System Design & Installation - Page 2 of 3

Air Vents for Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems: Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements

Air management is critical in wet fire sprinkler system design that utilizes Model 7930 end cap automatic air vent 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?

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How to Select the Correct PSI for your Fire Sprinkler Pressure Relief Valve

FAQ – Which PSI???

Pressure relief valves are critical components in fire sprinkler systems,

Model 7000L Lockable Pressure Relief Valve

safeguarding the system by relieving excess pressure caused by supply surges or temperature fluctuations. Since the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, these valves have

been mandatory for all wet pipe systems. Selecting the correct pressure relief valve for a specific system requires careful planning to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements

NFPA 13 outlines the necessity of pressure relief valves to maintain system integrity:

Relief Valve Specifications: Wet pipe systems must include a listed relief valve of at least 1/2 inch in size. The valve should operate at either 175 psi or 10 psi above the maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.
Listing Requirements: A “listed” valve must meet standards set by third-party organizations like UL or FM, ensuring the valve’s reliability and suitability for fire sprinkler systems.
Exception Clause: Relief valves are not required if auxiliary air reservoirs are installed to absorb pressure increases.

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New Preassembled Model 8511Z Floor Control with Pressure Reducing Valve

MALVERN, PA, April 4, 2024- AGF, a leading provider of innovative fire protection solutions, proudly announces the integration of its renowned, domestically made Model 8511 Sprinkler Floor Control manifold with the Zurn Model ZW5004 adjustable pressure reducing valve, offering unmatched efficiency and reliability for the fire sprinkler industry.
The AGF Commercial RiserPACK Model 8511Z is meticulously crafted in the USA using high-quality schedule 10 pipe, ensuring superior durability and performance. This assembly incorporates the AGF Model 2511 TESTanDRAIN valve with a pressure relief valve and drain trim, flow switch, pressure gauge, and AGF Universal 3-way gauge valve, along with a 2 ½” hose valve. The 8511Z manifold was designed specifically for floor control applications where a downstream drain outlet, capable of full flow is required for Pressure Reducing Valve acceptance testing and future inspection and testing requirements.
The integration of the Zurn ZW5004 Valve adds another layer of functionality and versatility to the AGF solution. The ZW5004 Valve is a 2-1/2″ Pressure-Tru® Valve featuring an inline body and grooved connections. Certified as a floor control valve, an indicating valve, and a check valve in automatic sprinkler systems, it is also listed as a standpipe valve for CLASS I and CLASS III systems. With the ability to regulate pressure under both FLOW and NO-FLOW conditions, the ZW5004 Valve offers unparalleled precision and control. Field adjustments are made effortless thanks to its low torque design, requiring only 9 ft lb of torque. Despite its compact profile, the larger handwheel ensures smooth operation, even in tight spaces.

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Is an Inspector’s Test the Same as a Test and Drain Valve?

Choosing and placing valves carefully is important for fire sprinkler systems

Inspectors test valve and a test and drain valve

to meet code requirements. The Inspector’s Test Valves and Test and Drain Valves are frequently confused. This is because they perform similar functions but have distinct characteristics and applications. Understanding the differences between these valves is crucial to ensure their proper usage.

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AGF Unveils the Updated 3011A InspectorsTEST™ Valve

Revolutionary Design Integrates Sight Glass and Relief Valve Drain into a Single Fitting Combining the Best of 3011A and 3011ASG, and the new 7000L Pressure Relief Valve

MALVERN, PA, 5/30/2023 — AGF Manufacturing, a leading global provider of fire protection solutions, is proud to introduce the updated 3011A InspectorsTest Valve, a revolutionary product that sets a new standard for efficiency and innovation in the fire protection industry. This cutting-edge design features an integrated sight glass and relief valve drain access port to combine the best features from the 3011A and 3011ASG valves, plus the new 7000L Pressure Relief Valve.

