Fire supression systems
- Thread starter grizzley
- Start date
Douglas Hicks
Member
1. Me.
2. yes
3. Why does your question not apply to those who are lisenced to work on suppressoin systems? Anyone who works on suppression systems and claims they have not set off systems will tell you other lies.The guy who taught me systems (25 years experience) said I could not considor myself to be an expert until I set off a system. I am proud to say I am an expert. There should be no reason to need to disarm a fire system. Fusible links are rated at 350*F and up. I do not know what temperature your PW puts out, but sureley not 350*F. There are several reasons why a system would go off while cleaning
1. Poor cable crimps. Probably the most common
2. Loose link housings
3. Improper cable adjustment
4. Old links, more than 1 year old. Look at the dates
5. Service done by improperly trained tech
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
2. yes
3. Why does your question not apply to those who are lisenced to work on suppressoin systems? Anyone who works on suppression systems and claims they have not set off systems will tell you other lies.The guy who taught me systems (25 years experience) said I could not considor myself to be an expert until I set off a system. I am proud to say I am an expert. There should be no reason to need to disarm a fire system. Fusible links are rated at 350*F and up. I do not know what temperature your PW puts out, but sureley not 350*F. There are several reasons why a system would go off while cleaning
1. Poor cable crimps. Probably the most common
2. Loose link housings
3. Improper cable adjustment
4. Old links, more than 1 year old. Look at the dates
5. Service done by improperly trained tech
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
grizzley
Member
Douglas Hicks said:
Because if you are licensed, you most likely disarm the system to prevent hitting it with during cleaning. That's why I was gearing it towards the hood cleaners that are not licensed for systems.
Myself, I disarm them. 1 minute of disarming will save you allot of time when you accidently set it off. And yes, I am licensed for systems.
We mentioned that we use alum foil, however with caution. If you hit the foil with hot s/h it will shrivel up making it touchy to remove from the link. Also, if you turn on the fan while applying chem the foil may be pulled up and wrap around the impeller. Makes a horrible noise until removed or it breaks away.
Other things that may cause suppression system to discharge (Douglas can feel free to correct me - he knows much more than I):
(1) Cold flow from overtensioning - you could simply be there at wrong time.
(2) Physical impact.
(3) Too hot & aggressive chem.
(4) Heat - the new broilers emit incredible heat - gotta leave on fan until cools sufficiently.
Twice I have seen systems deploy - in the early AM with no one else around to blame. Didn't make me an expert, but I am fortunate to have an expert who I can call day or night to cover me.
Question for Douglas - I think I have seen links rated much less than 350 degrees - unless I'm mistaken I think it was 190 at a M'ds (fryer?). Am I correct or just suffering from oldtimers disease? B/T/W, some cleaners use an industrial steam machine - some are capable of putting out much more than 300 degrees. I remember Douglas once posted he had an experience with one such who set off a system in Idaho by using a steamer.
Richard
Other things that may cause suppression system to discharge (Douglas can feel free to correct me - he knows much more than I):
(1) Cold flow from overtensioning - you could simply be there at wrong time.
(2) Physical impact.
(3) Too hot & aggressive chem.
(4) Heat - the new broilers emit incredible heat - gotta leave on fan until cools sufficiently.
Twice I have seen systems deploy - in the early AM with no one else around to blame. Didn't make me an expert, but I am fortunate to have an expert who I can call day or night to cover me.
Question for Douglas - I think I have seen links rated much less than 350 degrees - unless I'm mistaken I think it was 190 at a M'ds (fryer?). Am I correct or just suffering from oldtimers disease? B/T/W, some cleaners use an industrial steam machine - some are capable of putting out much more than 300 degrees. I remember Douglas once posted he had an experience with one such who set off a system in Idaho by using a steamer.
Richard
Douglas Hicks
Member
reply to Mr. RJTravel, who must be extremly intelligent as he is aware of my vast knowledge.
(1) Cold flow from overtensioning- you could be there at the wrong time.
Cold flow is more correctly known as cold creep, aluded to in my post # 4, old links. From Globe "The fusible alloy that is used in the manufacturieng of fusiblel inks undergoes a phenomenon know as Creep or Cold Flow. It is the continuous application of load versus time that will ultimatly fracture the link." Cold flow or cold creep is the result of many cycles of heating and cooling of the link. After time, the solder begins to flow during the heat cycle. Then w/o warning or apparant cause, the link fails. That is one reason why links are to be changed every 6 months. Links have information stamped on them. The model of the links, ML or K, temperature rating 135*F to 500*F,and the date of manufacture will be found stamped on the link.
