Bsi bs en 12259 3 2000 (2006)

4 Dry alarm valve assembly construction and performance 11 5 Quick opening device construction and performance 19 7 Instructions for installation and operation 24 8 Conditions for testin

12259-3:2000

Incorporating Amendments Nos 1 and 2 and

Part 3: Dry alarm valve assemblies

The European Standard EN 12259-3:2000, with the incorporation of

Amendments A1:2001 and A2:2005, has the status of a British Standard

ICS 13.220.20

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the

direction of the Health and

Environment Sector Policy and

Strategy Committee, was

published under the authority

of the Standards Policy and

This British Standard is the official English language version of

EN 12259-3:2000, including amendments A1:2001 and A2:2005.

This European Standard is the subject to transitional arrangements agreed under a Commission mandate which is intended to lead to CE marking in support of the Construction Products Directive In order to allow for any changes in national regulations, the Member States have agreed a transition period.

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee FSH/18, Fixed firefighting systems, to Subcommittee FSH/18/2, Sprinklers, which has the responsibility to:

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Cross-references

The British Standards which implement international or European

publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue

under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or

by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep UK interests informed;

— monitor related international and European developments and promulgate them in the UK.

Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.

Amendments issued since publication

13882 Corrigendum No 1 24 October 2002 Revision of national foreword

Fixed firefighting systems – Components for sprinkler and water

spray systems – Part 3: Dry alarm valve assemblies (includes amendments A1:2001 and A2:2005)

Sytèmes fixes de lutte contre l’incendie – Composants des

systèmes sprinkleurs et à pulvérisation d’eau – Partie 3:

Postes d’alarme sous air (inclut les amendements A1:2001 et A2:2005)

Ortsfeste Löschanlagen – Bauteile für Sprinkler- und Sprühwasseranlagen – Teil 3: Trockenalarmventile und

Zubehör (enthält Änderungen A1:2001 und A2:2005)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 December 1999 Amendment A1:2001 was approved by CEN on

20 January 2001 and amendment A2:2005 was approved by CEN on 19 October 2005

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German) A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

C O M I T É E U R O P É E N D E N O R M A L I S A T I O N

E U R O P Ä I S C H E S K O M I T E E F Ü R N O R M U N G

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2000 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved

worldwide for CEN national Members Ref No EN 12259-3:2000 +A1:2001 +A2:2005 E

4 Dry alarm valve assembly construction and performance 11

5 Quick opening device construction and performance 19

7 Instructions for installation and operation 24

8 Conditions for testing 25

9 Evaluation of conformity 25

Annex A (normative) Fire exposure test for body and cover 26

Annex B (normative) Strength test for body and cover 29

Annex C (normative) Flow tests for dry alarm valves 30

Annex D (normative) Sealing assembly tests 33

Annex E (normative) Performance tests 37

Annex F (normative) Resistance to ageing test for non-metallic components

(excluding gaskets and seals) 41

Annex G (normative) Leakage resistance test 43

Annex H (normative) Test for sealing assembly elements resistance to adhesion 44

Annex I (normative) Endurance test 45

Annex J (normative) Installation pressure leak resistance test 46

Annex K (normative) Strength and leak resistance test 47

Annex L (informative) Typical testing schedule and example of test specimen

numbers for dry alarm valve 48

Annex M (normative) Salt mist corrosion test 49

Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing the

provisions of the EU Construction Products Directive 50

Bibliography 54

Foreword

This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 191, Fixed fire

fighting systems, the Secretariat of which is held by BSI

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2000, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2000

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European

Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s)

It forms one part of EN 12259, covering components for automatic sprinkler systems, and is

included in a series of European Standards planned to cover:

a) automatic sprinkler systems (EN 12845 & 122591));

b) gas systems (EN 12094 & EN ISO 14520);

c) powder systems (EN 124161));

d) explosion protection systems (EN 26 184);

e) foam systems (EN 135651));

f) hydrant and hose reel systems (EN 671);

g) smoke and heat control systems (EN 121011));

h) water spray systems (EN 1))

EN 12259 has the general title, Fixed fire fighting systems – Components for sprinkler and water spray systems, and will consist of the following parts:

Part 1: Sprinklers;

