Sway Bracing of Risers:

-Risers exceeding 3’-0” in length to be provided with a 4 way brace,

- The 4 way can provide longitudinal and lateral bracing for adjacent mains (within 24”),
-4 way maximum 25’-0” apart vertically,
- Flex couplings at the top and bottom.
Exception:
-riser nipples
-risers penetrating intermediate floors in multistory buildings (with flex cplgs within 1’-0” of
floors)
NEVER EVER EVER
- Use C- type clamps to attach sway braces to structure (even with retaining straps),
- Use powder-driven fasteners to attach sway braces to structure,
- Brace a length of pipe to 2 different sections of the building,
- Attach a seismic brace to bar joist web members. (TOP OF STRUCTURE MEMBER)
ALWAYS
- Seismic bracing shall be attached to building structure (top of beams and bar joists),
- Look details on plans.

Branch line Restraints

- All branch lines at maximum spacing from 18ft. to 53 ft. (table on drawings),
- Hanger not less than 45 degrees from vertical, installed within 6” of the vertical hanger
(rod hanger= tight to the pipe). 3/8 rod maximum 22” long. If it is impossible to fulfill
both requirements for the angle and the rod length, install rods on both sides of pipe,
or:
- Wire restraint (n#12, 440lb installed at least 45 degrees from vertical plane both sides of
pipe) located within 2ft of a hanger (hanger= rod tight to pipe).
- The end sprinkler on a branch line needs to be restrained,
- Sprigs 4ft. or longer need to be restrained.
Exception:
- Armovers (1 head) & drops,
- Pipes supported by rods less than 6 in. measured between the top of the pipe and the
point of attachment to the building structure.

ALWAYS
- Install restraining straps (need to wrap around the beam flange not less than 1 in.),
- Look details on plans.