CuSP research examines fire hazards of plastic pipes

The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) has conducted a series of tests highlighting fire safety concerns associated with plastic pipes.

According to CuSP, three types of plastic pipes burned completely in under ten minutes, releasing toxic gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.

CuSP’s Plastic Under Fire campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with plastic piping materials.

Tests conducted under laboratory conditions simulated real-life fire scenarios, comparing the performance of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST), multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP), and copper.

The results showed that plastic pipes released high levels of harmful gases and smoke, potentially reducing evacuation time during a fire.

Toxic gas emissions from burning plastic pipes

The study found that PEX pipes were the most toxic material when burned, releasing large quantities of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

In the tests, PEX pipes completely burned in under three minutes.

CSST pipes were identified as the fastest-spreading material in a fire, producing 761 times more smoke than copper pipes within the first four minutes of burning.

PEX pipes ranked second in smoke density, producing 507 times more smoke than copper.

High smoke levels can accelerate fire spread and hinder evacuation by reducing visibility.

MLCP emits hydrogen cyanide when burned

MLCP, a material gaining popularity due to its low cost and ease of installation, burned in just over five minutes.

CuSP reported that MLCP released hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic gas, at a concentration of 1.25 mg/m² within eight minutes of burning.

In contrast, copper pipes produced no hydrogen cyanide.

Hydrogen cyanide exposure can lead to severe neurological effects, respiratory failure, and, in extreme cases, death.

CuSP’s findings indicate that the use of MLCP in buildings could pose a serious health risk in the event of a fire.

Copper pipes found to be the safest option

CuSP stated that copper pipes did not burn under test conditions due to their high melting point of 1,085°C, which exceeds the temperatures typically reached in building fires.

The organisation noted that copper pipes released significantly lower levels of toxic gases and smoke compared to plastic alternatives.

Andrew Surtees, Co-Founder of CuSP, said: “These findings underline the critical importance for manufacturers and installers of considering the fire safety implications of different piping materials.

“Plastic pipes pose a serious risk both to human life and building structures, producing large amounts of smoke and a series of toxic chemicals in a fire.

“For plumbers, the choice of what pipe they are installing should not just be about what is the quickest or cheapest option – but about the long-term implications for people and the environment.”

Fire safety risks of plastic pipes revealed in CuSP study: Summary

CuSP has published findings from a study on the fire safety risks of plastic pipes.

The research found that PEX, CSST, and MLCP pipes burned completely within ten minutes, releasing hazardous gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide.

PEX pipes were identified as the most toxic material when burned, while CSST pipes produced 761 times more smoke than copper.

MLCP was found to emit hydrogen cyanide at 1.25 mg/m² within eight minutes of burning.

CuSP stated that copper pipes do not burn due to their high melting point and release significantly lower levels of toxic gases compared to plastic alternatives.

The organisation’s Plastic Under Fire campaign seeks to highlight the risks associated with plastic piping materials in building fires.