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AS 2118.9—1995

Australian Standard

Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Part 9: Piping support andinstallation

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This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee FP/4, Standard SprinklerInstallations. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on13 March 1995 and published on 5 July 1995.

The following interests are represented on Committee FP/4:

Australian Building Codes Board

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Australian Chamber of Manufactures

Australian Construction Services, Department of Administrative Services

Australian Fire Authorities Council

Australian Fire Protection Association

Australian Water and Sewerage Authorities

Commonwealth Fire Board

CSIRO—Division of Building, Construction and Engineering

Fire Protection Industry Association of Australia

Institution of Engineers Australia

Insurance Council of Australia

Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Victoria

Melbourne Water

New Zealand Fire Equipment Association

Telecom Australia

The Association of Consulting Engineers Australia.

Review of Australian Standards.To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subjectto periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It isimportant therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and anyamendments thereto.

Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards AustraliaCatalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The AustralianStandard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new edit ionsand amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.

Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia,are welcomed. Noti fication of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be madewithout delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

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AS 2118.9—1995

Australian Standard

Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Part 9: Piping support andinstallation

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140

ISBN 0 7262 9756 9Lice

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 2

PREFACE

This Australian Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards NewZealand Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Installations, to supersede in partAS 2118—1988,SAA Code for Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

This Standard is the result of a consensus among representatives on the joint committee toproduce it as an Australian Standard.

The revisions to AS 2118 include Standards Australia’s requirements to keep product andinstallation Standards separate. When complete the series will comprise:

AS2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Part 1: StandardPart 2: Wall wetting sprinklers (Drenchers)Part 3: DelugePart 4: ResidentialPart 5: DomesticPart 6: Combined sprinkler and hydrantPart 9: Piping support and installationPart 10: Approval documentation

4118 Fire sprinkler systemsPart 1.1: Components—Sprinklers and sprayersPart 1.2: Components—Alarm valves (wet)Part 1.3: Components—Water motor alarmsPart 1.4: Components—Valve monitorsPart 1.5: Components—Deluge and pre-action valvesPart 1.6: Components—Stop valves and non-return valvesPart 1.7: Components—Alarm valves (dry)Part 1.8: Components—Pressure reducing valvesPart 1.9: Components—Accelerators and exhausters

Part 2.1: Piping—General

Originated as part of AS CA16— 1939 (endorsementof Seventh Edit ion of FOC Rules).

Previous edition AS 2118 — 1982.Revised and redesignated in part as AS 2118.9— 1995.

Copyright STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Users of Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all Standards Australia publications and software. Except where theCopyright Act allows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Australia may bereproduced, stored in a retr ieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writ ing fromStandards Australia. Permission may be conditional on an appropriate royalty payment. Requests for permission and informationon commercial software royalt ies should be directed to the head office of Standards Australia.

Standards Australia wil l permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for useexclusively in-house by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia.

Standards Australia wil l also permit the inclusion of its copyright material in computer software programs for no royaltypayment provided such programs are used exclusively in-house by the creators of the programs.

Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edit ion of the Standard and that it is updated whenever theStandard is amended or revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identif ied.

The use of material in print form or in computer software programs to be used commercially, with or without payment, or incommercial contracts is subject to the payment of a royalty. This policy may be varied by Standards Australia at any time.

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3 AS 2118.9 — 1995

CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.2 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.4 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SECTION 2 SUPPORT OF SPRINKLER PIPING2.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.2 DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.3 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPE SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE SUPPORT COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.5 FIXING OF PIPE SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82.6 SPACING OF SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.7 LOCATION OF SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.8 VERIFICATION OF DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SECTION 3 INSTALLATION—GENERAL3.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143.2 HYDRAULIC TEST PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143.3 EMBEDDING OF PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143.4 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143.5 PROTECTION OF PIPING AGAINST MECHANICAL DAMAGE . . . . . . . 153.6 FACILITIES FOR FLUSHING PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.7 PROHIBITED USE OF PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.8 SLOPE OF PIPES FOR DRAINAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.9 LOW LEVEL DRAINAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.10 PIPE SIZES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153.11 SPACING OF BRACKETS AND CLIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

SECTION 4 INSTALLATION—STEEL PIPING4.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164.2 PIPE JOINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SECTION 5 INSTALLATION—LIGHTWALL STEEL PIPING5.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175.2 PIPE JOINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

SECTION 6 INSTALLATION—COPPER PIPING6.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186.2 PIPE JOINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186.3 PIPE BENDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SECTION 7 INSTALLATION—PLASTIC PIPING7.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197.2 PIPE AND FITTINGS—JOINTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207.3 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207.4 PIPE SIZES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard

Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Part 9: Piping support and installation

S E C T I O N 1 S C O P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE This Standard specifies requirements for the support and installation ofpiping for fire sprinkler systems.

