INSTALLATION / MAINTENANCE

& SERVICE MODULE

 Agent Storage Containers
Fike ECARO-25 Agent Storage Containers are
available in several mounting configurations:
• Up-Right, Wall Mount only
• Horizontal, Floor and/or Wall Mount
• Inverted, Wall Mount only
 20 lb. thru 60 lb.
1” Valve Containers

• May be Floor Mounted upright

• May be Wall Mounted upright
• Mounting brackets are included with new
cylinders
• Must be secured to a solid, load-bearing wall
• 20, 35, & 60 lb. containers may be mounted
upright and horizontally
 1” Valve Container Mounting
Position
20, 35, & 60 lb. Containers CAN be mounted horizontally.
NO OTHER containers can be mounted horizontally.

Pressure Gauge MUST POINT UP

To insure Siphon Tube is in the proper position

 100 lb.
1” Valve Containers
• May be Wall Mounted upright

• Mounting bracket is included

with new cylinders

• Must be secured to a solid,

load-bearing wall
 150 lb. 3” Valve Containers
Mounting brackets must be
anchored to an appropriate load
bearing surface.

The 150 lb container may be ordered

as an inverted option.

IMPORTANT: If inverted is
specified the container will not
come with a siphon tube and
will only be usable in the
inverted position.
215 thru 1000 lb. 3” Valve
Containers
• Must Be Mounted in the
Upright Position

• Mounting Strap Provided with

each new Cylinder

• 215, 375, 650 and 1,000 lb.

Cylinders Require (1) Mounting
Strap
 Container Installation

• NFPA 2001 Requires that all Containers be

installed in areas where they are Protected
from Vibration, Harsh Chemicals, Weather
and other Physical Damage
• Must be Installed within the Listed Ambient
Temperature Range (+32° to +120°F)
• Must be Installed in a manner that permits
ease of service without prolonged down-time
 Impulse Valve Operator (IVO)

Can be electronically and

manually activated. Good
for multiple uses.

Lock into place with “U” clip P/N: 02-12728

 IVO Installation Procedures
Important Procedures:
• Be sure actuation pin is recessed in IVO.
• Keep safety pin in locked position.
• Insert into actuation port and clip into place.
 Impulse Valve Pneumatic Operator
(IVPO)

Can be pneumatically
activated. Good for
multiple uses.

Lock into place with “U” clip P/N: 02-12729

 IVPO Installation Procedures
Important Procedures:
• Be sure actuation pin is recessed in IVO.
• Insert into actuation port and clip into place.
 IVO/IVPO Reset Tool
To reset activation pin:
• Lock reset tool into place with “U” clip.
• Apply force to plunger.
• You should feel it click into place.
 Impulse Releasing Module (IRM)

10-2748 IRM card

comes with mounting
bracket, for simple
installation into 4”
electrical box.
 Gas Cartridge Actuator

Part Number: 70-1651

Required only with Reload Kits for
GCA Valve Containers.
 Gas Cartridge Actuator

Must be Installed along with a GCA Junction Box

2-1/2” Valve: 70-1698

1” & 3” Valve: 70-1697

 GCA Handling Procedures
Important Safety Procedures:
• Must Remain Shunted at ALL Times when not
installed in the cylinder valve
(Red w/ Blue; Yellow w/ Green)
• Allow 10 minutes for energy to bleed off after
Disabling Control Panel
• Wear appropriate safety eye protection
• Static Sensitive
• Heat Sensitive (excessive heat shortens life)
• Do Not Use Ohmmeter to check continuity
 GCA Installation Procedures
• “Disable” Control Panel
• Allow 10 minutes for energy to dissipate
• Do Not Remove Shunts!
• Determine required lead length (allow some
excess)
• Strip ½” of insulation off of each lead
• Fold leads with small pliers and crimp
• Insert GCA leads into ARM and secure
• Clip shunts off and cover any exposed ends
• Rearm Panel ONLY if no faults are present
 GCA Installation Procedures
Observe Terminal Strip markings on ARM for GCA termination
 GCA Service Procedures
Important Service/Testing Procedures:
• GCA’s MUST be Shunted Prior to removing for
Container Service and/or Testing
(Red w/ Blue; Yellow w/ Green)
• Allow 10 minutes for energy to bleed off after
Disabling Control Panel
• Use alligator clips to create Shunt prior to
removing GCA leads from ARM
• Static Sensitive (Do NOT Handle the GCA!)
• Do Not Use Ohmmeter to check continuity
 Liquid Level Indicator

