scope:

This standard encompasses the design and performance requirements for steel pipe for use in aboveground fire sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets.

This Approval standard is limited to NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 steel pipe. Note that NPS ½ pipe, for example, may be referred to as ½ in NPS, or ½ in pipe. Larger sizes of steel pipe may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Approval of NPS 1/2 and ³/4 pipe is permitted for use as valve trim, gauge connections, and for other peripheral service. Approval for use in aboveground fire sprinkler systems is limited to steel pipe NPS 1 through 12. The waterflow path of the sprinkler system cannot be designed using pipe smaller than NPS 1. In cases where metric sized steel pipe is to be examined for Approval, test criteria comparable to the equivalent or nearest nominal diameter (DN) size shall be used (Refer to Table 1.2.7).

Steel pipe may be Approved under this Standard for use in either wet or dry pipe sprinkler systems, or both, but in all cases for aboveground service only.

This standard is intended to verify that the product described will:

• Meet stated conditions of performance, safety, and quality useful to the ends of property conservation.

• If the steel pipe includes a manufacturer-applied internal coating and is intended for use in a hybrid sprinkler system (i.e., plastic pipe connected to internally-coated steel pipe), evaluation of the internallycoated steel pipe under this standard shall include chemical compatibility testing with all FM Approved plastic pipe and fittings (Refer to Appendix I).

This Standard encompasses steel pipe manufactured by the furnace welded, continuous butt-weld, or electric resistance welded process. Other methods of manufacturing, such as spiral welded, or seamless pipe may be evaluated under this Standard as long as the intent of this Standard is met.

This Approval Standard encompasses "Specialty Tubulars" for use with mechanical press connections. Like Schedule 5 steel pipe, "Specialty Tubulars" are limited for use in branch line service, but only after a transition fitting from steel pipe. These "Specialty Tubulars" are limited to sizes NPS 1 through 2 when manufactured in carbon steel, and NPS 1 through 4 when manufactured in stainless steel.

For comparison between the outside diameters (OD) of pipes manufactured to ASME B36.10M-2004 dimensions, and those of other standards, the following table, Table 1.2.7 has been made for reference.

Purpose 

This standard states FM Approval criteria for steel pipe for use in aboveground fire sprinkler systems. 

FM Approval criteria may include, but are not limited to, performance requirements, marking requirements, examination of manufacturing facility(ies), audit of quality assurance procedures, and a surveillance audit program.