www.Kidde-Fire.

com
"Automatic" Sprinkler
150 Gordon Drive
Exton, PA 19341 USA
Tel: (610) 363-1400
800-626-2682
Fax: (610) 524-9073
800-858-6857
#SVL100 - Model 353 Alarm Valves
123456
Fire Protection Equipment
i SVL100
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Text Page
General ................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Approvals................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Description / Operation .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Variable Pressure.............................................................................................................................................. 1
Constant Pressure ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Figure 1 - Operation Diagram: Model 353 Alarm Valve with Model B Retard Chamber Set Position................ 2
Figure 2 - Operation Diagram: Model 353 Alarm Valve with Model B Retard Chamber Operating Position ..... 2
Technical Data........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Ordering Information .............................................................................................................................................. 3
"Automatic" Model 353 Valve Assemblies - Parts List ......................................................................................... 4
"Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber - Parts List ............................................................................................... 5
"Automatic" 4 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-4V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ..................... 6
"Automatic" 4 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-4C - Parts Drawing & List ........................................................ 7
"Automatic" 6 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-6V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ..................... 8
"Automatic" 6 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-6C - Parts Drawing & List ........................................................ 9
"Automatic" 8 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-8V with Retard Chamber - Parts Drawing & List ................... 10
"Automatic" 8 Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-8C - Parts Drawing & List ...................................................... 11
Testing and Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Testing ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Testing Alarm Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices .................................................................................. 12
Flow Test at Main Drain Valve (Main Drain Test) ...................................................................................... 12
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................... 13
Clapper Facing ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Seat Ring.................................................................................................................................................. 13
By-Pass Check Valve ............................................................................................................................... 13
Retard Chamber ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Alarm Line Strainer ................................................................................................................................... 13
SVL100 ii
Alarm Test Valve, Main Drain Valve & Inspection Test Valve .................................................................... 13
Alarm Valve and Trim ............................................................................................................................... 13
Resetting of System ................................................................................................................................. 13
"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - LPCB Approved .................................................................................... 14
MODEL 353
Alarm Valves
DATA SHEET
#SVL100
www.Kidde-Fire.com
General
The "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve is a waterflow
alarm device designed for installation in the main supply
to a wet pipe sprinkler system. Its purpose is to actuate a
fire alarm when a flow of water from the system equals or
exceeds that of a single sprinkler. The alarm may be ac-
complished in two ways: (1) mechanically by means of a
water flow to a water motor alarm and/or (2) electrically
via a water-pressure-actuated alarm switch (circuit closer)
connected to an electrically operated signaling device such
as a bell or light.
The Model 353 Alarm Valve, available in 4" (101.6 mm), 6"
(152.4 mm) and 8" (203.2 mm) pipe sizes for vertical in-
stallation, may be provided with either of two basic trim
packages. There is one set of trim for variable supply pres-
sure and another for constant supply pressure.
Variable pressure trim is used where the water supply pres-
sure fluctuates. A public water main is an example of such
