Thoughts on Fire Blog

#471 – The QRFS Return Policy on Fire Protection Equipment

February 13, 2025February 12, 2025

Learn about how to contact us, submit returns, reasons for returns, and tracking the status of a return of fire protection equipment purchased from QRFS.

#470 – Lead-Free Fire Sprinklers in Residential Systems: Purpose & Rules

February 13, 2025January 29, 2025

Some residential sprinkler systems require lead-free fire sprinklers and other parts. Learn more about the laws that restrict lead in drinking water and when they apply to fire sprinklers.

#469 – How to Understand and Use Viking Sprinkler Part Numbers

February 11, 2025January 15, 2025

Fire sprinkler SINs are very useful identifiers, but they don’t tell you everything. Here’s how to read and use Viking sprinkler part numbers.

#468 – Explosion-Proof Equipment in Fire Protection Systems

January 24, 2025January 1, 2025

In some hazardous environments, essential but standard fire protection devices could actually cause fires! Learn about explosion-proof equipment that helps prevent these issues, including flow switches, tamper switches, and other devices.

Reliable sprinkler part numbers and short codes

#467 – How to Use Reliable Sprinkler Part Numbers & Short Codes

January 24, 2025December 18, 2024

Reliable fire sprinkler part numbers and short codes can help get precisely the right equipment Every fire sprinkler has a SIN, or sprinkler identification number. SINs identify unique sprinkler models according to their K-factor, response … Read more

#466 – Can a Single Fire Sprinkler Model (SIN) Be Installed Concealed OR Exposed?

January 24, 2025December 4, 2024

One unique sprinkler identification number (SIN) often indicates whether a sprinkler is a concealed or exposed model. But there are exceptions! Learn about dual-application versions and how to ID and order them properly.

#465 – How to Buy American-Made Fire Protection Equipment

January 24, 2025November 20, 2024

American-made fire sprinklers and other fire protection parts aren’t hard to find! Learn how to comply with the Buy American Act and Build America, Buy America rules for qualifying fire protection projects.

#464 — What is a Fire Sprinkler Assembly, and Why Is It Important?

January 24, 2025November 6, 2024

NFPA standards and other documents reference the sprinkler assembly and specify which accessories must be part of it. Read this guide!

#463 – How to Understand and Use Victaulic Sprinkler Part Numbers

January 24, 2025October 23, 2024

Fire sprinkler SINs are very useful identifiers, but they don’t tell you everything. Here’s how to read and use Victaulic sprinkler part numbers.

Flush sprinkler escutcheon vs flush sprinkler escutcheon

#462 – “Flush” vs Flush Sprinkler Escutcheons: What Must Be Listed?

January 24, 2025October 9, 2024

The term “flush sprinkler escutcheon” can mean two different things in fire protection, and only one needs a listing. Learn to spot the difference!