Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze passed all tests in the UL 2901 test protocol, receiving a UL certification deeming it safe for use in fire sprinkler systems using the proper procedures specified in the product installation manual. Lubrizol also had UL put freezemaster™ antifreeze through additional testing to earn a listing for use with galvanized steel piping, the first listed antifreeze product to earn this additional listing.

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Fire sprinkler systems utilizing freezemaster™ antifreeze shall follow these system size limitations:

Designation	Use Temp Range	Application	Max Volume of Antifreeze in Sprinkler System
Antifreeze	-12°F to 150°F (-24°C to 66°	NFPA 13D [1]	≤500 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13D design criteri
		NFPA 13R – Residential Only (including corridors, garages that serve only a single dwelling unit, and compartmented Ordinary Hazard areas ≤500 sq ft) [1] Where NFPA 13R requires the use of NFPA 13 design criteria, refer to the NFPA 13 applications and volume limitations.	≤500 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13R design criteria Where NFPA 13 design criteria is required in areas of an NFPA 13R Occupancy, such as an attic, use the applicable volume limitation for the hazard area for NFPA 13.
		NFPA 13 - Light Hazard [1]	≤200 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13 design criteria or >200 gal to ≤500 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13 using the dry system hydraulic design criteria, where the system hydraulics are designed as a dry system even though the system is filled with antifreeze.
		NFPA 13 – Ordinary Hazard Groups 1 & 2 [1]	≤40 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13 design criteria or >40 gal to ≤500 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13 using the dry system hydraulic design criteria, where the system hydraulics are designed as a dry system even though the system is filled with antifreeze.
		NFPA 13 – Storage [1]	≤40 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13 design criteria

 

[1]The antifreeze solution is intended to be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For all systems, the following requirements shall apply: (a) the use of the antifreeze solution is limited to the aboveground system piping only except for a limited length of underground piping that connects sections of the aboveground system, (b) the viscosity of the antifreeze solution at the lowest anticipated temperature of the system shall be considered in the hydraulic design, (c) the friction loss shall be determined using the Hazen-Williams formula for water and the Darcy-Weisbach formula to account for the antifreeze solution fluid properties, and (d) the K-factor of the sprinkler shall be adjusted to account for the density of the antifreeze.

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While freezemaster™ antifreeze is UL listed for use up to 500 gallons in Light and Ordinary Hazard occupancies and 40 gallons in Storage occupancies, contractors can split a system into several, separate systems to ensure each sub-system’s volume does not exceed the volume limitation specified in the listing for that occupancy.

*Note that Section 5.3.4.4.1 of the 2023 Edition of NFPA 25 permits the use of a listed antifreeze outside of its listing as long as it meets the proper temperature specifications. 

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze meets NFPA 25, 13, 13R and 13D requirements for all antifreeze loop fire sprinkler systems. 

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze is listed for use with all piping material included in its UL tests, including CPVC fire sprinkler systems. See the installation manual for more information.

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze is listed for use with all piping materials included in its UL tests, including steel pipe fire sprinkler systems. 

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze was the first listed antifreeze product to undergo and pass the additional UL testing for galvanized steel piping. 

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Testing for compatibility with galvanized metal is not included in the UL 2901 Standard; it is an extra test. Lubrizol asked UL to subject freezemaster™ antifreeze to this additional test, which it successfully passed to obtain the galvanized listing. Listed antifreeze products that have not undergone or passed this testing cannot claim compatibility with galvanized steel. 

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freezemaster™ antifreeze delivers:

• A unique blue tint for easy visual identification of a full system flush
• Proven corrosion and MIC inhibition of up to 65%
• Freeze protection with no minimum pressure requirements
• Listed use approval for galvanized steel
• The expert support of Lubrizol, a specialty chemicals company with over 30 years of proven performance in fire protection 
  
  

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is a specially listed, proprietary formulation versus standard glycerin and propylene glycol formulations. NFPA 25-compliant listed antifreeze products like freezemaster™ antifreeze are factory-premixed to ensure exacting performance in a fire emergency. Refer to the product installation manual and safety data sheet for more information. 

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freezemaster™ antifreeze's minimum use temperature is -12°F (-24.4°C). The minimum use temperature is the lowest usable temperature as provided by UL, including a safety factor for outside influences. Unlike unlisted fluids, however, minimum use temperature should not be the sole factor when choosing a listed antifreeze product. While other listed antifreeze brands offer a slightly lower minimum use temperature, this requires a minimum operating pressure to be maintained.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze's freeze point is -15°F (-26.1°C). The freeze point is the temperature at which ice crystals begin to form. 

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Freeze point is the temperature at which a material begins to freeze. Minimum use describes the lowest usable temperature as provided by UL, including a small safety factor for outside influences.

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The solution will begin to freeze and could limit the operational ability of the fire sprinkler system. If the solution freezes and the system is not damaged, the solution will regain its properties and function normally once the temperature rises above the freeze point.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze’s burst point is -58°F (-50°C). This is the temperature at which the solution freezes solid, and its expansion could burst the vessel. Note that a system that reaches its burst point has been non-functioning for some time, as the fluid will have long passed its freeze point. 

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The pour point is -22.4°F (-30.2°C). This is the lowest temperature freezemaster™ antifreeze will flow/remain pourable. 

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is tinted blue for easy identification of a fully flushed and filled system. This saves the installer from having to constantly test a clear antifreeze, which can be confused with pure water, or an orange antifreeze, which can be confused with rusty water.

 

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When switching out any antifreeze in a system, flush the system thoroughly and ensure all water is drained before filling it with freezemaster™ antifreeze per the installation manual instructions. Listed antifreeze is very different from unlisted fluids, so it's essential to follow the installation manual closely and carefully.

