How a Fire Sprinkler Works Archives

#201 – Fire Sprinkler Accident Videos: The Hall of Shame

June 7, 2019

QRFS takes a look at seven sprinkler mishaps that might have been avoided with heavy-duty fire sprinkler head guards.

#191 – Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 7: Nitrogen Dry Sprinkler Systems Fight Corrosion

May 24, 2019

QRFS explains why replacing corrosive air with nitrogen can substantially extend the life of dry sprinkler systems.

#167 – Are They “Pendant” or “Pendent” Fire Sprinklers?

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019

QRFS zeroes in on two terms describing one of the most common fixtures in fire protection—pendent sprinkler and pendant sprinkler—explaining why many manufacturers favor one over the other (even if consumers don’t).

#143 – A Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 1: System Overview

April 28, 2023January 29, 2019

Wet sprinkler systems may dominate the fire safety market, but there’s a better solution for certain environments prone to freezing: dry sprinkler systems. QRFS explains how dry systems work, providing the coverage you need without the fear of burst pipes.

#127 – Fire Sprinkler Gauges: Where They Must Be and When to Replace Them

March 27, 2023September 25, 2018

Working pressure gauges make it easy to spot serious problems in a fire sprinkler system. QRFS looks at the NFPA requirements for fire sprinkler gauge placement and replacement in residential and commercial systems.

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.

#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.

#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.

#111 – What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System, Part 1

December 11, 2022June 5, 2018

Regular inspections are required to keep commercial fire sprinkler systems working and up to code. In the first part of this series, QRFS explains the steps involved in the annual visual inspection of fire sprinkler heads.

#109 – CPVC vs. PEX: What’s the Best Choice for Home Fire Sprinkler Systems?

February 14, 2019May 22, 2018

CPVC and PEX have become extremely popular, safety-approved pipe materials in home fire sprinkler systems. Both are easier and less expensive to install than metallic pipe and have better performance characteristics. But which of the two thermoplastics is better? QRFS attempts to answer this excellent question.