Safe Signal WFDNFT User manual

WFDNFT Vane-type Waterow Detectors
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Contact Ratings: Two sets of SPDT (Form C); 10 A @ 125/250 VAC ; 2.5 A @ 12/24 VDC
Triggering Threshold Bandwidth (Flow Rate): 4 – 10 GPM
Static Pressure Rating: 175 PSI (Max.)
Dimensions, Installed: WFDNFT – 4 in H x 3½ in W x 6¾ in D
Operating Temperature Range: 32°F to 150°F (0°C to 66°C)
Enclosure Rating: WFDNFT – NEMA 4/IP54, as tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
The WFDNFT can be installed between 2×4 stud wall construction.
IMPORTANT
Please Read Carefully And Save
This instruction manual contains important information about the installation and
operation of waterflow detectors. Purchasers who install waterflow detectors for use
by others must leave this manual or a copy of it with the user. Read all instructions
carefully before beginning.
CAUTION
The model WFDNFT is a vane-type waterflow detector for use in wet-pipe fire sprin-
kler systems only. Vane-type waterflow detectors shall not be used as the sole initiat-
ing device in both deluge and preaction systems; waterflow detectors used in these
types of systems may result in an unintended discharge caused by a surge, trapped air
or a short retard time.
WARNING
Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in accordance with all na-
tional and local codes and ordinances.
Shock hazard: Disconnect power source before servicing. Serious injury or death
could result.
Risk of explosion: Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious injury or death could
result.
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Vane-type waterflow detectors mount to water filled pipes in fire sprinkler systems.
Waterflow in the pipe deflects a vane. Deflection of the vane produces a switched
output, usually after a specified delay.
All WFDNFT detectors have a pneumatically controlled mechanical delay mecha-
nism. Delays do NOT accumulate; they reset if the flow of water stops or drops below
minimum triggering flow rate before the entire delay has elapsed. All detectors will
activate on a sustained flow of water of 10 gallons per minute (gpm) or greater down-
stream of the device.
COMPATIBLE PIPE TEES/RISERS
The WFDNFT is supplied with 12 paddles. One paddle is provided for each size of
tee. See Figure 1 and approximate tee depth chart. Each paddle has an indication that
shows the pipe size and type of tee to be used.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Before installing any waterflow alarm device, be thoroughly familiar with:
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13D: Standard for 1 and 2 Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
NFPA 13R: Standard for Multi-family Dwellings
Also, follow other applicable NFPA standards, local codes and the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction. Failure to follow these directions may result in failure of
I56-4263-B
FIGURE 1. MOUNTING DIMENSIONS AND APPROXIMATE TEE DEPTH
REQUIREMENTS
3-1/2"
2-5/8"
TEE
DEPTH
4-3/32”
PLASTIC VANE
LOCKING
COLLAR
TEE
ADAPTER
.15”
TEE FITTING
GAUGE SUPPLIED ON
PADDLE TREE MUST FIT
BETWEEN TEE ADAPTER
SHOULDER AND TEE
W
APPROXIMATE TEE DEPTH REQUIREMENTS
TEE SIZE
Steel*/
Brass
Threaded
Copper*
Sweat
CPVC
NIBCO
CPVC
SPEARS
w/Metal Band
CPVC
SPEARS w/
Brass Insert
CPVC
TYCO
1 X 1 X 1" 21/8" 13/4" 21/8"(1) 23/32" (1) 21/2" (2) 23/4" (3)
11/4X 11/4x 1" 21/2" 21/8" N/A N/A N/A N/A
11/2X 11/2x 1" 23/4" 21/4" N/A 3" (4) N/A N/A
2 X 2 X 1" 31/4" 23/4" N/A N/A N/A N/A
(1) Use paddle marked 1” CPVC; (2) Use paddle marked SPEARS 1” CPVC;
(3) Use paddle marked TYCO 1” CPVC; (4) Use paddle marked 11/2” CPVC
is waterow detector has been evaluated for use with UL Listed CPVC ttings manu-
factured by the following companies: Tyco, Nibco and Spears Manufacturing Company.
e Model WFDNFT is required to be installed in accordance with the Listing limitations
specied by the manufacturer of the tee tting.
