CPVC broke into the plumbing and industrial piping industry in the late 1950’s, but it took a couple of decades to reach the highly regulated fire protection segment.
Organizations invest significant time and money to save lives and protect their property, so it makes sense that there are intense regulations, stipulations, and requirements on the capabilities of materials that can be used in fire protection systems.
It is the continuously growing list of certifications and approvals that has played a huge role in the success of BlazeMaster® CPVC.
BlazeMaster CPVC Listings and Approvals
BlazeMaster CPVC has become the most specified nonmetallic fire sprinkler piping system in the world. It stands out from other CPVC because it’s specially engineered for fire protection applications, which has allowed it to satisfy standards and earn listings and approvals from multiple major international agencies.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA is the world’s leading advocate of fire protection and authoritative source on public safety. Working closely with the community to understand their needs and risks, they set standards for manufacturers to abide by, thus reducing the burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life.
BlazeMaster CPVC satisfies multiple standards set by the NFPA, including:
- NFPA 13: An industry benchmark standard for the installation of sprinkler systems. As a long-time member of the NFPA, BlazeMaster CPVC meets the NFPA 13 standard and is approved for all light hazard applications.
- NFPA 13D: A subsection of NFPA 13, NFPA 13D applies specifically to standards for the installation of fire sprinkler systems in one or two family dwellings as well as mobile and manufactured homes.
- NFPA 13R: Another NFPA 13 related standard, NFPA 13R sets standards for fire sprinkler systems in residential properties up to four stories, including multifamily units, hotels and student housing.
Underwriter Laboratories (UL)
UL is a global independent safety science company dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments.
The rigorous UL 1821 fire test was one of the first listings BlazeMaster CPVC earned back in the 1980’s. It requires that the material sits at a minimal distance from a 1,600°F (871°C) flame, with the fire plume touching the pipe at 700-900°F (371-482°C).
The pipe and fittings can survive these temperatures until the sprinkler head activates after 1-3 minutes, depending on the testing configuration.
BlazeMaster is UL Listed, C-UL and ULC for the following:
- UL 1821 - Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings for Fire Protection Service
- UL 1887 - Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics
- ULC/ORD - C199 - Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems
The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards include pipe dimensions and pressure bearing capabilities―all of which are met by BlazeMaster CPVC.
- BlazeMaster pipe is manufactured in SDR 13.5 dimensions to the requirements of ASTM F422
- BlazeMaster fittings 3/4 in. (19mm) through 1-¼ in. (32mm) are manufactured in Schedule 40 dimensions
- BlazeMaster fittings 1-1/2 in. (38mm) through 3 in. (76mm) are manufactured in Schedule 80 dimensions
- BlazeMaster fittings are manufactured to the requirements of ASTM F437, F438, F439 or F1970.
Revision to ASTM F442:
- New markings are required on pipe production as of January 1, 2014.
- The revision to ASTM F442 was approved in April, 2013.
- The revised standard specifies two material classifications.
For CPVC ASTM 4120-05 requires piping to meet the following pressure ratings at the given temperature:
- 320 psi @ 73°F (22.8°C)
- 80 psi @ 180°F (82.2°C)
BlazeMaster is the first CPVC Manufacturer to meet ASTM 4120-06 for CPVC, which increases the pressure rating at 180°F (82.2°C):
- 320 psi @ 73°F (22.8°C)
- 100 psi @180°F (82.2°C)
NSF International (NSF)
NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides protection by certifying product suitability for food, water, air, and consumer goods. BlazeMaster CPVC is certified for potable water conveyance per NSF/ANSI 14 Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials and NSF/ANSI 61 Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects.
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)
Similar to the NSF, BlazeMaster CPVC is approved by WRAS, the authority for water regulations in the United Kingdom, ensuring that materials and systems for water transport are both sanitary and efficient.
FM Global
FM Global is a third-party organization that approves materials for specific uses. Through FM Global, our BlazeMaster pipe and fittings are approved as manufactured by our partner manufacturers for use in exposed above ground wet pipe fire protection systems for light hazard occupancy sprinkler systems. Read more about the partner manufacturers here.
Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)
Similar to UL, LPCB offers listings and certifications on materials for use in fire protection in the United Kingdom.
BlazeMaster’s listings with the LPCB speak to its global recognition―traditionally, steel fire sprinkler systems were the global choice for retrofits and residential installations, but now CPVC has become the material of choice.
BlazeMaster is the Most Specified CPVC Sprinkler System in the World
There’s no trait more important in the fire protection industry than reliability. BlazeMaster CPVC’s growing collection of listings and approvals are a testament that no other piping material is more reliable.
In addition to the worldwide approval, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems are supported by our Quality Assurance Program by which our partner manufacturers must exhibit a proven track record of consistent quality and reliability.
For questions on our listings and approvals and partner manufacturers or for specification support, contact a BlazeMaster CPVC piping system consultant.
