Decoding the Print Line: How to Make Sure You’re Using Genuine BlazeMaster® Pipe and Fittings

Here’s a question we hear often, especially outside of North America: “How do I make sure we’re installing genuine BlazeMaster pipe?”

The answers are easy to find – they are printed right on the pipe. It’s called a “print line.” There you can find all the details to confirm the brand, manufacturer, size, listings and much more.

The print line should be checked by the distributor before shipping, and by the installer at the job site before installation. Finally, it should be reviewed by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). That’s why it’s recommended pipe must be placed with the print line facing down – and not painted over or covered prior to inspection.

To help you understand how to decipher the information on a print line, we’ve created a print line infographic below with the most common information along with a reference key.  

1. Brand. Be sure the pipe is marked as BlazeMaster to ensure you are using the best CPVC for fire sprinkler systems available.
2. Manufacturer. All BlazeMaster pipe and fittings sold into the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe will come from one of three manufacturers: Tyco (Johnson Controls,)Viking, and IPEX. “TFP” refers to Tyco. Viking and IPEX pipe will have the company’s respective logo. The manufacturer code sometimes appears at several spots on the print line.
3. Size. The print line will help you confirm you’re using the size of pipe specified for the job. In this example, the pipe is ¾ inch, or 20mm.
4. Standard dimensional ratio (SDR). SDR rates a pipe's durability against pressure. It describes the correlation between the pipe dimension and the thickness of the pipe wall, which is important for ensuring consistent pressure capabilities across all diameters. BlazeMaster is SDR 13.5, which is indicated in the print line.
5. Pressure rating/temperature. “WP” stands for “Working Pressure” and is 175 psi (12 bar) at 150o F (65 oC).
6. National/International listings and approvals. BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are UL listed for use in light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13, such as offices, schools, hospitals and more. That means these products undergo extensive testing, and you will find a variety of third-party certifications on the print line, such as:
   • cUL (UL listed in Canada)
   • cULus (UL listed in Canada and the United States)  
   • FM (approved by FM Global)  
   • NSF-PW (certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for use with potable water (pw)
7. Local certifications. In addition to listings by national and international bodies, it will also include compliance with local regulations. For instance, MEA-185-02-E means the pipe meets specific regulations for New York City and the print line also notes approval for requirements in Dade County, Florida.
8. Material Designation Code.  In the example below, CPVC 4120-06 can be broken down into several parts:  
   • CPVC, of course, is the abbreviation for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.
   • “41” represents a minimum Cell Classification of 23447. A cell classification is a five digit code that classifies CPVC’s according to their physical properties. More information about cell class for CPVC can be found in ASTM D1784.
   • “20” represents a Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS) of 2000 psi (14 MPa) for water at 73ºF (23ºC).  HDS is the estimated maximum tensile stress the material is capable of withstanding continuously with a high degree of certainty that the pipe will not fail. This stress is circumferential when internal hydrostatic water pressure is applied. The HDS is used to calculate the pressure rating of the pipe.
   • “06” is one of two ASTM F442 designation codes for HDS at 180oF (82ºC)– CPVC 4120-05 and 4120-06. BlazeMaster CPVC has the higher rating, which sets it apart from the competing brand. The -05 and -06 suffixes represent an HDS of 500 psi (3.4 MPa) or 625 psi (4.3 MPa) respectively for water at 180ºF (82ºC).
9. FBC System Compatible website address. This provides a reminder to use this valuable online resource to check chemical compatibility of BlazeMaster pipe and fittings with ancillary products such as firestops and cleaners. 

By understanding the print line, everyone on a project can ensure the use of genuine BlazeMaster product and the right pipe specified for the project. It’s a fundamental practice for ensuring a successful installation and long-term performance of the fire sprinkler system.