Part 2: Wet alarm valve assemblies;

Part 3: Dry alarm valve assemblies;

Part 4: Water motor alarms;

Part 5: Water flow detectors;

Part 6: Pipe couplings;

1) In preparation

Part 7: Pipe hangers;

Part 8: Pressure switches;

Part 9: Deluge alarm valve assemblies;

Part 10: Multiple controls;

Part 11: Medium and high velocity water sprayers;

Part 12: Pump sets

Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K give test methods and are normative

Annex L gives an example of a test schedule suitable for type approval of conventional designs and is informative

This standard is to be entrusted for use to qualified and experienced organizations which have a

capability to design and manufacture to recognized international standards

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Foreword to amendment 1

This amendment EN 12259-3:2000/A1:2001 to the EN 12259-3:2000 has been prepared by

Technical Committee CEN/TC 191, Fixed fire fighting systems, the Secretariat of which is held by BSI

This amendment to the European Standard EN 12259-3:2000 has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s)

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this standard

It forms one part of EN 12259, covering components for automatic sprinkler systems and is

included in a series of European Standards planned to cover:

— automatic sprinkler systems (EN 12259 & EN 12845)1;

— gaseous extinguishing systems (EN 12094)1;

— powder systems (EN 12416)1;

— explosion protection systems (EN 26184);

— foam systems (EN 13565);

— hose reel systems (EN 671)1;

— smoke and heat control systems (EN 12101)1;

— water spray systems1

EN 12259 has the general title, Fixed fire fighting systems — Components for sprinkler and water

spray systems, and will subdivided as follows:

Part 1: Sprinklers;

Part 2: Wet alarm valve assemblies;

Part 3: Dry alarm valve assemblies;

Part 4: Water motor alarms;

Part 5: Water flow detectors;

Part 6: Pipe couplings;

Part 7: Pipe hangers;

Part 8: Pressure switches;

Part 9: Deluge alarm valve assemblies;

Part 10: Multiple controls;

Part 11: Medium and high velocity water sprayers;

Part 12: Sprinkler pump sets

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European

Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s)

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this European Standard

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom

1 Scope

This part of EN 12259 specifies requirements for construction and performance of dry alarm valve assemblies, accelerators and exhausters used in automatic sprinkler systems conforming to

annexes A and B of prEN 12845, Automatic sprinkler systems – Design and installation

Auxiliary components and attachments to dry alarm valve assemblies, accelerators and exhausters are not covered by this standard

2 Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies

Reference deleted

ISO 65 Carbon steel tubes suitable for screwing in accordance with ISO 7-1

Reference deleted

ISO 868 Plastics and ebonite – Determination of indentation hardness by

means of a dorometer (shore hardness)

ISO 898-1 Mechanical properties of fasteners – Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs

ISO 898-2 Mechanical properties of fasteners – Part 2: Nuts with specified proof

load values

prEN 12845 Automatic sprinkler systems – Design and installation

automatic drain (valve)

normally open valve to drain water automatically from and vents the intermediate chamber (see 3.14)

of dry alarm valve to atmosphere, when the dry alarm valve is in the ready condition (see 3.20) and limits water flow from the alarm line after the dry alarm valve operates

differential pressure ratio

ratio of service pressure to installation air/inert gas pressure at the trip point (see 3.27)

[EN 12259-2:1999]

3.8

differential type dry alarm valve

type of dry alarm valve in which downstream air/inert gas pressure acts directly on the sealing

assembly to maintain it in the closed position

The air/inert gas sealing assembly seat ring is of larger diameter relative to the water sealing assembly seat ring, with the two separated by an intermediate chamber maintained at atmospheric pressure in the ready condition

3.9

dry alarm valve

valve to prevent water flow into a dry installation in the ready condition but to permit flow of water into the installation at air or inert gas pressures below the trip point

chamber pressurized with installation air/inert gas to actuate a quick opening device (see 3.18) at above

a specified rate of loss of installation air/inert gas pressure

3.13

installation (air/inert gas) pressure

air/inert gas pressure in a dry installation at the main outlet of the dry alarm valve

