This document outlines approval standards for automatic water control valves. It covers general requirements such as descriptions of valve types, required sizes and pressures, materials, markings, and tests. Valves must be single clapper designs maintained closed mechanically and released externally. They are often used in deluge and preaction sprinkler systems and must meet the requirements of those standards as well as tests for operation, friction loss, and hydrostatic pressure. Field experience is also considered in maintaining approval.

1. Approval Standard
for
Automatic Water
Control Valves
Class Number 1020
January 1976
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©2002 FM Global Technologies LLC. All rights reserved.

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Description .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Deluge and Preaction Systems ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Sizes .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 Rated Working Pressure ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.5 End Connections ................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.6 Materials and Construction ............................................................................................................................................... 2
2.7 Markings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.7 Serviceability and Parts Removal ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.9 Instructions and Trim Equipment ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.10 Clearances ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
III PERFORMANCE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.2 Friction Loss ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
IV TESTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Operational Tests ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.2 Friction Loss ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Hydrostatic Tests ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.4 Other Tests .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
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3. January 1976 1020
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
1.1 Automatic water control valves are used to control the flow of water for various fire protection applications.
They are normally used in special sprinkler systems such as deluge and preaction systems; but are also used
to control the flow to water spray systems, foam making equipment and other special purpose systems.
1.2 FM Approval is based on satisfactory evaluation of the product and the manufacturer in three major areas:
– Examinations and tests on production samples are performed to evaluate (1) the suitability of the
product, (2) the proper operation and performance of the product as specified by the manufacturer and
required by FM Approvals, and (3) the durability and reliability of the product.
– An examination of manufacturing facilities and quality control procedures is conducted to evaluate the
manufacturer’s ability to produce the product which is examined and tested. These examinations are
periodically repeated as part of FM Approvals’ product follow-up program.
– Satisfactory field experience is the final test of Approval. Unsatisfactory field experience may neces-
sitate withdrawal of FM Approval.
1.3 The requirements of this standard are intended as guidelines reflecting current FM Approval tests and
practices. Devices which do not precisely conform to these requirements may be Approved if they meet the
intent of this standard. Similarly, items that do conform to these requirements may not be Approved if they
do not meet the intent of these requirements or if other conditions govern.
II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Description
2.1.1 Automatic water control valves are generally single clapper valves with the clapper maintained on its seat
(‘‘set’’ position) mechanically by a system of levers. All valves are released by some means which is
external to the valve; usually a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or thermal actuating system
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or combination of these.
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2.1.2 Hydraulic type valves are maintained in the set position by system hydraulic pressure acting against a
diaphragm connected to the mechanical members which actually hold the clapper closed. Releasing the
pressure against the diaphragm trips the valve.
2.1.3 Mechanical type valves are released from the set position by some mechanical means. This is often done
by the action of a released weight or by the activations or deactivations of an electrical device such as a
solenoid.
2.1.4 Thermal type valves are released by heat from the fire acting on the valve itself. This valve utilizes a
thermal device, such as a sprinkler-type link and lever arrangement or glass bulb, to hold the valve closed.
Fusing the thermal device releases the valve clapper.
FM APPROVALS 1

4. 1020 January 1976
2.2 Deluge and Preaction Systems
Automatic water control valves are often used in deluge and preaction systems. Valves used for these applica-
tions must meet the requirements of this standard; but more importantly, the deluge or preaction system itself
must meet the requirements of Approval Standard Class 1011-1012 (Deluge Systems and Preaction Systems).
2.3 Sizes
Recognized standard sizes for water control valves are 1, 11⁄2, 2, 21⁄2, 3, 4 and 6 in. (25.4, 38.1, 50.8, 63.5, 76.2,
101.6 and 152.4). Other sizes may be approved, if they meet requirements and intent of this standard.
2.4 Rated Working Pressure
Water control valves shall be designed for a rated working pressure of 175 psi (1206.6 kPa) or greater.
2.5 End Connections
2.5.1 Valve bodies of 3 in. (76.2 mm) and larger sizes shall have flanged ends conforming to a recognized
national standard for flanged fittings, such as ANSI B16.5. Smaller valves may have flanged ends or
threaded ends conforming to a recognized national standard for tapered pipe thread, such as ANSI B2.1.
