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4specs Discussion Forum » Archive - Product Discussions #5 » CPVC vs Black Steel for Fire Sprinkler Piping « Previous Next »

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Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1068
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 11:45 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

One of my clients is negotiating a price for CPVC vs black steel for fire sprinkler piping. Black steel was specified but now the subs are saying there are more problems with steel than CPVC if it is installed correctly. Any thoughts on this?
Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: rlmat

Post Number: 644
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 12:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

First question - What does the Code say?
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding

Post Number: 718
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 12:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

We just moved into a new office as part of our spin-off from I-R, and I was surpised it had CPVC sprinkler system. My impression was that plastic sprinklers were strictly a residential application. Obviously that has changed.

This is probably a 30 year old office building - 3 story - and I suspect it was built without sprinklers. CPVC has to be an easier install for the retrofit and less expensive for this type of situation. Black pipe is traditionally cut to length in a shop with minimal fabrication on site - at least that's my experience in this area. I am sure that's not the case with CPVC - they probably cut it onsite.

I wonder if the "problems" with steel mentioned by the subs have to do with ease of installation, not with the functioning of the system. And I am sure your owner is getting a huge credit, right?
George A. Everding AIA CSI CCS CCCA
Allegion PLC (formerly Ingersoll Rand)
St. Louis, MO
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1069
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 12:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

ITS ALWAYS ABOUT MONEY, George.

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