Fire-Resistant vs Standard Plastic PVC
PVC ducting is inherently a combustible material. Although through recent advancements, and specialised products, this has led to the development of fire-retardant piping. But why is fire-retardant PVC pipe important and when should it be used?
Fire-resistant components
PVC ducting with the right level of fire-retardant will increase fire resistance by slowing down flame spread, reducing smoke and toxic gas emissions, and providing self-extinguishing properties due to the chlorine element. To adhere to fire safety regulations, PVC fittings must be compliant with local and national building codes. New Zealand Building Code does not universally state that all PVC must be fire-retardant (otherwise they all would be), but in many cases will be required to meet fire performance criteria.
Standard plastics
Standardised PVC without fire-protectant components such as chlorine, can have the opposing effect as fire-resistant PVC. Standard PVC can act as a fuel in fire. Not only does it not extinguish the flame, but it can accelerate the speed of it and produce toxic chemicals into the building such as hydrogen chloride gas.
Fires are always unexpected and can happen in any building scenario, so why would you not use fire-retardant PVC along with your other fire-safety properties. The lower cost PVC could cost you down the line when the choice of pipe material impacts the original risk of fire, building integrity and the safety of the occupants inside of it.
Recommendation
It is recommended to use fire-resistant PVC in any circumstance, although it is most crucial in enclosed areas such as apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, and anywhere else that evacuation may be slow in the case of emergency.
Vent Supply only stocks PVC that is corrosion and fire-resistant, for a long-lasting performance you can trust. We recommend that when shopping for PVC supplies, ensure you check the product is corrosive and most importantly fire-resistant to ensure the safety of the occupants in the homes, buildings and other projects in the pipeline.