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BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems stand alone in the fire protection industry with a unique UL® listing among manufacturers for embedding CPVC in concrete. As new construction methods today make use more and more of concrete ceilings, embedding the fire sprinkler system in those ceilings eliminates the need and costs of drop ceilings and fire sprinkler system hangers (in the case of steel systems). It also has the added aesthetic benefit of hiding the system within the ceiling.
A Long History with Concrete
Direct contact with concrete has no adverse chemical effect on BlazeMaster CPVC, and there has never been a reported case of incompatibility of chemicals mixed with concrete over years of contact. It can be installed in direct contact with precast or site-poured concrete walls or decks. Installation instructions should be referred to regarding upsizing hangers to avoid stressing pipe when it is installed against a flat surface. Also, because concrete is abrasive, care should be taken to avoid installing the pipe in a way that may allow it to rub against the concrete through penetrations in walls as the system shifts or expands or contracts during its lifetime of use.
Because BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are cemented joint systems and the piping is somewhat flexible, it is capable of being attached directly to concrete ceilings, offering cost and installation savings over steel. Steel systems utilize threaded pipe and screw fittings and require the use of split ring hangers from the ceiling. The steel system also limits the finished ceiling height.
Simpler installation and ceiling height advantages are just two reasons that BlazeMaster CPVC is so popular in concrete construction building retrofits as opposed to steel. Lower initial costs and lower cost of ownership through improved flow, reduced corrosion and less required maintenance are also advantages that BlazeMaster CPVC provides over steel. The result: The wide use and specification of BlazeMaster CPVC piping in multifamily and commercial concrete new construction and retrofit projects around the world for more than 30 years.
Embedding for Success
While we are not aware of any problems regarding BlazeMaster pipe and fittings and concrete or chemicals that have been added to the concrete, we realize construction materials can change. If you’re ever concerned about chemical compatibility, contact Lubrizol or the manufacturer of the chemical in question to confirm chemical compatibility.
It’s best to follow the guidelines of our BlazeMaster CPVC manufacturing partners when embedding the fire sprinkler system in concrete, but here are a few tips that can provide guidance for embedding applications.
- Avoid the wire mesh or reinforcing bars used in concrete from creating abrasion damage to BlazeMaster CPVC.
- If pipe joints are embedded in concrete, pressure test the installation prior to pouring the concrete.
- Secure the pipe to avoid movement during the pouring process. Nonabrasive plastic fasteners may be used.
- Safeguard that the pipe is not damaged by tools and equipment used in the pouring and finishing process.
- Ensure that the pipe does not move during pouring process.
- While thermal expansion and contraction are not issues for the BlazeMaster CPVC pipe embedded in concrete, expansion and contraction must be designed for regarding the sections NOT embedded in concrete to allow stress at these points, which could damage pipe where it enters and exits the concrete.
Have a question regarding BlazeMaster fire protection system and its use attached to or embedded in concrete? Technical support is just a click away.
