6 Common Misconceptions About CPVC Fire Sprinkler Pipe
Since creating CPVC piping over 50 years ago, we have heard many misconceptions by professionals within the industry.
Below you will find the most common myths about CPVC piping, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing fire sprinkler piping for your next installation.
1. “CPVC is too expensive”
On the contrary, you can make many savings when choosing BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems.
Our fire protection system’s simple one-step joining system cuts installation times and costs on labour. Its lightweight fabrication also means that there are no need for extra tools, saving you money on hire and maintenance of machines typically required for steel installations.
You’ll also save money on life-cycle and maintenance costs, as CPVC remains corrosion-free for over 50 years of service life.
2. “It won’t perform as well as steel”
Since CPVC does not corrode or clog from MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion), these systems are even far less likely to fail than those made from steel.
BlazeMaster's SDR 13.5 IPS piping system offers superior hydraulics, yielding the maximum flow of water to deliver required performance for extended coverage sprinkler heads.
The technology of BlazeMaster piping has excellent hydraulic capabilities (C-factor of 150) that does not diminish over time, as in the case of a steel system.
3. “CPVC is bad for the environment”
With the industry’s search for more environmentally friendly alternatives, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems ensures an up-to-date solution to meet requirements.
In fact, CPVC has outperformed steel in 12 of 13 environmental categories - including climate change impact and energy consumption - making it the most environmentally-friendly piping solution on the market.
4. “It’s not approved by industry bodies”
As well as being UL certified and FM approved, BlazeMaster CVPC piping also meets the NFPA 13 benchmark for design and installation of automatic fire protection systems, and BS9251, the main British Standard covering fire sprinklers in the UK.
BlazeMaster CPVC piping is also validated for retrofit projects, single family residences, and multi-occupancies in Wales.
5. “It’s hard to install”
Installation is straightforward, with a lightweight yet strong material capable of fitting into hard-to-reach areas with ease. It also offers a cleaner and quieter installation in comparison to steel.
This is ideal for situations where a retrofit is needed, as there is less need for the building to be abandoned, unlike when installing a steel piping replacement.
6. “CPVC will surely melt in a fire?”
There are a variety of plastics used during construction that will survive a fire - and CPVC is one of them.
In a UL test, a fire plume between 370°C and 483°C came in direct contact with BlazeMaster CPVC piping for 10 minutes. Instead of melting, the outer layer of the pipe chars, which then functions as a thermal barrier that protects the inside of the pipe, ensuring water flow is not compromised.
CPVC does not sustain combustion due to its very high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 60 - 3 times that of Nylon and Red Oak. LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in the atmosphere to support combustion - and a high LOI for CPVC means that it cannot burn under normal atmosphere conditions.
Dispelling misconceptions
These are just six common misconceptions held about CPVC fire protection systems. Another misconception is that all “orange” systems are the same, but BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are proven for decades for going above and beyond, providing consistently reliable solutions, and assisting your installation (including providing sufficient training).
To address and clarify the misconceptions further within the fire protection industry, BlazeMaster has created a Slide Deck to help professionals provide the facts about CPVC fire protection systems.
Speaking on the launch of the Slide Deck, Will Robinson, BlazeMaster’s Market Development Manager - UK and Europe, said: “CPVC as a material for fire sprinkler systems is still unnecessarily viewed with some uncertainty within the industry. In actuality, BlazeMaster has been an unrivalled and trustworthy name in the European and global fire safety markets for decades”.
This free and downloadable slide deck gives installers, specifiers, architects and building owners the facts they need on CPVC fire protection systems on BlazeMaster.
Let us help you provide the facts about CPVC. Download the free slide deck today.