16th November, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
We were recently asked by a fire protection contractor in California the following question:
“How do I remove condensate water from the piping between the compressor and the DPV (Dry Pipe Valve) when I am using an OL Series riser mounted unit (no tank)?”
As you know, when air is compressed condensate is created and accumulates in the system piping. If the condensate is not addressed it can eventually fill the piping all the way back to the compressor and then, eventually into the air compressor itself. At this point the compressor will fail. While this is extreme is it not entirely uncommon.
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16th November, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
Recommended Wire Size for General Air Products Air Compressors Explained
– No, we aren’t kidding you might need a 2 gauge wire.
It is not uncommon for our customer service associates to get a phone call or email when an installer or designer reads the recommended wire size listed for our air compressors in the installation manual. The question usually sounds like this:
“I’m installing one of your air compressors on a dry pipe system and the AMP draw is listed at 19.5 but you are calling for a #6 gauge wire! Is this a typo or are you guys crazy?!?!”
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17th August, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
In a previous post I listed the NEC requirements for “permanently installed devices” such as an air compressor in a dry pipe sprinkler system. #5 on that list states that the air compressor on a dry pipe sprinkler system must “Be connected to a listed motor-circuit switch rated for horsepower”(NEC 430.109) which is also referred to as an industrial duty disconnect switch.
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17th August, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
We are asked with increasing regularity why a contractor can’t just use any old air compressor for a dry pipe sprinkler system. This is an issue we have covered thoroughly in our article “Do Not Use Retail Air Compressors for Fire Protection Applications” but there is a piece that we are often asked about that was not properly addressed in that article.
Why don’t General Air Products’ air compressors come with a plug or plug option like a retail air compressor?
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10th August, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
We are asked with increasing regularity why we don’t use pump run timers on our RFP residential fire protection pumping systems – the answer cuts directly to the heart of our design and manufacturing philosophy.
Reliable performance with quality components.
A deceptively simple philosophy for sure – It seems intuitive until you see it play out in a world that wants everything made cheaper. This dichotomy is nothing new to us and we have maintained our integrity at every turn over our 75 years in business.
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22nd June, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
As the prevalence of code stipulating seismic qualifications and certifications for fire protection equipment increases inside and outside of California, as well as in federal government building specifications, we are increasingly asked about the seismic certification of our air compressors and pumping systems. Here is our response:
Certain nonstructural components are exempt from seismic design requirements. Specifically equipment and components that are considered to be “rugged” do not require special seismic certification. As outlined in section 2.2 of CAN 2-1708A.5 this exempted equipment includes:
- Motors and motor operators
- Horizontal and vertical pumps (including vacuum pumps)
- Air Compressors
For the long form of this information or for a letter from the manufacturer (General Air Products, Inc.) citing code along side this statement for submittal purposes please contact us by calling 800-345-8207 or by email.
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5th April, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - 1 Comment
Why do I need a Motor Starter on my Dry Pipe System Air Compressor?
In short, to prevent this from happening:
What you see here is a burnt motor on one of our LT Series lubricated tank mounted units. In this instance the air compressor was run with no oil, causing the pump to seize. (more…)
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6th October, 2011 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
On October 6, 2011 we received an email from Teresa M. King, S.E.T. from Front range Fire Protection in Colorado, Terry asks:
“Can you tell me why you recommend a tank mounted air compressor when there is an accelerator used in a dry pipe sprinkler system?”
In short, yes we can. I’ll refer to Ray DeCecco, our Manager of Customer Service and resident dry pipe system air compressor expert, for elaboration. Ray responds: (more…)
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30th September, 2011 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
On September 28th, 2011 we were asked this question by Chris Redmond, PE at Redmond Engineering & Design in Michigan:
“I have specified and used General Air for years and have recently come up with a dilemma. An AHJ states that the air compressor must meet NFPA 13 requirements (2007 Section 7.2.6.2) that the air supply be available at all times. How have other customers handled this? Do I have to tell the owner to provide a secondary means of power?” (more…)
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28th September, 2011 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
On September 27, 2011 we received an email from Fred Davidson of Metro Swift Sprinkler Corp. in Massachusetts. Fred was looking for clarification on the requirement of an air maintenance device, he asks:
“It has come up a number of times, on the installation of air compressors on fire protection systems. NFPA 13 requires an AMD on all systems. Some of my peers think that compressors under 1/2 HP and below should not have and air maintenance device installed. Can you clear this up for us?”
Ray DeCecco, our customer service manager and resident dry pipe system air compressor expert responded:
“NFPA 13 section 7.2.6.5.2 states “Where the air compressor supplying the dry pipe system has a capacity less than 5.5 CFM at 10 PSIG, no air receiver or air maintenance device shall be required.” Section 7.2.6.5.1 states that if you do not meet this requirement you must use an air maintenance device and the compressor must have an air receiver. This has been code since 2007.
General Air recommends using a listed compressor when not using an air maintenance device, our model numbers OL11016AC through OL42575AC meet the code requirement. “
All this being said, it is still the AHJ that makes the call and a majority of them still want an air maintenance device installed. If you have a question on this please feel free to contact us by calling, emailing or by leaving a comment below!
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