(2) Physical impact. I have hit the links w/my wand and had no problem, but I do not reccomend that activity. I would be more concerned w/a cleaner trying to clean the link w/the chemical and pressure. The job of the hood cleaner is not to clean the link. Don't worry about the grease on the link. The responsibility of link maintence is the suppresion service company.
(3) Too hot and aggresive chemical. I am not sure how important the chemical is. We have all made up the hottest chemical possible. I know of a very knowegble cleaner from Colorado who adds powdered chemical until the saturation point is reached. I may mix dry SH and cardio-blast until the skin on my fingers dissolves. I have not seen a problem w/hot chemical, but I change links when I service the suppression system. If I do not service the system, it is not my problem. Again from Globe "NFPA Bulletin 96 section 11.4.7 indicates that "Cleaning Chemicals shall not be applied on fusible links". Globe Technologies Corporation strongly recommends that the Fusible links be wiped and cleaned with a wet cloth and not by the application of cleaning chemicals or steam. "
(4) Heat- New broilers......... That is something I did not list. But I do know the decal on hoods that instructs the cook to "Turn on Fan before turning on Appliances" is there for a reason. I have made several $ because the cook chose to ignore the decal. If I am in a resturant and notice the fans are not on, I enter the time, date in the customer file. This also leds to cold creep. One AM, about 4:00 AM we were finishing a job. I had just finished resetting the Range Guard control head when my helper came running back to me. When Dewey gets excited he stutters, "The sp... sp... spr... sprinks... the things are leaking!" I casually walked to the cooking line. I was very pleased to see my work on the suppression system was working excactly as intended. Two six gallon tanks were cooling the appliances, the gas valve shut off the gas. The cook had shut off the exhaust fan, fired up the line and set off the system. I just smiled, got out the pw hose, and hosed off the cooking line and hood. Dewey vacuumed up the mess and I tossed the cook some rags so he could start wiping. I told the kitchen mgr what happened and that breakfast would be about 30 minutes late. I replaced all of the nozzles, changed the links and recharged the tanks. I billed for my recharges, because the cause was not my fault.
Question from Robert
You are right, there are links much less than 350*F. Globe supplies 135*f links. McD specifies 165*F links over the fryer. The only time I used those links was on a remodel. McD got a new kitchen. McD furnished all of the parts except for some fittings and the conduit. The job was scheduled for 6 weeks from demolition to opening day. The schedule was kept. I was finishing the 3 Ansul systems on Saturday as employee training was taking place. I finished, called the fire station for a truck company to witness the trip test and got my piece of paper and went home. The trick companygot free food. Monday AM was grand opening. The place was packed. At 11:55 AM the sytem over the 3 vat fryer did what it was designed to do. They called me. I told them to dump the grease, wipe everything down fill the fryer w/new grease and that I would be on my way in 15 minutes. They told me Ken was on the job. I told them I would stay by the phone, waiting for progress reports from Ken & to answer questions. Ken had 2 fryers up and running before they could get 1 fryer done. Ken reset the gas valve, located the activated link, and saved it for me. I showed up at midnight, did my investigation, flushed the tank, piping, nozzles, and replaced the links. I took the 165*F links that McD supplied and threw them away. I installed the 450*F links that I use. At 7:00 AM I met UPS, got parts charged the tanks, and they were back in business. My customer said thank you. McD is aware the links activate too quickly, but would rather have unneeded activations than a black spot on the ground. Years ago, I did have a large company from Boise set off a system. At that time, they used a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner heat set off the suppression system. Then they said everything was fine and the kitchen was ready to go. Then they ran away. Everything was not fine, the gas appliances would not operate. I arrived on scene to find the fire system tripped. I recharged the system, reset the gas valve. My customer was in business.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon,Inc
(1) Cold flow from overtensioning- you could be there at the wrong time.
Cold flow is more correctly known as cold creep, aluded to in my post # 4, old links. From Globe "The fusible alloy that is used in the manufacturieng of fusiblel inks undergoes a phenomenon know as Creep or Cold Flow. It is the continuous application of load versus time that will ultimatly fracture the link." Cold flow or cold creep is the result of many cycles of heating and cooling of the link. After time, the solder begins to flow during the heat cycle. Then w/o warning or apparant cause, the link fails. That is one reason why links are to be changed every 6 months. Links have information stamped on them. The model of the links, ML or K, temperature rating 135*F to 500*F,and the date of manufacture will be found stamped on the link.
