MLCP Pipes vs Copper: Why Fire Safety Matters

Choosing the right materials for a home can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s not always easy to separate fact from fiction. Multi-Layer Composite Pipes (MLCP) have become increasingly popular, but what are they really, and more importantly, are they safe? The truth about MLCP pipes, especially when it comes to fire safety, might surprise you.

What are MLCP Pipes and What are MLCP Pipes Made Of?

MLCP stands for Multi-Layer Composite Pipe. As the name suggests, these pipes aren’t made from a single material. Instead, they’re constructed from multiple layers, typically including polyethene (a type of plastic) and a layer of aluminium sandwiched in between. This layered construction aims to provide a balance of flexibility, strength, and resistance to corrosion.

MLCP pipes are often chosen for their supposed ease of installation. The aluminium layer is there to theoretically give it some structural integrity, but that benefit is quickly overshadowed by the fire risks of the plastic.

Are MLCP Pipes Safe in a Fire?

While the cost and installation advantages of MLCP pipes are appealing, it’s important to consider their performance in a fire. After all, the safety of your or your clients home and family should always be the top priority. And the data doesn’t lie, MLCP presents a serious danger.

Recent research conducted by CuSP and carried out by an independent third party, Warrington Fire, has raised serious concerns about the fire safety of plastic pipes, including MLCP. The Plastic Under Fire tests simulated real-life fire scenarios to measure how different pipe materials respond when exposed to flames. The results were alarming, particularly when it came to MLCP.

One of the most worrying findings was how quickly MLCP pipes burn. The tests showed that MLCP pipes can burn completely in just over five minutes. To put that into perspective, that’s barely enough time to safely evacuate a home or building in the event of a rapidly spreading fire. Those precious seconds can mean the difference between making it to safety and being caught in the blaze.

However, the speed at which MLCP pipes burn is only part of the problem. When these pipes burn, they release a cocktail of toxic gases and fumes that can be incredibly dangerous. According to CuSP’s research, MLCP pipes produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death. In fact, MLCP produces 248 times more carbon monoxide than copper pipes when burned for eight minutes. That statistic alone is enough to give anyone pause for thought. What you breathe in during a fire can be just as dangerous as the flames, if not more so.

The tests also revealed the presence of hydrogen cyanide, another highly toxic gas, when MLCP was burned. Hydrogen cyanide can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and even death upon exposure. It’s terrifying to think that something intended to bring you water could actually be releasing something that could take your life.

To learn more about the specific health risks associated with the gases released by burning plastic pipes, including MLCP, visit The Health Risks of Burning Plastic. It’s important to be informed about the potential dangers lurking within your walls.

These findings paint a concerning picture of the fire safety risks associated with MLCP pipes. While they may offer certain advantages in terms of cost and installation, those benefits pale in comparison to the potential dangers they pose in a fire. No one wants to have to make that trade-off.

MLCP vs Copper, a Clear Difference in Fire Performance

When it comes to fire safety, the differences between MLCP and copper pipes are stark. Copper pipes simply don’t burn. Copper has a high melting point of 1,085°C, which means it can withstand the temperatures of most house fires without igniting or releasing toxic fumes. It’s a natural element and a safe one.

This inherent fire resistance makes copper a much safer choice for plumbing systems. In the event of a fire, copper pipes won’t contribute to the spread of flames or release dangerous gases that could compromise the safety of your home and family.

The contrast between copper and MLCP is like night and day. While MLCP actively contributes to the danger, copper passively stands guard, resistant to the heat and flames.

Building Regulations and Fire Safety Standards

The findings from the Plastic Under Fire study raises important questions about current building regulations and fire safety standards. Are we doing enough to protect people from the hidden dangers of plastic pipes? Is it time to re-evaluate the materials we allow in our homes and buildings?

These are questions that policymakers and industry professionals need to address. The current regulations may not fully account for the fire risks associated with plastic pipes, and it’s essential that we take steps to ensure that our buildings are as safe as possible.

Other Disadvantages of MLCP Pipes

While fire safety is undoubtedly the most pressing concern, it’s worth noting that MLCP pipes also have other disadvantages compared to copper.

One of the main issues is durability. While MLCP pipes are designed to be strong and resistant to corrosion, they’re not as durable as copper over the long term. The plastic layers in MLCP pipes can degrade over time due to exposure to UV light, extreme temperatures, or certain chemicals. This degradation can lead to leaks and system failures, requiring costly repairs or replacements. Think of it this way, the supposed cost savings upfront, are swallowed up by the long-term expenses.

Copper, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and long-lasting. Copper pipes can last for decades, often outliving the buildings they’re installed in. They’re a time-tested solution, not a flash in the pan.

There’s also the environmental aspect to consider. MLCP pipes are made from plastic, a material that’s derived from fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to decompose. In a world increasingly concerned about sustainability, this is something we all need to take seriously. Copper is a natural element that’s 100% recyclable, making it a much more sustainable choice. It’s a resource that can be used again and again, without harming the planet.

Is MLCP Worth the Risk?

MLCP pipes may seem like an attractive option at first glance. However, a closer look reveals significant fire safety risks and other drawbacks that make them a less desirable choice than copper. Those supposed benefits are meaningless when compared to safety and peace of mind.

When it comes to protecting lives from the dangers of fire, copper pipes offer unmatched peace of mind. Their inherent fire resistance, combined with their durability and sustainability, makes them a clear winner.

To understand more about why choosing the right materials matters when it comes to fire safety, be sure to visit our Plastic Under Fire page and see the full results of the tests.

Remember, the safety of you or your customers is priceless. Don’t compromise on quality when it matters most. Look into the building regulations and fire safety standards that protect your house and family. Make a smart investment for you, your house and the environment and choose Copper piping.