This self-paced online course covers requirements for the hanging and bracing of fire sprinkler piping, including materials used, types of hangers, and calculation methods for trapeze hangers. Hanging and bracing of sprinkler piping is one of the most important aspects of the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. It is also one of the least "respected" components, and the inspection and maintenance of the braces is often overlooked.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain how earthquakes have affected the development of hanging and bracing requirements
• Explain the use of performance-based design approaches for hanging and bracing
• Define and explain key concepts, including section modulus, trapeze hangers, and branch line restraints
• Explain requirements for trapeze hangers
• Explain allowable fastener types and fastener requirements for various construction types
• List the components of a sprinkler system hanging system that do not have to be listed for fire protection service
• List the amount of weight a normal sprinkler system hanger must carry
• Define and explain the use of post-installed anchors, powder-driven studs and coach rods
• Explain how to determine the size of lag bolts and screws for system hangers

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects.

Course Summary

• Hanging and bracing is a very important aspect of the overall fire sprinkler system design. It is also one of the least "respected" components, and the inspection and maintenance of the braces is often overlooked.
• Ascertaining the structural abilities of the building is often required, so you can verify that the structure will not collapse under the weight of the water-filled sprinkler system.
• Occasionally, piping cannot be suspended along or from a single structural support and must be suspended from the building structure using a trapeze hanger. NFPA 13 provides direction for building the appropriate assemblies. The use of trapeze hangers is quite prominent.
• The support of non-fire protection system components from fire sprinkler system hangers is not allowed.
• Hangers for sprinkler piping must be located in accordance with minimum requirements of NFPA 13 based on the diameter of the pipe size being suspended. There are specific tables for types of pipes and pipe diameters which state these maximum spacings. The suspension of unsupported lengths of pipe (ends of piping) are also addressed, specifically for end of lines and the ends of arm overs.