Blazemaster CPVC | Codes, Standards & Approvals | fire safety | on March 2nd, 2022
One of the biggest challenges faced in India in administering fire safety standards and rules in residential buildings is the ambiguities in Fire Safety codes. In the past 20 years, there have been massive developments in construction technology and the type of buildings and occupancies. However, the codes had not kept pace or provided a clear blueprint for builders and consultants until now.
With the 2021 revision of The Bureau of Indian Standard's 2021 "Design, Installation and Maintenance of Fixed Automatic Sprinkler Fire Extinguishing Systems" Code, the Indian Fire Safety standards are finally keeping pace with international standards. This is also a welcome development for India's advanced fire safety systems proponents. Several ambiguities in the previous code regarding occupancies are now classified and detailed in the new code more clearly.
In particular, the revised code explicitly encourages the use of CPVC sprinkler systems through its amendments. In the past, despite demand for CPVC pipes and sprinkler systems and widespread acceptance internationally, adoption by builders and consultants in India was limited because the code did not explicitly provide for the same. Ahead, we have discussed some important changes brought about by the revised BIS 15105:2021 code.
General Requirements for Fire Sprinklers
One of the biggest changes in the revised BIS code is the expansion of the General Requirements of sprinklers. This is a major update keeping in line with the extensive infrastructure upgrades and construction technology changes in the last 20 years nationally and internationally.
The code now lays deeper emphasis on Storage Fire Protection. It provides detailed fire safety guidelines that align with various international Fire Safety codes, particularly the United States National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The code easily utilizes advanced fire safety materials and technology that better protect against accidental fires.
Since the last code came out, there have been significant developments in building construction materials, consequently, fire safety needs and the need for upgrading fire safety systems. However, the old code did not provide for these changing developments, which in turn made the adoption of superior fire safety systems like CPVC sprinklers difficult.
An example of this is the building material used in the construction of high-rise buildings. In the past, the majority of buildings utilized concrete and cement as the primary materials. On the other hand, modern buildings make extensive use of glass, which is more susceptible to fires. The revised BIS code has taken cognizance of this development and reframed the general requirement of sprinklers. Additionally, the code provides specific protection for glass facades and glass windows under various sections.
Another improvement brought about by the new code is a clearer and more organized classification of occupancies, making builders' interpretation more unambiguous. The new code now also brings a wider category of areas like Film Studios, Theatres, EDP, Lifts, Pantries, Ducts, etc., under the ambit of sprinkler systems.
BlazeMaster® conducted a masterclass with industry experts in the fire domain where developments and changes brought about by the BIS 15105:2021 were discussed in depth.
Check out Our BlazeMaster® Masterclass on Decoding the Codes and Standards for Fire Safety in India.
Approved Use of CPVC Pipes for Automatic Sprinkler Installation & Special Guidelines for High Rise Buildings.
Another big development brought about by the code is the explicit approval of CPVC pipes for automatic sprinkler installation. The earlier code was silent when it came to CPVC. But in line with the increasing use of CPVC pipes in fire sprinkler systems worldwide and acceptance of the superiority and benefits offered by the pipes over other materials like steel, the code now outlines the use of CPVC for specific applications and occupancies under Sub-section 11.8.2.
Special Guidelines for High Rise Buildings
The revised BIS code provides special guidelines for high-rise buildings absent in the earlier code. These guidelines emphasize the use of software for hydraulic calculation. This is great news for adopters of CPVC pipes. The better hydraulics provided by CPVC compared to steel will ensure reduced costs, space, and time for builders while ultimately improving the safety and fire protection of high-rise buildings.
Emphasis on Fully Hydraulically Calculated System
The revised code encourages using a Fully Hydraulically Calculated System and software programs for designing. Historically, the code mentioned Pipe Scheduling System, which uses larger and more expensive pipe sizes than needed. As the system was based on a set schedule of pipe sizes, there was no verifiable way of knowing how it would perform, making the system more unreliable.
BlazeMaster® CPVC has a consistent Hazen-Williams C Factor of 150 while steel has a starting C Factor of 120 that diminishes over time due to its susceptibility to corrosion. Because of this, the interior surface of BlazeMaster® CPVC pipes is smoother than most metal pipes, creating less friction to interfere with water flow. This enables the piping system to have an equivalent flow rate through smaller and fewer pipes, resulting in savings on material and labour costs.
Click here to learn more on Hazen-William’s Formula.
In conclusion, with the continuing vertical development of buildings in urban areas, it has become important for fire sprinkler technology to match the changing requirements. BlazeMaster® CPVC sprinkler systems provide superior protection with reduced maintenance requirements, protection from corrosion, and excellent hydraulics.
A CPVC sprinkler system reduces time and money invested in installation, making it the best choice for modern high rises with specific space and cost challenges. The widespread international acceptance of CPVC pipes and the explicit green lighting by the Bureau of Indian Standards' revised code also ensures that builders can be assured they provide the best fire safety standards for buildings.
Give your buildings the BlazeMaster® advantage by choosing our CPVC fire protection system. For more information, Contact Us and learn about the most suitable CPVC fire protection System for your building.
