Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.

Manufacturers & Distributors of

Fire Protection Equipment

Engineering Specification
Reliable Model DDX Type F Preaction System
Recommended CSI MasterFormat Specification Location: 21 13 19, Preaction Sprinkler
Systems (formerly 13940)

Double Interlock Preaction System deluge valve shall be a [cULus Listed] [FM Approved]
hydraulically operated, differential latching clapper-type valve. Valve construction shall be of
lightweight, ductile-iron construction with “screw in” stainless steel seat and clapper assembly.
Seat shall have O-ring seals to resist corrosion and leakage. Clapper facing shall be pressure
actuated, providing a limited compression seat for the sealing force between the clapper
rubber facing and the valve seat. Valve shall have an external reset knob for resetting the
clapper without having to remove the valve face plate. Push-rod chamber design shall consist
of a stainless steel piston/pushrod and spring assembly with diaphragm seal secured to the
casting through a pushrod guide constructed of a synthetic engineering plastic to resist
corrosion. Casting shall have a bleeder hole located on the pushrod chamber for air/water
leakage indication. Trip ratio shall be approximately a 3:1 force differential. Valve shall be of
the straight-through design to minimize friction loss and shall be activated by pneumatic
actuation trim. Inlet restriction orifice shall be factory installed into inlet port of deluge valve
push-rod cover plate and not be a separate part of the valve trim. Valve trim shall consist of
galvanized and brass components specifically [cULus Listed] [FM Approved] with the dry-pipe
valve. Trim components shall include 2” main drain, alarm line test, water pressure gauges,
push rod chamber supply connections, manual emergency release valve, and closed drain
assembly. Condensate drain valve shall be included to prevent water columning above the
clapper. Deluge valve shall be [2” (50 mm)] [2½” (65 mm)] [3” (80 mm)] [4” (100 mm)] [6” (150
mm)] [8” (200 mm)] with grooved end connections per ANSI/AWWA C606. Deluge valve
releasing device shall be a normally closed solenoid valve activated by input to the releasing
panel from the detection system and a low-pressure pneumatic actuator. Solenoid valve shall
be a 2-way, normally closed, pilot operated ½” electric solenoid valve UL listed for its intended
use. The solenoid valve shall be constructed of a brass body with stainless steel sleeve tube,
springs, stop and plunger, and with ½” female NPT end connections, having a NEMA 4X
enclosure rating. Diaphragm shall be of nylon fabric and Buna-N rubber. Solenoid valve shall
have a maximum working pressure of 175 psi and maximum ambient temperature rating of
150 deg. F. Power consumption of integrated coil shall be limited to [10 watts (175 psi rated)]
[22 watts (300 psi rated)] and require 24 VDC from a releasing control panel listed for such
service. Solenoid valve shall be a Skinner ½” normally closed solenoid valve, Model
[73218BN4UNLVNOC111C2 (175 psi rated)] [73212BN4TNLVNOC322C2 (300 psi rated)].
The low-pressure pneumatic actuator shall be of cast iron construction utilizing a diaphragm
and compression spring design to separate the push-rod chamber water pressure from the
system piping pneumatic supervisory pressure. The low-pressure actuator shall require a

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138
 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Manufacturers & Distributors of
Fire Protection Equipment

minimum of 8 and a maximum of 28 psi (0,6 to 1,9 bar) supervisory pressure for proper setting
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Low-pressure actuator shall be Reliable
Model LP actuator.
Preaction system deluge valve shall be the Reliable Model DDX Type F. Refer to Bulletin 751
for associated information.

