Considered a breakthrough solution in the field of fire protection, flexible sprinkler hoses help solve many problems that hard pipes are still facing, such as installation method, cost and construction time. The flexibility of the flexible sprinkler hose also helps to prevent the sprinkler head from being moved to another position in the event of an earthquake or due to movement of ceilings. This is a common problem with hard pipes, which can be dangerous in a fire incident.
However, there are many different manufacturers and installation methods in the market. How can customers choose the right product? In this article, GS Fire Safety will help you choose the right product to install for the project easily. Before going into the details, please make sure you are considering choosing a product that is UL Listed or FM Approved, which ensures quality and safety.
Here are a few guidelines on how to choose the right flexible sprinkler hose for every project.
1. Pressure of the flexible hose
In any fire protection system, the designer always considers the water pressure factor from the sprinkler head according to current standards in Vietnam and the requirements of the investor. The user should select the right product with the appropriate pressure for the design, for example 175 psi (12.3 kg/cm2) or 200 psi (14.06 kg/cm2) or 300 psi (21.09 kg/cm2). The pressure of sprinkler head ensures water flow on a sprinkler head when operating.
2. Length of the flexible hose
Depending on the height and design of the suspended ceiling, the choice of hose length should be calculated in advance. According to UL and FM standards, the standard lengths of the flexible sprinkler hoses are 700 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, and 1800 mm. Users need to consider choosing a length within this range while still ensuring the correct design. Too short a hose will not put the sprinkler head in the correct position, while a too long hose will cause unnecessary waste and loss of aesthetics.
3. Bend radius, number of bends
The flexibles hose connecting the sprinkler head has a flexible design, making it easy for users to bend into the desired position. However, the hose bending needs to comply with UL Listed or FM Approved regulations to ensure compliance with technical regulations. UL and FM have the same regulation for a maximum bend angle of 90 degrees and differ in the numbers of bends. For example, the flexible sprinkler hose is 700 mm long, 200 psi pressure, while UL allows 2 bends, FM only allows 1 bend.
4. The diameter of flexible hose
The diameter of the flexible hose has an important role in calculating the pressure and flow of water released from the sprinkler head. The user should consider when using the appropriate hose diameter. Currently, in most constructions in Vietnam, DN25 is the most commonly used diameter, but this still depends on the characteristics of each type of construction, because there are some projects that need to use the bigger diameter, like 28 or 30.
5. Fittings:
Each flexible sprinkler hose has a set of fittings that connect to the water supply pipe, ceiling and sprinkler head. Choosing the right set of fittings for each type of project will help the contractor save time and money. Currently, GS Fire Safety is providing 5 installation solutions suitable to the needs of the Vietnamese market. Each solution corresponds to a different set of fittings. Customers can learn more at G-Flex solutions section or contact us directly for more advice.
Choosing the right type of flexible sprinkler hose not only ensures compliance with technical standards and safety, but also helps to optimize costs and save time. With this article, GS Fire Safety hopes that customers have more necessary information to choose products for the projects. If you need any further advice, please contact us immediately, our sales engineers are always ready to assist you.
