LPS 1260 Issue 3.1 Plastic pipe and fittings for use in automatic sprinkler systems
This Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for the assessment of the suitability of opaque plastic pipes and fittings to be used in sprinkler systems. These pipes and fittings should always be used in a system which conforms to an appropriate system installation standard (for example The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Systems (including BS EN 12845) and Technical Bulletins in particular TB 227). Additionally the system should be installed and maintained by an appropriately qualified installer, such as an LPS 1048 installer and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specification.
Particular attention should be paid to the installation standard “The LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Systems (including BS EN 12845) and Technical Bulletin 227”
Component type – Various sizes of components of the same type (eg. 3″ Tee and 2″ Tee are of the same component type)
Component – An individual component of the piping system (eg. a fitting or a section of pipe)
Creep – Gradual, permanent deformation of a body produced by a continued application of stress. The rate is increased with increased temperature.
Cure time – period of time, specified by the manufacturer required for adhesive or welded joints to achieve a satisfactory bond prior to pressure testing and filling the system with water.
End User – The person(s) assuming responsibility for the components once installed in a sprinkler system.
Fittings -Parts used to join sections of pipe to other components, examples include but are not limited to, elbows, tees, crosses and adapters.
Installer – a qualified sprinkler system installer, such as an LPS 1048 approved sprinkler system installer.
Plastic Pipe – Thermoplastic pipe intended for use in an automatic sprinkler system.
shall be dated and given a reference number, issue and title. These documents should include:
The design, installation and maintenance instructions (user guide) shall include sufficient information to enable the product to be installed as intended and shall include the following information as a minimum:
- Suitability of the installations for exposure directly to fire.
- Details of jointing compounds/materials/tools and procedures (including curing or cooling times, manufacturers of tools, materials and compounds)
- Compatibility of water additives (corrosion inhibitors, legionella treatments, anti freeze, etc) shall be stated along with maximum permissible concentrations.
- Suitability for use inside and outside of buildings shall be stated or excluded.
- Details of any product training which may be available or required
- Sufficient information shall be provided to allow system designers to undertake the necessary hydraulic calculations.
- Full material specification(s).
The end user of the product shall be supplied with sufficient information for them to identify the service and maintenance requirements of the product in their installation including the maintenance regime, and life expectancy of the product.
If the applicant is not the manufacturer then an application must be accompanied by written permission for testing from the manufacturer. The applicants should contact LPCB for a “cross listing” application form BF406.
- Full details about the use of the product (assembly method, tools, materials,
suitable applications, parameters for use).
- Suitable pipe hangers for use with the product, along with required pipe hanger spacings.
- Details of product certification body(s), standard approved to and approved ranges of products.
- Types of sprinkler system appropriate for the product (wet, dry, alternate and deluge)
- Details of compliance with appropriate local water regulatory requirements, or appropriate restrictions on use. (For example, in the UK, products to be connected to a water main must be WRAS approved for connection to the potable water supply).
- Acceptable limits of temperature, ultraviolet light and chemical exposure.
- Compatible paints or coatings.
- Fire compartmentation penetration details (eg. Penetration seals, fire stopping, cavity barriers).
All tests should be conducted at 20 °C ± 5 °C unless otherwise stated.
General laboratory procedures, confidential handling of specimens, event record requirements and presentation of the test report shall be in accordance with the requirements specified in ISO 17025.
Depending on the size of the application for approval and the number of components to be approved, it may be appropriate to use a sampling regime to reduce test assembly numbers. It may be, for example, not necessary to test every size of every component.
One of every size of every component shall be examined for dimensional conformance with the manufacturer’s drawings.
Each component type shall be examined for adequate identification. The requirements for markings for LPCB approval are specified in the accompanying Scheme Document SD025 available from LPCB upon application.
For pipes this shall include: Manufacturer’s name or identifying mark, year of manufacture, pipe size, pressure rating, temperature rating, manufacturing plant (if more than one), material identification and LPCB reference.
For fittings this shall include: Manufacturer’s name or identifying mark, year of manufacture, size(s) of connections, manufacturing plant (if more than one), material identification and LPCB reference.
Note: due to space limitations on smaller sizes of fittings those of dn s 32 mm shall only be required to be marked with at least the following information:
- The manufacturer’s name or trademark
- The nominal diameter
- The material
- The manufacturing plant (if more than one)
As per EN ISO 15877-3 clause 12 – Markings shall be permanent and shall not initiate cracks or other defects.
The clarity, accuracy and provision of essential component details within the assembly instructions shall be assessed (LPCBs decision in this matter will be final). All components shall fit together as specified. Installation instructions shall adequately cover the following when used in practice in building test assemblies:
Pressure strength tests
All pressure tests shall be for 5 minutes -0, +30 seconds unless otherwise stated.
