What is the liquid in your
glass bulb sprinklers?
The liquid used in our glass bulb sprinklers is a non-toxic proprietary
glycerin solution that that expands when heated.
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Why are the bulbs different
colors?
The different colors designate various temperature classification
ratings in accordance with NFPA 13.
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Why are the bulbs different
sizes?
The different size bulbs determine the type of sprinkler response.
5mm bulbs are used for standard response sprinklers; 3mm bulbs are
used for quick response sprinklers; 2.5mm bulbs are used for ESFR's.
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How can I distinguish between
a Reliable Sprinkler and another manufacturer's?
The RASCO marking is indicative of a Reliable manufactured product.
Additional information can be found on the sprinkler deflector.
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I need a corrosion
resistant/proof sprinkler, what do you recommend?
Reliable offers several UL Listed corrosion-proof coatings. These
coatings are available in 165°F clear wax, 212°F brown wax (for
intermediate temperature rated sprinklers), lead plated, and wax
over lead. Generally, these are used with standard response sprinklers
only.
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What are the pressures
and flows for the Model G Recessed Automatic Sprinkler?
The Model G Recessed Automatic Sprinkler is a standard spray pendent
sprinkler available with different orifices and K Factors. The amount
of water required is dependant on the spacing and density requirements
in accordance with NFPA 13. You must calculate the pressure required
using the formula Q = K to
calculate the flow or (P =
 2
) to determine the
pressure. NFPA 13 requires a
minimum pressure of 7 psi.
Q
= Flow (in gpm)
K
= K Factor
P
= Pressure (in psi)
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Are there any height restrictions
on the Reliable Model G VELO Pendent and the GXLO Upright Sprinkler?
NFPA 13 has no height restrictions. Since these sprinklers are NFPA
13 sprinklers. There is no height restriction.
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Why do you not show the minimum
spacing on all sprinklers in your bulletins?
Reliable indicates the minimum spacing on all sprinklers that differ
from NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. If not shown in the bulletin,
the minimum spacing is as allowed by NFPA.
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What are the pressures and
flows for your standard spray sprinklers?
Standard spray sprinklers both quick response and standard response
are control sprinklers, and the minimum pressure is 7 psi as per
NFPA 13. Any pressure above that is calculated based on density
(GPM per Sq. ft.) required for your design. The amount of flow in
GPM is based on the density curves in NFPA 13. The pressure to achieve
that flow is based on the sprinkler spacing and the K Factor of
the sprinkler and the pressure available based on your design and
the available water supply. You must calculate the flow required
using the formula Q= K√(P) and P = ()2 to determine the
pressure.
Q = Flow (in gpm)
K = K Factor
P = Pressure (in psi)
With Extended
Coverage, Residential and ESFR the pressures and flows are listed
for each of the sprinklers based on the distribution and fire tests
conducted on each at the laboratories.
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Can I use a different ceiling
plate with your sprinklers?
Recessed and concealed sprinkler ceiling plates are listed with
the sprinkler and any ceiling plate used with recessed or concealed
must be listed for the sprinkler. Other than those, you can use
any ceiling plate that does not exceed the deflector distances in
NFPA 13.
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Can your (SWC) concealed
horizontal sidewall sprinkler be used in NFPA 13R systems?
The Reliable SWC concealed horizontal sidewall can be used in Light
Hazard applications as defined in NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R. They cannot
be used in residential applications as defined in NFPA 13D. You
should always check for state or local requirements that might differ
from the NFPA codes.
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Does Reliable make a "Large
Drop Sprinkler"?
No, currently Reliable does not manufacture a large drop sprinkler.
Our research and development efforts have been directed toward the
ESFR technology but the large drop is on our development list.
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Does Reliable make a "Stainless
Steel" sprinkler?
No, currently Reliable does not manufacture a stainless steel sprinkler.
Our research and development efforts have been directed toward the
other special application sprinkler technology but a stainless steel
is on our development list.
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How should dry sprinklers
be installed?
Dry sprinklers should always be installed in the side outlet of
a tee. The dry sprinkler is designed to extend up into the fitting
to prevent the accumulation of deposits on top of the sprinkler.
Dry sprinkler should never be installed in an elbow or coupling.
