Bulletin 359 December 2019

Model EX Low Pressure

Dry Pipe Valve

Features
• Low air or nitrogen pressure, 8 to 28 psi (0.6 to 1.9 bar)
• Lightweight ductile iron body with compact trim
• External reset reduces setup and commissioning time
• Does not require priming water
• Available fully assembled, with or without control valve

Product Description
The Reliable Model EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve is a
hydraulically operated, mechanical latching clapper-type
valve designed for use as a primary control valve in a dry
pipe system. The pneumatic system pressure when using the
Model EX valve can be set substantially less than conventional
differential style dry valves. The following benefits are a direct
result of lower pneumatic pressure:

• Smaller, less expensive pneumatic sources

• Improved water transit times following operation of valve,
and in some cases, elimination of quick opening devices
• Low pressure makes the use of nitrogen more practical

In addition to these benefits, mechanical type dry pipe valves

are less susceptible to accidental tripping than conventional
differential dry pipe valves.

All sizes of the Model EX valve may be equipped with the

Reliable Model B-1 Accelerator (P/N 6516000003; ordered
separately). The accelerator operates as an exhauster to hasten
the operation of the dry pipe valve. Please refer to Reliable
Technical Bulletin 323 for further information.

Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Listings and Approvals Table A

Valve Size End Connection* Pressure Rating Listings & Approvals

2” (50mm), 2-1/2” (65mm), & 3” (80mm) Groove/Groove 250 psi (17,2 bar) cULus, FM, CE, VdS, LPCB

76mm Groove/Groove 250 psi (17,2 bar) cULus, FM, LPCB

Groove/Groove
4” (100mm) Flange/Groove
Flange/Flange
300 psi (20,7 bar) cULus, FM, CE, VdS, LPCB
Groove/Groove
6” (150mm) Flange/Groove
Flange/Flange
165mm Groove/Groove 300 psi (20,7 bar) cULus, FM, LPCB
Groove/Groove
8” (200mm) 250 psi (17,2 bar) cULus, FM, CE, VdS, LPCB
Flange/Flange
*Note: Grooved ends per ANSI/AWWA C606; flanged ends per ASME B16.5 Class 150 or ISO 7005-2 PN16 (specify).

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 EX Valve Dimensions Figure 1

Installation Dimensions in Inches (mm) (Refer to Figure 1) Table B

Size A AF(1) B C D E F G H I J(2) K
12-1/2 3-1/4
2” (50mm) N/A
(318) 5-1/2 25-1/4 4-1/4 13 9-7/8 7 8-3/8 (83)
2-1/2” (65mm), 76mm, 12-1/2 (140) (641) (108) (330) (251) (178) (213) 3-3/4
N/A
3” (80mm) (318) (96)
14 16 5-1/8 27 14-7/8 11 8 10 10 4-1/2 5-1/2
4” (100mm)
(356) (406) (130) (686) (378) (279) (203) (254) (254) (114) (140)
16 19 4-7/8 5-1/2 15-1/2 11-5/8 8-5/8 10-1/2 5-1/4
6” (150mm), 165mm
(406) (483) (124) 28-1/2 (140) (394) (295) (219) (267) (133)
19-3/8 21-1/4 4-5/8 (724) 16-1/4 13-5/8 9-1/8 11-3/4 5-3/4
8” (200mm)
(492) (540) (117) (413) (346) (232) (298) (146)
Notes:
(1) AF dimension is for Flange x Groove valves (4” & 6”) or Flange x Flange valves (4”, 6”, and 8”).
(2) Butterfly control valve for 2” system is Anvil 990003549; all others are Reliable REL-BFG-300.

Valve Shipping Weight Table C Trim Shipping Weight Table D

Valve Size: End Connection: Weight: Valve Size: Weight:
2" (50mm), 2½" 2" (50mm), 2½" (65mm), 76mm
30 lbs (13.6 kg)
(65mm), 76mm Groove/ Groove 34 lbs (15 kg) & 3" (80mm)
& 3" (80mm) 4" (100mm), 6" (150mm), 165mm
34 lbs (15.5 kg)
Groove/ Groove 64 lbs (29 kg & 8" (200mm)
4” (100mm) Flange/ Groove 79 lbs (36 kg)
Friction Loss Table E
Flange/ Flange 92 lbs (42 kg)
Groove/ Groove 95 lbs (43 kg) Equivalent Length:
Valve Size: Cv
6" (150mm) C = 120 C = 100
Flange/ Groove 122 lbs (56 kg)
& 165mm 2" (50mm) 4.4 ft (1,3 m) 3.1 ft (1,0 m) 101
Flange/ Flange 138 lbs (69 kg)
2½" (65mm) 6.0 ft (1,8 m) 4.3 ft (1,3 m) 236
Groove/ Groove 148 lbs (67 kg)
8" (200mm) 76mm 7.7 ft (2,3 m) 5.5 ft (1,7 m) 241
Flange/ Flange 197 lbs (90 kg)
3" (80mm) 12.6 ft (3,8 m) 9.0 ft (2,7 m) 254
4" (100mm) 14 ft (4,3 m) 10 ft (3,0 m) 469
165mm 29.4 ft (9,0 m) 20.9 ft (6,4 m) 886
6" (150mm) 29.4 ft (9,0 m) 20.9 ft (6,4 m) 886
8" (200mm) 53.5 ft (16,3 m) 38.1 ft (11,6 m) 1516