(2) Physical impact. I have hit the links w/my wand and had no problem, but I do not reccomend that activity. I would be more concerned w/a cleaner trying to clean the link w/the chemical and pressure. The job of the hood cleaner is not to clean the link. Don't worry about the grease on the link. The responsibility of link maintence is the suppresion service company.
(3) Too hot and aggresive chemical. I am not sure how important the chemical is. We have all made up the hottest chemical possible. I know of a very knowegble cleaner from Colorado who adds powdered chemical until the saturation point is reached. I may mix dry SH and cardio-blast until the skin on my fingers dissolves. I have not seen a problem w/hot chemical, but I change links when I service the suppression system. If I do not service the system, it is not my problem. Again from Globe "NFPA Bulletin 96 section 11.4.7 indicates that "Cleaning Chemicals shall not be applied on fusible links". Globe Technologies Corporation strongly recommends that the Fusible links be wiped and cleaned with a wet cloth and not by the application of cleaning chemicals or steam. "
(4) Heat- New broilers......... That is something I did not list. But I do know the decal on hoods that instructs the cook to "Turn on Fan before turning on Appliances" is there for a reason. I have made several $ because the cook chose to ignore the decal. If I am in a resturant and notice the fans are not on, I enter the time, date in the customer file. This also leds to cold creep. One AM, about 4:00 AM we were finishing a job. I had just finished resetting the Range Guard control head when my helper came running back to me. When Dewey gets excited he stutters, "The sp... sp... spr... sprinks... the things are leaking!" I casually walked to the cooking line. I was very pleased to see my work on the suppression system was working excactly as intended. Two six gallon tanks were cooling the appliances, the gas valve shut off the gas. The cook had shut off the exhaust fan, fired up the line and set off the system. I just smiled, got out the pw hose, and hosed off the cooking line and hood. Dewey vacuumed up the mess and I tossed the cook some rags so he could start wiping. I told the kitchen mgr what happened and that breakfast would be about 30 minutes late. I replaced all of the nozzles, changed the links and recharged the tanks. I billed for my recharges, because the cause was not my fault.
Question from Robert
You are right, there are links much less than 350*F. Globe supplies 135*f links. McD specifies 165*F links over the fryer. The only time I used those links was on a remodel. McD got a new kitchen. McD furnished all of the parts except for some fittings and the conduit. The job was scheduled for 6 weeks from demolition to opening day. The schedule was kept. I was finishing the 3 Ansul systems on Saturday as employee training was taking place. I finished, called the fire station for a truck company to witness the trip test and got my piece of paper and went home. The trick companygot free food. Monday AM was grand opening. The place was packed. At 11:55 AM the sytem over the 3 vat fryer did what it was designed to do. They called me. I told them to dump the grease, wipe everything down fill the fryer w/new grease and that I would be on my way in 15 minutes. They told me Ken was on the job. I told them I would stay by the phone, waiting for progress reports from Ken & to answer questions. Ken had 2 fryers up and running before they could get 1 fryer done. Ken reset the gas valve, located the activated link, and saved it for me. I showed up at midnight, did my investigation, flushed the tank, piping, nozzles, and replaced the links. I took the 165*F links that McD supplied and threw them away. I installed the 450*F links that I use. At 7:00 AM I met UPS, got parts charged the tanks, and they were back in business. My customer said thank you. McD is aware the links activate too quickly, but would rather have unneeded activations than a black spot on the ground. Years ago, I did have a large company from Boise set off a system. At that time, they used a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner heat set off the suppression system. Then they said everything was fine and the kitchen was ready to go. Then they ran away. Everything was not fine, the gas appliances would not operate. I arrived on scene to find the fire system tripped. I recharged the system, reset the gas valve. My customer was in business.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon,Inc
One more thought just overcame me. Once we saw one of the 'scissors' links which had the wire improperly routed. It is not necessary to attain Douglas' surpassing erudition to be able to see this - even a lowly greaser like me could see that something was wrong, and we decided to keep away from that area and report to the suppression company on tag. When I re-entered the kitchen the system was in process of dumping. My helper swears he did not touch it. A few points to preface my question: (1) We have seen cables so grease-compacted that it is virtually inoperable. (2) Some 'technicians' simply tag it w/o checking for operation or changing the links - we have seen this sevaral times. (3) My state has no State Fire Marshal therefore these sham operators can get away with it. (4) We often hit the conduits with hot chem while applying to plenum. Now the observation and question: is it possible that the application of (very) hot solution on the conduit could soften the buildup enough to release the cable, thus causing slack therefore tripping the system? We had more than one 'expert' investigate. They could not determine cause and did not even think of this as a possibility. Could it be?
Richard
Richard
Douglas Hicks
Member
Robert, I did not think anyone saw me engaging in erudition. Next time I will pull the shades.
Ansul and Amerex use the scissors link. It is important to make sure the cable is routed properly. Amerex scissors link holder does not quite fit the k link, the hooks on the link holder need to be double checked for proper engagement.Ansul also uses a clip on style of link holder that is made of thin sheet metal that bends. I have seen the Ansul scissors link start to separate at the hinge rivit, thereby allowing the cable to bind and not trip the system I have also seen the Ansul system cable improperly routed at the last detector. The Allen screw can cut the S/S cable.Sometimes the cable will fray and break. If the installing tech uses the wrong crimp tool on teh cable crimps, they can slip. This can happen on any suppression system. I have seen the cold grease set up so tight the cable cannot move. Start the cooking line, heat up the conduit and the grease softens enough to allow the cable to trip. When I find that, I replace the conduit. Recently I cleaned and serviced an Ansul system, the system did not trip by cutting the link. Over 20 + years, the grease had built up in the conduit until the grease stopped cable movement. I replaced the conduit and the system worked fine. Taking your PW nozzle and blasting into the conduit does not seem to move the grease. It can push the grease into the corner pulleys, leading to a problem with the corner pulleys not allowing the cable to move. Frozen grease can cause exactly what you described. The grease held the cable, you softened the grease and the system tripped. Not your fault, but the fault of the rag and taggers. Who were the "experts" who investigated the system activation, and what were their qualifications? Did they actually know what they were looking at? One of the problems in the fire service is that the chief or inspector has no knowledge of fire systems, but is afraid to admit to his ignorance. So the problem is never investigated properly.
Should that happen again, let me know. I may be able to give you some hints on what to look for.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
Ansul and Amerex use the scissors link. It is important to make sure the cable is routed properly. Amerex scissors link holder does not quite fit the k link, the hooks on the link holder need to be double checked for proper engagement.Ansul also uses a clip on style of link holder that is made of thin sheet metal that bends. I have seen the Ansul scissors link start to separate at the hinge rivit, thereby allowing the cable to bind and not trip the system I have also seen the Ansul system cable improperly routed at the last detector. The Allen screw can cut the S/S cable.Sometimes the cable will fray and break. If the installing tech uses the wrong crimp tool on teh cable crimps, they can slip. This can happen on any suppression system. I have seen the cold grease set up so tight the cable cannot move. Start the cooking line, heat up the conduit and the grease softens enough to allow the cable to trip. When I find that, I replace the conduit. Recently I cleaned and serviced an Ansul system, the system did not trip by cutting the link. Over 20 + years, the grease had built up in the conduit until the grease stopped cable movement. I replaced the conduit and the system worked fine. Taking your PW nozzle and blasting into the conduit does not seem to move the grease. It can push the grease into the corner pulleys, leading to a problem with the corner pulleys not allowing the cable to move. Frozen grease can cause exactly what you described. The grease held the cable, you softened the grease and the system tripped. Not your fault, but the fault of the rag and taggers. Who were the "experts" who investigated the system activation, and what were their qualifications? Did they actually know what they were looking at? One of the problems in the fire service is that the chief or inspector has no knowledge of fire systems, but is afraid to admit to his ignorance. So the problem is never investigated properly.
Should that happen again, let me know. I may be able to give you some hints on what to look for.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
Douglas Hicks
Member
I do not have a problem w/ignorance. I do have a problem w/people trying to bullshit me. If someone does not know, they need to research the problem, ask questions of others, do more research and arrive at a conclusion to the problem based upon knowledge. I've got a resturant job going on now. I should not have taken the job, as it was/is beyond my scope and my knowledge base. I've talked to the owner, he wants me to continue as the general on the job. I've hired an architect, and civil engineer for this job. I've got to have the architect do more for me. I've yet to hire an electrician. I've talked to inspectors, fire marshals, and other contractors. I've done reading and studying more codes than ever before. I've added copies of codes to my already large collection. But by the time we get the resturant open, I will have expanded my knowledge base, increasing my value to my customers. On this job, I am definetly showing my ignorance. But I am learning lots. I've also really upset the inspection department w/my questions. Usually, those who do not want to share their knowledge, do not have knowledge to share. The reason these boards work so well is that those who know, share w/those of us who do not know.
I would really like to see some inspectors and code officials on this board. So much of their knowledge is book based, not hands on like our knowledge. I would like for them to get a feel for what we actually see out there. If they knew what we see out there, it might give them some incentive for real inspections.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
I would really like to see some inspectors and code officials on this board. So much of their knowledge is book based, not hands on like our knowledge. I would like for them to get a feel for what we actually see out there. If they knew what we see out there, it might give them some incentive for real inspections.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
Douglas Hicks
Member
RJTravrl, I found this article about a fire in Boston. FD investigators found problems w/the original installation. cleaning process, and maintence of the suppression system. The article does not mention if the links fused or not, but greas in the conduit kept the cable feom activating the ststem
http://www.writer-tech.com/pages/summaries/summboston.htm
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment of Eastern Oregon, Inc
http://www.writer-tech.com/pages/summaries/summboston.htm
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment of Eastern Oregon, Inc
VERY interesting article. I have seen the night porters do exactly that - without bothering to turn on the fan(s). Must have been a lot of burners - in my experience a multi-story duct has plenty of draw without the fan, assuming positive air pressure in the kitchen. Thanks for posting this, but one question nags me: do you always do your research and posting in the wee hours of the morning?
Richard
Richard
Stan Sauve
New member
AHJ's on board
Well here I am !!
I have been reading some of the questions and coments and find them interesting.
Some of you may know me but for thoses who dont't I am an AHJ in Calgary Alberta Canada. I am an advocate for certification of the Exhaust cleaners.
NFPA 96 states in 11.4.4 Fire suppressions systems shall not be rendered inoperable This is meant for the average cleaner working on cleaning ductwork .... you agree ?
Yet NFPA 96 11.4.5 states: where serviced by a properly trained and qualified it may be rendered inoperable This is to be interperted as a trained and qualified SUPPRESSION TECH.... Yes ?
Fine line there between these statements ! No definition for trained and qualified in the NFPA 96 2004 version
11.4.7 Cleaning chemicals shall not be applied on links or other extinguishing devices. this should clear that up.
I have taken a supperssion and cleaners course I am recognized as a Commercial exhaust Inspector yes I have a good idea about what I am looking at. Still I would like to learn more maybe we can teach each other
Stan Sauve SCO
City of Calgary Fire Department
Fire Prevention Bureau
stan.sauve@calgary.ca
Well here I am !!
I have been reading some of the questions and coments and find them interesting.
Some of you may know me but for thoses who dont't I am an AHJ in Calgary Alberta Canada. I am an advocate for certification of the Exhaust cleaners.
NFPA 96 states in 11.4.4 Fire suppressions systems shall not be rendered inoperable This is meant for the average cleaner working on cleaning ductwork .... you agree ?
Yet NFPA 96 11.4.5 states: where serviced by a properly trained and qualified it may be rendered inoperable This is to be interperted as a trained and qualified SUPPRESSION TECH.... Yes ?
Fine line there between these statements ! No definition for trained and qualified in the NFPA 96 2004 version
11.4.7 Cleaning chemicals shall not be applied on links or other extinguishing devices. this should clear that up.
I have taken a supperssion and cleaners course I am recognized as a Commercial exhaust Inspector yes I have a good idea about what I am looking at. Still I would like to learn more maybe we can teach each other
Stan Sauve SCO
City of Calgary Fire Department
Fire Prevention Bureau
stan.sauve@calgary.ca
Stan,
We would all agree that 96 suggests systems not be disarmed unless qualified, however when I began cleaning (early 90s) my associate showed me how to disarm systems prior to the cleaning operation. It was then standard procecdure - has changed since. In respect to chem on links - I would think it is nearly impossible to protect from drift and overspray. Even the aluminum foil method has its drawbacks. I would, however, take the position that chem overspray on links is not 'application' pe se. We always neutralize anyway in addition to thorough rinsing. You agree?
In many areas in which we operate NAPA 96 standards is not law - indeed it is not even recognized in many places. It is a body of suggestions only. I believe it is well to be versed in these standards - an adversarial attorney will try to trot out 96 if to his advantage and he is unopposed.
