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  • Fire Sprinklers
    • Cover Plates
      • Cover Plate Finder
      • Flat
      • Domed
      • Viking Cover Plates
      • Tyco Cover Plates
      • Reliable Cover Plates
      • Victaulic Cover Plates
      • Senju Cover Plates
      • Cleanroom
    • Escutcheons
      • Escutcheon Finder
      • Recessed
      • Adjustable (401)
      • Split Ring (Retrofit)
      • One Piece
      • Institutional
      • Viking Escutcheons
      • Tyco Escutcheons
      • Reliable Escutcheons
      • Victaulic Escutcheons
      • Senju Escutcheons
      • Vaulted Ceiling
      • Extension Tubes
    • Sprinkler Heads
      • Sprinkler Finder
      • Uprights
      • Pendents
      • Concealed Pendents
      • Horizontal Sidewalls
      • Concealed Sidewalls
      • Residential
      • Standard Response (SR)
      • Quick Response (QR)
      • ESFR, EC, & Other
      • Institutional
      • Viking Fire Sprinklers
      • Tyco Fire Sprinklers
      • Victaulic Fire Sprinklers
      • Reliable Fire Sprinklers
      • Senju Fire Sprinklers
    • Head Wrenches
      • Standard
      • Concealed
      • Recessed
      • Cabinet/Plastic
      • Hybrid and Other
    • Sprinkler Accessories
      • Sprinkler Extensions
      • Installation Tools
      • Trim Rings
      • Spare Head Cabinets
    • Guards and Shields
      • Paint Covers
      • Standard Head Guards
      • Heavy Duty Head Guards
      • Water Shields and Baffles
    • Shut off Tools
      • Shutgun
    • System Components
      • Sprinkler Gauges
      • Flexible Drops
      • Drywall Access Doors
      • Pre-Assembled Risers
      • Cleaning Tools
      • Breakable Locks
  • Pipe
    • CPVC Fittings
      • Caps
      • Couplings
      • Adapters and Reducers
      • Elbows
      • Tees
      • Bushings
      • Pipe
      • Crosses
      • Cement
    • Grooved Fittings
      • Couplings
      • Adapters and Reducers
      • Caps
      • Mechanical Tees
      • Tees
      • Elbows
      • Crosses
      • Coupling Grease
    • Black Iron Fittings
      • Bushings
      • Nipples
      • Square Head Plugs
    • Wall Plates
      • Plastic
      • Metal
      • Galvanized
      • Rod Buttons
    • Installation & Cutting
      • Pilot Clamps
      • Hole Saw Blades
      • Sealants and Greases
      • Boltbreakers
      • Tru Drill
      • Paint Markers
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      • Riser Clamps
      • CPVC Hangers
      • Fasteners and Drivers
      • Beam Clamps
      • Swivel Rings
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      • Aluminum Signs
      • Decals and Stickers
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      • Smoke Detector Test Kits
      • Smoke Aerosols and Cartridges
      • Smoke Dispensers
      • Sensitivity Testers
      • Scorpion (Mounted)
    • CO Detector Testing
      • CO Detector Test Kits
      • CO Aerosols and Cartridges
      • CO Dispensers
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      • Battery Testing
      • Duct Detector Testing
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    • Other Detector Testing
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      • Universal Detector Test Kits
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      • Batteries and Chargers
      • Access Poles
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    • Flow Testing
      • Flow Test Kits
      • Pitot Gauge Kits
      • Flow Testing Parts
    • Alarm Bells
      • 24V
      • 120V
      • Alarm Bell Accessories
    • Electronic Supervision
      • Flow Switches
      • Pressure Switches
      • Supervisory Switches
  • FDCs
    • Exposed Bodies
      • Angled
      • Straight
    • Concealed Bodies
      • Angled
      • Straight
    • Caps and Plugs
      • Breakable Caps
      • Plug and Chains
    • Snoots and Swivels
    • Identification Plates
      • Round ID Plates
      • Square ID Plates
      • Auto Spkr ID Plates
      • Standpipe ID Plates
      • Combination ID Plates
    • Residential
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    • Butterfly Valves
      • Grooved Butterfly Valves
      • Threaded Butterfly Valves
      • Wafer Butterfly Valves
    • OS&Y Valves
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      • Powerball Valves
      • Gate Valves
    • Shotgun Riser Check Valves
    • Other Check Valves
      • Brass Check Valves
      • In-Line Check Valves
      • Swing Check Valves
    • Angle Valves
    • Testing & Maintenance
      • Pressure Relief Valves
      • Bleeder Valves
      • Three Way Valves
      • Ball Valves
      • Globe Valves
      • Ball Drip Valves
      • Auxiliary Drain Valves
      • Test and Drain Valves
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      • Valve Wheel Wrenches
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Test & Monitor

