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Frequently Asked Questions HOW CAN I OBTAIN FRICTION LOSS DATA? Our Technical Data Sheet includes the friction loss results obtained by tests conducted at the hydraulics laboratory of the University of Missouri. WHAT ARE THE WEIGHTS OF GATEWAY’S SIDEWINDER™ DROPS? Nipple 5 oz WHAT WEIGHT IS EXERTED ON THE CEILING GRID BY A SIDEWINDER™ ASSEMBLY? It depends on how the tubing is bent, but the average weight of the entire assembly exerted on the ceiling grid based on our in-house testing is as follows: WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN THE FABRICATION OF GATEWAY'S SIDEWINDER™ DROPS? Tube: AISI 316L stainless steel 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. It also acts as an electrical insulator, insulating the Sidewinder™ sprinkler system and sprinkler head from the remainder of the sprinkler network. HOW IS THE REDUCER MADE? The grooves and threads of the stainless steel reducer are milled, not cast or stamped. This process is more expensive, but is more precise. 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 UL approval. For example, in one UL test, Sidewinder™ sprinkler drops were connected to a machine which vibrated each sprinkler drop over four million times, then each sprinkler drop was tested for leaks. Not a single Sidewinder™ leaked! WHERE CAN I BUY SIDEWINDER™ SPRINKLER DROPS? In addition to selling directly, 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.
Gateway's Sidewinder™ drops passed all the tests administered by UL, including Hydro Static Strength, Leakage, Mechanical Strength, Vibration, Salt Spray Corrosion, Pressure Cycling, Bending, and Freezing tests. View more specific information about these test results. CAN I USE SIDEWINDER™ DROPS IN RECESSED HEAD INSTALLATIONS? Probably, depending on the type of ceiling grid used and the installation instructions of the recessed sprinkler head manufacturer. Our own in-house tests with standard ceiling tile showed there to be approximately 2 inches between the bottom of the Sidewinder™ nipple and the bottom surface of the ceiling tile. 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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