Flexible sprinkler hose

Avoid costly mistakes

There are limits placed on flexible hoses for fire sprinkler hoses. UL ratings are based on proper installation,
length of the flexible hose, a maximum number of bends, and maximum bend radius.

Exceeding the specified limits will damage the hose, exceed UL ratings, void the warranty on the hose and
create the possibility of leaks in the system. And more importantly, possibly prevent the hose from
performing its function, allowing water to reach the sprinkler head during a fire.

The images below show how sprinkler hoses have been mistreated and create the potential for leaks and
water damage. Bent well beyond the proper bending radius, these hoses should be discarded and replaced
with new hose.

Installation instructions for Fire Drop flexible

armovers for fire sprinklers
 The FireDrop Flexible Sprinkler Hose is an innovative product designed to save installation time. The
FireDrop Flexible Sprinkler Hose is designed in accordance with NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R, tested and
approved by Underwriters Lab under UL 2443.

The anchoring components of the FireDrop are intended for use with drop ceilings, such as intermediate and
heavy duty ceilings as described in ASTM C635 (Standard Specification for the Manufacture, Performance,
and Testing of Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panel Ceilings) and ASTM C636
(Standard Practice for Installation of Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panel).

Download installation instructions (pdf)

Step 1
Connecting the reducer

Click on images to enlarge

1. Disconnect the reducer (Figure 1) from the flexible hose by turning the nut.
2. Verify plastic ring and rubber gaskets are in place (Figure 1).
3. Reconnect the reducer to the flexible sprinkler hose by turning the nut (Figure 2).
4. Tighten the nut to ensure the leak-proof connection, torque to 24 ft-lbs (approximately hand tight +
turn) (Figure 2).
Step 2

Click on images to enlarge

1. Disconnect the nipple from the flexible sprinkler hose.

2. Connect the tapered NPT end of the nipple to the main sprinkler pipe with pipe joint compound or
Teflon tape to ensure a leak-free connection and tighten it (Figure 3).
3. Verify the plastic ring and rubber gasket are in place (Figure 4).
4. Connect the flexible hose to the nipple by tightening the nut (Figure 4) torque to 21 ft-lbs
(approximately hand tight + turn).
 Step 3
Connecting the square bar to the ceiling structure

Click on images to enlarge

1. Assemble the centering bracket and the two end-brackets to the square T-bar (Figure 5) place the
end- brackets on the ceiling rails as shown (Figure 6).
2. Push the end-brackets onto the ceiling rail, check that the end-brackets are properly
seated (Figure 6), maximum spacing for the end bracket is 60 inches and minimum 24 inches.
3. Tighten the bolts on the top of the end-brackets firmly. Torque to 3 ft-lbs (Figure 5).

4. Tighten the bolts on the side of the end-brackets. Torque to 3 ft-lbs.

Step 4

Click on images to enlarge

1. Place the reducer inside the centering bracket by bending the hose in as smooth and large an arc as
possible(Figure 7). NOTE: Do Not Bend the Hose Within 2-1/2" of End Connection.
2. Install sprinkler head in the reducer (install per sprinkler head manufacturer installation
instructions). Put a wrench on the reducer to prevent twisting of the hose.

3. Position and lock the centering bracket and tighten the bolts (Figure 8) torque to 5 ft-lbs.
Competitive Advantages
http://www.flexhead.com/flexhead-flexible-sprinklers-competitive-advantages.asp

Installation, Inspection, Maintenance, and Relocation

Designed to in stall in a fraction of the time of hard pipe armovers, our systems are also
manufactured from high quality stainless steel and engineered to quickly and cost effectively
retrofit areas without sprinkler connections within industrial exhaust ducts, or commercial
buildings and high rises.

Each FlexHead sprinkler system is designed for its specific application. Installation generally
takes a fraction of the time of traditional hard pipe sprinkler head installations. Maintenance,
inspection, or sprinkler relocation is performed easily and safely in minutes without interfering
with plant production or draining the fire protection water supply.

Factory Mutual Approved and UL Listed

All FlexHead commercial products are Factory Mutual Approved and UL listed and manufactured
in an FM/UL audited facility. All FlexHead duct and cleanroom products are FM-approved and
install out of the box.

Cost-Saving Pre-Assembly

Every sprinkler system is a finished, pre-constructed assembly, from 1" pipe connector to the
sprinkler head. This eliminates the need for on-site assembly. FlexHead products are available
in 2', 3', 4', 5' and 6' hose lengths, with a choice ofUL listed or FM approved sprinkler heads.

Solid Construction

The FlexHead unit comes complete with flexible hose and anchoring device. Our product is
100% factory tested solid construction and ready-to-install.

Unmatched Flexibility

FlexHead sprinkler systems provide architects, engineers and end-users a degree of freedom
impossible to achieve with traditional hard-piped assemblies. The flexible hose construction
makes it easy to connect sprinkler assemblies to sprinkler submains. Installation time is
reduced to a fraction of the time it takes to install hard pipe.

Cost Effective Code Compliance

The Commercial FlexHead product allows for automatic sprinkler installation in areas of
buildings previously without sprinklers. As compared to costly and labor intensive hard- pipe
retrofits, this system installs in minutes even in the most restrictive spaces. Additionally, by
utilizing the system in fast-track new construction applications, end users move into their space
more quickly and you get on to the next project. End users also realize the design benefit of
being able to relocate sprinklers according to code to accommodate changes in floor plan or
occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What types of sprinkler heads can be used with the FlexHead product?