#468 – Explosion-Proof Equipment in Fire Protection Systems

January 24, 2025January 1, 2025 by QRFS
Explosion-proof equipment in fire protection

In some hazardous environments, essential but standard fire protection devices could actually cause fires! Learn about explosion-proof equipment that helps prevent these issues, including flow switches, tamper switches, and other devices.

Categories Test & Monitor Tags explosion-proof equipment, Fire protection systems Leave a comment

#456 – How to Protect Gauges from Overpressure and Damage

January 24, 2025July 17, 2024 by QRFS
Protect gauges from overpressure and damage

Pressure spikes can damage these devices in fire protection systems and other applications—here’s why, and how to prevent pressure gauge overpressure Pressure gauges are essential … Read more

Categories Test & Monitor Tags gauges, overpressure Leave a comment

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

January 24, 2025January 3, 2024 by Jason Hugo
Carbon monoxide detector testing

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.

Categories Test & Monitor Tags CO detector testing, CO detectors 4 Comments

#407 – Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch & Tamper Switch Inspection & Maintenance

January 24, 2025April 27, 2022 by Jason Hugo

Learn the essential inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks for fire sprinkler flow switches and tamper switches.

Categories Test & Monitor 4 Comments

#402 – What Happened to System Sensor? Introducing Safe Signal™

January 24, 2025January 19, 2022 by Jason Hugo
Safe Signal logo and supervisory device

System Sensor fire sprinkler supervisory devices are now manufactured by Safe Signal. Learn why the name changed—but little else!

Categories Test & Monitor 1 Comment

#386 – What’s the Difference Between a Tamper Switch and a Supervisory Switch?

January 27, 2025June 8, 2021 by Jason Hugo
Tamper switches and waterflow switches

QRFS explains the difference between tamper switches and supervisory switches, plus other types of fire sprinkler system sensors.

Categories Test & Monitor 8 Comments

#370 – NFPA Guidance on Fire Hydrant Testing

August 9, 2025November 10, 2020 by Jason Hugo
Fire hydrant testing

Learn when and how cities should perform hydrant flow tests—and why these measurements ensure that fire protection systems work in an emergency.

Categories Test & Monitor 35 Comments

#360 – How Does a Water Motor Gong Work in Fire Sprinkler Systems?

January 28, 2025September 1, 2020 by Jason Hugo
water motor gong

Alarm gong systems deliver warning that sprinklers are operating—even if the power goes out. Learn exactly how they work.

Categories Test & Monitor 10 Comments

#359 – When Do I Need a Digital Tachometer in Fire Protection System ITM?

August 9, 2025August 25, 2020 by Jason Hugo
Digital tachometer

Learn why handheld digital tachometers offer unmatched accuracy and ease of use in fire pump tests and other RPM measurements.

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment

#346 – Pitot Gauge Kits for Fire Hose Testing & Hydrant Flow Tests

August 9, 2025May 27, 2020 by QRFS Team
Picture of pitot gauge kit

Flow testing gets easier with complete kits for the ITM professional A pitot gauge has long been an essential piece of equipment for hydrant flow … Read more

Categories Test & Monitor 14 Comments

#333 — Does Smoke in a Can Work with Every Smoke Detector?

January 29, 2025March 17, 2020 by QRFS Team
Picture of QRFS Smoke in a Can

UL-listed canned smoke offers the most effective method for testing smoke detectors Working smoke detectors more than double people’s chances of surviving a fire by … Read more

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment
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