3.14

intermediate chamber

part of a dry alarm valve which separates the air/inert gas and water sealing assembly seat rings and is

at atmospheric pressure when the dry alarm valve is in the ready condition

mechanical type dry alarm valve

type of dry alarm valve where downstream air/inert gas pressure acts both on the sealing assembly and linking mechanism to maintain it in the closed position

rated working pressure

maximum service pressure (see 3.24) at which the dry alarm valve or quick opening device is intended

to operate

3.20

ready condition

state of the dry alarm valve assembly in a sprinkler installation filled downstream with air/inert gas and upstream with water at predetermined pressures, when there is no flow from any outlet downstream from the sealing assembly, preventing the downstream pipework filling with water

[EN 12259-2:1999]

3.21

reinforced elastomeric element

element of a clapper, clapper assembly or seat seals made of an elastomeric compound with one or more other components that increase the tensile strength of the combination to at least twice that of the elastomeric material alone

sealing assembly seat ring

main fixed sealing element of the dry alarm valve

3.28

water motor alarm

hydraulically actuated alarm device (see 3.2) fitted to the dry alarm valve to provide a local audible alarm when the sprinkler installation operates

[EN 12259-2:1999]

3.29

water motor transmitter

hydraulically actuated device to generate an electrical current to operate an electrical alarm device

4 Dry alarm valve assembly construction and performance

The dimensions of all connections shall be specified by the dry alarm valve assembly supplier

4.2.2 Differential type dry alarm valves

If the valve is of the differential type it shall be provided with means of venting water from the

intermediate chamber and preventing the build-up of partial vacuum between the upstream and

downstream sealing elements of the sealing assembly

4.3 Rated working pressure

The rated working pressure shall not be less than 12 bar

NOTE: Inlet and outlet connections may be machined for lower working pressure, to match installation equipment of a lower working pressure

4.4 Body and cover

4.4.1 Materials

4.4.1.1 The body and any cover shall be made of cast iron, bronze, brass, monel metal, stainless steel,

titanium or other materials with equivalent physical and mechanical properties

4.4.1.2 Cover fasteners shall be made of steel, stainless steel, titanium or other materials with

equivalent physical and mechanical properties

4.4.1.3 If non-metallic materials (other than for gaskets and pipe seals) or metals with melting point of

less than 800 oC (other than for gaskets and pipe seals) form part of the dry alarm valve body and any cover, the assembled dry alarm valve shall conform to the leakage requirements of 4.10.1 and the sealing assembly shall open freely and fully when tested in accordance with A.1

4.4.2 Configuration

It shall not be possible to assemble the dry alarm valve cover plate (if fitted) in position which so affects the operation of the valve that it does not conform to this standard, in particular indication of flow direction, see 6.2 d)

4.4.3 Strength

4.4.3.1 The assembled dry alarm valve with the sealing assembly open shall withstand, without rupture,

an internal hydrostatic pressure of four times the rated working pressure, when tested in accordance with annex B

4.4.3.2 The normal design load of any fastener, excluding the force required to compress the gasket,

shall not exceed the minimum tensile strength specified in EN ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2 or other appropriate European Standards for materials not covered by ISO 898, when the dry alarm valve is pressurised to four times the rated working pressure The area of the application of pressure shall be calculated as follows:

a) if a full-face gasket is used, the area of force application is that extending out to a line defined

by the inner edge of the bolts;

b) if a toroidal sealing ring or ring gasket is used, the area of force application is that extending out to the centre line of the toroidal sealing ring or ring gasket

4.5 Drains

4.5.1 Body

4.5.1.1 The dry alarm valve shall be provided with a connection to drain water from the valve body

downstream of the sealing assembly when the valve is installed in any position specified or

recommended by the supplier The minimum nominal size shall be 20 mm

4.5.1.2 Where the drain opening is also to be used for the draining of the installation pipework then the

size of the threaded connection shall conform to the appropriate value given in Table 1

Table 1 — Minimum size of valve body drain for draining installation pipework

Dimensions in mm Nominal valve size Minimum drain connection

4.5.2.1 The intermediate chamber of the dry alarm valve shall be provided with an automatic drain

4.5.2.2 Automatic flow or velocity type drain valves used for normally venting intermediate chambers

shall close at pressure of not more than 1,4 bar with flow rate through the drain valve just prior to closure of not less than 0,13 l/s and not more than 0,63 l/s when in accordance with C.1

