Frequently Asked Questions

HOW CAN I OBTAIN FRICTION LOSS DATA?

Friction loss data is included in our Sidewinder™ Technical Data Sheets. See our Technical Data Sheet for FM models.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN THE FABRICATION OF GATEWAY'S SIDEWINDER™ DROPS?

Tube and braided outer covering:   AISI 304 stainless steel
Tube:  AISI 304 stainless steel
Nut which connects to nipple:  SS41 stainless steel with zinc plating
Square bar:  SS41 stainless steel with zinc plating
Ceiling grid clamps and reducer clamp:  SS41 stainless steel with zinc plating
Nipple:  SPP carbon steel with zinc plating
Yellow plastic isolation ring:  Nylon 66
O-ring:  NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), which is a high quality nitrile elastomer commonly used in demanding applications such as aircraft carburetor gaskets and fuel pump O-rings.

WHAT HOLDS THE REDUCER TO THE FLEXIBLE TUBE?

The reducer is brazed to the flexible tube. Brazing is the process of joining metal to metal by filling the joint with a different, melted metal at temperatures over 840°F. The melted metal is drawn into the joint between the reducer and the flexible tube by capillary action. The brazing process assures a leakproof, corrosion-proof connection between the reducer and tubing.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE YELLOW PLASTIC BETWEEN THE NUT AND FLEXIBLE TUBE?

The plastic prevents the zinc plated stainless steel nut from contacting the 316L stainless steel flexible tubing, preventing corrosion.

WHAT IS ANNEALING?

After the flexible tubing is corrugated, it is annealed, which means that the corrugated tubing is slowly passed through a high temperature furnace, eliminating residual stresses in the steel resulting from the corrugation process. The annealing process toughens the steel and allows it to withstand the repetitive fatigue tests mandated for  FM approval.

WHERE CAN I BUY SIDEWINDER™ SPRINKLER DROPS?

Gateway Tubing distributes its premier sprinkler drops through trusted distributors throughout the United States and Canada. Contact Gateway Tubing or one of our distributors for current pricing and availability.

WHAT KIND OF TESTING HAS THE PRODUCT BEEN PUT THROUGH?

Gateway's Sidewinder™ drops for FM have passed all tests mandated by FM Standard 1637.  Click here for more details.

CAN I USE SIDEWINDER™ DROPS IN RECESSED HEAD INSTALLATIONS?

Our standard mounting assembly allows the installation of most recessed heads.

CAN I USE SIDEWINDER™ DROPS IN A DRY PIPE INSTALLATION?

Yes. Gateway’s Sidewinder™ drops are listed for use in both wet and dry fire sprinkler systems.

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