Safety/Performance Related Concern for Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company 8 in. NPS Model DDX and EX Sprinkler System Control Valves

FM Approvals has been made aware of a performance/safety related concern pertaining to Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company’s 8 in. NPS Model DDX and EX sprinkler system control valves.

Company Identity: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, 1470 Smith Grove Rd. Liberty, SC 29657, United States.

Product Identity: Reliable 8” (200mm) Model DDX, Dry, Deluge, and Preaction Valves and Model EX Dry Valves.

• DDX-LP or EX Low Pressure Dry Pipe Valve
• DDX Deluge Valve
• DDX Single Interlock
• DDX Double Interlock Type D
• DDX Double Interlock Type F
• DDX Type PL Double Interlock
• DDX Non-Interlock

FM Approval Status: FM Approved

Hazard Involved: There exists a rare potential for failure for these valves when functioning properly under certain circumstances. The 8” (200mm) Model DDX incorporates a striker plate that is attached to the valve clapper. The striker and clapper are held closed during normal standby conditions by a latch. FM Approvals have become aware that in rare instances the striker/clapper mechanism may not properly release, preventing the valve from opening. Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company has made an adjustment to the striker plate design to correct this potential issue. Reliable is providing the new striker plate as a field upgrade program for all the valves listed above. This Product Alert involves only the 8” DDX or EX versions of the valves. It does not include the 2”, 2-½”, 3”, 4”, 6” Models DDX and EX.