Reliable Enviromate E3 Maintenance manual

Model E3
High Pressure
Alarm Check Valve
Bulletin 409Rev. B
Instructions for
Installation, Operation,
Care and Maintenance
4″(100mm), 6″(150mm)and
165mm and 8 ″(200mm)
Sizes With Model E3 Trim
Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Approved
by Factory Mutual Research Corporation, and other
fire insurance and government agencies in the
United States and foreign countries.
The Reliable Automatic Sprinklers Co., Inc., 525 North MacQuesten Parkway, Mount Vernon, New York 10552

General
The Reliable Model E3 High Pressure Alarm Valves are
available in two easy to install closed drain trims, Standard
and Optional (Variable pressure, open drain and pressure
relief kits are available). The Optional trim provides a “Test”
and “Drain” feature that allows the valve and in certain cases
the system alarm devices, to be tested with flow through a
calibrated 12″orifice. This method of test simulates a fire
scenario where one head has opened. It also has the added
benefit of exercising the clapper and flushing the alarm
porting. (Note: for FM insured applications the placement of a
test and drain valve in the trim does not replace the need for
an inspector test connection at the outer reaches of the
system. See “Test” section for details.) The Standard trim is a
low cost alternative to the Optional trim and where as it does
not provide the calibrated orifice like the Optional trim its
method of testing the alarm devices is similar and provides
the same benefits. Both trims are available in vertical or
horizontal configurations. Variable pressure water supply
requires the use of Model E3 trim and a Reliable E1 Retard
Chamber. Constant pressure water supply requires the use
of a Model E3 trim set only. Model E3 High Pressure Alarm
Valves are shipped with the designated trim set, i.e. variable
or constant pressure. All trim sets are closed drain.
The E3 trim is also approved for use in the vertical and
horizontal position with the Reliable Model E Alarm Valve
which is rated for 175 psi (12 bar) applications.
Valve Description
1. Rated working pressure 300 psi (20,7 bar).
2. Factory hydrostatic test pressure 600 psi (41,4 bar).
3. End and trim connections:
•Groove dimensions per ANSI/ AWWAC606.
•Threaded openings per ANSI B 2.1.
•Reliable’s standard trim sets are compatible with all
4″(100mm) , 6 ″(150mm) and 8 ″(200mm) valve sizes.
4. Color – Black
– Red (E3A *)
– Blue (Metric)
5. Face to Face Dimension:
•For the 4″(100mm) valve – 11¾″(299mm).
•For the 6″(150mm) valve – 13½″(343mm).
•For the 8″(200mm) valve – 14½″(368mm).
6. Friction Loss – Expressed in equivalent length of
pipe, based on Hazen-Williamsformula with C=120
and a flowing velocity of 15 ft/s (4.6 m/s):
Equiv. Length
For the 4″(100mm) valve17′(5.18m)
For the 6″(150mm) valve27′(8.23m)
For the 8″(200mm) valve29′(8.84m)
Trim Description
The basic trims of the Reliable Model E3 High Pressure
Alarm Valve (Figure 2) are arranged for rapid, easy and
compact attachment. They serve as a connecting point to
Reliable alarm and other devices. The trims also serve as a
means for testing the operation of the alarm devices while
exercising the alarm valve clapper. Two Model E3 High
Pressure trim sets are available for use with the Model E3
High Pressure Alarm Valve:
•Variable Pressure with Closed Retard Drain
Model E1 Retard Chamber is required.
This trim set is used where water supply pressures vary. The
retard chamber and the mechanical sprinkler alarm line are
drained through a closed connection to the 2 ″(50mm) drain
line. Only one drain connection is required.
Alarm valves are listed and approved by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. and Factory Mutual Research Corporation
only when used with the valve manufacturer’s trim sets.
•Constant Pressure
Retard Chamber is not required.
This trim set is used where water supply pressure does not
vary. Automatic draining is provided to drain the mechanical
sprinkler alarm line. This drain connection is piped into the 2 ″
(50mm) main drain line.