*See UL Listing Limitations on page 4.
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the device to report a waterflow condition. Safe Signal is not responsible for devices
that have been improperly installed, tested or maintained.
1. Mount the detector where there is adequate clearance for installation and re-
moval and a clear view of it for inspection. See Figure 1 for mounting dimen-
sions.
2. Locate the detector 6 to 7 feet above the floor to protect from accidental
damage.
3. On horizontal runs, position the detector on top or side of the pipe. Do not
mount it upside down because condensation may collect in the housing and
impair the operation of the detector.
For vertical flow applications, mount detector on pipe where upflow conditions
exist. Failure to do so may prevent unit from operating properly.
4. Mount detector at least 6 inches from a fitting which changes the direction of
the waterflow, or no less than 24 inches from a valve or drain.
5. BE SURE DIRECTION-OF-FLOW ARROW AND DIRECTIONAL COVER
MATCHES ACTUAL DIRECTION OF FLOW IN THE PIPE. See Figure 5.
FIGURE 2. ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
W038802
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. The WFDNFT waterflow detector is designed to only the appropriate tee fitting.
NOTE: The outlet branch of the tee must have a 1-inch NPT thread.
DO NOT use a reducer to achieve the correct thread size. Failure to follow this
instruction will result in failure of the detector to report a waterflow condition.
2. WFDNFT units are shipped without paddles mounted to the actuator. Select
the correct size paddle for the type of tee being used. Align the hole on the stem
of paddle with hole on the actuator lever. Fasten together using the supplied
screw. See Figure 2. Use only the screw provided with the unit. Drive screw head
through hole in paddle until it seats to the actuator lever surface. No washer is
required.
3. Apply up to two turns of teflon tape to the 1" NPT thread to help prevent leaks.
Install the adapter between one and two turns past hand tight. A 1" pipe plug
combined with a 1" NPT tee can be used to tighten the adapter. Use the supplied
gauge to verify a minimum of .15" clearance between the tee adapter shoulder
and tee. The flat side of the gauge must be able to fit in the gap between the tee
adapter and tee. See Figure 1.
4. Carefully roll the vane opposite the direction of flow and insert through tee.
Insert the O-ring into the groove in the internal adapter under the locking
collar. Hand tighten the locking collar to the tee adapter making sure the
detector is aligned parallel to the pipe. When correctly installed, the detector
must face in the proper direction of waterflow and be aligned with the pipe. The
provided directional cover illustrates flow direction for the detector.
5. Remove the cover. Move the actuator lever back and forth to check for binding.
If the vane binds, remove the detector and correct the problem before proceed-
ing.
CAUTION
Avoid using a pipe wrench to tighten the locking collar. Over-torquing the locking collar
may cause damage to the detector. If additional tightening past hand tight is required on
the collar, use of a band wrench is recommended to protect collar surface, not to exceed
hand tight plus 1 notch on collar.
Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow and directional cover point in the right direction,
otherwise a waterflow condition will go unreported. See Figure 2 and Figure 5.
PREOPERATION TESTING
1. After all fittings have had the manufacturer’s recommended curing time, fill the
sprinkler system with water and check for leaks around the detector. If there is a
leak, check to see that the fittings are tight. If the leak persists, drain the system
and remove the detector (see removal instructions under Maintenance). Check
for damage or cracked fittings. Reinstall the detector and check again for leaks.
Do not proceed until all leaks have been stopped.
2. Connect an ohmmeter or continuity tester across (COM and B-NO) terminal
switch contacts. The ohmmeter should show an open circuit, no continuity.
3. Deflect the actuator lever and hold it until the pneumatic delay shaft releases the
switch buttons. The ohmmeter or continuity tester should show a short circuit
after the delay has elapsed. If there is no delay, check the setting of the delay
adjustment dial.
