Web Menu

Product Search

Language

Share

Gauges, Switches, and Alarm Devices

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Introduction: Monitoring and Signaling System Status

Gauges, switches, and alarm devices provide the crucial interface between the fire suppression system's hydraulics and the electrical fire alarm control panel (FACP). They are responsible for monitoring pressure, sensing water flow, and signaling an alarm, ensuring rapid system response and integrity supervision. Reliability in these small components is essential for the entire system's functionality.

We offer three main categories: Pressure Gauges (providing visual system pressure status), Flow Switches (sensing water movement/flow initiation to signal a fire), and Pressure Switches (monitoring high/low pressure conditions, often used for pumps or supervisory air). All these devices must be specifically designed and tested for fire protection use to handle rapid pressure surges and harsh conditions.

All components are UL Listed and FM Approved, ensuring high sensitivity, durability, and accurate signaling as required by NFPA 13 and NFPA 72. We provide models tailored for wet, dry, deluge, and pre-action systems, with relevant NEMA ratings for environmental protection. (Approx. 540 words)

Advantage: Certified Sensitivity and Durability

  • UL/FM Certification: Guarantees the devices are specifically tested for reliability and longevity in fire service, including surge pressure resistance.
  • Adjustable Time Delay: Flow switches include an adjustable pneumatic or electronic time delay (e.g., 5 to 90 seconds) to prevent false alarms from transient surges.
  • Robust Enclosures: NEMA 4 or IP66 enclosures protect electrical switches from dust, moisture, and spray, ensuring reliability in pump rooms or damp environments.
  • High Accuracy: Pressure gauges are designed with high precision for critical pressure readings, often filled with liquid (glycol) to dampen needle movement from vibration.
  • Pressure Switch Versatility: Switches feature adjustable setpoints, allowing them to be finely tuned for specific supervisory (trouble) and alarm pressure thresholds.
  • Visual Indication: Gauges provide immediate, simple verification of system health, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly assess static pressure.

Specification: Device Type, Rating, and Application

Device Type Water Flow Switch (Paddle Type), Pressure Switch (Supervisory/Alarm), Pressure Gauges
Application Wet Pipe, Dry Pipe, Deluge, Pre-Action, Fire Pump
Pressure Range (Gauges) 0 psi to 300 psi (Dual Scale - bar/psi)
Flow Switch Activation Flow of 10 GPM (Adjustable time delay)
Contact Rating (Switches) 10 A at 125/250 VAC (Standard)
Enclosure Rating NEMA 4 (Weatherproof) or IP66
Standard Compliance NFPA 13/72, UL Listed, FM Approved
Connection Size 1/2" NPT to 2" Threaded (Gauges/Switches)

Monitoring and Signaling in Fire Systems

Wet Pipe Alarm

Flow Switches (e.g., paddle type) installed on system branch lines to detect water flow when a sprinkler head is activated, signaling an alarm.

Dry Pipe Supervision

Low Air Pressure Switches used to monitor the supervisory air pressure in dry pipe systems, signaling a "trouble" if pressure drops due to a leak.

Fire Pump Control

High/Low Pressure Switches used to start (low pressure) and stop (high pressure) the fire pump, maintaining the required system pressure.

System Status Check

Pressure Gauges installed at the system riser, drain, and test connections to provide visual confirmation of system pressure and integrity.

Deluge System Alarm

Vane-type flow switches or pressure switches installed downstream of the deluge valve to confirm water flow and trigger the main building alarm.

Grow Your Bussiness With KAITUO

  • INNOVATION

    Professional R&D Team

    We have a professional R&D team of over 15 people who are able to provide innovative products and customized design services to our customers.

  • QUALITY

    Product quality assurance

    We adhere to quality as a lifeline for our business development, and strict quality management systems ISO and CE, as well as a variety of advanced quality testing equipment are our guarantees for product quality.

  • PRODUCTION CAPACITY

    Annual output exceeds 400,000

    Every month over 400,000 pcs of kinds of valves, including fire extinguisher valve, lpg valve, marine gas cylinder valve and so on.

  • SERVICE

    One-stop service

    We have complete design, and product development, testing and quality control are all carried out in the factory, which to a certain extent guarantees the high quality and performance of Kaituo fire equipment.

Payment & Shipping: Flexible Global Trade Solutions

We offer comprehensive and secure international trade terms tailored to our global clientele.

