EXPLOSION ISOLATION VALVE
INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
January, 2015 Document P/N: E06-017-1 (Rev 2) Page: 5
2.3 GAS CARTRIDGE ACTUATOR (GCA)
The Gas Cartridge Actuator (Fike p/n: 02-4134) is an electrically activated, pressure-producing
device used to close the EIV. An electrical charge is sent through the device upon activation
from the control panel: this overheats the internal bridge wire and ignites the smokeless powder
inside the GCA. The resultant burn-off (approximately 10 milliseconds) generates a pressure
wave sufficient to press the actuating cylinder piston closed; sealing off the pipe or duct.
The GCA has a stainless steel body with dual thread sizes that enable the device to be installed
in other Fike Protection System components. The GCA has a Mylar seal in the discharge end,
and an epoxy plug on the wire end to create a “sealed” unit with a shelf life of 10 years.
The operating temperature range is: -40°F to +140°F. If temperatures in excess of +140°F are
experienced, the 10 year service life is reduced to 5 years. If temperatures in excess of +165°F
are experienced, the GCA must be replaced immediately (refer to Figure 4).
FIGURE 4 – GCA COMPONENT DETAILS
WARNING: Both sets of electrical leads (red-to-blue and yellow-to-green) MUST be shunted together when
the GCA is not installed in the valve, and when testing or troubleshooting the detection and
control system. Failure to do so can result in bodily injury or unwanted system activation.
NOTE: Do not connect both sets of lead wires to a single firing circuit. Refer to the Installation
Section of this manual for the wiring diagrams associated with these systems.
2.3.1 GCA SAFETY PROCEDURES
WARNING: To prevent possible injury, the GCA must be disconnected and shunted when performing any of
the following procedures.
WARNING: GCA’s are thermochemical devices that can cause bodily injury and equipment damage when
improperly handled. All persons who may work with or come in contact with GCA’s in any way
shall read and understand the GCA Safety Procedures in this section.
GCA’s employed in the Fike Explosion Protection System must be respected for their very fast
response and the possibility of accidental initiation.
NOTICE: When GCA’s are handled in accordance with all proper safety practices, accidental initiation
should not occur.
GCA leads shall remain shunted at all times when electrically disconnected from the protection system
and during GCA installation and removal.
Always wear an electrically grounded wrist strap or other approved device when handling unpackaged
GCA’s.
Always wear approved eye protection when handling or installing GCA's.
Never handle or have on your person more than one unpackaged GCA at any time.
PVC INSULATED WIRE
#22 AWG SOLID COPPER
7/16-20 UNF-2A THREAD
3/8-24 UNF-2A THREAD
.75 HEX
(4 WIRES)
STAINLESS STEEL
BODY
CONTAINERS
FOR EP SUPPRESSION
VALVES
FOR ISOLATION
EPOXY PLUG
SECONDARY ACTUATOR
RED/BLUE
PRIMARY ACTUATOR
YELLOW/GREEN
SHUNT
24" REF.
(61 cm)
3.5"
(8.9 cm)
1.5"
(3.8 cm)
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