Guides for Fire Protection Equipment and Fire Safety Systems Archives

#449 – Sprinkler Showdown: VK3021 vs TY323 vs V2708 vs RA1414

April 11, 2024April 10, 2024

How can you choose between quick response pendent 5.6k fire sprinklers? QRFS compares Viking, Tyco, Victaulic, and Reliable models.

#448 – Why Ball Drip Valves Don’t Totally Seal During Hydrostatic Tests

March 28, 2024March 27, 2024

Some water leaks out of the ball drip valve under an FDC while doing a hydrostatic test. Is this normal? Learn why it is and what to do.

#447 – How to Install and Replace Fire Sprinkler Head Guards

March 15, 2024March 14, 2024

Fire sprinkler head guards protect sprinklers from damage—here’s how to replace them or install new ones with different attachment styles.

#445 – Dry Sprinkler Heads: How to Determine & Measure Barrel Length

March 7, 2024February 14, 2024

Dry sprinkler heads prevent freeze-ups in wet and dry systems, but you must get the barrel length right. Learn how to measure to order them properly.

#444 – Wall Hydrants vs Fire Department Connections: What’s the Difference?

February 2, 2024January 31, 2024

Wall hydrants look similar to FDCs but flow water the other way. Learn how each works, when they’re needed, the maintenance requirements, and more.

#443 – Why You Need a List of Spare Fire Sprinklers & What Should Be on It!

January 19, 2024January 17, 2024

NFPA requires keeping spare fire sprinklers and an accurate list of them on the premises. Read why and what should be on the list!

#442 – Carbon Monoxide Detector Testing & Placement: Code & Procedures

January 15, 2024January 3, 2024

Carbon monoxide can kill, and CO detectors save lives. Learn where carbon monoxide detectors and alarms are required and when and how to test them.

#441 – Cleaning Fire Sprinklers Without Using the SprinklerVac

January 4, 2024December 20, 2023

A popular touchless cleaning tool is off the market—so how do you clean fire sprinklers while staying NFPA-compliant? Review the options in this blog.

#439 – How to Replace an FDC Cap or FDC Plug

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023

Fire department connections must remain covered to protect the system’s pipe and water supply. Here’s how to replace FDC plugs and caps.

#438 – How to Replace a Fire Sprinkler Cover Plate

April 11, 2024November 8, 2023

Learn about how to remove and install concealed fire sprinkler cover plates—and why—with this step-by-step guide.