1.2 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS Any alternative materials, designs,methods of assembly, and procedures that do not comply with specific requirements ofthis Standard, or are not mentioned in it, but that give equivalent results to those specifiedare not necessarily prohibited. The specified approval remains the prerogative of theregulatory authority.

1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in thisStandard:

AS1074 Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service

1167 Welding and brazing—Filler metals

1281 Cement mortar lining of steel pipes and fittings

1432 Copper tubes for plumbing, gasfitting and drainage applications

1516 The cement mortar lining of pipelines in situ

1530 Methods of fire tests on building materials, components and structures1530.4 Part 4: Fire-resistance test of elements of building construction

1538 Cold-formed Steel Structures Code

1579 Arc welded steel pipes and fittings for water and gas

1650 Hot-dipped galvanized coatings on ferrous articles

1674 Safety in welding and allied processes

1834 Material for soldering1834.1 Part 1: Solder alloys1834.2 Part 2: Flux-cored solders

1873 Powder-actuated (PA) hand-held fastening tools1873.1 Part 1: Selection, operation and maintenance1873.3 Part 3: Charges1873.4 Part 4: Fasteners

2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems2118.1 Part 1: Standard2118.4 Part 4: Residential2118.5 Part 5: Domestic

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5 AS 2118.9 — 1995

AS2484 Fire—Glossary of terms2484.1 Part 1: Fire tests2484.2 Part 2: Fire protection and firefighting equipment

2544 Grey iron pressure pipes and fittings

3500 National Plumbing and Drainage Code3500.0 Part 0: Glossary of terms3500.1 Part 1: Water supply

3688 Water supply—Copper and copper alloy body compression and capillaryfittings and threaded end connectors

4041 Pressure piping

4118 Fire sprinkler systems4118.2.1 Part 2.1: Piping—General

1.4 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given inAS 2118.1, AS 2484.1, AS 2484.2, AS 3500.0 and those below, apply.

1.4.1 Lightwall pipe—a mild steel pipe with a nominal wall thickness less than that ofmedium wall thickness as specified in AS 1074.

1.4.2 Pressed locked fitting—a formed steel pipe fitting designed to ensure watertightness by means of synthetic, rubber ‘o-ring’ seals. Mechanical compression of theentire circumference of the fitting against the pipe forms a permanent engagement of thepipe and fitting.

1.4.3 Regulatory authority—a Minister of the Crown, a government department, orother public authority having power to issue regulations, order, or other instructions inrespect of any subject covered by this Standard.

1.4.4 Roll grooved fitting—a formed ductile iron cast fitting designed to ensurewatertightness by means of synthetic rubber gaskets. The fitting housing is in two sectionsand fully encloses the gasket when assembled. The housing engages around the fullcircumference of the roll grooved pipe end and is assembled using nuts and bolts ensuringengagement of the pipe and fitting.

1.4.5 Slotted key locked fittings—a formed ductile iron cast fitting designed to ensurewatertightness by means of synthetic rubber ‘o-ring’ seals. The pipe when inserted intothe fitting is mechanically held in place by a locking key. The locking key, when driventhrough the slotted keyway fitting, deforms the pipe surface. The locking key can beremoved to demount and re-assemble the fitting.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 6

S E C T I O N 2 S U P P O R T O F S P R I N K L E RP I P I N G

2.1 GENERAL When a pipe support system is being designed for a fire sprinklersystem, consideration shall be given to the correct location of pipe supports and to—

(a) the stresses and loads which may be imposed on the support system from allexternal causes including differential movement of the building structure and allinternal causes including pressure reactions;

(b) the transmission of vibration from the building to the piping and from the piping tothe building;

(c) the effect a corrosive atmosphere may have on the materials used; and

(d) the isolation of the pipe from the support when unlike materials are used.

