Pre-Action Systems

Pre-Action Systems

Pre-action systems are fixed fire protection systems with closed sprinkler heads. The water supply is held back by a deluge valve, which is controlled by a release system. When the release system operates, the deluge valve opens and water discharges from all open outlets connected to the sprinkler piping.

Pre-Action Systems
The Pre part of pre-action means that the release or the detection system is required to operate prior to the sprinklers on the sprinkler piping. The idea of pre-action is that the detection operates prior to the sprinkler system, allowing the water in the supply to be at or near the open sprinkler when the system operates. Some pre-action systems only operate after the sprinkler opens, meaning the delay in water application would be the as a dry pipe system.

Pre-Action Systems
Pre-action systems are generally installed where there is a fear of water entering the sprinkler system or entering the space where the sprinklers are located. Applications where pre-action systems are installed: Freezers Coolers Flammable liquid storage (areas subject to Freezing) Computer Rooms Rare Book Storage Historical Records Historical Buildings Gymnasium Floors Record Storage Areas

Deluge Valves

Deluge Valves
Deluge valves are used in deluge systems and pre-action systems. Viking deluge valves have one moving part, which is the clapper. Viking produces (2) styles of deluge valves, a straight through Model F-1 and an angle style, a Model E-1. Their operation is the same. Model F Model E Both valves are listed and approved for 250 psi.

Model F-1 Deluge ValveReplaceable Parts

Clapper Diaphragm Clamp Ring Clapper Diaphragm Teflon Coated Clapper Valve Cover

Clapper Seat Ring Valve Seat

Valve Body

Model F-1 Deluge Valve

Outlet Chamber Priming Chamber

Inlet Chamber

F-1 Deluge Valve Set-up

Step #1: Place Priming Water in the Priming Chamber

Water pressure provided to the priming chamber is supplied upstream of a water supply control valve.

F-1 Deluge Valve Set-up

Step #2: Open the water supply control valve to bring water into the inlet chamber.

This is the normal condition for a deluge valve. The outlet chamber has only atmospheric pressure.

Valve Operation
Outlet Chamber
Once the release system operates, water drains from the priming chamber, allowing the valve clapper to open. Water is directed from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber

Priming Chamber

Inlet Chamber

Valve Operation
Water fills the discharge chamber and exits the valve and fills the sprinkler piping. Water discharges from all open outlets connected to the sprinkler piping.

Water discharges through system until water supply control valve is closed.

Pre-Action System Releases

Sprinkler Heads Allowed to Be Installed On Pre-Action Systems

Pre-Action System Releases

Upright Sprinkler
Horizontal Sidewall Sprinkler

Dry Barrel Sprinkler

Pre-Action System Releases

OR

Pre-Action System Releases

Ceiling

A pendent sprinkler installed on a return bend, where the sprinkler And the sprinkler line supplying it are in a heated area

Pre-Action System Releases

Release Systems
Pre-action systems use the same release systems as a Deluge system. In many cases they use a combination of Deluge system release systems to create their interlock or mode of operating the Deluge valve. Single Interlocked Pre-Action 1. Pneumatic Release Mechanical release 2. Electric Release Double Interlocked Pre-Action 1. Electric/Pneumatic Release 2. Electric/Pneu-lectric Release 3. Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release Mechanical Release

Single Interlocked Pre-Action System

Single Interlocked Pre-action Systems

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Systems
Single interlock means that it only takes one action to open the deluge valve. For a single interlocked pre-action system, only the release system will open the deluge valve. Air pressure is placed on the sprinkler piping as supervisory air pressure to ensure the piping network is not open. Only the release system will operate the deluge valve. Operating a sprinkler head will only result in a low air alarm, or in other words, activating the supervisory alarm. There is no minimum supervisory air pressure for a single interlocked pre-action system.

Single Interlocked Electric Release

The most prevalent single interlocked pre-action system. Activation requires that the electric release system power open the normally closed solenoid valve only before the deluge valve opens. Losing air only, will not allow the deluge valve to open. This type of release is preferred when applying water to the fire quickly is required.

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Electric Release - Normal Position

Solenoid Closed. Panel in set position.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Discharge to Open Drain

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Electric Release - Detection Activated

Solenoid Open. panel in alarm, indicating release system has operated.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Priming water is exiting priming chamber to open drain allowing deluge valve to open.

Single Interlocked Pneumatic Release

This release is often chosen where installing a mechanical release is desired. This system is used in lieu of a dry pipe system where a dry pipe system is not allowed due to the delay in water delivery. Losing air only on the sprinkler piping, will not allow the deluge valve to open. Care must be taken in the design of the air supply to ensure that each air supply has a dedicated air maintenance device.

