While steel fire protection systems have been the traditional choice for retrofits and residential applications, CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, has a proven track record of cost-effective and time-saving installations. With 600 million meters (1,968 feet) of piping system installed in more than 60 countries, BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Protection Systems has become a safe, secure and reliable alternative material to steel in fire sprinkler systems.
Still, some installers and specifiers have reservations about CPVC’s suitability for fire protection systems. Below, we dispel some of the common myths we hear from contractors and building owners.
Fact: CPVC piping has achieved the best possible fire-protection classification of a non-metal material, which is Bs1d0:
During a UL test, as shown in the picture above, a fire plume between 370°C (698℉) and 483°C (901.4℉) came in direct contact with BlazeMaster CPVC piping for 10 minutes.
This example shows that when exposed to a fire, CPVC piping forms a charring layer on the pipe’s exterior, which then functions as a thermal barrier to reduce heat conduction. Water flowing through the pipe also cools the inside, further reducing the burning rate.
Fact: With an easy one-step solvent cement joining system, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems require:
A recent study found that using BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems for a retrofit in a 40-bed care home would take fewer than half the installation hours (only 640 vs. 1,320), generating a significant saving in project cost.
To learn more about the cost effectiveness of BlazeMaster CPVC, check out our recent blog post, “How CPVC in Fire Protection Systems Saves Time and Money”.
Fact: BlazeMaster CPVC piping systems offer superior hydraulics compared to steel, that:
As steel piping corrodes, water flow levels decline. Conversely, CPVC keeps the piping system ready for an emergency by preventing scaling and corrosion for more than 50 years. A BlazeMaster CPVC fire protection system also provides natural immunity to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
Fact: According to a 2011 ISO-compliant, peer-reviewed life-cycle assessment, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems outperform steel in 12 out of 13 environmental categories, including:
This means that BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems have half the climate change impact compared to steel.
“BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems emerged as a much stronger choice for an environmentally friendly fire sprinkler solution.” - Michael Collins, Technical Director Environmental Resources Management
Fact: BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems have long been an approved solution in the United States and United Kingdom for all of your retrofitting and residential fire sprinkler requirements. As well as being listed by UL, FM Global and LPCB, they also meet:
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems have also been approved for use across single-family residences, multi-family occupancies and retrofit projects, proving that they are viable solution for installers and specifiers.
Fact: BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are actually easy and quick to install for many reasons. Installation can be completed with a simple one-step joining system, which eliminates the need for torches or heat-fusion techniques, electricity and prefabrication.
Not only does CPVC piping offer an easier installation, it also:
Engineered for fire protection through groundbreaking R&D at Lubrizol, BlazeMaster technology continues to set the industry standard.
As an installer, specifier or builder, do you hold any misconceptions about CPVC? Our team of piping systems consultants are available to speak with you about BlazeMaster CPVC, or your next fire protection requirements. Schedule a free consultation.
It’s also worth noting that not all orange pipe is the same. If you’re looking for reliability for life, choose BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems.