HDPE ISO 4427, PE100 SDR Allowed Without FM?

3/29/2023

Can HDPE ISO 4427, PE100 SDR 9 PE be used for underground water service pipe (dedicated for fire water), even though it carries no FM Approval?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

7 Comments

Pete H

3/29/2023 06:44:07 am

Not on an FM designed job. But if the job is to be designed to UL or NFPA 13 standards, then it matters if HDPE PE100 meets the requirements found in AWWA C906 (Polyethylene Pressure Pipe and Fittings 4 in. Through 63 in. for Water Distribution.)

Barring being able to find the HDPE PE100 in those standards: check the actual manufacturer's listing. "Piping specifically listed for use in private fire service mains shall be permitted to be used." (NFPA 13 2016 10.1.1.2 [24:10.1.12].)

Jesse

3/29/2023 08:10:20 am

The lack of an FM approval only means it can't be used on projects governed by FM, If the project is governed by NFPA 24 you're good to go

Alex

3/29/2023 08:13:15 am

As Jesse mentioned, if the project is not FM approved, you should be good to go. You will still need to confirm with all local amendments.

Glenn Berger

3/29/2023 08:19:40 am

As others have said, if the minimum compliance is NFPA 24 you are probably good to go. Be careful when using HDPE pressure pipe. The internal diameter is not the same as cement-lined ductile pipe or even PVC pipe.

Todd E Wyatt

3/29/2023 08:59:24 am

SUMMARY
If a piping material is “listed for use in private fire service mains” OR complies with the specified AWWA/ASTM standard, then it is permitted per NFPA 13 (& NFPA 24) to be used as an underground piping material supplying an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS).

EXPLANATION
The adopted Code (e.g. IBC) is the scoping source for the automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) requirements and its referenced standards (e.g. NFPA 13) identify the requirements for the ASPS’s design, installation, inspection, and maintenance ... including compliant underground piping materials supplying the ASPS. “NFPA 24 Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances” is not an IBC “referenced standard” and it is not a “reference publication” in NFPA 13. NFPA 13 Chapter 6 Installation Underground Piping have the same requirements as NFPA 24 :
“... the wording in Chapter 6 of NFPA 13 is extracted directly from Chapter 10 of NFPA 24.”

HDPE is an acronym for “High Density Polyethylene”. Per NFPA 13 (2023), “HDPE” is not referenced but “HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE” is (6) times. These (6) references focus on the “Classification of Commodities” and not on underground piping.

NFPA 13 Chapter 6 Installation Underground Piping” “covers the requirements for underground piping, including piping materials ...”

Table 6.1.1.1 Manufacturing Standards for Underground Pipe includes “Plastic” category and includes “Polyethylene (PE) pressure pipe and fittings, 4 in. (100 mm) through 63 in. (1575 mm) for waterworks AWWA C906.”

REFERENCES
NFPA 13 (2023)

Chapter 6 Installation Underground Piping
ENHANCED CONTENT
Chapter 6 covers the requirements for underground piping, including piping materials, fittings, joining of pipe and fittings, depth of cover, protection against freezing, protection against damage, laying of pipe, joint restraint, backfilling, and testing and acceptance.
The use of private, underground piping leading from a municipal water supply or privately owned waterworks system is one of the most common methods of supply to automatic sprinkler systems. Exhibit 6.1 shows a municipal water supply (illustrated with black piping) connected to the private water supply piping (underground piping illustrated with red piping). The jurisdiction of NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, begins at the connection to the municipal water supply piping and ends within 24 in. (600 mm) of the underground piping entering the building. All piping, valves, and system appurtenances located between these connection points fall under the jurisdiction of NFPA 24.