2.2 DESIGN Pipe supports shall comply with one or more of the followingrequirements:

(a) They shall be designed, in accordance with AS 1538 or an equivalent Standard, tosupport twice the load due to water-filled piping plus a load of 115 kg at each pointof support.

(b) They shall comply with the requirements of Clause 2.4.

(c) For domestic sprinkler installation they shall comply with the requirements ofAS 3500.1.

(d) They shall be capable of supporting the appropriate test load shown in Table 2.8.1.

2.3 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPE SUPPORTS Sprinkler piping supportsinstalled in an aggressive environment shall be suitably protected against corrosion.

NOTE: In bleach, dye and textile print works, paper mills, tanneries and in other premiseswhere there are corrosive conditions, pipe supports should be thoroughly cleaned and protectedby suitable means, e.g. two coats of good quality, bituminous paint, one coat being appliedbefore and one after installation. Although this treatment will materially lengthen the effectivelife of the pipes, it will probably be found necessary to renew the coatings from time to time atintervals from one year to five years according to the severity of the conditions. As analternative to the above treatment, galvanized pipe supports may be used.

2.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE SUPPORT COMPONENTS (see Figure 2.4.1)

2.4.1 Hook bolts The following requirements apply to the use of hook bolts:

(a) Hook bolts shall be used for clamping down purposes only.

(b) Hook bolts shall not be threaded along their full length.

(c) Hook bolts shall not be used for piping exceeding 80 mm nominal internal diameter.

(d) Hook bolts shall conform to the following dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe size Minimum nominaldiameter of material

≤50 8

>50 ≤80 10

NOTE: The arms of hook bolts shall be located on alternate sides along a length of pipe.

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7 AS 2118.9 — 1995

2.4.2 U-bolts clamping down Shall conform to the following dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe size Minimum nominaldiameter of material

≤50 6

>50 ≤150 10

>150 ≤250 12

>250 ≤350 15

2.4.3 U-bolts clamping up and rods Shall conform to the following dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe size Minimum nominaldiameter of material

≤50 6

>50 ≤150 12

>150 ≤250 15

>250 ≤350 20

2.4.4 U-hangers (clips) Shall conform to the following dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe size Nominal size ofmaterial

≤40 1.6× 25

>40 ≤65 3 × 25

>65 ≤150 6 × 30

2.4.5 Cantilever type supports, saddle brackets, girder or beam clamps Shall bedesigned in accordance with Clause 2.2(a).

2.4.6 Pipe bands Shall be fabricated from material complying with the followingrequirements—

(a) for non-corrosive atmospheres as follows:millimetres

Nominal pipe size Minimum materialthickness

≤100 1

>100 3

(b) For corrosive atmospheres not less than 3 mm thick.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 8

2.4.7 Pipe support beams (trapeze bar) Pipe support beams shall—

(a) be fabricated from material with section modulus equal to or greater than thosecalculated from the sections detailed below; or

(b) using mild steel angle, conform to the following dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe sizeNominal size of material

Max. span 2 m Max. span 3 m

≤40 40 × 40 × 6 65 × 40 × 6

>40 ≤65 65 × 40 × 6 75 × 50 × 6

>65 ≤150 100× 65 × 8 100 × 75 × 8

NOTE: Where unequal angle is used, the longer arms shall be vertical.

2.5 FIXING OF PIPE SUPPORTS

2.5.1 General Sprinkler piping may be supported from the building structure, providedthat the structure is capable of supporting the load. Where sprinklers are located belowducts, the piping may be supported from the duct supports, provided that these havesufficient strength to support the combined design load.

Sprinkler piping shall be supported independently of ceiling sheathing and any associatedsuspension system.

2.5.2 Fixing to concrete, brick or masonry Wooden plugs or plugs of plastic materialshall not be used for fixing pipe supports to concrete, brick or masonry. Explosivepowered fasteners (see AS 1873), through-bolts, expanding metal fasteners, or bolts orscrews set in concrete may be used in this type of construction for fixing pipe supports.The fixing shall be capable of supporting the design load as required in Clause 2.2(a).

2.5.3 Fixing to timber Acceptable methods of fixing to timber are wood screws, drivescrews, coach screws and coach bolts. Nails shall not be used for fixing pipe supports totimber.

