Reliable A-2 Maintenance manual

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Bulletin 251 Rev. T
Bulletin 251 Rev. T
Instructions for
Installation, Operation,
Care and Maintenance
Models A-2 & B-1
Automatic Pressure
Maintenance Devices

2.
Operation
• Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
(Refer to Figure 1)
The Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device (PMD) is de-
signed for use where a source of compressed air (plant air
system, tank-mounted compressor with a pressure control,
etc.) or nitrogen cylinder (equipped with a regulating de-
vice) is available (refer to the section in this technical bulle-
tin titled “Installation”). The regulator in the Model A-2 PMD
reduces higher pressure air or nitrogen to a level required
by a dry pipe valve, dry pilot line, or a deluge valve based
preaction system. The Model A-2 PMD will maintain a con-
stant pressure in the system regardless of any pressure
fluctuations from the compressed air or nitrogen source.
Basic functionality of components (refer to Figure 1): The
strainer’s (Item 2) function is to prevent any foreign matter
that may be present in the air supply, from traveling to the
regulator (Item 1) and the check valve (Item 3), thereby en-
suring their normal operation. The check valve’s function is
to prevent the reverse flow of water resulting from a dry pipe
or deluge valve’s operation, from reaching the regulator.
The globe valves (Item 4) allow for the servicing (if needed)
of the strainer (Item 2) and regulator (Item 1) without having
to shut down the sprinkler system. The ball valve (Item 5)
permits the rapid restoration (quick-fill) of the required sys-
tem air pressure after service or operation. The ball valve
(Item 5) must be closed and the globe valves (Item 4) must
be open for proper automatic operation.
• Models B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
(Refer to Figure 2)
The Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device (PMD) is
designed for use in conjunction with the Reliable Model A
Tankless Air Compressor in order to maintain the correct
air pressure in a dry pipe valve or dry pilot line (refer to the
section in this technical bulletin titled “Installation”). The Re-
liable Model A Tankless Air Compressor is controlled on or
off by the air pressure level present in the dry pipe valve or
dry pilot line via wiring between the compressor’s motor and
the contacts of the Model B-1 PMD’s pressure switch.
Basic functionality of components (refer to Figure 2): A drop
in the sprinkler system’s air pressure causes the contacts of
the pressure switch (Item 1) to close, thereby activating the
air compressor . When the pre-adjusted level of air pressure
is restored, the pressure switch’s contacts re-open, thereby
deactivating the air compressor. The pressure switch (Item
1) is also equipped with an unloader valve that automati-
cally bleeds off the air compressor’s outlet pressure each
time the contacts of the pressure switch open. This protects
the air compressor’s motor from overloading during start-
up. Like the Model A-2 PMD, the Model B-1 has a strainer
(Item 2) for contamination control and a check valve (Item
3) to prevent reverse water flow. The ball valve (Item 5) and
globe valves (Item 4) are also identical in configuration and
function as with the Model A-2 PMD. Likewise, the ball valve
(Item 5) must be closed and the globe valves (Item 4) must
be open for proper automatic operation
Adjustment
• Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
(Refer to Figure 1)
The pressure regulator (Item 1) is factory set to maintain
a nominal system air or nitrogen pressure of 30 psi (2,1
bar). In order to change the outlet pressure, loosen the
locknut at the top of regulator and turn the adjustment
screw clockwise to increase pressure. To decrease the
pressure, turn the adjusting screw counter clockwise.
The resulting pressure can be determined at the sprinkler
system air gauge once the air flow through the device
has ceased, or at the optional gauge location. Shown on
Figure 1.
Note: The locknut of the regulator (Item 1) must be tight-
ened after adjusting in order to prevent an accidental
change in the pressure setting.
Adjustable Outlet Pressure Range:
5 psi to 100 psi (0.34 bar to 6.9 bar)
Maximum Inlet Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
• Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
The pressure switch (Item 1) is factory set to maintain a
nominal system air pressure of 35 psi (2,4 bar). In order
to change the setting, remove the pressure switch’s cov-
er and follow the directions contained within the switch.
Electrical Rating:
Single Phase: 120 Volts AC; 2 hp
240 Volts AC; 3 hp
600 Volts AC; 5 hp
Three Phase: 240 Volts AC; 5 hp
600 Volts AC; 5 hp
115-230 Volts DC; 3 hp
Adjustable Outlet Pressure Range:
14 psi - to - 60 psi (1,0 bar - to - 4,1 bar)
Maximum Inlet Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
Listings and Approvals
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
2. Listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada. (ULC)
3. Certified by FM Approvals.
4. NYC MEA 258-93-E.