ENHANCED CONTENT - FAQ
Does 6.1.1 require that all piping utilized underground be listed for fire protection service?
Underground pipe must meet either of the following criteria:
1. Be listed for fire protection service
2. Comply with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or ASTM International standards specified in Table 6.1.1.1

ENHANCED CONTENT
Are the underground requirements in NFPA 13 the same as in NFPA 24?
The wording in Chapter 6 of NFPA 13 is extracted directly from Chapter 10 of NFPA 24. As such, the two chapters are identical, including the text numbering (other than the chapter prefixes), the tables, and the figures. The inclusion of this material in NFPA 13 makes it easier for the reader to find the requirements for fire main piping supplying sprinkler systems, allows for better coordination between the two standards, and ensures uniformity in the requirements for underground piping serving water-based fire protection systems.

6.1.1*
All piping used in private fire service mains shall be in accordance with 6.1.1.1, 6.1.1.2, or 6.1.1.3. [24:10.1.1]
A.6.1.1
The type and class of pipe for a particular underground installation should be determined through consideration of the following factors:
1) Maximum system working pressure
2) Maximum pressure from pressure surges and anticipated frequency of surges
3) Depth at which the pipe is to be installed
4) Soil conditions
5) Corrosion
6) Susceptibility of pipe to external loads, including earth loads, installation beneath buildings, and traffic or vehicle loads
The following pipe design manuals and standards can be used as guides:
1) AWWA C150/A21.50, Thickness Design of Ductile-Iron Pipe
2) AWWA M23, PVC Pipe — Design and Installation
3) AWWA M55, PE Pipe — Design and Installation
4) AWWA M41, Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings
5) Concrete Pipe Handbook, American Concrete Pipe Association
6.1.1.1 Use.
Piping manufactured in accordance with Table 6.1.1.1 shall be permitted to be used. [24:10.1.1.1]
Table 6.1.1.1 Manufacturing Standards for Underground Pipe
Plastic
Polyethylene (PE) pressure pipe and fittings, 4 in. (100 mm) through 63 in. (1575 mm) for waterworks AWWA C906
6.1

Todd E Wyatt

3/29/2023 09:38:30 am

REFERENCES continued ...

6.1.1.2
Piping specifically listed for use in private fire service mains shall be permitted to be used. [24:10.1.1.2]
6.1.1.2.1
Where listed pipe is used, it shall be installed in accordance with the listing limitations including installation instructions. [24:10.1.1.2.1]
6.1.1.3
Steel piping manufactured in accordance with Table 6.1.1.3 that is externally coated and wrapped and internally galvanized shall be permitted to be used between the hose coupling(s) on the fire department connection and the check valve installed in the fire department connection piping. [24:10.1.1.3]

NFPA 13 (2023) : HDPE

20.3* Classification of Commodities.
20.3.2 Pallet Types.
20.3.2.4 Plastic Pallets Other Than Polypropylene or HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE.
...plastic pallets when other than wood, metal, or polypropylene or HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE plastic pallets are used, the classification of ...
20.3.2.4.1
...III commodities stored on plastic pallets other than polypropylene or HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE, the classification of the commodity unit ...
20.3.2.4.2
...IV commodities stored on plastic pallets other than polypropylene or HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE, the classification shall be increased to ...
20.3.2.2.1.1
...I through Class IV commodities, when unreinforced polypropylene or unreinforced HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE plastic pallets are used, the classification of ...
20.3.2.2.2.1*
...I through Class IV commodities, when reinforced polypropylene or reinforced HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE plastic pallets are used, the classification of ...
20.3.2.2.1.2
Unreinforced polypropylene or unreinforced HIGH DENSITY POLYENTHYLENE plastic pallets shall be marked with a permanent symbol to indicate that the pallet is unreinforced.

Dave

3/29/2023 08:52:48 pm

We have spec'd UL-listed HDPE pipe for a few sprinkler projects such as piers, where some physical flexibility, protection, and corrosion resistance is desired. Specs including material requirements and joining methods, but no FM requirement.
Found this:
https://thecodecoach.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-in-hdpe-is-going-on.html
https://blog.unitedpolysystems.com/blog/hdpe-for-fire-prevention

HDPE ISO 4427, PE100 SDR Allowed Without FM?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES