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Questions from Customers – Accelerators on a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

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:

“Most accelerators activate on a pressure differential. When using a base mounted air compressor or a riser mounted air compressor fluctuations in pressure take place in the piping.  Sometimes these fluctuations are dramatic enough that they are sensed at the accelerator and a false trip occurs. When using a tank mounted air compressor, or a riser mounted air compressor with our OLR-TK (Riser Tank Kit), any fluctuations in the system air pressure take place in the tank. With the tank as a buffer the momentary fluctuations should not reach the accelerator.”

Terry we are happy to have cleared that up for you! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding air compressors for dry pipe sprinkler systems.