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 Operation
The Reliable Model EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve is shown Normal operation and hydrostatic testing does not address
in both the closed and open position in Figure 2. In the closed the occurrence of a water hammer which may damage the
position, pneumatic pressure acts on the actuator preventing valve. A water hammer can create pressure more than the
release of hydraulic pressure from the pushrod chamber. The rated pressure of the equipment and should be avoided by
supply water pressure acts simultaneously on the underside of all necessary means. Water hammer may occur from (but
the clapper and on the pushrod through the pushrod chamber is not limited to) improper fire pump settings, underground
restricted inlet. The resultant force on the pushrod is multiplied construction work, or improper venting of trapped air in piping.
by the mechanical advantage of the lever and acts to hold the
clapper closed against normal pressure surges in the water DO NOT use bleeder valves for testing of the low-pressure
supply. When a sprinkler operates, the loss of pneumatic switch on the trim. Release of pneumatic pressure from the
pressure in the sprinkler system causes the diaphragm actuator trim will result in operation of the system.
and seal in the actuator to move away from the water seat
allowing the release of water from the pushrod chamber.
Since water cannot be replenished through the inlet restriction
Valve Trip Time Information
as rapidly as it is vented, the pushrod chamber pressure The actuator that operates the Model EX Low-Pressure Dry
falls instantaneously. When the pushrod chamber pressure System has a variable differential trip ratio that limits the
approaches approximately one-third of the supply pressure, supervisory air/nitrogen pressure needed as the water supply
the upward force of the water pressure acting beneath the pressure increases. The differential trip ratio is the ratio of the
clapper overcomes the force applied to the lever, opening the water supply pressure to the supervisory air/nitrogen pressure
clapper. Water then flows through the Model EX Low Pressure when the actuator fully opens. (Note: The actuator may
Dry Pipe Valve into the system piping and into the alarm outlet partially open prior to reaching the differential trip ratio which
activating the alarm device(s). Once the clapper has opened, could trip the valve; therefore, always provide the minimum
the lever acts as a latch preventing the clapper from returning supervisory pressure indicated in Table A of this bulletin,
to the closed position. which includes an appropriate safety factor.)

For a valve without an accelerator, use the following differential

Installation
trip ratio in valve trip time calculations:
The Model EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve shall be installed
in accordance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation Static Water Supply Differential Trip Ratio for
of Sprinkler Systems,” as well as the requirements of any Pressure in psi (bar) Trip Time Calculations
authorities having jurisdiction. The direction of flow shall be up
through the assembly. Failure to follow installation instructions 100 (6.9) 10
may void the warranty and/or listing of the valve. Verify 175 (12.1) 14
compatibility of the Model EX Dry Pipe Valve materials with
250 (17.2) 18
the water supply and the environment where the valve will be
installed prior to installation.   300 (20.7) 21

The Model EX Dry Pipe Valve must be installed in a readily For other static water pressures, the differential trip ratio may
visible and accessible location where a minimum temperature be calculated using the following equations:
of 40°F (4°C) or above must be maintained. Heat tracing
of the Model EX Dry Pipe Valve and trim is not permitted. • [psi] Differential Trip Ratio = 0.056 x Static Water Supply
Heat tracing can result in the formation of hardened mineral Pressure in PSI + 4
deposits that can prevent proper operation of the dry pipe • [bar] Differential Trip Ratio = 0.811 x Static Water Supply
valve. Pressure in BAR + 4

Whenever ambient temperature conditions are high, the water For a valve with a Model B-1 mechanical accelerator, use a
temperature in the Model EX Dry Pipe Valve pushrod chamber differential trip ratio of 0 and a time delay of 10 seconds for the
may rise, thereby increasing the pressure in the chamber to valve to trip.
values exceeding the rated pressure of the system. Where
normal temperature and pressure is exceeded, a pressure For a valve with an electronic accelerator, use a differential
relief kit (P/N 6503050003; ordered separately) can be trip ratio of 0 and a time delay of 5 seconds for the valve to
installed into the pushrod chamber release line to limit the trip when the supervisory pressure is more than 15 psi, and 15
pressure to 250 psi (17.2 bar). seconds when the supervisory pressure is 15 psi and less.

