What is the maximum allowed percentage of glycol to protect from freezing?

The maximum allowed percentage of glycol in a sprinkler system to prevent freezing is indeed capped at a certain level to ensure both effectiveness and safety. A concentration of glycol up to 40% strikes a balance between providing enough protection against freezing and maintaining necessary system performance.

When glycol is added to a fire protection system, it lowers the freezing point of the liquid within the pipes, which is essential in areas where temperatures can drop significantly. However, using too high of a concentration can introduce issues, such as increased viscosity, which can impair flow rates and cause challenges during system operation, particularly in emergencies.

Regulations and standards set by organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) specify that glycol concentrations should not exceed 40% to maintain both the effectiveness of the fire suppression system and the safety and reliability of its operation. This standard helps ensure that systems remain operational in extreme cold without compromising their functionality. Maintaining this upper limit is crucial for the overall integrity and responsiveness of the sprinkler system in fire protection scenarios.