System Sensor WFD Series User manual

D770-01-00 1 I56-459-11
WFD Vane-type Waterflow
Detectors
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
A Division of Pittway
3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]
Important
Please Read Carefully And Save
This instruction manual contains important information about the instal-
lation 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. Follow only those instruc-
tions that apply to the model you are installing.
CAUTION
Use vane-type waterflow detectors in wet-pipe systems only. Do NOT use
them in dry pipe, deluge, or preaction systems. The sudden inrush of wa-
ter in such systems may break the vane or damage the mechanism.
Do not use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Do not allow unused
wires to remain exposed.
Principles Of Operation
Vane-type waterflow detectors mount to water-filled pipes in sprinkler sys-
tems. Waterflow in the pipe deflects a vane, which produces a switched
output–usually after a specified delay. All waterflow detectors have a
pneumatically controlled mechanical delay mechanism. Delays do NOT
accumulate; they reset if the flow of water stops before the entire delay
has elapsed. All switches actuate when the water flow rate is 10 gallons
per minute or greater, but will not actuate if the flow rate is less than 4
gallons per minute. This System Sensor installation manual covers the fol-
lowing waterflow detectors for sprinkler/fire alarm applications.
Models
WFD20 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 2"
WFD25 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 2-1/2"
WFD30 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 3"
WFD30-2 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 3" (U.L. Listed only)
WFD35 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 3-1/2"
WFD40 Waterflow detector. Schedule 10/40, 4"
WFD50 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 5"
WFD60 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 6"
WFD80 Waterflow detector, Schedule 10/40, 8"
CAUTION
Do NOT use any of the WFD models on copper pipe. The clamping forces
of the mounting bolts may collapse the pipe sufficiently to prevent the de-
tector from functioning properly.
Do NOT install steel or iron pipe sections in copper piping for mounting a
waterflow detector. Incompatibility between the dissimilar metals causes
bimetallic corrosion.
Specifications
Contact Ratings: 10 A @ 125/250 VAC; 2.5 A @ 24 VDC
Triggering Threshold Bandwidth (Flow Rate): 4 to 10 gpm
Static Pressure Rating: 450 PSI (Max) 2” – 8”, as tested by Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.)
250 PSI (Max) 2" – 8", as tested by Factory Mutual.
Dimensions, Installed: 3.5"H x 3.0"W x 6.7"D
Operating Temperature Range: 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C)
Compatible Pipe: Steel water pipe, schedule 10 or 40.
Shipping Weight: 4 to 7 lb., according to size.
Enclosure Rating: NEMA Type 4, as tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Installation Guidelines
Before installing any waterflow alarm device, be thoroughly familiar with:
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Section 3.17
NFPA 25: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems
Other applicable NFPA standards, local codes, and the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction
Failure to follow these directions may prevent the device from reporting
the flow of water in the event the associated sprinkler system is activated
by a fire. System Sensor is not responsible for devices that have been im-
properly installed, tested, or maintained.
1. Mount the detector where there is adequate clearance for installation
and removal and a clear view of it for inspections. See Figure 1 for
mounting dimensions.
2. Locate to protect from damage – 6 to 7 feet above the floor.
3. On horizontal runs, position the detector on the 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 ap-
plications, mount the detector on pipe through which water flows up-
ward. Otherwise, the unit may not operate properly.
4. Mount the detector at least 6 inches from a fitting that changes the di-
rection of water flow and no less than 24 inches from a valve or drain.
5. Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow matches the direction of flow
in the pipe.
Mounting Instructions
1. Drain the pipe.
2. Cut a hole at the desired location. Center the hole in the pipe, as
shown in Figure 2, and be sure the hole is perpendicular to the center
of the pipe. Before drilling, use a punch or scribe to mark the drill site
to prevent the bit from slipping. If the hole is off center, the vane will
bind against the inside wall of the pipe. Use a drill or hole saw to cut a
hole of the proper diameter. See Table 1 for hole size.
CAUTION
When drilling the hole with a hole saw, make certain that the center of the
cut does not remain in the pipe.
3. Remove burrs and sharp edges from the hole. Clean and remove
all scale and foreign matter from the inside of the pipe for one di-
ameter on each side of the hole to ensure free movement of the
vane. Clean the outside of the pipe to remove dirt, metal chips,
and cutting lubricant.
