Reliable RFC56 User manual

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, New York 10523
Bulletin 009 Rev. B
Bulletin 009 Rev. B
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. ½” (13mm) Total adjustment.
2. Smooth aesthetic ceiling profile.
3. Available in brass, chrome and black plated
or painted finishes.
Listings & 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 hemispheri-
cal pattern below the sprinkler deflector. Residential distribu-
tion 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 protec-
tion by combining an attractive appearance and ½” (13mm)
of cover adjustment for ease of installation. The small diam-
eter cover plate is easily and positively attached and blends
into the ceiling, concealing the most dependable fire protec-
tion available, an automatic sprinkler system.
The RFC56 is a UL Listed Residential Sprinkler to be in-
stalled in the residential portions of any occupancy in accor-
dance with NFPA 13, 13R, & 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.
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 pat-
tern 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 pro-
duces significantly higher wall wetting.
After a 25
/
8inch diameter hole is cut in the ceiling, the sprin-
kler is easily installed with the Model G4 Wrench. The wrench
has drive tangs which insert into the cup slots. When install-
ing 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 CON-
CEALED SPRINKLERS MUST BE INSTALLED ONLY WITH
135°F RATED COVERS.
In ceilings that have a plenum space above the sprin-
kler, the plenum space may have neutral or negative
pressurization but must not be positively pressur-
ized. In addition, inspect all sprinklers after instal-
lation 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.
Technical Data(1):
Thread Size
inch (mm) K Factor Sprinkler Spacing ft. (m)
Maximum
Distance to Wall
ft. (m)
Minimum
Distance between
sprinkler
ft. (m)
Minimum Required
Sprinkler Discharge
Flow
gpm (Lpm)
Press.
psi (bar)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
½” (15mm)
5.6 (80)
5.6 (80)
5.6 (80)
12 x 12 (3.6x3.6)
14 x 14 (4.3x4.3)
16 x 16 (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)
2.
Temperature Rating
Sprinkler Cover Plate Max. Ambient Temp.
165°F/74°C 135°F/57°C 100°F/38°C

will assure that the drop-down deflector is properly lo-
cated 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 dam-
age, 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).
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.
Model RFC56 Residential Concealed
Sprinkler Specification
Sprinklers shall be cULus Listed low flow residential con-
cealed sprinklers with drop-down deflector and adjust-
able 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 ½” 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 ½” orifice. Tempera-
ture rating shall be Ordinary 165°F (74°C); cover plate
temperature rating to be 135°F (57°C). Cover plate as-
sembly shall consist of a brass cover plate and copper
alloy retainer flange having a push-on and thread-off
design, allowing a ½” cover plate adjustment. Any se-
cure engagement between the cover plate and the cup
3.
Ordering Information
Specify:
1. Sprinkler Model
2. Cover Plate Finish
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 de-
tails. Coverplate custom paint
is semi-gloss, unless speci-
fied otherwise.
Note: Paint or any other coatings
applied over the factory finish
will void all approvals and war-
ranties.

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. 11/14 P/N 9999970277
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.
• 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
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