Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Practice

The minimum installation clearance for steam pipes carrying steam at pressures between 15 psig and 500 psig is indeed 6 inches. This clearance requirement is essential for safety and maintenance considerations. By providing a minimum distance of 6 inches, it allows for adequate heat dissipation from the steam pipes, reducing the risk of fire hazards and ensuring that adjacent materials do not become heated beyond their safe temperature limits.

Furthermore, this clearance facilitates easier access for inspection, repair, or replacement of the steam piping system, thereby contributing to routine maintenance and overall operational safety. Compliance with this clearance requirement helps prevent potential accidents related to high-pressure steam leaks, which can cause serious injuries and equipment damage.

Understanding the correct clearance requirements is vital for fire protection specialists, who must ensure that installations adhere to codes and standards that promote safety and maintain the integrity of fire protection systems.