a supply. To prevent false alarms caused by surges or fluc-
tuations in pressure, the trim set is provided with the "Au-
tomatic" Model B Retard Chamber.
For installations where there is a constant supply pres-
sure, that is, where the water pressure does not fluctuate,
the retard chamber is omitted. For example, constant pres-
sure trim may be used when the water supply is from an
elevated tank or pressure tank.
An excess pressure pump may be required for installtions
where excessive pressure surges or extreme fluctuations
in the water pressure are encountered.
Approvals
! Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
! Factory Mutual (FM)
! Underwriters Laboratories Of Canada (ULC)
! Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)
The valves are listed/approved with specific trim and for
installation in accordance with the applicable requirements
of NFPA 13. Therefore, no substitutions or omissions, in
part or in full, are allowed.
Model B Retard Chambers are listed and approved for use
specifically with the Model 353 Alarm Valves.
All devices are listed/approved for a maximum water work-
ing pressure (WWP) of 175 psi (1206.6 kPa or 12.1 bar).
Description / Operation
The Model 353 Alarm Valve is the type of alarm check
valve which has a grooved seat ring and an external by-
pass. Its operation in a wet pipe sprinkler system is as
follows:
When the sprinkler system is placed into service, water is
allowed to flow into the system until the system pressure
and the supply pressure are equal. The system pressure
then causes the rubber-faced clapper of the alarm valve
to close tightly on the grooved seat ring. It will remain in
this closed position as long as the pressure in the system
is equal to or greater than the supply pressure. See Figure 1.
Variable Pressure. In service, the pressure on the sys-
tem, most often, will be found to be greater than the water
supply pressure. This condition exists because excess
pressure from surges and fluctuations in the water supply
are allowed to pass through the external checked by-pass
to be trapped in th esystem above the alarm valve clap-
per. Normally then, the clapper will remain in a closed po-
sition.
At times, however, sudden surges of greater pressure may
cause the clapper to open momentarily, then close. In such
instances, when the clapper is open, there will be a limited
flow of water through the seat ring openings and into the
retard chamber. There the water can accumulate, then drain
away without causing a false alarm.
When a sprinkler operates, the resulting water flow relieves
the system pressure. The greater supply pressure then
causes the alarm valve clapper to open, thereby permit-
ting an unobstructed flow of water into the system. At the
same time, water flows through the seat ring openings and
123
456
2 SVL100
via alarm line connections into the retard chamber. But
now, with the system operating, the clapper remains in an
open position and the volume of water flowing through the
alarm line is such that the retard chamber drain cannot
keep up with the incoming flow. The chamber quickly fills
and the water flow continues on to sound the water motor
alarm and/or operate the pressure actuated electric alarm
switch. See Figure 2.
Caution: All sprinkler systems contain a certain amount
of confined air. It is possible that a pressure surge could
compress this air and allow the alarm valve clapper to move
off the seat ring. Under some conditions, this could cause
false alarms. It is recommended, therefore, that the installer
bleed off the confind air and fill the system with water to
the fullest extent possible.
Constant Pressure. Under normal conditions the system
and supply pressures will be the same. Since the pres-
sure is constant, there is no need to consider surges and
fluctuations. Therefore, a retard chamber is not provided.
When a sprinkler operates, the system pressure drops,
allowing the alarm valve clapper to open. At the same time
that water enters the system, it also flows through the seat
ring openings and then via the alarm line connections di-
rectly to operate the alarm devices.
SVL100 3
Technical Data
Available Sizes: .................. ! 4" (101.6 mm)
! 6" (152.4 mm)
! 8" (203.2 mm)
Inlet & Outlet: ...................... Class 125 Flanged
Water Working Pressure: .... 175 psi (1206.6 kPa or
12.1 bar)
Setup For: ........................... ! Variable Pressure
! Constant Pressure
Listings & Approvals: .......... ! UL Listed
! FM Approved
! ULC Listed
! LPCB Approved
Pressure Loss:
For use in hydraulic calculations, the pressure loss through
the alarm valve may be expressed as equivalent feet of
pipe:
! 4" Valve = 9 Ft
! 6" Valve = 37 Ft
! 8" Valve = 18 Ft
Conversion Factors:
! 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters (mm)
! 1 psi = 6.895 kilopascals (kPa)
0.0689 bar
! 1 gallon = 3.785 liters (L)
7. 0
(48. 3)
5. 0
(34. 5)
3. 0
(20. 7)
2. 0
(1 3. 8)
0. 5
(3. 4)
1 . 0
(6. 9)
0. 1
(0. 7)
200
(757)
300
(1 1 36)
500
(1 893)
1 000
(3785)
2000
(7570)
3000
(1 1 355)
5000
(1 8925)
Pressure Loss Curves
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

