Research Shows Risks of Plastic Pipes in Fires

Recent fire testing from the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) reinforces our findings that combustible plastic plumbing materials pose significant risks in fire conditions. Their results highlight factors that architects and engineers must understand when considering how pipe material choices impact fire risks, building integrity, and the safety of occupants and first responders.

Fire Performance of Plastic Pipes

CuSP’s burn testing showed that plastic pipes fail rapidly under heat, creating openings that enable flames and smoke to penetrate floors and walls. Plastic pipes such as PVC, CPVC, PEX, and ABS begin to melt and burn at temperatures far below those commonly reached in structure fires, compromising containment and allowing fire to spread through walls, ceilings, and floors.

Even when firestopping materials are applied, their effectiveness depends on installation quality and maintenance. As our report on Firestopping Pipe Penetrations explains, the higher complexity of firestopping combustible pipe penetrations increases the likelihood of errors. “There is quite a lengthy list of items which can result in problems with the installation of firestopping materials,”