alarm valve - sprinkler

www.Kidde-Fire.com

"Automatic" Sprinkler

150 Gordon Drive

Exton, PA 19341 USA

Tel: (610) 363-1400

800-626-2682

Fax: (610) 524-9073

800-858-6857

#SVL100 - Model 353 Alarm Valves

123456Fire Protection Equipment

i SVL100

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Text Page

General ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Approvals ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Description / Operation .......................................................................................................................................... 1

Variable Pressure.............................................................................................................................................. 1

Constant Pressure ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Figure 1 - Operation Diagram: Model 353 Alarm Valve with Model B Retard Chamber Set Position ................ 2

Figure 2 - Operation Diagram: Model 353 Alarm Valve with Model B Retard Chamber Operating Position ..... 2

Technical Data ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Ordering Information .............................................................................................................................................. 3

"Automatic" Model 353 Valve Assemblies - Parts List ......................................................................................... 4

"Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber - Parts List ............................................................................................... 5

"Automatic" 4” Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange

Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-4V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ..................... 6


Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-4C - Parts Drawing & List ........................................................ 7


Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-6V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ..................... 8


Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-6C - Parts Drawing & List ........................................................ 9


Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-8V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ................... 10


Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-8C - Parts Drawing & List ...................................................... 11

Testing and Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 12

Testing ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

Testing Alarm Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices .................................................................................. 12

Flow Test at Main Drain Valve (Main Drain Test) ...................................................................................... 12

Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Clapper Facing ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Seat Ring .................................................................................................................................................. 13

By-Pass Check Valve ............................................................................................................................... 13

Retard Chamber ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Alarm Line Strainer ................................................................................................................................... 13

SVL100 ii

Alarm Test Valve, Main Drain Valve & Inspection Test Valve .................................................................... 13

Alarm Valve and Trim ............................................................................................................................... 13

Resetting of System ................................................................................................................................. 13

"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - LPCB Approved .................................................................................... 14

MODEL 353

Alarm Valves

DATA SHEET

#SVL100

www.Kidde-Fire.com

GeneralThe "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve is a waterflow

alarm device designed for installation in the main supply

to a wet pipe sprinkler system. Its purpose is to actuate a

fire alarm when a flow of water from the system equals or

exceeds that of a single sprinkler. The alarm may be ac-

complished in two ways: (1) mechanically by means of a

water flow to a water motor alarm and/or (2) electrically

via a water-pressure-actuated alarm switch (circuit closer)

connected to an electrically operated signaling device such

as a bell or light.

The Model 353 Alarm Valve, available in 4" (101.6 mm), 6"

(152.4 mm) and 8" (203.2 mm) pipe sizes for vertical in-

stallation, may be provided with either of two basic trim

packages. There is one set of trim for variable supply pres-

sure and another for constant supply pressure.

Variable pressure trim is used where the water supply pres-

sure fluctuates. A public water main is an example of such

a supply. To prevent false alarms caused by surges or fluc-

tuations in pressure, the trim set is provided with the "Au-

tomatic" Model B Retard Chamber.

For installations where there is a constant supply pres-

sure, that is, where the water pressure does not fluctuate,

the retard chamber is omitted. For example, constant pres-

sure trim may be used when the water supply is from an

elevated tank or pressure tank.

An excess pressure pump may be required for installtions

where excessive pressure surges or extreme fluctuations

in the water pressure are encountered.

Approvals• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

• Factory Mutual (FM)

• Underwriters Laboratories Of Canada (ULC)• Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)

The valves are listed/approved with specific trim and forinstallation in accordance with the applicable requirementsof NFPA 13. Therefore, no substitutions or omissions, inpart or in full, are allowed.

Model B Retard Chambers are listed and approved for usespecifically with the Model 353 Alarm Valves.

All devices are listed/approved for a maximum water work-ing pressure (WWP) of 175 psi (1206.6 kPa or 12.1 bar).

Description / OperationThe Model 353 Alarm Valve is the type of alarm checkvalve which has a grooved seat ring and an external by-pass. Its operation in a wet pipe sprinkler system is asfollows:

When the sprinkler system is placed into service, water isallowed to flow into the system until the system pressureand the supply pressure are equal. The system pressurethen causes the rubber-faced clapper of the alarm valveto close tightly on the grooved seat ring. It will remain inthis closed position as long as the pressure in the systemis equal to or greater than the supply pressure. See Figure 1.

Variable Pressure. In service, the pressure on the sys-tem, most often, will be found to be greater than the watersupply pressure. This condition exists because excesspressure from surges and fluctuations in the water supplyare allowed to pass through the external checked by-passto be trapped in th esystem above the alarm valve clap-per. Normally then, the clapper will remain in a closed po-sition.

At times, however, sudden surges of greater pressure maycause the clapper to open momentarily, then close. In suchinstances, when the clapper is open, there will be a limitedflow of water through the seat ring openings and into theretard chamber. There the water can accumulate, then drainaway without causing a false alarm.

When a sprinkler operates, the resulting water flow relievesthe system pressure. The greater supply pressure thencauses the alarm valve clapper to open, thereby permit-ting an unobstructed flow of water into the system. At the

same time, water flows through the seat ring openings and

123456

2 SVL100

via alarm line connections into the retard chamber. But

now, with the system operating, the clapper remains in anopen position and the volume of water flowing through thealarm line is such that the retard chamber drain cannotkeep up with the incoming flow. The chamber quickly fillsand the water flow continues on to sound the water motoralarm and/or operate the pressure actuated electric alarmswitch. See Figure 2.

Caution: All sprinkler systems contain a certain amountof confined air. It is possible that a pressure surge couldcompress this air and allow the alarm valve clapper to moveoff the seat ring. Under some conditions, this could cause

false alarms. It is recommended, therefore, that the installerbleed off the confind air and fill the system with water tothe fullest extent possible.

Constant Pressure. Under normal conditions the systemand supply pressures will be the same. Since the pres-sure is constant, there is no need to consider surges andfluctuations. Therefore, a retard chamber is not provided.When a sprinkler operates, the system pressure drops,allowing the alarm valve clapper to open. At the same timethat water enters the system, it also flows through the seatring openings and then via the alarm line connections di-rectly to operate the alarm devices.

SVL100 3

Technical DataAvailable Sizes: .................. • 4" (101.6 mm)

• 6" (152.4 mm)• 8" (203.2 mm)

Inlet & Outlet: ...................... Class 125 Flanged

Water Working Pressure: .... 175 psi (1206.6 kPa or

12.1 bar)

Setup For: ........................... • Variable Pressure

• Constant Pressure

Listings & Approvals: .......... • UL Listed

• FM Approved

• ULC Listed

• LPCB Approved

Pressure Loss:

For use in hydraulic calculations, the pressure loss throughthe alarm valve may be expressed as equivalent feet ofpipe:

• 4" Valve = 9 Ft• 6" Valve = 37 Ft• 8" Valve = 18 Ft

Conversion Factors:

• 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters (mm)

• 1 psi = 6.895 kilopascals (kPa)

0.0689 bar

• 1 gallon = 3.785 liters (L)

� � ��

� ��

� � ��

� ��

� � � � � � �

� � ��

� � ��

� ��

� � ��

� ��

� � � ��

� � ��

� � � ��

� � ��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

��

��

��

Ordering Information• "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - Flange/Flange

4" Valve 6" Valve 8" Valve

Item/Setup

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

Alarm Valve only (without trim) 353-400 8353704 353-600 8353706 353-800 8353708

Trim setup for Alarm Valve:

For Variable Pressure (less Retard Chamber)

For Constant Pressure

353-4V

353-4C

1404832

1404833

353-6V

353-6C

1404842

1404843

353-8V

353-8C

1404852

1404853

Retard Chamber – “Automatic” Model B

Note: Retard Chamber is to be orderedseparately and in addition to the trim setupfor variable pressure.