  • Accepted Payment Methods:

    Wire Transfer (T/T): Standard 30% deposit to confirm the order, 70% balance upon presentation of Bill of Lading (B/L) copy.

    Letter of Credit (L/C): Irrevocable L/C at sight for large orders, providing maximum financial security for both parties.

  • Shipping Terms (Incoterms):

    FOB (Free On Board): Ningbo Port is our standard shipping hub.

    CIF/CFR: Available upon request; we manage shipping logistics to your designated port.

  • Packaging:

    Switches and gauges are individually boxed with internal padding. Small components are consolidated into master cartons.

Comprehensive Information Summary

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) 1,000 Units (Gauges), 500 Units (Switches)
Lead Time 30-45 Days (Component Sourcing and Calibration)
Packaging Individual Boxes, Protected in Master Cartons.
Certifications UL Listed, FM Approved, NEMA 4/IP66, ISO 9001.
Raw Materials Brass/Stainless Steel (Fittings), Micro-Switches, Bronze (Bourdon Tubes), Polycarbonate (Enclosures).
Customization Options NEMA Rating, Pressure Range, Time Delay Setting, Custom Labeling, Dual-Switch Contacts.

Professional Usage Tips

  1. Flow Switch Time Delay:

    The time delay on the flow switch should be set to allow for minor pressure fluctuations but must not exceed the code maximum (e.g., 90 seconds per NFPA 72) for signaling a fire.

  2. Gauge Calibration Check:

    Pressure gauges must be replaced if they show damage or if their readings vary by more than 3% from the true reading, as verified during the annual flow test.

  3. Pressure Switch Setpoint:

    Ensure the pressure switch setpoint is calibrated correctly: low air pressure switches should alarm before the dry pipe valve trips; fire pump switches should start the pump at the calculated low point.

  4. Correct Installation Orientation:

    Paddle-type flow switches must be installed with the arrow pointing in the direction of flow and must be accessible via a small pipe tee for maintenance.

  5. Liquid-Filled Gauges:

    For applications involving high vibration (near fire pumps), specify liquid-filled gauges to stabilize the needle and prolong the gauge lifespan.

Get in Touch

ABOUT KAITUO
Ningbo Kaituo Valve Co., Ltd., also known as Ningbo Anke Fire Equipment Co., Ltd., is China Gauges, Switches, and Alarm Devices Manufacturers and Wholesale Gauges, Switches, and Alarm Devices Factory, specializing in the research and development, production and export of fire equipment. It owns the anke brand and a number of national high-tech patents.
Founded in 2001, our company mainly provides high-quality fire protection products for the international market, specializing in the production of various types of fire extinguisher accessories, marine gas cylinder valves, gas valves, etc. After years of hard work and continuous improvement of process reform, our products are exported to dozens of countries around the world and have won a good international reputation. All of our products have obtained the EU EN, CE certification in 2007.
Welcome all customers to call and visit us. Our company has a professional sales team to provide accurate services.
Read More

Certificate

  • Honor
  • Honor
  • Honor
  • Honor
  • Honor
  • Honor

FAQ

An Alarm Switch indicates a fire condition (e.g., water flow). A Supervisory Switch indicates a trouble condition (e.g., valve closed, low air pressure) that threatens the system's readiness.

No. Flow switches require water flow to operate. Dry pipe systems use an air pressure switch upstream to signal a pressure drop (leak/head activation) and a water pressure switch downstream to signal water movement.

A NEMA 4 rating certifies that the electrical enclosure is weatherproof, dust-tight, and resistant to hose-directed water, making it suitable for damp locations like pump houses.

Flow switches must be tested by activating the inspector's test connection (simulating sprinkler flow) quarterly to confirm they signal the FACP correctly.

These marks visually indicate pressure ranges: green/yellow often indicates the normal supervisory air range (dry pipe), and the red zone marks the required minimum working pressure.

Standard flow switches are required to activate when water flow is equivalent to one sprinkler head, typically set at or below 10 GPM.

You need one gauge on the supply side (showing static water pressure) and one on the system side (showing system pressure) to monitor the pressure differential across the alarm check valve.

The MOQ for bulk pressure gauges (e.g., 3.5 inch 300 psi) is typically 1,000 units.

Yes, as long as the electronic switch carries the required UL/FM listing for fire service and the FACP is compatible with its output signal.

A Double Pole switch provides two independent contact closures (e.g., one for the local alarm bell and one for the FACP signal), offering redundancy or multi-function capability.