Embedding BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Protection Systems in Cast-In-Place Concrete

BlazeMaster has been successfully installed embedded in concrete for many years

Embedding CPVC within cast-in-place concrete not only provides aesthetic benefits but also eliminates the costs associated with drop ceilings and – when steel pipe is used – fire sprinkler system hangers.

Installation Instructions

These installation instructions will provide best practices in designing for installation in concrete. Refer to individual manufacturer’s Installation and Design Manual for specific listings, approvals, and limitations located in the righthand sidebar.

• As the BlazeMaster CPVC is laid out it shall not come into contact with sharp objects or edges, such as rocks, metal, or structural members. Any open pipe ends shall be protected from debris or concrete getting into the system.
   
• When laying out BlazeMaster CPVC pipe it is best to use straight runs of pipe. However, CPVC pipe is inherently ductile and it is possible for CPVC pipe to be snaked when it is laid out. This can be useful in some installations when some offset from a straight run can be helpful in avoiding various construction obstacles. Straight runs of pipe will minimize any stress that is exerted on the pipe. When the pipe is embedded in concrete there is no opportunity to relieve any stress once the concrete is poured. Therefore, it is important to layout the piping such that the stress is minimized from the time of installation.
   
• Avoid the contact of BlazeMaster pipe and fittings with construction materials that are incompatible with CPVC. Verify the suitability of a product for use with CPVC with the manufacturer of the chemical additive to confirm chemical compatibility.
   
• Steps must be taken to prevent the wire mesh or reinforcing bars from causing any abrasion damage to the BlazeMaster pipe and fittings. This is mostly of concern prior to pouring the concrete. BlazeMaster pipe and fittings shall not be installed in concrete that is to be post tensioned. The post tensioning process can create excessive forces which can damage the BlazeMaster Fire Protection System.
   
• When there are pipe joints that will be covered in concrete, the installation shall be pressure tested prior to pouring the concrete. If there will not be any joints covered by concrete, there is no need to pressure test the system prior to pouring the concrete.
   
• Prior to the pouring of the concrete, the BlazeMaster CPVC pipe shall be intermittently secured to prevent movement during this process. Nonabrasive, plastic fasteners are good choices for this application. When hangers are used, most metal hangers designed for metal pipe are suitable for BlazeMaster CPVC. Do not use undersized hangers. Hangers with sufficient load bearing surface shall be selected based on pipe size (e.g., 1-1/2 in. hangers for 1-1/2 in. pipe). The hanger shall not apply compressive load or have rough or sharp edges that come into contact with the pipe.
   
• Care shall be taken so that the BlazeMaster pipe and fittings are not damaged by the tools and equipment used to pour and finish the concrete. All standard methods of pouring concrete onto the ceiling construction with concrete pumps or concrete containers followed by compaction with vibrators can be used in combination with BlazeMaster fire protection systems. BlazeMaster pipe and fittings shall not come into contact with equipment such as tampers and agitators.
   
• As the concrete is poured, assure that the pipe has not moved from its intended positioning.
   
• Thermal expansion and contraction is not an issue for BlazeMaster pipe and fittings that are embedded in concrete. Those forces are relieved in a manner that does not affect the pipe or fittings. However, expansion and contraction shall be incorporated in the design of those sections of pipe that are not embedded in concrete. Failure to adequately allow for stress at these points may result in damage to the pipe where it enters and exits the concrete.
  
  

Embedding BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler pipe in concrete adds even more benefits, such as improved hydraulics, interior finishing savings and many others. These solvent-cemented joint systems may be installed directly into concrete ceilings, while steel-based systems use threaded pipe and screw fittings and require split ring ceiling hangers, limiting the finished ceiling height. BlazeMaster CPVC simplifies installation, lowers the costs and offers ceiling height flexibility.