Fire Sprinkler Regulatory Archives

#126 – Fire Bell Placement: Mounting an Outdoor Bell Near an FDC

March 24, 2023September 18, 2018

Is a fire bell needed near a sprinkler system’s FDC? Where should this outdoor bell be mounted? Get to know NFPA, IBC, and local rules on fire alarm bells.

Floor mounted air compressor for sprinkler system

#125 – A Guide to Inspecting Fire Sprinkler Systems for Facility Managers, Part 7

January 4, 2024September 11, 2018

Dry, preaction, and deluge sprinkler systems have unique equipment that needs to be checked so the system functions properly. QRFS’ continuing series on commercial fire sprinkler inspections looks at the NFPA inspection requirements for automatic detection systems and air compressors.

#124 – What is a Fire Panel and How Does it Work?

December 12, 2023September 4, 2018

Fire alarm control panels can interface with hundreds of life-saving devices simultaneously. QRFS looks at how fire code and the features of today’s fire panels streamline evacuation and emergency response efforts.

#123 – A Guide to Inspecting Fire Sprinkler Systems for Facility Managers, Part 6

December 11, 2022August 28, 2018

Tanks are often required as the sole water source for fire sprinkler systems in rural areas, and can serve as a secondary source for structures that have a high water demand. QRFS’ continuing series on commercial fire sprinkler inspections looks at the NFPA requirements for inspecting tanks.

#122 – Pull Stations for Fire Protection Systems: A First Line of Defense

December 10, 2018August 22, 2018

Fire alarm pull stations are an essential first line of defense in life safety – and the National Fire Protection Association and governments require them in most public buildings. QRFS explains the types of pull stations, how they work, and what code says about installing them.

#121 – What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System, Part 5

December 11, 2022August 15, 2018

Valves are an essential component on any fire protection system, and automatic sprinkler systems are no exception. QRFS reviews the inspection requirements for fire sprinkler valves outlined in NFPA 25, along with explanations of what these parts do.

#120 – Help! My Fire Sprinkler Was Painted. What Should I Do?

March 22, 2023August 7, 2018

NFPA and numerous fire sprinkler manufacturers have a low tolerance for any sprinkler that has been painted with aftermarket paint. Replacing painted fire sprinklers is often the proper course of action. QRFS looks at why the rules are so strict, as well as how to choose a replacement model.

#119 – What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System, Part 4

December 11, 2022August 1, 2018

In QRFS’ continuing series on NFPA’s commercial fire sprinkler inspection requirements, we look at what you need to check out — and when — it comes to fire sprinkler gauges, signs, water flow alarms and supervisory signaling devices.

#118 – How to Replace an Obsolete Fire Sprinkler Head or Component

January 4, 2024July 24, 2018

Over time, fire sprinkler manufacturers collapse, merge, or discontinue products, making repairs to fire sprinkler systems more difficult. Our manufacturer identification and product replacement guide helps make replacing an obsolete fire sprinkler a little easier.

#117 – What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System, Part 3

December 11, 2022July 17, 2018

Fire pumps add a great deal of complexity to the maintenance of a commercial fire sprinkler system. In Part 3 of QRFS’ continuing series, we explain the inspection requirements for systems with fire pumps — whether they use electric, diesel, or steam-turbine engines.