Is Galvanized Steel More Susceptible to Corrosion than Black Steel in Dry (Pre-Action) Fire Sprinkler Systems?

Galvanized steel piping suffers from corrosion-related leaks 3-4 times faster than black steel piping.

Galvanized steel piping is subject to highly localized attack by oxygen under the persistently moist, oxygen-rich environments that exist within fire sprinkler piping.

ECS research indicates that galvanized steel piping suffers from corrosion-related leaks 3-4 times faster than black steel piping under identical operating conditions. We have seen failures occur in schedule 10 galvanized steel piping in 12 months.  

Additional factory mutual research indicates leaks can occur in galvanized pipe within two to three years. ECS recommends against the use of galvanized steel piping in any fire sprinkler application.

Learn more about the use of galvanized steel piping here.