The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), has published a new guide related to the use of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping systems in commercial buildings. Available on PPI’s website, TN-62 “Suitability and Fitness of CPVC Piping Systems for Commercial Building Applications” describes material advantages and capabilities that should be considered when designing CPVC systems for commercial plumbing and mechanical systems. PPI is the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry.

CPVC is a high-temperature plastic pressure piping material that was introduced for potable plumbing applications more than 60 years ago. CPVC tubing and pipe are sold in straight lengths, and used with molded fittings. Advantages of CPVC piping systems include safety of potable water; resistance to corrosion, tuberculation, and deposits; chlorine and chloramine resistance; and toughness to survive jobsite installations. Another inherent advantage is that no flame is used for joining, since pipes and fittings are joined using solvent cement or mechanical joints, such as grooved fittings. This can help to prevent accidental fires during construction.

“PPI TN-62 describes how CPVC pipe and fitting systems are suitable for use in commercial  applications such as hot- and cold-water distribution, fire protection (13D, 13R and some light hazard NFPA 13 uses, when listed to UL 1821), chilled water, and hydronic heating and cooling systems,” explained Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building and Construction Division.    

“Many people are not aware of the significant differences between PVC and CPVC piping materials," he continued. "CPVC is polyvinyl chloride that has been chlorinated via a free radical chlorination reaction, initiated by ultraviolet light during the manufacturing process. The chlorine added to PVC gives CPVC higher temperature performance and improved fire and corrosion resistance. CPVC pressure pipe is a distinct material from PVC pressure pipe with additional capabilities, and is accepted in all model plumbing and mechanical codes for the plumbing and mechanical applications noted earlier.”

Topics discussed in the new PPI document include the following:

• CPVC material definition and properties
• Use in high-temperature applications
• Resistance to potable water disinfectants
• Use in mixed-material systems that contain copper materials and CPVC
• Design issues when using CPVC

According to PPI President David Fink, “CPVC is a unique piping material that has been part of building infrastructure systems for decades. As one of several piping materials represented by PPI, one of our goals is to help educate specifiers and end-users about appropriate uses for this material. TN-62 contains detailed technical information that has not been published in such a concise manner up to now.”

Published on PPI’s website directly at www.plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-62.pdf, TN-62 is one of several PPI documents related to the design and installation of pressure pipe materials which are published as a service to the industry by PPI’s Building and Construction Division. Additional information about conduit for building and construction can be found online at www.plasticpipe.org/building-construction/index.html.