Reliable Model E and E3 Alarm Check Valve for Wet Pipe Systems

Name: Reliable Model E and E3 Alarm Check Valve | Seven Star LLC
Brand: Reliable Sprinkler
SKU: E3

Description

The Reliable Model E and E3 alarm check valve is the water-flow alarm initiating device of a wet pipe sprinkler system. When one or more sprinklers open and water flows, the clapper lifts, the intermediate chamber and alarm line pressurise and water motor bells or pressure switches are activated. Bulletin 400 (April 2025) covers 2-1/2 in to 8 in sizes; the Model E has flanged ends and the Model E3 has grooved ends rated to 300 psi (20.7 bar).

How it prevents false alarms

The valve suits both variable and constant supply pressure. A bypass in the trim lets a small amount of surge water pass around the clapper, and a check valve traps the excess pressure above it so the clapper stays seated. If a surge does lift the clapper briefly, a restricted orifice at the inlet of the optional Model S1 retard chamber delays filling, and a restricted drain orifice then empties the alarm line. Reliable notes that sustained flow will still produce a genuine water-flow alarm.

Key features from the bulletin

Designed expressly for wet pipe sprinkler systems; vertical (flow up) or horizontal (clapper hinge on top) installation.
Clapper bypass to help prevent false alarms.
Loose trim, segmented trim or fully assembled.
Seat in bronze UNS C83600; clapper facing EPDM; hinge pin brass UNS C36000; 4 in body grey cast iron Class 30, 6 and 8 in ductile iron.

Technical specifications

Data from Bulletin 400 Tables A to D and parts lists.

Size	Flange x flange (E)	Flange x groove (E)	Groove x groove (E3)
2-1/2 in and 3 in	52 lb (23.6 kg), 175 psi	49 lb (22.2 kg), 175 psi	44 lb (20 kg), 300 psi
4 in (100 mm)	104 lb (47.2 kg), 175 psi	94 lb (42.6 kg), 175 psi	84 lb (38.1 kg), 300 psi
6 in (150 mm)	140 lb (63.5 kg), 175 psi	126 lb (57.2 kg), 175 psi	112 lb (50.8 kg), 300 psi
8 in (200 mm)	185 lb (83.9 kg), 175 psi	173 lb (78.5 kg), 175 psi	161 lb (73 kg), 300 psi

Parameter	Specification
Equivalent length C=120	17 ft (5.2 m) for 2-1/2 to 4 in; 27 ft (8.2 m) for 6 in; 29 ft (8.8 m) for 8 in
2-1/2 in and 3 in body take-out A	10-1/4 in (260 mm)
4 / 6 / 8 in body take-out A	11-3/4 / 13-3/4 / 14-1/2 in (298 / 349 / 368 mm)
End standards	Grooved ANSI/AWWA C606; flanged ASME B16.5 Class 150, BS-E or PN16
Listings	cULus Listed, FM Approved; UKCA and LPCB also appear in the printed table for some sizes
Minimum temperature	40 F (4 C); heat tracing not permitted
Optional pressure relief kit	175 psi (12.1 bar) relief valve

Ordering and service kits

Specify the size, end connection (flanged x flanged or flanged x grooved for Model E, grooved x grooved for Model E3), orientation and whether trim is fully assembled or segmented. The Model S1 retard chamber (Bulletin 430) and Model C water motor alarm (Bulletin 612) are ordered separately. Service kits contain the clapper rubber facing and clamping ring assembly, clamping ring screws and cover gasket: PN 6501200R17 (2-1/2 and 3 in), R18 (4 in), R19 (6 in) and R20 (8 in).

Installation and troubleshooting notes

Install to NFPA 13 in a visible, accessible place held at 40 F (4 C) or above. Systems built to NFPA 13 (2010 or newer) need a pressure relief valve, hence the optional kit. Fill the system slowly and vent trapped air, because confined air causes intermittent alarms. Identical readings on the system and supply gauges show that excess pressure has been lost. The bulletin also lists steps for undesired alarm-line flow, such as clearing the clapper seat holes and replacing O-rings.

Typical applications

Wet pipe systems are the most common sprinkler arrangement in offices, hotels, hospitals, shopping centres and residential towers. In hot Gulf climates they suit conditioned buildings. Confirm design basis and local approval for your project.

Selection and installation notes

A fire protection valve is only one part of a sprinkler system, which must be designed, installed and commissioned by qualified people to the standard and the authority rules that apply to the project. Confirm the size, the pressure rating and the trim configuration against the design, install the valve in the position and orientation in the manual, fit the drain and alarm connections as drawn, test the alarm and the flow before handover and keep the inspection and test records. Check the listing and approvals needed for the project with the authority before purchase.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Model E and E3?

Model E has flanged ends rated to 175 psi (12.1 bar); Model E3 has grooved ends rated to 300 psi (20.7 bar).

Can it be installed horizontally?

Yes, with the clapper hinge pin on top; vertical installation has flow up through the valve.

Which sizes are covered?

2-1/2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 in (65, 80, 100, 150 and 200 mm).

Is a retard chamber included?

No. The Model S1 retard chamber and Model C water motor alarm are ordered separately.

What causes intermittent alarms?

Excess confined air in the piping. Fill slowly, vent high points or fit automatic air vents.

Datasheets & Documents

Datasheet Reliable Bulletin 400 Model E and E3 Alarm Check Valve, April 2025 Download

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About brand

Reliable Sprinkler is the brand of The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., a fire protection manufacturer formed in 1920 that makes sprinklers, system valves and trim at its manufacturing headquarters in Liberty, South Carolina. Its products are documented in numbered technical bulletins listing approvals, dimensions and part numbers.

Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat. We list Reliable sprinklers and valves, with each page summarising the official bulletin, for fire protection contractors and facilities in Oman and the GCC.

Reliable Sprinkler product series

Sprinklers include the F1FR56 K5.6 quick response sprinkler and the JL14 and JL17 ESFR pendent sprinklers (K14.0 and K16.8) for storage, and the MV is a medium velocity directional spray nozzle for water spray systems.

Valves include the DDX deluge valve with wet, dry or electric release trim, the DDV diaphragm deluge valve, the FX externally resettable dry pipe valve with the B1 accelerator, the Model E and E3 alarm check valves for wet pipe systems, the CVE grooved riser check valve and the FCA2 floor control assembly.

Where Reliable Sprinkler equipment is used

Commercial buildings, warehouses, factories, car parks and cold stores, and water spray protection of transformers, tanks and conveyors in industrial plants.

Ordering Reliable Sprinkler products: what we need

Send the model and SIN or part number, K-factor, temperature rating and finish for sprinklers, and the size, trim and pressure rating for valves, together with the approvals (cULus, FM) required by the project.

Browse Reliable Sprinkler products by category: Fire Fighting.