Description ........................................................................................7
2.1 Agent Cylinders ..........................................................................................................8
2.2 Agent Cylinder Mounting Bracket................................................................................9
2.3 Agent Distribution Network Accessories .....................................................................9
2.3.1 Discharge Fitting Kit ..........................................................................................9
2.3.2 Agent Distribution Network Plumbing ................................................................9
2.3.3 Distributor Block 3/4” x 1/2” ...............................................................................10
2.3.4 Discharge Nozzle ..............................................................................................10
2.3.5 Quik Seal Adaptors ...........................................................................................11
2.4 System Actuation Control Heads ................................................................................12
2.4.1 Electric Control Head ........................................................................................12
2.4.2 Pneumatic Control Head ...................................................................................12
2.5 System Actuation Accessories....................................................................................12
2.5.1 Vent Check........................................................................................................12
2.5.2 Electric Nitrogen Actuator ..................................................................................13
2.5.3 Nitrogen Cylinder...............................................................................................13
2.5.4 Actuator Brackets ..............................................................................................13
2.5.5 Linear Actuator ..................................................................................................14
2.5.6 50 psi Pressure Switch ......................................................................................14
2.5.7 Agent Cylinder Pressure Switch ........................................................................14
2.6 Dry Chemical Suppression System Parts List ...........................................................15
2.7 STRIKE Electronic Control System (ECS)..................................................................16
2.7.1 STRIKE Control Unit & Enclosure .....................................................................17
2.7.2 STRIKE Control Unit Indicators & Features .......................................................18
2.8 Manual Pull Stations ..................................................................................................19
2.9 Linear Heat Detector..................................................................................................20
2.10 Field Wiring Cables...................................................................................................20
2.10.1 Detection Cables............................................................................................20
2.10.2 Actuation Cable..............................................................................................21
2.10.3 Manual Pull Station Cables ............................................................................21
2.10.4 Pressure Switch Cable...................................................................................21
2.10.5 Communication Cable....................................................................................22
2.10.6 PC Interface Cable.........................................................................................22
2.11 End of Line Module ....................................................................................................22
2.12 Replacement Battery..................................................................................................22
2.13 Auxiliary Devices........................................................................................................23

2
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Table of Contents
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
2.13.1 Relay Control Module .................................................................................... 23
2.13.2 Horn and Strobe Assembly ............................................................................ 24
2.14 Detection (LHD) installation Accessories .................................................................. 24
2.14.1 LHD Support Clips ......................................................................................... 24
2.14.2 Hood Fasteners ............................................................................................. 25
2.14.3 Hood Fasteners Rivet Style .......................................................................... 25
2.14.4 LHD Bulkhead Quik Seal ............................................................................... 25
2.15 Function Testing Devices ......................................................................................... 26
2.15.1 LHD Test Leads.............................................................................................26
2.15.2 Alarm Module ................................................................................................26
2.16 STRIKE ECS Parts List.............................................................................................27
Chapter 3: System Design....................................................................................................... 29
3.1 Steps to System Design ............................................................................................. 29
3.2 Nozzles ......................................................................................................................29
3.3 Agent Cylinder Sizing ................................................................................................. 30
3.4 Agent Distribution Network Design ............................................................................. 31
3.4.1 HX25 Agent Distribution Network (2 Nozzle) ..................................................... 32
3.4.2 HX50 Agent Distribution Network with Tees (4 Nozzle).....................................33
3.4.3 HX50 Agent Distribution Network with Distributor Block (4 Nozzle) ................... 34
3.5 System Actuation Design ........................................................................................... 35
3.5.1 Single or Dual Agent Cylinder Networks with Electric Control Heads ................ 35
3.5.2 Multiple Agent Cylinder Networks Pneumatic Control Heads ............................36
3.6 STRIKE ECS System Design..................................................................................... 38
3.6.1 Introduction STRIKE ECS ................................................................................38
3.6.2 Detection Circuit Design .................................................................................. 42
3.6.3 Actuation Circuit Design................................................................................... 44
3.6.4 Manual Pull Circuit Design............................................................................... 45
3.6.5 Pressure Switch Circuit Design........................................................................46
3.6.6 Relay Module & Auxiliary Circuit Design .......................................................... 47
Chapter 4: System Installation ................................................................................................48
4.1 Agent Cylinder & Agent Cylinder Bracket Selection ................................................... 49
4.2 Agent Distribution Network Installation .......................................................................49
4.2.1 Discharge Fitting Kit.........................................................................................49
4.2.2 Distributor Block...............................................................................................49
4.2.3 Nozzle Placement & Mounting ........................................................................49
4.3 System Actuation Control Head Installation ...............................................................50
4.3.1 Electric Control Head .......................................................................................50
4.3.2 Pneumatic Control Head ................................................................................. 51
4.4 50 psi Pressure Switch Installation ............................................................................ 52
4.5 Electric Nitrogen Actuator Installation, Indoor & Outdoor ...........................................52

