Pre-Action Systems

Pre-Action Systems

Pre-action systems are fixed fire

protection systems with closed
sprinkler heads.

The water supply is held back

by a deluge valve, which is
controlled by a release system.

When the release system operates,

the deluge valve opens and water
discharges from all open outlets
connected to the sprinkler piping.
 Pre-Action Systems

The “Pre” part of pre-action

means that the release or the
detection system is required
to operate prior to the sprinklers
on the sprinkler piping.

The idea of pre-action is that the

detection operates prior to the
sprinkler system, allowing the water
in the supply to be at or near the open
sprinkler when the system operates.

Some pre-action systems only operate

after the sprinkler opens, meaning the
delay in water application would be the
as a dry pipe system.
 Pre-Action Systems

Pre-action systems are generally

installed where there is a fear of
water entering the sprinkler system
or entering the space where the
sprinklers are located.

Applications where pre-action systems are

installed:
Freezers
Coolers
Flammable liquid storage (areas subject to
Freezing)
Computer Rooms
Rare Book Storage
Historical Records
Historical Buildings
Gymnasium Floors
Record Storage Areas
Deluge Valves
 Deluge Valves

Deluge valves are used in

deluge systems and pre-action
systems.

Viking deluge valves have

one moving part, which is
the clapper.

Viking produces (2) styles of

deluge valves, a straight
through Model F-1 and an
angle style, a Model E-1.
Their operation is the same.
Model F Model E
Both valves are listed and
approved for 250 psi.
 Model F-1 Deluge Valve-
Replaceable Parts
Valve Cover
Clapper Diaphragm Clamp Ring

Clapper Diaphragm

Teflon Coated Clapper

Clapper Seat Ring

Valve Seat

Valve Body
 Model F-1 Deluge Valve

Outlet Chamber

Priming Chamber

Inlet Chamber
F-1 Deluge Valve Set-up

Step #1: Place Priming

Water in the Priming Chamber

Water pressure provided

to the priming chamber
is supplied upstream of a
water supply control valve.
F-1 Deluge Valve Set-up

Step #2: Open the water supply

control valve to bring water into
the inlet chamber.

This is the normal condition

for a deluge valve. The outlet
chamber has only atmospheric
pressure.
 Valve Operation
Once the release system operates,
Outlet Chamber water drains from the priming
chamber, allowing the valve clapper
to open. Water is directed from
the inlet chamber to the outlet
chamber

Priming Chamber

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

Water discharges through

system until water supply
control valve is closed.
 Pre-Action System Releases

Sprinkler Heads
Allowed to
Be Installed
On Pre-Action Systems
 Pre-Action System Releases

Upright Sprinkler

Horizontal Sidewall
Dry Barrel Sprinkler Sprinkler
Pre-Action System Releases

OR
 Pre-Action System Releases

Ceiling

A pendent sprinkler installed on a return bend, where the sprinkler

And the sprinkler line supplying it are in a heated area
 Pre-Action System Releases

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

Single Interlocked Pre-Action Systems

“Single” interlock means that it only takes one action to open

the deluge valve. For a single interlocked pre-action
system, only the release system will open the deluge
valve.

Air pressure is placed on the sprinkler piping as

supervisory air pressure to ensure the piping network is
not open. Only the release system will operate the
deluge valve. Operating a sprinkler head will only result
in a “low air” alarm, or in other words, activating the
“supervisory alarm”. There is no minimum supervisory air
pressure for a single interlocked pre-action system.
Single Interlocked – Electric
Release

The most prevalent single interlocked

pre-action system. Activation requires
that the electric release system power
open the normally closed solenoid
valve only before the deluge valve
opens.

Losing air only, will not allow the

deluge valve to open. This type of
release is preferred when applying
water to the fire quickly is required.
 Single Interlocked Pre-Action
Electric Release
- Normal Position

Solenoid Closed.
Panel in set position.

Priming Water from Discharge to Open

Priming Chamber Drain
 Single Interlocked Pre-Action
Electric Release
- Detection Activated

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

Priming Water from Priming water is exiting

Priming Chamber priming chamber to open drain
allowing deluge valve to open.
Single Interlocked – Pneumatic
Release

This release is often chosen where

installing a mechanical release is
desired. This system is used in lieu
of a dry pipe system where a dry
pipe system is not allowed due to
the delay in water delivery.

Losing air only on the sprinkler piping,

will not allow the deluge valve to open.
Care must be taken in the design of
the air supply to ensure that each air
supply has a dedicated air maintenance
device.
 Single Interlocked Pre-Action
Pneumatic Release
- Setting Pneumatic Actuator

From Air Supply

Air pressure is common

to the release line
and the top of the
To Open pneumatic actuator.
Drain Once the release line
is pressurized, the
pneumatic actuator is
held closed.

