Design & Specification

DOs and DON'Ts of BlazeMaster^® Fire Sprinkler Systems

Recommended Practices and Precautions

Note: This list does not constitute a complete installation guide

DOs
DON'Ts
Cut-in Procedures for System Modification or Repairs

DOs

• Install product according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Follow recommended safe work practices.
• Make certain that thread sealants, gasket lubricants, or fire stop materials are compatible with BlazeMaster^® CPVC.
• Use only latex-based paints if painting is desired.
• Keep pipe and fittings in original packaging until needed.
• Cover pipe and fittings with an opaque tarp if stored outdoors.
• Follow proper handling procedures.
• Use tools specifically designed for use with plastic pipe and fittings.
• Use proper solvent cement and follow application instructions.
• Use a drop cloth to protect interior finishes.
• Cut the pipe ends square.
• Deburr and bevel the pipe end before solvent cementing.
• When solvent cementing, rotate the pipe 1/4 turn when bottoming pipe in fitting socket.
• Avoid puddling of solvent cement in fittings and pipe.
• Make certain that solvent cement does not run and plug the sprinkler head orifice.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended cure times prior to pressure testing.
• Fill lines slowly and bleed the air from the system prior to pressure testing.
• Support sprinkler head properly to prevent lift up of the head through the ceiling when activated.
• Keep threaded rod within 1/16" of the pipe.
• Install BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe and fittings in wet systems only or specially Listed dry systems..
• Use only insulation and/or glycerin & water solutions for freeze protection.
• Allow for movement due to expansion and contraction.
• Renew your BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe and fittings installation training every two years.

DON'Ts

• Do not use edible oils such as Crisco^® as a gasket lubricant.
• Do not use petroleum or solvent-based paints, sealants, lubricants or fire stop materials.
• Do not use any glycol-based solutions as an anti-freeze.
• Do not mix glycerin and water solution in contaminated containers.
• Do not use both Teflon^® tape and thread sealants simultaneously.
• Do not use solvent cement that exceeds its shelf life or has become discolored or gelled.
• Do not allow solvent cement to plug the sprinkler head orifice.
• Do not connect rigid metal couplers to BlazeMaster^® CPVC grooved adapters.
• Do not thread or groove BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe.
• Do not use solvent cement near sources of heat, open flame, or when smoking.
• Do not pressure test until recommended cure times are met.
• Do not use dull or broken cutting tool blades when cutting pipe.
• Do not use BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe that has been stored outdoors, unprotected and is faded in color.
• Do not allow threaded rod to come in contact with the pipe.
• Do not install BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe in cold weather without allowing for expansion.
• Do not install BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe and fittings in dry systems, unless specially Listed for such use.

Cut-In Procedure for System Modification or Repairs

At times it may become necessary to make modifications to existing CPVC fire sprinkler systems. This can be done safely when the proper procedures are followed. The following procedure has been developed to assure that the modifications are done successfully.

Prior to making system cut-ins on existing systems, care should be used to review proper joining procedures and to FOLLOW CUT-IN CURE SCHEDULES (Table I) to ensure the highest system integrity. Several methods can be utilized to tie into an existing system using a socket style tee fitting in combination with the use of socket unions, grooved coupling adapters, and flanges. Regardless of the method used, the following points must be followed to ensure the highest integrity:

