
General Description
The Reliable Model DDX 4” (100 mm) and 6” (150 mm)
PrePaKs are completely self-contained, supervised
preaction systems that can be readily installed within a floor
space of 4.7 ft2(0.44 m2) (not including door swing).
Installation of the PrePaK (not including exterior devices,
i.e., detectors and alarm bells), requires just three piping
connections: a 4” (100 mm) or 6” (150 mm) supply line, a 4”
(100 mm) or 6” (150 mm) system line, and a 2” (50 mm)
drain line. Reference locations of these piping connections
are shown in Fig.1. Also, two 120 / 220 VAC electrical
supply connections are required. Note: The Model DDX
PrePak is available with its air compressor and Potter Model
PFC-4410-RC Releasing/Control Panel wired for a 120 VAC
/ 60Hz or for a 220 VAC / 50 Hz power supply.
The Reliable Model DDX PrePaK contains the following
components within its 25.7” (0.65 m) W x 28.9” (0.73 m) D x
68” (1.73 m) H 12-gauge steel enclosure:
•One Reliable Model DDX 4” (100 mm) or 6” (150 mm)
Deluge Value with Type D Double Interlock Preaction
Trim set (See Reliable Bulletin 728).
•One Gast Model 5HCD-108-M550NGX ¾ Hp Air
Compressor (a 1½ Hp Model 7HDD-16-M750X, Air
Compressor is optional in the 6” (150 mm) PrePaK only).
•One 8 gallon (30.3 liter) air tank.
•One Potter Model PFC-4410-RC Releasing/Control
Panel (See Potter Manual #5403550).
•One Pressure Maintenance Device for system air
supervision (contains regulator, check valve, strainer,
and rapid-fill option).
•All required fittings, gauges, electrical connectors, and
electrical devices to utilize the system in single interlock,
single interlock cross-zoned, double interlock, and
double interlock cross-zoned applications.
The Reliable Model DDX PrePaK utilizes the Potter Model
PFC-4410-RC Releasing Control Panel. This fully
programmable, microprocessor-based releasing panel is
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Listed and is in compliance
with NFPA 13 and NFPA 72. Because the PFC-4410-RC is
totally zone and output programmable, the Reliable Model
DDX PrePaK can be utilized in many different preaction
applications without having to rewire any of the factory
installed devices. Once the previously described
connections are completed, the 24 VDC detectors, output
devices, and relay contacts may be connected to achieve
the desired system implementation.
The Model DDX PrePaK can be used in both single and
double interlock applications. Reliable Single and Double
Interlock Preaction Systems are designed for water
sensitive areas that require protection from inadvertent
water flow into the sprinkler system piping.
The major benefits of a single/double interlock preaction
System, when compared with a wet pipe system, are as
follows:
A. A fire alarm sounds prior to the flow of water from a
sprinkler, which may enable extinguishing the fire by
handheld means before the operation of any sprinkler
head occurs.
B. An annunciator signals whenever the integrity of piping
or sprinklers is accidentally or intentionally disturbed;
however, no water flow or water damage will result at
that time.
C. Speedy detection and an early fire alarm are provided
by fire detectors, without the delay associated with
water delivery time in the event of a fire. Note that with a
wet pipe system, the fire alarm is delayed until after
water has begun flowing from and operated sprinkler
head.
In single interlock applications, one electrical detector
senses the presence of fire, thereby causing the electrical
releasing control panel to activate fire alarm devices and
energize the solenoid releasing valve in the open position.
Note that arranging detectors in a cross-zoned pattern will
require operation of two detectors before the solenoid valve
can open (Note: Cross-zoned detection systems are not
permitted in New York City and are not Factory Mutual
Approved). The solenoid valve, when closed, is preserving
supply water pressure in the deluge valve’s push-rod
chamber. Actuating the solenoid valve releases that water
pressure which allows the valve to open.
To fully operate a single interlock system with
cross-zoned detection, two separate electrical detection
systems must activate and a sprinkler must open. During
the early stages of a fire, smoke or heat activates the first
detector, which causes the control panel to produce a local
alarm and an alarm at the main fire alarm panel. Electrical
relays inside the releasing control panel can be used to
shut down air moving equipment or activate security doors
and other electrical devices when the panel goes into this
first condition. Subsequent activation of a second, nearby
or adjacent detector, on a separate detection system, will
cause the panel to energize the solenoid valve open and
release water into the sprinkler piping. Water flowing into
the sprinkler piping will simultaneously produce water
pressure that causes the transfer of contacts in the alarm
pressure switch mounted in the riser assembly, thereby
activating a water flow alarm device. The flow of water into
the sprinkler piping effectively converts the dry system into
a wet pipe system. In the event the fire subsequently
produces sufficient heat to operate a sprinkler head, water
will flow from that sprinkler, controlling the fire.
To flow water into a double interlock preaction system,
two events must take place. A fire detection device must
operate, and a pressure switch must be operated by the
loss of system pressure (sprinkler operation). These two
signals, both an electric signal and a pneumatic signal,
must coexist at the releasing control panel, which only then
will energize the solenoid releasing valve, causing water
flow into the sprinkler system and out of the open
sprinkler(s).
In the event that the system piping is ruptured or a
sprinkler head is accidentally opened, the system pressure
switch will operate and an alarm will sound. The riser
assembly, however, will not release water since the
solenoid valve remains closed due to only one input into the
releasing control panel.
When using the Reliable Model DDX PrePaK, in either
single or double interlock applications, the sprinkler system
is pressurized (supervised) with air provided by the air
compressor and is monitored by a system pressure switch.
A Model B Hydraulic Manual Emergency Releasing
station is standard equipment in the Model DDX PrePaK. It
consists of an aluminum nameplate mechanically attached
to a ball valve. The valve handle in its OFF position is
guarded against accidental turning to the ON position (and
system discharge) by a nylon cable tie provided with the
PrePaK assembly. The cable tie is designed to allow, in
case of an emergency, forceful turning of the valve handle
to the ON position.
2.