Potter VSR-AT Series User manual

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 1 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
UL, CUL, FM Approved
Service Pressure: 450 PSI (31 BAR) - UL
Flow Sensitivity Range for Signal:
4-10 GPM (15-38 LPM) - UL
Maximum Surge: 18 FPS (5.5 m/s)
Contact Ratings: 2.5 AMP @ 125/250 VAC & 30 VDC
Power Requirements: 24 VDC From Listed or Approved Source
With Battery Backup
Typical Current Draw:
Standby 20 mA
Alarm 65 mA
Autotest 120 mA
Conduit Entrances: Two knockouts provided for 1/2" conduit.
Environmental Specications:
• NEMA 4/IP54 Rated Enclosure suitable for indoor or
outdoor use with factory installed gasket and die-cast housing
when used with appropriate conduit tting.
• Temperature Range: 40°F - 120°F, (4.5°C - 49°C) - UL
• Non-corrosive sleeve factory installed in saddle.
Service Use:
Automatic Sprinkler NFPA-13
One or two family dwelling NFPA-13D
Residential occupancy up to four stories NFPA-13R
National Fire Alarm Code NFPA-72
Ordering Information
Nominal Pipe Size Model Part # Replacement PCB #
2" DN50 VSR-AT-2 1116102 1029074
2 1/2" DN65 VSR-AT-2 1/2 1116125 1029075
3" DN80 VSR-AT-3 1116103 1029076
3 1/2" - VSR-AT-3 1/2 1116135 1029077
4" DN100 VSR-AT-4 1116104 1029078
5" - VSR-AT-5 1116105 1029079
6" DN150 VSR-AT-6 1116106 1029080
8" DN200 VSR-AT-8 1116108 1029081
Optional Power Supply: Ordering Information
Model Description Part Number
- Power Supply 3006479
BT-80 12V Battery-8AH (2 REQUIRED) 5130084
Optional Test Switch: Ordering Information
Model Description Part Number
ATC-1 Single Zone Test Control 1000221
ATC-4 Four Zone Test Control 1000224
SGB-R Single Gang Box-Red 1000483
DGB-R Double Gang Box-Red 1000484
General Information
The model VSR-AT is an electronic vane type waterow switch for
use on wet sprinkler systems. It is UL Listed and FM Approved for
use on steel pipe schedules 10 thru 40 sizes 2” thru 8”. See ordering
Information chart.
The VSR-AT may also be used as a sectional waterow detector on large
systems. The VSR-AT has two sets of alarm contacts and an adjustable
instantly recycling electronic retard. The alarm contacts are actuated
when a ow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) or more occurs downstream of the
device. The ow condition must exist for a period of time necessary to
overcome the selected retard time.
The VSR-AT may be remotely tested without owing water by using
the optional auto test Control model ATC-1or ATC-4 or the use of
addressable relays and monitor modules as part of a listed addressable
•Installation must be performed by qualied 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.
Specications subject to change without notice.
re alarm panel.
When the auto test feature is initiated, the VSR-AT performs a self test to
ensure compliance with UL requirements regarding waterow detection
and retard time. In addition, the auto test feature ensures the integrity of
the paddle/trip stem assembly. A successful completion of the auto test
will activate both sets of normally open contacts on the ow switch. If
the auto test detects a problem with the trip stem/paddle assembly or if
there is no water in the pipe, neither normally open contact will operate
and the ow switch will indicate a trouble condition at the test switch
and transmit a trouble signal to the re alarm panel.
Enclosure
The VSR-AT switches and retard device are enclosed in a general
purpose, die-cast housing. The cover is held in place with two tamper
resistant screws which require a special key for removal.
Waterow switches that are monitoring wet pipe sprinkler systems shall
not be used as the sole initiating device to discharge AFFF, deluge,
or chemical suppression systems. Waterow switches used for this
application may result in unintended discharges caused by surges,
trapped air, or short retard times.
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO •Phone: [phone]/Canada 888-882-1833 •www.pottersignal.com
Important: is document contains important information on the
installation and operation of VSR-AT waterow switches. Please read
all instructions carefully before beginning installation. A copy of this
document is required by NFPA 72 to be maintained on site.

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 2 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
Do not trim the paddle. Failure to follow these instructions may prevent
the device from operating and will void the warranty. Do not obstruct or
otherwise prevent the tripstem of the owswitch from moving when water
ows as this could damage the owswitch and prevent an alarm. If an alarm
is not desired, a qualied technician should disable the alarm system.
