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FLOWGUARD™ IN FIRE-RATED CONSTRUCTION Installation in Plenums FlowGuard™ can be used, but must be approved by the local jurisdiction. CPVC is a combustible material, but will not burn without a significant external flame source and CPVC will not sustain combustion once the flame source is removed. Testing indicates that water-filled CPVC pipe in diameters of 63 mm (2 inch) or less will pass the 25/50 flame spread/smoke developed requirements for nonmetallic materials in return air plenums. With regard to the question to smoke toxicity, CPVC smoke is generally comparable to or no more toxic than wood smoke. These facts indicate that CPVC tubing in plenums does not present a significant hazard. Many building officials have accepted CPVC water-filled pipes in return air plenums. Restoring the fire rating after penetrating a fire rated wall or ceiling assembly with CPVC. There are various approved methods for sealing CPVC piping penetrations through fire rated walls. Which ever method you do choose we strongly recommend you first check your proposed design with the local authority having jurisdiction since regulations are rapidly changing. As published in the 2000 UL Fire Resistance Directory, CPVC piping
can pass through a two hour gypsum wall when the penetration is sealed
using For CPVC penetrations of concrete block walls or concrete floors, System N¢X C-AJ-2001 shows that CPVC piping penetrations can qualify for a two hour rating (see next pages). The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association publishes "Plastic Pipe in fire Resistive Construction". This handbook, which demonstrates various comninations of plastic pipe and construction assemblies, is available free upon request to code officials and for a nominal fee to others from: PPFA |