Installation in an elbow or coupling can impede the operation or
allow deposits to accumulate on the top of the dry sprinkler. Additionally,
in freezers Reliable recommends that dry sprinklers extend at least
14 inches above (outside) the freezer wall or ceiling. It is often
a good idea to insulate the dry sprinkler and seal the hole made
in the freezer inside and outside the freezer wall or ceiling. If
the freezer contains food products, make sure the sealant you use
is FDA Approved. Dry sprinklers are required to be inspected and
tested every 10 years in the latest edition of NFPA 25.
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Why should I use the G4A
concealed sprinkler?
The G4A sprinkler is UL Listed Quick Response and Factory Mutual
Approved Standard Response concealed sprinkler. Often, the AHJ may
require a quick response sprinkler (See NFPA 13 1996 and NFPA 13
1999) but the project may be insured by Factory Mutual. The G4A
was developed to meet the requirements of the NFPA 13 (AHJ) where
quick response sprinklers are required and where Factory Mutual
Approved products are required by the insurer.
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Why does Reliable make both
solder link and bulb sprinklers?
Reliable has been a leader for years in solder link technology where
solder link technology is appropriate. Reliable uses bulbs where
the need for aesthetics or other design considerations dictate their
use.
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Why does Reliable not install
sprinklers as well as manufacture them?
Reliable chose many years ago not to compete with our customers
and we do not compete with our customers today. Reliable's mission
is to provide our customers the latest in quality fire sprinklers
products manufactured by Reliable utilizing the latest in new technology
as well as distribute other quality fire protection products manufactured
by selected vendors.
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What is the maximum/minimum
distance that the deflector will drop down below the ceiling surface
when using the Model G4, G4FR, G4A or F4FR concealed sprinklers
with the 1/2" adjustable cover plate?
Reliable concealed sprinklers are designed such that the deflector
will always drop below the ceiling surface to produce an unobstructed
discharge pattern, as long as the cover plate and sprinkler cup
assembly can be securely attached. If these two assemblies cannot
be attached securely, this would indicate that the branch line is
too high, or the drop nipple is too short. Installing the sprinkler
in either case will result in the deflector not extending below
the ceiling surface. With no adjustment of the cover plate, the
sprinkler deflector will drop approximately 5/8" below the ceiling
surface; at maximum adjustment, the sprinkler deflector will drop
approximately 1/8" below the ceiling surface.
The maximum ambient ceiling temperature that the sprinkler will be exposed to on a daily basis determines the appropriate sprinkler temperature rating, except where the NFPA standards may dictate the temperature rating for design considerations. Even then, one must still consider the maximum ambient ceiling temperature anticipated on a daily basis. Ambient temperatures in excess of these maximums would cause stress on the thermal element, eventually weakening its load carrying capacity and possibly causing the sprinkler to operate prematurely. Refer to the "Temperature Ratings, Classifications, and Color Codings" Table in NFPA 13.
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How do I determine the proper
temperature rating for my sprinklers?
The maximum ambient ceiling temperature that the sprinkler will
be exposed to on a daily basis determines the appropriate sprinkler
temperature rating, except where the NFPA standards may dictate
the temperature rating for design considerations. Even then, one
must still consider the maximum ambient ceiling temperature anticipated
on a daily basis. Ambient temperatures in excess of these maximums
would cause stress on the thermal element, eventually weakening
its load carrying capacity and possibly causing the sprinkler to
operate prematurely. Refer to the Temperature Ratings, Classifications,
and Color Codings Table in NFPA 13.
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Is the retaining flange
required for installation of Reliable Institutional Sprinklers?
The retaining flange is not a required item regarding the listing
of the sprinklers. It provides an option to the contractor as a
method of securing the piping to prevent axial or lateral movement
of the sprinkler either away from the ceiling or the wall by an
occupant. If it is not used because of installation constraints,
some other approved method of securing the pipe must be provided
to prevent an occupant from inflicting self-injury.
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Does Reliable make a non-ferrous
sprinkler for MRI Rooms?
Yes. An excellent choice for MRI rooms is the Reliable Model Model
F4FR-NF, a non-ferrous concealed sprinkler specifically tested for
use in MRI rooms. This is the only concealed sprinkler actually
tested in a laboratory with a magnetic field of 6 Tesla. The highest
clinical magent system commercially available today produces a magnetic
field of 3 Tesla.