Priming Water from

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

From Air Supply

Priming water is held

in the priming chamber
because the pneumatic
To Open actuator is held closed
Drain with air pressure from
the release line.

Priming Water from

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

Release Line

Priming water from the

priming chamber of the
deluge valve discharges
To Open from the pneumatic
Drain actuator when air is
relieved from the release
line.

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber
Double Interlocked
Pre-Action System
 Double Interlocked Pre-action
Systems

Double Interlocked Pre-Action Systems

“Double” interlock means that two actions have to occur before
the deluge valve will open. For a double interlocked pre-action
system, the release system and air pressure has to be reduced
on the sprinkler piping to open the deluge valve. For a double
interlocked pre-action system, the air pressure on the sprinkler
piping is used as supervisory air pressure and as a release
system for the deluge valve. The minimum air pressure for a
double interlocked pre-action system is 7 psi.
For double interlocked pre-action systems, operating a
sprinkler on the system will only result in a low air pressure alarm.
Operating the release system on a double interlocked pre-action
system will only result in a general alarm. It will take both to
operate to open the deluge valve and flow water into the system.
 Refrigerated Area Sprinkler
Systems
A Factory Mutual Reference for
Double Interlocked Pre-Action.
FM does not allow double
interlocked pre-action installed
anywhere other than freezers.
FREEZER AIR SUPPLIES
PER
NFPA 13 (2007 ed.)
Frost Plugs are created by moisture that is constantly being introduced
by an air compressor. A means of preventing or eliminating moisture
in the air supply to a system supplying a freezer can be a challenge.
OR
 Freezer Air
Supplies
A listed or approved
self contained air drying
system
Double Interlocked –
Electric/Pneumatic Release

The most prevalent double interlocked

pre-action system. Activation requires
that the electric release system power
open the normally closed solenoid
valve and air pressure be released
from the sprinkler piping to open
the pneumatic actuator before the
deluge valve opens.

Losing air only, or just the electric

release operating will not allow the
deluge valve to open. This type of
release is preferred when water
inadvertently entering the sprinkler
piping must be avoided.
 Electric/Pneumatic Release
- Normal Position

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

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber
 Electric/Pneumatic Release
- Electric Detection Activated

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

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber
 Electric/Pneumatic Release
- Electric Detection and Sprinkler
have operated
Pneumatic actuator
Solenoid is open. is open when air
Release system has pressure is reduced
activated allowing on sprinkler system.
prime water to
advance to pneumatic
actuator.

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber Priming water is exiting
priming chamber to open drain
allowing deluge valve to open.
Double Interlocked – Electric/Pneulectric
Release

A double interlocked system that

cross zones the electric detection
in the hazard area and the supervisory
air pressure switch. Both devices
must activate before a cross zone
is completed at the release control
panel.

If only the detection activates, or if

only the supervisory switch activates,
the deluge valve will not open.

This type of double interlocked pre-action

is sometimes chosen to lower the required
air pressure on the sprinkler piping.
 Double Interlocked Pre-Action
Electric/Pneulectric Release
- Normal Position

Solenoid Closed.
Panel in set position.

Priming Water from

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

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

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber
 Double Interlocked Pre-Action
Electric/Pneulectric Release
- Detection and Supervisory Switch Activated

Solenoid Open.
Panel in alarm, indicating
Zone #1 and Zone #2
have activated completing
cross zone.

Priming Water from Priming water is exiting

Priming Chamber priming chamber to open drain
allowing deluge valve to open.
Double Interlocked –
Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release

This double interlocked release

is a mechanical release. Two
pneumatic actuators are placed
in series. A pneumatic release
system is installed in the hazard
area and controls the first
pneumatic actuator. The second
pneumatic actuator is connected
to the sprinkler piping and is
controlled by the air placed on the
system piping.
Double Interlocked –
Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release

Activation of this system occurs

when the release system operates,
allowing priming water to advance
to the pneumatic actuator controlled
by the air in the sprinkler piping. When
air pressure is reduced in the sprinkler
piping, the second pneumatic actuator
opens, draining priming water pressure
from the priming chamber allowing the
deluge valve to open and flow water into
the sprinkler piping.