Provides a U.L. Approved

Method of Verifying Agent
Weight in Cylinder
Comes standard on:
• 150 thru 1,000 Lb. Cylinders
Comes optional on:
• 100 Lb. Cylinders
 Liquid Level Indicator

Refer to ECARO-25 Liquid Level

Indicator Manual 06-548 for
Liquid Level Reading conversions

Use Liquid Level Indicator Service

Tag to Record LLi Readings

Make sure and verify ambient

temperature at cylinder location
and record on Service Tag
 Liquid Level Indicator Procedure
Upright Containers:
1. Pull the tape out Slowly until you feel the
magnet engage
2. Quickly push tape back down into cylinder
to break the magnetic field
3. Pull tape out until it is within 1” of previous
reading then Slowly pull out until magnet
engages and reading is obtained
4. Reading must be obtained while “pulling”
5. Repeat several times until 3 consistent
readings are obtained
6. Verify Readings in LLi Manual
7. Record reading on Service Tag
 Liquid Level Indicator Procedure
Inverted Containers:
1. Pull the tape out Slowly until you feel the
magnet engage
2. Quickly pull tape out several inches to
break magnetic field
3. Push tape back in until it is within 1” of
previous reading then Slowly push in until
magnet engages and reading is obtained
4. Reading must be obtained while “pushing”
5. Repeat several times until 3 consistent
readings are obtained
6. Verify Readings in LLi Manual
7. Record reading on Service Tag
 Container Low Pressure Switch
(GCA Valve Containers)
• Available as an “Optional”
accessory
p/n: 70-1121(Includes street-tee)

• Replacement Switch
p/n: 02-9830
 Low Pressure Switch
Indicates “Trouble” condition if container
pressure drops below 288 psig
Connects to valve
through the fill port.

P/N: 02-12533

M10x1-
6G
NOTE: Low Pressure Switch may be added after the
container has been filled.

Observe proper wiring in order to insure correct function.

 Low Pressure Switch

FIKE CONTROL PANEL

(See Control Panel SUPERVISORY
CIRCUIT
Installation Manual for
detailed wiring instructions)

02-9830, BLUE
(UNUSED) 02-9830,
Low Pressure Switch VIOLET Low Pressure Switch
Shown in an activated, BLACK
Shown in a "No Pressure" or
"Pressurized" condition "Low Pressure" condition

02-9830, BLUE
(UNUSED) N/O
BLUE

Low Pressure Switch VIOLET VIOLET

COM
Shown in an activated, BLACK BLACK
"Pressurized" condition N/C

E.O.L.
 Pressure Gauge

• Available as “Standard”
Equipment on All New
Cylinders
• Replacement Gauge
p/n: 02-10279
• DO NOT use HFC-227ea
Gauge on ECARO-25
Cylinder
 Pressure Gauge Installation
P/N: 02-10279

• Use Teflon Tape on Male Threads of Gauge

• Leak Test after installing new devices
 Pressure Gauge Adaptor
(GCA Valve Container)

Permits replacement of Gauge or addition of Low

Pressure Switch without substantial agent loss
To Minimize agent loss, Do Not
expose Pressure Gauge Adapter for an
extended period of time
 Pressure Gauge &
Low Pressure Switch Installation
(GCA Vave Container)

• Use Teflon Tape on all Male Threads of Gauge,

Tee and Low Pressure Switch
• Use a second wrench to secure the Pressure Gauge
Adapter to prevent it from turning
• Leak Test after installing new devices
Discharge Pressure Switch

NOTE: Thread Discharge Pressure

Switch into ¼”NPT port on Adaptor
Nipple (wrench tight).

P/N: 02-12534
 Manifold Installation

• Refer to System Flow

Calculations for
Manifold pipe sizes
• Flow Calc Software
includes several
“Standard” Manifold
sizes
 Manifold Installation

• Additional support
required to support
excessive weight of
Manifold
• Threaded or Grooved
Fittings meeting
minimum pipe
strength requirements
are Acceptable
 Manifold Installation

• Check Valves
Required on ALL
Manifolded
Systems per NFPA
2001
• Available in:
1”, 2” and 3” sizes
 Discharge Pipe Installation
• All Pipe and Fittings must conform to
Requirements outlined in NFPA 2001
• All Pipe and Fittings must have a Minimum Design
Working Pressure of 500 psig
• Refer to ASME B31.1, Power Piping Code
• Refer to Pipe Table inside the Installation Section
of the ECARO-25 Manual
• Cast Iron Pipe, Steel Pipe Conforming to ASTM
A120 or Non-Metallic Pipe Shall Not Be Used
 Discharge Pipe Installation