The following requirements shall apply:

(a) Wood screws shall not be hammer driven.

(b) Drive screws shall not be used for securing upwards.

(c) Wood screws or drive screws shall not be used for fixing piping exceeding 50 mmnominal diameter.

(d) The fixing shall be capable of supporting the design load specified in Clause 2.2(a).

(e) Coach bolts and coach screws shall conform to the following minimum dimensions:

millimetres

Nominal pipe size Nominal diameter ofcoach bolt or coach screw

Nominal length ofcoach screw

≤50 6 50

>50 ≤150 12 75

>150 ≤200 15 75

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9 AS 2118.9 — 1995

2.5.4 Fixing to steel Explosive-powered fasteners may be used for fixing pipe supportsto steel provided that the steel is not less than 5 mm thick. The fixing shall be capable ofsupporting the design load as required in Clause 2.2(a).

2.6 SPACING OF SUPPORTS The distance between supports for horizontal andvertical sprinkler piping shall be in accordance with Table 2.6.1.

In certain types of construction, in which the minimum spacing required cannot beachieved by supporting pipes from main structural members, provision shall be made tosupport the centre of the span. A typical method is shown in Figure 2.5.1.

TABLE 2.6.1

MAXIMUM SPACING OF PIPE SUPPORTS

Nominal pipe size(DN)

Maximum spacing of brackets and clips, m

Copper andlightwall steel

Galvanized steeland ductile iron

Plastic

Horizontal Vertical

202225

1.50–

2.00

4.00–

4.00

0.700.700.75

1.401.401.50

324050

2.502.503.00

5.005.005.00

0.850.901.05

1.701.802.10

636575

–3.00

–

–5.00

–

1.101.201.30

2.202.402.60

8090

100

4.004.004.00

5.005.005.00

1.351.401.50

2.702.803.00

110125140

≥150

–4.00

–4.00

–6.00

–6.00

1.501.701.702.00

3.003.403.404.00

2.7 LOCATION OF SUPPORTS

2.7.1 General Pipe supports shall be located such that they do not obstruct thedistribution of water from any sprinkler head.

2.7.2 Change of direction A support shall be located not further than 1 m from anychange of direction in the piping, e.g. bend or elbow.

2.7.3 Range pipes Range pipes exceeding 500 mm in length shall have at least onesupport. The first support on any range pipe shall be not more than 2 m from thedistribution pipe or riser (drop). The distance from the last support to the end of a rangepipe shall not exceed the following:

(a) For pipes≤25 mm nominal diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 m

(b) For pipes >25 mm nominal diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 m

2.7.4 Distribution pipes The first support on any distribution pipe shall be not morethan 2 m from the connection to the main distribution pipe. The distance from the lastsupport to the end of any distribution pipe shall not exceed 1 m.

2.7.5 Main distribution pipes The distance from the last support to the end of anyhorizontal main distribution pipe shall not exceed 1 m.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 10

2.7.6 Risers Main vertical pipes rising (or dropping) from the installation valves, orfor linking the piping between levels, shall be supported directly from the structure or bysupports on horizontal branch piping from the riser not more than 300 mm from the riser.

2.8 VERIFICATION OF DESIGN

2.8.1 General Supports which comply with Clause 2.2(b) shall be deemed to meet therequirements for sprinkler piping support systems.

NOTE: Where the support system is designed in accordance with Clause 2.2(a), details of thepipe supports proposed may be required by the regulatory authority for approval. Where detailssubmitted are considered to be inadequate, the regulatory authority may require a verificationtest, as specified in Clause 2.8.2.

2.8.2 Verification test Where a verification test is required, pipe supports shall becapable of withstanding the following test without failure.

The appropriate load from Table 2.8.1 shall be applied without shock for a period not lessthan 30 s.

NOTE: This test is not intended for application in situ. If applied in situ, appropriate safetyprecautions must be taken.

