Nov 13, 2026
What if water mist installation could become lighter, faster, simpler and less expensive?
Regulations dictate that galvanized steel pipes are no longer preferred solution in wet fire protection systems, as their zinc coating is prone to leaching and localized corrosion under stagnant water conditions. Austenitic stainless steels such as 316/316L have therefore become the main alternative in many applications, where water mist is commonly used.
While stainless steel is a robust option, it also brings clear challenges: high cost, weight, and a long installation process. This raises a simple question: is there another way to meet the same technical needs while making installation easier?
What if there were a way to make installation lighter, faster, simpler and less expensive?
The challenge
With galvanized steel an option in many wet systems, stainless steel is now widely used for low-pressure water mist protection in many risks.
The reality on site is not ideal and brings many challenges. Stainless steel is expensive, pipes are heavy and difficult to handle, especially where spaces are limited. Installation also takes more time because of cutting and fitting. In retrofit projects, these constraints can become even more visible.
The solution
To address these challenges, Viking BlazeMaster CPVC, a plastic pipe system designed for fire sprinkler use, now offers an alternative approach.
Already widely used in residential and ordinary hazard risks, Viking BlazeMaster CPVC has now received FM approval for use up to 17.2 bar. This extends its use into higher-pressure systems. It also opens the door to new applications that were previously reserved for stainless steel pipes.
Compared to steel, CPVC resists corrosion, is significantly lighter, and allows faster and simpler installation, while reducing the installation costs.
The opportunity
With this new approval, Viking BlazeMaster CPVC can now be used for a wider range of water mist applications. This includes Ordinary Hazard – Group 1/HC1/EN14972 environments such as offices, hotels, schools, and residential buildings, including high-rise buildings.
For water mist and sprinkler projects, this creates more flexibility in system design. It also helps simplify installation in projects where space, time, or access are limited.
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