Spec
BlazeMaster® CPVC is the most specified nonmetallic fire sprinkler piping system in the world. It is specially engineered and approved for all light hazard applications, as defined by NFPA 13/13R/13D.
Building owners and contractors specify BlazeMaster fire protection systems because they:
- Install quickly, quietly and securely.
- Won’t sustain a flame.
- Inherently resist pitting and corrosion.
- Resist microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
- Are lightweight and durable.
- Limit smoke generation.
- Require less space for installation.
Review the BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems’ international listings and approvals below for third-party verification of our fire sprinkler system’s performance and reliability.
Where Can BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems Be Used?
BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings are listed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL and C-UL)and the BRE Global Loss Prevention Board (LPCB) for use in:
- Light hazard occupancies as defined in the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13 (regardless of the height of the building).
- Residential occupancies as defined in the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to Four Stories in Height, NFPA 13R.
- Ordinary hazard installations. Section 6.3.9.6 of NFPA 13 (2016 Edition) and 5.2.2.6 of NFPA 13R (2016 Edition) permit the use of pipe or tube listed for light hazard occupancies to be installed in ordinary hazard rooms of otherwise light hazard occupancies where the room does not exceed 400 ft2 (37 m2). BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings may be installed in these installations in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and BlazeMaster System's design manual.
- Residential occupancies as defined in the Standard for Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, NFPA 13D.
- Air plenums, as defined by the Installation of Air Conditioning and ventilating Systems, NFPA 90A.4
- Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, NFPA 24
- System risers in residential buildings up to four stories in height, NFPA 13R and 13D.
- See UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory, categories VIWT and HFYH.
Related to:
Temperature and Pressure Rating
BlazeMaster pipe and fittings, size 3/4in through 3 in (20 mm to 80mm) are rated for continuous service of 175 psi (1207 kPa) at 150°F (65°C). Their use is suitable in areas where ambient temperatures are within the range of 35°F to 150° F (2°C to 65°C).
In an area where the temperature will exceed 150°F (65°C), such as an attic, BlazeMaster CPVC can be installed if ventilation is provided or if insulation is used around the pipe to maintain a cooler environment.
The piping systems must be laid out to ensure the piping is not closely exposed to devices that generate heat in excess of 150°F (65°C), such as light fixtures, ballasts and steam lines.
If the installation is in an area subject to freezing temperatures, the sprinkler system must be protected from freezing. A frozen system will not only be deactivated, but the pressures that may build up can cause the sprinkler heads to open or damage the pipes.
Product Ratings, Capabilities and Material Properties
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.
Physical and Thermal Properties
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 NFPA 13 Section 23.4 (2016 Edition).
Fittings Friction Loss
Please refer to our Manufacturing Partner's installation guides for specific information on fitting friction loss.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
BlazeMaster CPVC pipe, like all piping materials, expands and contracts with changes in temperature.
The coefficient of linear expansion is: (0.0000340 inch/inch-°F (0.000061 cm /cm °C)) and linear expansion is the same for all pipe diameters.
For example, a 25°F (13.9°C) change in temperature will cause an expansion of 1 inch 2.5 cm for a 100 foot (30.5m) straight run of BlazeMaster pipe.
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.
THE FORMULA TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF THERMAL EXPANSION OR CONTRACTION IS
ΔL = 12 * E * L * ΔT
Where: e = 3.4 * 10-5 inch/inch-°F; L = Length of run in feet; ΔT = Temperature change °F;
ΔL = Change in length due to change in temperature
Thermal Expansion in Inches
Thermal Expansion in Centimeters
Pipe Deflection
BlazeMaster fire protection piping is inherently ductile, which allows it to deflect—within permissible limits—around or away from objects during installation.
This ductility allows for greater design freedom, reduce installation time and lower installed cost. The maximum installed deflections for BlazeMaster piping are as follows, in both feet and meters:
Embedded in 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.
Specify BlazeMaster CPVC
To reach communities around the globe, we distribute widely through our network of partner manufacturers. They have a proven track record of producing the highest quality materials and are required to satisfy BlazeMasters’ Quality Assurance Program, which ensures you purchase the highest quality pipe and fittings available. Learn more about our partner manufacturers.
For specification support, or for questions about partner manufacturers in your area, our team of product and engineering specialists is available.
