NFPA Updates on Sprinkler System Antifreeze: What AHJs Need to Know

Many are not aware that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire sprinkler standards require new antifreeze systems to use an agency-listed antifreeze. And these same standards require that existing systems use an agency-listed antifreeze by September 30, 2022. In fact, when safety concerns led to these NFPA updates, no listed product was available.

Now, with the launch of freezemaster™ antifreeze, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are in a better position to enforce these updated NFPA standards.

Changes Affect Building Renovation, Retrofit and New Construction

Since 2012, NFPA standards have required that all new antifreeze systems use a listed antifreeze product that also has corrosion resistance properties to protect sprinkler pipes against premature degradation and possible system failure. In addition, glycerin and propylene glycol antifreeze solutions used in existing wet sprinkler systems must be drained and replaced with a listed antifreeze solution by September 30, 2022.

Lubrizol Advanced Materials has introduced a patent pending, factory premixed solution, freezemaster™ antifreeze, offering freeze protection against costly corrosion and severe cold.

freezemaster™ antifreeze remains in a liquid state down to -12°F (-24°C). It can be installed in all new and existing fire sprinkler systems for Residential, Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard and Storage applications (refer to the freezemaster™ antifreeze Installation Guide for design parameters and listing limitations). It is important to verify which particular antifreeze was installed during system inspection. Providing further assurance during the inspection process, freezemaster™ antifreeze is dyed blue to aid in easy identification of a fully flushed and filled system.

Breakthrough freezemaster™ antifreeze was precisely formulated by Lubrizol Advanced Materials to meet NFPA 13, 13R, 13D and 25, building on more than 30 years of fire safety expertise, to deliver critical performance to building owners and assure the safety of occupants and property. It is approved for use with most piping system materials such as CPVC, PEX, steel and other metallic piping, including galvanized.

Specially listed fire protection products have unique parameters that are outlined in their listing. The freezemaster™ antifreeze listing is unique to it and should not be used for any other antifreeze products.

Click here to download the What AHJs Need to Know About NFPA Antifreeze Requirements guide to learn more about the updated standards for new and existing antifreeze sprinkler systems.

Learn more about freezemaster™ antifreeze by accessing the Technical Data Sheet.