TABLE 2.8.1

VERIFICATION TEST LOADS

Pipe sizemm

Test load (nominal)kg

≤50 340

>50 ≤65 385

>65 ≤80 475

>80 ≤100 680

>100 ≤150 1200

>150 1750

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11 AS 2118.9 — 1995

(a) U-bolt (b) Hook bolt

(c) U-hanger (clip)

(d) Canti lever type support i llustrating two typical applications

FIGURE 2.4.1 (in part) TYPICAL PIPE SUPPORT COMPONENTS

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 12

(i ) (i i)

(e) Girder or beam clamp

(f ) Saddle bracket, rod and pipe band

FIGURE 2.4.1 (in part) TYPICAL PIPE SUPPORT COMPONENTS

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13 AS 2118.9 — 1995

(g) Pipe support beam il lustrating three typical applications

FIGURE 2.4.1 (in part) TYPICAL PIPE SUPPORT COMPONENTS

FIGURE 2.5.1 TYPICAL METHOD OF SUPPORT FOR LONG SPAN

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 14

S E C T I O N 3 I N S T A L L A T I O N — G E N E R A L

3.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS

3.1.1 General All pipes and pipe fittings in an installation shall be new and shallcomply with the relevant Standards listed in Clause 1.3.

3.1.2 Pipes above ground Pipes above ground shall comply with the followingrequirements:

(a) Section 4 of this Standard for steel.

(b) Section 5 of this Standard for lightwall steel.

(c) Section 6 of this Standard for copper.

(d) Section 7 of this Standard for plastic.

3.1.3 Pipes below ground Pipes below ground shall comply with the relevantStandards listed in Clause 1.3, subject to the approval of the water supply authority, andthe following:

(a) Section 4 of this Standard for steel.

(b) Section 5 of this Standard for lightwall steel.

(c) Section 6 of this Standard for copper.

(d) Section 7 of this Standard for plastic.

3.1.4 Protection of underground pipes Underground pipes shall be protected againstcorrosion where necessary and shall not be laid in positions where they could be damagedby vehicular traffic.

3.2 HYDRAULIC TEST PRESSURE All new installations, trunk mains and watersupply connections shall be capable of withstanding, for a period of 2 h, a hydraulic testpressure of 1.4 MPa, or 400 kPa in excess of the maximum static working pressure,whichever is the greater.

3.3 EMBEDDING OF PIPING Sprinkler piping shall not be embedded in concretefloors or any other surfacing material of a building.

NOTE: Embedding of piping is prohibited for two principal reasons —

(a) problems of corrosion; and

(b) difficulties in making subsequent alterations to the pipe system.

3.4 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPING Sprinkler piping installed in anaggressive environment shall be suitably protected against corrosion.

NOTE: In bleach, dye and textile print works, paper mills, tanneries and in other premiseswhere corrosive conditions exist, piping should be thoroughly cleaned and protected by suitablemeans, e.g. two coats of good quality, bituminous paint, one coat being applied before and oneafter erection. Although this treatment will materially lengthen the effective life of the pipes, itwill probably be found necessary to renew the coatings from time to time at intervals from oneyear to five years according to the severity of the conditions. As an alternative to the abovetreatment —

(a) galvanized pipes may be employed, provided that the threaded ends of the pipes areadequately sealed with a suitable protective coating, e.g. bituminous paint; or

(b) the pipes may be wrapped in a suitable protective tape.

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15 AS 2118.9 — 1995

3.5 PROTECTION OF PIPING AGAINST MECHANICAL DAMAGE Sprinklerpiping shall be protected against mechanical damage.

NOTE: Sprinkler piping should not be erected in locations where it is liable to damage byforklift trucks and other mobile equipment; in particular, it should not cross gangways wheresuch equipment is used unless the headroom is in excess of the height of the equipmentconcerned. Where it is impracticable to avoid areas subject to such traffic, the piping should beprotected by adequate guards. Where installation valves or risers are situated in such areas, inaddition to guardrails, safety guidelines should be marked out.

3.6 FACILITIES FOR FLUSHING PIPING Where the water supplies include anautomatic pump drawing from a source of non-potable water such as a canal, river orlake, flushing connections shall be provided at the extremities of distribution pipes.

3.7 PROHIBITED USE OF PIPING

3.7.1 Electrical earth Sprinkler pipes shall not be used as a means of earthing anelectrical installation or as a link in an earthing circuit.

3.7.2 Hoisting Sprinkler pipes shall not be used for hoisting or supporting otherservices nor shall articles be hung from them.

