Amerex KP 375 Discharge Fitting Swivel - 16901
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Wholesale PricingThe Amerex 16901 Discharge Fitting Swivel is the precision pivot point of the Amerex KP series fire suppression network. In the rigid architecture of black iron or stainless steel discharge piping, the 16901 provides the mechanical agility required to bridge the gap between fixed infrastructure and dynamic hazard zones. Rated for a full 360-degree rotation, this 3/8" NPT swivel is the definitive component for ensuring that discharge nozzles are not just installed, but mathematically aimed to stop a fire at its source.
The 16901 is the strategic solution to the fixed-thread dilemma. Because standard pipe threads lock at a specific torque, a nozzle without a swivel is often held hostage by the final orientation of the pipe run. The Amerex 16901 breaks this limitation, allowing for post-installation adjustments that satisfy rigorous UL 300 nozzle alignment mandates. Utilizing the genuine Amerex OEM swivel ensures your facility maintains its safety listing and provides the directional precision to suppress grease fires before they reach the exhaust ductwork.
360-Degree Radial Adjustment
The 16901 allows for infinite 360-degree radial adjustment. The target center of an appliance can shift during kitchen remodels or routine maintenance. The swivel allows a technician to re-center the nozzle's cone of suppression without re-threading the manifold, maintaining a constant state of fire readiness.
Hydraulic Surge Integrity
During system actuation, the wet chemical agent is propelled through the piping at high velocity. The 16901 is engineered to maintain its aim under these pressure transients, ensuring the discharge surge does not cause the swivel to whip or shift. The internal friction of the joint is balanced to hold position against the hydraulic forces generated during discharge.
Interference-Fit Sealing
The swivel utilizes a precision-machined internal junction with high-temperature O-rings to prevent agent leakage. This ensures the pressure intended for the nozzle orifice is not bled off at the joint, maintaining the factory-rated discharge velocity required for rapid flame knockdown.
Nickel-Chrome Plated Brass Construction
Kitchen exhaust environments are chemically aggressive. The 16901's nickel-chrome plated brass finish resists the pitting corrosion caused by aerosolized salts and caustic degreasers, preventing the swivel from seizing or galling over years of service in a grease-laden plenum.
Facilitating NFPA 17A Compliance
Under NFPA 17A, every semi-annual inspection must verify nozzle alignment. The 16901 transforms this from a plumbing task into a calibration task. A technician can loosen the swivel, verify the aim against the manufacturer's aiming chart, and re-secure it in minutes, ensuring the facility remains in full legal and insurance standing.
- Industrial Fryer Lines: Allowing for precise aiming over deep-vat fryers where oil splashing must be minimized.
- Charbroiler Stations: Ensuring the agent penetrates the rising heat plume of lava rock or mesquite grills.
- Duct and Plenum Protection: Providing a pivot point for nozzles protecting the entry points of exhaust ductwork.
- Institutional Kitchens: Maintaining code compliance in facilities with high-volume, 24/7 cooking cycles.
- Commercial Kitchen Suppression Manifolds: Standard inventory item for contractors managing large-scale facility fleets requiring precise nozzle positioning in dense appliance configurations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amerex Corporation |
| Part Number | 16901 |
| Thread Size | 3/8" NPT (Male x Female) |
| Rotation | 360-Degree Radial Adjustment |
| Material | Nickel-Chrome Plated Brass |
| System Compatibility | Amerex KP Series |
| Certifications | UL Listed, ULC Listed |
The Wrench-Tight Rule
During installation, the swivel should be wrenched onto the kitchen suppression manifold to a liquid-tight standard. However, the nozzle-to-swivel connection should be secured such that the final aiming adjustment can still be made without stripping the threads.
The 6-Month Seize Check
During routine maintenance, technicians should manually rotate the swivel to ensure it has not become seized by solidified grease. If the swivel does not move freely, it must be cleaned with a non-caustic degreaser or replaced to preserve the system's nozzle aiming precision.
Avoiding Over-Torque Fatigue
Brass is a relatively soft metal. When tightening the 16901, avoid excessive torque that could deform the 3/8" NPT threads, which would prevent future adjustments and compromise the interference-fit sealing.
Visual Alignment Verification
Every adjustment must be cross-referenced with the Amerex KP Installation Manual aiming charts. A pipe dope or PTFE tape must be used on the male threads of the swivel to ensure a liquid-tight seal capable of withstanding a 350+ PSI discharge surge.
Can I use the 16901 on an Ansul R-102 system?
No. While the threads may match, the 16901 is specifically listed for use within the Amerex KP system. Mixing manufacturers' components in a fire suppression network is a significant code violation and will void your UL listing.
What is the difference between a swivel and a standard 90-degree elbow?
A standard elbow is a fixed fitting that only allows for a single directional change. The 16901 Swivel allows for infinite adjustments within a 360-degree range, providing the dynamic aiming required for UL 300 nozzle alignment.
Do I need to use pipe dope on the swivel threads?
Yes. To ensure a liquid-tight seal that can withstand a 350+ PSI discharge surge, a high-quality pipe joint compound or PTFE tape should be used on the male threads of the swivel to maintain hydraulic surge integrity.
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