background image

Job-site verification

To verify the sprinkler plan is appropriate, walk the entire  

job prior to installation. 
Verify the sprinkler plans match the layout of the residence. 

Confirm walls, beams, ceiling vaults, and other features are 

consistent with the sprinkler plan and any other architectural 

features of the building have not changed.
• Verify adequate water supply. Ensure water supply details 

match the sprinkler plan, design parameters and confirm 

appropriate water meter.

• Verify the final elevations match those submitted on the  

design request form. The sprinkler system was designed with 

these parameters, and differences can result in flow and 

pressure inconsistencies.

Locating sprinkler and connection locations

The sprinkler plan will identify the basic location for all sprinklers. 

Mark the location of sprinklers with consideration of obstructions, 

minimum sprinkler spacing requirements, maximum sprinkler 

coverage, possible shadow areas, etc. Refer to NFPA 13D and/

or the sprinkler manufacturer's installation instructions for 

additional information.

Spacing from continuous obstructions

If obstructions exist that are not shown on the sprinkler plan, 

refer to NFPA 13D and/or the sprinkler manufacturer’s installation 

instructions for proper sprinkler placement. 
If additional sprinklers are required to avoid  

obstructions, contact Uponor Construction Services  

at 

[email protected]

 to determine if a  

redesign is necessary.

 

 

16  l  Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide

Summary of Contents for AquaSAFE

Page 1: ...Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 2: ...5124 T 800 321 4739 F 952 891 2008 uponor usa com Uponor Ltd 6510 Kennedy Road Mississauga ON L5T 2X4 T 888 594 7726 F 800 638 9517 uponor ca 2021 Uponor All rights reserved First edition May 2016 Fif...

Page 3: ...taken reasonable efforts in collecting preparing and providing quality information and material in this document However system enhancements may result in modification of features or specifications wi...

Page 4: ...rinkler system overview 7 Backflow prevention requirements 7 AquaSAFE system components 7 Uponor AquaPEX piping 7 ProPEX sprinkler adapters and fittings 8 Equivalent piping lengths 8 Residential sprin...

Page 5: ...nd piping support 25 Bending PEX 25 Piping support and pipe talon guidelines 25 Piping support spacing 26 Reforming kinked piping 27 Piping uncoilers 28 Extreme temperature installations 29 Chapter 7...

Page 6: ...ansions 47 Chapter 8 Connecting plumbing runs 49 Chapter 9 Domestic water bypass 51 Bypass components 51 Installation guidelines 52 Troubleshooting 53 Hard or unfiltered water issues 53 Flow test fail...

Page 7: ...re compliance with fire protection listings Uponor AquaPEX piping is manufactured in compliance with ASTM F876 ASTM F877 ASTM F1960 and ASTM F2023 as certified by NSF International Uponor AquaPEX pipi...

Page 8: ...o UL 1821 Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings for Fire Protection Service and the following guidelines Installation requirements Uponor AquaPEX white piping and ProPEX fittings listed to UL 1821...

Page 9: ...mum weight of 0 35 lf ft2 installed with metallic support grids or thick code complying plywood or solid sheathing Piping shall be supported every 24 with metal supports designed for use with non meta...

Page 10: ...days Do not use piping that has been exposed to direct sunlight for more than 30 days Do not install PEX piping in direct view of fluorescent lighting Do not use piping that has been exposed to direc...

Page 11: ...ectrical systems and other integrated systems in a home Property owners should take steps to eliminate pests Do not subject PEX piping to impact During remodeling or ceiling repair take appropriate pr...

Page 12: ...d acceptable to the AHJ The Uponor AquaSAFE system uses sprinkler adapter fittings with a NPT outlet to attach the fire sprinkler Refer to the Uponor Product Catalog for all adapter fittings ProPEX te...

Page 13: ...e pressure but an automatic means of pressure relief must be installed on the sprinkler system piping As with multipurpose systems Uponor PEX and ProPEX fittings may not be used on standalone systems...

Page 14: ...gths Reduced fittings Flow Equiv length EP reducing coupling 1 x Through 3 EP reducing coupling 1 x Through 4 EP reducing coupling 1 x 1 Through 3 EP reducing tee x x 1 Through 2 Branch 6 EP reducing...

Page 15: ...elbow Through 11 12 11 Brass elbow Through 5 6 EP tee Through 2 2 4 Branch 17 14 9 Brass tee Through 1 1 Branch 6 6 Brass sweat adapter Through 3 3 4 Brass male threaded adapter Through 3 4 5 Brass fe...

Page 16: ...ade as the PEX piping shrinks over the fitting due to the unique shape memory of Uponor AquaPEX piping Refer to the Uponor Product Catalog for a current listing of all ProPEX fittings listed for use i...

Page 17: ...mperature sprinklers are required Caution Do not paint cover plates Paint coverage may interfere with the heat sensitivity of the sprinkler Recessed pendent sprinklers Recessed pendent sprinklers are...