FIELD WIRING
WARNING
High Voltage. Electrocution Hazard. Do not handle live AC wiring or work on a de-
vice to which AC power is applied. Doing so may result in severe injury or death.
When utilizing switches at voltages greater than 74VDC or 49VAC
means to provide all–pole disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring,
such as a circuit breaker.
1. The WFDNFT has two SPDT switches. Switch contacts (COM and B-NO) are
closed when water is flowing and open when water is not flowing. Connect the
switches as shown in Figure 6 depending on the application.
2. When connected to a listed sprinkler/fire alarm control panel, the initiating cir-
cuit must be unable to be silenced.
3. A ground screw is provided with all units. When grounding is required, clamp
wire with screw in hole located between conduit entrance holes. See Figure 3.
4. Use proper waterproof conduit fittings where required. Ensure both conduit en-
tries are properly sealed to avoid debris entering the detector.
FIGURE 3. GROUND SCREW
GROUND
GROUND
SCREW
SCREW
W038301
MECHANICAL DELAY ADJUSTMENT
The pneumatic delay is preset at approximately 30 seconds at the factory. To adjust the
delay, turn the adjustment dial on the delay mechanism. Turn clockwise to increase
the delay, counterclockwise to decrease the delay. Delay can be adjusted over a range
from 0-90 seconds maximum. See Figure 4. As a point of reference when setting time
delay in dark environments the notch in the dial indicates an approximate 30 second
time delay and the larger of the three tabs indicates an approximate 60 second time
delay.

NOTE: Set the delay to the minimum required to prevent false alarms due to flow
surges.
After extended service, parts of the detector may become worn reducing the time de-
lay and causing false alarms. If this happens, increase the delay. If the delay is already
at maximum, replace the mechanical delay assembly. Refer to Maintenance section
for ordering replacement parts.
OPERATIONAL TESTING
Always notify a central station monitoring waterflow alarms before repairing, main-
taining or testing waterflow alarm devices.
1. Replace the cover and tighten the security screws with the tamper proof wrench.
Store the wrench in a secure place.
2. Open the inspector’s test valve and time how long it takes for the detector to
indicate a flow condition. The detector should remain activated until the inspec-
tor’s test valve is closed. Air pockets in the sprinkler system may increase the
apparent time delay.
FIGURE 4. DELAY ADJUSTMENT DIAL
NOTE: RETARD TIME MAY EXCEED 90 SECONDS. ADJUST
AND VERIFY THAT TIME DOES NOT EXCEED 90 SECONDS.
NUMBER ON DIAL IS APPROXIMATE TIME DELAY IN SECONDS
DELAY
ADJUSTMENT
DIAL
W038500
MAINTENANCE
To prevent accidental water damage, control valves should be shut tightly and the
system completely drained before waterflow detectors are removed or replaced.
Inspect detectors in accordance with applicable NFPA codes and standards and/or
the authority having jurisdiction for leaks and replace if leaks occur. Test detectors
at least quarterly as described under Operational Testing to insure proper operation.
Test more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction.
Under normal conditions Safe Signal waterflow detectors should provide years of
trouble-free service. However, if the delay mechanism becomes faulty, a replacement
kit is available. To replace the delay mechanisms, request Part No. FS-RT. Complete
instructions are enclosed with replacement parts. The delay mechanism can be easily
replaced without removing the detector from the pipe or draining the pipe. Refer to
procedure below for removal of detector on pipe. Do not repair or replace any other
waterflow detector components in the field. If any other part of the detector does not
perform properly, replace the entire detector. Failure to follow this instruction may
result in failure of the detector to report a waterflow condition.
Proceed as follows to remove a detector.
1. Drain the pipe.
2. Turn off electrical power to the detector
3. Remove the cover and disconnect the wiring.
3. Unscrew the locking collar.
4. Lift the detector clear of the pipe.
CAUTION
If a vane breaks off in a pipe, find and remove it. Failure to do so may restrict the
proper flow of water to part of the sprinkler system.
