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a guide to residentialfire sprinkler systemsWhat you need to know about a BlazeMaster fire sprinkler system, the world’s most specifiednon-metallic life safety piping system.Modern installation with concealed sprinkler heads
Names you can trust.Chances are you already know us. BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systemsare based on the same proven CPVC technology as FlowGuard Gold pipe and fittings, the most specified non-metallic plumbing system in theU.S. Our high-performance CPVC products have been providing a highlyreliable, corrosion-resistant, cost-effective plumbing solution to builders formore than 50 years.As the inventor of CPVC technology, we offer an unmatched trackrecord in the field, as well as a solid reputation for consistent quality andcustomer service. Together, BlazeMaster and FlowGuard Gold pipe andfittings offer an unbeatable combination of performance, reliability andcost effectiveness and meet all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)13, 13R and 13D as well as plumbing code requirements.
The only company offeringa full array of piping solutions.Let us help you choosea system that meets yourspecific needs.You have questions. We offer solutions.Today there are more piping options than ever before. That meansmore questions and tougher decisions. Rigid or flexible piping?Multipurpose or stand-alone systems? FBC Building Solutions is theonly company to offer a full array of piping solutions, including CPVCand PEX piping systems, as well as multipurpose and stand-alone firesprinkler systems.When it comes to something as important as choosing a life safetysystem for your customers, you can’t afford to make the wrongdecision. As a leader in piping technology, we have the experienceand the technical support to be a valuable resource. Our commitmentto supporting the market includes having technical specialists out inthe field to provide hands-on demonstrations and training, as well astechnical and code assistance to help ensure your systems are fullycompliant.
Stand-alone vs.Multipurpose Systems.There are two options when designinga plumbing system and fire sprinklersystem for one-and two-family homes(NFPA 13D Applications). Each optionoffers its own distinct advantageswhich should be considered beforechoosing the one that best fits aspecific application. The systems canbe designed as separate systems(stand-alone) or combined in a single,multipurpose system. In a stand-alonesystem, the fire sprinkler system isinstalled as a separate system from theplumbing system.A multipurpose system, as definedby NFPA 13D, is intended to serviceboth domestic cold water and fireprotection needs. Network, integrated,or looped systems are different types ofmultipurpose systems.Stand-alone.There are many reasons for choosing a stand-alone fire sprinkler system.Most notably from a life safety perspective, a stand-alone design ensuresthe integrity of each individual system by allowing the plumbing systemto be shut off independently from the fire sprinkler system.That means there is no adverse effect on the water supply of a firesprinkler system while making repairs or modifications to the plumbingsystem. Stand-alone systems are universally approved in all U.S.jurisdictions. This removes the guesswork regarding code approval.Also, stand-alone systems are the only option when installing firesprinklers for multi-family residences (NFPA 13R Applications). CPVC,iron or copper can be used in stand-alone systems, however, PEX isnot approved.Consider your options beforeMultipurpose.Multipurpose systems, which can be created by combining BlazeMaster fire sprinkler pipe and fittings with either a FlowGuard Gold CPVCplumbing system or FlowGuard Flex PEX plumbing system, areattractive for other reasons. Since they can be installed completely bya plumber or in combination with a fire sprinkler contractor, they offerflexibility with the trades you choose to work with as jurisdictions mayhave different licensing requirements and expectations for installers. Asa combination system, it will also likely require less pipe, which translatesinto environmental benefits, as well as potential material cost savings.In addition, a BlazeMaster /FlowGuard Gold multipurpose system is the onlydesign that provides the flexibility to use either CPVC or PEX fire sprinkler pipe.It is important, however, to check local code requirements before installation,as multipurpose piping systems are not approved in all jurisdictions.Le f t – BlazeMaster and FlowGuard Gold multipurpose systemA bov e r i g ht – BlazeMaster stand-alone system
This Stand-alone Systemcan easily become aMultipurpose System.c h o o s i n g t h e s y s t e m t h at b e s t f i t s y o u r n e e d s .Comparing Stand-alone and Multipurpose Systems.FeatureStand-alone SystemMultipurpose SystemFuture Plumbing ComponentsEasily incorporated in design.(water softeners, filters, etc.)May affect original hydraulic design.Water Flow AlarmEasily incorporated in design.If a water flow switch is required/desired, a specialexpensive flow switch is required to determine water flows.Codes and Requirements*May not be approved in all jurisdictions.Approved in all jurisdictions.Can Shut-off Plumbing SystemIndependently of Fire SprinklerYes.No.SystemPlumbing System PressureReducing ValvesNo effect on fire sprinkler system.May require increased pipe sizes.Visible SignageNot required.Must be posted indicating multipurpose system is installed.MaterialPEX is not permitted.PEX may be used.Installer*Typically a fire sprinkler contractor.Plumber or fire sprinkler contractor.*Verify local code requirements
CPVC: A superior life safetysolution and the most costeffective.Once you choose a non-metallic fire sprinkler system,you have one more choice to make – CPVC or PEX.As the world’s only manufacturer of both CPVC andPEX piping systems, we have extensive experience andknowledge regarding the strengths and weaknessesof both high-performance plastics. As a result, we areable to confidently recommend CPVC as the preferredmaterial, largely based on its superior life safetyperformance. Plus, an all CPVC system is the mostcost effective. Consider all the benefits an all-CPVC firesprinkler piping system has to offer:Superior flame and smoke properties – CPVCwill not sustain burning. It must be forced to burndue to its very high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of60. LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in anyatmosphere to support combustion. Since the Earth’satmosphere is only 21% oxygen, CPVC will not burnunless a flame is constantly applied and stops burningwhen the ignition source is removed. PEX, on theother hand, will continue to burn long after the flamehas been removed. Also, any smoke that is generatedfrom CPVC is no more toxic than that from traditionalbuilding materials, such as wood. Universally approved– CPVC is the only non-metallic piping materialapproved for use in both multipurpose and standalone fire sprinkler systems. PEX, in contrast, is onlyapproved for use in multipurpose systems.Fast, easy, reliable installations – Our provensolvent cement joining system keeps projects on-timeand within-budget. The joints are actually stronger thanthe pipe or fitting alone and can be pressure testedwithin a matter of minutes.Design flexibility – With more listings andapprovals than any other non-metallic fire sprinklersystem, a BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler systemCPVC is recommended for its superior life safety performance.Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) ComparisonLimiting Oxygen Index (LOI) ComparisonCottonDouglas FirPEXRed OakNylonCPVC0204060LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in an atmosphere tosupport combustion. High LOI of CPVC means that it cannot burnunder normal atmosphere conditions.LOI is the percentage ofoxygen needed in anatmosphere to supportcombustion. High LOI ofCPVC means that it cannotburn under normalatmosphere conditions.
