NFPA 13 2010 A.10.10.2.2.1 might be worth pointing out, specifically: When systems having rigid thermoplastic piping such as CPVC are pressure tested, the sprinkler system should be filled with water. The air should be bled from the highest and farthest sprinklers. Compressed air or compressed gas should never be used to test systems with rigid thermoplastic pipe.
I would avoid it if at all possible, and especially a pressure as high as 50 psi, you're making a plastic pipe bomb at that pressure. Mike Morey, CFPS, SET Planner Scheduler/Designer BMWC Constructors, Inc. 1740 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 O: 317.651.0596 | C: 317.586.8111 mo...@bmwc.com | www.bmwc.com ________________________________________ From: sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org [sprinklerforum-boun...@lists.firesprinkler.org] on behalf of Richard Mote [rich...@rowesprinkler.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 12:46 PM To: sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org Subject: Air Testing CPVC Piping We have an AHJ requiring a 50 psi test on CPVC piping, we think that is excessive, and have always used 20 psi max. I know the best practice is to do a hydrostatic test, but thanks to the polar vortex we are having freezing temperatures and the builder needs to close up his walls. Right now we are looking for chapter and verse as to what the maximum recommended pressure is for an air test. Have looked through 3 different CPVC installation handbooks but the number is not jumping out at me. The TYCO Residential Dry System runs 10 - 15 psi pressure. Note: This is not a residential dry system we are trying to air test a system so the drywall can go on. When the building gets the heat turned on it will be a wet system. Richard L. Mote Rowe Sprinkler Systems, Inc. 7994 Route 522, Suite 1 PO Box 407 Middleburg, PA 17842 P 570-837-7647 F 570-837-6335 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@lists.firesprinkler.org http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
