CPVC vs OTHER SYSTEMS
CPVC vs OTHER SYSTEMS
BlazeMaster® Pipe vs. SPEARS Flameguard Pipe
Independent third-party testing data from Engineering Systems Inc. (ESi) shows how BlazeMaster® CPVC pipe outperforms Spears FlameGuard® pipe in terms of impact resistance and pressure resistance.
Pressure testing with 1" pipe*
Spears FlameGuard Pipe 1,413 PSI
BlazeMaster Pipe 1,579 PSI
Impact testing with 1" pipe*
Spears FlameGuard Pipe 31.8 ft./lbs
BlazeMaster Pipe 41.3 ft./lbs
*Results based on test averages
BlazeMaster CPVC vs. Other CPVC
Not all orange pipe is the same. The quality and reliability of the piping material in your fire sprinkler system can make all the difference in the event of an emergency.
As the most specified non-metallic system in the world, BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems exceed global performance and manufacturing standards for all CPVC systems. Its reliability, compatibility and strength make it the preferred choice.
BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings carry the markings of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL & C-UL), Factory Mutual (FM)*, The Loss Prevention Council (LPC), Tianjin Fire Research Institute (TFRI) and the NSF International (NSF) for use with potable water. Refer to individual manufacturers’ installation instructions for specific listings and approvals.
*As manufactured by Harvel, Tyco and Viking.
CPVC vs PVC
BlazeMaster® Pipe and Fittings compounds are made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. While PVC contains approximately 57% total chlorine, CPVC has approximately 67%.
This additional chlorine content adds unique performance attributes such as the ability to withstand a direct flame for long periods of time without sustaining combustion or continuing to burn. Instead, the CPVC pipe will:
- Char only on the pipe's outside wall when exposed to direct flame, while the structural integrity of the pipe remains essentially intact and the interior remains smooth.
- CPVC will not burn by itself and will self-extinguish the moment the flame is removed.
- The charred layer functions as a thermal barrier and reduces the conduction of heat into the pipe.
- The moment a sprinkler head activates, the water flow will carry away the heat and thus cool the pipe from the inside, which further reduces the rate of deterioration from burning.
CPVC vs Steel
While steel fire protection systems have been considered the norm for a long time, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) has changed expectations of what a fire safety system should be capable of, whether it’s made of metal or plastic.
Here are six reasons why CPVC is not only a safe option, but can outperform steel fire sprinkler systems in key areas:
- Flame resistance
- Ease of installation
- Cost savings
- Corrosion resistance
- Hydraulic performance
- Environmental performance
To find out more about why you should consider CPVC over steel for your next new construction project or retrofit, download your free copy of “Steel vs. CPVC Fire Protection Guide.”
CPVC vs PPR
Installation of a BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system is easier, faster and provides significant cost and labour savings over other non-metallic materials, including polypropylene random (PPR).
In addition to a globally trusted, simple and secure installation process, advantages CPVC offers over PPR include:
- Use of less material to achieve better results.
- Use of specialized raw materials designed to last.
- Resistant to hotter temperatures.
Below is a snapshot comparison of CPVC installation versus PPR:
CPVC
- Hands-on installation support
- Easy installation process
- Pipes and fittings of the highest quality and value
- Safe, secure and reliable
PPR
- Difficult and costly installation
- Inefficient process that requires heating and cooling tools
- No stops on fittings requires witness marks
- Additional space required
- Fusion welding tools heat up to 260°C, creating a burn hazard
To learn more about how BlazeMaster CPVC outperforms PPR with a simple, safe and globally trusted installation process, download our free resource, “The BlazeMaster CPVC Advantage.”
CPVC vs. PEX
Both CPVC and PEX are common materials used for fire sprinkler systems. Their unique material thicknesses and smoothness ratings both affect cost and flow rates.
BlazeMaster CPVC
BlazeMaster CPVC pipes, produced in SDR 13.5 dimensions with a Hazen-Williams C factor of 150, can improve the performance of your system and lower costs.
BlazeMaster CPVC has stable pricing, a smooth surface, resists the effects of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and has an easy, cost-effective installation process.
PEX
PEX is only listed for use in NFPA 13D systems in single-family homes; it is produced in SDR 9. It has thicker walls than BlazeMaster CPVC, but has lower pressure bearing capabilities.
PEX comes in copper tube sizing. The pipe’s outer diameter is smaller in copper tube sizing, even if it’s the same listed dimensions as iron pipe size. For example, a ¾ inch (19.05mm) piece of copper tube size pipe has a smaller internal diameter than a ¾ inch (19.05mm) piece of iron tube sized pipe. Therefore, PEX piping needs to be upsized to achieve the same flow rate as CPVC or steel.
Installing CPVC vs PEX
BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are solvent cement welded. Solvent cement joins pipes and fittings at the molecular level without the need for a hot work permit, highly-skilled labourers or expensive equipment, resulting in overall cost savings. And, a solvent-cement-welded joint becomes the strongest part of the system.
PEX uses a press system for installation, which requires expensive tools and is more labour-intensive than solvent cement welding.
Selecting Pipe and Piping Materials
Some important considerations when selecting and using CPVC materials include:
- Temperature and pressure
- Dimensions and weights
- Hydraulic design
- Pipe friction loss
- Thermal expansion
- Pipe deflection
For more information, see our BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems Specification Guide.
Temperature and Pressure Rating
BlazeMaster pipe and fittings, size 20 mm to 80 mm (3/4 in. to 3 in.) are rated for continuous service of 175 psi (1207 kPa) at 65°C (150°F). Their use is suitable for use in areas where ambient temperatures are within the range of 2°C to 65°C (25°F to 150°F).
Pipe Dimensions and Weights
BlazeMaster pipe is produced in SDR 13.5 dimensions. SDR, or standard dimensional ratio, means the pipe wall thickness is directly proportional to the outside diameter. This results in consistent pressure capabilities across all diameters.
The pipe is produced to the specifications of ASTM F442. Fittings are produced to ASTM F437, F438, or F439 specifications depending on the system size and configuration.
Hydraulic Design
C Factor
Hydraulic calculations for the sizing of BlazeMaster pipe and fittings is calculated using the Hazen-Williams C factor of 150. The piping maintains this C-factor throughout the life of the system.
Pipe Friction Loss
Pipe friction loss calculations are made according to BS EN 12845 section 132 (2015 edition) and NFPA 13 Section 23.4 (2016 Edition).
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
BlazeMaster CPVC pipe, like all piping materials, expands and contracts with changes in temperature. For most operating and installation conditions, expansion and contraction can be accommodated at changes in direction of the pipe run. However, in certain instances, expansion loops or offsets may be required when installing long, straight runs of pipe.