4.5.2.3 Automatic drain valves shall remain closed during drainage of the installation, until the pressure

effective at the sealing mechanism drops to less than 1,4 bar and shall open at pressure between

0,035 bar and 1,4 bar when tested in accordance with C.1

4.5.2.4 The flow through an open ended drain shall not exceed 0,63 l/s at any service pressure up to the

rated working pressure when tested in accordance with annex C.2

4.6 Sealing assembly

4.6.1 Access for maintenance

Means shall be provided for access to working parts and allow removal of the sealing assembly

NOTE 1: Whatever method is adopted it should permit ready maintenance by one person with minimum of down-time

NOTE 2: The design of any element which may normally be disassembled during servicing should be such that it cannot be reassembled wrongly without an external visual indication when the dry alarm valve is returned to service

NOTE 3: With the exception of the valve seat, all parts intended for field replacement should

be capable of being disassembled and reassembled with tools normally employed by the trade

NOTE 4: While the dry alarm valve is in the ready condition, it should not be possible to tamper with the valve operating mechanism preventing the sealing assembly opening

4.6.2 Fatigue resistance of springs and diaphragms

Springs and diaphragms shall not fracture or rupture during 5 000 cycles of normal operation when tested in accordance with D.1 Failure of diaphragms shall not prevent the sealing assembly from opening fully

4.6.3 Resistance to damage of sealing assemblies

The sealing assembly shall bear against a definite stop in the fully open position There shall be no sign

of damage to the sealing elements of the dry alarm valve or any permanent twist, bend or fracture of any parts after testing in accordance with E.3 and after the test in accordance with D.2

4.6.4 Materials for seat rings and bearing surfaces

4.6.4.1 Seat rings shall be made of bronze, brass, monel metal or stainless steel or materials having

equivalent physical and mechanical properties

4.6.4.2 The bearing surfaces of contacting parts which rotate or slide relative to each other shall be

made of bronze, brass, monel metal or stainless steel or materials having equivalent physical and

mechanical properties and this may be achieved by bushings or inserts

4.6.5 Anti-reset latch

Dry alarm valves where:

a) the differential pressure ratio exceeds 1,16 to 1 for service pressures between 1,4 bar and the rated working pressure as measured at the trip point prior to pressure equalization upstream and downstream of the sealing assembly; or

b) the installation drain is located upstream of the sealing assembly;

shall be provided with an anti-reset latch or other device which prevents the sealing assembly from resetting automatically and which allows drainage until manually reset, without sustaining permanent distortion, cracks, delamination or other signs of failure, when tested in accordance with E.3 and if a quick-opening device is provided E.4, and after the test in accordance with D.3

4.7 Non-metallic elements (excluding gaskets and seals)

After ageing in accordance with annex F, there shall be no cracking of any non-metallic elements and the dry alarm valve shall meet the performance and leak resistance requirements of 4.12 and 4.13 when tested in accordance with annex G and annex I

4.8 Sealing assembly elements

4.8.1 There shall be no waste of water when the dry alarm valve assembly is in the ready condition

during testing in accordance with E.3

NOTE: Valve sealing surfaces should withstand ordinary wear and tear, rough usage, compression stresses, and damage due to pipe scale or foreign matter carried by the water

4.8.2 A seal of elastomer or other resilient materials shall not adhere to the mating surface when tested

in accordance with annex H

4.9 Clearances

4.9.1 The radial clearance (see Figure 1 a)) between the sealing assembly, including the hinge boss

areas, and the inside walls of the body (excluding moving catches and latching mechanisms) in every position except the wide open position shall be not less than 12 mm if the body is cast iron or 6 mm if the body and sealing assembly are of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, titanium or materials having at least equivalent physical, mechanical and corrosion resistant properties