Operational Hydrostatic pressure test
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
For systems that require a cure time, the minimum period of time required for curing as specified by the manufacturer as required prior to installation testing shall be allowed. If different cure times are provided by the manufacturer in their instructions related to ambient temperature conditions, the lowest temperature in each range and corresponding stated cure time shall be used. If only one cure time suitable for all operating temperatures is used, then the cure and test shall be carried out at the following temperatures:
- 4°C or the minimum service temperature stated by the manufacturer, whichever is the lower.
- 21°C
- 50°C or the maximum service temperature stated by the manufacturer, whichever is the higher.
The tolerance for all test temperatures is ± 2°C.
For welded systems, joints shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
At the specified minimum time after the joint is made (+10%, -0%), the test assembly shall be subjected to a pressure of 1.5 times the maximum rated working pressure (+2 bar, -0 bar) for 5 minutes (-0, +30 seconds).
The specimen shall then be examined for permanent failures (cracks, leaks or separation of joints are not permitted).
Long-term hydrostatic pressure
The test assemblies shall be subjected to the maximum rated working pressure (+2 bar, -0 bar) and a temperature of 50°C ± 2°C for 90 days -0, +1 day. Tests shall commence after the manufacturer’s specified minimum cure time for the working pressure has elapsed. The cure may take place at any temperature specified by the manufacturer between 0°C and 50°C.
The test specimens shall be examined for failures in structural integrity (cracks, leaks or separation of joints not permitted).
Note: Pipes and fittings rated at operating temperatures in excess of 50°C shall be tested at the highest rated temperature. In this event, the manufacturer’s documentation must clearly state the relationship between higher ambient temperatures and the service life of the product. Data in support of these claims should be submitted to LPCB for review.
Hydrostatic pressure and ultimate strength
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). After the curing period, the test assemblies shall be subjected to a pressure of four times the maximum rated working pressure (+2 bar, -0 bar) for 1 hour (-0 minutes, +5 minutes) at ambient temperature.
The test specimens shall not fail (cracks, leaks or separation of joints not permitted).
After the 1 hour test, the pressure shall continue to be raised until the assembly fails. The pressure at which the assembly fails and the mode of failure shall be recorded.
Note: The sampling regime of the test programme must ensure that an assembly using each pipe size to be approved is tested, with an exposed pipe length between fittings of at least 3 times the pipes OD.
Water Hammer Test
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer).The pipe and fitting assemblies shall be subjected to a pressure cycle, rising from 4 (± 2) bar to 25 bar at a rate of 45 bar/s (+10, -5); after which the pressure shall be returned to 4 (± 2) bar. The pressure cycles shall be repeated 3 000 times at a rate of 15 cycles per minute. The pressure changes against time shall be measured and recorded. Each assembly shall be examined visually for leakage. The samples shall not leak, crack or disassemble.
Ageing
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). The pipe and fitting test pieces shall be assembled and weighed. Fill with water to 60% (±5%) of the internal volume and condition at a temperature of 95°C (+2 °C, -0 °C) for 90 days (-0, +1 day). The samples shall be weighed before and after the test to determine the degree of moisture absorption.
At ambient temperature the assemblies shall be assessed for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure held for 5 minutes (+1 bar, -0 bar). Thereafter they shall be tested to destruction. The failure pressure shall be recorded.
Resistance to low temperature
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). Following this period the test assembly shall be subjected to conditioning at a temperature of -20°C ± 3°C for 90 days, (-0, +1 day). The samples shall then be returned to ambient temperature for a minimum of 24 hours. Thereafter the samples shall be tested to destruction, the failure pressure recorded.
Resistance to high temperature
Pipe specimens shall be tested and assessed to the methods and requirements stated in BS EN ISO 2505 (air oven method). Fitting specimens shall be tested and assessed to the methods and requirements stated in BS EN ISO 580.
Sulphur dioxide corrosion
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). The test assemblies shall then be conditioned in sulphur dioxide in accordance with BS EN 12259 part 1 clause 4.12.2.
The test assemblies shall then be tested for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar) bar. Thereafter the samples shall be tested to destruction and the failure pressure recorded.
Resistance to sulphuric acid
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). The test assemblies shall then be conditioned in sulphuric acid in accordance with BS 3506 clause 8.4.
The components shall be assessed for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar). Thereafter the samples shall be tested to destruction and the failure pressure recorded.
Resistance to bleach
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). The test assemblies shall then be immersed in bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite 14 – 15% solution) for 30 days (-0, +1 day) at 21°C (± 5°C).
Assess the components for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar). Thereafter the samples shall be tested to destruction and the failure pressure recorded.
