Bulletin 251 May 2019

Models A & B Automatic Pressure

Maintenance Devices
cULus Listed, FM Approved

Product Description
Model A Pressure Maintenance Device
The Model A Pressure Maintenance Device (PMD) is designed
for use where a source of compressed air (plant air system,
tank-mounted compressor with a pressure control, etc.) or nitro-
gen cylinder (equipped with a high pressure regulating device) is
available. The regulator in the Model A PMD reduces higher pres-
sure air or nitrogen to a level required by a dry pipe valve, dry pilot
line, or a deluge valve based preaction system. The Model A PMD
will maintain a constant pressure in the system regardless of any
pressure fluctuations from the compressed air or nitrogen source.

Basic functionality of components (refer to Fig. 1): The strainer

prevents foreign matter that may be present in the air supply from
traveling to the regulator and the check valve, thereby ensuring
their normal operation. The check valve prevents the reverse flow
of water resulting from a dry pipe or deluge valve operation, from
Model A Pressure Maintenance Device
reaching the regulator. Two 1/4” valves allow for the servicing (if
needed) of the strainer and regulator without having to shut down
the sprinkler system. The 1/2” ball valve permits the rapid resto-
ration (quick-fill) of the required system air pressure during com-
missioning, or after service or operation. The 1/2” ball valve must
be closed and the 1/4” valves must be open for proper automatic
operation.

Model B Pressure Maintenance Device

The Model B Pressure Maintenance Device (PMD) is designed
for use in conjunction with a tankless air compressor without a
pressure control switch to maintain the correct air pressure in a
dry pipe valve, dry pilot line, or a deluge valve based preaction
system.

Basic functionality of components (refer to Figure 2): A drop in

the sprinkler system air pressure causes the contacts of the pres-
sure switch to close, thereby activating the air compressor. When
the pre-adjusted level of air pressure is restored, the pressure
switch contacts re-open, thereby deactivating the air compressor.
The pressure switch is also equipped with an unloader valve that
automatically bleeds off the air compressor outlet pressure each
time the contacts of the pressure switch open. This protects the air
compressor motor from overloading during startup. Like the Model
A PMD, the Model B has a strainer for contamination control and a
check valve to prevent reverse water flow. The 1/2” ball valve and Model B Pressure Maintenance Device
1/4” valves are also identical in configuration and function as with
the Model A PMD. Likewise, the 1/2” ball valve must be closed
and the 1/4” valves must be open for proper automatic operation.

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 Model A Pressure Maintenance Device

Outlet Pressure Range: 5 - 75 psi (0,3 – 5,2 bar) Model A Pressure Maintenance Device Figure 1
Maximum Inlet Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
Inlet/Outlet Threads: 1/2” NPT (A)

The pressure regulator is factory set to maintain a nominal

system air or nitrogen pressure of 23 psi (1,6 bar). In order to
change the outlet pressure, loosen the locknut at the top of
regulator and turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase
pressure. To decrease the pressure, turn the adjusting screw
counter clockwise. The resulting pressure can be determined
at the sprinkler system air gauge, or the optional gauge location
provided on the device, once the flow or air or nitrogen through
the device has ceased.

Note: The locknut of the regulator must be tightened after ad-

justing in order to prevent an accidental change in the pressure
setting.

Installation Model A Pressure Maintenance Device

P/N 6304001123 (23psi), (All steel pipe fittings are galvanized)
Install the pressure maintenance device in the line between
the compressed air or nitrogen supply and the dry pipe sys- Item
Part No. Description Qty.
tem, preaction system, or dry pilot line detection system. The No.
supply for the Model A Pressure Maintenance Device can be a 1 96606607 TEE, 1/2” X 1/2” X 1/4” 2
tank-mounted compressor (dedicated or plant air), a nitrogen 2 96606608 TEE, 1/4” X 1/4” X 1/4” 1
generator with a tank, or bottled nitrogen with a high pressure 3 98174404 ELL, 1/4” 1
regulator. Install the Model A as close as possible to the dry 4 98543210 NIPPLE, 1/2” X 2-1/2” 1
pipe valve, deluge valve, or preaction system. Please refer to 5 98543227 NIPPLE, 1/4” X CLO 6
the appropriate technical bulletin for additional information. 6 98614403 SQ. HEAD PLUG, 1/4” 1
7 98681630 REGULATOR, 1/4”, 5 - 75 PSI 1
8 98727607 STRAINER, 1/4”  1
9 98815201 G.J. UNION, 1/4” 2
10 98840147 CHECK VALVE, 1/4” INLINE POPPET 1
11 98840237 BALL VALVE, 1/4” NPTM X NPTF 2
12 9884011E BALL VALVE, 1/2” NPTM X NPTF 1

Model A Dimensions Figure 2

Model A Pressure Maintenance Device

Note: It is imperative that the entire air or nitrogen supply sys-
tem be tested and made leak-free. Leaks in the supply sys-
tem will result in excessive compressor operation, depletion of
bottled nitrogen, and possible unintended release of the fire
protection system.