Page 18: ...bient ceiling temperatures exceed 100 F 38 C Recessed escutcheons Recessed escutcheons include a tension collar and are available in white or bronze to provide a finished appearance for sprinklers Cau...

Page 19: ...esign provides the following information Model Type of sprinkler used Nominal orifice size Size of the orifice on the sprinkler Temperature rating Temperature the sprinkler will activate K factor A nu...

Page 20: ...1st Floor RC RES 16 H 17 RC RES 16 H 18 RC RES 16 H 23 RC RES 16 H 14 RC RES 16 H 12 RC RES 16 H 3 RC RES 16 H 2 RC RES 16 H 1 RC RES 16 H 9 RC RES 16 H 24 Supply up to 2nd Floor Up Family room Sun ro...

Page 21: ...ers Speed square Level Plumb bob and or chalk string Permanent marker Heat gun Extension cords and portable lighting Ladder s and or scaffolding Product verification Verify quantity and type of sprink...

Page 22: ...and pressure inconsistencies Locating sprinkler and connection locations The sprinkler plan will identify the basic location for all sprinklers Mark the location of sprinklers with consideration of o...

Page 23: ...ter heater or furnace 6 Light fixture 0 W 250 W 6 Light fixture 250 W 499 W 12 Table 3 1 Minimum distances from heat sources Floor to floor connection locations The sprinkler plan will identify the ba...

Page 24: ...ize the distance of the dead end runs What to do if changes are required If any features or obstructions require the addition or deletion of sprinklers or significant relocation of sprinklers contact...

Page 25: ...pate the use of fans surface mounted lighting beams and slopes For specific clearance requirements refer to NFPA 13D Vaulted ceilings and obstructions added after the system design is completed can in...

Page 26: ...5 8 Sheet rock Typical screw location Align bottom of bracket to bottom of 1 mounting member surface for typical recessed pendant installation Use top screw holes in bracket Recessed sprinkler Brass...

Page 27: ...r Speed nut Brass fitting Typical fitting bottom to joist bottom cNSFus pw G PEX U P Code F1960 LF 1 Sheet rock 1 Typical screw location Brass fitting Speed nut Align top of bracket to top of 1 mounti...

Page 28: ...Important After installing the first sprinkler adapter verify the correct placement by temporarily installing all components sprinkler cover plate or escutcheon and a representation of the ceiling th...

Page 29: ...ler adapter You should obtain a leak tight connection with a torque of 7 ft lbs to 21 ft lbs approximately two turns past hand tight Do not over tighten Always refer to the sprinkler manufacturer s da...

Page 30: ...sion ring and are pressed into place until the flange is tight against the ceiling Escutcheons typically allow for up to adjustment Caution To protect the sprinkler from damage due to finishing work c...

Page 31: ...l piping supports designed for plastic piping are acceptable and required for exposed applications Ensure proper orientation of the pipe talon as shown in Figure 6 1 2 Do not use supports that will da...

Page 32: ...o allow the piping to expand and contract 1 Along horizontal runs install supports every 32 If horizontal runs are continuously supported place the piping supports at 6 intervals see Figure 6 3 2 Alon...

Page 33: ...e temperature of the piping must not exceed 338 F 170 C DO NOT apply direct flame to Uponor AquaPEX piping Uponor AquaPEX piping repaired according to these recommendations will return to its original...

Page 34: ...anels or tiles weighing greater than 0 35 lbs per square foot 1 7kg per square meter when installed with metallic support grids 13mm plywood soffits One layer of 13mm plywood Piping uncoilers The foll...

Page 35: ...iping with adequate insulation in warm weather areas to minimize heating of the cold water supply Installation methods include but are not limited to Tenting over the fire sprinkler piping Additional...

Page 36: ...30 l Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 37: ...orded Expander Tool ProPEX Hand Expander Tool Distance between fittings Uponor requires a minimum distance between ProPEX fittings to avoid damaging the fittings during installation and to protect aga...

Page 38: ...the connection must be replaced Square cut the piping 2 away from the fitting for 3 3 8 8 to 1 pipe 3 away for 1 to 2 pipe and 5 away for 2 and 3 pipe prior to making the new connection Brass ProPEX...

Page 39: ...ools only Milwaukee expansion heads will auto rotate on the M12 and M18 H heads are not compatible with Milwaukee tools and Milwaukee heads are not compatible with Uponor tools Milwaukee heads are eas...

Page 40: ...sion tools come with built in auto rotation If using a Milwaukee expansion head simply hold the piping and tool in place while holding the trigger to expand the piping The head will automatically rota...

Page 41: ...leak paths 6 After the final expansion immediately remove the tool and insert the fitting Ensure the piping and ring seat against the shoulder of the fitting Important Only perform the necessary numbe...

Page 42: ...owering Figure 7 11 FORCE LOGIC expansion head auto rotate teeth Auto rotate teeth 1 Remove the battery pack and place the FORCE LOGIC tool in the upright position cone up 2 Verify the expansion cone...

Page 43: ...otation so the head will automatically rotate to ensure the piping is evenly expanded Note To cancel the expansion process quickly pull and release the trigger 4 Press the trigger to initiate the rota...

