Within what distance must flexible couplings be installed from building expansion joints?

Flexible couplings are critical components in piping systems, providing the ability to accommodate movement caused by thermal expansion, vibrations, and seismic activities. Their installation proximity to building expansion joints is particularly important to ensure effective performance and to prevent failures in the system.

The requirement to install flexible couplings at least 24 inches from building expansion joints is predicated on the movement that expansion joints can introduce into the piping system. By maintaining this distance, the couplings can effectively absorb slight misalignments and movements without being adversely affected by the direct stress or displacement of the expansion joints.

Installing flexible couplings too close to an expansion joint could lead to excessive forces being transmitted to the coupling during the expansion or contraction of the building structure. In turn, this may result in increased wear or premature failure of the couplings, ultimately compromising the integrity of the entire fire sprinkler system.

This requirement is defined in industry codes and standards to ensure not only the reliability of the fire protection systems but also to enhance safety within the built environment. Hence, 24 inches is recognized as the standard distance to optimize performance and longevity of flexible piping connections near expansion joints.