A: FlexHead is compatible with all listed or approved sprinkler heads on the market.

Q: How do I calculate the Friction Loss for the FlexHead product?

A: Simply plug in the equivalent length value from our friction loss chart into your calculation,
just as you would for a fitting.

Q: Are hangers required with the FlexHead product?

A: No. FlexHead is FM approved and UL listed with out the requirement of a hanger.

Q: Can the FlexHead system be installed into a sidewall application?

A: Yes. The FlexHead system is designed and listed to be used in a sidewall application. Please
see installation instructions.

Q: Does the FlexHead product meet the NFPA 13 requirements?

A: Yes. The FlexHead meets or exceeds all NFPA guidelines and requirements as it is a listed
and approved fitting.

Q: Are FlexHeads approved for all states?

A: Yes. The FlexHead meets or exceeds all NFPA, state and federal guidelines and requirements
as it is a listed and approved fitting.

Q: What is the thread size on the FlexHead product?

A: The inlet for the FlexHead is 1 IPS (NPT) male pipe thread connection. The outlet comes in
both and IPS (NPT) female.

Q: Who are your distributors in my area?

A: For a distributor in your area, please contact Flexhead Industries
at 800-829-6975.
Q: What type of ceiling grids can the FlexHead by used with?

A: The FlexHead product is FM approved and UL listed to be used with all Light, Medium, Heavy
duty grids (per ASTM C635-97, C636-96). Virtually every available suspended ceiling grid
system meets these requirements.

Q: How long have FlexHead products been used?

A: FlexHead products were installed in 1986 and are still in use today.

Q: What type of testing has the FlexHead product been through?

 A: FM and UL put this product through a tremendous battery of testing including hydrostatic
pressure tests (5x max operating pressure 875psi & 1,500psi for our 300psi rated model - same
as schedule 40 tests), vibration tests (25 hours continuous extreme vibrations), pressure
cycling tests (20,000 cycles 0-175psi), Fatigue test (50,000 cycles repeated bending), High
Pressure Head Deployment test, Vacuum test, Water Hammer test, Mechanical Strength test,
High Temperature test, Freezing test, Salt Spray Corrosion test, etc.

Q: Who is using the FlexHead product?

A: The FlexHead product is in the master fire protection specifications of several fortune 500
companies, including many major retailers, many major big box stores, Hospitals, Universities,
office buildings, schools, malls, restaurants, etc.

Q: Do putting additional bends in the product greatly affect my friction loss

calculations?

A: No. The published friction loss data is a worst case head loss calculation. Each hose was
tested with the maximum amount of bends physically possible bent to the minimum bend
radius top create a worst case head loss calculation.

Q: Can the FlexHead product be used with any type of a ceiling system?

A: The FlexHead product can be used in all suspended and sheetrock type ceiling systems.

Q: Will the FlexHead hose lift off the ceiling grid when the sprinkler goes off?

A: No. Both FM and UL did deployment testing to insure that the product would not

Q: Will the FlexHead accommodate a sprinkler head?

A: Yes, the FlexHead will accommodate virtually all FM approved or UL Listed sprinkler heads.

Q: What is the hose liner made of?

A: The hose section and of our entire product line is made from 100% type 304 stainless steel
the hose pipe nipples are also 304 stainless steel and are fully welded with a proprietary
welding process (no o-rings and 100% leak tested to 175psi). It has burst pressure of over
2,000psi and a working pressure of over 1,000psi.

Q: What is the burst pressure of the FlexHead product?

A: It has burst pressure of over 2,000psi and a working pressure of over 1,000psi.

Q: Can the FlexHead product be used in a dry pre-action system?

A: Yes. FlexHead is FM/UL approved for and intended for use in hydraulically designed wet, pre-
action, deluge or dry pipe sprinkler systems per NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D guidelines.

Q: Is the FlexHead product being used in Universities, Hospitals?

A: Yes. Many

Braided Flexible Sprinkler Connection (Model FSC-28B)

 FM Approved
Provides faster, easier installations in suspended tile ceilings

Innovative attachment bracket is factory assembled and ready to install out of the box, without additional
loose parts

Center bracket allows for ample vertical adjustment to accommodate flush, semi-recessed, and concealed
sprinkler installations

Attachment bracket fits securely to ceiling grid while also providing generous lateral adjustment for perfect
"center-of-tile" sprinkler installations

Offered pre-assembled and factory tested with most of Vikings commercial sprinklers

Features a braided flexible hose and is rated to a 175 psi (12 bar) maximum working pressure

Available in standard hose lengths of 39-3/8" (1,000mm) and 59" (1,500mm) with either a 1/2" or 3/4" NPT
sprinkler connection

Additional hose lengths are available with an extended lead time

Contact your local Viking SupplyNet location for pricing and availability

Unbraided Flexible Sprinkler Connection (Model FSC-25U)

cULus Listed
Provides faster, easier installations in suspended tile ceilings

Center bracket allows for ample vertical adjustment to accommodate flush, semi-recessed, and concealed
sprinkler installations

Attachment bracket fits securely to ceiling grid while also providing generous lateral adjustment for perfect
"center-of-tile" sprinkler installations

Features a corrugated (unbraided) flexible hose and is rated to a 200 psi (14 bar) maximum working
pressure

Available in standard hose lengths of 39-3/8" (1000mm) and 59" (1500mm) with either a 1/2" or 3/4" NPT
sprinkler connection

Innovative new attachment bracket is factory assembled and ready to install out of the box, without
additional loose parts