VSR-C
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM
SWITCH WITH RETARD FOR COPPER PIPE
UL and CSFM Listed
Service Pressure:
175 PSI (12,1 BAR) - UL
Flow Sensitivity Range for Signal:
4-10 GPM (15-38 LPM) - UL
Maximum Surge: 18 FPS (5.5 m/s)
Contact Ratings:
Two sets of SPDT (Form C)
10.0 Amps at 125/250VAC
2.0 Amps at 30VDC Resistive
10 mAmps min. at 24VDC
Conduit Entrances: Two knockouts provided for 1/2" conduit.
Individual switch compartments suitable
for dissimilar voltages
Environmental Specifications:
• NEMA 4/IP54 Rated Enclosure suitable for indoor or outdoor use
with factory installed gasket and die-cast housing when used with
appropriate conduit fitting
• Temperature Range: 40°F - 120°F, (4.5°C - 49°C) - UL
• Non-corrosive sleeve factory installed in saddle
Service Use:
Automatic Sprinkler
NFPA-13
One or two family dwelling
NFPA-13D
Residential occupancy up to four stories
NFPA-13R
National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA-72
Optional: Cover Tamper Switch Kit, Stock No. 0090148
Replaceable Components: Retard/Switch Assembly, stock no. 1029030
Ordering Information
Nominal Pipe Size
Model
Stock Number
2"
50mm
VSR-C 2"
1144450
2½"
65mm
VSR-C 2½"
1144451
3"
80mm
VSR-C 3"
1144452
4"
100mm
VSR-C 4"
1144453
• Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in
accordance with all national and local codes and ordinances.
• Shock hazard. Disconnect power source before servicing. Serious
injury or death could result.
• Risk of explosion. Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious
injury or death could result.
General Information
The Model VSR-C is a vane type waterflow switch for use on wet
sprinkler systems. It is UL Listed for use on Type K, L, and M copper
pipe, sizes 2" thru 4" (50mm - 100mm).
The VSR-C may also be used as a sectional waterflow detector on
large systems.
The VSR-C contains two single pole, double throw, snap action
switches and an adjustable, instantly recycling pneumatic retard. The
switches are actuated when a flow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) or more occurs
downstream of the device. The flow condition must exist for a period
of time necessary to overcome the selected retard period.
Enclosure
The VSR-C switches and retard device are enclosed in a general
purpose, die-cast housing. The cover is held in place with two tamper
resistant screws which require a special key for removal. A field
installable cover tamper switch is available as an option which may
be used to indicate unauthorized removal of the cover. See bulletin
number 5401103 for installation instructions of this switch.
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
PRINTED IN USA
Installation (See Fig. 1)
These devices may be mounted on horizontal or vertical pipe. On
horizontal pipe they should be installed on the top side of the pipe
where they will be accessible. The device should not be installed within
6" (15 cm) of a fitting which changes the direction of the waterflow or
within 24" (60 cm) of a valve or drain.
Note: Do not leave cover off for an extended period of time.
Drain the system and drill a hole in the pipe using a hole saw in a slow
speed drill. (see Fig. 1)
Clean the inside pipe of all growth or other material for a distance equal
to the pipe diameter on either side of the hole.
Roll the vane so that it may be inserted into the hole; do not bend or
crease it. Insert the vane so that the arrow on the saddle points in the
direction of the waterflow. Install the saddle strap and tighten nuts
alternately to required torque. (see Fig. 1). The vane must not rub the
inside of the pipe or bind in any way.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
• 2081 Craig Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146-4161 • Phone: 800-325-3936/Canada 888-882-1833 • www.pottersignal.com
MFG. #5401203 - REV D
12/08
PAGE 1 OF 3
VSR-C
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM
SWITCH WITH RETARD FOR COPPER PIPE
OPTIONAL COVER
TAMPER SWITCH
Fig. 1
Fig. 2 Switch Terminal Connections Clamping
Plate Terminal
RETARD ADJUSTMENT:
THE DELAY CAN BE ADJUSTED BY ROTATING THE
RETARD ADJUSTMENT KNOB FROM 0 TO THE MAX
SETTING (60-90 SECONDS). THE TIME DELAY SHOULD
BE SET AT THE MINIMUM REQUIRED TO PREVENT
FALSE ALARMS.