Assembly of Model E3 Trim
•Variable Pressure Vertical Installation(Figure 2)
The following description is the recommended sequence
for installing the trim as illustrated in this bulletin.
1. After the alarm check valve has been installed in the riser,
attach Segment “A” in the orientation shown and in a leak
tight condition.
2. Insert Segment “B” leak tight. Note: Segment “B” is the
larger of the two union connections.
3. Install Segment “C” leak tight and orientate as shown by
wrenching on the 45 degree elbow.
4. Install Segment “D” leak tight.
5. Attach Segment “E” at the unions. Verify that the arrow on
the check valve is pointing to system.
6. Install the gauges.
7. Install Segment “F” leak tight by wrenching on the 2 ″
(50mm) tee. Orientate the tube fitting towards the back of
the alarm valve. Connect Item 26 (alarm line drain port) to
Item 27 in the drain line using the flex tubing provided
(Item 11). Note: the tubing should be free of kinks. Note:
An open line drain segment is optional, to be purchased
separetly, as a replacement to seg. F.
8. Install ¾ ″x 5 ″(20mm x 127mm) long galvanized nipple,
Model E1 Retard Chamber and Segment “G” in the
orientation shown and in a leak tight condition.
9. Connect appropriate water flow alarm devices.
2.
Figure 1
Groove Dimensions in Inches (mm)
Valve
SizeInlet and Outlet Dia. Groove Dia. Groove Width
Face
To
Groove
Dim.
Valve
Type
4 (100) 4.500 (114) 4.334 (110.1) 38(9.5) 58(16) E3 & E3A*
6 (150) 6.625 (168) 6.455 (164.0) 38(9.5) 58(16) E3
6 (165) 6.500 (165) 6.330 (160.8) 38(9.5) 58(16) E3A
8 (200) 8.625 (219) 8.441 (214.0) 716 (11.11) 34(19) E3 & E3A*
* “A” Designates valves made for Australia.

3.
Figure 2 - Model E3 Alarm Valves with Variable Pressure Trim
•ConstantPressureVerticalInstallation (Figure 2)
Trimmings for this installation follow the same sequence
given in Steps 1 through 9 above. The only exception is step
8 where Segment “G” is installed directly into the ¾ ″(20mm)
shut-off valve in Segment “A”.
Note: In all cases, carefully install the check valve in
the position shown with the flow arrow pointing in the
direction shown.
•HorizontalInstallation (Fig. 5, Fig. 6 Fig. 8)
Follow a sequence similar to that given above for vertical
instalation, and refer to Figs. 5 & 6 for illustration.
Variable Pressure Equipment
The normal position of the alarm valve parts is shown in Fig. 9.
Flow of water in the system piping resulting from the
discharge through one or more fused automatic sprinklers
causes the Clapper (4) to rise off the Grooved Seat (3) and
permits water from the supply piping to enter the system.

4.
Item No. Part No. DescriptionRemarksNo. Req’d
1
6502141415Vertical Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141414Vertical, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141418Horizontal Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141413Horizontal, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
2
6502141436Vertical Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8 ″1
6502141432Vertical, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141438Horizontal Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141434Horizontal, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
36501200115Retard Chamber 1
Variable Pressure (Figs. 3 & 5)
Item No. Part No. DescriptionRemarksNo. Req’d
6502141415Vertical Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141414Vertical, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
650214118Horizontal Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141413Horizontal, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 165mm1
6502141436Vertical Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141432Vertical, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141438Horizontal Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141434Horizontal, Optional Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 8″1
6502141414Trim, Model E3 Closed Drain, Seg., 4 ″& 6 ″& 16mmItems 1 - 36
198248005Gauge, Water Pressure2
298840180Valve, Hor. Check, ¾ ″1
398840108Valve, Butterfly, ¾ ″1
498840131Valve, TEST AN DRAIN , 2″Optional 1
98840100Valve, Angle, 2 ″
598840160Valve, Gauge, 3-Way, ¼ ″2
698614401Plug, ¾ ″1
798614403Plug, ¼ ″2
898604406Plug, ½ ″2
998580002Orifice, Drain, 316″Orif., ¾ ″NPT x ½ ″NPT2
1098580006Orifice, Retard, 38″Orif., ¾ ″NPT1
1196909925Flex Line, Steel Braided 38″x 9 ″- Vertical 1
96920925Flex Line, Steel Braided20 ″LNG - Horizontal
1298761651Tee, ½ ″1
1396606603Tee, ½ ″x ½ ″x ¾ ″1
1496606610Tee, ¾ ″x ½ ″x ¾ ″1
1596606623Tee, 2 ″x 2 ″x ½ ″1
1698543238Nipple, 2 ″x Close1
1798543208Nipple, 2 ″x 3 ″LG. 1
1898543273Nipple, 2 ″x 5½ ″LG. 1
1998543212Nipple, ½ ″x Close2
2098543209Nipple, ½ ″x 2 ″LG. 1
2198543226Nipple, ¼ ″x 1½ ″LG. 2
2298543215Nipple, ¾ ″x 1½ ″LG. 1
2398543233Nipple, ¾ ″x 2½ ″LG. 1
2498543231Nipple, ¾ ″x 3 ″LG. 2
2598543215Nipple, ¾ ″x Close1
2692056702Connector, Male, 38″Tubing x ¼ ″NPT1
2792056703Elbow, Male, 38″ Tubing x ¼ ″NPT See Fig. 21
6502141420Open Drain Optional / Kit See Fig. 2
2898048000Reducer Bushing, ½ ″x ¼ ″2
2998174401Elbow, ½ ″1
3098174402Elbow, ¾ ″1
3198174411Elbow, 2 ″, 45 °1
3298815202Union, ¾ ″2
3398543282Nipple ¾ ″x 4 ″LG. 1
3498543242Nipple ¾ ″x 5 ″LG. 1
3596606616Tee ¾ ″x ¼ ″x ¾ ″2
Constant Pressure (Figure 4 & 6)

Fig. 3 Variable Pressure Vertical Installation
Fig. 4 Constant Pressure Vertical Installation
5.
Fig. 5 Variable Pressure Horizontal Installation
Fig. 6 Constant Pressure Horizontal Installation
The movement of Clapper (4) on Hinge Pin (8) uncovers
the groove in Seat (3) and allows water to flow through the
groove into the Alarm Line Outlet and to the Alarm Line, Fig 5.
Continual flow of water fills the retard chamber and flows to
mechanical and/or electric alarms. (For details on mechanical
and electric alarms, refer to their individual instruction sheets.) A
small amount of water will simultaneously flow into the drain line.
When the water ceases to flow through the Alarm Valve,
the Clapper (4) returns to its seat thus stopping the flow of
water to the retard chamber. Drain Orifices (Item 9, Fig. 4 &6)
allow the retard chamber and alarm line to empty through the
drain line (Item 11, Fig. 4 & 6).
Virtually all sprinkler system piping contains confined air. If
a water hammer or pressure surge occurs in the supply line,
the increased pressure will compress the confined air and
cause the alarm valve clapper to lift intermittently which may
result in false alarms.
The Model E3 Alarm Valve minimizes false alarms under
these conditions by two features:
1. The Bypass Line, Fig. 7, with Check Valve (B) allows
surges to pass from the supply to the system side of the
alarm valve clapper without lifting the clapper off its seat.
Repeated surges build up an effective excess pressure in

the system which steadies the clapper and prevents false
alarms. Should a heavy surge force the clapper off its seat
and allow water to flow into the alarm line, the Model E1
Retard Chamber comes into action.
2. The retard chamber and the restriction and drain orifices
allow intermittent flows to be drained before they can fill the
chamber and pass on to operate the electric and
mechanical alarms.
