UL 260

Dry Pipe and Deluge Valves

for Fire-Protection Service

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Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)

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Northbrook, IL 60062-2096

UL Standard for Safety for Dry Pipe and Deluge Valves for Fire-Protection Service, UL 260

Seventh Edition, Dated March 17, 2004

Revisions: This Standard contains revisions through and including July 6, 2007.

Summary of Topics

This revision of ANSI/UL 260 is being issued to 1) add clarification of scope requirements; 2)
add revisions to the glossary; 3) clarify intermediate chamber automatic drain valve
requirements; 4) revise bodies and covers requirements; 5) delete duplicate section for Priming
Water, Section 17; 6) revise the Hydraulic Friction Loss Test; and 7) add Appendix B for Valve
Mechanisms.

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Copyright © 2007 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

This Standard consists of pages dated as shown in the following checklist:

Page Date

1-10B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007

11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17, 2004
14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007
15-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17, 2004
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007
26-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17, 2004
A1-A4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17, 2004
A5-A6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007
B1-B6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007
CRG1-CRG2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6, 2007
CRG3-CRG4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17, 2004

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MARCH 17, 2004
(Title Page Reprinted: July 6, 2007)
ANSI/UL 260-2007
1

UL 260

Standard for Dry Pipe and Deluge Valves for Fire-Protection Service

The first through third editions were titled Standard for Dry Pipe, Deluge, and
Pre-Action Valves for Fire Protection Service.

First Edition – June, 1957

Second Edition – March, 1970
Third Edition – April, 1972
Fourth Edition – May, 1979
Fifth Edition – November, 1988
Sixth Edition – May, 1994

Seventh Edition

March 17, 2004

The most recent designation of ANSI/UL 260 as an American National Standard

(ANSI) occurred on July 6, 2007. The ANSI approval for this standard does not
include the Canadian Requirements Comparison Guide (CRG).

This ANSI/UL Standard for Safety, which consists of the Seventh Edition with
revisions through July 6, 2007 is under continuous maintenance, whereby each
revision is ANSI approved upon publication.

An effective date included as a note immediately following certain requirements

is one established by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and is not part of the ANSI
standard.

Revisions of this Standard will be made by issuing revised or additional pages

bearing their date of issue. A UL Standard is current only if it incorporates the
most recently adopted revisions, all of which are itemized on the transmittal notice
that accompanies the latest set of revised requirements. Comments or proposals
for revisions on any part of the Standard may be submitted to UL at any time.
Proposals should be submitted via a Proposal Request in UL’s On-Line
Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS) at http://csds.ul.com.

COPYRIGHT © 1979, 2007 UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
3 Units of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4 Undated References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

CONSTRUCTION

6 Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
7 Rated Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
8 Operating Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
8.1 Differential type dry pipe valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
8.2 Latched-clapper type dry pipe valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
8.3 Deluge valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
9 Bodies and Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
10 Valve Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10A
10.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10A
10.2 Clapper supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
11 Anti-Reseat Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
12 Clapper Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
13 Clapper Rings and Seat Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
14 Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
15 Valve Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
16 Valve Gags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
17 Priming Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
18 Intermediate Chamber Automatic Drain Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
19 Priming Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

PERFORMANCE

20 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
21 Metallic Materials Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
22 Nonmetallic Materials Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
22.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
22.2 Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
22.3 Elastomeric parts (except gaskets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
23 Adhesion Test for Resilient Seat Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
24 Installation Assembly Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
25 Servicing Test for Valves Without Handhole Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
26 Operation Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
26.1 General valve types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
26.2 Differential type dry pipe valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
26.3 Latched-clapper type dry pipe valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
26.4 Alarm devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
26.5 Supplementary tripping devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
26.6 Normal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
26.7 Reseating test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
26.8 Wet pilot sprinkler line limitations tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
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27 Deformation Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

27.1 Valves with mechanical latching mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
27.2 Valves without mechanical latching mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
28 Hydraulic Friction Loss Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
29 Body Leakage Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
30 Strength of Body Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
31 Automatic Drain Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION TESTS

32 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

MARKING

33 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

INSTRUCTIONS

34 Installation Instructions and Trim Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

APPENDIX A – METHOD OF CALCULATION FOR WET PILOT LINE LENGTH

APPENDIX B – CLEARANCES MEASUREMENT REFERENCE

B1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1
B1.1 Bushing dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1
B1.2 Radial clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1
B1.3 Diametrical clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1
B1.4 Total axial clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2
B1.5 Body clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B4
B1.6 Clapper clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B5

CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS COMPARISON GUIDE CRG 260

UL AND CANADIAN STANDARDS FOR DRY PIPE and DELUGE VALVES for FIRE-PROTECTION
SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRG1

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INTRODUCTION

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover valve equipment intended for installation in piping systems to supply water
automatically to dry pipe, deluge, and preaction sprinkler systems for fire-protection service.

1.2 Valves covered by these requirements may be a differential type, latched-clapper type, low-differential
type, or a combination of these types.

1.3 The valves covered by these requirements are intended for installation and use in accordance with
the following standards:

a) Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, NFPA 11.

b) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13.

c) Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, NFPA 14.

d) Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, NFPA 15

e) Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems,
NFPA 16
1.3 revised July 6, 2007

2 Components

2.1 Auxiliary components or attachments to valves, such as water-motor-driven alarm gongs, electric
circuit closers, pressure-operated switches, pressure gauges, and the like, shall comply with the
requirements for such devices or products and also with respect to the particular application. See
Standard for Alarm Accessories for Automatic Water-Supply Control Valves for Fire Protection Service,
UL 753, and Standard for Indicating Pressure Gauges for Fire Protection Service, UL 393. Also see 2.2
– 2.5.

2.2 Except as indicated in 2.3, a component of a product covered by this standard shall comply with the
requirements for that component.

2.3 A component is not required to comply with a specific requirement that:

a) Involves a feature or characteristic not required in the application of the component in the
product covered by this standard, or

b) Is superseded by a requirement in this standard.

2.4 A component shall be used in accordance with its rating established for the intended conditions of
use.

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2.5 Specific components are incomplete in construction features or restricted in performance capabilities.
Such components are intended for use only under limited conditions, such as certain temperatures not
exceeding specified limits, and shall be used only under those specific conditions.

3 Units of Measurement

3.1 Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or
approximate information.

4 Undated References

4.1 Any undated reference to a code or standard appearing in the requirements of this standard shall be
interpreted as referring to the latest edition of that code or standard.

5 Glossary

5.1 For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply.

5.2 ALARM DEVICE – A mechanical or electrical device to sound an alarm on operation of the valve.

5.3 AUTOMATIC DRAIN VALVE – A valve connected in the open position to the intermediate chamber
of a dry pipe valve so as to drain water from the chamber and vent the chamber to atmosphere when
the valve is in the set position, and limits water flow from the chamber after the valve is tripped.
5.3 revised July 6, 2007

5.4 CLAPPER – That portion of a valve mechanism on which air pressure or water pressure, or both,
act and which opens to allow water to flow through the valve when operated.

5.5 DELUGE VALVE – An automatic water-supply control valve that is intended to be operated by:

a) Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or a thermal fire detection system installed in

the same area as sprinklers;

b) Manual means; or

c) A combination of these methods.

A deluge valve is intended to admit water into:

a) A piping system having open sprinklers (deluge systems); or

b) A piping system with closed sprinklers (preaction systems).

5.5 revised July 6, 2007

5.6 DIFFERENTIAL – The ratio of system water supply pressure to system air pressure, expressed as
gauge pressures measured at the trip point.

5.7 DIFFERENTIAL DRY PIPE VALVE – A dry pipe valve having an air clapper of large diameter
relative to the diameter of the water clapper with the two separated by an intermediate chamber
maintained at atmospheric pressure.

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5.8 DRY PIPE VALVE – An automatic sprinkler water-supply control valve constructed so that air
pressure in a system of piping will retain water pressure and flow until the air pressure in the system is
released by actuation of an automatic sprinkler, manual release, or other similar devices.
5.8 revised July 6, 2007

5.9 INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER – That portion of a differential or low-differential dry pipe valve which
separates the air and/or water clapper seating surfaces and that is at atmospheric pressure when the
valve is in the set position.

5.10 LATCH, ANTI-RESEAT – A latch mechanism provided in a differential dry pipe valve designed to
prevent the clapper from returning to its set position after operation.

5.11 LATCHED-CLAPPER TYPE VALVE – A valve in which a mechanism acts to produce a force
which is multiplied through a series of levers, links, or latches to maintain the water clapper in the
closed position. Such a valve is sometimes referred to as a mechanical type.

5.12 LEAK POINT – The system air pressure and service water pressure at which water begins to emit
from the intermediate chamber drain during the tripping sequence of a valve.

5.13 LOW-DIFFERENTIAL DRY PIPE VALVE – A dry pipe valve having a single clapper member
whose effective area exposed to system air pressure is only slightly larger than the effective area
exposed to supply water pressure. Such a valve has a differential of 1.5:1 or lower.

5.14 PILOT SPRINKLER – An automatic sprinkler connected to an air or water line, which in turn is
connected to a deluge, preaction, or other water-supply control valve; when actuated, the sprinkler will
cause the valve to operate.

5.15 PRIMING CONNECTION – A port provided in the valve body to allow water to enter above the
clapper when the valve is in the set position.

5.16 SET POSITION – The position of a valve clapper and other operating parts with system pressure
and system air pressure applied when the valve is ready for operation.
5.16 revised July 6, 2007

5.16.1 SYSTEM PRESSURE – The static water pressure at the main outlet of a valve when the valve
is in the set condition.
5.16.1 added July 6, 2007

5.16.2 SYSTEM AIR PRESSURE – The static air pressure in the system piping when the valve is in
the set condition.
5.16.2 added July 6, 2007

5.17 TRIP POINT – That system air pressure and service water pressure at which the valve clapper
begins to move away from the set position to allow water to flow into the system.

5.18 TRIPPING DEVICE – A device for operating a dry pipe or deluge valve, initiated by a fire
detection system or by manual means.

5.19 VALVE GAG – Any supplementary means which prevents normal operation.

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5.20 WATER COLUMNING – A condition occurring in a dry, deluge, or preaction fire suppression
system where water accumulates downstream of the clapper of a system control valve, preventing the
control valve from operating.

5.21 WATER-MOTOR OPERATED ALARM – A mechanical alarm device (operated by energy or water
flow) attached to a dry pipe, preaction, or deluge valve and supplied with water from the intermediate
chamber or discharge side of the valve, to sound an alarm on operation of the valve.

5.22 WET PILOT SPRINKLER LINE – A hydraulic detection and actuation piping system equipped with
heat responsive devices, commonly automatic sprinklers which when subjected to heat from a fire,
operate to release water pressure from the piping system causing the automatic operation of a deluge
valve.
5.22 added July 6, 2007

CONSTRUCTION

6 Sizes

6.1 Valves covered by these requirements include sizes 1 – 12 inches (25.4 – 305 mm), inclusive.

6.2 Valve sizes refer to the nominal diameter of the waterway through the inlet and outlet connections and
to the pipe size for which the connections are intended. The diameter of the waterway through the water
seat ring of the valve may be reduced below that of the waterway through the inlet and outlet connections.

7 Rated Pressure

7.1 A valve shall be constructed for a minimum rated pressure of 175 psig (1206 kPa). A low differential
dry pipe valve shall have a maximum rated pressure of 175 psig (1206 kPa).

8 Operating Mechanisms

8.1 Differential type dry pipe valves

8.1.1 A differential dry pipe valve shall have a differential within the range of 4.5:1 and 11:1 for all service
pressures between 20 psig (138 kPa) and the maximum rated pressure. The difference between the
maximum and minimum values of the differential, as determined during tests of any individual valve, shall
not exceed 3.5.

8.1.2 A low-differential dry pipe valve for use only with designated attachments, components, or trim shall
have a differential within the ratio of 1:1 and 1.5:1 for all sizes of valves and for all service pressures from
20 to 175 psig (138 to 1206 kPa).

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8.2 Latched-clapper type dry pipe valves

8.2.1 The minimum system air pressure at which a latched-clapper type dry pipe valve will trip shall be at
a value to provide for positive operation under any condition. The minimum air pressure causing the valve
to trip shall be 15 psig (103 kPa) at 150 psig (1034 kPa) service pressure.

8.2.2 A latched-clapper dry pipe valve shall be either:

a) Constructed to reduce the likelihood of water leakage from the water side of the valve to the
air side when in the set position; or

b) Provided with a positive means of venting any leakage of water from the space above the
clapper.

8.3 Deluge valves

8.3.1 A deluge valve shall be operable by automatic and manual means. The valve shall be arranged for
attachment of both types of operating means.

8.3.2 An automatic operating means of the electric type shall be constructed for operation from both a
primary and a secondary source of electric energy.

9 Bodies and Covers

9.1 The body and cover of a valve shall be made of material having corrosion resistance at least
equivalent to cast iron. If nonmetallic materials are used, they are to be judged on the basis of their ability
to resist external fire exposure and thermal shock.

9.2 A casting shall not be plugged or filled, but may be impregnated to remove porosity.

9.3 The dimensions of all flanges, flange pipe joints, and threaded body openings shall conform to the
following standards, as applicable or to other national standards that apply where the valve is intended to
be installed:

a) Dryseal Pipe Threads (Inch), ANSI B1.20.3.

b) Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch), ANSI/ASME B1.20.1.

c) Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 25, 125, and 250, ANSI/ASME B16.1.

d) Steel Pipe Flanges for Waterworks Service – Sizes 4 in. Through 144 in. (100 mm Through
3,600 mm), ANSI/AWWA C207. Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS 24
Metric/Inch, ANSI/ASME B16.5, for valves having a maximum rated pressure greater than 175
psig (1206 kPa).

e) Grooved and Shouldered Joints, ANSI/AWWA C606.

9.3 revised July 6, 2007

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9.4 Provision shall be made in a valve body for connection of all external fittings and attachments
specified by the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, ANSI/NFPA 13.

9.5 The point of connection of alarm piping to a valve shall be such that pressure sufficient to operate
alarms is available at any flow rate through the valve from 1 to 20 feet per second (0.3 – 6 m/s), with a
residual pressure at the valve of 15 psig (103 kPa).

9.6 A tapped opening in a valve body for main drain connection shall be at least 3/4-inch pipe size for up
to 2-inch valves, at least 1-1/4-inch pipe size for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inch valves, and 2-inch pipe size for 4-inch
and larger valves.

9.7 A tapped opening provided for main drain piping shall be located on the water-supply side of the valve
clapper. For a low-differential dry pipe valve, an additional tapped opening for system drain piping shall
be provided on the system side of the clapper.

9.8 A body handhole opening shall be provided and shall be sufficiently large to permit access to all
working parts and to allow the removal of the clapper assembly.

