CEA 4001 - Page 96

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• The bending strength of the welded pipe joint shall be at least 80% of the pipe bending strength;
• If robot welding machines are used, the welding operation shall be fully automatic.
15.1.4 Mechanical pipe joints
Mechanical pipe joints shall be approved.
15.1.5 Flexible pipes and joints
If relative movement is likely to occur between different sections of pipework within the sprinkler
system, e.g. owing to expansion joints or in the case of free-standing storage racking, a flexible section
or joint shall be fitted at the point of connection to the distribution main. Before installation it shall
meet the following requirements.
a) it shall be capable of withstanding a test pressure of four times the maximum working pressure
or 40 bar, whichever is the greater, and shall not include parts which, when subject to fire,
might impair either the integrity or the performance of the sprinkler system;
b) Flexible pipes shall contain a continuous pressure-retaining stainless steel or non-ferrous metal
inner tube;
c) Flexible pipes shall not be fitted in the fully extended position.
Flexible pipes and joints shall not be used to take up misalignment between a distribution main and the
feed pipes to intermediate sprinklers.
15.1.6 Concealment
Pipes shall be installed in such a way that they are easily accessible for repairs and alterations. They shall
not be embedded in concrete floors or ceilings.
NOTE: wherever possible, piping should not be installed in concealed spaces which make
inspection, repairs and modifications difficult.
15.1.7 Protection against fire and mechanical damage
Piping shall be installed in such a way that the pipes are not exposed to mechanical damage. Where pipes
are installed above gangways with low headroom, or at intermediate levels, or in other similar situations,
precautions
shall be taken against mechanical damage.
Where it is unavoidable for water supply pipework to pass through an unsprinklered building, it shall
be installed at ground level and shall be enclosed by dwarf brick walls covered by concrete slabs.
15.1.8 Painting
Non-galvanised ferrous pipework shall be painted. Galvanised piping shall be painted wherever the
coating has been damaged, e.g. by threading.
NOTE: extra protection may be needed for unusually corrosive conditions.
15.1.9 Drainage
Mean shall be provided to enable all the pipework to be drained. Where this cannot be done