Inspector's Test Valve Updates

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The Risks of Adjustable Pressure Relief Valves

Choosing the correct relief valve needs preplanning

Pressure relief valves protect fire sprinkler system components by relieving excess system pressure from supply surges or temperature changes. Since the 2010 edition, NFPA 13: “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” has required pressure relief valves to be installed on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. But picking the correct relief valve for a specific system does need a little preplanning. Knowing the desired static pressure of the system and reviewing the UL and FM Standards regarding the required operational characteristic of relief valves used on sprinkler systems for guidance, one can deduce the best rating for a relief valve on any system.

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AGF Introduces Ultimate RISERPACK® Kits

Butterfly Control Valve and Check Valve Kits for Preassembled Floor Control

MALVERN, PA, June 1, 2022 — AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce its new Ultimate RISERPACK Kits. These floor control add-on kits are available for AGF’s commercial steel RISERPACK models 8000, 8011, and 8611. Choose from three Ultimate Kit options. Add a gear-operated, slow-close, butterfly valve with tamper switch, check valve, or both butterfly valve and check valve. With the addition of an Ultimate Kit, the Ultimate RISERPACK is a complete floor control assembly that saves time and money on system installations.

AGF’s RISERPACKs are compact, fully assembled risers. Models 8000, 8011, and 8611 meet NFPA 13 requirements for wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. They feature a TESTanDRAIN Model 2500 or 2511A for system testing and draining. NFPA 13 standards require the addition of a pressure relief valve on all wet systems. All model 8011 and 8611 RISERPACKs include AGF’s Model 7000L pressure relief valve. The Model 7000L has a lock-out feature that facilitates hydrostatic testing without removing the relief valve from the system to help save valuable installation time.

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AGF Introduces Lockable Pressure Relief Valves to Expedite Hydrostatic Testing

MALVERN, PA —AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce two new lockable pressure relief valves, Model 7000L and Model 7200L specifically designed for the fire sprinkler industry. These models can be temporarily locked closed to allow for hydrostatic testing without removing the pressure relief valve from the system, saving significant time during installation. They can be ordered standalone or as part of AGF’s products that include pressure relief.

The new pressure relief valves include two metal tabs: “flush” and “hydro.” The “flush” tab can be lifted to quickly flush debris from the valve. The “hydro” tab can use the same hex wrench to temporarily lock the valve closed for hydrostatic testing with the valve installed in the system. This feature will allow a sprinkler system or a TESTanDRAIN valve with relief valve and drain trim to be completely installed prior to initial system leak testing, greatly speeding up installation.

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What is K-Factor for Fire Sprinklers?

AGF’s TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST valves come in a range of k-factors to best meet your needs. But what is k-factor for fire sprinkler systems?

What is K-Factor?

K-factor helps to calculate the discharge rate from fire sprinkler heads. It’s calculated in imperial units for the United States by using the flow in gallons per minute (gpm) and the pressure in PSI. Metric calculations use the flow in liters per minute and pressure in bar.

Essentially, the k-factor is the orifice size needed for a particular flow and pressure. Low k-factors have a smaller diameter and restrict the flow while larger k-factors allow for more flow.

Meyer Fire offers a tool to compare pressure requirements and flow rates for different k-factors.

AGF offers a full range of orifice sizes to accommodate multiple k-factors for our TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST models.

Fractional Size vs K-Factor

The chart below shows the imperial and metric k-factor’s equivalent fractional size.

K-factor conversion chart — *Available on 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, & 2″ size units only **Available on 1-1/2″ and 2″ size units only

Do you have more questions about K-factor? Contact us at 610-240-4900 to speak with a member of our technical staff.

Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain from AGF

AGF's Model 5450 Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce their COLLECTanDRAIN Model 5450 Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain. The Model 5450 is the latest in their line of heated auxiliary drain cabinets and includes all the benefits of the original Model 5400. The new cabinet features the ability to self-maintain the drain level and allow for maintenance to be better regulated.

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