Exception: A valve is not required to be provided with a body handhole opening when all of the following
criteria are met:

a) The valve is designed to permit the clapper and all other internal operating parts to be
removed and replaced;

b) A means is provided to allow removal and reinstallation of the valve, or serviceable portion
of the valve, without disassembly of the sprinkler system piping; and

c) The means for valve or part removal and reinstallation is integral with the valve.

9.9 If a body handhole opening is provided, a cover plate shall be attached to the body of a valve using
bolts and nuts, or bolts alone.

9.10 Bolts, nuts, and studs employed for the bolting of pressure-holding castings shall comply with the
applicable requirements in the Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60,000 PSI
Tensile Strength, ASTM A307; and in the Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts, ASTM
A563. Bolts shall be Grade A or Grade B, as specified in ASTM A307.

9.11 The load on any bolt, exclusive of the force to compress the gasket, shall not exceed the minimum
tensile strength specified in Table 2 of the Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs,
60,000 PSI Tensile Strength, ASTM A307, when the valve is pressurized to five times the rated pressure
for 6-inch size (152-mm) or smaller valves and to four times the rated pressure for 8-inch (203-mm) or
larger size valves. The area of the application of pressure is to be calculated as follows:

a) If a full-face gasket is used, the area of force application is that extending out to a line
defined by the inner edge of the bolts.

b) If an ″O″ ring seal or ring gasket is used, the area of force application is that extending out
to the center line of the ″O″ ring or gasket.

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9.12 A handhole cover plate weighing more than 30 pounds (13.6 kg) shall have an attached chain, or
the equivalent, in turn secured to the body casting, or arranged for attachment to an end flange bolt, as
assistance in handling the plate when being removed or reassembled.

10 Valve Mechanisms

10.1 General

10.1.1 An internal operating part whose removal may become necessary shall be readily accessible,
removable, and replaceable without damage.

10.1.2 The construction of a valve part which is disassembled in field servicing shall be such that it cannot
be improperly reassembled.

10.1.3 A valve mechanism shall be constructed to provide freedom of movement of operating parts.
Examples of required valve clearances and references to specific sections of this document illustrated in
Appendix B.
10.1.3 revised July 6, 2007

10.1.4 A part that bears against, rotates within, or slides on stationary parts, and that must be free to
move during valve operation, shall be either made of corrosion-resistant material, such as bronze, brass,
chrome-plated bronze, monel metal, and other suitable non-metallic material. The parts, if made of
materials lacking corrosion-resistant properties, shall be fitted with bushings, inserts, or other parts made
of corrosion-resistant materials named above at those points where freedom of motion is required.

10.1.5 Any interior bolt or screw shall be made of bronze or other equally corrosion-resistant material.

10.1.6 A clapper arm shall be made of bronze or equally corrosion-resistant materials or, if made of
ferrous materials, shall be equipped with bronze bushings or bushings of equivalent corrosion-resistant
material at the point where it engages a hinge pin or other moving part.

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10.2 Clapper supports

10.2.1 Clapper-arm bushings or hinge-pin bearings shall project a sufficient distance to maintain not less
than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) clearance between ferrous-metal parts.

10.2.2 A clapper arm shall be supported by a hinge pin(s) made of bronze or other equally
corrosion-resistant material. The hinge pin(s) shall be constructed to withstand the impact effect caused
by a surge of water on the closed clapper. For purposes of this determination, the water surge is assumed
to be flowing at a rate of 15 feet per second (4.5 m/s). Bronze hinge pins not less than 3/8-inch (9.5-mm)
diameter for valves of 3-inch (76.2-mm) size or less, and not less than 7/16-inch (11-mm) in diameter for
valves of 3-1/2-inches (88.9-mm) or larger, meet the intent of this requirement and are acceptable.

10.2.3 A bearing shall minimize the possibility that corrosive action will cause parts to bind or seize.

10.2.4 Each hinge-pin support bearing and clapper-arm bearing shall have a length equal to or exceeding
70 percent of the diameter of the hinge pin, but not less than 5/16 inch (7.9 mm). A clapper arm bearing
made of material having strength and corrosion resistance equivalent to a Series 300 stainless steel shall
have a minimum length of 0.165 inch (4.2 mm). Equivalence is to be determined by means of comparative
corrosion tests, depending upon material type.

10.2.5 A valve mechanism shall not employ any parts which become disengaged or dislodged during the
operation of the valve.

10.2.6 A valve clapper assembly shall include no features which provide a path for leakage of water from
the supply side of valves to the system side. As an example, a tapped opening on the underside of a
clapper to receive a screw or bolt holding a retaining ring for a valve facing in position shall terminate
within the clapper metal.

10.2.7 The construction of and hinging of the moving parts of a valve shall be such that the parts do not
damage a clapper facing or seat ring by striking them during valve setting or during operation of the valve.

10.2.8 If a side plug is used to support a hinge pin, holes in the plugs shall be drilled concentric with the
screw threads. A bearing plug shall be made of bronze or other equally corrosion-resistant material and
shall be long enough to extend inside the walls of cast-iron bodies to provide an end bearing surface.

10.2.9 If a side plug is not used to support a hinge pin, bearings formed in cast iron or other materials
that have equivalent corrosive properties shall be equipped with bronze or equally corrosion-resistant
bushing material over the bearing surface of the hinge pin.

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11 Anti-Reseat Latches

11.1 Anti-reseat latches are required on all valves that are susceptible to collecting water above the
clapper (water column) or are undrainable from above the clapper after operation.

11.2 A latch and a latch spring shall be made of bronze or other equally corrosion-resistant material.

11.3 A latch-operating spring shall be of such construction and material that its function is not impaired
by intended stress. The spring shall be retained and arranged to prevent abrasion, binding, buckling, or
other interference with its free movement.

11.4 A latch shall be constructed to reduce the risk of its becoming sluggish in action or inoperative due
to corrosion or deposits of sediment or other foreign matter.

11.5 The valve construction shall be such that, during operation, a clapper assembly will unseat and
move to the wide-open position or to some intermediate position determined by the rate of water flow
through the valve. A clapper assembly shall not, under any condition, including reverse flow, return
automatically to the set position following stoppage of upward flow of water, and a latch shall be provided,
where necessary, to accomplish this.

12 Clapper Stops

12.1 When fully open, the clapper shall bear against a definite stop, the point of contact being so located
that impact or the reaction of the water does not tend to twist or bend the parts.

12.2 If a clapper latch or stop is located on the cover of the body, the cover shall be constructed so that
it cannot be attached to the body in any position other than its intended position.

13 Clapper Rings and Seat Rings

13.1 A metal-to-metal valve-seating surface shall be of bronze or other equally corrosion-resistant

material and shall have sufficient width of surface contact to withstand compression stresses and resist
damage due to pipe scale or foreign matter carried by the water.

13.2 The face of a metal clapper ring shall have dimensions such that all ferrous-metal parts of the
clapper are at least 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) away from the metal of the body or body seat ring.

13.3 The face of a metal seat ring in the body shall be raised not less than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) above
adjacent portions of the body castings.

13.4 A metal ring on which seating surfaces are formed may be threaded, dove-tailed, swaged, or
pressed in place, or may be an integral part of a valve body or clapper if the metal is appropriate for this
purpose.

13.5 A metal seat or valve ring contacted by a clapper facing made of rubber or other resilient material
shall be made of, or faced with, a material to which the clapper facing will not adhere. See Adhesion Test
for Resilient Seat Materials, Section 23.

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13.6 A rubber ring shall be held in place by rings or other fasteners made of bronze or equally
corrosion-resistant material.

13.7 A screw or other part used to hold a clapper facing clamping ring in place shall be of bronze or
equivalent material and large enough for adequate strength and ease of assembly and disassembly with
ordinary tools.

