An expansion tank (actually 13 calls it a chamber) is also listed.  I have not 
asked UL or looked at the test protocols but it is reasonable to assume though 
similar that there are some differences.  For instance the expansion chamber is 
tested for chemical compatibility with antifreeze compounds that may not be 
applied to the surge suppressor.  Both are a tank with a diaphragm, but the 
inlet size differs greatly.  The surge suppressors must capture part of a 
pressure wave (operating in milliseconds) so large opening whereas the 
expansion chamber captures thermal expansion over seasonal changes (operating 
in lets call it 6 months) so small opening.

I’ve played with sizing expansion chambers but not surge suppressors.  I ASSUME 
that the suppressor is usually larger.  Someone out there want to chime-in on 
sizing?

Roland

Roland Huggins, PE - VP Engineering
American Fire Sprinkler Assn.       ---      Fire Sprinklers Saves Lives
Dallas, TX
http://www.firesprinkler.org





On Jul 31, 2014, at 3:57 AM, Cahill, Christopher <[email protected]> wrote:

> A surge suppressor is a UL Listed fire protection device for this purpose.  
> An expansion tank is something used in plumbing or mechanical systems to 
> account for expansion in volume usually do to change in temperature. Maybe 
> not the most technical definition as both are pretty much the same 
> technology, a tank with a diaphragm that creates an air pocket that will 
> compress to allow increase in pressure/volume of the liquid. That's how I'd 
> describe the two, so really let's just say it's a Listing ($$$$) thing.

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