• Using proper tools, the cut-in should be made on the smallest diameter pipe section that is capable of adequately supplying the system changes, in close proximity to the modification being made. This approach will expedite cure times prior to pressure testing.
• The cut-in connection to the existing system should be made first, prior to proceeding with additional work.
• Existing lines must be drained adequately prior to solvent cementing. Use a Drain Vac unit to be sure all water is removed from the system (moisture can slow the cure time and reduce joint strength).
• Carefully review and follow manufacturer’s solvent cementing procedures for proper joining techniques prior to commencing with cut-in (pipe must be cut square to proper length, deburred, beveled and dried to ensure proper insertion depth and highest integrity).
• Carefully measure and cut pipe to proper length to ensure complete insertion during assembly (check the dry fit of the components being joined).
• Note: During assembly of the cut-in tee (and other components) it is important to make a one-quarter turn when inserting the pipe into the fitting per the manufacturer’s assembly instructions, particularly on 11 / 2" pipe sizes and larger. This may require the use of several components assembled in combination with the cut-in tee to create as short spool piece assembly. This can be accomplished by using socket unions, flanges, or grooved coupling adapters that will ensure that a one-quarter turn can be obtained on all pipe connections being joined.
• Prior to applying the solvent cement, use a clean dry rag to wipe moisture and dirt from the fitting socket and the pipe end (the presence of moisture on the joining surfaces will reduce joint integrity).
• Use a new can of solvent cement when making cut-in connections (verify the expiration date stamped on can prior to use).
• After all work is completed, the cut-in joints must be allowed to cure properly prior to pressure testing as shown in Tables I, II and III.
• After work is completed and cut-in cure times are met, inspect work for proper alignment and hanger placement prior to pressure testing.
• After cut-in cure times are met, the system must be slowly filled with water and the air bled from the furthest and highest sprinkler heads before test pressure is applied (refer to manufacturer’s installation instructions regarding Hydrostatic Testing).
• After cut-in cure times are met and the air is bled from the system, it is recommended that portion of the sprinkler system containing the cut-in tee be pressure tested. Prior to pressure testing, the system must be sectioned off to its smallest area using floor valves, etc., to isolate the cut-in area. It is further recommended that the test pressure applied should not exceed 50 psi over the system pressure. This approach will minimize the potential for water damage should a leak occur.

WARNING: AIR OR COMPRESSED GAS MUST NEVER BE USED FOR PRESSURE TESTING

CURE SCHEDULES
TABLE I 225 psi (1552 kPa) Test Pressure (maximum) Ambient Temperature During Cure Period (Use this table for all cut-ins)
Pipe Size	60°F to 120°F (16°C to 49°C)	40°F to 59°F (4°C to 15°C)	0°F to 39°F (-18°C to 4°C)
3/4" (20 mm)	1 hr.	4 hrs.	48 hrs.
1" (25 mm)	1 ½ hrs.	4 hrs.	48 hrs.
1¼" & 1½" (32 & 40 mm)	3 hrs.	32 hrs.	10 days
2" (50 mm)	8 hrs.	48 hrs.	Note 1
2½" & 3" (65 & 80 mm)	24 hrs.	96 hrs.	Note 1

Note 1: For these sizes, the solvent cement can be applied at temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C), however, the sprinkler system temperature must be raised to a temperature of 40°F (4.5°C) or above and allowed to cure per the above recommendations prior to pressure testing.

CURE SCHEDULES
TABLE I I 200 psi (1379 kPa) Test Pressure (maximum) Ambient Temperature During Cure Period
Pipe Size	60°F to 120°F (16°C to 49°C)	40°F to 59°F (4°C to 15°C)	0°F to 39°F (-18°C to 4°C)
3/4" (20 mm)	45 mins.	1 ½ hrs.	24 hrs.
1" (25 mm)	45 mins.	1 ½ hrs.	24 hrs.
1¼" & 1½" (32 & 40 mm)	1 ½ hrs.	16 hrs.	120 hrs.
2" (50 mm)	6 hrs.	36 hrs.	Note 1
2½" & 3" (65 & 80 mm)	8 hrs.	72 hrs.	Note 1

Note 1: For these sizes, the solvent cement can be applied at temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C), however, the sprinkler system temperature must be raised to a temperature of 40°F (4.5°C) or above and allowed to cure per the above recommendations prior to pressure testing.

CURE SCHEDULES
TABLE III 100 psi (690 kPa) Test Pressure (maximum) Ambient Temperature During Cure Period
Pipe Size	60°F to 120°F (16°C to 49°C)	40°F to 59°F (4°C to 15°C)	0°F to 39°F (-18°C to 4°C)
3/4" (20 mm)	15 mins.	15 mins.	30 mins.
1" (25 mm)	15 mins.	30 mins.	30 mins.
1¼" (32 mm)	15 mins.	30 mins.	2 hrs.