14 Clearances

14.1 Clearances shall be provided between working parts, and between working and stationary parts, so
that corrosion or deposits of foreign matter within an assembly do not render a valve sluggish in action or
inoperative.

14.2 The clearance between a clapper or a part attached thereto and the inside walls of iron body
castings in every position of the clapper, except wide open, shall be not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). This
clearance shall be not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) for a bronze-bodied valve.

14.3 There shall be clearances to the body casting or other parts of not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
around the hubs of a clapper arm.

14.4 The clearances between hinge pins and their bearings shall be not less than 0.005 inch (0.13 mm).

14.5 End clearance shall be provided between a clapper arm bearing and its cooperating side bearing
surfaces.

15 Valve Settings

15.1 A valve shall not be difficult to set properly, and setting the valve shall not require the services of
more than one person.

15.2 The construction of a valve shall be such that only tools normally employed by the trade are required
in the setting operation.

15.3 A cover enclosing any external valve mechanism shall be designed and located so that it does not
interfere with the setting of the valve or inspection of its parts.

15.4 Provision shall be made in the construction of a valve so that a valve cannot be placed in the set
position and pressures established at the valve seats without closure of all service openings through
which water could flow upon valve operation.

15.5 The valve shall be examined to determine that it is impossible, to return the valve to the set position
unless all of the major internal parts have been properly positioned and assembled within the valve.

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16 Valve Gags

16.1 The process of setting any valve shall not involve use of a temporary gag even though the gag is
automatically released when the valve is completely set.

16.2 A valve shall be constructed to resist gagging. Openings which would normally be plugged but which
could be used for the insertion of rods or sticks or other similar objects which would gag the valve without
requiring the removal of the cover plate shall be located in a manner that reduces the risk of such
insertion.

17 Priming Water
Section 17 deleted July 6, 2007

18 Intermediate Chamber Automatic Drain Valves

18.1 An automatic drain valve shall be provided for low differential dry pipe valves and valves
incorporating normally vented intermediate chambers. A drain valve may be located within the
intermediate chamber for closure by gravity when the clapper mechanism lifts, or it may be an externally
assembled flow- or velocity-type drain valve.
18.1 revised July 6, 2007

19 Priming Water

19.1 A valve requiring priming water to seal the air seat shall be provided with means for priming and a
means to prevent overfilling.

PERFORMANCE

20 General

20.1 Representative samples of each size and type of dry pipe and deluge valve together with auxiliary
devices shall be furnished and subjected to the tests described in these requirements. Test bars of metal
used in castings and additional samples of parts constructed of nonmetallic materials, such as valve-seat
discs, are required for physical and chemical tests.

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21 Metallic Materials Test

21.1 Specimen bars of metals used shall be prepared from the same heat or run of metal used in the
bodies and covers of valve samples submitted for investigation and test. The specimen bars shall comply
with the minimum physical property requirements of the applicable ASTM or nationally recognized
specifications.

22 Nonmetallic Materials Tests

22.1 General

22.1.1 A plastic or other nonmetallic part, other than elastomeric parts such as clapper facings and ″O″
rings, shall comply with the requirements of 22.2.1 – 22.2.4.

22.1.2 Elastomeric parts, except gaskets, of each size and type used in the various assemblies shall
comply with the requirements of 22.3.1 and 22.3.2.

22.2 Plastic parts

22.2.1 Following air-oven aging for 180 days at 121°C (250°F), there shall be no warping, creeping or
other signs of deterioration of a plastic component that may preclude the intended operation of the valve.
There shall be no cracking of any plastic component. A valve with aged plastic components shall
demonstrate acceptable performance when subjected to the normal operation test of 26.6; reseating test
of 26.7; and Deformation Test, Section 27.

22.2.2 A complete valve assembly, including the plastic parts, and sample plastic components to be aged
are to be supported in a full-draft, circulating-air oven that has been preheated at full draft, to 121 ±1°C
(250 ±1.8°F). Elastomeric facings or ″O″ rings may be included or excluded at the manufacturer’s option.
The manner of support is to be such that the samples are prevented from touching one another or the
sides of the oven. The samples are to be aged for 180 days at full draft and then allowed to cool in air at
23 ±2°C (73.4±3.6°F) for at least 24 hours before conducting any test or dimensional check. Prior to any
tests, elastomeric parts complying with 22.3.1 are to be installed, if not included in the aging test. As used
in this test, the term ″full draft″ refers to the air flow over the samples in the oven with the air inlet and
outlets fully open. The oven used for accelerated aging is to be Type IIA as specified in the Standard
Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens, ASTM E145.

22.2.3 If a plastic material cannot withstand the temperature indicated without softening, distortion, or
deterioration, an air-oven aging test at a lower temperature, minimum 87°C (189°F), for a longer period of
time may be used.

22.2.4 Following immersion in tap water at 87 ±2°C (189 ±3.6°F) for 180 days, there shall be no warping,
creeping, or other signs of deterioration of a plastic component that may preclude the intended operation
of the valve. There shall be no cracking of any plastic component. Valves with aged components shall
demonstrate acceptable performance when subjected to the normal operation test of 26.6; reseating test
of 26.7; and Deformation Test, Section 27.

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22.3 Elastomeric parts (except gaskets)

22.3.1 An elastomeric part used to provide a seal shall have the following properties when tested as
specified in the Standard for Gaskets and Seals, UL 157:

a) For silicone rubber (having poly-organo-siloxane as its constituent characteristic), a minimum

tensile strength of 500 psi (3.4 MPa) and a minimum ultimate elongation of 100 percent.

b) For natural rubber and synthetic rubber other than silicone rubber, a minimum tensile
strength of 1500 psi (10.3 MPa) and minimum ultimate elongation of 150 percent; or a minimum
tensile strength of 2200 psi (15.2 MPa) and a minimum ultimate elongation of 100 percent.

c) Those properties relating to maximum tensile set; minimum tensile strength and elongation
after oven aging; and hardness after oven aging, all as specified in UL 157. The maximum
service temperature used to determine the oven time and temperature for oven aging is
considered to be 60°C (140°F).

22.3.2 The Standard for Gaskets and Seals, UL 157, provides for the testing of either finished elastomeric
parts or sheet or slab material. Sheet or slab material shall be tested when the elastomeric parts are
O-rings having diameters of less than 1 inch (25.4 mm). The material tested is to be the same as that used
in the product, regardless of whether finished elastomeric parts or sheet or slab material is tested.

