Which materials are typically recommended for fire service mains?

The recommended materials for fire service mains typically include ductile iron and PVC, among other approved materials. Ductile iron is favored for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for underground applications where it must withstand various environmental conditions. PVC, on the other hand, is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion, which also makes it a practical choice for certain conditions. The use of these materials aligns with the standards set forth in NFPA 24, which emphasizes both the mechanical integrity and the environmental considerations pertinent to fire service mains.

Other materials mentioned, such as steel and copper, while they may have specific applications, do not offer the same level of widespread acceptance for fire service mains due to issues like susceptibility to corrosion (in the case of steel) or high cost and limited use cases (as with copper). Aluminum is not generally recommended for fire service mains because it lacks the necessary strength and durability for such applications. Concrete, while useful in construction, is not typically used alone for the piping of fire service mains due to its rigidity and the difficulty it presents in terms of installation and repair.