Richard
We would all agree that 96 suggests systems not be disarmed unless qualified, however when I began cleaning (early 90s) my associate showed me how to disarm systems prior to the cleaning operation. It was then standard procecdure - has changed since. In respect to chem on links - I would think it is nearly impossible to protect from drift and overspray. Even the aluminum foil method has its drawbacks. I would, however, take the position that chem overspray on links is not 'application' pe se. We always neutralize anyway in addition to thorough rinsing. You agree?
In many areas in which we operate NAPA 96 standards is not law - indeed it is not even recognized in many places. It is a body of suggestions only. I believe it is well to be versed in these standards - an adversarial attorney will try to trot out 96 if to his advantage and he is unopposed.
Richard
mtngoat
Member
I have had the same experiences you speak off as far as systems going off.
The grease was so packed into the conduit the cable was not allowed to move until the water from out hot water machine loosened the grease in the conduit and dumped the system. Having there been some kind of flair up sometime before we had arrived,the link system did its job and released upon reaching proper Temp. But the link was so caked with build up we couldnt see it until it was to late. So now we are there another 3 hours cleaning up the old dry chemical system that has dumped into everything.
Standing in front of a hood system while the dry chem system has actuated is like being in the Sahara in the middle of a baking soda storm. Its not very pleasant. So now my nephew and I were standind there looking at each other with nothing but eyes visible. We got outside to the fresh air and proceeded to dust ourselves off.In the end the owner had found out that the system was antiquated and had it updated to UL 300 standards.The wet chemical is SO much easyier to clean up then the old dry stuff. I have yet to dump a wet chemical system but have cleaned up a few that put fires out .
Now if the owner would agree to have the system serviced at proper intervals this would not have happened.
The grease was so packed into the conduit the cable was not allowed to move until the water from out hot water machine loosened the grease in the conduit and dumped the system. Having there been some kind of flair up sometime before we had arrived,the link system did its job and released upon reaching proper Temp. But the link was so caked with build up we couldnt see it until it was to late. So now we are there another 3 hours cleaning up the old dry chemical system that has dumped into everything.
Standing in front of a hood system while the dry chem system has actuated is like being in the Sahara in the middle of a baking soda storm. Its not very pleasant. So now my nephew and I were standind there looking at each other with nothing but eyes visible. We got outside to the fresh air and proceeded to dust ourselves off.In the end the owner had found out that the system was antiquated and had it updated to UL 300 standards.The wet chemical is SO much easyier to clean up then the old dry stuff. I have yet to dump a wet chemical system but have cleaned up a few that put fires out .
Now if the owner would agree to have the system serviced at proper intervals this would not have happened.
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Just re-read Douglas' explanation of 'cold flow' failure. It occurs to me that the 'vial' type link (don't laugh Douglas, I don't have your great store of terminology) would not be subject to creep and over-tensioning failure. They are a simple 'break' apparatus which will collapse and release when the vial is broken, thus 'flow' cannot affect since it is mechanically locked instead of solder. Why can they not be universally used? I know I am missing something here - what?
Richard
Richard
Douglas Hicks
Member
Richard the glass bulb fusible link are still supposed to be replaced on a regular basis. The manufacturer decides the length of service for chemical fire suppresssion systems. They have to be listed for the fire system by the manufacturer. At present the only manufacturers listing the glass bulb are Amerex and Badger/Range Guard. Those glass bulb links are made by Job of Germany.http://www.job-bulbs.com/They operate quicker than the metal links, but are more expensive. They are a direct replacement for the K and ML linkls. If you go to the Job site, you will notice the maximum design load is 55 #. Amerex tells us to use K links, with a design load of 70 #. Next time I talk to Amerex, I will ask about the dicrepancy. The only glass bulbs I have installed were in paint booths. Notice the color chart and the corrosponing colors. The red color (155 °) is found in sprinklers protecting ordinary hazard.
Mave (286 °) and Black (500 °) are found in hoods.
You will also see these glass bulbs in sprinkler heads. There have been unwanted activations of sprinkler heads, that is a nice term for something happened and the sprinkler head tripped. the manufactueres of course claim it is the sprinkler fitters who are at fault for rough handling of the heads. Now the glass bulb heads are shipped with a plastic protector around the head.
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
Mave (286 °) and Black (500 °) are found in hoods.
You will also see these glass bulbs in sprinkler heads. There have been unwanted activations of sprinkler heads, that is a nice term for something happened and the sprinkler head tripped. the manufactueres of course claim it is the sprinkler fitters who are at fault for rough handling of the heads. Now the glass bulb heads are shipped with a plastic protector around the head.
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc