Tyco Announces New Uncoated Steel Sprinkler Pipe

January 27, 2009 - As you may be aware, a few members of the fire sprinkler industry have recently expressed concerns regarding the compatability of anti-microbial coated steel pipe and CPVC plastic pipe.  Tyco's Fire Suppression & Building Products and Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation are currently investigating the compatibililty issue in order to fully address these concers and to eliminate any confusion that may exist regarding its CPVC and anti-microbial coated pipe products.

Failures in CPVC piping and fittings can occur for a variety of reasons and involve a number of factors, including the quality of the manufacture and installation of the piping and fittings, the type of ancillary products used in the sprinkler system, the external stresses involved and numerous other environmental factors at the site.  Tyco's investigation cmpleted to date consistently indicates that factors other than its ABF II coating are substaintial contributors to recent reported failures.  However, a thorough investigation of all possible factors is required before the actual cause of such failures is known. Tyco's investigation is proceeding expeditiously and will continue until specific answers can be provided and the compatibility issue is resolved.

In the interim, in response to customer requests for an alternative sprinkler pipe until our investigation is completed, Tyco is pleased to announce that Allied will expand its product line and offer its customers the option to purchase either uncoated or coated steel sprinkler pipe.  Customers will now have the option to purchase uncoated raw I.D. 2" through 4" Schedule 10x 21 foot sprinkler pipe which will be covered by a one (1) year limited warranty.  The uncoated pipe will not contain any anti-microbial coating.  For those customers who continue to desire the anti-microbial protection afforded by ABF II coated pipe, Allied will continue to offer ABF II coated pipe in sizes up to 4" O.D.  When placing a purchase order, please be sure to specify your preference for "coated" or "uncoated" steel sprinkler pipe.

We thank you for your continued confidence in Tyco and its products.  We look forward to working with you in this New Year.