23 Adhesion Test for Resilient Seat Material

23.1 Conformance with the requirements of 13.5 is to be determined by tinning of the metal seat or by
immersion in tap water of a compression test fixture capable of use as specified in (a) – (e); and consisting
of a full circular seat or valve ring with a full section of resilient clapper facing material held together with
a bridging construction; or capable of accommodating a full section of resilient clapper facing material
placed between full sections of equal length of the seat or valve ring and clapper facing; or capable of
accommodating a 1-inch (25.4-mm) long section, measured along the central arc, of resilient clapper
facing material placed between plates of the same material as the seats or valve rings and clapper
facings, similar to that shown in Figure 23.1. The tests are to be conducted as follows:

a) The clapper facing material is to be placed in the compression test fixture and the fixture
compressed in a tension-compression machine until a load, Fc, is developed according to the
formula:

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where:

Fc is the test load, in pounds (N × 0.225), rounded to the nearest larger whole number;

D is the diameter, in inches (mm × 0.04), measured along the sectional center line of
the resilient valve seat material. This diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the seat
material minus the width of the material, see Figure 23.2;

p is the pressure rating of the valve, in psig (kPa × 0.145); and

l is the length, in inches (mm × 0.04), of the sample of resilient valve seat material
under test. If the sample is a complete circular sample, this length is the circumference
defined by diameter, D, see Figure 23.2.

b) The amount of compression required to achieve the force, Fc, in (a) is to be measured, in
millimeters, to the nearest 2 mm (.078 inches).

c) The compression fixture is to be removed from the tension-compression machine, and the
fixture compressed by its clamping means until the compression measured in (b) is achieved.

d) The clamped fixture is to be immersed for 90 days in tap water maintained at a temperature
of 87 ±2°C (189 ±4°F). Following 30 and 60 days of immersion, the assembly is to be removed
from the water, (a) – (c) are to be repeated, and the assembly reimmersed in the water.

e) Following 90 days of immersion, the fixture clamping means is to be removed and the fixture
left undisturbed for 1 hour. The fixture is then to be secured to the jaws of the tension-
compression testing machine. With the jaws separating at the rate of 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) per
minute, the tensile force required to separate the resilient clapper facing from the seat or ring
material is to be determined, and shall not exceed the force equivalent to a 5 psig (34.5 kPa)
differential acting over the area, A, defined by the diameter, D, see Figure 23.2.

This is generated text for figtxt.

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Figure 23.1
Test fixture for section of facing material

Figure 23.2
Dimensions of resilient facing material

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24 Installation Assembly Test

24.1 A valve shall be constructed to permit installation using tools ordinarily employed by pipe fitters.
Outside attachments and accessory equipment shall be capable of being securely attached without
difficulty.

24.2 At least one size of a given type, design, or class of valve, equipped with appropriate trim, is to be
installed in the position recommended by the manufacturer’s installation instructions above a gate valve
of similar size in a hydraulic system arranged for conducting the following tests. If the manufacturer’s
instructions call for installation in more than one position, the test installation is to be that presenting the
most difficulties in handling and assembling the valve in the piping. The various fittings and attachments
necessary for testing purposes are to be connected as part of this test.

25 Servicing Test for Valves Without Handhole Openings

25.1 A valve that does not incorporate a handhole opening, when tested as specified in 25.2 and 25.3,
shall be serviceable, including being able to be removed from the system piping and having its clapper
and end seals replaced, using ordinary hand tools in conjunction with any integral means provided with
the valve.

25.2 A valve, attached at both ends to appropriately-sized 6-inch long pipe spools, is to be placed in a
tension-compression testing machine. The valve assembly is to be subjected to a compression force
applied along the longitudinal axis of the pipe spools and of a magnitude equivalent to the weight of the
valve plus the additional compression force specified in Table 25.1 corresponding to the size of the pipe
used with the valve.

Table 25.1
Additional valve compression force

Valve pipe size, inches Pounds-force (N)

2 153 (680)
2-1/2 236 (1050)
3 323 (1437)
4 489 (2175)
6 944 (4199)
8 1507 (6703)
10 2237 (9950)

25.3 Following compression, the valve, or serviceable portion of the valve, as appropriate, and end seals
are to be removed from the pipe spools while under the compression load by the use of ordinary hand
tools along with any integral means provided with the valve. The seals are to be replaced and the valve
or valve portion, as appropriate, is then to be reinstalled between the pipe spools by the use of ordinary
hand tools along with any integral means provided with the valve.

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26 Operation Tests

26.1 General valve types

26.1.1 An assembled dry pipe or deluge valve and its parts shall, when tested with wide-open
water-supply valves, operate over a range of water-supply pressures from 5 psig (34.5 kPa) to the
maximum rated working pressure and have adequate strength to withstand the stresses imposed.

26.1.2 A clapper assembly, when in intermediate (partly open) positions, on latches, or otherwise, shall
be free to move from these positions toward more open positions if the flow rate is increased.

26.1.3 Under reverse-flow conditions, such as develop when two or more valves are supplied from the
same water main, the clapper assemblies of all valves, except low-differential dry pipe types, shall be
prevented (by latches or otherwise) from moving toward their seats.

26.1.4 To prevent water columning, a clapper assembly, when in the intermediate position established by
the flow of water at a supply pressure of 5 psig (34.5 kPa), shall prevent the establishment of a differential
pressure across the valve or be provided with a latching mechanism to hold the clapper assembly away
from the body seat ring.

26.1.5 A valve provided with an anti-reseat latch mechanism shall, when tested with an active water
supply valve wide open, operate so as to move the clapper assembly to an open position. Under full-flow
conditions the clapper assembly shall be wide open, and following stoppage of flow shall remain wide
open or be retained by the anti-reseat latch mechanism at a position sufficiently open to prevent damage
to the assembly under conditions of high-velocity reverse flow.

26.1.6 The various tests for operation of a valve are to be conducted with the valve installed as
recommended in the manufacturer’s installation instructions in a system of full-size piping having a water
supply sufficient to maintain the required service pressure at the various rates of flow for the duration of
each test. The discharge is to be piped to a system of approximately 500-gallon (1.9 m3) capacity. Such
a system is shown in Figure 26.1.

26.2 Differential type dry pipe valves

26.2.1 A valve operating on a differential pressure shall operate promptly after reduction of air pressure
in the system above the valve to the normal leak point.

26.2.2 The difference between the leak and trip air pressures shall not exceed 3 psig (20.7 kPa).

26.2.3 A differential-type valve shall operate within the average working differentials specified in 8.1 and
8.2.

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26.3 Latched-clapper type dry pipe valves

26.3.1 A latched-clapper dry pipe valve shall provide for positive operation under any setting condition
when the system air pressure is at the minimum value recommended by the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.

26.3.2 The air pressure at the trip point of a latched-clapper valve shall be constant or show an upward
trend as the water service pressure is increased.

26.4 Alarm devices

26.4.1 The point of connection of alarm piping to a valve shall be determined by a supplementary
operation test in accordance with 9.5.

26.5 Supplementary tripping devices

26.5.1 A valve constructed to operate in response to the action of a manual or automatic tripping device,
or combination thereof, shall operate promptly and positively as the result of such action.

26.5.2 Manual or automatic tripping devices, or combinations thereof, shall demonstrate repeatedly the
ability to operate in a reliable manner and to transmit the tripping action to the valve within the range of
response for which the device is designed.

26.6 Normal

26.6.1 A valve is to be subjected to a series of operation tests at water service pressures including at
least those of 5, 10, 15, and 20 psig (34, 69, 103, and 138 kPa), intermediate pressures in 10 psig (69
kPa) increments between 30 and 150 psig (207 and 1034 kPa), and at 155, 160, 165, and 175 psig (1069,
1103, 1138, and 1206 kPa).

26.6.2 A valve having a maximum rated working pressure higher than 175 psig (1206 kPa), in addition to
being tested at the pressures specified in 26.6.4, is to be tested at service pressures greater than 175 psig
(1206 kPa) in increments of 25 psig (172 kPa), up to and including the maximum rated working pressure
to the valve.

26.6.3 In preparation for each test, clapper seats and seat rings and any other operating parts are to be
cleaned. The main clapper member is then to be properly seated and the valve placed in the set position.
The cover plate is to be bolted in place.

26.6.4 If a dry pipe valve is to be tested, the proper priming water level is to be established, and the
system air pressure is to be established at the valve and in the system test piping. The exact air pressure
in the system piping, the pressure at which the valve leaked, and the pressure at which it tripped are to
be recorded. The exact water service pressure effective on the water seat of the valve is to be recorded
for each test. From this data, the differential of the valve is to be computed. Subsequently, observations
are to be made of the position of the valve clapper member with relation to its anti-reseat latching
mechanism after each operation.

