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| Building
Products -> Fire
Sprinklers |
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-> The Benefits of Copper Piping in
Fire Sprinkler Systems
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| The Benefits of Copper Piping in Fire Sprinkler
Systems |
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Ease of Handling - Copper's combination of
rigidity and light weight makes shipping and storing easier for the
contractor. Copper does not have the fragility of plastic nor the
weight of steel. Unlike plastic, copper tube stored onsite will not
be affected by exposure to the sun. It will not support combustion
nor produce toxic gases. The wall thickness and weight of copper pipe
is smaller than steel. Because it is ductile, copper piping can be
bent without kinking or collapse and it can be fabricated at the shop
or in the field. Bending in the field can be done without heat using
hand tools. Shop bending can be by either hand or power bending machines.
Fabrication is possible in a small work area. Heavy pipe threading
machines common in steel systems are replaced with portable hand tools,
making the installation job much easier.
Hangers, Supports and Fittings - Since copper is more rigid
than plastic, copper systems require fewer hangers and supports than
plastic piping systems.
A wide range of straps and hooks are acceptable hangers, as permitted
by structural conditions. Special plating or painting of ferrous hangars
is not required, except in wet or corrosive atmospheres where coated
sprinklers are required. Typically, pressure fittings are smaller
than for steel or plastic systems. Joining Techniques - Copper tube
and fittings can be joined by soldering, brazing, and flame-free techniques,
such as push fittings and press-fit fittings. Soldering and brazing
are fast and efficient with standard torches and a variety of gases.
Electric resistance soldering hand tools, which should be considered
when an open flame is a concern, can join tubes and fittings. Outlet
tools, mechanical branch forming tools, and mechanical grooved joining
are other techniques available to the installer.
Dealing with Space Limitations - Copper's excellent properties
not only allow smaller pipes to be used, but also allow the tube to
be bent to bypass obstructions if necessary. Connections are clean
and easy and can be made in very tight spaces. This becomes a significant
advantage in retrofit installations. When copper is used, last minute
design changes are rarely a problem because the system can be adjusted
in the field to accommodate plan variations. Of course, only changes
that are within the limits of hydraulic calculations should be made.
System Testing - A copper sprinkler system can be tested immediately
after it has been installed. If a leak does occur, the system can
either be drained or quick-frozen in the area of the joint and promptly
repaired. |
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