DWG 1239-2
Retard Adjustment
The delay can be adjusted by turning switch S1 (see Fig. 6) to the
desired time delay (0 = no delay and 9 = 90 second delay). Factory
setting is set at 3 = 30 second delay. The time delay should be set at
the minimum required to prevent false alarms.
Installation (see Fig. 1)
These devices may be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal pipe they shall be installed on the top side of the pipe where they
will be accessible. The device should not be installed within 6" (15 cm) of a tting which changes the direction of the waterow or within 24"
(60 cm) of a valve or drain.
Drain the system and drill a hole in the pipe using a hole saw in a slow speed drill (see Fig. 1). Clean the inside pipe of all growth or other
material for a distance equal to the pipe diameter on either side of the hole. Roll the vane so that it may be inserted into the hole; do not bend
or crease it. Insert the vane so that the arrow on the saddle points in the direction of the waterow. Take care not to damage the non-corrosive
bushing in the saddle. The bushing should t inside the hole in the pipe. Install the saddle strap and tighten nuts alternately to required torque
(see the chart in Fig. 1). The vane must not rub the inside of the pipe or bind in any way.
ADAPTER
USE (2) 5180162 ADAPTERS AS SHOWN ABOVE
DN50 ONLY
ADAPTER
50mm
20mm ±2mm MAX.
DWG# 1146-1F
Fig. 1
Compatible Pipe/ Installation Requirements
Model Nominal Pipe
Size
Nominal Pipe
O.D.
Pipe Wall Thickness Hole Size U-Bolt Nuts
Torque
Schedule 10 (UL) Schedule 40 (UL) BS-1387 (LPC) DN (VDS)
inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm ft-lb n-m
VSR AT-2 2 DN50 2.375 60.3 0.109 2.77 0.154 3.91 0.142 3.6 0.091 2.3
1.25 + .125/-.062 33.0 ± 2.0
20 27
VSR AT-2 1/2 2.5 - 2.875 73.0 0.120 3.05 0.203 5.16 - - - -
VSR AT-2 1/2 - DN65 3.000 76.1 - - - - 0.142 3.6 0.102 2.6
VSR AT-3 3 DN80 3.500 88.9 0.120 3.05 0.216 5.49 0.157 4.0 0.114 2.9
2.00 ± .125 50.8 ± 2.0
VSR AT-3 1/2 3.5 - 4.000 101.6 0.120 3.05 0.226 5.74 - - - -
VSR AT-4 4 DN100 4.500 114.3 0.120 3.05 0.237 6.02 0.177 4.5 0.126 3.2
VSR AT-5 5 - 5.563 141.3 0.134 3.40 0.258 6.55 - - - -
VSR AT-5 - DN125 5.500 139.7 - - - - 0.197 5.0 0.142 3.6
VSR AT-6 6 DN150 6.625 168.3 0.134 3.40 0.280 7.11 0.197 5.0 0.157 4.0
VSR AT-8 8 DN200 8.625 219.1 0.148 3.76 0.322 8.18 0.248 6.3 0.177 4.5
(Flowing water activates
device in one direction only.)
DO NOT LEAVE COVER OFF FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME
DIRECTION OF
WATERFLOW
TIGHTEN NUTS
ALTERNATELY
MOUNT ON PIPE SO
ARROW ON SADDLE
POINTS IN DIRECTION
OF WATERFLOW
ROLL PADDLE IN
OPPOSITE DIRECTION
OF WATERFLOW
Hole must be drilled perpendicular to the pipe and vertically centered.
Refer to the Compatible Pipe/Installation Requirements chart for size.
Correct Incorrect
Do not leave cover off for an extended period of time as leaving the cover
off could result in damage to the VSR and result in improper operation.
On horizontal installations, it may be necessary to install a vent such as the
Potter PAV or similar to exhaust air out of the system and allow the piping to
ll with water to ensure proper operation of the Auto Test VSR.

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 3 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
Removal of Waterow Switch
• To prevent accidental water damage, all control valves should be shut tight and the system completely drained before waterow detectors are
removed or replaced.
• Turn off electrical power to the detector, then disconnect wiring.
• Loosen nuts and remove U-bolts.
• Gently lift the saddle far enough to get your ngers under it. With your ngers, roll the vane so it will t through the hole while continuing
to lift the waterow detector saddle.
• Lift detector clear of pipe.
To remove knockouts: Place screwdriver at inside edge of knockouts, not in
the center.
DWG 1146-4
Fig. 2
Do not drill into the base as this creates metal shavings which can
create electrical hazards and damage the device. Drilling voids the
warranty.
