Reliable J168 User manual

Bulletin 011 Rev. B
Bulletin 011 Rev. B
The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Model J168
Standard Response
Upright Sprinkler
(SIN RA1124)
Sprinkler Identification Number
RA1124
Features:
1. Utilizes Standard Response center strut
solder sensor.
2. 165°F(74°C), 212°F (100°C) and 286°F
(141°C) temperature ratings.
3. Available in brass, lead coated, wax
coated and wax over lead coated finishes.
4. Provides higher flows at much lower
pressures for all occupancies, especially in
high density applications, such as the
protection of high-piled storage.
5. Limits density increases for plastic pallet
applications per NFPA 13.
Listings & Approvals
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and UL
certified for Canada (cULus) to include storage
applications.
2. NYC MEA 258-93-E
3. FM Approved
Technical Data
Applications
Wet, Dry and Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems
Hazards
Ordinary, Extra Hazard and Storage
Occupancies per NFPA 13
For Sprinkler Spacing, Positioning, and Density/Area Flow
Calculations: refer to NFPA 13
Minimum Working Pressure
7 psi (0,5 bar) residual (flowing)
Maximum Working Pressure
Rated 175 psi (12,1 bar)
Factory tested to 500 psi (34, 5 bar)
Discharge Coefficients (K Factor)
K=16.8 GPM/psi½(241,9 LPm/bar)½
Pipe Thread Connection
¾ NPT (R3/4)
Overall Length
278inch (73 mm)
Product Description
The Reliable Model J168 Automatic sprinkler utilizes the
center strut solder in compression principle of construction.
The fusible alloy is captured in the cylinder of the solder
capsule by a stainless steel ball. When the fusible alloy melts,
the ball moves into the cylinder allowing the cylinder to
separate from the center strut. When this happens, the lever is
released to spring free from the sprinkler so that all operating
parts clear the waterway allowing the deflector to distribute the
discharging water in a hemispherical pattern.
The Reliable Model J168, 16.8 K-factor sprinklers were
tested in full scale fire tests to qualify them for the protection of
rack and high piled storage.
Availability & Service
Reliable products are available through an extensive
network of domestic and international distributors. See the
Reliable Web site at www.reliablesprinkler.com for additional
information.
Ordering Information
Specify:
1. Model J168 Upright
2. Temperature rating (see page 2)
3. Finish (see page 2)
4. Model J1 Installation Wrench
Note: This sprinkler is a Control Mode sprinkler.
Model J1 Wrench
Refer to CA-167

Classification
Sprinkler
Rating
Maximum Ambient
Temperature Frame
Color
°F °C °F °C
Ordinary
Intermediate
High
165
212
286
74
100
141
100
150
225
38
66
107
Uncolored
White
Blue
Temperature Ratings
Design Criteria
cULus Listing Requirements
The Reliable Standard Response J168 Upright Sprinkler is
cULus Listed for use in occupancy classifications up to and
including Extra-Hazard, for hydraulically calculated wet or dry
systems per NFPA 13, with a minimum operating pressure of
7 psi (48,3 kPa) in wet or dry systems. Use the standard
sprinkler positioning requirements and density/area sprinkler
protection criteria provided in NFPA 13.
Also:
The J168 Sprinkler is cULus Listed for use in High-Piled
storage Occupancies as defined in NFPA 13. This sprinkler
may be used for the protection of solid piled, palletized, rack
storage (single, double, multiple-row and portable), bin box,
and shelf storage including, but not limited to: encapsuled or
unencapsulated Class I-IV and Group A or B plastics,
cartoned, expanded or unexpanded, as well as exposed
unexpanded. For hydraulically calculated wet or dry systems
per NFPA 13 with a minimum operating pressure of 7 psi (0,5
bar). Use the standard sprinkler positioning requirements and
density/area sprinkler protection criteria provided in NFPA 13
for High-Piled Storage Occupancies.
FM Approval Requirements
The Reliable Standard Response J168, K-16.8 Upright
Sprinkler is approved to be installed as an area/density in
accordance with FM guidelines. (FM guidelines may be
different from UL and C-UL Listing criteria).
Examples of High-Piled Storage without in rack sprinklers:
1. NFPA 13 provides ceiling-only protection (no in-rack
sprinklers) criteria using open frame (no solid shelves)
single, double, multiple-row, or portable rack storage
(without the need for in-rack sprinkler protection) of
cartoned or uncartoned unexpanded Group A or B
plastics, or, cartoned expanded Group A or B plastics,
with:
•Astorageheightofupto20ft(6,1m)
•A maximum ceiling height of 27 ft (8,2 m)
•A minimum deflector to top of storage clearance of 18"
(457 mm)
•A minimum design density of .60 gpm/ft2(24,4
mm/min)
•A minimum operating pressure of 7 psi (0,5 bar)
•A minimum design area of 2,000 ft2(186 m2)forwet
systems or 2,600 ft2(242 m2) for dry systems
Note: The J168 Sprinkler can be used in any
application or building height as allowed by NFPA13
or FM guidelines. The J168 is a standard response
standard spray sprinkler with a larger K factor to
provide greater water flows at lower pressures.
2. NFPA 13 provides ceiling-only protection (no in-rack
sprinklers) criteria using open frame (no solid shelves)
single, double, multiple-row, or portable rack storage
(without the need for in-rack sprinkler protection) of
cartoned or uncartoned unexpanded Group A or B
plastics, with:
•Astorageheightofupto25ft(7,6m)
•A maximum ceiling height of 30 ft (9,1 m)
•A minimum deflector to top of storage clearance of 18"
(457 mm)
•A minimum design density of .80 gpm/ft2(32,6
mm/min)
•A minimum operating pressure of 7 psi (0,5 bar)
•A minimum design area of 2,000 ft2(186 m2)forwet
systems or 4,500 ft2(418 m2) for dry systems
Refer to NFPA 13 for specific requirements for various
combinations of building heights, storage heights,
sprinkler- to-commodity clearance, storage arrangements,
commodity classifications, and lesser or greater required
design densities.
Note: This sprinkler is a Control Mode Sprinkler.
Special Application Finishes
Lead Plated 165°F(74°C), 212°F (100°C) and 286°F (141°C)
Temp. Ratings
Wax-Coated (1)(2) 165°F(74°C) Clear Wax, 212°F (100°C) Brown Wax.
Wax-Coated Over
Lead Plated (1)(2) 165°F(74°C) Clear Wax, 212°F (100°C) Brown Wax.
(1) 212°F (100°C) brown wax may be used on 286°F (141°C)
sprinklers when maximum ambient temperatures do not exceed
150°F (66°C).
(2) Not FM Approved.
2.
Caution: The Reliable Standard Response J168 Upright
Sprinkler must be installed and maintained per the
application NFPA standards, as well as the standards of
other authorities having jurisdiction.

Installation
The Model J168 Upright Sprinklers are to be installed as
follows:
•Install in upright position only.
•Apply pipe thread sealant to NPT threads, hand tighten
into the sprinkler fitting.
•Install sprinkler by wrench boss only.
•Wrench tighten with the dedicated J1 Sprinkler Wrench.
•A leak tight 34NPT (R3/4) sprinkler joint can be obtained
withatorqueof14-20ft.lbs.
•Higher torques may compromise the seal or function
integrity of the sprinkler.
Maintenance
Model J168 Sprinklers should be inspected quarterly and
the sprinkler system maintained in accordance with NFPA 25.
Do not clean sprinklers with soap and water, ammonia or any
other cleaning fluids. Remove dust by using a soft brush or
gentle vacuuming. Remove any sprinkler that had been
painted (other than factory applied) or damaged in any way. A
stock of spare sprinklers should be maintained to allow quick
replacement of damaged or operated sprinklers. Prior to
installation, sprinklers should be maintained in the original
cartons and packaging until used to minimize the potential for
damage to sprinklers that would cause improper operation or
non-activation.
Engineering Specification
Model J168 Standard Response
Upright Sprinkler
Sprinklers shall be standard response upright spray
sprinklers cULus Listed for use in occupancy classifications
up to and including extra hazard, and for storage
occupancies in accordance with NFPA 13. Sprinkler
construction shall be a bronze, die-cast frame with grooved
wrench flat and copper-alloy deflector. Water seal assembly
shall consist of a fusible solder thermal element utilizing a
center strut solder-in-compression principle of construction
with metal Belleville spring washer, coated on both sides with
Teflon film. Sprinkler temperature rating shall be [165 °F(74
°C)] [212 °F (100 °C)] [286 °F (141 °C)]. Sprinklers shall have a
nominal K-factor of 16.8 (241.9) and have a ¾” NPT (R34)
thread. The rated working pressure shall be 175 psi (12.1
bar). Standard finish shall be bronze. Sprinklers shall be
Reliable Model J168 standard response upright sprinklers,
Bulletin 011 (SIN RA1124).
Special Application Finishes Option:
Exposed sprinklers subject to corrosive atmospheres shall
have a factory-applied [165 °F (74 °C) clear wax-coated] [212
°F (100 °C) brown wax-coated] [lead plated for 165 °F (74 °C),
212 °F (100 °C), or 286 °F (141 °C)] [wax-coated over lead
plated] corrosion resistant coating.
3.
Model J1 Wrench
Note: 1. Grooved sprinkler boss provided to insure that the Sprinkler wrench does not slip during installation.
2. A tight ¾" NPT sprinkler joint should be obtained with a torque of 14 to 20 ft. lbs. Higher levels of torque may
distort the sprinkler inlet cause leakage or impairment.
Grooved wrench boss -
use Model J1 wrench only
1
2½" nominal makeup
318"
(79,4 mm)

P/N 9999970290
Reliable...For Complete Protection
Reliable offers a wide selection of sprinkler components. Following are some of the many
precision-made Reliable products that guard life and property from fire around the clock.
•Automatic sprinklers
•Flush automatic sprinklers
•Recessed automatic sprinklers
•Concealed automatic sprinklers
•Adjustable automatic sprinklers
•Dry automatic sprinklers
•Intermediate level sprinklers
• Open sprinklers
• Spray nozzles
• Alarm valves
• Retarding chambers
• Dry pipe valves
• Accelerators for dry pipe valves
• Mechanical sprinkler alarms
• Electrical sprinkler alarm switches
• Water flow detectors
•Deluge valves
•Detector check valves
•Check valves
•Supertrol electrical system
•Sprinkler emergency cabinets
•Sprinkler wrenches
•Sprinkler escutcheons and guards
• Inspectors test connections
• Sight drains
• Ball drips and drum drips
• Control valve seals
• Air maintenance devices
• Air compressors
• Pressure gauges
• Identification signs
• Fire department connection
The equipment presented in this bulletin is to be installed in accordance with the latest pertinent 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 over 80 years, and are installed and serviced by the most highly
qualified and reputable sprinkler contractors throughout the United States, Canada and foreign countries.
Manufactured by
The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
[phone] Sales Offices
[phone] Sales Fax
[phone] Corporate Offices
www.reliablesprinkler.com Internet Address
Recycled
Paper
Revision lines indicate updated or new data.
EG. Printed in USA 8/07