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By: BlazeMaster EMEA on 07-Jan-2020 04:00:00
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Understanding How Suppliers Become FBC Certified

Chemical compatibility is a key indicator of whether a CPVC fire protection system will perform as required when used in conjunction with accompanying construction products such as a variety of firestop products and cleaners, thread sealers, gaskets and gasket lubricants, to name but a few.

The Lubrizol Advanced Materials FBCTM System Compatible Program is the industry’s oldest chemical compatibility program and is recognized worldwide for its depth and breadth. The program eliminates guesswork for contractors, building owners, specifiers, AHJs and local fire officials to verify which ancillary brands and products are approved for planned interaction with BlazeMaster® CPVC.

Brands and products from 50 manufacturers are certified through the FBC System Compatible Program in 25 European countries including the UK.

So how does a product qualify for inclusion in the program?

 

Third-Party Testing Provides Assurance

In order for a product to be included in the FBC System Compatible Program, the manufacturer of ancillary construction products must agree to submit their products for testing by a third-party lab, not alter the tested formulation and have their manufacturing facility audited annually by the third-party lab.

The testing and protocols were developed by Lubrizol Advanced Materials. The products tested must meet the rigorous standards set forth in the program. 

Products accepted into the program are given the right to display the FBC System Compatible mark on their labels. Once this mark has been applied, the product may be used with confidence in conjunction with BlazeMaster CPVC. The mark demonstrates the ancillary product manufacturer's commitment not to make changes to the formulation of the product without advance written notice and retesting. No material or manufacturing alterations are allowed, or products must be resubmitted for evaluation.

 

Exclusive to Lubrizol Advanced Materials

The FBC System Compatible Program is constantly updated as new products are added. It also lists products that are not compatible with BlazeMaster CPVC. Apps are available for iPhone and Android devices to connect directly to the FBC System Compatible Program website to search for chemically compatible products.

Please note that certification under the FBC System Compatible Program does not necessarily mean confirm approval for use with other CPVC manufacturers’ pipe and fittings. The third-party testing is performed for compatibility with Lubrizol CPVC brands only. Other manufacturers and/or brands of CPVC piping have not been tested as part of the FBC™ System Compatible Program. The FBC™ System Compatible program is, therefore, only applicable to the chemical compatibility of ancillary products with the Lubrizol Advanced Materials brands of BlazeMaster, FlowGuard®, Corzan® and products made with TempRite® Technology CPVC piping systems.

In some instances, manufacturers of FBC System Compatible Program certified products have posted disclaimers that the products are not chemically compatible with other specific CPVC piping and fitting brands.

While other CPVC manufacturers may list ancillary products that are chemically compatible with their brands, we are not aware that any of these employ third-party testing to certify these products.

Third-party testing makes the FBC System Compatible Program truly unique. Learn more about the program and its benefits here.

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