The GIACOMINI A61 combines the test and drain functions of a sprinkler system in one device. In the test position water passes through a calibrated orifice equal to one sprinkler, to test the waterflow switch and alarm. In the drain position the waterway opens fully to empty the zone for maintenance. The body is forged brass with a chrome plated ball and PTFE seats. See the test and drain valve guide.
In short
- Sizes: 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ and 2″ female threaded; 1-1/4″ and 2″ grooved.
- Rated pressure 300 psi.
- Test orifices from K 2.8 to K 25.2, by size.
- Groove, or female NPT or Rp ISO thread, inlet and outlet.
- cULus Listed (EX4430) and FM Approved (1625).
How it works
One lever gives three positions: off, test and drain. In test, water passes only through the calibrated orifice and the flow is seen through the sight glass, operating the waterflow switch as if one sprinkler had opened.
The FM Approval Guide notes that each separate sprinkler system needs its own waterflow alarm, and in a high rise each floor is alarmed separately. These devices combine test and drain valves, a sight glass and a calibrated orifice in one assembly to simplify the piping.
Technical data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | A61 |
| Rated pressure | 300 psi |
| Body | Forged brass, chrome plated ball, PTFE seats |
| 1″ female | Port 2-11/16″ · A 5-11/32″ · B 4-13/32″ · H 1-29/32″ — K 2.8 · 4.2 · 5.6 · 8.0 |
| 1-1/4″ female | Port 2-11/16″ · A 5-11/32″ · B 4-13/32″ · H 1-29/32″ — K 2.8 · 4.2 · 5.6 · 8.0 · 11.2 · 14.0 |
| 1-1/2″ female | Port 4″ · A 6-13/16″ · B 6-9/32″ · H 2-5/8″ — K 4.2 · 5.6 · 8.0 · 11.2 · 14.0 · 16.8 · 22.4 · 25.2 |
| 2″ female | Port 4″ · A 6-13/16″ · B 6-9/32″ · H 2-5/8″ — K 4.2 · 5.6 · 8.0 · 11.2 · 14.0 · 16.8 · 22.4 · 25.2 |
| 1-1/4″ groove | A 6-13/32″ · B 2-43/64″ · C 5-11/32″ · D 4-27/64″ |
| 2″ groove | A 7-17/32″ · B 4″ · C 6-26/32″ · D 6-21/64″ |
| Orifice and K-factor | 3/8″ = 2.8 · 7/16″ = 4.2 · 1/2″ = 5.6 · 17/32″ = 8.0 · 5/8″ = 11.2 · 3/4″ = 14.0 · 15/16″ = 16.8 · 1-5/64″ = 22.4 · 1-9/64″ = 25.2 |
| Approvals | cULus (EX4430); FM (1625) 300 psi for 1″, 1-1/4″ and 2″ |
The critical point: the test orifice equals the smallest sprinkler
Choose the test orifice with a K-factor equal to the smallest sprinkler installed in the zone the valve serves, so the test proves the flow switch responds to a single sprinkler. A larger orifice gives a reassuring but invalid test.
Pipe the drain to a discharge point that can take full flow when opened.
Installation steps
- Install the valve downstream of the waterflow switch, in the flow direction marked on the body.
- Confirm the fitted orifice has the required K-factor.
- Pipe the outlet to a suitable drain, leaving the sight glass visible.
- Try the three positions and confirm the waterflow signal reaches the alarm panel in test.
Common mistakes
- An orifice larger than the smallest sprinkler in the zone.
- Leaving the valve in test or drain after finishing.
- An undersized drain line or no discharge point, flooding the area on drain.
- Testing without notifying the monitoring station, causing a false alarm.
Inspection and maintenance
Per NFPA 25, waterflow alarm devices are tested periodically by opening the test connection, and a main drain test is done annually and after any control valve closure.
Inspection, testing and maintenance are the owner’s responsibility per NFPA 25 and the authority having jurisdiction, preferably by a qualified company. Notify the owner, the monitoring station and everyone affected before any test.
Files and ordering
The GIACOMINI catalogue page for the A61 and the UL and FM listings are in the files section of this page. When ordering, state the size, connection type (thread or groove) and orifice K-factor.
How to order
Use the “Build your order” section on this page: add every model and quantity, then send the whole order by email or WhatsApp. It reaches us as a tidy PDF request sheet and we contact you with the quotation.
FAQ
Which K-factor?
That of the smallest sprinkler in the zone. A zone of K 5.6 sprinklers needs a K 5.6 orifice.
Does it replace a separate drain valve?
Yes, it combines test and drain, provided its size meets the drain requirement for the riser per the standard.
References
- GIACOMINI A61 — Datasheet (attached)
- NFPA 13 — Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This page is general information to help with selection and ordering, taken from the attached GIACOMINI datasheet. Final design is set by the project’s approved designer; the project specification, the consultant’s drawings and the latest datasheet revision govern.