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 Model B Pressure Maintenance Device
Pressure Switch Adjustment Range: 14 – 60 psi (1,0 – 4,1 bar)
Maximum Inlet Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
Inlet/Outlet Threads: 1/2” NPT (B)
WARNING: Disconnect power to the Model B Pressure
Maintenance Device prior to opening the pressure switch
cover.
The pressure switch is factory set to start the compressor at 27
psi (1,9 bar) and stop the compressor at 35 psi (2,4 bar).
In order to change the setting, remove the pressure switch cov-
er and follow the directions contained within the switch. Verify
the start and stop pressures at the sprinkler system air gauge,
or at the optional gauge location provided on the device.

Note: Adjustment of the differential between the start and stop pres-
sures of the compressor is not recommended.
Model B Pressure Maintenance Device
Electrical Rating:
Single Phase: 120 Volts AC; 2 hp Model B Pressure Maintenance Device Wiring:
240 Volts AC; 3 hp
Remove the pressure switch cover and connect the wiring in
600 Volts AC; 5 hp
accordance with the National Electric Code or other appropri-
Three Phase: 240 Volts AC; 5 hp ate standards. The connections should be as shown in Figure
600 Volts AC; 5 hp 4 for single phase wiring of thermally protected compressor
115-230 Volts DC; 3 hp motors.
Installation For 3-phase wiring, a listed and/or approved, properly sized
Install the pressure maintenance device in the line between the magnetic motor starter with appropriate NEMA enclosure must
air compressor and the dry pipe system, preaction system, or be provided. The wiring of the pressure switch, motor starter,
dry pilot line detection system. The supply for the Model B and air compressor must be in accordance with the National
Pressure Maintenance Device is a tank-less compressor with- Electrical Code, or other appropriate standards.
out a pressure switch. Install the Model B as close as possible
to the dry pipe valve, deluge valve, or preaction system. Please Model B PMD Electrical Connections Figure 4
refer to the appropriate technical bulletin for additional informa-
tion.
Note: It is imperative that the entire air or nitrogen supply system be
tested and made leak-free. Leaks in the supply system will result in
excessive compressor operation, depletion of bottled nitrogen, and
possible unintended release of the fire protection system.

Model B Pressure Maintenance Device Figure 3

Model B Pressure Maintenance Device
P/N 6304012100 (All steel pipe fittings are galvanized)
Item
Part No. Description Qty.
No.
1 96606607 TEE, 1/2” X 1/2” X 1/4” 2
2 96606608 TEE, 1/4” X 1/4” X 1/4” 1
3 98048034 BUSHING, 3/8” X 1/4” 1
4 98085630 CONNECTOR, 1/4” TUBING X 1/4” NPT 1
5 98523100 RESTRICTION ORIFICE 1
6 98543223 NIPPLE, 1/2” X 1-1/2” 1
7 98543226 NIPPLE, 1/4” X 1-1/2” 2
8 98543227 NIPPLE, 1/4” X CLO 3
9 98614403 SQ. HEAD PLUG, 1/4” 1
10 98727607 STRAINER, 1/4”  1
11 98728801 PRESSURE SWITCH; 14 PSI TO 60 PSI 1
12 98750004 CROSS, 1/4” 1
13 98815201 G.J. UNION, 1/4” 2
14 98840147 CHECK VALVE, 1/4” INLINE POPPET 1
15 98840237 BALL VALVE, 1/4” NPTM X NPTF 2
16 9884011E BALL VALVE, 1/2” NPTM X NPTF 1
17 98768000 COPPER TUBING, 1/4” 18”

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 Model B Dimensions Figure 5 7. If the regulator in the Model A Pressure Maintenance De-
vice is constantly leaking at the adjusting screw, the regu-
lator may contain dirt keeping the poppet open and should
be cleaned or replaced.
8. Check the inside housing of pressure switch of the Model
B Pressure Maintenance Device for dirt or foreign matter
and verify that the wiring is fastened securely and is wiring
insulation is in good condition.

Listings and Approvals

• Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and Underwriters
Laboratories of Canada. (cULus)
• FM Approved

Guarantee
For Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. guarantee, terms, and
conditions, visit www.reliablesprinkler.com.

Ordering Information
Specify:
Model: [A Pressure Maintenance Device]
[B Pressure Maintenance Device]

Maintenance
Refer to Figures 1 & 3.
1. Review the latest NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Standards, any
appropriate dry pipe or deluge valve installation bulletins,
and the section in this bulletin titled “Installation” to ensure
that the pressure maintenance device is installed properly.
2. Make sure that both 1/4” valves are open and that the 1/2”
ball valve is closed.
3. Check the gas pressure in the dry pipe, deluge or preac-
tion system at the pressure gauge located on those devic-
es. See the section titled “Adjustment” if any are required.
4. If maintenance is to be performed on the strainer, regula-
tor, or pressure switch of the pressure maintenance device,
make sure that both 1/4” valves are closed and that pres-
sure has been relieved from the section through the union.
These 1/4” valves must be opened again in order to restore
proper automatic operation.
5. The strainer should be cleaned periodically to prevent
contamination from blocking air flow. This can be done by
removing the strainer’s cap and wiping or blowing off any
collected debris.
6. Make sure the check valve is installed according to the
schematic with the arrow on its hexagonal side pointing in
P/N 9999970040

the required direction of air flow.

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