Reliable RFC43 LL User guide

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Bulletin 032
Bulletin 032
Model RFC43 LL (SIN RA3212)
Model RFC49 LL (SIN RA3216)
Residential Flat Concealed
Sprinklers
Specifically Listed for use in
Multipurpose Systems that
serve both domestic water
and fire protection.
Sprinkler Type
Residential Flat Concealed Sprinkler listed for
a minimum design density of .05 gpm/ft2with
“potable water”.
Model RFC43 LL
Model RFC49 LL
Features
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Cer-
tified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 Annex G
(Less than 0.25% Lead content).
Very low water flow requirements
1/2” (13mm) total adjustment
Thread-on/off or Push-on/off cover attach-
ment option.
Smooth Aesthetic ceiling profile.
Available in white, brass, chrome and black
plated or custom painted finishes.
Patent Pending
Listing & Approvals
Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, and certified by
UL for Canada (cULus)
NSF Cerified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61 Annex G
Product Description
Model RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL Concealed Residen-
tial Sprinklers are fast response residential fusible solder
link automatic sprinklers. Residential sprinklers differ from
standard sprinklers primarily in their response time and
water distribution patterns. Model RFC43 LL and RFC49
LL sprinklers discharge water in a hemispherical pattern
below the sprinkler deflector. Residential distribution pat-
terns are higher and generally contain a finer droplet size
than standard sprinkler patterns. The combination of
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6.
1.
2.
speed of operation and high discharge pattern required
for residential sprinklers has demonstrated, in fire test-
ing, an ability for controlling residential fires, and thereby
providing significant evacuation time for occupants. The
RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL Sprinklers provide the best form
of fire protection by combining an attractive appearance
and ½” (13mm) of cover adjustment for ease of installa-
tion. The small diameter cover plate is easily and positively
attached and blends into the ceiling, concealing the most
dependable fire protection available, an automatic sprin-
kler system. The RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL are UL Listed
and NSF Certified Residential Sprinklers to be installed in
the residential “potable” water applications of any occu-
pancy in accordance with NFPA 13, 13R, & 13D and meets
all applicable low lead standards, .25% or less. The cover
plate adjustability of the RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL can
reduce the need for precise cutting of drop nipples. The
threaded cover plate assembly can be adjusted without
tools to fit accurately against the ceiling. The fire protec-
tion system need not be shut down to adjust or remove the
cover plate assembly.

2.
Application and Installation
For use in fire sprinkler systems that also supply potable
water to a plumbing fixture or fixtures.
The RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL, for residential installations,
use a 165°F (74°C) fusible solder link in a tuning fork style
sprinkler frame with a drop-down deflector. This assembly
is recessed into the ceiling and concealed by a flat cover
plate. The cover plate is attached to the skirt, using 135°F
(57°C) ordinary temperature classification solder. When
the ceiling temperature rises, the solder holding the cov-
er plate releases the cover allowing the deflector to drop
into position and exposing the sprinkler inside to ceiling
temperature. The subsequent operation of the solder link
opens the waterway and causes the deflector to drop into
position to distribute the discharging water in a hemispher-
ical pattern below the sprinkler deflector. Any adjustment
of thread engagement between the cover plate and cup
will assure that the drop-down deflector is properly located
below the ceiling. The residential distribution pattern con-
tains a finer droplet size than a standard sprinkler, and the
pattern produces significantly higher wall wetting. After a
25/8” inch diameter hole is cut in the ceiling, the sprinkler is
to be installed with the Model FC Wrench.
When installing a sprinkler, the wrench is first positioned
into the sprinkler/cup assembly and around the hexagonal
body of the sprinkler frame. The wrench must bottom out
against the cup in order to ensure proper, safe installation.
The sprinkler is then tightened into the pipe fitting. When
inserting or removing the wrench from the sprinkler/cup
assembly, care should be taken to prevent damage to the
sprinkler. DO NOT WRENCH ON ANY OTHER PARTOF
THE SPRINKLER / CUP ASSEMBLY. MODEL RFC43 LL
AND RFC49 LL CONCEALED SPRINKLERS MUST BE IN-
STALLED ONLY WITH 135°F RATED COVERS.
Note: A leak tight ½” NPT (R1/2) sprinkler joint can be ob-
tained with a torque of 8-18 ft-lbs (10,8 - 24,4 N-m). Do not
tighten sprinklers over maximum recommended torque. It
may cause leakage or impairment of the sprinklers.
Cover assemblies provide up to 1/2” (13mm) of adjust-
ment. Turn the cover clockwise until the flange is in con-
tact with the ceiling. For the push-on/thread-off option, the
cover assembly is pushed onto the cup and final adjust-
ment is made by turning the cover clockwise until the skirt
flange makes full contact with the ceiling. Cover removal
requires turning in the counter-clockwise direction. In ceil-
ings that have a plenum space above the sprinkler, the
plenum space may have neutral or negative pressuriza-
tion but must not be positively pressurized. Inspect all
sprinklers after installation to ensure that the gap between
the cover plate and ceiling and the 4 slots in the cup are
all open and free from any air flow impediment.
Temperature Rating
Sprinkler Cover Plate Max. Ambient Temp.
165°F/74°C 135°F/57°C 100°F/38°C
Installation Data: RFC43 LL (SIN RA3212)
Thread
Size
inch (mm)
K Factor
Sprinkler
Spacing
ft. (m)
Maximum
Distance to
Wall
ft. (m)
Minimum
Distance between
sprinklers
ft. (m)
Minimum Required
Sprinkler Discharge
Flow
gpm (Lpm)
Press.
psi (bar)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.3
12 x 12 (3.6x3.6)
14 x 14 (4.3x4.3)
16 x 16 (4.9x4.9)
18 x 18 (5.5x5.5)
20 x 20 (6.0x6.0)
6 (1.83)
7 (2.13)
8 (2.43)
9 (2.74)
10 (3.05)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
12 (45)
13 (49)
13 (49)
18 (68)
21 (79)
7.8 (0.54)
9.1 (0.63)
9.1 (0.63)
17.5 (1.21)
23.8 (1.64)
Note: 1 bar = 100 Kpa
Installation Data: RFC49 LL (RA3216)
Thread
Size
inch (mm)
K Factor
Sprinkler
Spacing
ft. (m)
Maximum
Distance to
Wall
ft. (m)
Minimum
Distance between
sprinklers
ft. (m)
Minimum Required
Sprinkler Discharge
Flow
gpm (Lpm)
Press.
psi (bar)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
12 x 12 (3.6x3.6)
14 x 14 (4.3x4.3)
16 x 16 (4.9x4.9)
18 x 18 (5.5x5.5)
20 x 20 (6.0x6.0)
6 (1.83)
7 (2.13)
8 (2.43)
9 (2.74)
10 (3.05)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
13 (49)
13 (49)
13 (49)
17 (64.3)
20 (75.7)
7.0 (0.48)
7.0 (0.48)
7.0 (0.48)
12.0 (0.83)
16.7 (1.14)
Note: 1 bar = 100 Kpa
FOR SLOPED CEILING APPLICATIONS SEE RASCO BULLETIN 035.
RFC43 LL AND RFC49 LL SLOPED FLOW RATES ARE IDENTICAL TO RFC43 AND RFC49.

