Productivity IQ: Fire sprinkler system productivity tips and resources 

For over 60 years, the fire protection industry has relied on TOLCO seismic bracing products, B-Line series pipe hangers and services.  And today, our TOLCO seismic bracing attachments continue to lead the industry with compliance to the new UL203A standard for a 2.2 safety factor rating and improved load ratings.

Productivity quick links:  
Fig. 29  |  Fig. 131  |  Fig. 980  |  Fig. 74  |  Fig. 828  |  Fig. 4L   |  TOLBrace software  |  Branch line restraint white paper  |  UL2023A blog content

Fig. 29 double offset hanger & restrainer - NEW

• Now available in 3/4" to 1-1/4" sizes
  
• Offset edge helps eliminate abrasion
• Thumb tab provides protection to restrain pipe in rough job site, but required to be listed
• UL Listed as a hanger and restraint to support fire sprinkler systems

TOLCO Fig. 131 seismic structural brace attachment  for wooden joist construction applications - NEW

• UL Listed; UL 203A
• Design allows for a secure, positive connection with only two holes in the wooden structure (joist)
• Break-off nut design helps assure verification of proper installation torque (min. 50 ft-lbs.)
• Features installation stamp mark to help with proper installation orientation

TOLCO Fig. 980 universal swivel sway brace upper attachment

The TOLCO Fig. 980 is designed to attach to the structure or structural attachment and is used with strut channel or pipe as the brace member. It features a concentric attachment opening which is critical to the performance of structural seismic connections, as well as a smaller profile jaw of stamped steel for installation in limited space applications.  Plus, it is tested and UL listed to the new UL203A standard for a 2.2 safety factor rating and improved load ratings.

TOLCO Fig. 74 branch line restraint and upper attachment - NEW

• UL listed as a restraint for lateral bracing; FM approved as a sway brace attachment
• Meets the requirements of NFPA 13 for sway bracing of fire sprinkler systems
• Can be used with multiple types of fasteners to attach to concrete, steel or wood structures
• Barrel rolls freely to allow installation angles from 0° to 90° from the mounting surface

Fig. 828 sway brace attachment

• Designed to attach sway bracing and hanger assemblies to structural members using a secure non-friction connection 
• Break-off head set screw helps ensure verification of proper installation torque.
• Tested and UL Listed to the new UL203A standard for a 2.2 safety factor rating and improved load ratings

Fig. 4L sway brace attachment

• Approved as both a longitudinal and lateral brace
• Break-off bolt heads for visual verification of proper torque
• Tested and UL Listed to the new UL203A standard for a 2.2 safety factor rating and improved load ratings

TOLBrace fire protection software

• Create a complete seismic bracing submittal package for fire sprinkler systems that conforms with UL, FM and OSHPD standards.  
• Exclusively for TOLCO seismic bracing solutions
• Free to download and easy to use, updates automatically happen when connected to the internet
• Quickly calculates correct bracing loads per NFPA 13 Guides and more

Understanding branch line restraints

As a component of a seismic bracing system, a branch line restraint performs a critical function.  Its primary purpose is to prevent the movement of fire sprinkler branch lines which could cause damage to themselves, the structure or other nearby non-structural systems.

A branch line restraint is different than a sway brace or a hanger when it comes to certification and testing. A branch line restraint must be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed to perform its function, but its function is not clearly defined by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13. Per NFPA 13 (2013) section 9.3.6.1 states, “A restraint is considered a lesser degree of resisting loads than bracing.” This, in turn, has led to some confusion throughout the building and construction industry.

UL 203A - Eaton goes a step beyond to help ensure safety moving forward

In areas where earthquakes are common, seismic bracing is required to assist in fire suppression. To ensure stronger, more dependable bracing systems for sprinkler systems, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recently updated its 203A Standard for Safety Sway Brace Devices for Sprinkler System Piping, which now requires testing seismic bracing components at more angles and increasing the safety factor used to establish brace capacities. 

While everyone in the industry must re-test their products to comply with UL 203A, we continue to advance our products and push for higher safety standards. It’s vital that published catalog loads ensure, at a minimum, the same product performance. That’s why we’ve elected to make product design modifications across our seismic bracing portfolio to maintain currently published catalog loads for as many of our products as possible and, in some cases, are changing designs to exceed newly required product loads.