When it comes to fire protection systems, failure is not an option. The system must work as designed when it matters most to save lives and protect property. It all starts with installing the right materials that ensure the system works properly for many decades.
Most systems are designed using either traditional steel piping or CPVC, such as industry leader BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. While steel has a long track record, it poses significant drawbacks such as corrosion and scaling. If the water is too soft or acidic (below 6.5 pH), the metal may be eaten away as ions from the water and steel interact. When water is above 8.5 pH, scaling occurs – minerals attach to the pipe, reducing its diameter.
These issues can impair reliability by causing leaks, constricting water flow, clogging sprinkler heads, and damaging pipes and fittings. For instance, corrosion can cause pinholing, which leads to leaks and even system failure. Prevention of these problems requires expensive treatments that add costs for the system owner.
Not All CVPC Is Created Equal
CPVC has proven its reliability over the past 30 years with private homeowners, tower block owners and registered social landlords. It’s important, however, to choose the right CPVC.
BlazeMaster CPVC exceeds global performance and manufacturing standards, a key reason it has become the leading choice for nonmetallic fire protection systems. It resists scale and corrosion for up to 50 years of service, and is durable even in salt-air conditions and in areas where water pH balances fluctuate.
BlazeMaster CPVC offers a variety of advantages over competing CPVC brands, such as superior strength and durability. In a head-to-head matchup, BlazeMaster outperformed a competitor in burst and impact resistance testing conducted by an independent laboratory. BlazeMaster CPVC also offers unmatched training and support. Installers, contractors, engineers and construction managers can complete hands-on training at customer locations as well as free online training.
One misconception about CPVC revolves around fire resistance. BlazeMaster CVPC pipe and fittings can withstand high temperatures without sustaining a fire. During a UL test, BlazeMaster CPVC endured direct contact with a fire plume between 370o and 483o C for 10 minutes, and continued to perform. When exposed to fire, a charring layer forms around the CPVC that reduces heat conduction.
Ensuring Chemical Compatibility
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems also offers an industry-leading approach to ensuring the chemistry of the pipe will interact safely with ancillary products such as thread sealers, gasket lubricants and firestop products. This is critical because different CPVC products are manufactured with different compounds, resins, chlorine and performance additives.
With BlazeMaster CPVC, it’s easy to know which products to choose using the FBC™ System Compatible Program. Using an online tool, designers and engineers can quickly determine which brands and manufacturers are compatible with BlazeMaster CPVC.
No other brand of CPVC fire protection products offers the depth and breadth provided by the FBC System Compatible Program. The system follows a rigorous process of third-party validation. Suppliers must submit their products for testing and allow audits of manufacturing sites where the products are made. This gives everyone involved in the project full confidence that the system will work as planned. Competitors typically publish lists of recommended products but without third-party testing.
The FBC System Compatible has set a gold standard for the industry. It eliminates guesswork and helps avoid expensive system failures due to chemical compatibility issues. It’s a key reason BlazeMaster CPVC is the right choice for your next project.
Learn more with our free guide, CPVC vs. Steel: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