3.8 SLOPE OF PIPES FOR DRAINAGE Sprinklers forming part of dry or alternatewet and dry, and deluge systems shall be so installed that the system can be thoroughlydrained. Range pipes shall have a slope of not less than 4 mm in 1 m, and distributionpipes shall have a slope not less than 2 mm in 1 m.

NOTE: Piping in all systems including wet systems should be arranged to drain to theinstallation drain valve which should be not less than 50 mm in diameter for ordinary and highhazard systems and not less than 40 mm in diameter for light hazard systems.

3.9 LOW LEVEL DRAINAGE In basements and other areas where sprinkler piping isbelow the installation drain valves and in other trapped sections in the systems, auxiliarydrain valves of the following minimum sizes shall be provided:

(a) For pipes up to 50 mm diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 mm.

(b) For 65 mm diameter pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 mm.

(c) For pipes larger than 65 mm diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 mm.

3.10 PIPE SIZES Pipe size shall be determined either by full hydraulic calculation, orpartly from precalculated pipe size tables and partly by hydraulic calculations inaccordance with the requirements for the class of hazard.

3.11 SPACING OF BRACKETS AND CLIPS Brackets and clips shall be spaced inaccordance with Table 2.6.1.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 16

S E C T I O N 4 I N S T A L L A T I O N — S T E E L P I P I N G

4.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS

4.1.1 General All pipes and pipe fittings in an installation shall be new and shallcomply with the relevant Standards listed in Clause 1.3.

4.1.2 Pipes above ground Pipes above ground shall be at least equivalent to mediumsteel tube complying with the requirements of—

(a) AS 1074; or

(b) AS 1579, subject to a minimum thickness of 4.76 mm; or

(c) AS 4041.

Pipes above ground and downstream of the main control valve shall be at least equivalentto medium grade black steel in accordance with the requirements of the foregoingparagraph.

4.1.3 Pipes below ground Pipes below ground shall comply with the relevantStandards listed in Clause 1.3, subject to the approval of the water supply authority.

Cast iron pipes and fittings complying with AS 1724 and AS 2544 shall be coated andcement mortar lined in accordance with AS 1281 or AS 1516.

Pipes complying with AS 1074 and AS 1579 shall be subject to a minimum wall thicknessof 5.3 mm.

4.2 PIPE JOINTING

4.2.1 Welded joints Only pipes of 50 DN or greater may be jointed by welding unlessthe joints are fabricated, welded and inspected in the workshop.

On-site welding operations shall be avoided as far as possible, but if unavoidable theyshall be carried out in accordance with AS 1674.

NOTE: Where galvanized pipe on the supply side of the main control valve is welded, the watersupply authority may require the galvanized finish to be made good.

4.2.2 Roll grooved fittings Pipes may be joined by roll grooved fittings as defined inClause 1.4.4.

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17 AS 2118.9 — 1995

S E C T I O N 5 I N S T A L L A T I O N — L I G H T W A L LS T E E L P I P I N G

5.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS

5.1.1 General All pipes and pipe fittings in an installation shall be new and shallcomply with the relevant Standards listed in Clause 1.3 and with the requirements andlimitations stipulated in the listing criteria.

5.1.2 Pipes above ground Pipes with a nominal wall thickness of less than 2.0 mmmay only be installed above ground and downstream of any main control or isolatingvalve.

Where lightwall pipes installed above ground are required by other Standards, waterauthorities, or are in corrosive environments, they shall be galvanized and the galvanizingshall comply with the requirements of AS 1650.

5.1.3 Pipes below ground All lightwall pipe installed below ground shall be hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with the requirements of AS 4118.2.1.

All fittings for installation below ground shall be hot-dipped galvanized in accordancewith the requirements of AS 1650.

Where pipe and fittings are installed below ground and additional protection is required itshall be provided in accordance with the requirements of AS 4118.2.1.

5.2 PIPE JOINTING

5.2.1 Welded joints The fabrication of lightwall steel pipes shall be limited by therequirements of AS 4118.2.1, Section 3.

5.2.2 Fittings and other pipe joining methods Only fittings and mechanical pipejoining methods complying with the requirements of AS 4118.2.1 shall be used.

