Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy AGF products?
We do not sell direct. Find a distributor that serves your area to get pricing or purchase AGF products.
Who can I contact with a Technical Question about AGF Products?
Email your question to techsupport@agfmfg.com or call 610-240-4900 to speak to a member of our technical staff.
Why do I need a pressure relief valve on my TESTanDRAIN valve?
Prior to the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, pressure relief valves were only required on gridded systems and downstream of pressure reducing valves. The requirements regarding relief valves was changed with the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, which added 7.1.2.1 and requires the inclusion of a pressure relief on all wet systems. The intent of this addition by NFPA was to prevent pressure buildup in wet pipe systems, which can be caused by external forces like solar heating, from exceeding the working pressure of the system components. It is not a requirement of NFPA that the relief valve be located on the TESTanDRAIN valve, but some AGF TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’s test valves were designed specifically to accommodate this requirement and provide the contractor with an easy and convenient installation location and method of draining a relief valve.
How do I repair my TESTanDRAIN valve?
Watch our video instructions on how to repair a TESTanDRAIN valve.
Consult the written instructions here.
Can I switch out the orifice size on my TESTanDRAIN valve?
You can change the orifice size of your TESTanDRAIN valve by ordering a repair kit with the desired orifice size and changing out the ball. Follow the repair kit instructions to complete the process.
How do I install pressure relief trim on a Model 1011 or 2511?
To install pressure relief on a Model 1011 or 2511, order a pressure relief trim kit and follow these video instructions or written instructions.
Can I install pressure relief trim on a Model 1000 or 2500?
It's much easier to install a pressure relief trim kit on a Model 1011 or 2511, but it is possible to install one on a Model 1000 or 2500 with some extra parts and instructions. Consult these instructions to learn more about the process.
Do you have an ARRA Certification?
Yes, the American Reconstruction and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Certificate is available HERE
Can I test to 300 PSI?
Yes. Normal pressure testing can be done but first, you must close all venting valves. Model 7900AAV needs to be closed at the isolation valve.
Do I need to pipe PURGEnVENT to a drain?
No. There is no requirement to pipe an air vent, automatic or manual, to a discharge.
Why should I use this? What is the purpose?
NFPA 13 (2016) standard requires the use of one air venting valve per system. PURGEnVENT Air Venting Valves help reduce corrosion in the fire sprinkler pipe and help extend the life of your system by removing air. Air, water, and steel must be present for corrosion to occur.
Where should PURGEnVENT valves be installed?
The PURGEnVENT air venting valve should be located where it will be most effective. The vent required shall be located near a high point in the system to allow air to be removed from that portion of the system. If not possible, the 7950ILV can be installed after the floor control valve.
Can Model 7900AAV be installed at an angle?
No. The 7900AAV needs to be installed vertically to properly vent air. However, when used with the 7950ILV a space-saving option is to mount the outlet for the expansion chamber at a 45° angle with the 7900AAV in the vertical position.
How many do I need?
NFPA 13 7.1.5 states that a single air vent with a connection conforming to NFPA 13 8.16.6 shall be provided on each wet pipe sprinkler system. A system is defined as having a floor control valve, check valve, main drain valve, and flow switch. Multistory buildings shall have a system for each individual floor (8.2.4.1).
What if I can't access the highest point in the system?
The air vent should be placed near the highest point in the system. AGF also offers the Model 7950 Inline Vent that can be installed after the floor control valve.
Do I need to add a "Y" Strainer?
No. AGF has incorporated strainers into all PURGEnVENT valves due to inherent operational and maintenance flaws of "Y" type strainers.
Do I need an isolation valve before the air vent?
No. PURGEnVENT includes an isolation valve.
Can PURGEnVENT act as a vacuum break?
Yes. Opening the air vent will facilitate quicker draining of the system and act as a pressure break, preventing unneeded stress on pipe connections while eliminating a vacuum.
Why shouldn't I use an inspector's test as an air vent?
Inspector's test valves cannot act as an air vent because they cannot be placed at the high point of the system.
Does the 7910MAV stay open?
No. The 7910MAV is a manual air vent and must be in the closed position while the system is in operation. Manually open and close the 7910MAV valve repetitively to vent air from the system while it is in operation. Make sure to leave the 7910MAV valve in the closed position once venting is complete.
Does the 7900 Automatic Air Venting Valve leak?
No. A series of unique interior features prevent the 7900AAV from leaking. However, when filling a system water vapor may be expelled with the purged air.
Can I install just one CORRinSITE?
Yes. However, AGF recommends installing several throughout the building in order to get a more accurate sampling of possible corrosion at different locations in the system. Please see the brochure for more detailed recommendations, or call AGF for additional information.
What are the recommended installation locations for the CORRinSITE?
AGF recommends installing the CORRinSITE above the alarm valve where the water is most oxygenated, on the lowest and highest building levels near the floor control valve where cavitation of flow is most prevalent, and at the highest or farthest part of the system where a pocket of air may become trapped.
AGF also recommends installing the CORRinSITE in areas of the sprinkler system which have previously demonstrated corrosion issues.
How do I position the CORRinSITE on the fire protection system?