4. Seat the O-ring or gasket against the saddle and mount the detector di-
rectly to the pipe. Carefully roll the vane opposite the direction of flow
and insert it through the hole. Seat the saddle firmly against the pipe
Technical Manuals Online! - http://www.tech-man.com

so that the locating boss goes into the hole.
5. Install the U-bolt, tightening the nuts alternately to ensure a uniform
seal. See Table 2 for torque values.
6. Remove the metal cover with the tamper-proof wrench provided. Move
the actuator lever back and forth to check for binding. If the vane
binds, remove the detector and correct the cause before proceeding.
CAUTION
Be sure the direction-of-flow arrow points in the right direction or else
water flow will go unreported. See Figure 3.
Preoperation Testing
1. Fill the sprinkler system and check for leaks around the waterflow
detector. If it leaks, first check for the proper torque on the U-bolt
nuts. If the leak persists, drain the system and remove the detector
(refer to Maintenance). Check for dirt or foreign objects under the
gasket, and make sure that the pipe surface is not dented. Rein-
stall the detector and check again for leaks. Do not proceed until
all leaks have been stopped.
2. Connect an ohmmeter or continuity tester across the COM and B
switch terminals. The ohmmeter should indicate an open circuit.
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.
Wiring
WARNING
High Voltage. Electrocution Hazard. Do not handle live AC wiring or work on a
device to which AC power is applied. Doing so may result in injury or death.
1. All models have two SPDT switches. Switch contacts COM and B are
closed when water is flowing and open when it is not. Connect the
switches, as shown in Figure 4, depending on the application.
2. When connected to a listed sprinkler/fire alarm control panel, the initi-
ating circuit must be nonsilenceable.
3. A ground screw is provided with all waterflow detectors. When
grounding is required, clamp wire with screw in hole located between
conduit entrance holes. See Figure 5A, page 4.
4. If a second conduit entry is required, remove the knockout plug using
a flat blade screwdriver as shown on Figure 5B, page 4. Strike sharply
with a hammer to pierce the wall of the knockout plug. Move to an
adjacent wall section and repeat until the plug falls out. Make sure that
the waterflow detector is supported adequately during this operation
to avoid injury.
Mechanical Delay Adjustment
The pneumatic delay is preset at the factory to dial setting 2. To adjust the
setting, turn the adjustment dial clockwise to increase the delay, counter-
clockwise to decrease it. The delay is adjustable from 0 to 70 seconds. See
Figure 6, page 4.
NOTE: Set the delay to the minimum required to prevent false alarms
from flow surges.
After extended service, parts of the detector may become worn, reducing
the delay time and causing false alarms. If this happens, increase the de-
lay. If the delay is already at the maximum, replace the mechanical delay
assembly. Refer to Maintenance for ordering replacement parts.
Wrong
Right
Remove burrs from edge of hole. Clean out scale and foreign
matter for one pipe diameter on each side of hole.
A78-1609-00
Figure 1. Mounting dimensions:
3"
3-3/4"
Pipe saddle
U-bolt nut
Plastic vane
Pipe
U-bolt
Overall width =
p
i
p
e diameter + 3"
Pipe diameter
plus 5-1/4"
A78-1496-01
Figure 2. Mounting hole location:
Table 2:
Table 1:
D770-01-00 2 I56-459-11
TORQUE
30-35 ft.-lb.
55-60 ft.-lb.
WFD MODEL*
20, 25, 30, 35
30-2, 40, 50, 60, 80
HOLE SIZE
1-1/4”
2”
WFD MODEL*
20, 25, 30, 35
30-2, 40, 50, 60, 80
*See model listing on page 1 for pipe sizes.
Technical Manuals Online! - http://www.tech-man.com

Top View
Switch 1
COM
COM
ABBA
Switch 2
NOTE: Common and B connections will
close when vane is deflected, i.e.,
when water is flowing. Dual switches
permit applications to be combined
on a single detector.
COM COM COM COM
Typical FACP Connection
B
COM
Typical Local Bell Connection
Break wire as shown for
supervision of connection.
DO NOT allow stripped wire
leads to extend beyond
switch housing. Do NOT
loop wires.
end-of-line resistor
to nonsilenceable initiating
zone of listed FACP
to power source
compatible
with bell
local
bell
CONTACT RATINGS
125/250 VAC
24 VDC 10 AMPS
2.5 AMPS
BB
BB
WFD
WFD
WFD Switch
Assembly
(Multiple Detectors)
Operational Testing
Always notify a central station monitoring waterflow alarms before repair-
ing, maintaining, or testing waterflow alarm devices.
1. Replace the cover and tighten the tamper proof 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 de-
tector to indicate a flow condition. The detector should remain acti-
vated until the inspector’s test valve is closed. Air pockets in the
sprinkler system may increase the apparent delay.
Maintenance
To prevent accidental water damage, control valves should be shut tight
and the system completely drained before waterflow detectors are re-
moved or replaced.
Inspect detectors monthly for leaks and replace if a leak occurs. Test
detectors at least monthly, as described under Operational Testing, to
ensure proper operation. Test more often if required by the authority
having jurisdiction.
Under normal conditions, System Sensor waterflow detectors should pro-
vide years of trouble-free service. However, if the delay mechanism or
switch enclosure becomes faulty, replace it. To replace the delay mecha-
nism or switch enclosure, use a 3/16″socket head screwdriver to remove
the three screws that hold it in place. Either mechanism can be easily re-
placed without removing the detector from the pipe or draining the pipe.
Do not repair or replace any other waterflow detector components. If any
other part of the detector does not perform properly, replace the entire de-
tector. Failure to follow this instruction may result in failure of the detector
to report the flow of water. To replace the delay mechanism, request Part
No. A3008-00. For switch enclosure, request Part No. A77-01-02.
To remove a detector:
1. Drain the pipe.
2. Turn off electrical power to the detector and disconnect the wiring.
3. Loosen the nuts and remove the U-bolts.
4. Gently lift the saddle far enough to get your fingers under it. Then, roll
the vane so it will fit through the hole while continuing to lift the
waterflow detector saddle.
5. Lift the detector clear of the pipe.
CAUTION
If a vane breaks in a pipe, find and remove it. If it is not removed, the vane
may restrict the flow of water to all or part of the sprinkler system.
D770-01-00 3 I56-459-11
A78-1914-06
Figure 3. Assembly diagram:
A78-1586-00
Figure 4. WFD wiring:
Waterflow
Pipe saddle
Plastic vane
Roll paddle opposite
of flow arrow
while inserting
Saddle gasket
Pipe
U-bolt nut
Mounting plate
Delay mechanism
(Replacement
P/N A3008-00) Direction-of-flow arrow
Switch enclosure
(Replacement P/N A77-01-02)
U-bolt
Cover
Tamper proof wrench
(P/N WFDW)
Conduit entrance
Gasket
Technical Manuals Online! - http://www.tech-man.com

4
0123
15 30 5
45 55 70
Dial setting
Seconds (±50%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
3
2
0
1
4
5
15
30 45
55
70
ON
NU
MB
ER
DIAL
TIME
APP
ROX
IMA
TE
DEL
AY
(SE
CON
DS)
Table of dial settings
embossed here.
See below.
Delay adjustment dial
0
0
GROUND
SCREW
(GREEN)
MOUNTING
PLATE
D770-01-00 4 I56-459-11
©2000 System Sensor
Three-Year Limited Warranty
System Sensor warrants its enclosed waterflow detector to be free from de-
fects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of three years from date of manufacture. System Sensor makes no
other express warranty for this waterflow detector. No agent, representa-
tive, dealer, or employee of the Company has the authority to increase or
alter the obligations or limitations of this Warranty. The Company’s obli-
gation of this Warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of any
part of the waterflow detector which is found to be defective in materials
or workmanship under normal use and service during the three year pe-
riod commencing with the date of manufacture. After phoning System
Sensor’s toll free number 800-SENSOR2 (736-7672) for a Return Authori-
zation number, send defective units postage prepaid to: System Sensor,
Repair Department, RA #__________, 3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, IL
60174. Please include a note describing the malfunction and suspected
cause of failure. The Company shall not be obligated to repair or replace
units which are found to be defective because of damage, unreasonable
use, modifications, or alterations occurring after the date of manufacture.
In no case shall the Company be liable for any consequential or incidental
damages for breach of this or any other Warranty, expressed or implied
whatsoever, even if the loss or damage is caused by the Company’s negli-
gence or fault. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inci-
dental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
1. Waterflow detectors may not work or operate properly if sprinkler pip-
ing 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 reduce waterflow detector
service life to 4 or 5 years.
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 sprin-
kler supervisory switch.
A78-1496-05
Figure 6. Delay adjustment dial:Figure 5A. Ground screw location:
Figure 5B. Knockout plug removal:
A78-1914-03
A78-2063-00
Technical Manuals Online! - http://www.tech-man.com