What are Anti-Freeze Loops?
The rules for anti-freeze solutions have changed There are new UL Listed anti-freeze solutions available today specifically designed for fire sprinkler systems.
It is very important that proper anti-freeze solution is selected to comply with current fire code regulations.
Areas both outside of a building and areas in a building are protected by anti-freeze loops when the areas in question are subject to freezing. The anti-freeze loop (AFL) is isolated by a check valve from the rest of the sprinkler system in a building. There is a fill cup and a main drain to assist with refilling the loop and draining the loop. A variety of liquids have been used to fill anti-freeze loops. The most common of these are as follows: ethylene glycol, (GL) glycerin, and (PG) propylene glycol.
Additionally, if CPVC plastic pipe was used to construct a sprinkler system, glycerin is the only liquid that should be used in the anti-freeze loop. On an annual basis, the testing of anti-freeze loops is required by the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association). To ensure that the liquid in anti-freeze loops will stand up to temperatures that are freezing and below, ASCO Fire will use special instruments to test the anti-freeze solution in your system.
Types of Facilities that Require Anti-freeze Loops
Anti-freeze loops can be found in any building with a sprinkler system where subfreezing or freezing conditions are a threat. The following buildings, more often than not, contain sprinkler systems:
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Retail Facilities
- Schools
- Universities
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Hospitals
- Medical Facilities
- Warehouses
- Multifamily Residential Buildings
- Commercial Buildings
- … and more!
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Benefits of Installing Anti-Freeze Loops
New guidelines and rules regarding the inspection and installation of fire sprinkler systems that are water-based were released in 2014. Thanks to these guidelines, anti-freeze solutions used in anti-freeze loops are now manufacturer mixed. The benefit of this is that your building and your maintenance crew (and, indeed, your fire service) no longer have to worry about how to mix the solution for your building’s anti-freeze loop. There can be no accidents with a premixed solution.
Aside from that, the benefits of a system like this are pretty clear. If there is ever a danger of freezing conditions hampering your sprinkler system, an anti-freeze loop system will remove any doubt as to the integrity of your sprinkler system (in regard to freeze ups). This should allow you to sleep far more soundly at night.
Our Expertise in Anti-Freeze Loops
The professionals at ASCO Fire are knowledgeable and experienced with the following: new construction projects, fit outs, fire code retrofits, equipment upgrades, renovations, and more. That expertise has been applied over and over again. Some of our bigger New Jersey projects are as follows:
- Walmart
- Waldwick Municipal Building
- Marriott Residence Inn’s in Wayne and Canterbury
- Mary Hart Nursing Home
- Hilton Homewood Suites
- River Criminal Development
- The ROTC Building at Princeton University
- Bayer Pharmaceuticals
As you can see, many of New Jersey’s businesses and residences rely on the professionalism and skill of our ASCO Fire teams. These teams work together with your architect and your engineering team to determine if an anti-freeze loop would benefit your situation. If it is determined that freezing temperatures are a threat to your current or new fire-fighting system, we will get to work installing your anti-freeze loop and integrating it with your sprinkler system.
Choose ASCO Fire for Anti-Freeze Loops
At ASCO Fire, we pride ourselves on being able to provide all the needs of our clients when it comes to fire protection services and equipment. And because we specialize in fire protection systems and equipment testing and repair, there is no need to have your maintenance personnel perform any type of work on the system.
Contact ASCO Fire today to schedule a complimentary consultation on anti-freeze loops with our team. Call 973-633-7300 or email us at info@ASCOfire.com to get started!