Our team at BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is committed to creating innovative solutions in response to our customers’ needs. For instance, in working with a major national homebuilder we learned they wanted to use BlazeMaster pipe and fittings in unfinished basements with open-web joists – but there was not a listing for this application.
Our customer wanted to adopt open-web construction, which uses less wood, to save money as timber costs spiked. BlazeMaster pipe and fittings have been used for many years with open-joist systems for multi-family and hospitality projects under NFPA 13R – but not for residential exposed basements under NFPA 13D.
To address the customer’s need, our team of experts went to work to create a proposed approach, set installation guidelines, and complete an arduous testing process required by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). The fire source used in UL 1821 is a 1 megawatt fire producing a peak temperature of about 1600o F (871° C) – hot enough to leave scorch marks on the wall (see photo above). The open-web fire sprinkler system was then pressurized to 175 psi without leaking.
After successful tests, we received an enhancement to BlazeMaster’s UL listings for exposed basements. The listing enhancement applies only to BlazeMaster pipe and fittings from Johnson Controls (Tyco) and Viking – it does not cover competing brands. The listing does not allow for mixing and matching different brands of materials – the system must be completely built with BlazeMaster pipe and fittings as well as BlazeMaster solvent cement. This requirement ensures a quality and compliant installation.
It is critical that you follow the manufacturer guidelines for installation (Viking and JCI have already updated their guides to include open-web installation). Here are several key things to know:
Review the manufacturers’ installation guides to get all the details.
The new listing enhancement is the latest in a series of updated listings for unfinished basements we have secured to help builders and contractors. In 2021, we secured an updated UL listing allowing installation of mains and branch lines perpendicular and/or parallel to the joists. The listing update also:
Increased the asymmetrical head layout to 16 inches x 16 inches
These updates reflect BlazeMaster’s deep commitment to science, service and safety as we innovate to support our customers’ needs. It’s an ongoing process for our team, and we will continue to keep you informed as we develop new applications for BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems.