How often must lateral sway bracing be installed for feed and cross mains?

Lateral sway bracing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and stability of feed and cross mains in sprinkler systems. The requirement for installation at every 40 feet reflects industry standards and safety practices, ensuring that the piping is adequately secured against lateral forces such as wind, seismic activities, or operational vibrations. This distance balances practical installation considerations with safety measures, providing sufficient support to prevent movement that could lead to damage or disconnection of the piping system.

Installing lateral sway bracing too infrequently could result in excessive stress on the piping system, increasing the risk of failure under load or during environmental stresses. Thus, the specification of every 40 feet serves as a critical benchmark in the design and installation of sprinkling systems.