Guides for Fire Protection Equipment and Fire Safety Systems Archives

#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.

#436 – How to Read a Reliable Fire Sprinkler Bulletin | Data Sheet

October 18, 2023October 11, 2023

Learn how to use Reliable fire sprinkler data sheets (“Bulletins”) to identify and purchase the correct sprinklers and accessories for your fire protection system.

#432 — How to Read a Victaulic Sprinkler Data Sheet

September 1, 2023August 17, 2023

Fire sprinkler “cut sheets” can seem confusing—at first. Here’s a guide to reading Victaulic sprinkler data sheets to find the right specs, sprinklers, and other parts.

#431 – Tyco LFII Sprinkler Changes & When You Need “Long-Neck” Covers

August 4, 2023August 2, 2023

Tyco has updated some of its LFII sprinklers along with the cover plates that fit some of them. Here’s what’s changed and what you need to buy.