DO NOT LEAVE COVER OFF FOR
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME
NG
MI
CO
IN
TIGHTEN NUTS
ALTERNATELY
OU
ADAPTER
NG
OI
TG
50mm
ADAPTER
DWG# 923-3
MOUNT ON PIPE SO
ARROW ON SADDLE
POINTS IN DIRECTION
OF WATERFLOW
20mm ±2mm
2 - 2½” ONLY
USE (2) 5180162 ADAPTERS AS SHOWN ABOVE
DWG# 1203-1
ROLL PADDLE IN
OPPOSITE DIRECTION
OF WATERFLOW
DIRECTION OF
WATERFLOW
ON 3” (75MM) AND 4” (100MM) SIZE
INSERT COLLAR UNDER U-BOLT
AS SHOWN
(Flowing water activates
device in one direction only.)
An uninsulated section of a single conductor should not
be looped around the terminal and serve as two separate
connections. The wire must be severed, thereby providing
supervision of the connection in the event that the wire
become dislodged from under the terminal. Failure to sever
the wire may render the device inoperable risking severe
property damage and loss of life.
DWG. #1146-2A
Installation Requirements
Model
VSR-C 2"
VSR-C 2½"
VSR-C 3"
VSR-C 4"
Nominal Pipe O.D.
inch
inch
mm
2
2.375
60.3
2½
2.875
73.0
3
3.500
88.9
4
4.500
Hole Size
U-Bolt Nuts Torque
inch
mm
1.25 ± .062
33.0 ± 2.0
2.00 + .062/-.125
50.8 ± 2.0
in-lb
n-m
100
11,3
114.3
Fig. 3
Typical Electrical Connections
NO
BELL
Waterflow switches that are monitoring wet pipe sprinkler
systems shall not be used as the sole initiating device to
discharge AFFF, deluge, or chemical suppression systems.
Waterflow switches used for this application may result
in unintended discharges caused by surges, trapped air, or
short retard times.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Break out thin section of cover when wiring
both switches from one conduit entrance.
To remove knockouts: Place screwdriver at
inside edge of knockouts, not in the center.
NC
COM
NEGATIVE
DC OR
NEUTRAL
AC
POSITIVE DC
OR HOT AC
COM
NC
EOLR
WATERFLOW ZONE
ON FIRE PANEL
NO
DWG# 1146-3A
Notes:
1. The Model VSR-C has two switches, one can be used to
operate a central station, proprietary or remote signaling
unit, while the other contact is used to operate a local audible
or visual annunciator.
2. For supervised circuits see “Switch Terminal Connections”
drawing and caution note (Fig. 2).
PRINTED IN USA
DWG# 1146-4
DWG# 1146-5
MFG. #5401203 - REV D
12/08
PAGE 2 OF 3
VSR-C
VANE TYPE WATERFLOW ALARM
SWITCH WITH RETARD FOR COPPER PIPE
Testing
The frequency of inspection and testing for the Model VSR-C and its
associated protective monitoring system should be in accordance with
applicable NFPA Codes and Standards and/or the authority having
jurisdiction (manufacturer recommends quarterly or more frequently).
If provided, the inspector’s test valve, that is usually located at the end
of the most remote branch line, should always be used for test purposes.
If there are no provisions for testing the operation of the flow detection
device on the system, application of the VSR-C is not recommended
or advisable.
A minimum flow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) is required to activate this device.
Removal
• To prevent accidental water damage, all control valves should be shut
tight and the system completely drained before waterflow detectors
are removed or replaced
• Turn off electrical power to the detector, then disconnect wiring
• Loosen nuts and remove U-bolts
• Gently lift the saddle far enough to get your fingers under it. With
your fingers, roll the vane so it will fit through the hole while
continuing to lift the waterflow detector saddle
• Lift detector clear of pipe
Maintenance
Inspect detectors monthly for leaks. If leaks are found, replace the detector.
The VSR-C waterflow switch should provide years of trouble-free service.
The retard and switch assembly are easily field replaceable. In the unlikely
event that either component does not perform properly, please order
replacement retard switch assembly stock number 1029030. There is no
maintenance required, only periodic testing and inspection.
Important Notice
Please advise the person responsible for testing of the fire protection system
that this system must be tested in accordance with the testing instructions.
Mounting Dimensions
5.56"
(141,2mm)
3.50"
(89,0mm)
2.00"
(50,8mm)
GROUND
SCREWS
2.34"
(59,4mm)
PIPE DIA.
+5-1/4"
(+133,4mm)
U-BOLT NUT
U-BOLT WASHER
PIPE SADDLE
PIPE
PLASTIC PADDLE
U-BOLT
DWG# 1203-3
(2) SINGLE SPACERS
FOR 2-2½" SHOWN
NOMINAL PIPE DIA. +1¾" (+44,5mm) FOR 2-2½" (50mm-65mm)
NOMINAL PIPE DIA. +2 1/8" (+54,0mm) FOR 3-4" (80mm-200mm)
PRINTED IN USA
MFG. #5401203 - REV D
12/08
PAGE 3 OF 3
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