Effective Use of Fire Protection Pipe Fittings.

In a water-based firefighting system, fire protection accessories play an indispensable role. These components are used to connect steel pipe sections, forming a synchronised, sturdy, and safe water delivery network. More than just “connectors,” firefighting steel pipe fittings help ensure complete sealing and maintain stable water pressure, thereby improving fire suppression effectiveness in case of an emergency.

Choosing the right accessories and equipment is a key factor in ensuring the system operates smoothly, durably, and meets fire safety standards. Bảo Tín Steel will help you better understand the most common types of fire protection accessories, how to choose the right ones for different projects, and important considerations during their use.

Common Types of Fire Protection Fittings for Steel Pipes

A fire protection system that uses steel pipes requires specialised fittings. These fittings ensure efficient, safe, and durable operation. They play a crucial role in connecting pipe sections, directing flow, controlling water pressure, and monitoring system performance.

Types of Firefighting Steel Pipe Fittings Include

Elbows, Tees, and Coupling – Directional Pipe Fittings

These fittings are used to change the direction of pipes, creating necessary branches or bends within the system. They are commonly manufactured from cast iron (grey iron, ductile iron), steel (black steel, galvanized steel), or copper. The choice of material depends on the working pressure, installation environment, and technical standards of the system.

In fire protection pipe systems, these fittings connect components mainly through two methods: welding and threaded joints.

“Firefighting Steel Pipe Couplings – Pipe Connections

This fitting helps connect steel pipe sections or connect pipes to other devices. It is typically manufactured in sizes ranging from DN15 to DN300, corresponding to common steel pipe dimensions. Popular types include:

• Internal threaded couplings, external threaded couplings

• Quick couplings (grooved couplings) – commonly used for large pipes

• Flexible connectors – used to reduce vibration and thermal expansion

Fire protection couplings are designed to withstand the system’s working pressure (commonly PN10, PN16, PN25, etc.) with a hydrostatic test pressure higher than the working pressure. They are typically made from cast iron (ductile iron is widely used for grooved couplings), steel (black steel, galvanized steel), or brass (for some small-sized threaded couplings).

✅ See details of the flexible connectors supplied by BTS:

Types of Valves Used in Fire Protection Piping Systems

Valves function to open, close, regulate, or allow water to flow in only one specific direction. Common types of valves used in fire protection systems include gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves, pressure reducing valves, drain valves, safety valves, and more. They are made from cast iron, ductile iron, or steel. Surfaces may be coated with epoxy paint or galvanized to prevent corrosion. Proper placement of valves—such as at the main shaft, on each floor, or at the end of piping—helps ensure flexible operation and easy control during emergencies.

👉 Let’s take a look at some types of valves currently available at Bao Tín Steel:

Flanges Used in Fire Protection Systems

Flanges and gaskets (sealing rings) are two components that go hand in hand. They form a crucial method of connecting pipes and equipment, especially at points requiring high strength and the ability to disassemble for maintenance and repair. Flanges are typically made of steel or stainless steel, while gaskets are made from heat-resistant rubber.

The combination of flanges and gaskets creates strong joints capable of withstanding high pressure. This is vital for the safety of the fire protection system. At the same time, their removable nature makes inspection and maintenance of valves or large equipment much easier compared to fixed connections such as welding.

Choosing the right type of flange and gasket, along with properly tightening bolts according to technical standards, is extremely important. It ensures a tight and completely safe seal for the fire protection system.

Pressure Gauges, Fire Alarms, and Related Accessories

Water pressure gauges help monitor the operating pressure of the system, ensuring it functions at the designed pressure. Integrated fire alarm devices can provide early warning signals in case of an emergency. Additionally, accompanying accessories such as air release valves, protective caps, and pipe clamps facilitate easier installation.

Selecting and using the correct types of fire protection accessories for steel pipes is extremely important, as it ensures the operational efficiency and reliability of the entire firefighting system.

How to Choose Quality Fire Protection Accessories

Choosing the wrong fire protection accessories can lead to leaks, pipe bursts, or system malfunctions. Here are important criteria to consider when selecting firefighting steel pipe fittings:

Ensure Compliance with Fire Protection Technical Standards and Certifications

• Most importantly, accessories must comply with current fire protection technical standards in Vietnam (TCVN) or internationally recognised standards permitted for use (e.g., NFPA – National Fire Protection Association, UL – Underwriters Laboratories, FM Approvals – Factory Mutual).