Fig. 3 Switch Terminal Connections Clamping Plate Terminal
An uninsulated section of a single conductor should not be looped around the
terminal and serve as two separate connections. The wire must be severed,
thereby providing supervision of the connection in the event that the wire
become dislodged from under the terminal. Failure to sever the wire may
render the device inoperable risking severe property damage and loss of life.
Do not strip wire beyond 3/8" of length or expose an uninsulated conductor
beyond the edge of the terminal block. When using stranded wire, capture all
strands under the clamping plate.
Maintenance
Inspect detectors monthly. If leaks are found, replace the detector. The VSR-AT waterow switch should provide years of trouble-free service.
Fig. 4 Mounting Dimensions
DWG. 1146-14
3.50 in
(89.0 mm)
2.34 in
(59.4 mm)
PIPE DIA.
+ 5.25 in
(+ 133.4 mm)
5.56 in
(141.2 mm)
2.00 in
(50.8 mm)
U-BOLT NUT
U-BOLT WASHER
PIPE SADDLE
PIPE
PLASTIC PADDLE
U-BOLT NOMINAL PIPE DIA. +1.75 in (+44.5 MM) FOR DN 50 – DN 65 2–2.5 in
NOMINAL PIPE DIA. +2.125 in (+54.0 MM) FOR DN 80 – DN 200 3–8 in
Fig. 5 GREEN GROUND
SCREWS
Testing
The frequency of inspection and testing for the Model VSR-AT and its associated protective monitoring system shall be in accordance with applicable
NFPA Codes and Standards and/or the authority having jurisdiction (manufacturer recommends quarterly or more frequently).
An inspector’s test valve shall be provided for commissioning and test purposes when required by the AHJ. If there are no provisions for testing
the operation of the ow detection device on the system, application of the VSR-AT is not recommended or advisable.
A minimum ow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) is required to activate this device.
Advise the person responsible for testing of the fire protection system that this system must be tested in accordance
with the testing instructions.

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 4 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
DWG1239-3
C NO C NO GND LED SWITCH
+ -
ALARM
ALARM 24 VDC PWR
Notes:
1. The model VSR-AT has two sets of alarm contacts:
• The connection to the waterow zone of the re panel involves 3
terminals on the VSR-AT. C and NO. Connect the two wires
from the waterow zone of the re panel to the C and NO terminals
with the End of Line Resistor of the re panel being connected
across the C and other terminal as shown on the drawing. The
NO and resistor terminal are internally connected by a normally
energized relay. A loss of power or failed AutoTest causes the relay
to drop out and initiate a trouble on the re panel.
• The second connection may be used for a local audible or visual
annunciator.
2. For supervised circuits, see “Switch Terminal Connections” drawing
and warning note (Fig. 3).
Fig. 6 Typical Electrical Connections
Do not connect power directly to these terminals.
Aux. power of
re panel or
other Listed 24 VDC supply.
24 VDC @ 120 mA.
Waterow
zone on
re panel
(See Note 1)
EOLR
or next
device
S1
Load
(Black)
Line
(Black)
Neutral
(White)
From power source
suitable for bell,
120 VAC connection shown
(See Note 1)
Bell
Orange
ATC-1
Mounts to standard
single gang, handy,
or switch box 4"L X
2 1/8"W X 1 7/8"D
such as RACO 660
or equivilent.
Box not included.
Black
Blue
The ATC consists of a momentary push button switch, a key switch
to enable/disable the push button and an LED. Turning the keyswitch
to Test will enable the push button switch. Momentarily pressing the
push button switch will initiate the Auto Test feature. The LED will
ash once per second during the test while the retard time is being
tested. After the retard time expires, the VSR-AT is put through a
simulated waterow test. If the test was successful, the LED will light
steady for approximately 2 seconds and both sets of switch contacts
on the VSR-AT will activate for approximately 2 seconds. After the
LED goes out, the key switch can be returned to Standby and the re
alarm panel reset. If the test was unsuccessful, the LED will ash 4
times per second, the switch contacts of the VSR-AT will not activate
and the VSR-AT will initiate a trouble on the re alarm panel by
opening the circuit between the NO terminal and the End Of Line
Resistor terminal.
D
C
B
A
A
B
C
D
POTTER ELECTRIC SIGNAL CO.
CAD GENERATED DRAWING,
DO NOT MANUALLY UPDATE
SCALE
SIZE
DWG. NO.
