POTTER VSR Series Vane Type Waterflow Alarm Switch Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- POTTER
Table of Contents
POTTER VSR Series Vane Type Waterflow Alarm Switch
VSR VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM SWITCH WITH RETARD
UL, CUL and CSFM Listed, FM Approved, LPCB Approved, For CE Marked (EN12259-5) / VdS Approved model use VSR-EU
-
Service Pressure: 450 PSI (31 BAR) – UL
-
Flow Sensitivity Range for Signal: -10 GPM (15-38 LPM) – UL
-
Maximum Surge : 18 FPS (5.5 m/s)
-
Contact Ratings : Two sets of SPDT (Form C) 10.0 Amps at 125/250VAC
2.0 Amps at 30VDC Resistive
10 mAmps min. at 24VDC -
Conduit Entrances: Two knockouts provided for 1/2″ conduit. Individual switch compartments suitable for dissimilar voltages.
Environmental Specifications
- NEMA 4/IP54 Rated Enclosure suitable for indoor or outdoor use with factory installed gasket and die-cast housing when used with appropriate conduit fitting.
- Temperature Range: 40°F – 120°F, (4.5°C – 49°C) – UL
- Non-corrosive sleeve factory installed in saddle.
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
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Ordering Information
Nominal Pipe Size| Model| Part Number
2″| DN50| VSR-2| 1144402
2 1/2″| DN65| VSR-2 1/2| 1144425
3″| DN80| VSR-3| 1144403
3 1/2″| –| VSR-3 1/2| 1144435
4″| DN100| VSR-4| 1144404
5″| –| VSR-5| 1144405
6″| DN150| VSR-6| 1144406
8″| DN200| VSR-8| 1144408
Optional: Cover Tamper Switch Kit, stock no. 0090148
Replaceable Components: Retard/Switch Assembly, stock no. 1029030
warning
- Installation must be performed 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.
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.
Important: This document contains important information on the installation and operation of the VSR waterflow switches. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning installation. A copy of this document is required by NFPA 72 to be maintained on site
General Information
- The Model VSR is a vane type waterflow switch for use on wet sprinkler systems. It is UL Listed for use on a steel pipe; schedules 5 through 40, sizes 2″ – 6″ and is UL Listed and FM Approved for use on steel pipe; schedules 10 through 40, sizes 2″ thru 8″ (50 mm thru 200 mm). LPC approved sizes are 2″ thru 8″ (50 mm thru 200 mm). See Ordering Information chart.
- The VSR may also be used as a sectional waterflow detector on large systems. The VSR 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 GPM (38 LPM) or more occurs downstream of the device. The flow condition must exist for a period of time necessary to overcome the selected retard period.
Enclosure
The VSR switches and retard device are enclosed in a general purpose, die-cast
housing. The cover is held in place with two tamper resistant screws which
require a special key for removal. A field installable cover tamper switch is
available as an option which may be used to indicate unauthorized removal of
the cover. See bulletin number 5401103 for installation instructions of this
switch.
Installation
(see Fig. 1)
These devices may be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal
pipe they shall be installed on the top side of the pipe where they will be
accessible. The device should not be installed within 6″ (15 cm) of a fitting
which changes the direction of the waterflow or within 24″ (60 cm) of a valve
or drain.
NOTE : Do not leave cover off for an extended period of time.
Drain the system and drill a hole in the pipe using a hole saw in a slow speed
drill (see Fig. 1). Clean the inside pipe of all growth or other material for
a distance equal to the pipe diameter on either side of the hole. Roll the
vane so that it may be inserted into the hole; do not bend or crease it.
Insert the vane so that the arrow on the saddle points in the direction of the
waterflow. Take care not to damage the non-corrosive bushing in the saddle.
The bushing should fit inside the hole in the pipe. Install the saddle strap
and tighten nuts alternately to required torque (see the chart in Fig. 1). The
vane must not rub the inside of the pipe or bind in any way.
