System Sensor WFDEXP User manual

D770-24-00 1 I56-1452-004R
WFDEXP Explosion Proof
Vane-type Waterflow Detectors
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
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
water in such systems may break the vane or damage the mechanism.
Principles of Operation
Vane-type waterflow detectors mount to water-filled pipes in sprinkler
systems. 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.
Pipe Max. Pressure
Model Pipe Size Schedule Rating (psig)
WFD20EXP 2˝10 thru 40 450
WFD25EXP 21⁄2˝10 thru 40 450
WFD30-2EXP 3˝10 thru 40 450
WFD35EXP 31⁄2˝10 thru 40 450
WFD40EXP 4˝10 thru 40 450
WFD50EXP 5˝10 thru 40 450
WFD60EXP 6˝10 thru 40 450*
WFD80EXP 8˝10 thru 40 450*
*Maximum Pressure Rating 400 psig as approved by Factory Mutual
Research.
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
detector 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: See models listed below
Dimensions, Installed: 4.0˝H × 8.8˝W × 7.0˝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: According to size.
Enclosure Rating: NEMA 4 indoor/outdoor use
Hazardous Atmosphere Classification:
Class I, Groups B, C, D Div, 1; Class II, Groups E, F, G Div. 1; Class III Div. 1
US Patent Number: 3,845,259; 4,782,333; 5,213,205
NOTE: Not for use in potable water systems, systems where sand or
other material is present or systems employing other than water.
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,
Section 5.3.3.2
Other applicable NFPA standards, local codes, and the requirements of the
authority having jurisdiction
NOTE: Installation methods other than those listed in this installation
manual 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
improperly 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
applications, mount the detector on pipe through which water flows
upward. Otherwise, the unit may not operate properly.
4. Mount the detector at least 6 inches from a fitting that changes the
direction 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.
CAUTION
Contact the appropriate personnel regarding the proper tools and proce-
dures when installing this device in a “HAZARDOUS” area. Disconnect
supply circuits before opening the cover, to reduce the chances of ignition
of hazardous atmospheres. Secure the cover and cover screws prior to
activating circuits. Tighten cover screws to 40 in. lbs. min.
6581 Kitimat Rd., Unit #6, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 3T5
1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]
www.systemsensor.ca

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 diameter
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 lubri-
cant.
4. Seat the O-ring or gasket against the saddle and mount the detector
directly 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 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.
Manually actuate the limit 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. 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 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.
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. 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
initiating circuit must be non-silenceable.
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 3, page 3.
4. If a second conduit entry is required, remove the plug using a hex
wrench.
Wrong
Right
Remove burrs from edge of hole. Clean out scale
and foreign matter from inside wall of pipe.
W0238-00
Figure 1. Mounting dimensions:
W0106-00
Figure 2. Mounting hole location:
Table 1:
WFD MODEL* HOLE SIZE
20, 25, 35 1
1/4˝
30-2, 40, 50, 60, 80 2˝
Table 2:
WFD MODEL* TORQUE
20, 25, 35 30-35 ft.-lb.
30-2, 40, 50, 60, 80 55-60 ft.-lb.
*See model listing on page 1 for pipe sizes.
D770-24-00 2 I56-1452-004R
6.75˝
4.019˝
5.019˝
U-BOLT NUT
PIPE SADDLE
U-BOLT
PLASTIC VANE
PIPE
PIPE DIAMETER
PLUS 6.5˝
Mechanical Delay Adjustment
The pneumatic delay is preset at the factory to 30 seconds. To adjust the
setting, turn the adjustment dial clockwise to increase the delay, coun-
terclockwise to decrease it. The delay is adjustable from 0 to 70 seconds.
See Figure 5, 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, reduc-
ing the delay time and causing false alarms. If this happens, increase the
delay. If the delay is already at the maximum, replace the mechanical
delay assembly. Refer to Maintenance for ordering replacement parts.

WFD
BB
COM
COM
WFD
BB
COMCOM
nonsilenceable
initiating zone of listed
Fire Alarm Control Panel
Typical Fire Alarm Control Panel Connection
Two Waterflow Detectors Shown
power source
compatible
with bell
local
bell
COM
B
Typical Local Bell Connection
Top View 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.
end-of-line-resistor
Break wire as shown for
supervision of connection.
DO NOT allow stripped wire
leads to extend beyond
switch housing. DO NOT
loop wires.
CONTACT RATINGS
125/250 VAC
24 VDC
10 AMPS
2.5 AMPS
B
COM
A
Schematic of
Individual Switch
in “No Waterflow”
Condition
T16-0010-XXX
B
COM
A
COM
COM
SWITCH 1 SWITCH 2
A B B A
•CAUTION•
ROUTE WIRING
AWAY FROM
SHARP EDGES
& COMPONENTS
SWITCH SCHEMATIC
•READY• STATE
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
detector to indicate a flow condition. The detector should remain
activated 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
removed or replaced.
Inspect detectors in accordance with applicable NFPA codes and standards
and/or the authority having jurisdiction for leaks and replace if a leak
occurs. Test detectors at least quarterly, 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
provide years of trouble-free service. However, if the delay mechanism or
switch enclosure needs to be replaced, follow these directions. To replace
the delay mechanism or switch enclosure, use a 3⁄16˝socket head screw-
driver to remove the three screws that hold it in place. Either mechanism
can be easily replaced without removing the detector from the pipe or
draining the pipe. To replace the delay mechanism, request Part No. A3008-
00. For switch enclosure, request Part No. A77-01-02. Do not repair or
replace any other waterflow detector components. If any other part of the
detector does not perform properly, replace the entire detector. Installation
methods other than those listed in this installation manual 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 improperly installed, tested, or maintained.
D770-24-00 3 I56-1452-004R
W0183-00
Figure 3. Assembly diagram:
W0234-00
Figure 4. WFD wiring:
COVER
SWITCH
ENCLOSURE
(REPLACEMENT
P/N A77-01-02)
GROUND SCREW
(GREEN)
CONDUIT
ENTRANCE
U-BOLT NUT
DIRECTION OF
FLOW ARROW
PIPE
U-BOLT
HOLE SIZE
(REFER TO CHART)
SADDLE GASKET
ROLL PADDLE (VANE)
OPPOSITE OF FLOW ARROW
WHILE INSERTING
PLASTIC VANE
PIPE SADDLE
DELAY MECHANISM
(REPLACEMENT
P/N A3008-00)
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 continu-
ing to lift the waterflow detec-
tor 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.

D770-24-00 4 I56-1452-004R
©2005 System Sensor
Three-Year Limited Warranty
System Sensor warrants its enclosed smoke detector to be free from defects 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 war-
ranty for this smoke detector. No agent, representative, dealer, or employee of the
Company has the authority to increase or alter the obligations or limitations of this
Warranty. The Company’s obligation of this Warranty shall be limited to the repair
or replacement of any part of the smoke detector which is found to be defective
in materials or workmanship under normal use and service during the three year
period commencing with the date of manufacture. After phoning System Sensor’s
toll free number 1-800-SENSOR2 (736-7672) for a Return Authorization number,
send defective units postage prepaid to: System Sensor, Repair Department, RA
#__________, 6581 Kitimat Rd., Unit #6, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 3T5. 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 negligence or fault. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental 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 under common law.
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 water-
flow 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.
6. Unless all six cover screws are installed and tightened to 40 in. lbs.
min., the hazardous location enclosure ratings will be voided.
Delay
adjustment
dial
NOTE:
Retard time may exceed 90 seconds.
Adjust and verify that time does not exceed 90 seconds.
55
70
0
15
45
30
T
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E
D
E
L
A
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I
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S
E
C
O
N
D
S
N
U
M
B
E
R
O
N
D
I
A
L
I
S
A
P
P
R
O
X
I
M
A
T
E
W0112-01
Figure 5. Delay adjustment dial:
Please refer to insert for the Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems