Fire Sprinkler System Components Archives

#303 – What Causes a Fire Sprinkler to Activate?

December 3, 2019

Understanding how sprinklers work can help people protect their property with confidence. Learn exactly what sets off a fire sprinkler—and what doesn’t.

Fire sprinkler pipe obstruction investigation

#297 – Fire Sprinkler Pipe: How to Perform an Obstruction Investigation, Part 2

November 19, 2019

Blocked fire sprinkler pipe puts lives and property in jeopardy. Learn how to conduct an obstruction investigation and flush blocked pipes.

#296 – Fire Sprinkler Pipe: How to Perform an Obstruction Investigation, Part 1

December 17, 2019November 15, 2019

Learn how to spot the conditions that should trigger a detailed obstruction investigation of fire sprinkler pipe according to NFPA 25.

#285 – Digital Pressure Gauges in Fire Sprinkler Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

October 30, 2019October 22, 2019

Learn why handheld digital pressure gauges are bringing flexibility, accuracy, and greater convenience to standpipe and fire protection ITM tasks.

#284 – Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 11: Annual Dry Sprinkler Tests

October 30, 2019October 17, 2019

Learn about the annual dry sprinkler tests in NFPA 25, which includes requirements for various sprinkler system components.

Fire sprinkler replacement — who can do it?

#283 – Fire Sprinkler Head Replacement: Who is Authorized to Do It and How?

January 26, 2023October 16, 2019

It’s time to replace your fire sprinkler heads. QRFS explains the equipment, NFPA standards, and procedures involved in repairing a sprinkler system.

#282 – Central Sprinkler Company: Guide to Finding or Replacing Cover Plates and Heads

December 12, 2022October 15, 2019

Recalls and the Tyco buy-out made Central Sprinkler Company’s products scarce. Here’s what we know about replacing Central Sprinkler heads and cover plates.

Sprinkler check valve installation shotgun valve

#276 – Sprinkler Check Valve Installation and Selection: Shotgun Riser Check Valves

October 1, 2019

With threaded ports for gauges and a drain valve, backflow-preventing sprinkler check valves can expedite the code-compliant installation of system risers. Read on to learn more about the design and installation of “shotgun” risers—and how they compare to common alternatives.

Corrosion and dirty water in fire sprinkler pipe

#273 – Discolored Water in Fire Sprinkler Pipes: MIC Corrosion & Other Causes

September 24, 2019September 24, 2019

MIC corrosion, damaged fire sprinkler pipes, and discolored water often go hand-in-hand. Learn what causes color, viscosity, and smell in dirty sprinkler water.

#270 – How Fire Bells and Water Motor Gongs Work with Fire Risers

January 31, 2020September 18, 2019

Fire alarm bells connected to the system riser can provide first responders with essential information—and encourage passersby to quickly call the fire department. Learn what NFPA standards have to say about joining fire alarm bells and water motor gongs to fire risers in both standpipe and fire sprinkler systems.