Accessories must have complete certification and inspection marks from authorised fire protection agencies or internationally recognised testing organisations. This ensures that the products have been tested and meet safety, performance, and durability requirements.

Suitable for the system’s size and pressure

• The accessories must be selected with the corresponding nominal diameter (DN) that matches the steel pipe diameter of the system (e.g., DN50, DN100, DN150, etc.).
  The accessories must be capable of withstanding the system’s maximum working
• pressure (e.g., PN16, PN25, etc.). This pressure rating should be higher than the normal operating pressure and the system’s hydrostatic test pressure.
• Choose the appropriate type of connection (threaded, welded, grooved, flange). At the same time, ensure that the thread standard/flange standard is compatible with the pipes and other accessories within the same pipeline section.

Material and durability

• Fire protection systems are typically filled with water, and the wet environment can easily cause corrosion. Therefore, materials with good corrosion resistance should be prioritised. Specifically, galvanized steel (commonly used), ductile iron (high durability, less prone to cracking and breaking), or stainless steel (superior corrosion resistance but higher cost).
• Fire protection steel pipe fittings need to withstand the environmental factors at the installation site (humidity, temperature, presence of mild corrosive chemicals, etc.).
• Materials must be durable enough to withstand high water pressure and not deform significantly under thermal impact in the event of a fire.

Clear origin and full warranty coverage

• It is recommended to choose products from reputable brands with clear and transparent manufacturers or distributors.
• Require the provision of complete documents proving the origin and quality of the products, such as a CO (Certificate of Origin) and CQ (Certificate of Quality).
• A good warranty policy from the manufacturer will ensure customer rights and technical support when needed.

Proper Use and Installation of Fire Protection Accessories

Proper installation of fire protection accessories plays a crucial role in ensuring the system operates stably, effectively, and safely during fire emergencies. Below are important guidelines that must be followed:

Check size and pressure before installation

Fire protection steel pipe systems are designed to withstand high water pressure. Using accessories with even slightly mismatched sizes can cause leaks at connection points, resulting in water loss and reduced system pressure.

Each type of accessory is manufactured according to different pressure standards (e.g., PN10, PN16, Class 150, Class 300, SCH40, SCH80, etc.). Choosing accessories with a pressure rating lower than the system’s operating pressure poses risks of bursting, cracking, severe damage, and loss of firefighting capability. Factors to check include:

• Nominal diameter

• Pressure rating standard

• Connection type

• Origin and accompanying certificates

Use the correct type of coupling and flange according to the position

Choosing the appropriate connection method and type of accessory for each position in the fire protection system directly affects efficiency, durability, and installation cost. Specifically:

• Flanged connection: Commonly used for main pipes with large diameters, connecting pipe sections, pipes to valves, pumps, or other important equipment that require high tightness and easy disassembly for maintenance and repair purposes.

• Threaded connection: Usually used for small-diameter branch pipes (typically under DN50), connecting measuring devices (pressure gauges), small air release valves, or locations that do not bear high pressure.

• Welded connection: Typically used for main pipes that withstand very high pressure or environments with strong vibrations. It requires absolute tightness and no frequent disassembly. However, welding demands skilled technicians, poses fire and explosion risks during construction, and makes system modifications difficult.

• Grooved connection: This connection type is applied in fire protection systems for both main and branch pipes due to its advantages in installation speed, safety during construction, and adaptability to building movement. Various grooved fittings such as couplings, elbows, tees, reducers, and flanges are used.

Periodic maintenance of accessories

Periodic maintenance is mandatory to ensure the fire protection system is always ready to operate effectively in case of emergencies. Fire protection accessories are also an important part that requires regular inspection. The key factors to ensure include:

• Check and tighten connections, especially after long periods of inactivity.

• Replace gaskets, seals, or accessories showing signs of corrosion, leakage, or damage.

• Recommended maintenance frequency: every 6 to 12 months, depending on the installation environment and system operating frequency.

Conclusion

Though often overlooked, steel pipe fittings and valves are critical to the safety and performance of any fire protection system.

Selecting the right components for each position—ensuring proper material, size, and pressure ratings—and following correct installation procedures are essential steps. Regular maintenance further ensures early detection of issues, keeping the system reliable and ready in any emergency.

Ultimately, investing in high-quality fittings and adhering to technical standards is an investment in long-term safety and peace of mind.

Bao Tín Steel currently distributes a full range of fire protection accessories. If you need to purchase, don’t hesitate to contact us for the best prices 👉 Hotline: 0932 059 176.

Tiger Steel is a subsidiary of Bao Tin Steel.