BlazeMaster® CPVC piping is a speciality thermoplastic used reliably for decades. It poses a real challenge to traditional materials found in fire sprinkler systems.
By using BlazeMaster CPVC products for fire sprinkler systems, installers and specifiers can benefit from piping that is both durable and lightweight, as well as possessing superior hydraulics and being quick and easy to assemble.
Here, we have compiled important information for the industry to better understand the material properties of BlazeMaster CPVC piping, along with its capabilities when used for fire sprinkler systems.
Pressure Rating
BlazeMaster pipes and fittings are listed and approved for a rated pressure of 175 psi or 1207 kPa, at 65°C.
Once an installation is completed and cured, the system should be pressure tested, ensuring that air is removed from the piping system. Entrapped air can jeopardise any piping system, regardless of the material being used. For more information about pressure testing your system, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts.
Corrosion resistance
With a natural immunity to scale, corrosion and MIC (microbiologically influenced corrosion), BlazeMaster CPVC piping offers a long, low-maintenance service life that typically exceeds traditional systems - including steel systems.
According to an FM Global report, corrosion in steel systems is the “most significant issue for owners of water-based fire protection systems in terms of both cost and system reliability”. BlazeMaster CPVC pipes and fittings are engineered with longevity in mind and can deliver up to 50 years of service life with no corrosion.
Pipe dimensions and weights
BlazeMaster CPVC has a standard dimensional ratio (SDR) of 13.5, as specified in ASTM F442. SDR, or standard dimensional ratio, means the pipe wall thickness is directly proportional to the outside diameter. Because of the range of pressure ratings for plastic pipe, SDR measurements have become the standard of the residential and commercial irrigation industry.
BlazeMaster CPVC piping is available from 0.75” (DN20) piping through to 3” (DN80) pipe diameters. For a standard DN25 (1 inch) pipe, CPVC weighs 0.390 kilograms per metre when empty. In comparison, steel systems weigh 2.440 kilograms for the same measurement when empty.
Hydraulic design
Hydraulic calculations for BlazeMaster pipes and fittings are calculated using the Hazen-Williams C factor of 150.
The benefits are that, unlike steel piping (C factor of 120), CPVC does not suffer from MIC and therefore C factor does not reduce over time, meaning reassurance of a properly functioning system when needed.
Temperature rating
CPVC is flexible and can withstand high temperatures. BlazeMaster pipes and fittings are suitable for use in areas where ambient temperatures are within the range of 2°C and 65°C.
BlazeMaster CPVC piping has achieved the best possible fire protection classification of a non-metal material, which is Bs1d0. This feature ensures the integrity of the piping during a blaze. In a UL test, a fire plume between 370°C and 483°C came in direct contact with BlazeMaster CPVC piping for 10 minutes. The piping formed a charring layer on the outside of the pipe, which then functioned as a thermal barrier, reducing the conduction of heat.
Choose approved, trusted protection
BlazeMaster CPVC piping meets industry benchmarks for design and installation of automatic fire protection systems, including NFPA 13, BS 9251 and BS EN 12845. BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are also listed globally by UL, FM Global and LPCB for use in NFPA 13 light hazard systems.
Not only do CPVC pipes and fittings meet regulations and offer unique capabilities as a material, but they can offer significant cost-savings during installations and throughout the long working life of the fire sprinkler system.
Remember, however, that not all orange piping offers the same reliability as BlazeMaster pipes and fittings, so ask for it by name for your next retrofit or new build installation.