5.2.3 Fittings Fittings shall be dimensionally compatible with the pipe and shall onlybe used with a pipe for which they were specifically designed, approved and listed.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 18

S E C T I O N 6 I N S T A L L A T I O N — C O P P E RP I P I N G

6.1 GENERAL All pipes and pipe fittings in an installation shall be new and shallcomply with the relevant Standards listed in Clause 1.3.

Copper piping shall be laid in accordance with the requirements of relevant sections ofAS 3500 and shall only be used in wet fire sprinkler systems as defined in AS 2118.1 forhazard classifications up to OH3 Special, AS 2118.4 and AS 2118.5.

6.1.1 Pipes above ground Copper piping above ground shall be at least equivalent toType ‘B’ tube complying with the requirements of AS 1432.

6.1.2 Pipes below ground Copper pipes below ground shall be installed in compliancewith the requirements of AS 3500.1 for the installation of water supplies.

6.2 PIPE JOINTING

6.2.1 Brazing Joints in copper piping, or between copper piping and fittings, shall besilver brazed, except that solder may be used when the fitting is designed for that purpose.Silver brazing filler materials shall conform to Types B2, B3 or 4 of AS 1167. Soldershall be either in tin-antimony or tin-silver to AS 1834.

On-site brazing or soft soldering shall be carried out in accordance with AS 1674.

NOTE: Where dissimilar metals are joined, care must be taken to insulate copper piping toprevent bimetallic corrosion.

6.2.2 Soft-soldered joints The use of soft-soldered joints is permitted for wetresidential and domestic sprinkler systems and light hazard and ordinary hazard 1occupancies (see AS 2118 Parts 1, 4 and 5) where piping is concealed within ceiling orvoid spaces.

6.2.3 Manipulated joints A manipulated joint is one in which the copper pipe isdeformed to form sockets or branches into which other pipes are connected. Thedeformation of the piping to form the joint shall only be effected using the appropriatetools.

Joints formed in this manner shall only be silver-brazed. Means shall be provided toprevent the branch pipe from intruding into the bore of the main pipe while maintainingthe joint close contact.

6.2.4 Capillary fittings Capillary fittings shall be manufactured and used inaccordance with AS 3688 with the exception that only the listed solder and brazingmaterials are used.

6.2.5 Compression fittings Compression fittings shall be manufactured, using thedimensions and materials set out in AS 3688.

6.3 PIPE BENDING Copper piping may be bent, provided that there are no kinks,ripples, distortions, reduction in diameter or any noticeable deviation from round. Theminimum radius of a bend shall be 6 pipe diameters for pipe sizes of 50 DN and smallerand 5 pipe diameters for pipes of 65 DN and larger.

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19 AS 2118.9 — 1995

S E C T I O N 7 I N S T A L L A T I O N — P L A S T I CP I P I N G

7.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATION

7.1.1 General This Section specifies requirements for the use of plastic piping for wetfire sprinkler systems. Use of plastic piping in fire sprinkler systems is limited to thefollowing:

(a) Residential systems to AS 2118.5.

(b) Domestic systems to AS 2118.4.

(c) Light Hazard systems to AS 2118.1 and the mechanical, service and related storageareas of these occupancies that are defined as Ordinary Hazard 1 (OH1).

All pipes and pipe fittings in an installation shall be new and shall comply with therequirements of AS 4118.2.1 and the requirements and limitations of any listing criteria.

Only straight lengths of pipe are approved for installation according to this Standard, theuse of coiled pipe is not approved.

All fittings designed to take a male metal thread shall incorporate a female metal threadinsert and a metal reinforcing ring to provide a high strength, heavy duty fitting.

Typical installation methods for plastic pipe are shown in Figures 7.1 to 7.6.

7.1.2 Pipe and fittings above ground This Standard assumes that plastic pipe andfittings will be fully enclosed by walls, ceiling or other closed architectural structures ofthe building to be protected.

The only permitted exposure to the room being protected is at the connection to thesprinkler and only if the configuration has been shown to satisfactorily pass the test inAS 4118.2.1.

Where plastic pipe is used in non-protected areas of buildings, no pipe or fitting shallproject above ground or pass through any element of the building structure unless it isadequately protected from structural damage as per Clauses 3.6 and 3.7.

7.1.3 Pipes and fittings below ground Pipes and fittings laid underground shallcomply with the relevant Standards listed in Clause 1.3 subject to the approval of thewater supply authority.