i
n

p
s
i

(
k
P
a
)
Fl ow i n gpm (L/mi n. )
4

i
n
.

(
1
0
1
.
6

m
m
)
6

i
n
.

(
1
5
2
.
4

m
m
)
8

i
n
.

(
2
0
3
.
2

m
m
)
Ordering Information
! "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - Flange/Flange
4" Valve 6" Valve 8" Valve
Item/Setup
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
Alarm Valve only (without trim) 353-400 8353704 353-600 8353706 353-800 8353708
Trim setup for Alarm Valve:
For Variable Pressure (less Retard Chamber)
For Constant Pressure
353-4V
353-4C
1404832
1404833
353-6V
353-6C
1404842
1404843
353-8V
353-8C
1404852
1404853
Retard Chamber Automatic Model B
Note: Retard Chamber is to be ordered
separately and in addition to the trim setup
for variable pressure.
8-100 8008100 8-100 8008100 8-100 8008100
Trim Option for Alarm Switch (less Switch) 86-A 1601119 86-A 1601119 86-A 1601119
Alarm Valve, Pre-Trimmed
For Variable Pressure, Retard Chamber
included
- 8353904 - 8353906 - 8353908
4 SVL100
"Automatic" Model 353 Valve Assemblies
Parts List
! "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve Assemblies - Flange/Flange
4 Valve 6 Valve 8 Valve
Item
Number
Part Name Material Symbol
Number
Part
Number
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
1
2
Valve Body Subassembly
Body
Seat Ring
-
Cast Iron
Bronze
S353-406
-
-
8353406
-
-
S353-606
-
-
8353606
-
-
S353-806
-
-
8353806
-
-