Constant Pressure Equipment
The operation of this equipment is the same as described
for the variable pressure equipment, except that due to the
water supply pressure being constant, the retard chamber is
not required. The water, on passing through the groove in the
seat of the alarm valve, flows directly to operate the electric
and mechanical alarms.
Tests
To test the readiness of the entire wet pipe system, open
the inspectors test connection which should cause the
mechanical and the electric alarms to sound. This test
connection is usually located on the end or top line of the
system and its opening is the equivalent to the fusing of one
automatic sprinkler.
To test the operation of the alarm equipment only, open
Valve (A), Fig. 7, until alarm sounds. For the optional
TestAN Drain installation kit open the valve to the “Test”
position. Testing this way has the added benefit of exercising
the clapper assembly. Should the mechanical sprinkler alarm
(water motor) not operate, most likely the strainer is clogged.
Remove the strainer cap and filter to clean. Be sure to replace
the cleaned filter and tighten cap securely. Refer to Bulletin
613 for cleaning information.
6.
Fig. 8 - E3 Horizontal Trim
A. Mechanical Sprinkler Alarm (Water Motor)
Not Operating.
See Testsfor corrective measures.
B. Steady Water Flow Into Drain Line
Steps in the following sequence should be taken to
correct steady water flow into the drain line:
1. Open Valve (A), Fig. 7, to drain which should flush any loose
matter off alarm valve seat. Close valve and observe if
water flow ceases.
2. Close main control valve to determine if water flow is
coming from above or below alarm valve clapper.
Note: Supply pressure gauge should read zero when main
control valve is closed tight and water pressure between
this valve and the alarm valve is relieved. If necessary,
pressure can be relieved through the lower gauge valve
when the ¼ ″NPT plug is removed.
a. If water flow is coming from below clapper, water will
stop running to drain line.
b. If water flow is coming from above clapper, water will
continue to run to drain line.
Note: To minimize downtime, the following parts should
be on hand before the valve is disassembled:
1) Seat installation Wrench:
4 ″– Part No. 6881240000
6 ″– Part No. 6881260000
2) Clapper Rubber Facing and Clamping Ring
Assembly: Item 5, Figure 9.
3) Seat “O”-Rings: Items 9 and 10, Figure 9.
c. In either case (a or b), drain system by opening Valve
(A), Fig. 7, to drain. Remove Cover (2), Fig. 9, Shaft Pipe
Plug (14), Hinge Pin (8) and Clapper Assembly (4).
Note: Hold down Spring (13) when removing Hinge Pin (8).
d. Carefully inspect for the following:
1) Damage to clapper rubber facing – Inspect surface
for imbedded foreign matter. Replace facing if
found damaged (be certain that clapper and
clapper clamping ring surfaces are thoroughly
cleaned before assembling with new facing.)
2) Damage to seat surface – Clean seat thoroughly.
Inspect for any nicks in seat or stones or other
foreign matter lodged in seat groove. If seat or other
parts of valve are found to be severely damaged, an
authorized Reliable distributor should be contacted.
Fig. 7 - E3 Vertical Trim
To test supply piping for unobstructed flow, close Valve (C),
Fig. 5, and open Valve (A) to the drain position. When the test is
completed, close Drain Valve (A) securely and open Valve (C)
which must be monitored with a suitable supervising device.
For FM insured applications the placement of a Test and
Drain valve (E3 Trim Option) in the 2 ″(50mm) drain line does
not replace the need for an inspector’s test connection at the
outer reaches of the sprinkler system. The drain valve shall not
be used in lieu of the inspector’s test connection for the testing
of the entire wet piping system. The drain valve shall only be
used to exercise the clapper and test valve associated alarm
devises. For all other applications please refer to NFPA 13 or to
the authority having local jurisdiction.
Maintenance
Reliable alarm valves and associated equipment shall
periodically be given a thorough inspection and test. NFPA
25 provides minimum inspection, testing and maintenance
requirements. Alarm valves shall be tested, operated,
cleaned, inspected and parts replaced, as required, at least
annually.