FIGURE 5. DIRECTIONAL COVER
NOTCHED COVER INDICATES FLOW DIRECTION AT A
DISTANCE FROM MULTIPLE VIEWING ANGLES
W038200
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1. Waterflow detectors may not work or operate properly if sprinkler piping being monitored
is plugged with pipe scale, mud, stones or other foreign material. Sprinkler systems should
be checked regularly for such blocking material, following the instructions in Chapter 5 of
NFPA Standard 13A.
2. Alarms generated by the activation of waterflow detectors may not be received by a central
station if telephone or other communication lines to the detector are out of service, disabled,
or open.
3. Vane-type waterflow detectors have a normal service life of 10-15 years. Hard water systems,
however, may substantially reduce waterflow detector service life.
WARNING
THE LIMITATIONS OF WATERFLOW ALARM DEVICES
4. Waterflow detectors are not a substitute for insurance. Building owners should always insure
property and lives being protected by sprinkler systems.
5. If valves controlling the water supply to a sprinkler system are closed, vane-type waterflow
detectors will not work. All valves controlling a sprinkler water supply should be sealed or
locked in the normally open position. The normally open position should be monitored by
a sprinkler supervisory switch.
FIGURE 6. FIELD WIRING
UL-LISTED
COMPATIBLE
CONTROL PANEL
POWER
24VDC OR
120 VAC
SUGGESTED EOL
RESISTOR
SSM24-X
SSV120-X
NOTE: COMMON AND B-NO
CONNECTIONS WILL CLOSE
WHEN VANE IS DEFECTED,
I.E.,WHEN WATER IS FLOWING.
DUAL SWITCHES PERMIT
APPLICATIONS TO BE COMBINED
ON A SINGLE DETECTOR.
CONTACT RATINGS
SCHEMATIC OF
INDIVIDUAL
SWITCH IN
“NO WATERFLOW”
CONDITION
A-NC
COM
B-NO
BREAK WIRE AS
SHOWN FOR
SUPERVISION OF
CONNECTION. DO
NOT ALLOW
STRIPPED WIRE
LEADS TO EXTEND
BEYOND SWITCH
HOUSING. DO NOT
LOOP WIRES.
125 / 250 VAC
24 VDC
10 AMPS
2.5 AMPS
INITIATING
LOOP
W039302
UL LISTING LIMITATIONS
In accordance with the UL certification the model WFDNFT has additional critical installa
tion limitations when installed in sprinkler systems constructed of metallic pipe and fittings
The model WFDNFT must be installed in accordance with the limitations for BlazeMaster®
CPVC pipe and fittings which limits the installation of the product to systems in Light Hazard
occupancies as defined in ANSI⁄NFPA  Residential occupancies as defined in ANSI⁄NFPA
R and Residential occupancies as defined in ANSI⁄NFPA D All Listing limitations of
BlazeMaster®CPVC pipe and fittings as outlined in BlazeMaster®installation and design manuals
must be followed for model WFDNFT to be used in accordance with its Listing These consider
ations include but are not limited to:  Acceptable installation limitations concealed exposed
system risers;  Chemical compatibility;  Handling and storage;  Freeze protection and
proximity to heat sources
THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
SAFE SIGNAL warrants that the equipment herein shall conform to said descriptions as to all af-
firmation of fact and shall be free from defects of manufacture, labeling, and packaging for a pe-
riod of three (3) years from the invoice date to the original purchaser, provided that representative
samples are returned to SAFE SIGNAL for inspection. Upon a determination by SAFE SIGNAL
that a product is not as warranted, SAFE SIGNAL shall, at its exclusive option, replace or repair
said defective product or parts thereof at its own expense except that Purchaser shall pay all
shipping, insurance, and similar charges incurred in connection with the replacement of the
defective product or parts thereof. This Warranty is void in the case of abuse, misuse, abnormal
usage, faulty installation, or repair by unauthorized persons, or if for any other reason SAFE
SIGNAL determines that said product is not operating properly as a result of causes other than
defective manufacture, labeling, or packaging.
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