Approved plastic pipe and fittings shall be laid in accordance with the requirements ofAS 3500.1 for water supply installation.

7.1.4 Installation restrictions Plastic pipe and fittings shall not be installed close toany heat-producing sources such as light fixtures, ballasts, heat ducts and steam pipes,unless the pipe is derated for such heat sources as indicated in the relevant Standard givenin Clause 7.1.1.

Plastic pipes and fittings shall not be installed in areas where the maximum ambienttemperature exceeds 50°C unless performance at higher temperatures is guaranteed by themanufacturer.

Where thermal expansion or contraction forces are expected due to significant variationsin temperature, these forces shall be allowed for by the installation of sufficient expansionjoints, or by other suitable methods as recommended by the manufacturer.

Where building refurbishing occurs, steps must be taken to properly protect plasticpipework from fire exposure if the concealment material is temporarily removed.

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 20

7.1.5 Fire rating In accordance with Clause 7.1.2 walls, ceilings or other closedarchitectural structures shall have at least an FRL of 30/30/- when tested in accordancewith AS 1530.4.

NOTE: For the purposes of this Standard, 12 mm gypsum wallboard shall be deemed to have anFRL of 30/30/-.

7.1.6 Pipe storage Most plastic pipes are susceptible to ultraviolet attack when storedout of doors. Unless specified by the manufacturers as being suitable for continuousoutdoor exposure, plastic pipes shall be stored under cover.

7.2 PIPE AND FITTINGS—JOINTING

7.2.1 Jointing Pipework may be joined by either solvent cementing in accordance withthe manufacturer’s instructions, with screwed or mechanical joints, crimp type fittings orby heat fusion. If screwed joints are used then the presence of the screw thread must notreduce the effective wall thickness below that of the pipe.

7.2.2 Threaded connections A thread sealant shall be used in making threadedconnections.

NOTE: PTFE (Teflon) tape is the recommended sealant and shall be used with all threadedconnections. Some thread pastes contain solvents and may be damaging to plastic pipes. Theyare therefore NOT recommended for use with plastic pipes. Maximum tightening torque forthreaded connections should not exceed 35 Nm.

7.3 CORROSION PROTECTION OF PIPING Metallic piping used in conjunctionwith plastic sprinkler pipework installed in an aggressive environment shall be suitablyprotected against corrosion.

NOTE: Piping should be thoroughly cleaned and protected by suitable means, e.g. two coats ofgood quality, bituminous paint, one coat being applied before and one after erection. While thistreatment will effectively lengthen the effective life of the pipes, it will probably be foundnecessary to renew the coatings from time to time at intervals from 1 to 5 years according to theseverity of the conditions. As an alternative to the above treatment —

(a) galvanized pipes may be used, provided that the threaded ends of the pipes are adequatelysealed with a suitable protective coating, e.g. bituminous paint; or

(b) the pipes may be wrapped in a suitable protective tape.

7.4 PIPE SIZES Pipe sizes shall be determined hydraulically, partly by pre-calculatedpipe size tables and partly by hydraulic calculations in accordance with the requirementsfor the class of hazard.

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21 AS 2118.9 — 1995

FIGURE 7.1 TYPICAL SUSPENDED CEILING INSTALLATION USING CONCRETEANCHOR WITH ADJUSTABLE HANGER AND ROD, FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

FIGURE 7.2 TYPICAL SUSPENDED CEILING INSTALLATION USING SADDLE CLAMPFIXING TO ROOF TRUSSES, FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

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AS 2118.9 — 1995 22

FIGURE 7.3 TYPICAL FIXED CEILING INSTALLATION USING‘EARED’ SPRINKLER FITTINGS, FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

FIGURE 7.4 TYPICAL SUSPENDED CEILING INSTALLATION USINGPIPE SUPPORT AND GUIDE/CLAMP FOR RIGID PLASTIC PIPE

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23 AS 2118.9 — 1995

FIGURE 7.5 TYPICAL INSTALLATION USING SADDLE CLIPS,FOR FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PIPE

FIGURE 7.6 TYPICAL INSTALLATION USING SADDLE CLIPS ANDLATERAL SUPPORTS, FOR FLEXIBLE PLASTIC PIPE

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