• In General, Class 300 Malleable or Ductile Iron

Fittings are Acceptable through 3” NPT sizes
• 1000 lb. Ductile or Forged Steel Fittings are
Required for sizes greater than 3” NPT
• Class 300 Flanged Fittings are Acceptable for all
Pipe Sizes
• Cast-Iron Fittings Shall Not be Used
• Class 150 lb. Fittings Shall Not be Used
 Discharge Pipe Installation

• Grooved Fittings are Acceptable Provided that

they Meet Minimum Strength Requirements
• Victaulic Fittings (Style 75 & 77) are Rated for
1000 psi (500 psi when used for Fire Suppression)
 Pipe Reductions

• Reducing Tees are preferred

• If Bell Reducers are used, the Reducer Must be
Directly After the Tee
• Reduction cannot be made Prior to the Tee
• Concentric Bell Reducers or Concentric Reducing
Couplings
• Reducing Bushings, Weld-o-let and Hole-Cut
Fittings are NOT Acceptable
 Pipe Fittings

• Minimum Pipe Distance of 10 Pipe Diameters

must be maintained before or after a tee
• Applies To Each of the Following:
– Distance after a tee, prior to an elbow
– Distance prior to a tee, proceeded by an elbow
– Distance between tee’s
• Always refer to Flow Calculation Printout
 Tee Orientation

• All Tee’s must be installed

with the Exit Branches in the
Horizontal Plane
– Tee exit branches may not point
up or down
• Always refer to Flow
Calculation Printout
 Discharge Pipe Preparation

• Internally Clean/Swab all Pipe with a

Nonflammable Cleaner such as Perchlorethylene,
Per NFPA 2001
• Teflon Tape or Joint Compound shall be used on
all Threaded Joints
• When utilizing Victaulic (Grooved) Fittings, all
Gaskets shall be Lubricated per Manufacturer’s
Specifications
 Discharge Pipe Support

• Rigid Pipe Supports Required to Support the

“Live-Load” During Discharge
• Rigid Bracing Required at each Directional
Change, Tee, Elbow and Nozzle
• Back-Bracing Required at each 180° Nozzle
• Refer to Installation Manual for Pipe Support
Sizing and Spacing
• “C” Clamps are NOT Acceptable to Support Rod
Hangers
 Discharge Pipe Installation

• System Piping Shall be Installed in Strict

Accordance with System Drawings and Flow
Calculations
• ALL CHANGES TO PIPING SHALL BE
CONFIRMED ON FLOW CALCULATIONS
• Refer to FSSA Pipe Design Handbook,
FSSA-PDH-01 For Additional Information on
Pipe Installation, Pipe Supports, Acceptable Pipe
Types, etc.
 Pipe and Fittings
Available from:
Fire Suppression Systems Association
5024-R Campbell Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21236-5974

410.931.8100
www.fssa.net
 Discharge Nozzle Installation

• Exact Nozzle Drill Codes are

determined by Flow Calculation
Software
• Proper Nozzle Placement is
Critical for system success
• Observe Drill Codes stamped on
Nozzles when installing
 Discharge Nozzle Installation
• 360°’s and 180°’s are not
interchangeable – confirm
locations during installation
• Do NOT Remove Nozzle Set
Screws
• Hand tighten then wrench tighten
to secure nozzles
• Nozzles are will scratch – use a
soft cloth during installation to
avoid wrench marks!
 Discharge Nozzle Installation
• Back-to-back 180° Nozzles are
acceptable, provided:
– Nozzles are with 1’ of each other,
back-to-back
– Adequate Nozzle Coverage is
maintained throughout the
protected room
 Final System Check-Out

HAZARD AREA CHECK

• New Penetrations or Unclosed Openings
• Verify Hazard Integrity with Door Fan Test
• Changes to the Equipment or Room Layout that
might affect Nozzle Placement
• Additional Room Volume due to Removal of
Walls
 Final System Check-Out
EQUIPMENT CHECK
• Verify that All Containers Mounting Brackets
are Secured
• Verify Container Pressure on Pressure Gauge
• Functional Test of IVO / IRM
• Confirm Proper Operation of all HVAC
Shutdowns, Door Closers, Dampers, etc.
 Final System Check-Out
(GCA Valve Container)
EQUIPMENT CHECK
• Verify that All Containers Mounting Brackets
are Secured
• Verify Container Pressure on Pressure Gauge
• Functional Test of ARM (Flash Bulb Test)
• Confirm Proper Operation of all HVAC
Shutdowns, Door Closers, Dampers, etc.
 Final System Check-Out