3.
Maintenance
Model RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL Concealed Sprinklers
should be inspected quarterly and the sprinkler system
maintained in accordance with NFPA25. Do not clean
sprinklers with soap and water, ammonia or any other
cleaning fluids. Remove dust by using a soft brush or gen-
tle vacuuming. Remove any sprinkler cover plate assem-
bly which has 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-operation.
Model RFC43 LL and RFC49 LL Residential
Concealed Sprinkler Specification
Sprinklers shall be cULus Listed and NSF-61 Annex G
certified low flow residential concealed sprinklers with
drop-down deflector and adjustable flat cover plate en-
gineered for a minimum design density of 0.05gpm/ft2.
Sprinkler frame and deflector shall be of bronze frame
construction having a ½” NPT thread.
Thermal element shall consist of an approved black-
painted beryllium-nickel fusible solder link with symmetric
lever mechanism, maintaining a Teflon-coated Belleville
spring washer and machined brass cap water seal as-
sembly containing no plastic parts. Sprinkler K-factors
shall be a nominal 4.3 (62) and 4.9 (70), having a 3/8” and
7/16” orifice respectively. Temperature rating shall be Or-
dinary 165°F (74°C); cover plate temperature rating to
be 135°F (57°C). Cover plate assembly shall consist of a
brass cover plate and copper alloy retainer flange allow-
ing a ½” cover plate adjustment. Any secure engagement
between the cover plate and the cup will assure that the
drop-down deflector is properly located below the ceiling.
A plastic protective cap shall be provided and factory in-
stalled inside the sprinkler cup to protect the drop-down
sprinkler deflector from damage, which could occur dur-
ing construction before the cover plate is installed. Stan-
dard cover finish: [Chrome] [White] [Specialty – specify].
Residential concealed sprinklers shall be Reliable Model
RFC43 LL, SIN RA3212 (Bulletin 032) or Model RFC49 LL,
SIN RA3216 (Bulletin 032).
Ordering Information
Specify:
Sprinkler Model
Cover Plate Finish
Thread-On or
Push-On Feature
1.
2.
3.
Cover Plate Finishes (1)
Standard Finishes
Chrome
White
Special Application
Finishes
Bright Brass
Black Plating
Black Paint
Off White
Satin Chrome
(1) Other colors and finishes avail-
able. Consult factory for details.
Note: Paint or any other coatings
applied over the factory finish will
void all approvals and warran-
ties.

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.
EG. Printed in U.S.A 08/10 P/N 9999970405
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.
Productsmanufactured 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.
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
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Deluge valves
Detector check valves
Check valves
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 gaugesIdentification signs
Fire department connection
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Reliable offers a wide selection of sprinkler components. Following are some of the many
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