3
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Table of Contents
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
4.6 Pneumatic Actuation Network Installation..................................................................53
4.7 STRIKE ECS Installation ........................................................................................... 54
4.7.1 Steps to System Installation............................................................................. 54
4.7.2 STRIKE Control Unit Installation ...................................................................... 54
4.7.3 Linear Heat Detector (LHD) Installation ........................................................... 56
4.7.4 LHD Support Clip & Support Tubing ................................................................58
4.7.5 LHD Quik Seal or Compression Seal Installation .............................................58
4.7.6 LHD Connector Installation ..............................................................................60
4.7.7 Linear Actuator Installation .............................................................................. 60
4.7.8 Manual Pull Station Installation ........................................................................60
4.7.9 Relay Module & Optional Device Installation.................................................... 63
4.8 Field Wiring ................................................................................................................ 64
4.8.1 Detection Circuits............................................................................................. 65
4.8.2 Actuation Circuits............................................................................................. 67
4.8.3 Manual Pull Circuit........................................................................................... 68
4.8.4 Pressure Switch Circuit.................................................................................... 70
4.8.5 Relay Module & Optional Device Circuits......................................................... 72
4.9 STRIKE Control Unit Wiring & Termination ...............................................................74
4.10 STRIKE Control Unit Programming .......................................................................... 77
4.10.1 Temporary Power Supply Connection ...........................................................77
4.10.2 PC Software Installation & Interface Connection........................................... 78
4.10.3 Programming a System Configuration .......................................................... 79
4.10.4 Monitor Mode................................................................................................83
4.11 Function Testing & Initial Commissioning ................................................................. 84
4.11.1 STRIKE Control Unit Display Testing ............................................................. 84
4.11.2 Detection Sensor Testing............................................................................... 85
4.11.3 Manual Pull Station Testing ........................................................................... 86
4.11.4 Fault Testing.................................................................................................. 86
4.12 Placing the System into Service .............................................................................. 87
4.12.1 Placing the Suppression System in Service.................................................87
4.12.2 Placing the STRIKE ECS System into Service ............................................ 87
4.13 Provide Owner / Operator Training .......................................................................... 89
Chapter 5: Inspection & Maintenance .................................................................................... 90
5.1 Daily Inspection ......................................................................................................... 90
5.2 Monthly Inspection .................................................................................................... 90
5.3 Semi-Annual Maintenance......................................................................................... 90
5.4 (6) Six Year Maintenance .........................................................................................91
5.5 (12) Twelve Year Maintenance..................................................................................92
5.6 Battery Replacement Procedure............................................................................... 92
Chapter 6: Recharge................................................................................................................ 94
6.1 Service / Recharge Tools .......................................................................................... 94

4
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Table of Contents
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
6.1.1 Recharge Adapter............................................................................................ 94
6.1.2 Hydrotest Adapter ........................................................................................... 94
6.1.3 Distribution Hose Blowout Adapter................................................................... 94
6.1.4 Tee Handle ...................................................................................................... 95
6.1.5 2 ½” Tight Access Open End Pump Wrench.................................................... 95
6.1.6 Pneumatic Actuation Network Test Adapter ..................................................... 95
6.2 Recharge Instructions ...............................................................................................96
6.2.1 Agent Cylinder Control Head Removal & Cleaning .......................................... 96
6.2.2 Purging the Agent Distribution Network ........................................................... 99
6.2.3 Agent Cylinder Removal .................................................................................. 99
6.2.4 Agent Cylinder Valve Removal & Cleaning ...................................................... 99
6.2.5 Agent Cylinder Refill ........................................................................................ 101
6.2.6 Agent Cylinder Valve Installation & Agent Cylinder Charging........................... 101
6.2.7 Actuator Removal & Cleaning .......................................................................... 102
6.2.8 Pneumatic Actuation Network Testing.............................................................. 103
6.2.9 Nitrogen Cylinder Recharge............................................................................. 104
Chapter 7: System Alarms & Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 107
7.1 System Alarm Condition ............................................................................................. 107
7.2 Service System (Fault) Condition ............................................................................... 108
7.3 Battery Fault Condition .............................................................................................. 109
7.4 Actions to Take if a Fire Condition is Witnessed......................................................... 109
7.5 Event Log................................................................................................................... 109