Resistance to acetone
The test specimens shall be assembled as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Joints may be allowed to cure for up to 30 days at any temperature (as directed by the manufacturer). The test assemblies shall then be conditioned in acetone and tested in accordance with clause 8.3 of BS 3506. Any change in state shall be recorded.
Assess the components for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar). Thereafter the samples shall be tested to destruction and the failure pressure recorded.
Fire exposure
The components shall be assessed for structural integrity at maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar) following the completion of the fire tests described below.
In a test room 4 m x 4 m x 2.8 m high, with a 50 mm air gap all around the base of the test room, install or metric equivalent pipe work flush to the ceiling. The pipe work shall terminate in one 15 mm 68°C quick response pendant spray sprinkler.
The pipe work shall be pressurised to its maximum working pressure (+1 bar, -0 bar) for 10 minutes (-0, +1 minute).
Immediately following this, a 13B test fire tray (as specified in BS EN 3-1:1996) containing 10 litres of heptane on a water base shall be placed immediately below the joint. The heptane shall be ignited and allowed to burn freely. The sprinkler will operate and discharge at 47 litres / minute (± 3 l/m). Once the heptane has been exhausted (or been extinguished) the discharge rate shall be increased to 100 litres / minute (± 5 litres / minute) for a further 10 minutes (-0, +1 minute). If any leaks occur during the test the following pass/fail criteria shall be applied. 95% of flow shall be through the sprinkler head with a maximum of 5% leakage from any other point of the assembly. Test evidence has shown that these criteria adequately address pinhole failures.
This test shall be conducted twice; one test shall incorporate the dead end spur and one shall not.
UV exposure
The components shall be assessed for structural integrity at a pressure four times the maximum working pressure ± 1 bar, after exposure to natural daylight (or equivalent UV) for 90 ± 1 day, 180 ± 1 day and 360 days ± 1 day or methods in BS EN ISO 16871 or BS EN 1056.
After the 90 day test the components shall be tested to destruction the failure pressure recorded at ambient temperature.
Impact resistance
Any change of state of materials shall be recorded, after subjecting a sample of each nominal size of pipe to an impact energy as per clause 7.2 of BS EN ISO 15877-2.
Bend test
The assemblies of pipe and fittings shall be tested to determine ability to withstand mechanical loading.
3.2.15.1 Coupling assemblies shall be filled with water ensuring there is no trapped air in the assembly. The assembly shall be hydrostatically pressurised to their maximum allowable working pressure for the duration of the test. The couplings shall not leak or fail when subjected to the bending moments specified by equation 1 and in the manner described.
- An assembly configured as in figure 2, positioned in a horizontal plane and with the pipe securely clamped shall be pressurised with water to 12 bar or the maximum working pressure whichever is the least, ±1 bar. The pressure is to be maintained throughout the application of the bending moment.
- The appropriate bending moment found using equation 1 for the applicable pipe size shall then be applied to the free pipe and held for 2min +30s/-0s. The pressure is to be maintained throughout the application of the bending moment.
Where reducing couplings/fittings are tested the appropriate bending moment for the smaller size pipe shall be applied at all pressures first and the test repeated using the appropriate bending moment for the larger size pipes.
High pressure actuation
The effect of reaction forces shall be assessed on a typical pipe work installation as per the manufacturer’s instructions, upon activation of a K80 sprinkler head. The pipework shall not be permanently displaced by the reaction force, such that the head is discharging above the ceiling tile, or the distribution pattern of the head is disrupted.
A 3m (± 0.10m) length of 1″ or metric equivalent pipe with two 0.6 m (± 5 mm) vertical drops (one from a tee, one from an elbow) either side of a hanger at the maximum permissible spacing shall be installed. Each vertical drop shall terminate in a sprinkler in a suspended ceiling. The simulated ceiling tile shall be 600mm (± 5mm) square and made from 10mm (± 1 mm) thick plasterboard with a nominal weight of 7.6 kg/m2. The sprinkler shall be without an escutcheon.
Spectro-analysis
The adhesive for joining together components shall undergo spectro-analysis to confirm its chemical composition conforms to that declared by the manufacturer.
Oxygen Index flammability test
The oxygen index shall be provided in an accredited test report to BS EN ISO 4589-2 for the compound(s) used to make the pipe and fittings. This data shall be recorded and held on file. In this version of the standard, there is no pass or fail criteria associated with this test method.
Limitations
The contents of this test standard are intended to assess products for suitability of service in fire protection applications. Products shall always be used in accordance with appropriate installation standards and as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Products should always be installed by an approved installer, such as an LPS 1048 approved installer. Any modifications or alterations to the protected risk should always be made under the supervision of an appropriately qualified person.
The tests in this standard have been designed using fire research and testing experience to replicate a range of foreseeable scenarios that might be encountered by the product in practice. However, not all scenarios can be adequately replicated in tests.