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.
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?!?!”
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.
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?
14th August, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - 1 Comment
Before we begin on the titled subject understand that this article will focus on why we at General Air Products recommend a motor starter for overload protection with every unit. If you would like to know more about what a motor starter is please start here. You can also see what happens to a motor that is not protected with a motor starter by clicking here.
One more thing – overload protection for motors goes by many names, they all mean the same thing. Here are a few of those terms:
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.
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.
5th April, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
Sometimes an air compressor will turn on and off rapidly and unendingly, this is an occurrence known as short cycling. The good news is that it does not mean that your air compressor is broken or defective, however there is something going wrong that requires immediate attention so as not to permanently damage the air compressor on your dry pipe sprinkler system. The sections below describe how to resolve this problem for each of our compressor types. (more…)
1st February, 2012 - Posted by genair_admin - No Comments
Utilizing the RFP System’s Alarm Contacts
We are often asked about the availability of alarm contacts in our RFP systems as many fire protection contractors and home owners would like their system to provide a wide variety of alarms. Fortunately the engineering team behind the design of the RFP System had the forethought to provide several options regarding alarms: standard audible alarm, flow switch “dry contacts” alarm terminal, and a pump run “hot contact” terminal.