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26.6.5 Supplementary operation tests of dry pipe valves are also to be conducted under full-flow
conditions and shall comply with the requirements of 9.5.

26.6.6 When a deluge valve is being tested, the clapper latching mechanism is to be placed in the set
position. The main water-supply valve is then to be opened wide, and the valve is to be operated using
supplemental and manual tripping devices. The pressures on tripping mechanisms are to be recorded
before test and at the trip point when these devices are used. The water service pressure is to be
recorded and observations made after the test of the position of the valve clapper member with relation
to its anti-reseat mechanism.

26.7 Reseating test

26.7.1 When tested as specified in 26.7.1 – 26.7.5, the latch and clapper of a valve shall not be damaged,
as evidenced by careful examination of the latch and clapper.

26.7.2 The test valve is to be installed above a gate valve in the system piping in its normal installation
position as shown in Figure 26.1. The valve is to be supplied with water from a header on which a second
6-inch automatic water-supply control valve (dry pipe or deluge) is installed and arranged to discharge to
a sump through a 6-inch pipe opening. Water is to be supplied to the header through a series of valves.
The discharge from the valve under test is to be connected to a piping system having approximately
500-gallon (1.9 m3) capacity.

This is generated text for figtxt.

Figure 26.1
Reseating test

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26.7.3 The clapper of the test valve is to be manually opened to the widest operating position found in
the operating tests and latched in this position, and the cover plate is to be bolted in place. Water is to be
admitted into the valve body and system piping to a level sufficient so that there is water on the system
side of the valve. Air is to be pumped into the overhead piping to the values shown in Table 26.1, and the
gate valve controlling the test valve is to be opened. Water is then to be allowed to flow through the test
valve into the overhead piping, trapping the air previously admitted, simulating a system in the tripped
condition.

Table 26.1
Reseating tests

Test No.* Service pressure, Initial air pressure, Supply Valve Position

Psig (kPa) Psig (kPa)

1 100 (689) 60 (345) 2-inch supply valve open
2 100 (689) 100 (689) 2-inch supply valve open
3 100 (689) 100 (689) All supply valves closed
4 150 (1034) 100 (689) All supply valves closed
5 150 (1034) 125 (862) All supply valves closed
6 175 (1207) 125 (862) All supply valves closed
7 200 (1379) 150 (1034) All supply valves closed
8 225 (1551) 150 (1034) All supply valves closed
9 250 (1724) 150 (1034) All supply valves closed
a All valves are to be subjected to test Nos. 1 – 6; valves having higher rated service pressures are also to be

subjected to Test Nos. 7 – 9, as applicable, to correlate the valve’s maximum rated pressure with the test service
pressure.

26.7.4 The water-supply pressure is then to be adjusted to the values shown in Table 26.1 and the supply
valves at the entrance to the header adjusted in accordance with Table 26.1.

26.7.5 The adjacent automatic water-supply control (dry pipe or deluge) valve is then to be tripped at
each condition listed in Table 26.1 causing reverse flow of water and entrapped system air through the
valve under test. The test valve is then to be opened and the clapper and latch carefully examined for
damage.

26.8 Wet pilot sprinkler line limitations tests

26.8.1 The operating characteristics of a deluge valve are to be determined with relation to the maximum
height at which wet sprinklers are to be placed above the valve.

26.8.2 The manufacturer’s installation instructions shall provide pilot piping system limitations for a range
of service-water pressures between 20 psig (138 kPa) and the rated pressure and in accordance with the
formulas and examples shown in Appendix A. In determining the pilot line limitations, the actuator trip
point pressure as measured during the testing described in 26.6, is to be divided by 1.5 before applying
the formulas.

Exception: A manufacturer’s calculation method which yields a more restrictive pilot piping system
limitation may be used.

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27 Deformation Test

27.1 Valves with mechanical latching mechanisms

27.1.1 A valve in which the clapper is held in the set position by means of hold-down latches, a bearing
post against which a clapper bears, or other method of mechanically applying force to the clapper, shall:

a) Not deform;

b) Operate normally; and

c) Not leak water past the valve seat after being subjected for 2 hours to a water-service
pressure of twice the maximum rated pressure applied to the valve clapper in the set position.

27.1.2 The valve is to be installed on a test fixture and the clapper member placed in the set position. A
service pressure of twice the maximum rated pressure is to be established on the supply side of the valve,
and this pressure is to be maintained for 2 hours. Observations are to be made to note any sign of
leakage.

27.1.3 At the conclusion of the application of pressure, the parts of the valve are to be examined for any
signs of damage or deformation. The valve is then to be subjected to operation tests at varying service
pressures.

27.1.4 Weepage of water past a metal-to-metal valve seat that does not exceed 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) per
hour per inch of nominal valve size is considered acceptable.

27.2 Valves without mechanical latching mechanisms

27.2.1 A valve not incorporating a latching mechanism and intended for operation at ″low differential″
(see 8.2) shall not deform and not leak water past the valve seat when subjected, for a period of 2 hours,
to a hydrostatic pressure of twice the rated pressure exerted on the system side of the valve clapper.

27.2.2 The system side of the valve is to be fitted with appropriate fittings and filled with water so as to
exclude all air. A hydrostatic pressure equal to twice the rated pressure is to be applied and maintained
for 2 hours.

27.2.3 Observations are to be made for leakage, and at the conclusion of the application of pressure, the
parts of the valve are to be examined for any signs of damage or distortion. The valve shall then be
subjected to operation tests at varying service pressures. See 26.6.1 – 26.6.6.

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28 Hydraulic Friction Loss Test

28.1 Head losses due to hydraulic friction shall not exceed 3 psi (21 kPa) at a flow velocity of 15 feet per
second (4.57 m/s) based upon the open area in Schedule 40 pipe of the same nominal size as the valve.

Exception: Head losses due to hydraulic friction may exceed 3 psi (20.7 kPa) at a flow rate of 15 feet per
second (4.6 m/s) in the full size pipe connection to the valve, if the device is marked to indicate that it is
to be used only in hydraulically calculated systems. See 33.4 for marking requirements.

28.2 The sample valve is to be installed in its intended position in a test piping system. This test line is
to be equipped with a calibrated nozzle setup or other means by which selected rates of flow can be
established. A differential gauge is to be connected to piezometer fittings located upstream and
downstream from the test valve by means of which the loss-of-head between the two piezometer fittings
is measured. Selected flow rates are to be established and the loss-of-head through the valve plus the
loss through the piping between piezometers for each rate of flow is to be determined.
28.2 revised July 6, 2007

28.3 The sample valve is then to be removed from the test piping and the loss-of-head for test piping
located between the piezometer fittings is to be determined for the same rates of flow. The loss-of-head
for the valve is then to be determined by subtracting the losses over the piping alone from the losses over
the piping and valve.

29 Body Leakage Test

29.1 An assembled valve shall withstand, without leakage, an internal hydrostatic pressure of two times
the rated pressure for 1 minute.

29.2 During the test, the valve clappers are to be blocked open to impress the test pressure an all parts
of the assembly.

30 Strength of Body Test

30.1 An assembled valve shall withstand, without rupture, an internal hydrostatic pressure of five times
the maximum rated pressure for valve sizes 6 inches (152 mm) and smaller and four times the maximum
rated pressure for valve sizes 8 inches (203 mm) and larger applied for 1 minute. During this test, the
valve clappers are to be blocked open to impress the test pressure on all parts of the assembly subjected
to the rated pressure may be substituted.

30.2 The hydrostatic test for strength of body castings, flanges, covers, and the like, is not considered a
test for gaskets or seals. Gaskets used with castings or parts having a large area may be reinforced. Other
materials capable of withstanding the pressure may be substituted.

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31 Automatic Drain Valves

31.1 Flow- or velocity-type drain valves employed for normally venting intermediate chambers of valves
shall, following closure, remain closed during system drainage until the pressure effective at the clapper
or ball becomes less than 2 psig (13.8 kPa). The valves shall open at a pressure between 0.5 and 2.0
psig (3.5 and 13.8 kPa). These valves shall incorporate provisions for manually determining that the
intermediate chamber of a dry pipe valve is open to the atmosphere.

31.2 Flow- or velocity-type drain valves shall be provided with a means of manually opening the drain
valve when the valve is under pressure.

MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION TESTS

32 General

32.1 The manufacturer shall provide the necessary production control, inspection, and tests. The program
shall include at least the following:

a) The manufacturer shall check each dry pipe valve of the differential type for leakage past the
air and water seat. With the clapper in the closed position, the valve body is to be filled with
water above the air seat. Pressure is to be applied at a rate not exceeding 10 psig (69 kPa) in
30 seconds until a pressure of 10 psig (69 kPa) above the trip point is reached, and this
pressure is to be maintained for 3 minutes. The water service pressure is to be not less than 25
psig (172 kPa). During the application of pressure, the valve is to be checked for leakage at the
intermediate chamber drain. At any of the test pressures, the valve shall not show leakage in
excess of 0.1 fluid ounce (3 ml) per minute.

b) The manufacturer shall check each deluge valve for leakage past the water seat. With the
valve in the set position, service pressure is to be applied to the inlet side and held for 3
minutes. The valve shall not show leakage in excess of 0.1 fluid ounce per minute at a service
pressure of not less than 25 psig (172 kPa).

c) The manufacturer shall conduct an operation test on each dry pipe or deluge valve at a
service pressure of at least 25 psig (172 kPa) and not exceeding 100 psig (690 kPa). On
differential and low-differential valves, the working differential shall comply with the requirements
in 8.1 and 8.2. All valves shall operate positively, and all valves except low-differential valves
shall latch in the open position.

d) The manufacturer shall check each dry pipe and deluge valve for body leakage with the
clapper in the open position. A hydrostatic test conducted at twice rated pressure shall disclose
no leakage through the body or at joints, deformation, cracks, or other evidence of weakness.
Castings shall be smooth, free of scale, lumps, cracks, blisters, sand holes, and defects of any
nature which could make them unfit for the use for which they are intended. A casting shall not
be plugged or filled; however, impregnation to remove porosity is permissible.

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MARKING

33 General

33.1 A dry pipe or deluge valve shall be marked with all of the following:

a) Name or trademark of the manufacturer or private labeler.

b) Nominal size of valve.

c) Distinctive model number, catalog designation, or the equivalent.

d) Rated pressure.

e) Year of manufacture. A valve produced in the last 3 months of a calendar year may be
marked with the following year as the date of manufacture. A valve produced in the first 6
months of a calendar year may be marked with the previous year as the date of manufacture.

f) Position of installation, if the valve is intended to be installed only in the horizontal position. If
the valve is designed to operate in the vertical and horizontal positions, the marking is not
required.

33.2 Except as specified in 33.6, markings required by 33.1 (a) – (d) and (f) shall be letters and figures
that are at least 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high for a 3-inch or smaller valve and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) high for a valve
larger than 3 inches. Markings shall be raised not less than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) above or recessed not
less than 0.050 inch (1.3 mm) below the surface of the body or cover.

33.3 Except as indicated in 33.6, the marking required by 33.1(e) shall be cast in characters sized in
accordance with 33.2 or stamped on a flat space provided for the purpose, using figures of the height
specified in 33.2.

33.4 Except as indicated in 33.6, the marking required by 28.1 shall be included on the valve body casting
to form a permanent part of the assembly and shall include the observed friction loss stated as equivalent
feet-of-pipe of a size equal to that of the valve, using figures of the height specified in 33.2.

33.5 If a manufacturer produces valve assemblies at more than one factory, each individual assembly
shall have a distinctive marking to identify it as the product of a particular factory.

33.6 The markings required by 33.1 (a) – (e) and by 33.4 may be placed on an etched or stamped metal
nameplate permanently mounted on the valve or cover plate using letters a minimum of 3/16 inch (4.8
mm) high and 0.005 inch (0.13 mm) deep.

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INSTRUCTIONS

34 Installation Instructions and Trim Drawings

34.1 Installation instructions shall be provided with each valve assembly. The instructions shall include an
illustration showing the valve trim as specified by the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,
ANSI/NFPA 13, pilot characteristics (as determined in 26.8), and cross-section assembly views to explain
the valve operation. The valve trim drawing shall specify the type of accessories (that is, shutoff valves,
drains, fittings, and the like) for use as trim.

34.2 The instructions shall include directions for care and maintenance and shall detail the method for
setting the valve. The instructions shall include the following statement or equivalent: ″Where difficulty in
performance is experienced, the manufacturer or his authorized representative shall be contacted if any
field adjustment is to be made.″

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APPENDIX A – METHOD OF CALCULATION FOR WET PILOT LINE LENGTH

General

Many deluge valves for use with wet pilot lines use a diaphragm actuator or hydraulic cylinder to generate
a force to hold the valve closed. When the water pressure in the actuator is reduced to a specific value,
the valve will open.

A simple hydraulic circuit is shown below and equation (1) is given that describes the actuator pressure
at the valve trip point in terms of the height of the pilot line (Ph), the friction loss for the total length of the
pilot line (Pfl), and the pressure drop at the remote sprinkler (Ps), which upon actuation relieves the wet
pilot line pressure.

The pressure and water flow in the wet pilot line is controlled by an orifice placed in the valve trim close
to the actuator. At the valve trip point, the actuator pressure can be measured and the flow through this
orifice can be calculated for any given value of water supply pressure at the orifice inlet and valve trip
pressure at the orifice outlet.

This is generated text for figtxt.

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Figure A.1
Typical deluge system with wet pilot line

Pa = Ph + Pfl + Ps (Equation 1)

Pfl = Pa − (Ph + Ps) (Equation 2)

in which:

Pa is the adjusted actuator trip point pressure (actuator trip pressure divided by 1.5 as specified in 26.8.2) in psi;

Ph is the maximum height at any point along the wet pilot line in equivalent pressure in psi;

Pfl is the friction loss, in psi, for the entire length of wet pilot line to the remote sprinkler; and

Ps is the pressure drop, in psi, across the remote sprinkler relieving the pressure in the wet pilot line.

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The equation for sharp-edged orifice is:

in which:

Q is the flow through the orifice in gallons per minute;

K is the orifice coefficient (0.61 for square-edged orifice);

d is the diameter of the orifice in inches;

∆P is P2 – P1, the pressure drop across the orifice in psi;

P2 is the supply pressure in psi; and

P1 is the trip point for a given supply pressure in psi.

If the length of the pilot line from the orifice to the actuator is negligible,

P1 = Pa

The pressure drop across the remote pilot line sprinkler, with a flow through it of Q calculated above, is
then determined.

Ps = (Q)2/(K′)2

in which:

Ps is the pressure drop across the sprinkler orifice in psi;

Q is the flow rate through the sharp-edge orifice in gallons per minute; and

K′ is the sprinkler K-factor.

Assuming a given height for a wet pilot line, the friction loss in psi (Pfl) can be determined from equation
(2).

Pfl = Pa − (Ph + P) (sEquation 2)

For a flow of Q through the wet pilot line at the trip point pressure, the friction loss (P) in psi/ft. can be
determined from the Hazen-Williams formula:

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in which:

P is the pipe friction loss per foot of length (psi/ft);

Q is the flow rate through the orifice in gallons per minute;

D is the pipe I.D. in inches; and

C is the roughness coefficient (use 120 as the value for pilot piping).

When Pfl and P have been determined, the length of wet pilot line, L, can be calculated:

in which:

L is the equivalent hydraulic length of wet pipe line in feet;

Pfl is the pipe friction loss, in psi, for the entire length of wet pilot line; and

P is the pipe friction loss in psi per foot length.

Example:

Assume a deluge valve has a 160 psi water supply pressure and the adjusted deluge valve
actuator pressure is 40 psi (60 psi/1.5). The maximum pilot height at any point is 50 feet;
nominal 1/2-inch orifice sprinklers (K = 5.6) are used with 1/2-inch schedule 40 pipe. The orifice
diameter in the line supplying water to the actuator is 0.125 inch.

The water flowing through the orifice at the trip point is:

Q = 29.8 (K) (d2) √∆P (psi)

Q = 29.8 (0.61)(0.125)2 √160 −40

Q = 3.11 gpm

The pressure drop across the remote pilot line sprinkler is:
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Ps = (Q)2/ (K′)2

= (3.11)2/(5.6)2

= 0.31 psi

The maximum pilot height converted to psi is:

Ph = 50/2.307

Ph = 21.7 psi

The pilot line friction loss (Pfl), in psi, can now be calculated:

Pfl = Pa − (Ph + Ps)

= 40 − (21.7 + 0.31)

= 18.0 psi

The wet pilot line friction loss, in psi/ft, can be calculated using the Hazen-Williams formula:

P = 4.52∗Q1.85∗/[(C)1.85 ∗(D)4.87]

P = 4.52 (3.11)1.85 /[(120)1.85∗(0.622)4.87]

P = 0.053 psi/ft

The maximum pilot line length:

L = Pfl/P

L = 18/0.053

L = 339 ft

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JULY 6, 2007 DRY PIPE AND DELUGE VALVES FOR FIRE-PROTECTION SERVICE - UL 260 B1

APPENDIX B – CLEARANCES MEASUREMENT REFERENCE

B1 General

B1.1 Bushing dimensions

B1.1.1 See Figure B1.1 and Table B1.1 for bushing dimensions and standard references.
This is generated text for figtxt.

Figure B1.1
Bushing dimensions

Table B1.1
Bushing references

Standard reference Requirement

10.2.1, 10.2.4 L3 – L2
10.2.1, 10.2.4 L4 – L1
14.5 L4 – L3

B1.2 Radial clearances

B1.2.1 See 14.2 (R2 – R1), and Figure B1.2 for radial clearance.

B1.3 Diametrical clearances

B1.3.1 See 10.2.7 (D2 – D1), and Figure B1.2 for diametrical clearances.

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Figure B1.2
Bushings – radial and diametrical clearances

B1.4 Total axial clearances

B1.4.1 See Figures B1.3, B1.4, and Table B1.2 for axial clearances and standard references.

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Figure B1.3
Bushing – total axial clearances, front view

Table B1.2
Total axial clearances

Standard reference Requirement

10.2.4, 14.5 L2 – L3
10.2.1 L3 – L2/2
14.4 D1 – D2
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Figure B1.4
Bushing – side view

B1.5 Body clearances

B1.5.1 See Figure B1.5 and Table B1.2 for body clearances and standard references.

This is generated text for figtxt.

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Figure B1.5
Body clearances

Table B1.3
Body-clapper clearances – open position

Standard reference Requirement

14.3 A
14.2 B

B1.6 Clapper clearances

B1.6.1 See Figure B1.6 and Table B1.4 for body clearances and standard references.

This is generated text for figtxt.

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Figure B1.6
Valve body and clapper clearances

Table B1.4
Body-clapper clearances – closed position

Standard reference Requirement

13.2 D
13.3 C

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JULY 6, 2007 DRY PIPE AND DELUGE VALVES FOR FIRE-PROTECTION SERVICE - CRG 260 CRG1

CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS COMPARISON GUIDE CRG 260

UL AND CANADIAN STANDARDS FOR DRY PIPE and DELUGE VALVES for
FIRE-PROTECTION SERVICE

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Product Category: Sprinkler System and Water Spray System Devices

UL Category Control Number: VKYL, VLFT, VLJH, VLTR, VPZV

UL Standard:
Standard for Dry Pipe and Deluge Valves for Fire-Protection Service
UL 260
Seventh Edition

Canadian Standard:
ULC Guide for Investigation of Dry Pipe, Deluge, and Pre-Action Valves for Fire-
Protection Service
No. C260-1975
First Edition

This CRG is not included in the ANSI approval.

This Canadian Requirement Comparison Guide is only intended to identify Canadian requirements that
must be applied in addition to the requirements in the UL Standard to obtain a C-UL Mark. The guide is
not intended to replace a thorough review and comparison of the requirements applicable to the product
category as contained in the applicable UL and Canadian Standards. Where requirements are not
specifically addressed, compliance with the requirements in the UL Standard satisfy the requirements in
the Canadian Standard.

The actual requirements applied for a C-UL product investigation may differ from those identified in this
guide based on the specific features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems used in the
product.

CRG: 260
Issue No.: 2
March 17, 2004

Revisions of this guide will be made by issuing revised or additional pages bearing their date of issue. A
Canadian Requirement Comparison Guide is current only if it incorporates the most recently adopted
revisions, all of which are itemized on the transmittal notice that accompanies the latest set of revision
pages for the Guide.

The following outlines the requirements contained in ULC C260-1975 that are in addition to the
requirements in UL 260 that must be met in order for a product to bear the appropriate UL Marking. UL
provides a certification program for products that meet the Canadian requirements. The c-UL Mark is the
manufacturer’s assurance that products as evaluated by UL, continue to comply with the appropriate
Canadian requirements.

Copyright © 2004 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

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Requirements Topics ULC Clause Comparison

Construction and Assembly – Sizes 4.1 Valve sizes are limited to 2 to 8 inches
(50.8 to 203.2 mm).
4.2 Six-inch valves may be provided with
8-inch (203.2-mm) end flanges.
Construction and Assembly – Bodies and 7.5 Main drain for 2 inch (50.8 mm) valve to
Covers be a minimum 1-inch (25.4-mm).
7.7 Body handhole openings shall be
provided for access to working parts.
7.9 No stud or tap bolt less than 3/4 inch (19
mm) for 6 and 8 inch (152.4 and 203.2
mm) valves shall be used to assemble
castings subject to full water pressure.
Construction and Assembly – Valve 8.10 Hinge-pin bearings to have a length not
Mechanisms less than the diameter of the hinge-pin.
Clapper Rings and Seat Rings 11.6 Minimum tensile strength of 1500 psi
(10.3 MPa) and minimum ultimate
elongation of 300 percent, minimum
tensile strength of 2200 psi (15.2 MPa)
and minimum ultimate elongation of 200
percent.
Construction and Assembly – Clearances 12.4 The clearance between the hinge-pin and
the bearings shall not be more than 0.05
inch (1.27 mm).
12.5 The end clearance between clapper arm
bearings and side bearings shall be at
least 1/16 inch (1.59 mm).

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