CPVC fire sprinkler pipe, such as the BlazeMaster® Fire Protection System, is well known for residential applications such as tower blocks. The same advantages that make CPVC a smart choice for residential use also apply to a wide range of facilities.
BlazeMaster CPVC meets standards such as LPS 1260, BS EN 12845 and the American approvals for light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13/13R/13D and is therefore suitable for use in hospitals, hotels, care homes, offices, buildings, schools, theaters, places of worship and more.
There are several options for selecting materials for fire sprinkler systems in these facilities. The primary choices are steel and CPVC, a thermoplastic that can withstand intense heat and pressure without melting, dripping or spreading a fire. Here is an overview of key issues to consider.
CPVC’s Advantage Over Steel
While traditional steel systems have been a preferred choice for many years, CPVC has emerged as a popular alternative for a variety of reasons. CPVC can be used in situations where steel piping is not suitable. In hospitals, for instance, sensitive MRI equipment must be protected from magnetic and electrical interference. That means all the equipment in the area must be made of non-ferrous materials, including the fire sprinkler system.
More broadly, CPVC offers important advantages over steel piping:
Easier, less expensive installation. Steel piping is heavy, and installation requires special equipment. It requires two or more installers. By comparison, CPVC installation can be a one-person job that requires basic hand tools. All this translates to faster installation that saves money. For many businesses, this savings could mean the difference between installing a sprinkler system or choosing to forego installation.
Lower material costs. Due to rising steel costs, BlazeMaster CPVC offers a cost advantage of about 30 percent over a traditional all-steel installation.
Resistance to corrosion and scaling. Steel piping is prone to corrosion and scaling (mineral buildups that constrict water flow). This can result in costly repairs or even system failure when the fire protection system is put to the test. By comparison, CPVC resists corrosion and scaling throughout its lifespan.
Superior hydraulic performance. CPVC is measurably smoother, which helps water flow and ensures optimal performance in extinguishing or suppressing a fire.
Choosing the Right CPVC
Given these advantages, CPVC is the logical choice for a wide range of facilities. Keep in mind, however, that there are important differences between brands. Launched in 1984, BlazeMaster CPVC has developed a proven track record of dependable performance and industry leadership.
BlazeMaster CPVC meets and exceeds global performance and manufacturing standards, such as UL 1821 as well as UK certifications and approvals including BS 9251 and BS EN 12845. The superior dependability of BlazeMaster CPVC was highlighted in burst and impact resistance testing conducted by an independent laboratory.
To remove guesswork when determining compatibility of CPVC with ancillary products, BlazeMaster CPVC offers our industry-leading FBCTM System Compatible Program. Backed by rigorous third-party testing, this resource provides confidence for specifiers, designers, installers, building owners, social landlords and fire engineers that the fire protection system will operate dependably.
These are a few key reasons why BlazeMaster CPVC is the most-specified non-metallic fire sprinkler pipe and fitting system in the world – and why, to date, more than 610,000 km of BlazeMaster CPVC piping systems have been installed in a wide range of settings.
