Features & Benefits
UL Listing
Chlorinated
Poly Vinyl Chloride, CPVC Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings (VIWT)
Copyright © 1999 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipe and fittings are intended for use in sprinkler systems in the following types of occupancies:
- Light Hazard occupancies as defined in the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13.
- Residential occupancies as defined in the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to Four Stories in Height, NFPA 13R.
- Residential occupancies as defined in the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes, NFPA 13D.
Protection shall be provided for CPVC pipe and fittings. The minimum protection shall consist of either (1) one layer of 3/8 in. gypsum wallboard, (2) a suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles having a weight of not less than 0.35 psf when installed with metallic support grids, or (3) ½ in. plywood soffits.
In addition to the aforementioned protection, the minimum protection for residential occupancies specified in NFPA 13R or 13D may consist of one layer of ½ in. plywood. During remodeling or ceiling repair, appropriate precautions shall be implemented to properly shield the piping from the protected occupancy.
CPVC pipe and fittings are to be installed in accordance with the requirements specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions and NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D. Special installation and design criteria relative to pipe hanger spacings, piping and sprinkler restraint, sprinkler temperature rating, piping location, testing procedures and friction loss characteristics are specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions provided with the pipe.
As an alternative to the protection requirements, CPVC pipe and fittings may be installed without protection (exposed) when subject to the following additional limitations:
- Exposed piping is to be installed below a smooth, flat, horizontal ceiling construction.
- Listed Quick-Response pendent sprinklers having deflectors installed within 8 inches from the ceiling or Listed Residential pendent sprinklers located in accordance with their Listing and a maximum distance between sprinklers not to exceed 15 feet.
- Listed Quick-Response horizontal sidewall sprinklers having deflectors installed within 6 inches from the ceiling and within inches from the sidewall or Listed Residential horizontal sidewall sprinklers located in accordance with their Listing and a maximum distance between sprinklers no to exceed 14 feet.
- Exposed pipe employing Listed Quick Response upright heads shall be installed not more than 7 ½ inches from the ceiling to the centerline of the pipe. Upright heads shall be installed having the deflectors within 4 inches from the ceiling and a maximum distance between sprinklers not to exceed 15 feet. For upright heads, the maximum distance from the centerline of a sprinkler head to a hanger shall be 3 inches.
CPVC pipe and fittings are not intended to be installed in combustible concealed spaces where sprinklers are required by NFPA 13, 13R or 13D as applicable.
CPVC pipe and fittings have been investigated for conformance with the combustibility requirements for thermoplastic sprinkler piping as described in the Standard for Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems, NFPA 90A.
CPVC pipe and fittings are intended for use in areas where the maximum ambient temperature does not exceed 150 degrees F. If the ambient temperature is expected to exceed this limitation, refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions for additional information on methods to reduce the pipe exposure temperatures. These pipe and fittings are not to be installed in outdoor applications.
The CPVC pipe and fittings are intended for use in wet pipe systems only and have not been investigated for use in dry pipe systems.
The manufacturer's installation instructions should be reviewed and authorities having jurisdiction consulted before installation.
The basic requirements used to investigate products in this category are described in Subject 1821, "Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings For Fire Protection Service" and UL 1887, "Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe For Flame and Smoke Characteristics".
The Listing Mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the name and/or symbol of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (as illustrated in the Introduction of this Directory) together with the word "LISTED", a control number, and one of the following product names as appropriate: "CPVC Sprinkler Pipe," or "CPVC Sprinkler Fitting."
