The BreathSaver® Conduit System meets the most stringent industry requirements for safety. FRE Composites is the only manufacturer to offer the innovative UL Certified 2-hour fire-rated system both vertically and horizontally.
FRE Composites can offer a Certified BreathSaver® system or custom design to best suit your requirements where fire protection and life safety is critical.
The phenolic resin-based matrix is an excellent alternative to conduit materials, such as rigid or coated steel. Phenolic conduit is a corrosion-resistant, low smoke, non-toxic conduit system that is particularly well-suited to high temperature installations.
Epoxy fiberglass and phenolic fiberglass conduit bear some similarities, but the difference between the two is temperature range. While epoxy has a narrower operating range, phenolic conduit can operate in temperatures above 500°F, which lends benefits to transit, infrastructure and utility projects.
Phenolic conduit offers many advantages over other commonly used materials, such as steel and PVC. FRE’s BreathSaver® Conduit system products meet the most stringent safety requirements while providing unparalleled quality and benefits:
Broad Temperature Range: Withstands a wide temperature range of -40°F to 525°F, maintaining its unique characteristics even in extreme temperature conditions.
Low Toxicity: Does not emit toxic halogens when burning
No Flame and Low Smoke: Low smoke characteristics and outstanding flame resistance. Fully complies with the NFPA 130 requirements (can endure 932°F for one hour without self-supporting combustion).
Lightweight: Phenolic conduit weighs considerably less than other materials, resulting in significant cost savings. One hundred ft. of 4” BreathSaver® conduit weighs 34 kg, compared with 107 kg (Schedule 40) for PVC and 454 kg for steel.
Easy assembly: Easy to install due to the material’s lightweight nature, which facilitates handling
Corrosion Resistance: Performance is not affected by water or most other chemicals.
No Burn-Through: One of the lowest coefficients of friction available, making it an excellent material for avoiding burn-through.
By enlisting FRE Composites to engineer your phenolic conduit, you ensure that the most stringent industry requirements are met and quality is guaranteed. Phenolic conduit offers many benefits, and by using BreathSaver® conduit, you get the most for your money.
Phenolic conduit is primarily selected for its broad temperature range that can cope with temperatures above 500°F. The material exceeds the temperature rating of all other conduit materials, including epoxy fiberglass, PVC, rigid steel, and aluminum.
Phenolic Temperature Rating: -40°F to 525°F
Epoxy Temperature Rating: -40°F to 230°F
PVC Temperature Rating: 40°F to 150°F
PVC Coated Steel Temperature Rating: 5°F to 158°F
BreathSaver® phenolic conduit systems are commonly utilized in areas with stringent safety requirements for flame resistance, smoke development and toxicity emissions. This primarily includes tunnels, transit facilities, power plants, mines, risers, ducts, plenums and other air-handling spaces.
Project managers and engineers of transit and infrastructure projects select phenolic fiberglass conduit for its increased longevity, corrosion resistance, and ability to perform in the most extreme temperature conditions.
While the primary application of BreathSaver® is above ground, the conduit is also suitable for below-ground transit and infrastructure, including subways, tunnels, below grade, damp and enclosed areas.
FRE Composites has designed, developed and produced the best fiberglass products for over sixty years. Our total production capacity is the largest in the industry, enabling us to deliver large volumes within the tightest deadlines.
We have engineered conduit installations in North America, South America, the Far East, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Get in touch with us today to find the solution to your project.