Why CPVC for Fire Sprinkler Systems?

BlazeMaster® Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is a specially engineered thermoplastic that has been relied on for decades to save lives and property by quickly suppressing and extinguishing fires.

With successful installations in commercial and residential buildings around the world, building owners and contractors continue to request BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems because they are:

• Easy to install quickly, quietly, and securely.
• Less costly to install than alternatives, such as steel systems.
• Versatile, requiring less space for installation.
• Flame resistant, maintaining system integrity when exposed to intense heat.
• Lightweight and durable, which reduces installer fatigue and accidents.
• Inherently resistant to pitting and corrosion, lowering maintenance and replacement costs.
• Approved for use by all the major listings and approval organizations including Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and NSF International and the LPCB.
• Initial installation and overall lifecycle value makes BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems the superior choice to both metals and other plastic pipe.

 

How Easy Is it to Install?

BlazeMaster CPVC Fire Protection pipe and fittings are lightweight, flexible and join together using a quick, one-step solvent cement process. When compared to metal systems, this enables building owners and contractors to save time, limit costs, and avoid unnecessary occupant disruptions.

 

Installation Advantages of BlazeMaster CPVC

BlazeMaster CPVC pipes and fittings are easy to work with and allow for flexibility during the installation process. Specifically, BlazeMaster CPVC is:

• Simple to use: Install BlazeMaster CPVC without specialized tools, electricity and highly skilled labor.
• Lightweight: Speed up installation while reducing man-hours. One man teams can transport and install CPVC pipe without support or specialized equipment.
• Easy to cut and fabricate: Eliminate the need for prefabrication, and allow for on-the-spot adjustments.
• Versatile: Attach the pipe directly to a ceiling or wall, and install it in concealed or exposed locations.
• Flexible: Easily maneuver CPVC pipe through tight hallways, and install in hard-to-reach areas.
• Limit disruptions: Avoid using loud threading machines and limit unnecessary occupant disruptions.
• Safer: No torches or heat fusion is required, which creates a safer job site and eliminates the need for costly hot-work permits.

 

How Does it Work?

One-Step, Solvent Cement Welding

Solvent cement welding is the preferred BlazeMaster CPVC installation method. Often incorrectly referred to as glue, solvent cement fuses the CPVC pipe and fits together at the molecular level, essentially creating one continuous piece of material.

If properly installed, the joint becomes the thickest and often strongest part of the system.

 

Preparing for Installation

The following are recommended best practices for CPVC installation:

Preparing the fitting for solvent cement: Handle the pipes and fittings to maintain system integrity. When storing and transporting BlazeMaster CPVC, void exposure to sunlight for long periods of time. If handling of CPVC has caused any damage, cut off at least 5cm from any visible cracks.

 

Preparing yourself for successful CPVC Pipe Installation: Ensure that you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles and protective clothing, such as gloves ready to use before starting the joining process. Always keep solvent cement away from eyes, skin and clothing.

 

Cutting the pipe: Use a sharp-bladed ratchet cutter (only at temperatures at or above 50 F/10 C), wheel-type plastic tubing cutter, power saw or fine tooth saw to cut the new BlazeMaster pipe squarely.

 

Prepare the Fitting for Solvent Cement: Deburr inside and bevel outside of the pipe. Test fit the pipe to identify bonding surface for even distribution.

 

Solvent Weld CPVC Pipe: Apply solvent cement to the outer pipe surface, taking care to ensure proper coverage. Apply solvent cement to the fitting socket and allow the solvent weld to take place, taking proper care to wipe away excess cement, leaving an even bead.

 

Allow Cure Time: In order to guarantee a fixed structure, determine correct cure time according to manufacturer’s cure schedules. Pressure test system when complete.

 

Simple Modifications and Repairs

At times it may be necessary to modify or repair an existing CPVC fire sprinkler system. With BlazeMaster pipe and fittings, updates are made quickly and effectively by any contractor with CPVC piping experience or training.

By following the proper procedure outlined in our Installation Manual (contact us for a copy), a BlazeMaster CPVC update can be applied and tested far quicker than other materials. This limits unnecessary downtime, and gets your fire protection system back into operation faster.

 

CPVC Installation Resources

1. Free Online Installation Training Guide

BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems offers a Free Online Installation Training Program for those interested in learning the basics of CPVC piping installation. Work through our training modules at your own pace, learn detailed best practices and test your knowledge. Upon completion, and at Lubrizol’s discretion, you will be awarded a BlazeMaster online installation training card and certificate.

 

2. RIBA CPD Fire Sprinkler System Seminar

For specifiers and architects interested in the essential guidelines of incorporating a BlazeMaster CPVC fire protection system into new builds or retrofits, book the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) continuing professional development (CPD) seminar titled, “The Impact of CPVC Fire Sprinkler Systems in Architectural Design.” Learn what CPVC is, key UK fire statistics, fire sprinkler system approvals and standards, how CPVC systems compare to steel systems, and more.

 

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us for a free fire protection system consultation. We want to make sure you get the localized technical support and information you need to take your project from blueprint to completion.