What are Fire Protection Steel Pipes and Firefighting Accessories? Classification, Standards, and Applications

Serious fire incidents are often partially or entirely caused by failures in the fire protection system, including issues related to piping and accessories. These issues may include: burst pipes, substandard pipes, non-functioning valves, damaged joints, and more.

When a fire breaks out, many people are caught off guard as water, gas, or foam fails to reach the intended location, the pressure is too weak, or the flow is interrupted. These failures prevent the fire from being effectively suppressed and can even cause the flames to grow larger and more destructive.

👉 That’s why it’s essential to have a basic understanding of fire protection steel pipes and accessories – indispensable components of a complete fire protection system. Check out the article below to get useful information!

What Are Fire Protection Steel Pipes? What Are Firefighting Accessories?

Fire Protection Steel Pipes are types of pipes used to transport water or other fire-extinguishing agents (such as foam, CO₂ gas, etc.) within the fire protection systems of buildings and facilities. They play a key role in ensuring the rapid and efficient delivery of extinguishing agents to areas where fires occur.

Firefighting Accessories are supporting components and materials that accompany and enhance the performance of fire protection equipment and systems. They play an important role in connecting, controlling, protecting, and improving the overall effectiveness of the entire system.

Types of Fire Protection Steel Pipes and Associated Firefighting Accessories

Popular Types of Fire Protection Steel Pipes

The most common types of fire protection steel pipes used in fire protection systems in Vietnam today are:

• Black Steel Pipes: This type of pipe is widely used due to its reasonable cost and good pressure resistance. Black steel pipes are often preferred for fire protection systems inside buildings or in areas less exposed to direct moisture. After installation, the pipe surface is usually painted in a distinctive red colour for easy identification as fire protection pipes.

• Galvanized Steel Pipes: These pipes are coated with a layer of zinc on the outer surface, which enhances their resistance to rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel pipes are a popular choice for fire protection systems installed outdoors, in humid environments, or in areas that require high durability and low maintenance.

Additionally, in terms of manufacturing methods, both welded steel pipes and seamless steel pipes can be used in fire protection systems. However:

• Welded Steel Pipes: These are more common due to their simpler manufacturing process and competitive cost.

• Seamless Steel Pipes: Typically used in cases requiring very high pressure and temperature resistance because they have no welded seams.

👉 Refer to the steel pipe products at Bao Tin Stee:

Common Fire Protection Accessories

Here are the types of accessories used in a basic fire protection system:

• Pipe Accessories: These are components used to connect, redirect, branch, or seal the fire protection piping system that carries water or firefighting chemicals. They include elbows, tees, reducers, nipples, end caps, couplings, flanges, union joints, flexible vibration-resistant joints, and more. Fire protection pipe accessories are usually made from steel (either black steel or galvanized steel) to match the pipe materials. They can be connected by welding or threading.

• Fire Protection Valves: Valves help control the flow of extinguishing agents within the system. Common types include gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves, alarm valves, fire angle valves, pressure relief valves, and drain valves. Fire protection valves are typically made from cast iron, steel, or brass and comply with specific pressure and material standards for fire protection.

• Fire Sprinkler Heads: These are the final devices in a sprinkler system that release water when activated by heat.

• Fire Nozzles: Used to direct and adjust the flow of water or foam discharged from the fire hose.

• Fire Hoses: High-pressure flexible pipes used to deliver extinguishing agents from angle valves or hydrants to the fire.

• Fire Hydrants: Connection points for hoses and nozzles. They draw water directly from the public water supply or storage tanks.

• Pipe Supports and Clamps: Used to secure and support fire protection piping systems on walls, ceilings, or building structures.

• Fire Equipment Cabinets: Used to store fire hoses, nozzles, angle valves, and other initial firefighting equipment.

🔥🔥 Check out various types of fire protection materials: 

Standards for Fire Protection Steel Pipes and Firefighting Accessories

The main standards for fire protection steel pipes and associated accessories in Vietnam usually include:

Vietnamese Standards (TCVN): Some relevant TCVN standards include TCVN 5738 (Fire water supply systems – Design requirements), TCVN 6160 (Water-based fire protection systems – General regulations), TCVN 2622 (Welded and seamless steel pipes for construction purposes), and TCVN 3890 (Fire prevention and fighting equipment for buildings and works – Installation, arrangement, inspection, and maintenance).

International Standards: International standards are commonly used for imported fire protection steel pipes and accessories. These include:

• ASTM (USA): ASTM A53 (Black and hot-dip galvanized steel pipes), ASTM A135 (Electric resistance welded steel pipes), ASTM A795 (Steel pipes for fire protection systems).
• BS (United Kingdom): BS 1387, BS EN 10255.
• DIN (Germany).
• JIS (Japan).

These standards specify requirements to ensure that fire protection steel pipes and accessories operate effectively and safely in the event of a fire. The factors covered include material, dimensions (diameter, thickness), working pressure, welding methods, corrosion resistance, and other technical requirements.

👉 Check out the Fire Protection Steel Pipe Standards now!

Applications of Fire Protection Steel Pipes

Fire protection steel pipes are widely used in fire prevention and firefighting systems to convey water, firefighting foam, or extinguishing gases from the supply source to the firefighting points (nozzles, sprinklers, fire hydrants, etc.). The main applications include:

• Fire Protection Systems in Construction Projects: Including residential buildings (apartments, high-rises), office buildings, shopping centres, supermarkets, and hotels.
  Fire Protection Systems in Industrial Facilities: Factories, production workshops, warehouses.

• Fire Protection Systems in Special Areas: Fuel and gas storage, underground constructions, airports.

  The above is the most basic information about fire protection steel pipes and their accompanying accessories. We hope that the shared information from Bảo Tín Steel helps everyone better understand a basic fire protection system. If you need to purchase fire protection steel pipes and accessories, please contact us.
  Hotline: 0932 059 176.