General Air Products, the leading manufacturer of air compressors designed for the fire sprinkler industry, has released a new line of quiet fire protection air compressors – the Q Series.
Nitrogen Generator Packages
General Air Products has been contacted frequently about nitrogen generators and that contact has increased greatly over the past year. As such we are responding to industry demand with our own line – the GeN2Pac is a new line of nitrogen generators for the industrial process market. While the nitrogen generators themselves are a new… Read more …
Questions from Customers – What do I do with air compressor condensate?
We were recently asked by a fire protection contractor in California the following question: “How do I remove condensate water from the piping between the compressor and the DPV (Dry Pipe Valve) when I am using an OL Series riser mounted unit (no tank)?” As you know, when air is compressed condensate is created and… Read more …
Recommended Wire Size for General Air Products Air Compressors Explained
– No, we aren’t kidding you might need a 2 gauge wire. It is not uncommon for our customer service associates to get a phone call or email when an installer or designer reads the recommended wire size listed for our air compressors in the installation manual. The question usually sounds like this: “I’m installing… Read more …
The difference between a light switch and an industrial disconnect switch
In a previous post I listed the NEC requirements for “permanently installed devices” such as an air compressor in a dry pipe sprinkler system. #5 on that list states that the air compressor on a dry pipe sprinkler system must “Be connected to a listed motor-circuit switch rated for horsepower”(NEC 430.109) which is also referred… Read more …
Don’t Plug in that Dry Pipe Sprinkler System Air Compressor!
We are asked with increasing regularity why a contractor can’t just use any old air compressor for a dry pipe sprinkler system. This is an issue we have covered thoroughly in our article “Do Not Use Retail Air Compressors for Fire Protection Applications” but there is a piece that we are often asked about that… Read more …
Compressor Motor Overload Protection
Internal, External and Why it is ALWAYS Recommended Before we begin on the titled subject understand that this article will focus on why we at General Air Products recommend a motor starter for overload protection with every unit. If you would like to know more about what a motor starter is please view our motor… Read more …
Why doesn’t General Air Products use Pump Run Timers on our RFP Systems?
Another reason we don’t use a run timer is that it may work perfectly thereby causing the fire not to be extinguished.
Regarding the Seismic Qualification of Air Compressors for Fire Protection Systems
As the prevalence of code stipulating seismic qualifications and certifications for fire protection equipment increases inside and outside of California, as well as in federal government building specifications, we are increasingly asked about the seismic certification of our air compressors and pumping systems. Here is our response: Certain nonstructural components are exempt from seismic design… Read more …
Questions from Customers: Why do I need a Motor Starter?
Why do I need a Motor Starter on my Dry Pipe System Air Compressor? In short, to prevent this from happening: What you see here is a burnt motor on one of our LT Series lubricated tank mounted units. In this instance the air compressor was run with no oil, causing the pump to seize.