4.9.2 There shall be diametrical clearance (see Figure 1 b)) between the inner edge of the seat ring and

the metal parts of the sealing assembly when in the close position, excluding any latching mechanisms,

as follows:

a) for sealing assemblies of bronze, brass, monel metal, stainless steel or titanium or materials

having equivalent physical and mechanical properties, the diametrical clearance shall not be less than 0,7 mm;

b) for sealing assemblies of other materials, the diametrical clearance shall not be less

than 3,0 mm

4.9.3 Any space in which the sealing assembly may trap debris below the valve seat shall be not less

than 3 mm deep

4.9.4 Valves with a diametrical clearance (see Figure 1 b)) between any pins and their bearings less

than 0,125 shall operate correctly when tested in accordance with E.3, E.1 and E.2, following exposure

to a salt mist corrosion test in accordance with Annex M

4.9.5 The axial clearance (L2− L1, see Figure 1 c) between any clapper hinge and the adjacent dry alarm valve body bearing surfaces shall not be less than the value in Table 2

Where applicable, as indicated in Table 2, a means, employing bronze, brass, stainless steel,

titanium or materials having at least equivalent physical, mechanical and corrosion resistant

properties shall be provided to maintain dimension A (see Figure 1 c)) at not less than the

appropriate value in Table 2

NOTE: Shoulder or projecting straight bushings, projecting hinge pin bearings, or spacers are typically employed as a means of maintaining dimension A

4.9.6 Any reciprocating guide components in the main valve body, operation of which is essential to

allow dry alarm valve to open, shall have minimum diametrical clearance of not less than 0,7 mm in that portion over which the moving component enters the fixed component and of not less than 0,1 mm

in that portion of the moving component continuously in contact with the fixed component in the ready condition

Table 2 — Axial clearance (L 2 – L 1 ) and dimension ‘A’ values for differing body and sealing

assembly construction materials a

Body and sealing assembly materials

of construction

Axial clearance (L 2 – L 1 ) (see Figure 1 c))

mm

Dimension A (see Figure 1 c))

mm

Additional testing requirements

Body and sealing assembly made of

bronze, brass, stainless steel, titanium or

materials having at least equivalent

physical, mechanical and corrosion

resistant properties

Bodies and or sealing assemblies made

of materials other than above (for

a The valve shall operate correctly when tested in accordance with E.3, E.1 and E.2 following exposure to a salt mist

corrosion test in accordance with Annex M

Text deleted

4.10 Performance

4.10.1 Resistance of body to leakage and deformation

The assembled dry alarm valve with the sealing assembly open shall withstand, without leakage,

permanent distortion or rupture, an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice the rated working pressure when tested in accordance with E.1

4.10.2 Resistance of sealing assembly to leakage and deformation

The dry alarm valve shall withstand, without leakage, permanent distortion or structural failure, an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice the rated working pressure applied at the upstream end with the sealing assembly closed and the downstream end pressurized to twice the recommended air/inert gas pressure when tested in accordance with E.2.1

4.10.3 Resistance to reverse flow and deformation

4.10.3.1 Dry alarm valves with an anti-reset latch shall withstand, without leakage, permanent

distortion or structural failure, an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice the maximum recommended installation (air/inert gas pressure) applied at the downstream end with the sealing

assembly closed and the upstream end vented when tested in accordance with E.2.2

4.10.3.2 Dry alarm valves without an anti-reset latch shall withstand, without leakage, permanent

distortion or structural failure, an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice the rated working pressure applied at the downstream end with the sealing assembly closed and the upstream end vented when tested in accordance with E.2.2

4.10.4 Operational characteristics

When tested in accordance with E.3 the dry alarm valve assembly shall conform to the following:

a) The valve shall operate correctly, without adjustment or damage, upon operation of one or more sprinklers and provide indication of operation by actuating mechanical and/or electrical alarm devices, at service pressures within the range of (1,4 ± 0,1) bar to the rated working pressure ±0,1 bar, and flow rates up to 5 m/s;

b) The valve shall provide a pressure of not less than 0,5 bar at the alarm port at a service

pressure of 1,4 bar, while actuating relevant water motor alarms and electric alarm devices; c) The piping between the dry alarm valve, or any alarm shut-off valve, and the water motor alarm shall drain automatically after each operation;

d) The alarm devices of dry alarm valves without an anti-reset latch shall sound for more than

50 % of the time for all flow conditions through the tripped valve;

e) As appropriate one of the following:

1) A differential type dry alarm valve shall have differential pressure ratio of service pressure to installation pressure within the ranges of 5:1 to 8,5:1 at 1,4 bar service pressure and 5:1 to 6,5:1 at all higher service pressures The difference between the leak point and the trip point shall not exceed 0,2 bar; or

2) mechanical type dry alarm valves shall operate at an installation air/inert gas pressure between 0,25 bar and 2 bar for all service pressures between 1,4 bar to the rated working pressure

4.11 Pressure loss due to hydraulic friction

The pressure loss across the dry alarm valve shall not be more than 0,4 bar when tested in accordance with C.3

NOTE: See 6.2 i)

4.12 Leak resistance

Any leakage across the sealing assembly of dry alarm valve in the ready condition, or into the

intermediate chamber, or into the alarm port shall not exceed rate of 3 ml/h and shall be automatically drained away when tested in accordance with annex G

4.13 Endurance

The dry alarm valve and its moving parts shall show no sign of distortion, cracks, delamination,

loosening, displacement, or other failure when tested in accordance with annex I

5 Quick opening device construction and performance

5.1 Rated working pressure

For those parts of quick opening device and any anti-flooding device subjected to water pressure, the rated working pressure shall not be less than 12 bar

5.2 Installation pressure leak resistance

When in the ready condition, all internal components of the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device intended to retain installation air/inert gas pressure shall withstand pneumatic pressure of 7 bar for period of 1 min without leakage when tested in accordance with annex J

5.3 Body and cover

5.3.1 Materials

5.3.1.1 The body and any cover of the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device shall be made

of cast iron, bronze, brass, monel metal, stainless steel or aluminium or materials having equivalent physical and mechanical properties

5.3.1.2 If non-metallic materials (other than for gaskets and pipe seals) or metals with melting point of

less than 800 oC (other than for gaskets and pipe seals) form part of the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device body and any cover, and the connection to the dry alarm valve or installation pipework is in excess of 20 mm internal diameter, then the device shall be tested in accordance

with A.2 During the test the operating parts shall operate freely and fully and any leakage from the device(s) shall not exceed the comparable flow through 20 mm diameter opening

5.3.2 Strength and leak resistance

5.3.2.1 All parts of the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device subject to water pressure

shall withstand an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice the rated working pressure for period of 5 min, without evidence of leakage or permanent distortion when tested in accordance with annex K

5.3.2.2 The normal design load of any fastener, excluding the force required to compress the gasket,

shall not exceed the minimum tensile strength specified in ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2 or other

appropriate standards for materials not covered by ISO 898, when the quick opening device and any flooding device is pressurised to two times the rated working pressure The area of the application of pressure shall be calculated as follows:

a) if a full-face gasket is used, the area of force application is that extending out to line defined

by the inner edge of the bolts;

b) if a toroidal sealing ring or ring gasket used, the area of force application is that extending out

to the centre line of the toroidal sealing ring or ring gasket

5.4 Connections

5.4.1 The dimensions of all connections to the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device shall

be compatible with ISO 65 pipework

5.4.2 A connection suitable for a pressure gauge shall be provided to any holding chamber of the quick

opening device

5.5 Components

5.5.1 Access for maintenance

Means shall be provided for access to working parts Provisions shall be made to allow the device(s) to

be isolated from the installation for maintenance, without disruption to the sprinkler protection

NOTE 1: Whatever method is adopted it should permit ready maintenance by one person with minimum of down-time

NOTE 2: The design of any element which may normally be disassembled during servicing should be such that it cannot be reassembled wrongly

NOTE 3: All parts intended for field replacement should be capable of being disassembled and reassembled with tools normally employed by the trade

5.5.2 Springs and diaphragms

Springs and diaphragms shall not fracture or rupture during (5 000 ± 10) cycles of normal operation when tested in accordance with D.1

5.5.3 Resistance to damage

There shall be no sign of damage to the sealing elements of the device(s) after testing for the

operational characteristics of 5.8.1 in accordance with E.4

5.5.4 Elements in relative motion

Any contacting parts which rotate or slide relative to each other shall be made of bronze, brass, monel

metal or stainless steel or materials having equivalent physical and mechanical properties

5.5.5 Anti-flooding device

Any anti-flooding device shall be either an integral or separate from the quick opening device

5.6 Non-metallic elements (excluding gaskets and seals)

After ageing in accordance with annex F, there shall be no cracking of any non-metallic elements