PRELIMINARY FUNCTIONAL TEST

• Disable the system control panel releasing
circuit.
• Verify operation of all Detectors
• Verify proper polarity on all Devices
• Verify E.O.L. Resistors Present on all Detectors
and Alarm Devices
• Check All Supervised Circuits for proper
Trouble Response
 Final System Check-Out
(GCA Valve Container)
PRELIMINARY FUNCTIONAL TEST
• Disable the Cylinder GCA’s
• Verify operation of all Detectors
• Verify proper polarity on all Devices
• Verify E.O.L. Resistors Present on all Detectors
and Alarm Devices
• Check All Supervised Circuits for proper
Trouble Response
 Final System Check-Out
SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL TEST
• Operate Detection Initiating Circuits (1st & 2nd
Alarm) – Verify Operation of Appropriate Alarms
and Relay Functions
• Operate Manual Release Stations – Verify Operation
of Appropriate Manual Release Functions
• Operate Abort Stations – Verify Operation of
Appropriate Abort Functions and Confirm
Supervisory Signal Received by Control Panel
 Final System Check-Out

SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL TEST

• Confirm System Power – Dedicated Circuit
• Confirm Full System Operation on Standby
Power
 Final System Check-Out

SYSTEM PIPING
• Pneumatic Test Pipe at 40 psig for 10 Minutes
(pressure loss must not exceed 20%)
• Perform “Flow-Test” using Nitrogen to Insure
gas flow through Pipe Network and Nozzles
 Final System Check-Out

NFPA REQUIREMENTS
• REFER TO NFPA CODES FOR ADDITIONAL
SYSTEM TESTING REQUIREMENTS
 System Maintenance Schedule

EVERY 3 MONTHS:
• Check Cylinder Pressure
Gauge
• If Loss Exceeds 10% Check
Container for Leaks
 System Maintenance Schedule
EVERY 6 MONTHS:
• Check Cylinder Weight (obtain Liquid Level
Indicator reading or scale weight)
• If Loss Exceeds 5% Remove Container and Check
for Leaks with Snoop
• Check Discharge Pipe for Damage/Corrosion
• Check Pipe Supports and Hangers
• Check Nozzles to Insure that Orifices are not
Obstructed and that new equipment does not Block
Nozzle Discharge “Line-of-sight”
 System Maintenance Schedule

ANNUALLY:
• All Systems Shall be Thoroughly Inspected and
Tested for Proper Operation
• Inspection Report with Recommendations Shall
be Filed with the Owner
 Cylinder Test Schedule

DOT Cylinders:
• Cylinders may be in “Continuous” Service
(without Discharge) for 12 Years
• Cylinders Continuously in Service (without
Discharge) Shall be Visually Inspected every 5
Years. (12 years service followed by 5 year
visual inspection cycle)
• Cylinders may not be Recharged if More than 5
Years since Last Inspection
 Cylinder Test Schedule

DOT Cylinders Continued:

• DOT permits “Visual” Inspection of HFC Cylinders
in Continuous Service
• Refer to CGA C-6, Standard for Visual Inspection of
Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
• If Visual Inspection Reveals Damage defined by C-6,
Hydro-Testing is Required
• Cylinder Inspections and Hydro-Testing must be
Performed by DOT Certified Inspectors
 Agent Refill Procedures

• Each Cylinder is equipped

with a Fill Port
• Refer to Agent Refill
Manual, p/n 06-290 for
specific Refill Procedures
 Refilling Procedure
• 70-281, Core Depressor • 70-282, Core Removal
Tool (used to depress Tool (used to remove
valve stem prior to adding valve stem prior to Liquid
Nitrogen) Agent filling)
 Core Removal Tool Procedure
• With Ball Valve closed and • Connect agent supply line
extraction stem pulled fully back, • Open ball valve and begin
thread tool into fill valve.
pumping agent
• Open ball valve and engage
• Reverse process to replace
extraction stem onto valve core.
valve core and complete
• Unscrew valve core and pull agent fill
extraction stem fully back.
• Close ball valve
• Un-couple extraction stem from
back of tool (removing valve core)
 Core Depressor Tool Procedure

• With Ball Valve closed, thread • While ball valve remains

tool into fill valve. closed, unthread tool from
• Connect Nitrogen supply line. fill valve.

