POTTER VSR-ST Vane Type Waterflow Alarm Switch Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- POTTER
Table of Contents
POTTER VSR-ST Vane Type Waterflow Alarm Switch
WARNING
Installation must be perfomed by qualified personnel and in accordance with
all national 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.
Service Use:
- Automatic Sprinkler NFPA-13
- One or two family dwelling NFPA-13D
- Residential occupancy up to four stories NFPA-13R
- National Fire Alarm Code NFPA-72
cUL, UL and CSFM Listed, NYMEA Accepted
- Service Pressure: Up to 175 PSI (12,07 BAR)
- Minimum Flow Rate for Alarm: 10 GPM (38 LPM)
- Maximum Surge: 18 FPS (5,5 m/s)
- Enclosure: Die-cast, red powdercoat finish
- No. 1144465: Cover held in place with tamper resistant screws
- No. 1144466: Tamper: Cover incorporates micro-switch.
- Cover Tamper: Activated by cover removal.
- Cover Tamper Switch Contacts: One set SPDT,Rated at 250VAC.
- Cover Tamper Switch Terminations: 8″ 22AWG wire leads.
- Contact Ratings: Two sets of SPDT (Form C) 10.0 Amps at 125/250 VAC 2.0 Amps at 30 VDC Resistive
Conduit Entrances: Two openings provided for 1/2″ conduit.
Individual switch compartments suitable for dissimilar voltages.
Usage: Listed plastic, copper and schedule 40 iron pipe.
Fits pipe sizes – 1″, 1¼”, 1½” and 2″
Note: 12 paddles are furnished with each unit, one for each pipe size of threaded and sweat TEE, one for 1″ CPVC, one
for 1″ CPVC (Central), one for 1″ threaded Nibco CPVC, and one for 1½” threaded (Japan).
Environmental Specifications:
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use with factory installed gasket and die-cast housing.
- For NEMA 4/IP55 rated enclosure – use with appropriate conduit fitting and/or plugs.
- Temperature range: 40° F to 120° F (4,5° C to 49° C) Stock Number: 1144465 1144466 w/TSK
- Replaceable Components: Retard/Switch Assembly, stock no. 1029030
The Model VSR-ST is a vane type waterflow switch for use on wet sprinkler systems that use 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ or 2″ pipe sizes. It is equipped with a union to accommodate installation in confined spaces.
The unit contains two single pole double throw snap action switches and an adjustable, instantly recycling pneumatic retard. The switches are actuated when a flow of 10 gallons per minute (38 liters per minute) or more occurs downstream of the device. The flow condition must exist for a period of time necessary to overcome the selected retard period.
Installation
These devices may be mounted in horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal
pipe they should be installed on the top side of the pipe where they will be
accessible. The units should not be installed within 6″ (15 cm) of a valve,
drain or fitting which changes the direction of the waterflow. The unit has a
1″ NPT fitting for threading into a noncorrosive TEE. See Fig. 1 for proper
TEE size, type and installation.
Select the proper paddle for the pipe size and type of tee used. See Fig.
3 for instructions on how to change the paddle.
Loosen the union nut and separate the 1″ NPT fitting from the VSRST.
Use no more than three wraps of teflon tape as thread lubricant.
Reattach the VSR-ST to the 1″ NPT fitting, verifying that the o-ring is
properly positioned in its groove. Hand tighten the nut on the union after
orienting the device in the appropriate direction to detect waterflow as shown
in Fig. 2.
Do not over-tighten the union nut, hand tighten only.
The vane must not rub the inside of the TEE or bind in any way. The stem
should move freely when operated by hand.
The device can also be used in copper or plastic pipe installations with the
proper adapters so that the specified TEE fitting may be installed on the pipe
run.
Note: Do not leave cover off for an extended period of time.
Inspection and Testing
Check the operation of the unit by opening the inspector’s test valve at the
end of the sprinkler line or the drain and test connection, if an inspector’s
test valve is not provided.
If there are no provisions for testing the operation of the flow detection
device on the system, application of the VSR-ST is not recommended or
advisable.