Usually, any trouble will be shown by one or more of the
following symptoms:

Item
No. Part NamePart Number Quantity
4″
(100mm) 6″ (150mm) 6″ (165mm) 8″ (200mm) 4″ (100mm) 6″ (150mm) 6″ (165mm) 8″ (200mm)
1Body, Grooved x Grooved910061679100616591006171910061691 1 1 1
2Cover 921163049211630692116306921163081 1 1 1
3Seat 960161249601612696016126960161281 1 1 1
4Clapper Bushing Assy. 710204247102062671020626710208281 1 1 4
5Clapper Rubber Facing and Clamping Ring Assy. 934161049341610693416106934161081 1 1
6Drain Plug (Except Metric Valves) 952061049520610495206104-- 1 1 1
7Clamping Ring Screws or Nut 949061249560612695606126956061261 4 4 1
8Hinge Pin950061249500612695006126950061281 1 1 1
9Seat “O”-Ring954361249543612695436126954361281 1 1 1
10 Seat “O”-Ring954461249544612695446126954461281 1 1 1
11 Cover Gasket 937061249370612693706126931061281 1 1 1
12 Cover Bolts 911061249110612691106126911061266 6 6 6
13 Clapper Spring964061249640612496406124964061241 1 1 1
14 Shaft Pipe Plug (not shown) 986044028604400286044002860440021 1 1 1
−Retard Chamber Model E16303000522630300052263030005226303000522− − − −
ModelE3AlarmValveParts 4 ″(100mm) -P/N 6102040519; 6 ″(150mm) - P/N 6102060519
6 ″(165mm) - P/N 6102065518; 8 ″(200mm)- P/N 610208519
7.
Model E3 High Pressure Alarm Valve
e. To replace seat “O”-Rings:
1) Using the seat wrench, unscrew the seat. Use
care to avoid damage to the seat surface.
2) Remove “O”-Rings, Items 9 and 10, Fig. 9.
Thoroughly clean “O”-Ring grooves and sealing
surfaces. Inspect for damage or foreign material.
3) Apply a light coat of lubricant to new “O”-Rings
and install in the proper grooves. Use care to
avoid stretching, twisting or other damage to
“O”-Rings.
4) After checking that “O”-Rings are correctly
installed, carefully reinstall seat and tighten
securely with the seat wrench.
f. To reassemble alarm valve:
1) Replace clapper assembly (Fig. 6) on seat alarm
valve – insert Hinge Pin (8) in valve and pass it
through one bearing of Clapper (4) – Press and
hold Spring (13) securely in position between
clapper alarm bearings and push clapper alarm
shaft through spring coils and bushings to far
side of valve – Replace Shaft Pipe Plug (14).
2) Lift toe of clapper – check for freedom of rotation
and proper seating.
3) Replace Cover (2) being sure Cover Gasket (11) is in
position and bolts and nuts are securely tightened.
4) Close Drain Valve (A), Fig. 7. Slowly open main
control valve. Be sure Valve (C) and the main control
valve are properly supervised in the OPEN position.
C. False Alarms
False alarms are generally caused by pressure surges in the
water supply and can occur if the system loses its effective
excess pressure (see “Operation”). Similar readings on the
system and supply pressure gauges are a visual indication that
the excess pressure condition has been lost. One or more of
the following will contribute to this loss of pressure – Leaking
system drain valves, leaking at the Alarm Valve Seat (3), Fig. 6,
leaking between the Clapper (4) and the Facing (5), or leaking
at the Bypass Check Valve (B), Fig. 7.
Corrective Steps:
1. Check system drain valves for tightness.
2. In order to find and correct a leak at the alarm valve seat,
proceed as outlined in B.1. through 2.
3. To correct a leak between the clapper and the clapper
facing, proceed as outlined in B 2.c. and B. 2.d.1.
4. In order to find and correct a leak through the bypass check
valve, proceed as follows:
Figure 9