5.7 Strainer

A strainer shall be fitted where internal passages in the quick opening device or any anti-flooding device are 6 mm or less in diameter The maximum dimension of any opening in the strainer shall not exceed 50 % of the smallest orifice to be protected by the strainer The total area of openings in the strainer shall be at least twenty times the area of the openings which the strainer is designed to protect

NOTE: The strainer should be of corrosion resistant material

5.8 Performance

5.8.1 Operational characteristics

5.8.1.1 The quick opening device shall not trip a dry alarm valve when tested in accordance with E.4.1

5.8.1.2 The quick opening device shall trip the dry alarm valve, within 30 s of initiating the pressure

drop or within 5 s of the installation pressure falling below 1 bar whichever is the shorter, when tested

in accordance with E.4.2

5.8.1.3 After operation as specified in 5.8.1.2, the quick opening device shall close and there shall be no

leakage of water except to alarm devices when tested in accordance with E.4.2

5.8.1.4 The quick opening device shall either:

a) reset automatically; or

b) be capable of being manual reset;

after drainage of the test installation after operation in accordance with E.4.2

NOTE: In the event of failure of quick opening device this should not prevent normal operation

of the dry alarm valve

5.8.2 Equilibrium time

If the quick opening device incorporates a restriction orifice and a holding chamber, a pressure increase from ambient of not less than 2,0 bar shall be achieved in the holding chamber not more than 3 min after applying air/inert gas pressure of 3,5 bar at the inlet of the device, when tested in accordance with E.5

6 Marking

6.1 General

The minimum dimensions of the marked characters shall be as specified in Table 3

Table 3 — Minimum dimensions of marked characters a

Type of marking Minimum character

height, except for 6.2 g) and 6.3 e) a

mm

Minimum depression

or projection of characters

mm

a The minimum character height for 6.2 g) and 6.3 e), serial number or year of manufacture, shall be 3 mm

6.2 Dry alarm valve

Dry alarm valves shall be marked with the following:

a) name or trade mark of the supplier;

b) distinctive model number, catalogue designation or equivalent marking;

c) name of device, i.e “dry alarm valve”;

d) indication of flow direction;

e) nominal size of valve;

f) rated working pressure in bar;

g) serial number or a year of manufacture which shall be one of the following:

— the actual year of manufacture; or

— for dry alarm valves produced in the last three months of a calendar year the following year date; or

— for dry alarm valves produced in the first six months of a calendar year the previous year date;

h) mounting position if limited to vertical or horizontal position;

i) pressure loss due to hydraulic friction if more than 0,2 bar (see 4.11);

j) factory of origin, if manufacture is at two or more factories;

k) the number and date of this European Standard2) i.e EN 12259-3:2000

2) Marking EN 12259-3:2000 on or in relation to product represents a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, i.e claim by

or behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard The accuracy of the claim is therefore solely the responsibility of the person making the claim Such declaration is not to be confused with third party certification

of conformity, which may also be desirable

6.3 Quick opening device

Accelerators and exhausters shall be marked with the following:

a) name or trademark of the supplier;

b) distinctive model number, catalogue designation or equivalent marking;

c) name of device;

d) rated working pressure in bar;

e) serial number or year of manufacture which shall be one of the following:

— the actual year of manufacture; or

— for quick opening devices produced in the last three months of a calendar year the following year date; or

— for quick opening devices produced in the first six months of a calendar year the previous year date;

f) indication of flow direction if appropriate;

g) factory of origin, if manufacture is at two or more factories;

h) the number and date of this European Standard, i.e EN 12259-3:2000

7 Instructions for installation and operation

Instructions for installation and operation shall be supplied with each dry alarm valve and each quick opening device These charts shall include an illustration showing the recommended method of

installation and the trim function, assembly views to explain operation, recommendation for and care and maintenance

The supplier shall provide information to ensure that:

a) if priming water is required to seal the sealing assembly air/inert gas seal, external means are provided to allow priming water to enter; and

b) means are provided to facilitate checking of water level on the downstream side of the dry alarm valve clapper; and

c) means are provided to facilitate testing of alarms without tripping the dry alarm valve