The valve and trim kit has been tested, approved and listed in
accordance with UL and FM standards. Hydrostatically testing
the valve and trim to pressures higher than their rating is
limited to the hydrostatic test as referenced by NFPA 13. The
clapper can remain in the closed position and the trim kit need
not be isolated.

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December 2019
Bulletin 359
Section View of Model EX Dry Valve with Clapper in Open, Closed, and Latched Positions Figure 2
www.reliablesprinkler.com
Page 4 of 12
 Figure 3
Model EX Valve Components
Bulletin 359 Page 5 of 12
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 Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Setup Procedure

• This procedure should only be performed by persons who are experienced and trained in the installation and operation of
water-based fire protection systems.
• The fire protection system served by the dry pipe valve will be out of service until the reset procedure is completed.
• Notify any necessary authorities having jurisdiction and other affected personnel prior to placing the fire protection system out
of service.
• Failure to follow this reset procedure can cause failure of the dry pipe valve, resulting in serious personal injury and property
damage.

Please contact Reliable Technical Services at 1-800-557-2726 with any questions regarding this reset procedure.
STEP 1

Close the Main Water Control Valve and close the

Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve.
STEP 2

Close the valves supplying air or nitrogen to the system.

STEP 3

Open the Main Drain Valve and fully drain the system.
STEP 4

Open all drain valves and vents at low points throughout

the system, closing them when the system is fully
drained.

Note: If resetting the system as a result of fire, now is the time to inspect and replace any portion of the system subject to fire
conditions.
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STEP 5 Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Setup Procedure (cont.)

With Alarm Line Valve open, push in the plunger of the

Ball Drip Valve until air and water release from the alarm
line, then close the Alarm Line Valve.
STEP 6

Open the Emergency Manual Release Valve.

Push in and rotate the reset knob counterclockwise as

viewed from the front of the EX valve until the clapper
releases and has lowered into position.
STEP 7
STEP 8

Close the Main Drain Valve.

STEP 9

Open Air or Nitrogen Supply Valve and pressurize the

system until the system air pressure gauge reaches the
minimum pressure specified for your system. To find the
minimum pressure for your system, refer to Table F.
Then place the air or nitrogen source into automatic
operation.

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STEP 10 Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Setup Procedure (cont.)
Open the Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve. Keep in
mind that a small amount of trapped air/water may
discharge from the Emergency Manual Release line
into the drain.

Note: If Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve is on the supply

side of the Main Water Control Valve, skip ahead to the Alter-
nate Set-up Instructions on the last page.
STEP 11

Open the Main Drain Valve approximately 2 turns.

STEP 12

With Emergency Manual Release Valve fully open and

Main Drain Valve partially open, slowly open the Main
Water Control Valve until water can just be heard running
out of the main drain.
STEP 13

Slowly close the main drain, stopping when water begins

to flow through the Emergency Manual Release drain line.
STEP 14

Once a steady stream of water is flowing through the

Emergency Manual Release, close the Emergency
Manual Release Valve.

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STEP 15 Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Setup Procedure (cont.)

Slowly close the Main Drain Valve until it is fully closed.

STEP 16

If there is an accelerator on the system, reset it now per

the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: The air or nitrogen supply system must be set to automatic

operation in order for the accelerator to set up properly.
STEP 17

Open the Alarm Line Valve. Note that water may initially
drain from the ball drip, but this will cease if the clapper
is properly sealed.
STEP 18

Fully open the Main Water Control Valve. Verify that the
main valve is fully open and properly monitored.
STEP 19

Secure the handle of the Emergency Manual Release

Valve in the closed position with cable ties provided with
trim. Verify that all valves are in the correct positions per
page 10.

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 Alternate Set-up Instructions: Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve below Main Water Control Valve

STEP 11 Model EX Dry Pipe Valve Setup Procedure (cont.)

Once a steady stream of water is flowing through the

Emergency Manual Release Valve, close the Emergency
Manual Release Valve.
Alternate Set-up Instructions: Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve below Main Water Control Valve

Alternate Set-up Instructions: Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve below Main Water Control Valve
STEP 12

Open the Main Drain Valve two turns. Then partially open Main Water
Control Valve until water flows through the Main Drain.
STEP 13

Slowly open the Main Water Control Valve. Verify that the
main valve is fully open and properly monitored.
STEP 14

Slowly close the Main Drain Valve until fully closed.

STEP 15

Secure the handle of the Emergency Manual Release

Valve in the closed position with cable ties provided with trim. Verify
that all of the valves are in the correct position per page 10.

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 After fully resetting the Reliable Model EX Dry Pipe Supervisory Air or Nitrogen Pressure
Valve, confirm that all valves are in the correct Requirements Table F
position and properly monitored as required by NFPA Water Pressure Supervisory Air or Nitrogen Pressure
13: psi (bar) psi (bar)
• Main Water Control Valve: Open Maximum Minimum
• Push Rod Chamber Supply Valve: Open 20 (1.4) 8 (0.6)
• Accelerator Inlet Valve (if present): Open 30 (2.1) 10 (0.7)
• Air or Nitrogen Supply Valve: Open
• Alarm Line Valve: Open 50 (3.4) 12 (0.8)
• Alarm Test Valve: Closed 75 (5.2) 13 (0.9)
• Main Drain Valve: Closed
• Emergency Manual Release Valve: Closed (Secured) 100 (6.9) 15 (1.0)
125 (8.6) 16 (1.1)
Maintenance 150 (10.3) 17 (1.2)
The owner is responsible for maintaining the fire 175 (12.1) 18 (1.2)
protection system in proper operating condition. Any
system maintenance or testing that involves placing a 200 (13.8) 19 (1.3)
system out of service may eliminate the fire protection 225 (15.5) 21 (1.4)
that is provided by the fire protection system. Notify any
required authorities having jurisdiction and implement 250 (17.2) 22 (1.5)
appropriate precautions prior to proceeding. 275 (19.0) 23 (1.6)

The Reliable Model EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve 300 (20.7) 24 (1.7)
shall periodically be given a thorough inspection and Notes:
test. NFPA 25, “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance 1. Supervisory air or nitrogen pressure should be set to no more
of Water Based Fire Protection Systems,” provides than 40 psi (2,8 bar)
minimum maintenance requirements. Replace any 2. Fastest valve operation is achieved with lower supervisory air
components found to be corroded, damaged, worn or or nitrogen pressure; however, the supervisory air or nitrogen
non-operable. Increase the frequency of inspections pressure must be at least the minimum specified in Table F.
when the valve is exposed to corrosive conditions or 3. Air maintenance devices that maintain a constant pressure are
recommended; however, if a tankless compressor is used, the
chemicals that could impact materials and/or operation
“compressor on” setting of the pressure switch must comply with
of the assembly. the minimum pressure in the table above.

Excess water may settle above the valve clapper

Guarantee
following hydrostatic testing or system activation, or over
time due to condensation. To remove excess water from For Reliable Automatic Sprinkler, Co., Inc. guarantee, terms,
the system: and conditions, visit www.reliablesprinkler.com.

1. Notify the owner and monitoring company that Listings & Approvals
maintenance is being performed on the system.  
(Only when used with Reliable’s Trim Sets.)
2. Close the main water control valve.
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and UL certified
3. Open the Main Drain Valve. for Canada (cULus).
2. Certified by Factory Mutual Approvals (FM).
4. Open the Condensate Drain Valve until all water has 3. Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)
drained. Close Condensate Drain Valve immediately 4. VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH (VdS) (DN50, DN65, DN80,
when the flow of water has stopped. Note: DO NOT to
DN100, DN150, and DN200 sizes only).
keep the Condensate Drain Valve open for an extended
period as this may result in operation of the dry pipe 5. EN Certificates (CE) per EN 12259-3:2000 + A1:2001 +
valve. A2:2005
DN50: 0786-CPR-40300
5. Allow pneumatic pressure to return to normal pressure DN65: 0786-CPR-40301
(refer to Table F). DN80: 0786-CPR-40302
DN100: 0786-CPR-40303
6. Partially open the Main Water Control Valve. DN150: 0786-CPR-40304
DN200: 0786-CPR-40305
7. Slowly close the Main Drain Valve.

8. Fully open the Main Water Control Valve.

9. Notify the owner and monitoring company that the system

has been returned to service.

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 Ordering Information
Specify:

Valve Model EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve

Size (See Table A)
End Connections (See Table A)
Standard Trim*
• Fully assembled with control valve
• Fully assembled without control valve
• Segmentally assembled trim
• Loose trim (Note: Loose trim does not include low
pressure switch [P/N 6990019313] and alarm switch [P/N
6990006382]; order separately)
*Note: Please contact Reliable Sales for domestic trim options.

Options
• Model B-1 Accelerator (P/N 6516000013)
• Pushrod Chamber Pressure Relief Kit (P/N 6503050001)  

Replacement Parts
• Pneumatic Actuator Sensing Diaphragm Kit (P/N 6501200052)
• Pushrod Chamber Diaphragm (P/N 95276006)
• Cover Gasket
- 2”, 2-1/2”, and 3” valve: P/N 93706003
- 4” valve: P/N 93706004
- 6” valve: P/N 93706006
- 8” valve: P/N 93706008
• Clapper Seal Assembly
- 2”, 2-1/2”, and 3” valve: P/N 93416003
- 4” valve: P/N 93416014
- 6” valve: P/N 93416016
- 8” valve: P/N 93416008

P/N 9999970427

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