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No UL listed, factory-premixed antifreeze products, including freezemaster™ antifreeze, should ever be combined or diluted as per NFPA 13, UL and ULC.

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Never dilute or add concentrate to freezemaster™ antifreeze or any listed antifreeze brand. Any dilution or addition of other fluids will change the properties of freezemaster™ antifreeze and make it unusable. This is a UL listed premixed product and is not to be combined or diluted as per NFPA 13, UL and ULC.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze may be tested using a refractometer or hydrometer as referenced in the installation manual. A refractometer is often easier to use in the field. 

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Although not strictly required, Lubrizol concurs with other listed antifreeze manufacturers and the NFPA in highly recommending an expansion tank for a listed antifreeze loop system. This inexpensive retrofit prevents water intrusion into the system, which could potentially damage the system and can alter performance by diluting the listed antifreeze product.

If you’d prefer not to install an expansion tank, it is critical that thermal expansion is considered in your system design. Reference NFPA 13 for alternatives.

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A hand or electric pump that has materials compatible with freezemaster™ antifreeze and the fire sprinkler system it is being installed in is needed. If the system is piped with CPVC, ensure any hoses used are chemically compatible with the CPVC. Avoid the use of contaminated hoses and equipment that have come into contact with fluids other than freezemaster™ antifreeze.

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Test freezemaster™ antifreeze using a refractometer or a hydrometer as referenced in the installation manual. Lubrizol recommends the use of a refractometer to measure refractive index (RI), or how much a material bends light, which confirms that the liquid is the appropriate density. It is important to use a refractometer that has an RI scale covering a range of roughly 1.3 to 1.5. Do not use BRIX, glycol or glycerin scales.

 

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Once freezemaster™ antifreeze is installed, building owners should know that their system now meets the requirements of NFPA 25 as required for 2022 and that the system must be tested annually by a qualified inspector to ensure the freeze point is being maintained.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze must be tested annually as per NFPA 25 and must maintain its freeze protection or be replaced.

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Refer to the freezemaster™ antifreeze Safety Data Sheet and contact local authorities for proper disposal.

Safety Data Sheet (U.S.)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - English)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - French)

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Lubrizol provides several hang tags on each bucket, drum and tote of freezemaster™ antifreeze. You can also print additional tags.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze meets the corrosion requirements of UL 2901 and includes a corrosion inhibitor package that effectively reduces pipe corrosion by up to 65%. Building on its extensive expertise in metallurgy, Lubrizol performed a series of corrosion tests in addition to those required by UL that demonstrated that the anti-corrosion performance of freezemaster™ antifreeze covers both typical corrosion and a particular form that has been plaguing the fire sprinkler industry, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). 

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IP287 is an Institute of Petroleum standard test method for water-based metalworking fluids. Metalworking fluids are used in varying concentrations. Since freezemaster™ antifreeze is used as a premix, it was tested as is and then at a 5% dilution to replicate some level of water left in the system.

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Iron chips are saturated with the fluid and left undisturbed for two hours. Percent rust is then calculated.

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IP287 results are relevant to the corrosion discussion by taking advantage of a higher surface area to accelerate corrosion. Any metal fillings in the fire suppression system will corrode, leaving sediment that can clog spray nozzles.

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Absolutely. freezemaster™ antifreeze meets UL 1821, which was specifically designed to address all safety concerns and was developed over many years of comprehensive research and testing.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is tinted a distinctive blue color to allow for easy visual identification as the material exits the vents and drains when flushing and filling systems. The blue color is difficult to confuse with pure water, like clear listed antifreeze, or with rusty water, like orange listed antifreeze. freezemaster™ antifreeze is also UL listed for use in galvanized piping systems, unlike some other listed alternatives. It is also backed by the expertise and support of Lubrizol, a specialty chemicals company with over 30 years of proven performance in the fire protection industry.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is non-hazardous, but it is not food-grade. More information is available in the safety data sheet.

Safety Data Sheet (U.S.)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - English)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - French)

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freezemaster™ antifreeze has a shelf life of two years. This allows for leftover inventory to be used next season and provides flexibility in maintenance planning. 

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freezemaster™ antifreeze should be stored in its original container and at a temperature between 30°F (-1.1°C) minimum and 100°F (37.7°C) maximum. The listed alternative can be stored between 40°F (4.4°C) minimum and 90°F (32.2°C) maximum.

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If stored above its recommended temperature, freezemaster™ antifreeze may slightly discolor due to exposure to higher temperatures and sunlight; however, this will not affect the performance of the solution.

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If stored below its recommended temperature, freezemaster™ antifreeze should be returned to room temperature before attempting to install it in a system.

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Yes, freezemaster™ antifreeze is classified as a non-hazardous solution under U.S. and Canadian GHS classification and labeling rules. In addition, freezemaster™ antifreeze is classified as a non-hazardous solution per U.S. and Canadian HAZMAT requirements. 

Safety Data Sheet (U.S.)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - English)
Safety Data Sheet (Can. - French)

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Order quantity minimums vary by supplier. freezemaster™ antifreeze is available in 5-gallon buckets, 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon totes.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is available through Viking® SupplyNET, Core & Main and Ferguson.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is available in Canada through Viking® SupplyNET and SCS.

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Please contact us directly to discuss distribution.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is available in: 

• 5-gallon pails
• 55-gallon drums
• 275-gallon totes 
  
  

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is engineered and manufactured by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, a specialty chemical company with more than 30 years of fire safety expertise.

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freezemaster™ antifreeze is manufactured at a Lubrizol Corporation plant in Avon, Ohio, USA.