Viega PureFlow PEX pipe and fittings have been listed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) as approved for use in exposed fire sprinkler systems in basements.
The UL listings mean builders and contractors are now able to use PureFlow, Viega’s versatile system of PEX pipe and fittings, throughout an entire residential fire sprinkler system, said Seth Larson, product manager at Viega LLC. The listing eliminates the need for contractors who have used PureFlow PEX throughout a house to have to join it to pipe of another material in the basement.
“Contractors who prefer PureFlow for its easy handling, fast connections and reliability will be happy to know that they can save time and money now that they can use the system throughout the entire house,” Larson said.
The listings cover two types of ceiling. PureFlow can be installed and left exposed in wood joist ceiling assemblies where the following conditions are met:
- Joists are of dimensional lumber, engineered wood, wood I-joist or open web wood joists (wood floor trusses)
- Joists are of depths from 6-16 inches (152-204 mm)
- Joists are of spacing from 12-24 inches (305-610 mm) on center
- Joists can be exposed after installation
- Metal pipe hangers spaced at maximum 24 inches (610 mm) on center are used
- Listed residential automatic sprinklers of maximum activation temperature rating of 165°F (68°C)
PureFlow can be installed exposed across finished ceiling assemblies where the following conditions are met:
- Ceiling is finished with one of the following approved membranes:
a.) Minimum 3/8 inch (9.5mm) thickness code-complying gypsum wallboard or;
b.) Suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles having a minimum weight of 0.35 lb/ft2 (1.76 kg/m2) when installed with metallic support grids or;
c.) ½ inch (13mm) code-complying plywood or solid sheathing - Metal pipe hangers spaced at maximum 24 inches (610 mm) on center are used
- Listed residential automatic sprinklers of maximum activation temperature rating of 165°F (68°C)
PureFlow is the PEX fire sprinkler system of choice for builders and retrofitters for its ease of installation, corrosion-free qualities and dependability. It’s the only PEX fire sprinkler system with an easy alignment bracket that eliminates the need for measuring when hanging pendants.
About Viega
The Viega Group, with a tradition of innovation for 120 years, has more than 4,000 employees worldwide and is among the leading manufacturers of pipe fitting installation technology. In metal press systems for industrial, commercial and residential projects, the company is the global market leader. In the U.S., Viega LLC employs more than 600 people and offers more than 3,000 products. These include Viega ProPress® for copper and stainless, Viega MegaPress® for carbon steel and stainless pipe, the Viega PureFlow® System including PEX and fittings in high-performance polymer and Zero Lead bronze, as well as MegaPress CuNi and SeaPress® systems for marine applications. Viega also specializes in the design, production and installation of radiant heating and cooling systems, and offers Viega Flushing System Technology including carriers and flush plates.
