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By: BlazeMaster EMEA on 03-Sep-2019 04:00:00
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Saving Installation Time With CPVC

Installing a CPVC fire protection system certainly benefits the residents and owners of the properties being protected. It offers years of reliable fire protection. CPVC fire protection systems are field-proven to save lives and properties every day.

Speed of installation is one of the reasons that many tower block owners across the country who have chosen to retrofit fire sprinkler systems prefer CPVC piping. The fact that CPVC systems can be installed, on average, at the rate of one flat per day with minimal disruption to residents, is an attractive feature. Safety to residents and property is another reason. CPVC offers a simple one-step joining process that requires no fire torches or welding processes as compared to steel piping. CPVC eliminates the potential of an errant spark that can negate the good intention of adding a fire sprinkler system by actually causing a fire.

CPVC fire protection systems are also beneficial to the installer in terms of saving time on the job. CPVC systems are much simpler to install than steel pipe systems and provide time and labour saving advantages that pay off every time. Let’s discuss some of the time and money-saving features of CPVC.

 

Materially Speaking

Keeping your materials clean, dry and current will save you time and money. Storing CPVC pipe outdoors is fine, but to ensure the product’s long-term durability, it is good practice to keep the pipe in its original packaging or covered with a non-transparent tarp to reduce exposure to the elements. Make sure the pipe is stored in a designated area that ensures it won’t be exposed to the potential of other materials being dropped from above. That way when it’s time to use your CPVC pipe and fittings stock it will be in good condition.

The same is true for the solvent cement you’ll be using. Keep it stored at temperatures as recommended by the manufacturer. Before leaving for the job, check that the cement you’ll be using that day is fresh and is still within the “use by” dates printed on the container. Be sure that the installer understands the temperature parameters of solvent cement for cold weather applications. It must be stored at temperatures above 4°C. If the cement doesn’t look right when you’re ready to use it, discard it and open a fresh can. Using old cement can result in poor chemical welds. Getting to a job site only to need fresh cement wastes time and money.

 

Have the Proper Tools

Ensuring that the installers have the proper equipment to make cuts and prepare the pipe and fittings for installation allows for a fast installation. Cuts should be squarely made using a ratchet cutter, pipe or tubing cutter, power saw or a fine-tooth saw. Ratchet cutters should only be used at temperatures of 10°C or higher, and the blades should be sharp.

A proper deburring tool should be available to prepare the newly cut pipe for the chemical weld into the fitting. Test fit the pipe prior to applying cement to ensure a snug fit prior to cementing. The installer should be familiar with the proper cementing procedure. Cure schedules – allowing for temperature and humidity fluctuations – must be followed. Following best practices allows the newly formed joints between pipe and fittings to become the strongest part of the system.

CPVC is a lightweight material – significantly lighter than steel. In some instances, only one installer may be required as cuts and joining may be done on-site. Again, as no power source or flame is required for joining, nor is heavy tooling or machinery required, the installers can perform their duties efficiently, even in tight, confined spaces. On-site adjustments using hand tools to cut pipe to exact measurements are a major time-saver when it comes to CPVC vs. steel installations.

The fitter should be familiar with the manufacturers’ recommendations regarding all tools and installation products on-site. Such knowledge will save time and money by helping prevent the need to do a specific job over.

Sprinkler heads should be installed after the sprinkler head adapter has been solvent welded. Make certain that the waterway is not obstructed prior to installing the sprinkler heads.

 

Training Saves Time – Every Time

Saving time and money for a contractor begins well before installers arrive at a job site. Proper training on all tools and materials to be used on the job is imperative. Investing a bit of time and effort in the installation staff will pay off in the long run. Take advantage of any training courses offered by your suppliers. You may be surprised at what is available to you.

If you are fortunate enough to have an installer whom you believe is a true expert, utilize their expertise to train new members of the staff. It is a real advantage to have an in-house expert who can provide answers and share their knowledge.

Would you like to learn more about how to save time and money with CPVC? Download this the Guide to CPVC Fire Sprinklers from BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems today.

Guide to CPVC Fire Sprinklers