8-100 8008100 8-100 8008100 8-100 8008100

Trim Option for Alarm Switch (less Switch) 86-A 1601119 86-A 1601119 86-A 1601119

Alarm Valve, Pre-Trimmed

For Variable Pressure, Retard Chamberincluded

- 8353904 - 8353906 - 8353908

4 SVL100

"Automatic" Model 353 Valve Assemblies

Parts List• "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve Assemblies - Flange/Flange

4” Valve 6” Valve 8” Valve

Item

Number

Part Name Material Symbol

Number

Part

Number

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

1

2

Valve Body Subassembly

Body

Seat Ring †

-

Cast Iron

Bronze

S353-406

-

-

8353406

-

-

S353-606

-

-

8353606

-

-

S353-806

-

-

8353806

-

-

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Handhole Cover

Nameplate

Drive Screws: #0 x ¼” – 2 required

Handhole Cover Gasket

Hex Head Cap Screws

5/16” – 18 x 1-1/4” long – 6 required

3/8” – 16 x 1-1/2” long – 6 required

½” – 13 x 1-1/2” long – 6 required

Cast Iron

Aluminum

Steel

Rubber

-

Steel

Steel

Steel

353-403

-

-

353-405

-

-

-

-

8353403

-

-

8353405

-

1420057

-

-

353-603

-

-

353-605

-

-

-

-

8353603

-

-

8353605

-

-

1420073

-

353-803

-

-

353-805

-

-

-

-

8353803

-

-

8353805

-

-

-

1420101

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Clapper Subassembly

Clapper

Clapper

Clapper Facing

Retaining Disc

Retaining Disc

Shoulder Bolt �

Shoulder Bolt Gasket �

Self-Locking Nut: 3/8”-16 �

3/8” – 16 x 1” Cap Screw (1 req.)

3/8” Lock washer (1 required)

-

Stainless Steel

Bronze

Rubber

Stainless Steel

Bronze

Brass

Rubber

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

S353-408

353-409

-

353-411

-

-

102-103

-

-

-

-

8353408

1353409

-

1353411

-

4601800020

8102103

1602131

1601381

-

-

S353-608

353-609

-

353-611

353-610

-

353-612

-

-

-

-

8353608

1353609

-

1353611

1353610

-

8353612

1602131

1601381

-

-

S353-808

-

353-809

353-811

353-810

-

-

-

-

-

-

8353808

-

8353809

1353811

1353810

-

-

-

-

1402150

1425078

13

14

15

16

Hinge Pin

Hinge Pin Bushings (2 in Body)†

3/8” Plug�

1/2” Plug

Stainless Steel

Bronze

Brass

Brass

353-413

-

-

-

8353413

-

2096099

-

353-613

-

-

-

8353613

-

2096099

-

353-813

-

-

-

8353813

-

-

2096103

• Handhole cover and related items are not shown in detail.

† These items are not field replaceable.

� Not required for 8” size.

SVL100 5

"Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber

Parts List• "Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber

Item

Number Part Name Material

Symbol

Number

Part

Number

1 Retard Chamber Body Cast Iron 8-101 8008101

2 Outlet Plug Assembly

Outlet Plug

Screen

Brass

Brass

S8-105 8008105

3 Drain Plug Assembly

Drain Plug

Screen

Brass

Brass

S8-106 8008106

4 O-Ring Gasket Buna-N - 1419198

6 SVL100

"Automatic" 4" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange

Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-4V

with Retard Chamber

SVL100 7


Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-4C

8 SVL100



with Retard Chamber

SVL100 9



10 SVL100



with Retard Chamber

SVL100 11



12 SVL100

Reference.

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Main-

tenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems.

TestingBefore proceeding with any tests involving water flow, cer-

tain precautions need to be taken.

1. Check the location where the test connection dis-

charges to make sure that all is clear and that there is

no possibility of the water flow causing damage or in-

jury.

