CPVC: A superior cost-effective life safety solution

Once you choose a multipurpose fire sprinkler system, you have one more choice to make -- CPVC or PEX. As the world’s only manufacturer of both CPVC and PEX piping systems, we have extensive experience and knowledge regarding the strengths and weaknesses of both high-performance plastics. As a result, we are able to confidently recommend a BlazeMaster® Multipurpose system utilizing FlowGuard Gold® CPVC for the plumbing piping, largely based on the superior life safety and cost-effective performance of CPVC. Consider all the benefits an all-CPVC fire sprinkler piping system has to offer:

Superior flame and smoke properties -- CPVC will not sustain burning. It must be forced to burn due to its very high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 60. LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in any atmosphere to support combustion. Since the Earth’s atmosphere is only 21% oxygen, CPVC will not burn unless a flame is constantly applied and stops burning when the ignition source is removed. PEX, on the other hand, will continue to burn long after the flame has been removed. Also, any smoke that is generated from CPVC is no more toxic than that from traditional building materials, such as wood. Watch a video comparing the flame properties of BlazeMaster fire sprinkler systems and PEX.

Universally approved -- CPVC is the only non-metallic piping material approved for use in both multipurpose and stand-alone fire sprinkler systems. PEX, in contrast, is only approved for use in multipurpose systems.

Superior water flow -- Our systems – both stand-alone and multipurpose - are less expensive to design and install, largely as a result of the superior water delivery. Manufactured to IPS (Iron Pipe Size) SDR 13.5 dimensions, BlazeMaster fire sprinkler pipe allows for increased water flow and fewer sprinkler heads over similarly sized multipurpose PEX systems. PEX, manufactured to CTS (Copper Tube Size) SDR 9 dimensions, has a small inside diameter and can’t deliver enough water to supply extended coverage sprinklers, which means more sprinkler heads need to be used driving the overall cost up.

Fast, easy, reliable installations -- Our proven solvent cement joining system keeps projects on-time and within-budget. The joints are actually stronger than the pipe or fitting alone and can be pressure tested within a matter of minutes.

Design flexibility -- With more Listings and approvals than any other non-metallic fire sprinkler system, a BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system can be efficiently installed in more applications, including exposed in unfinished basements or with sidewall heads to minimize freeze issues.

Color coding -- Our CPVC piping systems are color coded to easily differentiate between the fire sprinkler system (orange pipe) and the plumbing system (tan pipe). This makes future renovations and repairs safer and easier to complete and pass inspection which, in turn, provides contractors added peace of mind regarding the long-term integrity of the system.

No matter what the criteria -- cost, safety, ease of installation, long-term integrity of the system -- there is no better multipurpose solution than a BlazeMaster CPVC multipurpose system.