Reliable RFC56 User manual

The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Model RFC56 Concealed
Residential Sprinkler
(SIN RA0914)
A Concealed Residential Sprinkler
approved for a minimum density of
0.05 gpm/ft2. The larger K-Factor
provides lower pressure demands for
0.10 densities in NFPA 13 residential
applications.
Features:
1. 1/2” (13 mm) Total adjustment.
2. Smooth aesthetic ceiling profile.
3. Available in brass, chrome and black plated or
painted finishes.
Listings and Approval
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories and certified by UL for
Canada (cULus)
2. NYC MEA 258-93-E
UL Listing Categories
Residential Automatic Sprinklers
UL Guide Number
VKKW
Product Description
Model RFC56 Concealed Residential 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 RFC56 sprinklers discharge water in a hemispherical
pattern below the sprinkler deflector. Residential distribution
patterns are higher and generally contain a finer droplet size
than standard sprinkler patterns.
The combination of speed of operation and high discharge
pattern required for residential sprinklers has demonstrated, in
fire testing, an ability for controlling residential fires and thereby
providing significant evacuation time for occupants.
The RFC56 Sprinkler provides the best form of fire protection
by combining an attractive appearance and 1/2” (13 mm) of
cover adjustment for ease of installation. The small diameter
cover plate is easily and positively attached and blends into
the ceiling, concealing the most dependable fire protection
available, an automatic sprinkler system.
The RFC56 is a UL Listed Residential Sprinkler to be installed
in the residential portions of any occupancy in accordance with
NFPA 13, 13R and 13D.
The RFC56 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
protection system need not be shut down to adjust or remove
the cover plate assembly.
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2
Application and Installation
The RFC56, for residential installations, uses a 165 °F (74 °C)
fusible solder link 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 cover 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 to distribute the
discharging water in a hemispherical 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 contains a finer droplet size than a standard sprinkler
and the pattern produces significantly higher wall wetting.
After a 2
5/8” diameter hole is cut in the ceiling, the sprinkler
is easily installed with the Model G4 Wrench. The wrench has
drive tangs which insert into the cup slots. When installing a
sprinkler the wrench is first positioned into the sprinkler/cup
assembly until the wrench tangs engage the drive slots in the
top of the cup (there are two sets of drive slots in the cup). 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 PART OF THE SPRINKLER/CUP
ASSEMBLY. MODEL RFC56 CONCEALED SPRINKLERS
MUST BE INSTALLED ONLY WITH 135 °F RATED COVERS.
In ceilings that have a plenum space above the
sprinkler, the plenum space may have neutral or negative
pressurization but must not be positively pressurized. In
addition, inspect all sprinklers after installation to ensure
that both the gap between the cover plate, ceiling and
the 4 slots in the cup are open and free from any air flow
impediment.
Maintenance
Model RFC56 Concealed Sprinklers should be inspected 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 cover plate assembly
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.
Technical Data(1):
Thread Size
inch (mm) K-Factor Sprinkler Spacing ft. (m)
Maximum Dis-
tance to Wall
ft. (m)
Minimum Distance
between sprinkler
ft. (m)
Minimum Required
Sprinkler Discharge
Flow
gpm (Lpm)
Press.
psi (bar)
1/2” (15 mm)
1/2” (15 mm)
1/2” (15 mm)
5.6 (80)
5.6 (80)
5.6 (80)
12x12 (3.6x3.6)
14x14 (4.3x4.3)
16x16 (4.9x4.9)
6 (1.83)
7 (2.13)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
8 (2.43)
26 (98)
26 (98)
26 (98)
21.6 (1.49)
21.6 (1.49)
21.6 (1.49)
Temperature Rating
Sprinkler Cover Plate Max. Ambient Temp.
165 °F/74 °C 135 °F/57 °C 100 °F/38 °C

3
147FG01B
162FG01
Ordering
Information
Specify:
1. Sprinkler Model
2. Cover Plate Finish
Model RFC56 Residential Concealed
Sprinkler Specification
Sprinklers shall be cULus Listed low flow residential concealed
sprinklers with drop-down deflector and adjustable flat cover
plate engineered for a minimum design density of 0.10 gpm/
ft2. Sprinkler frame and deflector shall be of bronze construction
having a 1/2” NPT thread. Thermal element shall consist of an
approved black-painted beryllium-nickel fusible solder link with
lever and strut mechanism, maintaining a Teflon-coated brass
cap water seal containing no plastic parts. Sprinkler K-Factor
shall be nominal 5.6 (80), having a 1/2” orifice. Temperature
rating shall be Ordinary 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 having
a push-on and thread-off design, allowing a 1/2” 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 installed inside the sprinkler cup to protect
the drop-down sprinkler deflector from damage, which could
occur during construction before the cover plate is installed.
Standard cover finish: [Chrome] [White] [Specialty – specify].
Residential concealed sprinklers shall be Reliable Model RFC56,
SIN RA0914 (Bulletin 009).
1”x 1/2” REDUCING
TEE OR BELOW
25/8” (66.7 mm) DIA
CEILING HOLE
1/2” (13 mm) MAX
COVER ADJUSTMENT
1/8” (3.18 mm) MIN TO 5/8” (15.88 mm)
MAX DROPPED DEFLECTOR TO CEILING
SPRINKLER CUP ASSEMBLY 23/8” (60.3 mm)
DIA.
3/16”
(4.8 mm)
CEILING
35/16” (84.1 mm)
DIA.
25/8” (66.7 mm) FACE
OF FITTING TO CEILING
DIMENSION MAX.
CEILING
PUSH-ON/THREAD-OFF FLAT
COVER PLATE ASSEMBLY
Cover Plate
Finishes(1)
Standard Finishes
White Paint
Chrome
Special Application
Finishes
Off White Paint
Black Paint
Custom Color Paint – Specify(1)
Raw Brass (Lacquered)
Bright Brass
Finished Bronze
Black Plated
Satin Chrome
Stainless Steel Clad(2)
(1) Custom color paint is semi-gloss,
unless specified otherwise.
(2) Stainless steel clad cover plates
are Type 316 Stainless Steel
on the finished side and C102
Copper Alloy on the back side.
Cover plates are not listed or
approved as corrosion resistant.
Stainless steel clad cover plates
are not available perforated.
Note: Paint or any other
coatings applied over the
factory finish will void all
approvals and warranties.

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.
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.
Reliable... For Complete Protection
• 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
• 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
EG. Printed in U.S.A. 11/14 P/N 9999970277