2. Check the end of the test connection to make sure

that it is unobstructed. To obtain a satisfactory test,

there must be an unrestricted flow of water when the

test valve is wide open.

3. Check for alarm connections to a central station or

fire department. If such connections are found, give

proper notice to the signal receiving station before

proceeding with the test.

Note: A main drain test will also operate local fire

alarms - unless they are temporarily shut off.

Testing Alarm Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices.

NFPA 25 recommends that the alarm valve and its

waterflow alarm devices be tested at least quarterly.

The primary way to test this equipment is by opening the

Inspectors Test Connection. This connection, generally

located at the highest and most remote point on the sys-

tem in relation to the alarm valve, consists of a test orifice

and controlling globe valve. Opening of the globe valve

(Inspectors Test Valve), and the subsequent discharge of

water through the test orifice, simulates the operation of a

sprinkler. Therefore, alarm devices should sound and/or

operate when the Inspectors Test Valve is opened.

An alternate means of testing waterflow alarm devices is

to open the Alarm Test Valve provided as part of the alarm

valve trim. It must be noted, however, that opening of this

valve only tests the alarms; it does not test the operation

of the alarm valve since the supply for the alarm test line

is taken from a point below the alarm valve clapper (see

Description/Operation). This means of testing, therefore,

should only be used when weather conditions or other cir-

cumstances prohibit using the Inspectors Test Connection.

Note: If alarms connect to a central station or fire depart-

ment, notify the signal receiving station when all tests have

been completed.

Testing and Maintenance

Flow Test at Main Drain Valve (Main Drain Test).

NFPA 25 recommends that a water flow test be made quar-

terly from the main drain valve at the system riser. The

purpose of this test is to show whether or not the normal

water supply is available to the system. By comparing static

and residual pressure readings with those previously es-

tablished, a main drain test can indicate the possible pres-

ence of closed valves or other obstructions in the supply

piping.

The procedure for conducting a Main Drain Test is as fol-

lows:

1. With the Main Drain Valve closed, note and record

the reading on the lower Pressure Gage at the Alarm

Valve.

2. Open the Main Drain Valve slowly until it is fully open.

Then, check to make sure that a full steady flow of

water is discharging from the main drain pipe.

Note: If a full steady stream is not discharging, check

the main drain piping further for possible obstructions.

3. Allow the water to flow until the reading on the lower

Pressure Gage drops and stabilizes. Then, record this

reading.

Note: The first and higher pressure reading is the static

pressure. The second, lower reading is the residual

pressure with a given flow discharging from the main

drain pipe.

4. Close the Main Drain Valve slowly.

Caution: If alarms have been temporarily shut off, they

must be returned to service. If alarms connect to a

central station or fire department, notify the signal re-

ceiving station when the test has been completed.

5. Compare both pressure readings with previously es-

tablished or normal readings.

Note: If the readings compare favorably, the water

supply may be considered satisfactory. If, however,

the pressure readings vary to any great extent, the

condition should be investigated to determine the

cause. Some possible causes are:

• Partially or totally closed system control valves.

• Clogged or frozen water mains.

• Serious leakage at valves or mains.

SVL100 13

MaintenanceThe "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve and its related

equipment should be examined periodically to ensure

proper operation and trouble free service. Several areas

to be routinely inspected are:

Clapper Facing. The rubber clapper facing should be

checked for wear or damage, and to determine that it is

free of dirt and other foreign substances. If found to be

worn or damaged (e.g., foreign matter imbedded in the

surface), the facing should be replaced. If it is dirty, it should

be cleaned, but compounds which could damage the rub-

ber facing must never be used.

Seat Ring. The seat ring should be checked for nicks and

for stones, dirt or other foreign matter lodged in the grooves

or holes. It should be cleaned thoroughly. If the seat ring is

found to be severely damaged, the complete alarm valve

assembly should be replaced.

By-Pass Check Valve. The 3/4" check valve in the exter-

nal by-pass should be checked for clapper and seat con-

dition.

Retard Chamber. The outlet plug and drain plug assem-

blies should be checked for obstructions. The screens

should be cleaned thoroughly.

Alarm Line Strainer. The 3/4" strainer in the alarm line of

the constant pressure trim setup should be checked and

cleaned thoroughly.

Alarm Test Valve, Main Drain Valve & Inspection Test

Valve. All controlling valves which are normally closed

when the alarm valve is in the set position should be

checked to be sure that they are fully closed and not leak-

ing.

Alarm Valve and Trim. The overall setup should be

checked for visible leaks and possible physical damage to

the valve and connections (e.g., broken gages).

Resetting of System

The "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve is self-resetting

when testing procedures are followed. When sprinklers

operate, however, there are certain procedures which must

be followed for restoring the system to service.

1. Close the System Control Valve (OS&Y, PIV or other).

Caution: In the event of a fire, the system control valve

is to be closed only after it has been determined, posi-

tively, that the fire has been extinguished.

2. Close the Alarm Control Valve.

3. Open the Main Drain Valve.

Note: It is necessary to drain the system only as re-

quired to allow for sprinkler replacement.

4. Replace the sprinklers which have operated.

5. Close the Main Drain Valve.

6. Open the Inspectors Test Valve.

Note: This valve is opened to permit air to be vented

from the system as it is being filled with water.

7. Slowly open the System Control Valve.

Caution: Open the valve only partially at the stsrt of

water flow into the system. Do not open it fully at this

point. To do so may cause a water hammer to occur

which could either damage the piping or trap large

volumes of air within the system.

8. Continue filling the system until water discharges in a

continuous stream from the Inspectors Test Connec-

tion.

9. Close the Inspectors Test Connection.

10. Turn the System Control Valve to its full open posi-

tion, at the same time observing the Pressure Gages.

Note: The system is filled when both gages are steady

and have the same pressure reading.

11. Conduct a Main Drain Test to make sure the water

supply is satisfactory (see Flow Test at Main Drain

Valve).

12. Open the Alarm Control Valve.

13. Conduct a test of the alarm devices (see Testing Alarm

Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices).

14. Seal, lock, or otherwise secure the System Control

Valve and Alarm Control Valve in an open position (per

NFPA 25). The system is now ready for service.

15. If alarms connect to a central station or fire depart-

ment, notify the signal receiving station that the sys-

tem has been returned to service.

"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - LPCB Approved

"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves are also approved by

the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). For LPCB

approved valves, however, the trim setups differ from those

required for UL/FM/ULC approval.

It must be noted that in a fire situation, with all setups, the

operation of the alarm valve is the same (see Descrip-

tion/Operation). The difference in setup occurs only in

the arrangement of test connections.

With UL/FM/ULC approved valves, the Alarm Test Valve

in the alarm valve trim is just for testing the waterflow alarm

devices. It cannot be used to test the operation of the alarm

valve itself since the supply to the alarm test line is from a

point below the alarm valve clapper ( see Testing Alarm

Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices).

To meet LPCB approval, a means must be provided at the

alarm valve for testing both the valve and its waterflow

alarm devices. To accomplish this, the alarm test line is

arranged to take its supply from above the valve clapper.

And, in addition to the Alarm Test Valve, an Orifice Union

is provided to simulate the operation of a sprinkler when

the test valve is opened.

For information on LPCB approved alarm valves, refer to

Bulletin 303-FOC.

14 SVL100

"Automatic" Sprinkler

150 Gordon Drive • Exton, PA 19341 USA

Tel: (610) 363-1400 • 800-626-2682

Fax: (610) 524-9073 • 800-858-6857

This information is only a general guideline. The company reserves the right to change any portion of this information without notice. Terms and

conditions of sale apply and are available on request.

2/02 Printed in USA (SLV100.P65)

alarm valve - sprinkler

Documents