3.
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
P/N 6304000135, (All steel pipe fittings are galvanized)
Item
No. Part No. Description No. Req’d
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
98681630
98727606
96816902
98840172
98840108
98815201
96606616
98543234
98543226
98174404
98543227
96606608
98614403
98543231
Regulator, 5-100 psi
Strainer, ¼” NPT, 90
Check Valve, ¼”
Globe Valve, ¼”
Ball Valve, ¾”
Union, ¼”
Tee, ¾” x ¾” x ¼”
Nipple, ¾” x 3½”
Nipple, ¼” x 1½”
Elbow, ¼”
Nipple, ¼” x Close
Tee, ¼”
Plug, ¼”
Nipple, 3/4 x 3”
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
5
1
2
1
1
1
Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
P/N 6304010100, (All steel pipe fittings are galvanized)
Item
No. Part No. Description No. Req’d
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
98728801
98727607
96816902
98840172
98840108
98815201
96606616
98543232
98543226
96606608
98750004
98543227
98523100
98768000
98085630
98048034
98614403
98543231
Pressure Switch, 3/8” NPT
Strainer, ¼”, 30 Mesh
Check Valve, ¼”
Globe Valve, ¼”
Ball Valve, ¾”
Union, ¼”
Tee, ¾” x ¾” x ¼”
Nipple, ¾” x 2 ”
Nipple, ¼” x 1½”
Tee, ¼”
Cross, ¼”
Nipple, ¼” x Close
Restriction Nipple, ¼”
Copper Tubing, ¼” O.D.
Comp. Fitting, ¼” x ¼”
Reducer Bushing 3/8” x ¼”
Plug, ¼”
Nipple, ¾” x 3”
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1Figure 2
Figure 1

4.
Inspection and Maintenance
Refer to Figures 1 & 2.
1. Review the latest NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Standards,
any appropriate dry pipe or deluge valve installation
bulletins, and the section in this bulletin titled “Instal-
lation” to ensure that the pressure maintenance de-
vice is installed properly.
2. Make sure that both ¼” globe valves (Item 4) are
open and that the ¾” ball valve (Item 5) is closed.
3. Check the gas pressure in the dry pipe, deluge or
preaction system at the pressure gauge located on
those devices. See the section titled “Adjustment” if
any are required.
4. If maintenance is to be performed on Items 1, 2 or
3 of the pressure maintenance device, make sure
that both globe valves (Item 4) are closed and that
pressure has been relieved from the section through
the ¼” union (Item 6). These valves must be opened
again in order to restore proper automatic operation.
5. The strainer (Item 2) should be cleaned periodically
to prevent contamination from blocking air flow. This
can be done by removing the strainer’s cap and wip-
ing or blowing off any collected debris.
6. Make sure the check valve (Item 3) is installed ac-
cording to the schematic with the arrow on its hex-
agonal side pointing in the required direction of air
flow.
7. If the regulator (Item 1) in the Model A-2 Pressure
Maintenance Device is constantly leaking at the ad-
justing screw, the regulator may contain dirt keep-
ing the poppet open and should be cleaned or re-
placed.
8. Check the inside housing of pressure switch (Item
1) of the Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
for dirt or foreign matter and verify that the wiring is
fastened securely and is wiring insulation is in good
condition.
WARNING: Do not contact the electrical wiring
when the power is on
Installation
As shown in Figures 4 through 13, Pressure Maintenance
Devices are installed in the air supply line leading to the dry
pipe valve, deluge or preaction systems. With the Model
A-2 PMD the air supply is a tank mounted compressor with
a pressure control switch, or a Nitrogen supply equipped
with a regulating device. With the Model B-1 PMD, the
air supply is an air compressor without a pressure control
switch. An extra outlet connection is provided on all of the
models for mounting an optional pressure gauge to moni-
tor the outlet pressure.
• Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
a. Make sure the air flow through the Pressure
Maintenance Device is as shown by the arrows
in Figures 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 11-13.
b. Install the Pressure Maintenance Device as close
to the dry pipe valve air line trimmings as pos-
sible. Install the Pressure Maintenance Device
in the air supply immediately leading to the del-
uge or preaction trim. Refer to separate dry pipe
valve, deluge valve or preaction system bulletins
for the additional installation information.
• Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
a. Make sure the air flow through the Device is as
shown by the arrows in Figures 2, 5-7 and10.
b. Remove the pressure switch’s (Item 1) cover and
connect the wiring in accordance with the Nation-
al Electric Code or other appropriate standards.
The connections should be as shown in Figure
3 for single phase wiring of thermally protected
compressor motors. Refer to separate dry pipe
valve and deluge valve bulletins for additional in-
stallation information.
c. For 3-phase wiring, a listed and/or approved,
properly sized magnetic motor starter with ap-
propriate NEMA enclosure must be provided.
The wiring of the pressure switch, motor starter,
and air compressor must be in accordance with
the National Electrical Code, or other appropri-
ate standards.
Figure 3

5.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model D Dry Pipe Valve Trim
Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model D Dry Pipe Valve Trim

Figure 6
Figure 7
6.
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model BX Dry Pilot Line Deluge Trim
Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model BX Dry Pilot Line Deluge Trim

Figure 8
Figure 9
7.
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model LDX Dry Pipe Valve Trim
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model DDX Dry Pilot Line Deluge Trim

Figure 10
Figure 11
8.
Model B-1 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model DDX Dry Pilot Line Deluge Trim
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model DDX Dry Pilot Line Single Interlock Preaction Trim

Figure 12
Figure 13
9.
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model DDX Type F Double Interlock Preaction Trim
Model A-2 Pressure Maintenance Device
with Model DDX- LP Dry Pipe Valve Trim

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
[phone] Sales Offices
[phone] Sales Fax
[phone] Corporate Offices
www.reliablesprinkler.com Internet Address
Manufactured by
Recycled
Paper
Revision lines indicate updated or new data.
EG. Printed in U.S.A. 11/16 P/N 9999970040
The equipment presented in this bulletin is to be installed in accordance with the latest published Standards of the National Fire Protection Association, Factory
Mutual Research Corporation, or other similar organizations and also with the provisions of governmental codes or ordinances whenever applicable.
Products manufactured and distributed by Reliable have been protecting life and property for almost 100 years.
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