Preassembled fire sprinkler riser assemblies can reduce field labor, simplify installation, conserve mechanical room space, and create a more consistent
layout for inspection, testing, and maintenance. By combining multiple sprinkler system components into a factory-assembled, tested unit, contractors can reduce the piping, fittings, and assembly required in the field. AGF Manufacturing’s
RiserPACK® assemblies integrate key fire sprinkler system components into compact configurations designed for NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D applications.
Key Takeaways
Preassembled fire sprinkler riser assemblies can:
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- Reduce field fabrication and installation time
- Reduce the number of field connections and potential leak points
- Create more compact and consistent sprinkler system layouts
- Simplify access for inspection, testing, and maintenance
- Integrate testing, draining, pressure monitoring, and other required functions
- Reduce the number of individual components contractors need to source and assemble
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What Is a Fire Sprinkler Riser Assembly?
A fire sprinkler riser assembly combines components used to control, monitor, test, and drain a fire sprinkler system, or part of it. Depending on the system design and applicable NFPA standard, an assembly may include a control valve, check valve, waterflow detection device, pressure gauges with a three-way valve, main drain, and test connection. Preassembled riser and floor control assemblies combine these components into a compact configuration that can be installed as a unit rather than fabricated from individual components in the field.
How Do Preassembled Fire Sprinkler Risers Reduce Field Labor?
Preassembled risers reduce field labor by moving much of the assembly process from the jobsite to the manufacturer. A traditional field-assembled configuration requires contractors to source individual components, measure and cut pipe, assemble valves and fittings, make multiple connections, and verify the completed configuration.
With a preassembled riser, many of these components arrive already assembled in the proper configuration. This reduces the amount of fabrication required at the jobsite and allows installers to focus on connecting the assembly to the sprinkler system. Fewer field connections can also mean fewer potential leak points and less time spent troubleshooting connections during installation and acceptance testing. AGF RiserPACK floor control assemblies are assembled and tested before shipment, providing contractors with a consistent, ready-to-install configuration.
How Much Space Can a Preassembled Riser Save?
A compact preassembled riser can significantly reduce the space required for sprinkler system controls compared with a traditional field assembled configuration. AGF RiserPACK floor control assemblies can reduce the footprint of traditional floor controls by up to 75%, depending on the configuration.
This can be especially valuable in mechanical rooms, stairwells, closets, and other areas where multiple building systems compete for limited space. A compact layout can also improve access to valves, gauges, drains, and test connections during future inspection, testing, and maintenance.
What Components Can Be Included in a Fire Sprinkler Riser Assembly?
The exact components depend on the sprinkler system design and applicable NFPA requirements. Common components include:
Control Valves
Control valves allow water flow to the sprinkler system or portion of the system to be shut off when necessary for service, maintenance, or system modifications.
Check Valves
Check valves help prevent reverse water flow through the sprinkler system. Depending on the riser configuration, a check valve may be incorporated into the assembly.
Main Drains
A main drain provides a means of draining water from the sprinkler system for inspection, testing, maintenance, or repairs. A flexible drain line is also an option to expedite installation.
Pressure Gauges
Pressure gauges allow contractors and facility personnel to monitor sprinkler system pressure and identify changes in supply or system conditions. Depending on the system type, the pressure gauge may have a three-way gauge valve. AGF’s gauge valves allow for access to the valve handle, no matter the orientation of the installation.
Waterflow Detection
Waterflow switches detect sustained water movement associated with sprinkler operation or system testing and can initiate a signal through the building’s fire alarm system.
Test Connections
A test connection allows the flow of water through an appropriately sized test orifice to simulate the operation of a sprinkler and verify system functions such as waterflow alarm activation.
Pressure Relief
Wet pipe sprinkler systems may require a means of relieving excess pressure caused by temperature changes and other system conditions. A pressure relief valve can be incorporated into all of AGF’s commercial riser configurations.
How Does a TESTanDRAIN Valve Simplify a Riser Assembly?
A TESTanDRAIN® valve combines sprinkler system testing and draining functions into a single valve. In the TEST position, water flows through a 
calibrated test orifice designed to simulate sprinkler flow. An integral sight glass provides visual confirmation of water flow.
In the DRAIN position, the valve provides a means of draining the system or that section or floor. Combining these functions into one valve reduces the number of individual valves, fittings, and connections required in a traditional test and drain arrangement. When incorporated into a preassembled riser, TESTanDRAIN can further simplify the overall system layout.
Learn more about TESTanDRAIN valves.
Why Does Riser Design Matter for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance?
A fire sprinkler system must remain accessible for ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance throughout the life of the building. A compact, organized riser assembly places frequently accessed components such as control valves, gauges, drains, and test connections in a predictable, accessible location.
Standardized layouts can be particularly helpful in buildings with multiple floors or sprinkler zones. Instead of encountering a different field fabricated arrangement at every location, technicians can work with consistent component placement throughout the facility. This can make routine service more efficient and simplify long term system management.
What Is the Role of Pressure Relief in a Wet Pipe Sprinkler System?
Pressure can increase in a wet pipe sprinkler system as water temperature changes or supply pressure changes. A pressure relief valve provides a means of relieving excess system pressure. AGF’s Model 7000L pressure relief valve is
designed for fire sprinkler system applications and includes a lockout feature for hydrostatic testing. This allows the valve to be temporarily locked during testing and returned to normal operation afterward without removing it from the system. Pressure relief requirements and settings should always be determined based on the applicable NFPA standard, system design, and component ratings.
Learn more about fire sprinkler pressure relief.
How Do Preassembled Risers Support Code-Compliant Installation?
A preassembled riser does not replace the need for proper system design or compliance with applicable NFPA standards and local requirements. It can, however, simplify installation by providing required system functions in a standardized configuration. Factory assembly can reduce variations caused by field fabrication, while listed and approved components can be selected according to the requirements of the specific system.
AGF offers RiserPACK configurations for systems designed in accordance with NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D. Contractors and designers should select the appropriate assembly based on the system type, pipe size, connection requirements, pressure ratings, test orifice, and other project-specific requirements.
What Should You Consider When Selecting a Fire Sprinkler Riser Assembly?
Start with the applicable sprinkler standard and project specifications. Because NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D govern different systems, select an assembly that matches the system design.
Other considerations include:
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- Pipe size
- Connection type
- System pressure
- Test orifice or K factor
- Control valve requirements
- Check valve requirements
- Gauge and gauge valve requirements
- Pressure relief requirements
- Waterflow detection
- Available installation space
- Required listings and approvals
- Project specific material or domestic / BABAA sourcing requirements
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Selecting these features as part of a preassembled configuration can reduce the number of components that must be specified, sourced, and assembled separately.
What Is a RiserPACK and Ultimate RiserPACK?
RiserPACK® is AGF Manufacturing’s family of preassembled fire sprinkler riser and floor control assemblies. The RiserPACK configurations combine multiple sprinkler system functions into compact assemblies designed to simplify installation, testing, draining, and ongoing maintenance.
AGF offers RiserPACK options for NFPA 13 commercial systems as well as NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R residential and domestic applications. Ultimate RiserPACK incorporates the riser assembly with optional components such as control valves, check valves, and flexible drain lines.
Explore AGF RiserPACK assemblies.
Are Riser Assemblies Used on Dry and Preaction Sprinkler Systems?
Dry and preaction sprinkler systems also require riser equipment, but their configurations and operating requirements differ from wet pipe systems. Dry systems use pressurized air or nitrogen within the sprinkler piping and require equipment designed specifically for dry system operation. Preaction systems incorporate additional detection and release controls.
These systems also present maintenance challenges that are less common in wet systems. Water that accumulates at low points, for example, must be removed through auxiliary drains to reduce the risk of freezing and internal corrosion.
AGF offers COLLECTanDRAIN® auxiliary drain solutions for managing accumulated water in dry and preaction sprinkler systems.
Learn more about auxiliary drain management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Sprinkler Riser Assemblies
What is the advantage of a preassembled fire sprinkler riser? A preassembled riser reduces the amount of fabrication required at the jobsite by combining multiple sprinkler system components into a ready-to-install assembly. This can reduce installation labor, field connections, potential leak points, and the space required for system controls.
What is the difference between a riser and a floor control assembly? A sprinkler riser is the piping and associated equipment that supplies water to a fire sprinkler system. A floor control assembly controls and monitors an individual floor or sprinkler zone. In multistory buildings, multiple floor control assemblies may be supplied from a common sprinkler riser.
What is included in a fire sprinkler riser assembly? Depending on the system and application, a riser assembly may include a control valve, check valve, pressure gauges, three-way gauge valve, waterflow switch, main drain, test connection, flexible drain line, and pressure relief equipment.
What is a TESTanDRAIN valve? A TESTanDRAIN valve combines the test and drain functions of a wet fire sprinkler system into one valve. The test position directs water through a calibrated test orifice, while the drain position allows water to be discharged from the system.
Can a preassembled riser reduce installation time? Yes. Because multiple valves, fittings, gauges, and other components can be assembled before arriving at the jobsite, contractors can reduce field fabrication and the number of connections that must be made during installation.
How much space can an AGF RiserPACK save? Depending on the configuration, AGF RiserPACK floor control assemblies can reduce the footprint of traditional section floor controls by up to 75%. The model 8611 is designed at a 90-degree angle and can be tucked into a corner or against a ceiling to minimize protrusions.
Are RiserPACK assemblies available for NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D systems? Yes. AGF offers RiserPACK configurations for commercial systems designed to NFPA 13 and residential and domestic applications designed to NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D. The appropriate configuration depends on the sprinkler system, applicable code, and project requirements.
Simplify Fire Sprinkler Riser Installation with RiserPACK.
Preassembled fire sprinkler riser assemblies reduce field fabrication and installation time while creating more consistent, serviceable system layouts. For contractors, faster installation means crews can spend fewer labor hours assembling risers in the field and more time completing other work, helping increase productivity and take on more projects.
AGF Manufacturing designs and manufactures RiserPACK® assemblies for commercial and residential fire sprinkler applications. By integrating multiple system functions into compact, factory-assembled configurations, RiserPACK helps contractors streamline installation and make more efficient use of skilled labor while providing engineers and building owners with organized, accessible sprinkler system controls.
Explore RiserPACK fire sprinkler riser assemblies.