Important Notes When Choosing Materials for Fire Fighting Systems

Important Notes When Choosing Materials for Fire Fighting Systems

Choosing Firefighting Equipment Is Not Just a Purchase – It’s an Investment in Safety.

You may have heard of familiar items such as high-quality fire hoses, fire nozzles, and various types of pipes, valves, and sprinklers… But do you know how to select the right ones that meet standards and suit each specific system and project?

At Bao Tin Steel, we’ve witnessed many fire protection systems fail to operate effectively due to the use of poor-quality or mismatched equipment. That’s why choosing the right firefighting materials from the start is a must if you truly care about the safety of people and property.

So, how do you make the right choice? Let’s go over the 9 most important criteria you should never overlook – with Bao Tin Steel.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations – No Exceptions for Safety

Whether you’re choosing fire hoses, fire nozzles, or any other type of firefighting equipment, the first thing to consider is not the price, but the technical standards.

Modern fire protection systems are required to comply with TCVN and QCVN – the national technical standards issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Construction.

In addition, for projects with international elements or insurance requirements, you also need to take into account other international standards…

International standards such as:

• NFPA (USA – the most widely adopted fire safety standard globally)

• FM Global and UL Listed (USA – related to insurance and product certification)

• VdS (Germany)

• CEN (Europe – European Committee for Standardisation)

Additionally, don’t forget to check the CO (Certificate of Origin), which certifies the origin of the goods, and the CQ (Certificate of Quality), which verifies the quality of each type of equipment.

At Bao Tin Steel, we always recommend choosing only materials that have been certified to meet national standards and regulations by authorised agencies. This is a mandatory requirement for your fire protection system to pass final inspection – and more importantly, to ensure that it will function reliably in an actual emergency.

Quality and Reliability – Not just functional, but durable.

In real-world conditions, a fire protection system may remain “idle” for many years, but when a fire does break out, all equipment must operate immediately—and with absolute precision. That’s why the quality and reliability of firefighting materials are always critical factors for survival.

Prioritise equipment that has:

• Durable materials: Able to withstand impact, high pressure, and resist corrosion in harsh environments (humidity, dust, chemicals, etc.).

• Heat resistance: Components such as fire valves, hoses, and fire nozzles must maintain their integrity during a major fire.

• Accurate operation mechanisms: For example, sprinkler heads must activate at the correct temperature threshold, and pumps must start immediately upon receiving a signal.

There have been numerous cases where a seemingly complete fire protection system failed during operation—hoses leaked water, valves got stuck, or pumps failed to build pressure—all because substandard equipment was used.

Suitable for the System Type and Installation Environment – The Right Choice Ensures Effectiveness.

Not all firefighting materials are suitable for every project. Selecting the right equipment must be based on a thorough survey of the actual site, the type of fire protection system in use, and the specific characteristics of the installation environment.

Some practical examples:

• Wet sprinkler systems: Used indoors where the temperature is stable. The accompanying materials need to be leak-proof and withstand stable pressure.

• Foam systems: Require materials that are resistant to corrosion caused by foam agents – typically, stainless steel pipes or epoxy-coated pipes are used.

• Gas systems (FM-200, Novec 1230): Materials must be completely sealed and non-reactive with the extinguishing gases.

• Outdoor or humid environments: Galvanised steel pipes, ductile iron, and weather-resistant hoses are recommended.

• Areas prone to explosions or strong vibrations: Prioritise materials with special designs, including insulation layers and shock resistance.

Additionally, don’t overlook special environmental factors such as:

• Risk of lightning strikes: Proper grounding is required for all metal components in the system.

• Mild earthquakes or vibrations: Use vibration-resistant supports and flexible joints for the piping system.

Compatibility – System strength comes from synchronisation.

A fire protection system cannot operate effectively if its components are not properly compatible with each other. Technical compatibility between devices, parts, and materials is a mandatory factor that must be carefully checked before installation.

Common issues caused by a lack of compatibility:

• Fire hoses that don’t fit properly with connectors or nozzles → water leakage, pressure loss.

• Discharge valves incompatible with pipe diameter → reduced water flow.

• Sprinkler heads designed for gas systems installed in water systems → completely ineffective.

• Using extinguishing agents that are incompatible with pipe materials (e.g., FM-200 gas can degrade non-specialised rubber pipes).

Key points to ensure:

• Connectors, threads, sizes, and working pressures must be consistent.

• Equipment must be designed to suit the type of extinguishing agent: water, foam, gas, powder, etc.

• Technical documentation for each material should specify compatible pressure levels and mechanical connections.

When you purchase equipment from multiple sources, the risk of incompatibility is very high. That’s why Bao Tin Steel offers a complete, fully synchronised fire protection equipment package, ensuring technical consistency from start to finish, preventing installation errors, and saving time on inspection and adjustments.

Working Pressure and Test Pressure – Not to be chosen arbitrarily.

A fire protection system can only operate effectively if all materials and equipment can withstand the actual pressure of the flow, especially in emergencies. Therefore, when selecting firefighting materials, you cannot overlook the factors of working pressure and test pressure.

Understanding the two key concepts:

• Working Pressure: The maximum pressure at which equipment can operate continuously and safely under normal conditions.

• Test Pressure: A higher pressure level is used to test the system’s tightness and durability after installation.

Some common specifications:

• Fire hoses (fabric): Working pressure typically ra

• nges from 1.3 to 1.6 MPa, with test pressure up to 2.5 MPa.

• Valves, pipes, and nozzles: Should indicate the maximum pressure rating (e.g., PN10, PN16, PN25).

• Fire pumps: Usually deliver water at pressures between 7 and 12 bar, corresponding to approximately 0.7 to 1.2 MPa.

If you choose a fire hose with an insufficient pressure rating, during operation, it may burst, kink, or have connectors slip off, which is extremely dangerous in real emergencies.

Fire Resistance / Heat Resistance – Durable in the Harshest Environments

During a fire, temperatures can rise to 600–1,000°C within minutes. Under such extreme conditions, only firefighting materials with good heat resistance can maintain the system’s integrity, ensuring that the extinguishing agents are delivered precisely where needed.

Some important requirements to note:

• Galvanised steel pipes or ductile iron pipes are commonly used in wet systems due to their good heat resistance and resistance to rapid deformation.

• Fire nozzles made from aluminium alloy or copper have better heat resistance than plastic nozzles, especially suitable for high-risk areas such as warehouses and factories.

• Sprinkler heads must activate at the designed temperature (e.g., 68°C, 79°C, 93°C). If they are too sensitive, they may trigger false alarms; if of poor quality, they may fail to spray when needed.

Risks of using non-heat-resistant materials:

• Pipes can dent or crack → leading to water leaks.

• Valves may fail to open due to deformation.

• Fire nozzles can melt and become unusable.

Easy Installation and Maintenance – The More Convenient, the More Cost-Effective in the Long Run

A fire protection system not only needs to be installed correctly but must also maintain reliable operation over many years. Therefore, besides quality, you should prioritise firefighting materials designed for easy installation, inspection, and regular maintenance.

Reasons why you should care about installation and maintenance ease:

• Reasons to prioritise ease of installation and maintenance:

  • Reduce the risk of technical errors during construction, avoiding issues like faulty connections, water leaks, or incorrect pressure.

  • Save labour costs and installation time with a quick and simple setup.

  • Facilitate periodic inspections – easy disassembly, maintenance, or replacement of faulty equipment.

  Some tips when selecting materials:

  • Pre-rolled fire hoses can be quickly attached to fire cabinets without complex handling.

  • Choose nozzles with quick-connect fittings or standard threads for easy replacement.

  • Shut-off valves, pressure gauges, and pipes should be arranged for easy access – avoid placing them in hidden or hard-to-maintain locations.

Origin and Supplier – Choosing a Reliable Provider

You can invest hundreds of millions of dong in a fire protection system, but a small detail like an uncertified fire hose or a questionable fire nozzle can render the entire system useless in an emergency.

Why choose a reputable supplier?

• Ensure genuine products with complete CO (Certificate of Origin) and CQ (Certificate of Quality), with clear origin and technical standards.

• Receive comprehensive solution consultation, not just selling isolated parts, avoiding a “patchwork” system.

• Have clear warranty, return, and post-sale technical support policies.

• Avoid counterfeit or low-quality products, especially in a market where fire protection equipment information is often confusing and unreliable.

With over 13 years of experience in industrial materials and fire protection equipment, Thép Bảo Tín proudly provides genuine firefighting materials—from fire hoses, nozzles, fire cabinets to pipe accessories and shut-off valves.

Our Commitment:

• Accurate solutions – On-time delivery, meeting all technical standards.

• In-stock products – Fast delivery available in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces.

• Complete documentation – Trusted warranty – Technical support available on-site.

Lifecycle Cost – Look Beyond the Initial Purchase Price

When selecting firefighting materials, many people focus only on the initial purchase price, forgetting that the true investment lies in the entire lifecycle of the product: from installation and operation to maintenance and eventual replacement.

High-quality materials can help you:

• Save on installation costs thanks to easy-to-install designs that require minimal adjustments.

• Reduce maintenance frequency and costs due to durable, corrosion-resistant, and heat-tolerant materials.

• Extend the system’s lifespan, avoiding unexpected replacements that can interrupt operations.

• Benefit from clear warranty policies, with no extra costs if technical issues arise during early use.

On the other hand, choosing cheap fire hoses or low-quality nozzles can result in:

• Cracks, leaks, or damage after just a few pressure tests.

• Repair and replacement costs that far exceed the original investment.

Choosing the Right Materials – The Right Way to Protect Safety

A fire protection system is only truly effective when its components are properly selected, accurately installed, and reliably operated. Don’t wait until an emergency to discover a leaking hose, a stuck valve, or a nozzle that fails to spray—all of which stem from poor initial choices.

With the 9 key criteria shared by Bao Tin Steel, you can confidently evaluate and select quality firefighting materials that match your project type, environment, and specific budget.

Need help choosing fire protection materials?
Bao Tin Steel is ready to support you, from consultation and quotation to fast delivery:

• In-stock items: quality fire hoses, certified fire nozzles, fire pipes, valves, cabinets, couplings, and more.

• Full CO–CQ documentation provided; inspection support available if needed.

• Fast delivery in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces.

Contact Bao Tin Steel via:

• Hotline: 0932 059 176
  Website: www.thepbaotin.com
  Address: 551/156 Le Van Khuong, Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
  Bao Tin Steel – A reliable partner for all fire safety projects.

Tiger Steel is a subsidiary of Bao Tin Steel.