Reliable N252 EC Pendent User manual

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Model N252 EC Pendent
for Control Mode Specific
Application (CMSA)
Model N252 (SIN RA0842)
Nominal K-Factor = 25.2
An Extended Coverage Sprinkler for
Storage Applications
Features
1. Approved by FM Global for the following storage
applications:
Class 1-4, cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities
under ceilings up to and including 35 ft (10.7 m) high. They
may be used to protect solid piled, palletized, shelf or bin
box and open frame rack storage.*
2. For other storage commodities and storage arrangements,
see FM Global Data Sheets 8-9.
3. Approved for installation per NFPA 13 (2013) . For
storage commodities, arrangements, and design criteria:
see NFPA 13 chapter 21.
4. Eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers.*
5. Extended coverage, low pressure, and low flow demand
provides the opportunity to reduce:
• Labor
• Piping and fittings
• Fire pump size
• Tank size
6. 165 °F (74 °C) and 212 °F (100 °C) temperature ratings.
7. Maximum deflector distance from ceiling is 13
1/2”
(343 mm). 12” (305 mm) to center line of thermal element.
8. This is a Quick Response CMSA sprinkler that meets the
requirements of IFC 2015 for the elimination of smoke/
heat vents in storage occupancies.
9. US Pat. No. 7,624,812
Other Patents Pending.
*See Design Criteria for details, Tables 1 and 2.
N252 EC Pendent
Listings and Approvals
FM Approved as a storage sprinkler.
Table 1: Design Criteria for FM Class 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastics in Open Frame Racks
Maximum
Building Height
Feet (m)
Maximum
Storage Height*
Feet (m)
Minimum
Pressure
psi (bar)
Maximum Spacing
Feet (m)
Number
of Design
Sprinklers
Hose Stream
Allowance
gpm (l/min)
Water Supply
Duration
25 (7.5) 20 (6.0) 25 (1.7) 14x14 (4.3x4.3) 6250 (950) 1 Hour
30 (9.1) 25 (7.6) 30 (2.1) 14x14 (4.3x4.3) 6250 (950) 1 Hour
35 (10.7) 30 (9.1) 40 (2.8) 12x12 (3.6x3.6) 8250 (950) 1 Hour
* Storage must be a minimum of 3’ (0.9 m) below the deflector
Multilingualdocument:
Select your language below
Bulletin 908 Rev. E_Multilingual
Bulletin 908 Rev. E_Multilingual

2
Product Description
The Model N252 EC Pendent are Control Mode Specific
Application Extended Coverage Sprinklers for Storage
Applications. This includes protection of the storage and
display of Class I through IV commodities encapsulated or
unencapsulated, cartoned unexpanded plastics. The Model
N252 EC sprinklers offer maximum coverage areas up to 14 ft
by 14 ft (196 ft2) as compared to ESFR or Standard Coverage
Control Mode or Control Mode Specific Application sprinklers
with maximum coverage of 100 ft2(9 m2). This offers the
advantage of decreasing the number of required sprinklers,
reducing labor and material costs. The Model N252 EC Pendent
Control Mode Specific Application Sprinklers is designed for
use in ceiling only sprinkler systems with no in-rack sprinklers
required.
Operation
The Reliable Model N252 Extended Coverage Pendent
Control Mode Specific Application Storage Sprinklers utilize a
levered fusible alloy solder link. When the rated temperature
is reached, the solder melts and the two link halves separate
allowing sprinkler to operate and water to flow.
FM Approved for the following:
1. Application: These FM Approved extended coverage
CMSA automatic sprinklers may be used to protect Class
1 through 4, cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities
under ceilings up to and including 35 ft (10.7 m) high. They
may be used to protect any storage arrangement outlined
in Data Sheet 8-9, however portable racks must meet the
guidelines required to be considered open-frame racks.
Maintain a minimum clearance of 3 ft (0.9 m) between the
top of storage and the sprinkler deflector.
Temperature Rating: The Reliable Model N252 EC
sprinkler is available in nominal temperature ratings of either
165 °F (70 °C) or 212 °F (100 °C). Use the nominally rated
165 °F (70 °C) sprinkler for all acceptable applications
unless the ambient temperature of the protected occupancy
requires the temperature rating to be 212 °F (100 °C).
2. Hydraulic Design: Base the design for these automatic
sprinklers as follows:
Solid-Piled, Palletized, Shelf or Bin-Box and Open-
Frame Racks: See table 1.
Storage Racks Equipped With Solid Shelves: Base the
design of the ceiling sprinkler system as outlined above
for open-frame racks, however base the need for, as well
as the design of, in-rack sprinkler protection the same
as what is required for K16.8 (K240) CMSA sprinklers.
Shape of Operating Area: Base the shape of the operating
area on a 1.2 shape factor for ceiling slopes up to 5° or a
1.4 shape factor for ceilings having a higher slope (up to
10° maximum).
3. System Type: Wet-pipe sprinkler systems or pre-action
sprinkler systems, whose sprinkler protection design can
be based on the equivalent of a wet-pipe system, are
acceptable.
4. Sprinkler Spacing: The minimum and maximum linear
distances between sprinklers are 10 ft (3.1 m) and 14 ft
(4.2 m) respectively for ceiling heights up to and including
30 ft (9.0 m). For ceiling heights over 30 ft (9.0 m) and up to
35 ft (10.7 m) the maximum linear spacing of the sprinkler
is reduced to 12 ft (3.6 m). The minimum and maximum
area of coverage per sprinkler is 100 ft2(9 m2) and 196 ft2
(18 m2) respectively for ceiling heights up to and including
30 ft (9.0 m). For ceiling heights over 30 ft (9.0 m) and up to
35 ft (10.7 m) the maximum area spacing of the sprinkler is
reduced to 144 ft2(13.5 m2).
5. Sprinkler Location from Walls: Locate the
automatic sprinklers with respect to walls,
measured perpendicular to the wall, as follows:
Minimum Horizontal Distance: 4” (100 mm).
Maximum Horizontal Distance unless indicated otherwise
in either the occupancy-specific data sheet or the Approval
Guide:
a. Wall Angle Greater Than 90°: 7 ft (2.1 m) for
ceilings up to 30 ft (9.0 m) high or 6 ft (1.8 m) for
ceilings over 30 ft (9.0 m) and up to 35 ft (10.7 m)
high.
b. Wall Angle Equal to or Less Than 90°: 10 ft (3.0 m)
for ceilings up to 30 ft (9.0 m) high or 8 ft (2.4 m)
for ceilings over 30 ft (9.0 m) and up to 35 ft
(10.7 m) high.
6. Sprinkler Location from Ceilings: Locate the automatic
sprinklers with respect to ceilings in accordance with Data
Sheet 2-0. However, the minimum vertical distance below a
ceiling can be reduced to 2” (50 mm) for smooth ceilings or
4” (100 mm) for non smooth ceilings.
7. Obstructions: Use the obstruction guidelines outlined
in D.S. 2-0 for extended coverage automatic sprinklers
in regards to the umbrella pattern. In addition, use the
obstruction guidelines outlined in D.S. 2-0 for pendent
automatic sprinklers in regards to obstructions located
below the automatic sprinkler, except that an individual
object up to a maximum width of 1.25 in; (31 mm) can be
tolerated less than 12” (300 mm) horizontally away from
the sprinkler as long as the object is located at least16”
(400 mm) vertically below the sprinkler. All other design
details should be in accordance with Data Sheet 8-9. All
other installation details should be in accordance with Data
Sheet 2-0.
8. FM Global considers this a “Quick Response” Extended
Coverage Sprinkler for use in Data Sheet 8-9.
9. For installations governed by NFPA #13 (2013), the
N252EC fire sprinkler meets the definition of Control Mode
Specific Application (CMSA) Sprinklers and is approved
for installation under chapter 21. Section 3.6.4.1. Section
8.11.1.1 states that CMSA sprinklers shall be installed
in accordance with Section 8.5 and the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
.

3
008FG01C
Fig. 1 – Model N252 EC Pendent
FM Data Sheet 2-0, Ceiling to center of thermal element:
Maximum 12”
Fig. 2 – Model N Wrench
FRAME ARM
LINK ASSEMBLY
MODEL N WRENCH
Technical Data
Sprinkler
Model Type
Temperature
Rating
Maximum
Ambient
Ceiling Temp.
Nominal
K-Factor
gpm/psi1/2
(l/min.bar-0.5)
Orifice
Size Thread Size Sprinkler Ht. inch (mm)
Sprinkler
Identification
Number (SIN)
°F °C °F °C
N252 EC Pendent 165 74 100 38 25.2 (363) 1” 1” NPT (R1) 3.6 (91.5) RA0842
212 100 150 66
Installation
Model N252 sprinklers are to be installed as shown. When
handling sprinklers, hold sprinklers only on frame arms and do
not apply any force on the link assembly. For installing Model
N252 EC pendent sprinklers use only the Model N wrench (ref.
Fig. 2). The N1 wrench may also be utilized in all non-recessed
installations (Fig. 3). Use of wrenches other than that specified
may damage these sprinklers. Sprinklers should be tightened
between 22 to 30 ft-lb (29.8-40.7 N-m) torque. Sprinklers
not tightened to recommended torque may cause leakage
or impairment of the sprinklers. Damaged sprinklers must be
replaced immediately.
Maintenance
The Model N252 EC Pendent Control Mode Specific
Application Sprinklers should be inspected and the sprinkler
system maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, and local
jurisdictional requirements. Do not clean sprinklers with soap
and water, ammonia, or any other cleaning fluids or solvents.
Remove dust by using a soft brush or gentle vacuuming. Remove
any sprinkler that has been painted (other than factory-applied)
or otherwise altered after leaving the factory. 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 sprinkler that
would cause improper operation or non-operation.
CEILING OR UNDERSIDE OF ROOF DECK
≤12”
[304.80 mm]
1.85” [47.0 mm]
Fig. 3 – Model N1 Wrench
Use only the Model N (Fig. 2) or N1
(Fig. 3) wrenches for installation and
removal of the sprinkler. Any other
type of wrench may damage the
sprinkler.

The 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.
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 over 90 years, and are installed and serviced by the most highly qualified
and reputable sprinkler contractors located throughout the United States, Canada and foreign countries.
EG. Printed in U.S.A. 12/13 P/N 9999970347
The tables below represent the minimum number of sprinklers at a minimum start pressure as per FM DS 8-9
Table 1 – Ceiling – Level protection for Solid Piled, Palletized, Shelf or Bin Box storage arrangements
Ceiling Height Class 1, 2 & 3
Class 4 and
Cartoned
Unexpanded
Plastics
Cartoned Expanded
Plastics
Uncartoned
Unexpanded
Plastics
Uncartoned
Expanded Plastics
10’ (3.0) N/A N/A 6 @ 20 (1.4) 10 @ 7 (0.5)
See Note 4 10 @ 7 (0.5) See Note 4
15’ (4.5) N/A 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 12 @ 7 (0.5)
See Note 4 8 @ 20 (1.4) See Note 4
20’ (6.0) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 8 @ 20 (1.4)
See Note 4 8 @ 40 (2.8) See Note 4
25’ (7.5) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 8 @ 40 (2.8)
See Note 4 12 @ 40 (2.8) See Note 4
30’ (9.0) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 10 @ 40 (2.8)
See Note 4 10 @ 40 (2.8) See Note 4 N/A
35’ (10.7)
See Note 3 8 @ 40 (2.8) 8 @ 40 (2.8) N/A N/A N/A
Table 2 – Ceiling – Level protection for Open Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Ceiling Height Class 1, 2 & 3
Class 4 and
Cartoned
Unexpanded
Plastics
Cartoned Expanded
Plastics
Uncartoned
Unexpanded
Plastics
Uncartoned
Expanded Plastics
15’ (4.5) N/A 6 @ 25 (1.7) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 12 @40 (2.8)
See Note 4 12 @ 40 (2.8) See Note 4
20’ (6.0) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 6 @ 90 (6.2) N/A
25’ (7.5) 6 @ 20 (1.4) 6 @ 25 (1.7) 6 @ 25 (1.7) N/A N/A
30’ (9.0) 6 @ 30 (2.1) 6 @ 30 (2.1) N/A N/A N/A
35’ (10.7)
See Note 3 8 @ 40 (2.8) 8 @ 40 (2.8) N/A N/A N/A
Notes:
1. See FM Data Sheet 8-1 for definitions of comodity classifications
2. Per Data Sheet 2-0 Section 2.2.3.4.2 the N252EC defaults to extended coverage and the maximum vertical distance below
ceiling is 12” to center of thermal element.
3. For ceiling heights above 30’, maximum sprinkler spacing is 12’x12’.
4. 500 gpm hose stream required.