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6 Common Misconceptions about BlazeMaster® CPVC Fire Protection Systems

Despite its proven track record over nearly 40 years, misconceptions about BlazeMaster® CPVC remain too common in the fire protection industry. Get the facts to set the record straight on key issues such as flame resistance, ease of installation, cost advantages and more. 

MYTH 1:

"It won't perform as well as steel, and could even melt in a fire"

THE TRUTH

BlazeMaster® CPVC, when installed per its listings, resists heat and fire and maintains its structure when directly exposed to flame. This ensures water is delivered to effectively suppress a fire.

  • BlazeMaster CPVC piping systems are listed by UL to UL1821 and approved by FM to FM1635.
  • When CPVC is exposed to fire, a charring layer is formed on the outside of the pipe and fittings, which then functions as a thermal barrier that reduces the conduction of heat. Water flowing through the piping system will also cool the inside to further resist heat.

As steel piping corrodes, water flow levels drop. BlazeMaster CPVC keeps the piping system ready for emergencies because it:

  • Resists scaling and corrosion for the service life of the system
  • Provides natural immunity to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)

BlazeMaster CPVC piping systems offer superior hydraulics compared to steel that:

  • Yields maximum flow of water for extended sprinkler head coverage
  • Achieves C-Factor of 150 for hydraulic capabilities
  • Does not corrode over time

 

MYTH 2:

"All orange pipe is the same"

THE TRUTH

Compared head-to-head by an independent laboratory, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems 1-inch pipe came out on top in pressure burst testing and impact resistance against Spears FlameGuard® 1-inch pipe:

  • In pressure testing, BlazeMaster CPVC 1-inch pipe withstood up to 1,579 PSI, while Spears FlameGuard Pipe only held up to 1,413 PSI.
  • In impact testing, BlazeMaster CPVC 1-inch pipe withstood up to 41.3 ft./lbs., while Spears FlameGuard Pipe's limit was 31.8 ft./lbs.

BlazeMaster CPVC also offers the FBC™ System Compatible Program, the oldest and most trust chemical compatibility program in the industry. The FBC System Compatible Program provides contractors and building owners the information they need about which ancillary products work with BlazeMaster CPVC and is exclusive to BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings.

 

MYTH 3:

"CPVC is too expensive"

THE TRUTH

BlazeMaster CPVC offers a variety of cost-saving advantages over traditional steel systems, including:

  • Faster installation: While installing heavy steel pipe typically requires teams of two or more people, installing lightweight BlazeMaster CPVC is a one-person job that can be completed with basic hand tools and a quick, one-step cement process. No pre-fabrication required.
  • Lower material costs: BlazeMaster CPVC offers superior hydraulics over steel, allowing for smaller pipe diameters.
  • Lower maintenance costs: Unlike steel, BlazeMaster CPVC will not corrode, eliminating costly repairs and reducing total cost of ownership.

 

MYTH 4:

"CPVC is bad for the environment"

THE TRUTH

An ISO-compliant environmental study found BlazeMaster pipe and fittings outperform steel in 12 out of 13 environmental categories, including:

  • Climate change impact
  • Metal depletion
  • Energy consumption

The BlazeMaster CPVC compound is manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, and is made into pipe and fittings at our partners' factories in the USA and Canada. BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are a smart choice for supporting green building goals.

 

MYTH 5:

"CPVC is only for single-family and multifamily structures"

THE TRUTH

BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems are UL listed and FM approved for use in all NFPA 13 light hazard commercial and residential applications, including new construction and retrofits.

  • NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
  • NFPA 13R: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
  • NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.

BlazeMaster CPVC can be installed in ordinary hazard rooms of otherwise light hazard occupancies where the room does not exceed 400 ft² (37m²) per NFPA 13.

BlazeMaster CPVC is listed for use and has been successfully installed in light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13, including:

  • Schools
  • Offices
  • Hospitals
  • Light manufacturing facilities

 

MYTH 6:

"It's hard to install"

THE TRUTH

BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems can be installed with a quick and simple joining process:

  • Cut pipe squarely
  • Remove burrs and filings
  • Fit the pipe
  • Apply cement to the outside of the pipe
  • Apply cement to the inside of the fitting socket
  • Insert pipe end socket while rotating the pipe a 1/4 turn and hold for 30 seconds

Because CPVC is easier to install than steel pipe, it offers a variety of advantages:

  • Reduces installation time, and costs, compared to steel
  • Eliminates the need for torches or heat-fusion techniques, providing a cleaner and quieter installation
  • Eliminates the need for pre-fabrication
  • Allows for more installation flexibility in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas
  • Minimizes disturbance to occupants during retrofit installations

BlazeMaster CPVC provides comprehensive training resources that help contractors understand best practices to ensure efficient, high-quality installations. Training is offered through live online sessions, online self-paced modules, and in-person meetings.