Fire Protection

In fire emergencies, a reliable water supply is crucial for both distribution and sprinkler systems. The system’s effectiveness depends on consistent water pressure and flow rate.

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Applications

Long-lasting Networks for Fire Fighting

Firefighting lines face a range of challenges. These include maintaining adequate water pressure, ensuring firefighter safety, and addressing aging infrastructure. Additionally, budget limitations for planners and installers, along with the need for a skilled workforce, contribute to the complexity of fire protection efforts. Selecting the right material for underground piping systems in this demanding environment is crucial.

Our FM Polyethylene (PE) system offers the highest level of safety and reliability for firefighting water systems. FM Approvals, an internationally recognized certification organization, rigorously tests and certifies components for fire protection systems. Each of our products with FM Approval meets stringent quality, technical integrity, and performance standards.

Performance Under High Pressure

Our FM-approved PE fittings, free from corrosion and sediment, minimize pressure loss and maximize pump pressure during fire emergencies.

Corrosion-Resistant

Fire prevention systems must be extremely reliable over long periods of time. With PE systems that is no problem, because they are corrosion-resistant and show no additional pressure losses.

Resilience to Ground Movement

PE pipes’ inherent resilience allows them to absorb pressure surges, vibrations, and stress, minimizing the risk of breaks and leaks during emergency water usage.

Enhanced Reliability and Cost Efficient

FM-approved PE fittings undergo rigorous performance testing at an audited facility. This safeguard allows building insurers to reduce fire risk and save costs for industrial operations.

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Highest Level of Safety for Fire Fighting Water Pipes

Fire protection in commercial buildings is imperative, with underground polyethylene pipelines being a common choice to guarantee a reliable water supply for firefighting purposes. To enhance fire safety in close proximity settings, a German company installed a new fire protection system with our assistance. Using FM-approved polyethylene components, they connected the new system to the existing infrastructure efficiently, ensuring optimal fire prevention. The new supply lines link an extinguishing water tank to production buildings through underground branches of various sizes.

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Products

FAQs

What is important when installing underground fire fighting lines?

Selecting the Right Dimension:

  • Choose the appropriate pipe dimension based on the specific fire protection system requirements. Consider factors like water flow rate, pressure, and the type of fire suppression system (e.g., sprinklers, standpipes).
  • Ensure that the selected pipe diameter can handle the expected flow without excessive pressure loss.

 

Pressure and Flow Requirements:

  • Provide sufficient water pressure and flow to meet the demands of the fire protection system.
  • Calculate the required flow rate based on the hazard classification, occupancy type, and system design. This ensures effective fire suppression during emergencies.

 

Pressure Loss:

  • Account for pressure loss due to friction and incrustations as water flows through the pipes.
  • Factors affecting pressure loss include pipe length, material, fittings, and bends. Use hydraulic calculations to determine the acceptable pressure drop.

 

Reliable Welded Connections:

  • Use high-quality welded connections to join pipe sections, for example electrofusion or butt fusion. 
  • Consider corrosion-resistant materials (such as FM PE) to prevent deterioration over time.
  • Account for ground movements by using flexible materials for pipes and components

Proper installation and adherence to industry standards are crucial for the effectiveness and longevity of underground fire protection systems. In case of questions, please reach out to our experts.

In which dimensions is the FM-approved PE system available?

We provide FM-approved polyethylene components ranging from d90 to d500 mm (branch saddle ranges up to d630). Our FM-approved PE portfolio includes pipes, bends, elbows, end caps, couplers, flange connections, reducers, saddles and tees. These components can be welded with electrofusion or butt fusion with an SDR11 rating. Additionally, our products are FM 1613 approved.

Furthermore, we offer a complete FM product line compliant with IP standards and an ASTM certificate.

What does the FM Approval entail?

FM Approval typically refers to Factory Mutual (FM) Global, an organization specializing in certification and approval for industrial and commercial products related to fire protection and risk management. The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that products meet safety and performance standards, including fire resistance behavior and environmental impact. FM Approved products adhere to stringent safety criteria and have been thoroughly tested to perform as intended by their manufacturers during fire events. These approvals cover various piping components, including pipes, fittings and couplers for fire fighting applications.

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Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our experts and discuss your project requirements or any further questions you may have.

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GF Piping Systems Canada, Ltd.

41 Keyes Court

L4H 0W6 Vaughan

ON

Canada

GF logo on the headquarters building