Page 44: ...lder Figure 7 19 Insert fitting Making ProPEX connections with ProPEX 201 corded expander tools 1 Square cut the PEX piping perpendicular to the length of the piping Remove all excess material or burr...

Page 45: ...e head back into the piping Continue expanding and rotating until the piping and ring are snug against the shoulder on the expander head See Table 7 2 Important Rotating the tool between expansions wi...

Page 46: ...Rotate head Figure 7 25 Expand to shoulder 6 After the final expansion immediately remove the tool and insert the fitting Ensure the piping and ring seat against the shoulder of the fitting 40 l Upon...

Page 47: ...Figure 7 28 ProPEX EP tee connected to pipe Figure 7 29 ProPEX brass fitting connected to pipe Figure 7 27 Ensure piping and ring seat against shoulder of fitting uponor usa com uponor ca l 41...

Page 48: ...quare cut the PEX piping perpendicular to the length of the piping Remove all excess material or burrs that might affect the fitting connection 2 Expand each side of the ring once 3 Slide the expanded...

Page 49: ...ing any ProPEX connections If used regularly apply the lubricant daily to the cone of the ProPEX expander tool Failure to keep the tool lubricated may result in improper connections Caution Excessive...

Page 50: ...not pressurized 2 Use a utility knife to carefully cut through the ProPEX ring Important Do not heat the ring prior to cutting it Take care to cut only the ring and not the piping or fitting Gouges in...

Page 51: ...removing the fitting measure 2 50 8 mm minimum for 3 3 8 8 to 1 pipe 3 76 2 mm minimum for 1 to 2 pipe 5 127 mm minimum for 2 and 3 pipe 6 Square cut the piping at the proper marking 7 Allow the fitti...

Page 52: ...xpansion is not held in the expanded position before the fitting is inserted You should feel some resistance as the fitting goes into the piping If you do not feel any resistance the piping may be ove...

Page 53: ...the tool on each expansion i e close the manual tool handle or release the trigger Cold weather expansions Uponor recommends the use of the Milwaukee M12 FUEL ProPEX expansion tool with RAPID SEAL he...

Page 54: ...48 l Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 55: ...er to multiple fixtures or you can install a dedicated run to supply an individual fixture From flow through multiport tees you can install Uponor AquaPEX to multiple cold water fixtures directly Ensu...

Page 56: ...50 l Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 57: ...tricting device The PRV opens only during sprinkler activation and not domestic use Therefore the flow restricting device does not negatively impact the water supply of the fire sprinkler system and a...

Page 58: ...mestic use Pressure drop from sprinkler operation opens PRV Allows flow through PRV Flow switch can provide alarm if required Figure 9 1 Domestic water bypass installation with optional flow switch In...

Page 59: ...e pressure gauge 6 reading will increase The water is now flowing through the water softener filtration system 9 only If a sprinkler activates the downstream pressure will drop below the PRV set point...

Page 60: ...ailure 1 Make sure the PRV set pressure in the field is equal to or higher than the set pressure shown on the plan If the actual PRV set pressure is lower than the set pressure shown on the bypass det...

Page 61: ...rk cover the head with the plastic cover provided with the sprinkler Paint and sheetrock can damage a sprinkler if not properly protected After all finishing work is complete and sheetrock is in place...

Page 62: ...56 l Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 63: ...e required by the AHJ or local ordinances Before performing a flow verification test confirm the water pressures by contacting the water and sewer department of your local city Ensure the available wa...

Page 64: ...htly higher than the normal static pressure For example if the static pressure is 65 psi install an 80 psi gauge Note that a gauge that reads too high will not measure the lower residual pressures ade...

Page 65: ...e the most hydraulically demanding sprinkler The demanding sprinkler is shown on the fire protection drawing in the hydraulically most remote sprinkler detail 2 With the system turned off and drained...

Page 66: ...rm the flow test again and get an accurate residual flowing pressure from the gauge you installed Since each system has been hydraulically calculated to perform at a certain pressure at the main shuto...

Page 67: ...shown on the plan Tee orientations do not match those shown on the plan Layout has been changed without contacting Uponor Construction Services Potential flow test procedure or equipment problems Tes...

Page 68: ...62 l Uponor AquaSAFE System Installation Guide...

Page 69: ...ar the main water shutoff valve Keep at least one spare sprinkler of each type in the cabinet for easy access to replacements Check local code requirements for any additional spare sprinkler or cabine...

Page 70: ...tact Uponor Construction Services at design services uponor com The water system for this home supplies fire sprinklers that require certain flows and pressures to fight a fire Do not add devices that...

Page 71: ...uponor usa com uponor ca l 65...

Page 72: ...alley MN 55124 USA T 800 321 4739 F 952 891 2008 uponor usa com AquaSAFE_InstallGuide_0721 Copyright 2021 Uponor Printed in the United States Uponor Ltd 6510 Kennedy Road Mississauga ON L5T 2X4 CANADA...

Reviews: