Why CPVC in Fire Suppression?

Understanding the role of CPVC in fire suppression, building safety and superior technical performance.

There are a variety of materials that can be used for fire suppression systems. As BlazeMaster CPVC establishes itself in the Middle East as an effective fire sprinkler material, it's important to understand why CPVC is becoming such a popular choice for fire suppression systems:

• It has superior heat resistance
• It has natural flame retardancy
• It is inherently resistant to corrosion
• It has a longer life cycle than other plastics
• it is simple to install
• it is less costly than metallic materials
• It is More flexible than metallic materials
• It is environmentally friendly and sustainable

These are just some of the reasons why The Orange Book is assisting architects, building engineers and installers with expert guidance on fire sprinkler design. 

Let’s explore some of these advantages further.

Why can CPVC pipes withstand heat?

CPVC's high heat resistance is due to the addition of chlorine to PVC during its processing. This creates a strong thermal barrier that prevents oxidative damage and high impact. 

The resulting compound has a much higher softening temperature than other materials, making it an ideal choice for applications where heat resistance is required. 

Are CPVC pipes safe in a fire?

Many people are under the false impression that all plastics will sustain combustion. However, this is not the case. BlazeMaster CPVC is commonly used in fire safety applications around the world for its behaviour when exposed to real fire. 

The pipe is made from highly chlorinated material that is resistant to flames. When the pipe is exposed to flames, the outer layer of the pipe will char. This char layer forms a thermal barrier that prevents the spread of fire. 

The char layer also helps to maintain the integrity of the pipe by reducing the flow of heat from the outside to the interior of the pipe.

Why can’t CPVC pipes melt?

BlazeMaster CPVC is a type of plastic that will not sustain combustion in ordinary environments. This is because it has a LOI (limited oxygen index) of 60. This means that the atmosphere would have to contain at least 60% oxygen in order to sustain combustion. 

Since our environment only contains 21% oxygen, BlazeMaster CPVC will not sustain combustion.

What causes CPVC to crack?

BlazeMaster CPVC meets modern requirements for products that are both durable and cost-effective. Corrosion resistance is a major factor.

CPVC is inherently resistant to pitting and corrosion. This means that it requires less maintenance than other types of pipe, and can withstand a wide range of chemicals and temperatures. 

Additionally, the internal surface of the CPVC pipe remains smooth throughout its lifetime, ensuring optimal flow and performance. 

What does this mean for sprinkler system designers?

A BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system provides system designers and engineers with all of the following:

• Designed for a 50 year service life with a safety factor of 2.
• Simple installation; fast and secure, without disrupting neighbouring occupants.
• Cost savings over steel systems, enabling designers to cost effectively design entire buildings.
• Provisions for pipe downsizing, thanks to its hydraulic capabilities.

Learn more 

To learn more about the effectiveness of BlazeMaster CPVC in fire safety applications and to specify your next project efficiently, download The Orange Book.