CAUTION
Do not trim the paddle. Failure to follow these instructions may prevent
the device from operating and will void the warranty. Do not obstruct or
otherwise prevent the trip stem of the flow switch from moving when water
flows as this could damage the flow switch and prevent an alarm. If an alarm
is not desired, a qualified technician should disable the alarm system.
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
Compatible Pipe/ Installation Requirements
Model| Nominal Pipe Size| Nominal Pipe
O.D.
| Pipe Wall Thickness| Hole Size| U-Bolt Nuts
Torque
Lightwall| Schedule 10 (UL)| Schedule 40 (UL)| BS-1387 (LPC)| DN (VDS)
| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch| mm| inch|
mm| ft-lb| n-m
VSR-2| 2| DN50| 2.375| 60.3| .065| 1.651| 0.109| 2.77| 0.154| 3.91| 0.142|
3.6| 0.091| 2.3|
1.25 + .125/-
.062
|
33.0 ± 2.0
|
20
|
27
VSR-2 1/2| 2.5| –| 2.875| 73.0| .084| 2.134| 0.120| 3.05| 0.203| 5.16| –| –|
–| –
VSR-2 1/2| –| DN65| 3.000| 76.1| –| –| –| –| –| –| 0.142| 3.6| 0.102| 2.6
VSR-3| 3| DN80| 3.500| 88.9| .083| 2.108| 0.120| 3.05| 0.216| 5.49| 0.157|
4.0| 0.114| 2.9|
2.00 ± .125
|
50.8 ± 2.0
VSR-3 1/2| 3.5| –| 4.000| 101.6| –| –| 0.120| 3.05| 0.226| 5.74| –| –| –| –
VSR-4| 4| DN100| 4.500| 114.3| .084| 2.134| 0.120| 3.05| 0.237| 6.02| 0.177|
4.5| 0.126| 3.2
VSR-5| 5| –| 5.563| 141.3| –| –| 0.134| 3.40| 0.258| 6.55| –| –| –| –
VSR-6| 6| DN150| 6.625| 168.3| .115| 2.921| 0.134| 3.40| 0.280| 7.11| 0.197|
5.0| 0.157| 4.0
VSR-8| 8| DN200| 8.625| 219.1| –| –| 0.148| 3.76| 0.322| 8.18| 0.248| 6.3|
0.177| 4.5
Fig. 5 Typical Electrical Connections
Notes:
- The Model VSR has two switches, one can be used to operate a central station, proprietary or remote signaling unit, while the other contact is used to operate a local audible or visual annunciator.
- For supervised circuits, see “Switch Terminal Connections” drawing and warning note (Fig. 4).
Testing
The frequency of inspection and testing for the Model VSR and its associated
protective monitoring system shall 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 shall 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 is not recommended or
advisable.
A minimum flow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) is required to activate this device.
NOTICE
Advise the person responsible for testing of the fire protection system
that this system must be tested in accordance with the testing instructions.
Maintenance
Inspect detectors monthly. If leaks are found, replace the detector. The VSR 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 #1029030 (see Fig. 8). There is no maintenance required, only periodic testing and inspection.
Retard/Switch Assembly Replacement (See Fig. 8)
The Retard/Switch Assembly is field-replaceable without draining the system
or removing the waterflow switch from the pipe
- Make sure the fire alarm zone or circuit connected to the waterflow switch is bypassed or otherwise taken out of service.
- Disconnect the power source for local bell (if applicable).
- Identify and remove all wires from the waterflow switch.
- Remove the (2) mounting screws holding retard/switch assembly to the base. Do not remove the (2) retard housing screws.
- Remove the retard assembly by lifting it straight up over the tripstem.
- Install the new retard assembly. Make sure the locating pins on the retard/switch assembly fit into the locating pin bosses on the base.
- Re-install the (2) original mounting screws.
- Reconnect all wires. Perform a flow test and place the system back in service.
Removal of Waterflow Switch
- 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 nuts and remove U-bolts.
- Gently lift the saddle far enough to get your fingers under it. With your fingers, roll the vane so it will fit through the hole while continuing to lift the waterflow detector saddle.
- Lift detector clear of pipe.
References
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