Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V)

Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) Overview

When the water flow in the system equals or exceeds the flow rate of a single sprinkler head, the valve will activate the fire alarm.

The Wet Sprinkler Alarm Check Valve is designed to allow water to flow into the fire sprinkler system upon detecting a pressure drop. It incorporates a check valve mechanism that opens and permits water to enter the system when the pressure in the fire sprinkler system falls below a predetermined setpoint. This typically occurs when a fire activates a sprinkler head.

Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) Specifications

Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) Definition and Components

Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) is the central control device in wet pipe automatic sprinkler systems. It's a differential pressure valve that remains closed during normal conditions but opens automatically when sprinkler heads operate, allowing water to flow while simultaneously triggering alarm devices.

Fire Valves Main Components:

• Valve Body - Main casting with inlet (water supply) and outlet (system side) connections
• Clapper Assembly - Main sealing disc that opens/closes water flow
• Seat Ring - Precision surface against which clapper seals
• Retard Chamber - Prevents false alarms from pressure surges
• Water Motor Gong - Mechanical alarm bell operated by water flow
• Pressure Switch - Electrical alarm device activated by water pressure
• Test Valve - Simulates sprinkler operation for testing
• Drain Valve - Drains water from valve assembly for maintenance
• Trim Piping - Small-diameter piping connecting components
• Strainer - Protects small orifices from debris

Role, Characteristics, and Application Scenarios of Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) in Pipelines

Fire Sprinkler Alarm Check Valve Primary Functions:

• System Control: Maintains separation between water supply and sprinkler piping
• Flow Initiation: Automatically opens when sprinklers operate
• Alarm Activation: Triggers both audible (water motor gong) and electrical alarms
• System Supervision: Monitors water supply integrity

Operational Features:

• Automatic Operation: Opens via pressure differential when sprinklers discharge
• Retard Feature: Built-in delay prevents false alarms from pressure fluctuations
• One-Way Flow: Allows water into system but prevents backflow
• Continuous Monitoring: System side remains pressurized at all times
• Easy Reset: Automatically resets after operation

Application Scenarios:

• Commercial Buildings: Offices, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals
• Residential Complexes: Apartment buildings, condominiums
• Educational Facilities: Schools, universities, libraries
• Light Industrial: Warehouses, manufacturing facilities
• Public Buildings: Museums, theaters, airports (non-freezing areas)

Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) Standards: Materials, Design, and Connections

Material Standards:

• Body/Bonnet: Ductile Iron (ASTM A536), Bronze (ASTM B584)
• Clapper/Seat: Bronze with rubber facing for tight seal
• Internal Parts: Bronze, stainless steel, or brass
• Trim Piping: Copper, galvanized steel, or stainless steel
• Retard Chamber: Bronze or corrosion-resistant material

Design Standards:

• UL 193/FM 1010: Standard for alarm valves
• NFPA 13: Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems
• GB 5135.2: Chinese standard for wet alarm valves
• EN 12259-1: European standard for sprinkler components
• AS 2118: Australian standard for automatic fire sprinkler systems

Connection Standards:

• Flanged: ANSI B16.1 Class 125/150, EN 1092-2 PN16
• Threaded: NPT (ANSI B1.20.1) for smaller sizes
• Grooved: Per AWWA C606 for faster installation
• Typical Sizes: 2" to 8" (DN50 to DN200)
• Alarm Line: Usually 1" or 3/4" connections

How to Select Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V)

Purchasing Steps:

Technical Specification:

• Determine size based on system demand (typically 4" or 6")
• Specify pressure rating (175 PSI standard)
• Choose connection type (flanged, threaded, grooved)
• Identify required certifications (UL, FM, LPCB, VdS)
• Note any special requirements (corrosion resistance, seismic)

Supplier Selection:

• Choose manufacturers with UL/FM listings
• Verify experience with similar projects
• Check technical support capabilities
• Review warranty and service terms

Documentation Requirements:

• UL/FM listing certificates
• Factory test reports
• Material certifications
• Installation and maintenance manuals
• Technical submittal drawings

Commercial Considerations:

• Lead Time: 4-8 weeks typically
• Payment Terms: 30% deposit, balance before shipment
• Warranty: 2 years standard
• Shipping: FOB or CIF terms
• MOQ: Usually 1 unit

Pre-Shipment Inspection for Export Wet Alarm Valve (WA-V) and Key Considerations

Inspection Checklist:

Export Precautions:

• Thorough Drying: Complete disassembly and drying after testing
• Corrosion Protection: VCI paper, desiccant packs
• Component Protection: Individual wrapping of sensitive parts
• Packaging: Export crates with proper bracing
• Documentation: Complete certificate package including manuals

Real-World Operation:

In this high-rise office scenario, the WA-V serves as the floor control point for the sprinkler system. Each floor has its own valve assembly, creating zone isolation - a fire on one floor doesn't drain the entire building's system.

The system remains constantly pressurized, allowing immediate water discharge when any sprinkler operates. The retard chamber's 5-90 second delay prevents false alarms from temporary pressure changes (like opening another floor's test valve).

When a fire occurs in an office, only the sprinklers in the immediate area activate (typically 1-4 heads initially), but the WA-V opens to supply water to all connected sprinklers on that floor while simultaneously activating building-wide alarms and emergency responses.