The frequency of the inspection and testing and its associated protective
monitoring system should be in accordance with the applicable NFPA Codes and
Standards and/or authority having jurisdiction (manufacturer recommends
quarterly or more frequently).
Screw the fitting into the TEE fitting as shown.
On sweat TEE’s, no threaded bushings, inserts or adapters are permitted unless
they comply with the dimensions listed in the chart below.
Important – the depth to the inside bottom of the TEE should have the following dimensions:
CAUTION
- To prevent leakage apply teflon tape sealant to the 1″ NPT male fitting only. Do not use any other type of lubricant or sealant.
Approximate Depth Requirement
Tee Size| Threaded| Sweat| CPVC
1″ X 1″ X 1″| 2-1/16″| 1-3/4″| 2-7/16″
1-1/4″ X 1-1/4″ X 1″| 2-7/16″| 2-7/16″| N/a
1-1/2″ X 1-1/2″ X 1″| 2-11/16″| 2-1/4″| N/a
2″ X 2″ X1″| 3-3/16″| 2-3/4″| N/a
Fig. 2
Retard Adjustment:
The delay can be adjusted by rotating the retard adjustment knob from 0 to the
max setting (60-90 seconds). The time delay should be set at the minimum
required to prevent false alarms.
WARNING
There are 12 paddles furnished with each unit. One for each size of threaded, sweat or plastic TEE as described in Fig.
- The paddles have raised lettering that show the pipe size and type of TEE that they are to be used with. The proper paddle must be used. The paddle must be properly attached (see Fig. 3) and the screw that holds the paddle must be securely tightened.
CAUTION
An uninsulated section of a single conductor should not be looped around the terminal and serve as two separate connections. The wire must be severed, thereby providing supervision of the connection in the event that the wire becomes dislodged from under the terminal.
Cover Tamper Switch
(Shown with cover in place)
Notes:
1. The model VSR-ST has two switches, one can be used to operate a central
station, proprietary or remote signaling unit, while the other is used to
operate a local audible or visual annunciator.
2. For supervised circuits see “Switch Terminal Connections” drawing and
CAUTION note (Fig. 4).
Fig. 5 Typical Electrical Connections
CAUTION
Waterflow switches that are monitoring wet pipe sprinkler systems shall not be used as the sole initiating device to discharge AFFF, deluge, or chemical suppression systems. Waterflow switches used for this application may result in unintended discharges caused by surges, trapped air, or short retard times.
Fig. 6
Break out thin section of cover when wiring both switches from one conduit
entrance.
Testing
The frequency of inspection and testing for the Model VSR-ST and its
associated protective monitoring system should be in accordance with
applicable NFPA Codes and Standards and/or the authority having jurisdiction
(manufacturer recommends quarterly or more frequently).
If provided, the inspector’s test valve, that is usually located at the end of
the most remote branch line, should always be used for test purposes.
If there are no provisions for testing the operation of the flow detection
device on the system, application of the VSR-ST is not recommended or
advisable.
A minimum flow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) is required to activate this device.
Maintenance
Inspect detectors monthly for leaks. If leaks are found, replace the detector.
The VSR-ST waterflow switch should provide years of trouble-free service. The
retard and switch assembly are easily field replaceable. In the unlikely event
that either component does not perform properly, please order replacement
retard switch assembly stock number 1029030. There is no maintenance required,
only periodic testing and inspection.
Important Notice
Please advise the person responsible for testing of the fire protection system
that this system must be tested in accordance with the testing instructions.
Removal
- To prevent accidental water damage, all control valves should be shut tight and the system completely drained before waterflow detectors are removed or replaced
- Turn off electrical power to the detector, then disconnect wiring
- Loosen union nut and separate unit from the glued in fitting.
- Gently lift the unit far enough to get your fingers under it. With your fingers, roll the vane so it will fit through the fitting while continuing to lift the waterflow detector.
- Lift detector clear of pipe
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • 2081 Craig Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146-4161 • Phone: 800-325-3936/Canada 888-882-1833 • www.pottersignal.com
MFG. #5401204- REV F
References
- Fire Alarm Resources | Download fire alarm documents
- Potter Electric: Fire Alarms & Fire Sprinkler Systems
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