System Component Options

System Control Valve (Optional)

A [2½” (65mm)] [3” (76mm)] [4”(100mm)] [6” (150mm)] [8” (203mm)] slow close grooved
indicating butterfly control valve shall be [cULus Listed] [FM Approved] for fire protection
systems. The valve shall have AWWA C606 grooved end connections with integral
supervisory tamper switch. The valve shall be supervised [Open (yellow indicator)] [Closed
(white indicator)]. The valve body construction shall be coated brass with Nylon-11, an EPDM
encapsulated coated disc in accordance with ASTM A-536, and 416 stainless steel stem. The
valve shall have a weatherproof gear operator rated for indoor/outdoor use with handwheel
and raised position indicator. Two internal factory-mounted supervisory switches shall be
housed within the switch box housing; a S.P.S.T. switch having a rating of 15A @ 125 VAC,
1/2A @ 125 VDC, and a S.P.D.T. switch having a rating of 11A @ 125 VAC, 1 A @ 28 VDC.
All lead wires for external connections shall be 18 AWG, exiting the switch box housing
through a single hole suitable for ½” conduit fittings. The Butterfly Control Valve shall be listed
for 300 psi (20.7 bar) working pressure with a maximum working temperature of 250°F.
The grooved water supply control valve shall be a Reliable Model BFG 300 Butterfly Valve.
Refer to Reliable Bulletin 831 for associated information.

Compressed Air Supply (Optional)

Supervisory air supply shall be provided by an integral automatic tank-mounted air compressor
sized for the capacity (volume) of the double interlock preaction system piping and be capable
of restoring normal air pressure in the system within 30 minutes. Double interlock preaction
system shall only require between 10 and 28 psi (0.7 to 1,9 bar) supervisory pressure for
proper setting of the low-pressure pneumatic actuator in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Tank mounted compressor shall be a motor mounted, oil-less, piston
compressor, including gauge, regulating pressure switch, check valve, drain valve, and safety
relief valve. Single-phase motor shall have internal thermal protection. Air supply shall be
equipped with an automatic pressure maintenance device capable of maintaining a constant
system pressure regardless of pressure fluctuations in the compressed air source, or system
piping.

Owner’s Air Supply (Optional)

Supervisory air supply shall be provided by an owner supplied air system in conjunction with
[cULus Listed] [FM Approved] automatic pressure maintenance device, capable of maintaining

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138
 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Manufacturers & Distributors of
Fire Protection Equipment

a constant system pressure regardless of pressure fluctuations. Double interlock preaction

system shall only require between 10 and 28 psi (0.7 to 1.5 bar) supervisory pressure for
proper setting of the low-pressure pneumatic actuator in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. The pressure maintenance device shall consist of galvanized trim and brass parts,
including a strainer and a field adjustable pressure regulator, and have a working pressure
rating of 175 psi (12.1 bar). The pressure regulator shall have an adjustable outlet pressure
range of 5 to 75 psi (.34 to 5,2 bar). Pressure maintenance device shall be the Reliable Model
A.

Nitrogen (Optional)
Nitrogen cylinders provided by an approved source shall provide the nitrogen supply. Double
interlock preaction system shall only require between 10 and 28 psi (0.7 to 1,9 bar) supervisory
pressure for proper setting of the low-pressure pneumatic actuator in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. The nitrogen cylinder pressure shall be regulated and supervised
using a nitrogen regulating device and low-pressure trim kit. This device shall consist of a
brass, single stage pressure regulator, equipped with high pressure inlet and low-pressure
outlet gauges, and ¼” copper connection tubing with galvanized ¾” x ¼” reducer bushing.
Low-pressure trim kit shall be included to monitor the regulated nitrogen supply pressure to
provide a low-pressure supervisory alarm. This kit shall include a low-pressure switch with
associated galvanized connection trim. Assembly shall be a Reliable Nitrogen Regulating
Device.
This device is to be used in conjunction with the Reliable Model A pressure maintenance
device.

Low Air Supervisory Pressure Switch

Supervisory air pressure within the preaction system piping shall be monitored using a low air
supervisory pressure switch. Supervisory air pressure switch shall be [cULus Listed] [FM
Approved], field-adjustable, bellows-activated type pressure switch compatible with system
devices. The pressure switch shall have the capability to provide alarm response between 10
and 60 psi but shall be factory wired to respond at 18 psi on decreasing pressure and 28 psi
on increasing pressure. The pressure switch shall have a field replaceable SPDT (Form C)
contact(s) rated at 10.0 amp @ 125/250 VAC and 2.5 amp @ 6/12/24 VDC. Switch shall be
provided with a ½” NPT male glass-reinforced nylon pressure connection and shall have a
maximum pressure rating of 250 psi. Two conduit connection holes shall be provided in the
mounting plate to accept standard ½” conduit fittings. The switch enclosure shall be
weatherproof and carry a UL 4x/NEMA 4 rating when used with proper electrical fittings and
conduit. The cover shall have the wiring diagram cast into it and incorporate tamper-resistant
screws. Low air supervisory pressure switch shall be a Potter Electric PS 25-2 pressure switch.