8 Conditions for testing

A typical testing schedule and example of test specimens is given in annex L

9 Evaluation of conformity

9.1 General

The compliance of a wet alarm valve assembly with the requirements of this standard shall be demonstrated by:

— initial type testing;

— factory production control by the manufacturer

9.2 Initial type testing

Initial type testing shall be performed on first application of this standard Tests previously

performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard (product, characteristic, test method, sampling method and system of attestation of conformity, etc.) may be taken into account In

addition, initial type testing shall be performed at the beginning of the production of a product type

or at the beginning of a new method of production (where these may affect the stated properties)

All characteristics given in clause 4, and where appropriate clause 5, shall be subject to initial type

testing

9.3 Factory production control (FPC)

The supplier shall establish, document and maintain an FPC system to ensure that the products placed on the market conform with the stated performance characteristics

The FPC system shall consist of procedures, regular inspections and tests and/or assessments and the use of the results to control raw and other incoming materials or components, equipment, the production process and the product It shall be sufficiently detailed to ensure that the conformity of the product is apparent, ensuring detection of irregularities at the earliest possible stage

An FPC system conforming with the requirements of the relevant part(s) of EN ISO 9000, and made specific to the requirements of this standard, shall be considered to satisfy the above

requirements

The results of inspections, tests or assessments requiring action shall be recorded, as shall any action taken The action to be taken when control values or criteria are not met shall be recorded The production control procedure shall be recorded in a manual, which shall be made available when requested

The supplier shall carry out and record the results of production tests as part of the production control These records shall be available if requested

Leakage resistance, alarm and sensitivity characteristic tests, shall be carried out on each dry alarm valve assembly

Annex A (normative)

Fire exposure test for body and cover

NOTE: See 4.4.1.2 and 5.3.1.2 for requirements

A.1 Dry alarm valve

Mount the dry alarm valve, without trim and with body openings sealed, horizontally as shown in Figure A.1, with the clapper in the open position Open valves 3 & 4 and fill the pipework and dry alarm valve (2) with water Open valve 5 and release air from the valve body Close valves 5 & 3 and leave valve 4 in the open position

Position a square or circular fire tray, having surface area not less than 1 m2, centrally beneath the dry alarm valve Place sufficient volume of suitable fuel in the tray to give an average air temperature between 800 oC and 900 oC around the valve for a period of at least 15 min after temperature of

800 oC is reached

Measure the temperature with two thermocouples positioned diametrically opposite and

10 mm to 15 mm from the surface of the dry alarm valve on a horizontal plane parallel to the axis at the mid-point between the mounting connections

Ignite the fuel and after (15 ± 1) min exposure at 800 oC to 900 oC remove the fire tray or extinguish the fire Starting within 1 min of extinction, cool the dry alarm valve by flushing with (100 ± 5) l/min of water for a period of at least 1 min Dismantle the valve to expose the sealing assembly and manually check whether or not the sealing assembly opens freely and fully

Pressure test the dry alarm valve to an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than 2 times and not more than 2,1 times the rated working pressure by the method described in E.1, and verify that it meets the leakage requirement of 4.10.1 External body gaskets and seals shall be replaced for this hydrostatic test

A.2 Quick opening device

Mount the quick opening device and any anti-flooding device with fittings and seals in accordance with the supplier’s recommendations as if it were in the ready condition vented See Figure A.2 but with the body openings sealed from the fire and the device(s) vented as if in the ready condition

Position a square or circular fire tray, having surface are not less than 1 m2, centrally beneath the

device Place sufficient volume of suitable fuel in the tray to give an average air temperature between

800 oC and 900 oC around the device for a period of at least 15 min after temperature of 800 oC is reached

Measure the temperature with two thermocouples positioned diametrically opposite and

10 mm to 15 mm from the surface of the device(s) on a horizontal plane parallel to the axis at the point between the mounting connections

Ignite the fuel and after (15 ± 1) min exposure at 800 oC to 900 oC remove the fire tray or extinguish the fire Cool the device by immersing in water Manually check that operating parts operate freely and fully Pressure test the device to an internal hydrostatic pressure of not less than twice and not more than 2,1 times the rated working pressure Check that any leakage from the device(s) does not exceed the comparable flow through a 20 mm diameter outlet

Figure A.1 — Test installation for valve fire exposure test