Other end connections may be approved if there is a demonstrated need for them, and these will be
examined on a case-by-case basis.
2.5.2 Valves manufactured or for use outside North America may be approved with end connections conforming
to national standards recognized in the country involved.
2.6 Materials and Construction
2.6.1 All materials used in water control valves shall be suitable for the intended purpose. Valve parts which
could affect the operation of the valve if they became corroded or tuberculated shall be constructed of
corrosion resistant materials. This includes such parts as hinge pin bushings and clapper arm bushings.
Metal seat rings which come in contact with rubber seating surfaces shall be constructed of materials
which will not naturally adhere to rubber.
2.6.2 All valve and release components shall be able to withstand the normal conditions of vibrations and
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atmospheres associated with manufacturing and storage facilities, and be able to withstand the abuse
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associated with normal installation and handling.
2.7 Markings
A permanently installed, corrosion resistant nameplate, fastened to the valve in a prominent place shall contain
the following information: manufacturer’s name or trademark, rated working pressure, nominal valve size,
distinctive model designation, year of manufacture and the symbol of FM Approval. All or part of this marking
may be cast in raised letters on the valve body. If the valves are manufactured at more than one location, each
valve shall be uniquely marked to indicate place of origin.
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5. January 1976 1020
2.7 Serviceability and Parts Removal
2.8.1 Water control valves should be designed so that all parts are uniquely oriented to minimize the possibility
of improper assembly. All internal parts shall be easily removable for inspection, cleaning, repair or
replacement without removing the valve from the pipe line.
2.8.2 The valve shall be constructed so that it can be set by one person using standard tools.
2.8.3 Valves which can be pressurized without their covers, should have an appropriate form of design or
signaling provision indicating a covers off condition.
2.9 Instructions and Trim Equipment
2.9.1 The manufacturer shall provide complete installation, maintenance and operating instructions for the water
control valve and all its component parts.
2.9.2 The manufacturer shall provide all necessary trim, including equipment, fittings, and piping, to perform
the following:
– automatically drain to atmosphere any water leakage past the water seat. After valve operation, the
automatic drain mechanism may either close or constantly drain through an orifice. Strainers shall be
provided whenever orifices are used.
– automatically operate an electric or hydraulic alarm, or both, when the valve operates.
– permit manual drainage of the system after the valve operates and checking of water supply flow. Drain
line shall be located on supply side of clapper and shall be sized as follows:
1, 11⁄2 and 2 in. (25.4, 38.1 and 50.8 mm) valves – 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm)
21⁄2 and 3 in. (63.5 and 78.2 mm) valves – 11⁄2 in. (31.8 mm)
4 and 6 in. (101.5 and 152.4 mm) valves – 2 in. (50.8 mm)
– permit manual isolation of the alarms after operation or for repairs, and manual testing of the alarm(s)
without tripping the valve.
– give visual indication of the water supply pressure.
2.9.3 FM Approved equipment (gauges, valves) shall be used as trim items wherever applicable.
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2.10 Clearances
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2.10.1 Ample clearances shall be provided between all moving and stationary parts so that corrosion or deposits
such as tuberculation will not interfere with proper operation of the valve.
2.10.2 To assure ample clearance, the following minimum dimensions shall be maintained:
– 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm) between valve body and clapper assembly in all positions from closed to wide open.
– 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) between valve body and clapper hubs or hubs of any intermediate levers.
– 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) minimum play between clapper hinge pin bearings or bushings and the clapper arm
dimension.
– 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) minimum projection of hinge pin bushings or clapper arm bushings beyond the
supporting material.
2.10.3 The above clearances may differ for valves which use special materials, coatings or finishes. Examination
of these valves will be on a case basis.
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6. 1020 January 1976
III PERFORMANCE
3.1 General
3.1.1 Water control valves may remain inactive for long periods of time, yet they must be ready and able to
operate positively and reliably at any moment. Overall design should be uncomplicated and construction
should be simple and rugged with appropriately generous dimensions and clearances.