On a wet system, AGF recommends positioning the CORRinSITE at the top of the clock between 10 and 2, but not directly vertical at 12. On a dry system, AGF recommends positioning the CORRinSITE at the bottom of the clock, between 8 and 4, but not directly vertical at 6.
Do I have to use your Model 7700 Grooved Pipe Tee or Model 7800 Mechanical Tee?
Yes. Not all manufacturer's mechanical tee fittings will accommodate the CORRinSITE plug. AGF requires using the Model 7700 or Model 7800 since the tee outlet depths allow for the correct insertion depth of the plug in relation to the pipe wall.
What is the difference between the Model 7700 and the Model 7800?
The Model 7700 is a section of pipe with grooved ends suitable for new construction and retrofitting into existing fire protection systems. It is available in Schedule 10 or 40 and powder-coated black steel or galvanized pipe.
The Model 7800 is a mechanical tee designed to be easily retrofitted into existing fire protection systems. The tee is available in painted red or galvanized steel.
Does CORRinSITE prevent corrosion?
No. CORRinSITE simply detects corrosion.
Does CORRinSITE replace nitrogen generators?
No. CORRinSITE is an early warning detection device used to monitor and detect the level of corrosion present in the system. It is suitable for use in nitrogen systems.
Do I have to send CORRinSITE in for analysis?
No. If CORRinSITE's sight glass turns orange, you simply subtract the install date from the current date to determine how fast it took for 0.040 pipe wall to be depleted. Based on that calculation and the age of the pipe in the system, additional inspections may be warranted. AGF recommends inspecting the system as soon as possible.
As the pipe wall is depleted, the pipe material is converted to iron oxide (rust) which settles in the sprinkler system. This can lead to reduced hydraulic performance and/or plugged sprinkler heads.
Is there an audible alarm on the corrosion monitor that alerts someone when the plug turns orange?
No, the visual change in color from white to orange provides the notification of a problem. There is no wiring with the CORRinSITE Corrosion Monitor and they should be inspected during the annual inspection or by the building owner during routine maintenance.
How should the CORRinSITE be inspected?
AGF recommends each plug be viewed at least once a year during the typical NFPA 25 inspection. Inspecting the CORRinSITE once a year is significantly better than the current requirement for internal pipe inspection of once every 5 to 10 years.
Does CORRinSITE still detect corrosion if there is a buildup on the inside of the pipe?
Yes. The primary cause of pipe corrosion is oxygen attack. However, as deposits and solids form in the pipe, different types of corrosion take over (anodic and MIC). When installing in a wet pipe horizontally, AGF recommends installing CORRinSITE in the upper half of the pipe, outside the deposit build-up zone, and in the primary oxygen attack zone of the pipe.
How do I tell how fast the pipe is corroding?
Once CORRinSITE turns orange, you simply subtract the install date from the current date to determine how fast it took for 0.040 pipe wall to be depleted.
Can the Flood Eliminator be added to my existing drum drips?
Yes, you can easily retrofit a Flood Eliminator onto any existing drum drip. Install it immediately upstream (above) the first valve of a traditional auxiliary drain assembly configuration.
Does the Flood Eliminator prevent drum drips from breaking due to freezing water?
The smallest amount of water left in a drum drip can result in the failure of an auxiliary drain. The Flood Eliminator is not intended to prevent accumulated condensation from freezing. AGF offers other products that will either alert you to the presence of water in an auxiliary drain or prevent water in a drain from freezing. The Flood Eliminator is designed to prevent the flooding and other damage that would result from a frozen and broken drum drip.
Does the Flood Eliminator require power?
No. The Flood Eliminator is a mechanical device, and it does not require any power source.
If I have a Flood Eliminator installed and I have a break, will I need to replace the Flood Eliminator when I repair the broken drum drip?
No. After you drain the water from the system, repair the broken auxiliary drain, and reset the dry valve, the Flood Eliminator will reset itself to offer protection against future breaks.
Can AGF COLLECTanDRAIN auxiliary drains come with a Flood Eliminator pre-installed?
Yes. Any of the auxiliary drains in the COLLECTanDRAIN product line, such as Models 5100, 5200, 5300, 5400, and 5500, can be ordered with the Flood Eliminator already attached. Just tell your AGF Distributor to order it for you.
Where is the best place to install the Flood Eliminator?
The Model 5900 Flood Eliminator needs to be installed vertically and there should never be any sprinklers downstream of its installation location. An ideal location is immediately upstream of (just above) any auxiliary drain (drum drip) assembly or low point drain valve.
Can the Flood Eliminator be used with nitrogen systems?
Yes, the Flood Eliminator has been engineered to be compatible with dry and pre-action systems using standard compressed air and with dry and pre-action systems using nitrogen.
How much water will flow through the Flood Eliminator prior to it stopping a flood?
The Flood Eliminator, when exposed to the pressurized flow that would be the result of system failure and dry valve release, will activate almost immediately resulting in a flow of system water that can be measured in ounces. After activation, the Flood Eliminator will initiate a limited controlled flow through the auxiliary drain to aid in identifying the broken drain.