can be efficiently installed in more applications, including exposedin unfinished basements or with sidewall heads to minimizefreeze issues.Color coding – Our CPVC piping systems are color coded to easilydifferentiate between the fire sprinkler system (orange pipe) and theplumbing system (tan pipe). This makes future renovations and repairssafer and easier to complete and pass inspection which, in turn,provides all parties added peace of mind regarding the long-termintegrity of the system.Superior water flow – Our systems, both stand alone andmultipurpose, are less expensive to design and install, largely as aresult of the superior water delivery. Manufactured to IPS (Iron PipeSize) SDR 13.5 dimensions, BlazeMaster fire sprinkler pipe allowsfor increased water flow and fewer sprinkler heads over similarlysized multipurpose PEX systems. PEX, manufactured to CTS(Copper Tube Size) SDR 9 dimensions, has a small inside diameterand may limit the amount of water required to supply extendedcoverage sprinklers. This requires more sprinkler heads, more pipeand more cost.PERFORMANCECHARACTERISTICSBlazeMaster andFlowGuard Gold Pipe & Fittings3/4" PEX Pipe3/4" BlazeMaster PipeLarger diameter of BlazeMaster pipe providessuperior flow needed for extended coveragesprinklers which can reduce installation costs.All – PEX Multipurpose SystemsCombustibilityWill not sustain combustion.Easily sustained & propagated.CostMost cost effective.May be expensive.Easy Inspection & ApprovalYes.No, requires additional testing over CPVC systems.Easy to Identify Plumbing andFire Sprinkler LinesYes, color coded.No, not color coded.Water FlowFull, unobstructed flow.Smaller tube internal diameter of pipe can restrict flow.PermeabilityNot permeable by trace amounts of common aromatic solventsthat may be present in soil due to pesticide applications.Some solvents and pesticides may permeatethrough the wall of the pipe.High Temperature ConsiderationsWhen installed in attics, no additional insulation isnecessary on attic side of fire sprinkler pipe because pipeis rated to temperature of 150 F.When installed in attics, adequate insulation must beprovided on the attic side of fire sprinkler pipe to avoidexposure of piping to temperatures in excess of pipe’srated temperature of 120 F.Affected by Chlorine or CommonNo.ORP Water DisinfectantsYes – some PEX is susceptible to disinfectants(ie. chlorine, chloramines).Product ConsistencyAll compound and finished goods producedto one industry standard.Varies by manufacturer.Interchangeable pipe and fittings are available from variousapproved FlowGuard Gold and BlazeMaster pipeand fitting manufacturers.System components must be purchasedfrom single source.KinkingNo.Yes.Hanger SpacingLess hangers required.More hangers required.
Make the right call.Choosing the right installation partner is as important as choosingthe right fire sprinkler system. You can rest assured you’ve partneredwith highly trained fire sprinkler installers simplyby asking to see their BlazeMaster training card.BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems leads theindustry in promoting the value of training and bestpractices by offering the most comprehensive,hands-on training program in the fire protectionindustry. That’s just one more reason to choosea BlazeMaster fire sprinkler system, as well as a fire sprinklerprofessional who’s properly trained to install it.For the most cost-effective, proven fire protection system –stand-alone or multipurpose – there is no better solution thanBlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings.9911 Brecksville RoadCleveland, Ohio 44141-3201 USA888.234.2436 ext.4477393216.447.5750 FAXis a registered trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation. is a trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation. The Lubrizol Corporation 2009, all rights reserved.Visit www.fbcbuildingsolutions.comor call 888-234-2436 ext. 447-7393to learn more.BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler SystemsFlowGuard Gold Pipe & FittingsFlowGuard Flex PEX Plumbing Systems 05-09BMRESDNTL
a BlazeMaster fire sprinkler system, as well as a fire sprinkler professional who's properly trained to install it. For the most cost-effective, proven fire protection system - stand-alone or multipurpose - there is no better solution than BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fittings. 9911 Brecksville Road Cleveland, Ohio 44141-3201 USA
