In an earthquake, a fire sprinkler system has to stay in one piece so it can still protect the building. Seismic pipe hangers and sway braces tie the sprinkler piping to the structure and limit swaying, so pipes, fittings and heads are not torn apart. For FM Global insured buildings, and for any project that specifies it, the bracing components must be FM Approved.
FM approved seismic pipe hangers and braces
We supply FM approved seismic pipe hangers and sway braces for fire sprinkler systems, together with seismic calculations and reports. The range covers lateral, longitudinal and four-way braces and expansion (seismic separation) sets. For the full product description see seismic sway bracing.
Why FM approval matters
- FM Approvals lists seismic sway braces for pipe, tubing and conduit under Approval Standard Class 1950.
- FM Global Data Sheet 2-8, Earthquake Protection for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, requires the sway bracing components to be FM Approved. NFPA 13 asks for listed components.
- FM Global uses the FM earthquake zone of the site to decide when seismic protection is needed, while NFPA 13 explains how to install it when it is required.
- FM 2-8 also covers items NFPA 13 does not, such as foam-water sprinkler systems, fire pumps and suction tanks.
Where bracing is applied
- Lateral and longitudinal braces on feed mains and cross mains
- Four-way braces on risers, and at the top and bottom of vertical feed mains
- Braces at changes of direction
- Longitudinal bracing on larger branch lines
- Seismic expansion sets where pipes cross building seismic joints
Exact brace types, spacing and loads depend on the project, the building structure and the applicable standard (NFPA 13 Chapter 18 and/or FM Global Data Sheet 2-8). We check these in the seismic calculation.
Our support
- Seismic calculation and report in AutoSPRINK
- Selection of FM approved braces, hangers and expansion sets
- Supply of components with the project documents
- Coordination with the sprinkler design and the structural engineer
Frequently asked questions
What does FM approved mean for seismic bracing?
FM Approvals tests and lists sway brace components against its Approval Standard Class 1950 for seismic sway braces. FM Global projects usually call for FM Approved components, while NFPA 13 itself asks for listed components.
Is seismic protection mandatory?
NFPA 13 explains how to install seismic protection but does not say when it is required. FM Global Data Sheet 2-8 asks for it according to the FM earthquake zone of the site. Building codes and the authority having jurisdiction also apply.
Do you prepare the seismic calculations?
Yes. We prepare seismic calculations and reports by entering the data into AutoSPRINK, the program we use for sprinkler design.
Which components are available?
Lateral, longitudinal and four-way sway braces and expansion (seismic separation) sets. See our seismic sway bracing page for the full range.