Air management is critical in wet fire sprinkler system design that utilizes 
metallic pipe. Trapped air can contribute to corrosion, leading to costly maintenance and potential system failure. NFPA 13 recognizes this and mandates at least a single air vent on wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, but the code allows the system designer to determine if additional vents are necessary.
8.1.5.1 NFPA 13 (2019) – “Venting from multiple points on each system shall not be required.”
The NFPA 13 Code Requirement
NFPA 13 requires at least one air vent near a high point in the system to help exhaust air. However, the code does not specify a maximum number of vents, leaving it up to designers to assess whether additional vents are needed to remove air that causes corrosion. While some manufacturers design vents with redundant air vents or drip pans as a necessity, AGF Manufacturing provides a smarter solution with its innovative automatic air vent design.
Why Choose an Automatic Air Vent?
If you are only installing a single air vent, AGF strongly recommends using an automatic air vent to ensure continuous air release even when the system is active. Unlike manual vents requiring intervention every time a system is filled, an automatic vent will expel air throughout the system’s lifecycle, reducing the risk of trapped air pockets contributing to internal pipe corrosion.
The Unique AGF Automatic Air Vent Design
AGF’s automatic air vent stands out in the market due to its conical design, which prevents water from becoming trapped above the floats and being expelled when the vent opens. This is a significant advantage over many competitor designs, which often require redundant air vents or drip pans to manage water discharge.
Additional Features for Optimal Performance
AGF’s automatic air vents come equipped with several additional features that enhance their efficiency and ease of use:
- Built-in Strainer: Prevents debris from clogging the vent, ensuring reliable operation over time.
- Purge Valve: Allows for faster system draining and serves as a vacuum break, helping maintain proper system balance.
- Hose Thread Connection: This enables the vent to drain a system, adding an extra layer of functionality.
Clarifying the Drain Line Requirement
NFPA 13 does not require air vents to be connected to a drain line. This allows system designers to be flexible in placement and installation without the added complication of unnecessary piping. AGF’s air vent design eliminates the need for additional drain lines, reducing installation costs and complexity.
Conclusion
Ensuring proper air management in wet fire sprinkler systems is essential for preventing corrosion and maintaining system integrity. While NFPA 13 requires at least one air vent, AGF Manufacturing recommends using an automatic air vent to continuously release air throughout the system’s operation. With its innovative conical design, built-in strainer, purge valve, and hose thread connection, AGF’s automatic air vent provides a superior solution without the need for redundant vents, drip pans, or additional drain lines. By choosing AGF, you ensure efficient air management and long-term system reliability.