Handhole Cover
Nameplate
Drive Screws: #0 x 2 required
Handhole Cover Gasket
Hex Head Cap Screws
5/16 18 x 1-1/4 long 6 required
3/8 16 x 1-1/2 long 6 required
13 x 1-1/2 long 6 required
Cast Iron
Aluminum
Steel
Rubber
-
Steel
Steel
Steel
353-403
-
-
353-405
-
-
-
-
8353403
-
-
8353405
-
1420057
-
-
353-603
-
-
353-605
-
-
-
-
8353603
-
-
8353605
-
-
1420073
-
353-803
-
-
353-805
-
-
-
-
8353803
-
-
8353805
-
-
-
1420101
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Clapper Subassembly
Clapper
Clapper
Clapper Facing
Retaining Disc
Retaining Disc
Shoulder Bolt
Shoulder Bolt Gasket
Self-Locking Nut: 3/8-16
3/8 16 x 1 Cap Screw (1 req.)
3/8 Lock washer (1 required)
-
Stainless Steel
Bronze
Rubber
Stainless Steel
Bronze
Brass
Rubber
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
S353-408
353-409
-
353-411
-
-
102-103
-
-
-
-
8353408
1353409
-
1353411
-
4601800020
8102103
1602131
1601381
-
-
S353-608
353-609
-
353-611
353-610
-
353-612
-
-
-
-
8353608
1353609
-
1353611
1353610
-
8353612
1602131
1601381
-
-
S353-808
-
353-809
353-811
353-810
-
-
-
-
-
-
8353808
-
8353809
1353811
1353810
-
-
-
-
1402150
1425078
13
14
15
16
Hinge Pin
Hinge Pin Bushings (2 in Body)
3/8 Plug
1/2 Plug
Stainless Steel
Bronze
Brass
Brass
353-413
-
-
-
8353413
-
2096099
-
353-613
-
-
-
8353613
-
2096099
-
353-813
-
-
-
8353813
-
-
2096103
Handhole cover and related items are not shown in detail.
These items are not field replaceable.
Not required for 8 size.
SVL100 5
"Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber
Parts List
! "Automatic" Model B Retard Chamber
Item
Number Part Name Material
Symbol
Number
Part
Number
1 Retard Chamber Body Cast Iron 8-101 8008101
2 Outlet Plug Assembly
Outlet Plug
Screen
Brass
Brass
S8-105 8008105
3 Drain Plug Assembly
Drain Plug
Screen
Brass
Brass
S8-106 8008106
4 O-Ring Gasket Buna-N - 1419198
6 SVL100
"Automatic" 4" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-4V
with Retard Chamber
SVL100 7
"Automatic" 4" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-4C
8 SVL100
"Automatic" 6" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-6V
with Retard Chamber
SVL100 9
"Automatic" 6" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-6C
10 SVL100
"Automatic" 8" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Variable Pressure Trim Setup 353-8V
with Retard Chamber
SVL100 11
"Automatic" 8" Model 353 Alarm Valve - Flange/Flange
Vertical/Constant Pressure Trim Setup 353-8C
12 SVL100
Reference.
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Main-
tenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems.
Testing
Before proceeding with any tests involving water flow, cer-
tain precautions need to be taken.
1. Check the location where the test connection dis-
charges to make sure that all is clear and that there is
no possibility of the water flow causing damage or in-
jury.
2. Check the end of the test connection to make sure
that it is unobstructed. To obtain a satisfactory test,
there must be an unrestricted flow of water when the
test valve is wide open.
3. Check for alarm connections to a central station or
fire department. If such connections are found, give
proper notice to the signal receiving station before
proceeding with the test.
Note: A main drain test will also operate local fire
alarms - unless they are temporarily shut off.
Testing Alarm Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices.
NFPA 25 recommends that the alarm valve and its
waterflow alarm devices be tested at least quarterly.
The primary way to test this equipment is by opening the
Inspectors Test Connection. This connection, generally
located at the highest and most remote point on the sys-
tem in relation to the alarm valve, consists of a test orifice
and controlling globe valve. Opening of the globe valve
(Inspectors Test Valve), and the subsequent discharge of
water through the test orifice, simulates the operation of a
sprinkler. Therefore, alarm devices should sound and/or
operate when the Inspectors Test Valve is opened.
An alternate means of testing waterflow alarm devices is
to open the Alarm Test Valve provided as part of the alarm
valve trim. It must be noted, however, that opening of this
valve only tests the alarms; it does not test the operation
of the alarm valve since the supply for the alarm test line
is taken from a point below the alarm valve clapper (see
Description/Operation). This means of testing, therefore,
should only be used when weather conditions or other cir-
cumstances prohibit using the Inspectors Test Connection.
Note: If alarms connect to a central station or fire depart-
ment, notify the signal receiving station when all tests have
been completed.
Testing and Maintenance
Flow Test at Main Drain Valve (Main Drain Test).
NFPA 25 recommends that a water flow test be made quar-
terly from the main drain valve at the system riser. The
purpose of this test is to show whether or not the normal
water supply is available to the system. By comparing static
and residual pressure readings with those previously es-
tablished, a main drain test can indicate the possible pres-
ence of closed valves or other obstructions in the supply
piping.
The procedure for conducting a Main Drain Test is as fol-
lows:
1. With the Main Drain Valve closed, note and record
the reading on the lower Pressure Gage at the Alarm
Valve.
2. Open the Main Drain Valve slowly until it is fully open.
Then, check to make sure that a full steady flow of
water is discharging from the main drain pipe.
Note: If a full steady stream is not discharging, check
the main drain piping further for possible obstructions.
3. Allow the water to flow until the reading on the lower
Pressure Gage drops and stabilizes. Then, record this
reading.
Note: The first and higher pressure reading is the static
pressure. The second, lower reading is the residual
pressure with a given flow discharging from the main
drain pipe.
4. Close the Main Drain Valve slowly.
Caution: If alarms have been temporarily shut off, they