• Open ball valve and begin adding

Nitrogen (observing Pressure
Regulator)
• Close ball valve
• Disconnect Nitrogen supply line
 Refilling Procedure
• 70-281, Core Depressor • 70-282, Core Removal
Tool (used to depress Tool (used to remove
valve stem prior to adding valve stem prior to Liquid
Nitrogen) Agent filling)
 Agent Refill Procedures
(GCA Valve Container)
• Core Depressor Tool
p/n 02-2031
(used to depress the core to allow Nitrogen
to be added to the Cylinder
 Agent Refill Procedures
(GCA Valve Container)
• Recharge Adapter / Core Removal Tool
p/n 02-1900
(used to safely remove the valve core to
permit easy pumping of liquid agent)
 Agent Refill Procedures

13

12

3 SCALE 16
14
10

7 1 15 8
6
4
9

5
2
11

IN OUT

• Refill Manual Outlines Equipment

Requirements for Refill Station
 Container Reload Kits
Fike ECARO-25 Containers can be recharged by following the procedures
outlined in Fike’s Container Recharge Manual (P/N: 06-290).

NOTE: This manual is used for recharging cylinders only. Initial fill
stations must be certified by UL.
 Container Reload Kits
Fike ECARO-25 Containers can be recharged by following the procedures
outlined in Fike’s Container Recharge Manual (P/N: 06-290).

NOTE: This manual is used for recharging cylinders only. Initial fill
stations must be certified by UL.
 Container Reload Kits
Fike ECARO-25 Containers can be recharged by following the procedures
outlined in Fike’s Container Recharge Manual (P/N: 06-290).

NOTE: This manual is used for recharging cylinders only. Initial fill
stations must be certified by UL.
 1” Discharge Valve
(GCA Valve Container)
ITEM PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 02-1223 “O”-Ring
2 2 70-1049 1” Rupture Disc Assembly
3 70-1059 Teflon Washer
4 70-1054 Actuator Housing
1 5 70-1044 Retainer Nut
6 70-1651 Gas Cartridge Actuator

VALVE BODY

3 4 5

6
 1” Discharge Valve Reload Kit
(GCA Valve Container)

Part Number: 85-044

Includes: GCA, Pressure Gauge, Fill Valve Core,
Rupture Disc Assemblies & O-Rings
2-1/2” Discharge Valve
(GCA Valve Container)
ITEM PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
HOLDDOWN NUT 1 02-1375 “O”-Ring
2 D1383-1 2-1/2” Rupture Disc Assembly
3 70-1059 Teflon Washer
HOLDDOWN 4 70-1054 Actuator Housing
RING 5 70-1044 Retainer Nut
2 6 70-1651 Gas Cartridge Actuator

1
VALVE BODY
3 5
4

6
 2-1/2” Discharge Valve Reload Kit
(GCA Valve Container)

Part Number: 85-045

Includes: GCA, Pressure Gauge, Fill Valve Core,
Rupture Disc Assemblies & O-Rings
 3” Discharge Valve
(GCA Valve Container)
ITEM PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 02-3539 “O”-Ring
HOLDDOWN NUT 2 70-1661 3” Rupture Disc Assembly
3 70-1651 Gas Cartridge Actuator
VALVE BODY
3
HOLDDOWN RING

SIPHON TUBE
 3” Discharge Valve Reload Kit
(GCA Valve Container)

Part Number: 85-046

Includes: GCA, Pressure Gauge, Fill Valve Core,
Rupture Disc Assembly & O-Rings
 Returning Cylinders to Fike for Refill

IMPORTANT
When returning Cylinders
for Factory Recharge, it is
preferable to use original
factory packaging to insure
stability of container during
transportation
Returning Cylinders to Fike for Refill

IMPORTANT
Alternate methods may be
utilized, provided they
provide a means of
protecting the container
valve as well as providing
stability for the container
during transportation
Returning Cylinders to Fike for Refill

IMPORTANT
Do Not ship 3” valve containers on their side!
Damage to the Siphon Tube Seat will result in a
leaking container
 End of
Installation/Maintenance &
Service Section

Any Questions?