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Pneumatic Release - Setting Pneumatic Actuator

From Air Supply

To Open Drain

Air pressure is common to the release line and the top of the pneumatic actuator. Once the release line is pressurized, the pneumatic actuator is held closed. Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Pneumatic Release - Release System (Normal Position)

From Air Supply

To Open Drain

Priming water is held in the priming chamber because the pneumatic actuator is held closed with air pressure from the release line.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Pneumatic Release - Release System (Activated)

Release Line

To Open Drain

Priming water from the priming chamber of the deluge valve discharges from the pneumatic actuator when air is relieved from the release line. Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Double Interlocked Pre-Action System

Double Interlocked Pre-action Systems

Double Interlocked Pre-Action Systems
Double Interlock means that two actions have to occur before the Deluge valve will open. For a double interlocked pre-action system, the release system and air pressure has to be reduced on the sprinkler piping to open the Deluge valve. For a double Interlocked Pre-action System, the air pressure on the sprinkler piping is used as supervisory air pressure and as a release system for the deluge valve. The minimum air pressure for a Double Interlocked Pre-action System is 7 psi. For Double Interlocked Pre-action Systems, operating a sprinkler on the system will only result in a low air pressure alarm. Operating the release system on a double interlocked pre-action system will only result in a general alarm. It will take both to operate to open the Deluge valve and flow water into the system.

Refrigerated Area Sprinkler Systems

A Factory Mutual Reference for Double Interlocked Pre-Action. FM does not allow Double Interlocked Pre-action installed anywhere other than freezers.

FREEZER AIR SUPPLIES PER NFPA 13 (2007 ed.)

Frost Plugs are created by moisture that is constantly being introduced by an air compressor. A means of preventing or eliminating moisture in the air supply to a system supplying a freezer can be a challenge.

OR

Freezer Air Supplies

A listed or approved self contained air drying system

Double Interlocked Electric/Pneumatic Release

The most prevalent double interlocked pre-action system. Activation requires that the electric release system power open the normally closed solenoid valve and air pressure be released from the sprinkler piping to open the pneumatic actuator before the deluge valve opens. Losing air only, or just the electric release operating will not allow the deluge valve to open. This type of release is preferred when water inadvertently entering the sprinkler piping must be avoided.

Electric/Pneumatic Release - Normal Position

Solenoid is closed. Release system is in set position Pneumatic actuator is closed with air from sprinkler piping.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Electric/Pneumatic Release - Electric Detection Activated

Solenoid is open. Release system has activated allowing prime water to advance to pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic actuator is closed with air from sprinkler piping.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Electric/Pneumatic Release - Electric Detection and Sprinkler have operated

Solenoid is open. Release system has activated allowing prime water to advance to pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic actuator is open when air pressure is reduced on sprinkler system.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Priming water is exiting priming chamber to open drain allowing deluge valve to open.

Double Interlocked Electric/Pneulectric Release

A double interlocked system that cross zones the electric detection in the hazard area and the supervisory air pressure switch. Both devices must activate before a cross zone is completed at the release control panel. If only the detection activates, or if only the supervisory switch activates, the deluge valve will not open. This type of double interlocked pre-action is sometimes chosen to lower the required air pressure on the sprinkler piping.

Double Interlocked Pre-Action Electric/Pneulectric Release - Normal Position

Solenoid Closed. Panel in set position.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Double Interlocked Pre-Action Electric/Pneulectric Release - Detection Activated

Solenoid Closed. Panel in alarm, indicating Zone #1 has activated.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Double Interlocked Pre-Action Electric/Pneulectric Release - Detection and Supervisory Switch Activated
Solenoid Open. Panel in alarm, indicating Zone #1 and Zone #2 have activated completing cross zone.

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Priming water is exiting priming chamber to open drain allowing deluge valve to open.

Double Interlocked Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release

This double interlocked release is a mechanical release. Two pneumatic actuators are placed in series. A pneumatic release system is installed in the hazard area and controls the first pneumatic actuator. The second pneumatic actuator is connected to the sprinkler piping and is controlled by the air placed on the system piping.

Double Interlocked Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release

Activation of this system occurs when the release system operates, allowing priming water to advance to the pneumatic actuator controlled by the air in the sprinkler piping. When air pressure is reduced in the sprinkler piping, the second pneumatic actuator opens, draining priming water pressure from the priming chamber allowing the deluge valve to open and flow water into the sprinkler piping. Operation of only one pneumatic actuator will not allow the deluge valve to open.

Double Interlocked Pre-action Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release - Set Position

Air Pressure on Release System, Closing Pneumatic Actuator #1

Air Pressure on Sprinkler System, Closing Pneumatic Actuator #2

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Note: The space between the Pneumatic actuators is primed with Water to prevent pre-mature operation

Double Interlocked Pre-action Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release - Release System Operates

Air Pressure removed from Release System, Opening Pneumatic Actuator #1 Air Pressure on Sprinkler System, Closing Pneumatic Actuator #2

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Double Interlocked Pre-action Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release - Release System and Sprinkler Operates
Air Pressure removed from Release System, Opening Pneumatic Actuator #1 Air Pressure removed from Sprinkler System, Opening Pneumatic Actuator #2

Priming Water from Priming Chamber

Priming water is exiting priming chamber to open drain allowing deluge valve to open.