must be returned to service. If alarms connect to a
central station or fire department, notify the signal re-
ceiving station when the test has been completed.
5. Compare both pressure readings with previously es-
tablished or normal readings.
Note: If the readings compare favorably, the water
supply may be considered satisfactory. If, however,
the pressure readings vary to any great extent, the
condition should be investigated to determine the
cause. Some possible causes are:
Partially or totally closed system control valves.
Clogged or frozen water mains.
Serious leakage at valves or mains.
SVL100 13
Maintenance
The "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve and its related
equipment should be examined periodically to ensure
proper operation and trouble free service. Several areas
to be routinely inspected are:
Clapper Facing. The rubber clapper facing should be
checked for wear or damage, and to determine that it is
free of dirt and other foreign substances. If found to be
worn or damaged (e.g., foreign matter imbedded in the
surface), the facing should be replaced. If it is dirty, it should
be cleaned, but compounds which could damage the rub-
ber facing must never be used.
Seat Ring. The seat ring should be checked for nicks and
for stones, dirt or other foreign matter lodged in the grooves
or holes. It should be cleaned thoroughly. If the seat ring is
found to be severely damaged, the complete alarm valve
assembly should be replaced.
By-Pass Check Valve. The 3/4" check valve in the exter-
nal by-pass should be checked for clapper and seat con-
dition.
Retard Chamber. The outlet plug and drain plug assem-
blies should be checked for obstructions. The screens
should be cleaned thoroughly.
Alarm Line Strainer. The 3/4" strainer in the alarm line of
the constant pressure trim setup should be checked and
cleaned thoroughly.
Alarm Test Valve, Main Drain Valve & Inspection Test
Valve. All controlling valves which are normally closed
when the alarm valve is in the set position should be
checked to be sure that they are fully closed and not leak-
ing.
Alarm Valve and Trim. The overall setup should be
checked for visible leaks and possible physical damage to
the valve and connections (e.g., broken gages).
Resetting of System
The "Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valve is self-resetting
when testing procedures are followed. When sprinklers
operate, however, there are certain procedures which must
be followed for restoring the system to service.
1. Close the System Control Valve (OS&Y, PIV or other).
Caution: In the event of a fire, the system control valve
is to be closed only after it has been determined, posi-
tively, that the fire has been extinguished.
2. Close the Alarm Control Valve.
3. Open the Main Drain Valve.
Note: It is necessary to drain the system only as re-
quired to allow for sprinkler replacement.
4. Replace the sprinklers which have operated.
5. Close the Main Drain Valve.
6. Open the Inspectors Test Valve.
Note: This valve is opened to permit air to be vented
from the system as it is being filled with water.
7. Slowly open the System Control Valve.
Caution: Open the valve only partially at the stsrt of
water flow into the system. Do not open it fully at this
point. To do so may cause a water hammer to occur
which could either damage the piping or trap large
volumes of air within the system.
8. Continue filling the system until water discharges in a
continuous stream from the Inspectors Test Connec-
tion.
9. Close the Inspectors Test Connection.
10. Turn the System Control Valve to its full open posi-
tion, at the same time observing the Pressure Gages.
Note: The system is filled when both gages are steady
and have the same pressure reading.
11. Conduct a Main Drain Test to make sure the water
supply is satisfactory (see Flow Test at Main Drain
Valve).
12. Open the Alarm Control Valve.
13. Conduct a test of the alarm devices (see Testing Alarm
Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices).
14. Seal, lock, or otherwise secure the System Control
Valve and Alarm Control Valve in an open position (per
NFPA 25). The system is now ready for service.
15. If alarms connect to a central station or fire depart-
ment, notify the signal receiving station that the sys-
tem has been returned to service.
"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves - LPCB Approved
"Automatic" Model 353 Alarm Valves are also approved by
the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). For LPCB
approved valves, however, the trim setups differ from those
required for UL/FM/ULC approval.
It must be noted that in a fire situation, with all setups, the
operation of the alarm valve is the same (see Descrip-
tion/Operation). The difference in setup occurs only in
the arrangement of test connections.
With UL/FM/ULC approved valves, the Alarm Test Valve
in the alarm valve trim is just for testing the waterflow alarm
devices. It cannot be used to test the operation of the alarm
valve itself since the supply to the alarm test line is from a
point below the alarm valve clapper ( see Testing Alarm
Valve and Waterflow Alarm Devices).
To meet LPCB approval, a means must be provided at the
alarm valve for testing both the valve and its waterflow
alarm devices. To accomplish this, the alarm test line is
arranged to take its supply from above the valve clapper.
And, in addition to the Alarm Test Valve, an Orifice Union
is provided to simulate the operation of a sprinkler when
the test valve is opened.
For information on LPCB approved alarm valves, refer to
Bulletin 303-FOC.
14 SVL100
"Automatic" Sprinkler
150 Gordon Drive Exton, PA 19341 USA
Tel: (610) 363-1400 800-626-2682
Fax: (610) 524-9073 800-858-6857
This information is only a general guideline. The company reserves the right to change any portion of this information without notice. Terms and
conditions of sale apply and are available on request.
2/02 Printed in USA (SLV100.P65)