While most parts of the country have had a mild winter so far, colder days are likely upon us, and it is important to ensure your fire sprinkler systems are ready for freezing temperatures so they can act immediately if fire strikes. Under NFPA 13, fire sprinkler systems in areas where temperatures dip below 40ºF (-4.4ºC) must be protected so pipes don’t freeze or become damaged.
Consider some of the options available for protecting fire sprinkler systems piped with BlazeMaster CPVC.
Winterize with a Listed Antifreeze Product
All listed antifreeze products are listed for use with all brands of CPVC, making listed antifreezes a great solution to protect BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems from freezing temperatures. We recommend the use of Lubrizol’s freezemaster™ antifreeze, the most popular listed antifreeze on the market. freezemaster is tested per the FBC™ System Compatible Program, meaning it is verified to be chemically compatible with BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. The solution is a non-toxic, factory-premixed antifreeze that is UL-listed for use in CPVC and steel systems with a minimum use temperature of -12º F (-24.4º C). Unlike other listed antifreezes, it does not have a minimum design pressure requirement.
In addition, freezemaster™ antifreeze is tinted blue so contractors can easily see the material as it exits the vents and drains when flushing and filling systems during installation and maintenance. Other listed antifreeze products are clear, the color of water, or orange, the color of rusty water, making it difficult to differentiate the antifreeze solution from water without testing.
Use Heat Trace
It is acceptable to heat trace BlazeMaster pipe and fittings provided the temperature of the heat tracing material does not exceed 180°F (82°C) and steam heat tracing is not used. Chemical compatibility of the heat tracing material with CPVC should be confirmed with the heat tracing products and accessories manufacturers.
With a trace heating system, also known as heat tape, electric cable is attached to the pipe to keep it warm enough to prevent freezing. The wire can be either wrapped around the pipe or taped to it to ensure even distribution of heat. The system draws power from a standard outlet. In 2019, UL issued the first certification for trace heating equipment for use with fire sprinkler systems, including branch lines. The heat tracing material should comply with all applicable codes and be installed per manufacturer's instructions.
Insulate
Compatible and properly installed insulation is often used to freeze protect BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems. Chemical compatibility with different types of insulation materials is detailed on the FBC System Compatible program, but it is recommended that the insulation be fiberglass or foamed polyolefin (polyethylene) without any oil lubrication applied to the interior surface. For example, properly mixed and applied Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPUF) is compatible with BlazeMaster pipe and fittings. Insulation may be used in combination with antifreeze and/or heat tracing in special situations.
Consider a Low Pressure Dry Pipe System
Unlike wet systems, dry pipe systems aren’t prone to freezing because the pipe is not filled with water. Instead, it’s filled with pressurized air or nitrogen that keeps the valve to the water supply closed. When a sprinkler head activates, the air pressure in the system drops, causing the valve to open and releasing water into the pipes to be delivered to the fire sprinkler heads.
Tyco (Johnson Controls) and Viking BlazeMaster pipe is UL listed for use in Light Hazard and Residential dry pipe sprinkler systems where the pressure doesn’t exceed 15 psi and the ambient temperature is above -20ºF (-29ºC). A dry pipe system utilizing BlazeMaster CPVC must be designed to provide pressure relief when the system pressure exceeds 15 psi. Alternatively, the system may be equipped with an alarm that sounds when the pressure exceeds 15 psi. Other design and installation parameters are outlined in the manufacturer’s installation guide. A link to Tyco’s is here, and Viking’s is here.
A key benefit to using BlazeMaster pipe in a low pressure dry system is that BlazeMaster CPVC is naturally resistant to corrosion and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), completely eliminating the corrosion concerns, and the associated maintenance costs, that plague metallic dry systems.
Don’t Wait to Winterize Your Fire Sprinkler System!
There are flexible solutions to address freeze challenges in a wide range of settings. Regardless of the solution you choose, be sure to properly winterize to ensure your BlazeMaster fire sprinkler system is ready to respond in the event of a fire.