Packaged Trim and System Options

TrimPac
TrimPac is a trim offering that includes the release devices for either deluge or pre-action systems. One TrimPac will service any size valve. A TrimPac can either be mounted on the wall or to the riser. For a riser mounted TrimPac, a mounting kit is required.

TrimPac Drain Trim

A TrimPac can be used with any size deluge valve, but, the valve size is required to order the drain package. The drain package is installed on the valve and hoses from the TrimPac are installed on outlets located on the valve trim and the priming connection on the supply side of the control valve.

TrimPac Drain Package Model E-1 Deluge Valve

TrimPac Drain Package In-line Valve vertical installation

TrimPac Drain Package In-line Valve horizontal installation

SureFire Fail Safe Pre-action

SureFire Pre-action Systems

SureFire Pre-action systems are power failure safe electric release pre-action systems. The release module is the same for both single and double interlocked pre-action. The release module consists of a normally closed solenoid valve, a normally closed solenoid valve, and a pneumatic actuator. During normal power conditions, the normally closed solenoid valve is powered open by the release control panel when the release system(s) operate. The normally open solenoid valve is installed in series with the pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator is held closed with the air pressure on the sprinkler piping. In normal power conditions, if a loss of air occurs on the system, the normally open solenoid valve is powered closed by the release control panel.

Sure Fire Pre-action Systems

Available in TrimPac

SureFire TrimPac Completed Assembly

SureFire TrimPac Trim View

Supervisory Air Pressure Switch

Release Module

SureFire Release Set

Pneumatic Actuator Normally Open Solenoid Valve Air Pressure On Sprinkler Piping

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve Priming Water From Deluge Valve

SureFire Release Activated (Normal Power)

Pneumatic Actuator Normally Open Solenoid Valve Air Pressure On Sprinkler Piping

Priming Water From Deluge Valve

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve -Powered Open by Release Control Panel

SureFire Release- Normal Power Loss Of Air Release Not Activated

Pneumatic Actuator Normally Open Solenoid Valve (Powered Closed By Release Control Panel) Air Pressure Removed from Sprinkler piping

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve Priming Water From Deluge Valve

SureFire Release Module Loss of AC and DC Power Sprinkler Opens on Sprinkler Piping
Pneumatic Actuator Normally Open Solenoid Valve (Priming water flows through valve) Air Pressure Removed from Sprinkler piping

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve Priming Water From Deluge Valve

Sure Fire Pre-action Systems Re-set Instructions

1. Close water supply control valve. 2. Drain down sprinkler system 3. Open auxiliary drain valve 4. Close drains 5. Re-establish Air pressure on sprinkler piping. 6. Reset release system 7. Open water supply control valve.

Note: System will not re-set without establishing air pressure on system piping first.

Pre-Trimmed Valves

Trim Mounted to the Valve

A valve from Viking can be ordered with the trim assembled on the valve by the factory. Some system options only leave Viking in pre-trimmed offerings.

Model G4000-P1 Single Interlocked Pre-Action Electric Release

Model G4000-P1 Double Interlocked Pre-Action Electric/Pneumatic Release

Model G4000-P1 Single/Double Interlocked Pre-Action SureFire Release

Integrated Systems

TotalPac 2
TotalPac 2 is a product line that integrates the deluge or pre-action riser assembly. In general, the only thing a contractor must install is a water supply to the TotalPac 2, and connecting piping to the sprinkler system.

Integrated Systems

TOTAL PAC 2

Integrated Systems
Basic Skid: 14 ga. steel base Manifolds on inlet & drain Butterfly valve System main valve Pre-assembled trim

Integrated Systems

Basic skid w/enclosure: - No control panel - Factory wired to field junction box - Serialized Twin door design Dimensions: 57" x 36" x 20" for 1 to 3" units 57" x 46" x 20" for 4" to 8" units

Remote Controlled Units

Integrated Systems

Complete system: Control Panel Pre-wired to wiring terminal Listed & Approved Serialized

Self Contained Units

Integrated Systems

Control section: Emergency batteries compartment Contractors wiring terminals Air compressor isolation switch

Self-contained units

Integrated Systems
Product features

Types of Releases: Hydraulic Pneumatic Electric Firecycle III Sure-Fire

Cycling Pre-action Firecycle lll

Cycling Systems

Cycling Pre-Action Systems operate in the same manner as conventional pre-action systems, with the ability to cycle off when the fire is extinguished.

Cycling Systems

The ability for the system to cycle off is provided by the use of a flow control valve in the riser in lieu of a deluge valve. Standard pre-action trim is deluge trim that is designed for the system to activate and require manual system closure and resetting. The flow control valve allows for the system to re-set once the release system has reset. The system will cycle ON-OFF as many times as necessary to extinguish the fire.

Cycling Systems

Cycling systems utilize a detection or release system of closed loop heat detection devices. Available options are for exposed installations, and finished ceiling installations. The detection loop wire is required to be 2 hour rated FPL wire.

Questions ?