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What is a sprinkler identification number and what does it mean?
Beginning in January of 2001, all manufacturers were required to assign a five digit alpha-numeric code called the sprinkler identification number (SIN) for each sprinkler. This was to comply with the marking requirements stated in paragraph 3-2.2 of NFPA 13, 1999 edition. The SIN number can be compared to Reliable technical bulletins to verify the model, deflector style, K-factor and thermal sensitivity of the sprinklers. Reliable SIN numbers begin with either "R" or "RA" and are followed by four numbers. The first two numbers identify the last two numbers of the Reliable technical bulletin associated with that sprinkler; the last two numbers identify the deflector style and the K-factor range, respectively. All SIN numbers are located on the sprinkler deflector. "Pintle" screws (small metal protrusion extending above or beyond the sprinkler deflector), which were used to identify sprinklers using other than standard orifice/thread combinations, will be phased out.
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Is the installation of the retaining flange provided with the Model XL institutional sprinkler escutcheon kit a UL Listing requirement?
No, installation of the retaining flange is not a UL Listing requirement. The tamper resistant and self-injury prevention features of institutional sprinklers are not part of the UL Listing. They are design features provided by the sprinkler manufacturer. For maximum tamper resistance, it is the responsibility of the installing contractor to secure the nipple on which the sprinkler is installed to prevent the sprinkler and escutcheon assembly from being pulled away from the wall or ceiling. The retaining flange is provided as a way of securing the branch line piping, in the form of a nipple or arm-over, to prevent pipe movement initiated by the room occupant. If the retaining flange cannot be used due to larger piping or over-sized wall sleeves, alternative devices approved by the installing contractor or design engineer may be used to secure the piping from movement.
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Is there a listed/approved sprinkler guard for institutional sprinklers?
No, there are no listed/approved sprinkler guards for institutional sprinklers. Incorporating security and self-injury prevention features for such a sprinkler guard would impede and hinder sprinkler performance.
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Are there listed/approved sprinkler guards for commercial extended coverage or residential sprinklers?
No, there are no listed/approved sprinkler guards for extended coverage or residential sprinklers. Because of the extended discharge requirements and low flow characteristics associated with these types of sprinklers, the sprinkler guard would act as a significant obstruction to sprinkler performance, requiring greater flows and pressure to meet listing/approval requirements.
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Are there listed/approved corrosion-resistant coatings for quick response or sprinklers containing fast-response thermal elements?
No, only standard response sprinklers can be listed/approved with corrosion resistant coatings. Such coatings would adversely affect the sensitivity of a quick response or fast response thermal element, causing the sprinkler to meet only standard response sensitivity criteria.
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How do I determine which sprinkler temperature rating to when designing a sprinkler system?
Sprinkler temperature rating is based on the following:
 |
• |
Maximum expected ambient temperature a sprinkler will be exposed to on a daily (or seasonal) basis |
| |
• |
Proximity of sprinklers relative to heat sources |
| |
• |
Design densities chosen for storage applications based on storage area/density curves
|
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Does Reliable make sprinklers that can be used with foam systems using foam liquid concentrates?
Yes. However, sprinklers are listed/approved with a specific manufacturers foam concentrate. Once must reference the UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory section on Foam Liquid Concentrates (GFGV) or the Foam manufacturer's cut sheets to determine which Reliable style sprinkler is listed/approved for use with the specific foam concentrate.
Does the Specific Application Listing stated for the Reliable Model G XLO and G VELO storage sprinklers limit their use only to the criteria specified in the application listing, or can they be also be used as area/density sprinklers used in accordance with NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C?
The Reliable Model G XLO and G VELO sprinklers are cULus Listed and FM Approved as control-mode, area/density spray sprinklers for NFPA 13, 231, 231C storage applications. These sprinklers can be used in one of two ways. First, they can be used as area/density sprinklers in accordance with the storage design requirements of NFPA 231, 231C and NFPA 13, or FM Global Data Sheets. This design criteria is based on the use of the appropriate area/density curves in the respective standard as a function of the type of commodity, storage height and configuration, sprinkler temperature rating, etc.
Second, these sprinklers can be used as specific application sprinklers, based on the cULus Specific Application Listing criteria stated in the Reliable literature. This specific application listing is an ADDITIONAL LISTING that must meet the specific application criteria.
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