5
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Chapter 1: General Information
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
Chapter 1: General Information
This document must be used in conjunction with the following standards:
1. All applicable NFPA standards.
2. All other standards or laws deemed applicable to an installation by local authorities having
jurisdiction (AHJ).
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS WHO INSTALL, OPERATE, INSPECT,
RECHARGE AND/OR MAINTAIN THESE SYSTEMS TO READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL.
Updated Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manuals and Technical Bulletins will be
available online at www.amerex-fire.biz. It is important that these updates and additions be added
to this manual according to the instructions that will accompany them.
The applications and use of the Amerex® HELIX™ Dry Chemical PCU Fire Suppression Systems
are limited to the applications and uses described in this manual. Technical data contained herein
is based on controlled laboratory testing deemed appropriate and is intended for informational
purposes only. The data presented is accurate for the testing performed, but is published with no
guarantee relative to a given hazard where factors are different from those encountered during
actual tests. Amerex disclaims any liability for any use of the data and information contained herein
by any and all other parties. Please direct questions concerning information in this manual to:
AMEREX CORPORATION
P.O. Box 81
Trussville, AL 35173-0081
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
For Terms and Conditions of Amerex products, please visit the following link:
http://amerex-fire.com/terms-and-conditions/
Customer Service: Technical Services:
[e-mail] [e-mail]

6
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Chapter 1: General Information
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
1.1 Introduction
Amerex HELIX Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems are pre-engineered systems designed
specifically for protection of Pollution Control Units (PCU) and equipment. Each system uses stored
pressure Agent Cylinders with predetermined nozzle flow rates, quantities and discharge volumes.
The Dry Chemical Agent is discharged into hazard areas via an Agent Distribution Network
consisting of flexible hydraulic hose. The available Agent Cylinders with the number of supported
nozzles are listed in Table 3.3.
1.2 What Can Be Protected
A complete PCU analysis must be performed for each piece of equipment being protected to
determine the components that would require fire suppression by the Amerex HELIX Fire
Suppression System. Protection may include but is not limited to:
• Pollution Control Units (PCU)
1.3 Testing Performed
• Internal fire testing performed to determine coverage capability
• UL1254 performance testing

7
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Chapter 2: System Components
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
Chapter 2: Component Description
The following sections describe the various components available for use with the Amerex HELIX
PCU Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System. These include Electronic Control Systems, Agent
Cylinders of various sizes and capacity, and the Cylinder Brackets used for mounting each Agent
Cylinder. Also included are the components that comprise the Agent Distribution Network, the
Nozzles used for dispersing the Dry Chemical Agent, and various control heads and accessories
used to actuate and discharge the Agent Cylinders.
MANUAL PULL
STATIONS
RELAY MODULE
STRIKE ECS DETECTION &
ACTUATION
DISCHARGE NETWORK
DETECTION
ZONE
AIR FLOW
HELIX PCU DRY CHEMICAL
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
AGENT CYLINDERS
POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT
(PCU)
LINEAR HEAT
DETECTOR (LHD)
Figure 2

8
HELIX™ Manual (P/N 26291) Chapter 2: System Components
Rev A (February 2018) HELIX™ PCU Fire Suppression System
WARNING: SHIPPING PLATES (FIGURE 2.1a) WILL BE REMOVED AT INSTALLATION AND
RETAINED FOR LATER USE. DO NOT REMOVE UNTIL DIRECTED TO DO SO.
Agent Cylinders are constructed to meet DOT 4BW, requirements with test pressure of 700 psi
(4826 kPa), and require a hydrostatic test every twelve (12) years or more frequent intervals if
warranted. The operating temperature range of the Agent Cylinders is -65°F to 150°F (-54°C to
66°C).
Agent
Cylinder
Part
Number
Overall Height
(A)
in (mm)
Height to Discharge
Opening (B)
in (mm)
Diameter (C)
in (mm)
Agent
Capacity
lb (kg)
HX25ABC PRS SW 26318 17.6 (447) 16.0 (406) 9.0 (229) 25 (11.3)
HX50ABC PRS SW 26320 31.3 (795) 30.0 (762) 9.0 (229) 50 (22.7)
Table 2.1 Figure 2.1b
ANTI-RECOIL
PLATE (P/N 10646)
SHIPPING PLATE (P/N 10099)
PRESSURE GAUGE
AGENT CYLINDER VALVE
RUPTURE DISC
(UNDER CAP)
DUST CAP
(P/N 25685)
AGENT CYLINDER
PRESSURE SWITCH
2.1 Agent Cylinders
The Amerex HELIX Fire Suppression System Agent Cylinders are available in two sizes, with
different mounting options and orientations. The Agent Cylinders are shipped fully charged from the
factory. Each Agent Cylinder includes a brass Agent Cylinder Valve with a Pressure Gauge and a
safety Rupture Disc with an installed Dust Cap installed. Agent Cylinders are pressurized with
nitrogen gas to a pressure of 350 psi (2413 kPa) at 70°F (21°C). HX25 and HX50 Agent Cylinders
are equipped with an Anti-Recoil Plate (P/N 10646) installed on the Agent Cylinder Valve discharge
outlet to prevent accidental discharge and to minimize recoil in the unlikely event of an accidental
discharge during shipment. (See Figure 2.1a). These safety components are removed only when the
Agent Cylinder is installed in the Cylinder Bracket and connected to Agent Distribution Network.
DISCHARGE
OPENING
Figure 2.1a
DISCHARGE OPENING
HX25ABC
HX50ABC