B
SHEET
2 OF 2
DATE
APPROVALS
DRAWN
CHECKED
TOLERANCES UNLESS SPECIFIED
DECIMALS ANGLES
.XXX = ±.005
XXXXXX
1 2 3
4 5 6
7
8
8
7
6
5
4
3 2
1
2/4/2014
XXXXX
2/4/2014
.XX = ±.015
±1°
VENDOR CERTIFIES ALL PARTS SUPPLIED FROM THIS DRAWING HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO
ITS SPECIFICATIONS AND VENDOR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REWORK COST WHERE
SPECIFICATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN MET.
VENDOR CERTIFICATION
DATA CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL NOT BE USED, DUPLICATED OR DISCLOSED IN WHOLE
OR PART OUTSIDE POTTER ELECTRIC, INC. WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SAME.
PROPRIETARY DATA
TITLE
1:4
ATC-4
Mounts to standard
two gang, handy
box 4"L X 2 4"W
X 2 1/8"D such
as RACO 683 or
equivilent.
Box not included.

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 5 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
Do not connect power directly to these terminals.
DWG1239-3
C NO C NO GND LED SWITCH
+ -
ALARM
ALARM 24 VDC PWR
From power source
suitable for bell,
120 VAC connection shown
Bell
Load
(Black)
Neutral
(White)
Line
(Black)
EOLR
Contact
Monitor
Module
COM NO
Addressable
Relay
SLC
from
FACP
Fig. 7 Typical Electrical Connections For Operation by Addressable Fire Alarm Panel
Aux. power of
re panel or
other Listed 24
VDC supply.
24 VDC @ 120 mA.
Notes:
1. The model VSR-AT has two sets of alarm contacts:
• The connection to the waterow zone of the re panel involves 3
terminals on the VSR-AT. C and NO. Connect the two wires
from the waterow zone of the re panel to the C and NO terminals
with the End of Line Resistor of the re panel being connected
across the C and other terminal as shown on the drawing. The
NO and resistor terminal are internally connected by a normally
energized relay. A loss of power or failed AutoTest causes the relay
to drop out and initiate a trouble on the re panel.
• The second connection may be used for a local audible or visual
annunciator.
2. For supervised circuits, see “Switch Terminal Connections” drawing
and warning note (Fig. 3).
The Auto Test feature can be initiated by momentarily connecting
the GND and Switch terminals together using the Auto Test Control
(ATC) or any UL Listed switch or relay.

PRINTED IN USA PAGE 6 OF 6
AUTO TEST VSR (VSR-AT)
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH
ELECTRONIC RETARD AND AUTO TEST FEATURE
MFG. #5401239 - REV B
3/14
Trouble Shooting Guide
A successful completion of the Auto Test will momentarily activate both sets of normally open contacts on the owswitch for approximately 2
seconds.
If the Auto Test detects a problem with the trip stem/paddle assembly, or if there is no water in the pipe, neither normally open contact will
operate. The owswitch will then indicate a trouble condition at the ATC test switch and transmit a trouble signal to the re alarm control
panel.
When Fire Panel Stays in Trouble:
• Check the wiring
• The zone of the re panel should be wired to the VSR-AT as
shown on pg. 4 of bulletin 5401239. The End of Line Resistor
should be installed as shown across the terminals marked C and
the terminal to the right of C which is indicated by the other end
of the resistor symbol. The zone of the re panel connects to the
terminals marked C and N.O.
• The NO and End of Line Resistor terminals are connected in-
ternally by a normally energized relay. A loss of power or failed
AutoTest causes the relay to drop out and initiates a trouble at the
re panel.
• The only way to clear the trouble on the re panel is to conduct
a successful AutoTest using the ATC test switch or other test
method. Conducting an actual waterow test will put the panel in
alarm but will not clear the trouble.
When VSR-AT Fails the Auto Test:
• Is there water in the pipe? The VSR-ST will fail the AutoTest if
the pipe it is installed on is not full of water.
• Has the return spring on the VSR-AT been adjusted? This spring
has been factory set and should not be adjusted
in the eld. Refer to Figure 8 to determine the factory spring
setting. If the spring is not at the factory setting, turn the spring
adjustment screw until the factory spring setting is restored.
• For other issues contact Potter Tech Support at 866-956-1211
or visit our web site at http://www.pottersignal.com/ run your
mouse over the FIRE SPRINKELR MONITORING header and
select Tools and Resources. Click on presentations to select the
VSR-AT Tech brief or troubleshooting video
Fig. 8
Return Spring set
to Factory Mark