Operation of only one pneumatic actuator

will not allow the deluge valve to open.
 Double Interlocked Pre-action
Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release
- Set Position
Air Pressure on Release
System, Closing Pneumatic
Actuator #1

Air Pressure on Sprinkler

System, Closing Pneumatic
Actuator #2

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber Note: The space between the
Pneumatic actuators is primed with
Water to prevent pre-mature operation
 Double Interlocked Pre-action
Pneumatic/Pneumatic Release
- Release System Operates
Air Pressure removed from
Release System,
Opening Pneumatic
Actuator #1

Air Pressure on Sprinkler

System, Closing Pneumatic
Actuator #2

Priming Water from

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

Air Pressure removed from

Sprinkler System, Opening
Pneumatic Actuator #2

Priming Water from

Priming Chamber
Priming water is exiting
priming chamber to open drain
allowing deluge valve to open.
Packaged Trim and System
Options
 TrimPac
TrimPac is a trim offering that includes the release devices
for either deluge or pre-action systems. One TrimPac will
service any size valve. A TrimPac can either be mounted on
the wall or to the riser. For a riser mounted TrimPac, a
mounting kit is required.
 TrimPac Drain Trim

A TrimPac can be used with any size deluge valve, but, the
valve size is required to order the drain package. The drain
package is installed on the valve and hoses from the TrimPac
are installed on outlets located on the valve trim and the
priming connection on the supply side of the control valve.
TrimPac Drain Package – Model E-1 Deluge Valve
TrimPac Drain Package – In-line Valve vertical installation
TrimPac Drain Package – In-line Valve horizontal installation
 SureFire

Fail Safe Pre-action

 SureFire Pre-action Systems

SureFire Pre-action systems are “power failure safe” electric release

pre-action systems.

The release module is the same for both single and double interlocked
pre-action. The release module consists of a normally closed solenoid valve,
a normally closed solenoid valve, and a pneumatic actuator.

During normal power conditions, the normally closed solenoid valve is

powered open by the release control panel when the release system(s)
operate.

The normally open solenoid valve is installed in series with the pneumatic
actuator. The pneumatic actuator is held closed with the air pressure on the
sprinkler piping. In normal power conditions, if a loss of air occurs on the
system, the normally open solenoid valve is powered closed by the release
control panel.
Sure Fire Pre-action Systems

Available in TrimPac
 SureFire – TrimPac
Completed Assembly
 SureFire TrimPac
Trim View

Supervisory Air
Pressure Switch

Release Module
 SureFire – Release Set
Pneumatic Actuator

Normally Open
Solenoid Valve Air Pressure
On Sprinkler
Piping

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve

Priming Water
From Deluge Valve
 SureFire – Release Activated
(Normal Power)
Pneumatic Actuator

Normally Open
Solenoid Valve Air Pressure
On Sprinkler
Piping

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve

Priming Water -Powered Open by Release Control
From Deluge Valve Panel
 SureFire Release- Normal Power
Loss Of Air – Release Not Activated
Pneumatic Actuator

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

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve

Priming Water
From Deluge Valve
 SureFire Release Module
Loss of AC and DC Power –
Sprinkler Opens on Sprinkler Piping
Pneumatic Actuator

Normally Open
Solenoid Valve Air Pressure
(Priming water Removed from
flows through Sprinkler piping
valve)

Normally Closed Solenoid Valve

Priming Water
From Deluge Valve
 Sure Fire Pre-action Systems
Re-set Instructions

1. Close water supply control

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

Note: System will not re-set without establishing air pressure on

system piping first.
 Pre-Trimmed Valves

Trim Mounted to the

Valve

A valve from Viking can be ordered with the

trim assembled on the valve by the factory.
Some system options only leave Viking in
pre-trimmed offerings.
 Model G4000-P1 – Single
Interlocked Pre-Action – Electric
Release
 Model G4000-P1 – Double
Interlocked Pre-Action –
Electric/Pneumatic Release
 Model G4000-P1 – Single/Double
Interlocked Pre-Action – SureFire
Release
 Integrated Systems

TotalPac 2

TotalPac 2 is a product line that integrates

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

TOTAL PAC 2
 Integrated Systems

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

Basic skid w/enclosure:

- No control panel
- Factory wired to field junction box
- Serialized
Twin door design

Dimensions:
57" x 36" x 20" for 1½“ to 3" units
57" x 46" x 20" for 4" to 8" units

Remote Controlled Units

 Integrated Systems

Complete system:

– Control Panel
– Pre-wired to wiring terminal
– Listed & Approved
– Serialized

Self Contained Units

 Integrated Systems

Control section:

– Emergency batteries compartment

– Contractor’s wiring terminals
– Air compressor isolation switch

Self-contained units
 Integrated Systems

Product features

Types of Releases:

- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Electric
- Firecycle III
- Sure-Fire
Cycling Pre-action

Firecycle lll
 Cycling Systems

Cycling Pre-Action Systems

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

The ability for the system to cycle off

is provided by the use of a flow control
valve in the riser in lieu of a deluge
valve.

Standard pre-action trim is deluge

trim that is designed for the system
to activate and require manual
system closure and resetting.

The flow control valve allows for the

system to re-set once the release
system has reset.

The system will cycle ON-OFF as

many times as necessary to extinguish
the fire.
 Cycling Systems

Cycling systems utilize a detection or release system of closed loop heat

detection devices. Available options are for exposed installations, and
finished ceiling installations. The detection loop wire is required to be
2 hour rated FPL wire.
Questions ?