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By: BlazeMaster EMEA on 29-Jun-2023 10:29:09
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Installing your CPVC sprinkler system in hot temperatures

As summer approaches and the temperatures increase, here are a few safety and performance considerations to take into account when installing your BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems for best results.

BlazeMaster CPVC® is specified for fire sprinkler applications around the world, including some of the hottest regions. As temperatures increase now we are entering summer, let's take a look at some of the ways installers are streamlining their business, working more safely and producing reliable results with BlazeMaster CPVC.

 

Why work with CPVC pipe in hot conditions?

While a water distribution piping system can and should provide reliable results all year round, and while your team of installers should be trained and prepared to carry out installations safely and efficiently whatever the month of the year, there are certain unavoidable conditions that do make life more difficult during the hot months.

  • Performing manual work in hot conditions is notoriously more difficult
  • Transporting heavy goods can put extra strain on the workforce
  • Handling and storage of sensitive materials can become more difficult

All of these factors are automatically more challenging if you are working with a heavy cumbersome source material like steel.
BlazeMaster CPVC is a reliable, durable and lightweight material for fire sprinkler system installation. Its inherent flame and corrosion resistance is optimised for fire safety and its ease of installation makes installing pipes, fittings and sprinkler heads quicker and more cost-effective. Its hydraulic performance also allows for more flexible design options, enabling you to do more, with less.

How are these advantages helpful in hotter climates?

  • Lightweight materials are easier to carry around
  • Installation takes less time, enabling easiermanagement of workloads
  • Heavy, energy intensive tools are not required to install CPVC
  • No heat generated from welding machines or torches, contributing to workplace hazards

Best practices for installing CPVC pipe in hot temperature conditions

BlazeMaster CPVC solvent cement is approved for use in temperatures as low as -17° C and as high as 49° C.

BlazeMaster CPVC's solvent cement installation method offers installers plenty of immediate logistical and safety benefits, as detailed above. However, it is worth noting that in hot temperatures, solvent cement can penetrate more deeply. There are some considerations and best practices that must be taken into account when handling BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems in harsher, outdoor climates.

 

  • Store pipe, fittings and solvent cement in shaded areas, away from direct sunlight. Surface temperatures can be elevated above the air temperature, affecting the jointing process.
  • Apply solvent cement to pipe and fittings in the morning or evening, if possible. For best results, the air temperature must not rise above 49° C.
  • Ensure an even application of solvent cement. Puddling inside the joints on hot surfaces can penetrate the pipe material too deeply and weaken the joint between pipe and fitting.
  • Use a wet rag to cool joints before applying solvent cement (take a caution as surfaces must be dry before solvent is applied.)
  • Ensure you are working with a consistent mixture of solvent cement; give your solvent a gentle shake to ensure consistency is correct before applying.
  • Not all solvent cement is the same; it is highly recommended to follow your manufacturer's recommended cure times.
  • All piping materials expand and contract with temperature changes. In extreme cases, this can increase the likelihood of damage to the structure. Use expansion loops or offsets where required, particularly during long straight runs of pipe to avoid the effects of thermal expansion on your sprinkler systems.

Fire safety starts with a safe installation    

BlazeMaster CPVC is empowering fire sprinkler installers worldwide to work safer and smarter, with materials that do not generate heat and therefore do not contribute further to a hazardous workplace, particularly in hot environments.

With proper handling of pipe and fitting materials and solvent cement, along with good practice in the application of these materials, you can optimise your systems for longer lasting fire safety and enjoy a stress free work environment in the process, all year round.