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138
 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Manufacturers & Distributors of
Fire Protection Equipment

Waterflow Pressure Switch

An alarm pressure switch installed on the alarm line trim of the deluge valve shall provide a
water flow alarm. It shall be [cULus Listed] [FM Approved]. The switch shall be a field-
adjustable, bellows-activated type pressure switch compatible with system devices. The
pressure switch shall have the capability to provide alarm response between 4 and 20 psi but
shall be factory adjusted to respond at 4 to 8 psi on rising pressure. The pressure switch shall
have a field replaceable SPDT (Form C) contact(s) rated at 10.0 amp @ 125/250 VAC and 2.5
amp @ 6/12/24 VDC. Switch shall be provided with a ½” NPT male glass-reinforced nylon
pressure connection and shall have a maximum pressure rating of 250 psi. Two conduit
connection holes shall be provided in the mounting plate to accept standard ½” conduit fittings.
The switch enclosure shall be weatherproof and carry a UL 4x/NEMA 4 rating when used with
proper electrical fittings and conduit. The cover shall have the wiring diagram cast into it and
incorporate tamper-resistant screws. Alarm pressure switch shall be a Potter Electric PS 10-2
pressure switch.

Pressure Maintenance Device (Optional)

An automatic, regulating type of pressure maintenance shall be used with pneumatic supplies
provided by a source of compressed air or nitrogen cylinders equipped with a regulating
device. The pressure maintenance device shall be [cULus Listed] [FM Approved] capable of
maintaining a constant system pressure, automatically, regardless of any pressure fluctuations
from the compressed air of nitrogen source. The device shall be constructed of galvanized trim
and brass parts, consisting of ¼” supply bypass piping and a ¾” section of piping for rapid
restoration of system pneumatic pressure. The ¼” bypass piping shall contain shutoff valves,
a strainer, a check valve and a field adjustable pressure regulator. The pressure regulator
shall have an adjustable outlet pressure range of 5 to 75 psi (.34 to 5,2 bar). The ¾” section of
piping shall contain a ball valve for rapid restoration of system pressure and associated trim for
connection to the dry pipe valve system air supply line. The assembly shall have a working
pressure rating of 175 psi (12,1 bar). The pressure maintenance device shall be the Reliable
Model A.

Detection System (Optional)

To initiate actuation of the preaction system deluge valve, a detection system shall be
provided. The detection devices installed shall be compatible with the preaction system
releasing control panel. [Insert applicable product specification].
Note: For New York City Applications, add the following: A minimum of two detectors
shall be installed for each zone in the protected area. Cross zoning of preaction
detection initiating circuits is prohibited. Class A method of wiring of detectors shall be
used.

Releasing Control Panel (Optional)

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138
 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Manufacturers & Distributors of
Fire Protection Equipment

The releasing control panel shall be a Potter PFC 4410 RC field programmable releasing panel
having a 32-character backlit LCD display. All diagnostic and alarm event information shall be
viewable in text form on this display. All operational features of the control panel shall be field
programmable using menu driven selections on the alpha-numeric display and on-board
controls. No special programmer will be required and jumpers or switches to configure
operational features shall not be permitted. The control panel shall be equipped with 15 preset
programs for water delivery built into the panel memory, along with custom program capability.
The control panel shall sound a local audible for trouble and supervisory conditions. Four
separate integral SPDT relay contacts for alarm, trouble, supervisory, and waterflow conditions
shall be provided for connection to external auxiliary equipment or for remote annunciation.
The releasing panel enclosure shall contain two 12 VDC, 12 amp-hour stand-by batteries
capable of operating the system for up to 90 hours of battery back-up. It shall be housed in an
18-gauge steel enclosure having a hinged door with a key lock and recessed mounted within
the cabinet door. The releasing control panel shall include a fully supervised integral power
supply/battery charger capable of providing 200 mA to the auxiliary power circuit and 2.5 A to
all releasing and indicating circuit appliances combined. All programming functions shall be
password protected. The releasing control panel shall have four fully supervised Class A
initiating circuits capable of supporting the operation of the manufacturer’s specified number of
compatible detectors on one [two] circuit(s), waterflow, and dedicated low air. It shall also
include one fully supervised Class A supervisory circuit for the monitoring of the system control
valve. Four fully supervised Class B output circuits shall be provided for notification appliances
and for the solenoid releasing circuit. The releasing circuit shall be supervised and shall be
programmable for cross-zoning operation when required.

RCDS-1 Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (Optional)

A single Potter Electric RCDS-1 Releasing Circuit Disable Switch which complies with the
requirements of NFPA 72 shall be installed within the enclosure. The switch shall have the
capability to disconnect the release circuit in place of a software controlled disconnect and
shall create a supervisory condition on the release control panel when activated.

Desiccant Air Dryer (Optional)

Where dry air is desired, a dehydrator assembly shall be factory installed in the air trim, with
bowl guard, supply control and drain valves. Dehydrator shall be manually generated
desiccant-type air dryer, the desiccant acting as a moisture indicator by changing color.
Desiccant dehydrator shall be Wilkerson Model X04

Mechanical Accelerator (Optional)

For system capacities in accordance with NFPA 13 up to a maximum of 1500 gallons (5678 L)
a mechanical accelerator with associated galvanized trim kit shall be provided to exhaust air
pressure from the pneumatic actuator trim piping in order to hasten operation of the dry-pipe
system. Minimum pneumatic pressure shall be 15 psi (1.0 bar) to ensure proper accelerator

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138
 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
Manufacturers & Distributors of
Fire Protection Equipment

operation. Accelerator shall be [cULus Listed] [FM Approved] for use with the low pressure
dry-pipe valve trim. Accelerator shall be capable of adjusting for small fluctuations in system
air pressure without causing operation. The accelerator shall contain an integral Accelo-Check
(anti-flooding) assembly to prevent entry of water and debris into critical internal areas during
operation. Accelerator body and dome to be of cast aluminum and epoxy coated inside and
out. Diaphragm construction shall consist of Dupont Fairprene BN 5049 with stainless steel
filter assembly. Trim kit shall consist of all galvanized and brass parts, including an isolating
ball valve. Accelerator and trim kit shall be Reliable Model B-1.

Electronic Accelerator (Optional, cULus only)

For system capacities in accordance with NFPA 13 up to a maximum of 1690 gallons (6397 L)
an electronic accelerator with associated galvanized trim kit shall be provided to exhaust air
pressure from the pneumatic actuator trim piping in order to hasten operation of the dry-pipe
system. The electronic accelerator shall be cULus Listed, field-adjustable with an air pressure
range from 10 psi (0.69 bar) to 65 psi (4.48 bar). The electronic accelerator shall be housed in
a NEMA 2 rated 18-gauge steel enclosure having a hinged door with a keyed lock. Power
shall be supplied by a single 120 VAC (0.75 A) circuit, with 24-hour rated battery back-up
provided by two 12-volt (1.3 AH) batteries located inside the cabinet. The accelerator shall
sound a local audible for trouble and supervisory conditions, and shall provide individual LED
indication of AC Power, Trouble/Supervisory, Battery Trouble and a Tripped condition.
Electronic accelerator shall be a VIZOR as manufactured by Tyco/Johnson Controls, Inc.

Sprinklers (Optional)
[Insert applicable sprinkler specifications here.]

103 Fairview Park Drive 1470 Smith Grove Road

Elmsford, New York 10523 Liberty, South Carolina 29657
Phone: 914-829-2042 Phone: 864-843-1700
Toll Free: 800-821-2138 www.reliablesprinkler.com Toll Free: 800-821-2138