3.1.2 Water control valves and releasing devices shall be designed so that all movements of lever systems,
diaphragms, valves and switches are positive and repeatable with no sluggishness. The releasing device
shall be capable of providing twice the energy necessary to trip the valve under all conditions of system
water pressure up to the rated working pressure.
3.1.3 Valves may be designed for manual or automatic resetting.
3.2 Friction Loss
The loss in water pressure across the valve shall not exceed 5 psi (34.5 kPa) at the flow rates listed below:
Valve Size Flow
in. (mm) gal/min (dm3/min)
1 (25.4) 50 (189.3)
11⁄2 (38.1) 125 (473.2)
2 (50.8) 175 (662.4)
21⁄2 (63.5) 250 (946.4)
3 (76.2) 400 (1514.2)
4 (101.6) 750 (2839.1)
6 (152.4) 1500 (5678.1)
3.3 Operation
3.3.1 Water control valves shall be designed to operate at all water supply pressures from 20 psi (206.8 kPa) to
the maximum rated working pressure of the valve.
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3.3.2 Water control valves which are operated by a reduction in pressure in a chamber (hydraulic types), shall
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operate (trip) at some positive gauge pressure greater than 5 psi (34.5 kPa) in the chamber. This type of
valve actuation requires a check valve in the supply line leading to the chamber in order to prevent
premature operation if the water supply pressure momentarily drops below the trip point pressure.
3.3.3 Water control valves which are actuated by a sprinkler-like link and lever arrangement or glass bulb shall
operate in accordance with the applicable requirements for automatic sprinklers. See FM Approval Stan-
dard Class 2001-2018.
3.3.4 All water control valves, except thermally actuated types, shall have means incorporated in their design
for manual tripping of the valve.
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7. January 1976 1020
IV TESTS
4.1 Operational Tests
4.1.1 Sample valves will be set up and tripped by operating all of the release devices (manual and automatic
methods) at various water supply pressures from 20 psi (206.8 kPa) to the rated working pressure of the
valve. The valves shall operate smoothly and repeatably and shall meet the operational requirements of
Paragraph 3.3.
4.1.2 Special emphasis will be given to the installation and operating instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The possibilities of malfunction due to misadjustment of parts or improper installation will be investigated.
4.1.3 Thermal type devices utilizing sprinkler-like mechanisms shall be tested for operating temperature,
response time and strength in accordance with normal sprinkler testing practice. Devices or mechanisms
which are essentially the same as those used for approved sprinklers will require minimal retesting for this
application.
4.1.4 Special tests will be developed, as necessary, to evaluate operation of valves having special or unusual
releasing mechanisms.
4.2 Friction Loss
A sample valve will be installed between two test pipes of the same nominal diameter as the valve and equipped
with piezometer rings. The pressure loss between the piezometers will be measured for sufficient flow rates to
determine the friction loss characteristics of the valve. The friction loss shall meet the requirements of
Paragraph 3.2.
4.3 Hydrostatic Tests
4.3.1 The valve body will be subjected to a hydrostatic test of 700 psi (4.8 MPa) or 400% of the rated working
pressure, whichever is greater, for 5 minutes. No fracture or permanent deformation shall result from this
test.
4.3.2 Valves which utilize clappers in their design will be subjected to a clapper strength test. With the clapper
on its seat and the valve inlet open to atmosphere, a hydrostatic pressure of 200% of the rated working
pressure will be applied to the outlet side of the clapper. No damage or function impairment shall result
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from the test.
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4.3.3 Valves which use diaphragms in their design will be subjected to a diaphragm strength test. A differential
pressure equal to 200% the rated working pressure of the valve will be applied across the diaphragm. No
damage or function impairment shall result from this test.
4.4 Other Tests
Depending on the particular design of the valve, other tests may be necessary to evaluate performance of the
valve. This may include various tests on the rubber clapper facings, tests to evaluate the effects of chemical and
galvanic corrosion on valve parts, and tests to evaluate the effects of environmental factors such as dust, dirt,
vibration, or temperature.
FM APPROVALS 5