Galvanized pipe and fittings shall be used or shall not be used?

Galvanized pipe and fittings shall be used or shall not be used?

• A. Shall not be used
• B. Shall be used
• C. Can be used with approval
• D. Required in some areas

Answer: (A)

Galvanized pipe and fittings should not be used in fire protection piping because the zinc coating can corrode over time when in contact with water. As corrosion develops, rust particles can shed into the system, clogging small passages and reducing water flow to sprinkler heads just when a fire occurs. The coating can also deteriorate under pressure, leading to leaks. To ensure reliability and water quality, codes require piping to be made from materials that resist corrosion or are appropriately lined or coated, such as black steel, epoxy-lined steel, stainless steel, copper, or approved plastics, depending on the design. Therefore, galvanized piping is not permitted for fire protection piping in modern practice.

Galvanized pipe and fittings should not be used in fire protection piping because the zinc coating can corrode over time when in contact with water. As corrosion develops, rust particles can shed into the system, clogging small passages and reducing water flow to sprinkler heads just when a fire occurs. The coating can also deteriorate under pressure, leading to leaks. To ensure reliability and water quality, codes require piping to be made from materials that resist corrosion or are appropriately lined or coated, such as black steel, epoxy-lined steel, stainless steel, copper, or approved plastics, depending on the design. Therefore, galvanized piping is not permitted for fire protection piping in modern practice.