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Fire Sprinkler Mandate

Installing a Fire Sprinkler System:
Multipurpose vs. Standalone Systems

If you are planning on building a new home, you may want to learn more about the types of fire sprinkler products on the market. There are several brands and features available, but the main options for residential fire sprinklers include multipurpose systems, featuring PEX tubing; or standalone systems; using CPVC pipe. The essential difference between the two is that a multipurpose system incorporates a home’s cold-water plumbing system with the fire sprinkler system, while a standalone system is separate from the home’s plumbing system.

A multipurpose system verifies fresh water is available to the sprinklers each time a cold-water plumbing fixture is used and cannot be unintentionally shut off. It does not require routine maintenance or inspections, since the system is tested every time a resident uses cold water. Because of the PEX plastic tubing, it is the most freeze-resistant product on the market and requires no antifreeze maintenance. Combining the plumbing and fire sprinkler systems often means only one contractor (the plumber who’s already on the jobsite) can install both.

A standalone system uses CPVC pipe and is separate from a home’s water source. Unless the sprinkler head activates, the water never moves and it can become contaminated. A valve – called a check valve – is required to keep the water from flowing back and contaminating your drinking water. This system requires a yearly inspection of the check valve. However, a standalone system, since it is not connected to the home’s plumbing system, can be activated in case of fire, even if the homeowners turn their main water supply off.

Uponor Corporation is a leading supplier of plumbing, fire safety and radiant heating and cooling systems for the residential and commercial building markets across North America and Europe, and a market leader in municipal infrastructure pipe systems in the Nordic countries. Uponor Corporation employs 4,200 people in 27 countries and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd., Finland.

Uponor, Inc. is headquartered in Apple Valley, Minn. For more information, visit www.uponor-usa.com or call (800) 321-4739.

Uponor Ltd. is based in Mississauga, Ont. For more information, visit www.uponor.ca or call (888) 994-7726.

For more information about Uponor, visit the Uponor media room at http://www.lnccommunications.com/uponor-media.html

For editorial assistance, contact John O’Reilly c/o LNC Communications LLC at (815) 469-9100; e-mail: John@LNCmail.com

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© 2009 Uponor, Inc.

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