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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
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      • Heavy Duty Head Guards
      • Water Shields and Baffles
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      • Shutgun
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      • 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
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      • Swing Check Valves
    • Angle Valves
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Test & Monitor

Sprinkler Supervisory Switch Electrical Specs: The Basics

February 9, 2026November 5, 2025 by Phillip Dryden
supervisory switch electrical plate

A sprinkler supervisory switch, whether it’s a flow, tamper, or pressure switch, has specific electrical specs. Learn more about these numbers.

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment

Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Testers: How Long Do They Last?

February 9, 2026August 14, 2025 by Jason Hugo
smoke detector tester and co detector tester

Smoke and CO detector testers are essential for verifying that alarm systems function properly. But know the shelf life of smoke and CO cartridges!

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment

Explosion-Proof Equipment in Fire Protection Systems

February 9, 2026January 1, 2025 by Jason Hugo
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

How to Protect Gauges from Overpressure and Damage

February 9, 2026July 17, 2024 by Phillip Dryden
Protect gauges from overpressure and damage

Pressure spikes can damage gauges. Prevent gauge overpressure damage by understanding ratings, employing best practices, & using snubbers.

Categories Test & Monitor Tags gauges, overpressure Leave a comment

Carbon Monoxide Detector Testing & Placement: Code & Procedures

February 9, 2026January 3, 2024 by Phillip Dryden
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

Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch & Tamper Switch Inspection & Maintenance

February 8, 2026April 27, 2022 by Phillip Dryden

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

Categories Test & Monitor 4 Comments

What Happened to System Sensor? Introducing Safe Signal™

February 8, 2026January 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

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

February 8, 2026June 8, 2021 by Phillip Dryden
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

NFPA Guidance on Fire Hydrant Testing

February 8, 2026November 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

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

February 8, 2026September 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

Pitot Gauge Kits for Fire Hose Testing & Hydrant Flow Tests

February 8, 2026May 27, 2020 by Jason Hugo
Picture of pitot gauge kit

Learn about the features of pitot gauge kits—including the gauges, blades, tubes & more—and how they make testing easier and more accurate.

Categories Test & Monitor 14 Comments

Does Smoke in a Can Work with Every Smoke Detector?

February 8, 2026March 17, 2020 by Jason Hugo
Picture of QRFS Smoke in a Can

Learn how UL-listed smoke in a can offers the most effective method for testing smoke detectors, and what types it works with.

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment

Testing Smoke Detectors with Smoke in a Can

February 8, 2026March 12, 2020 by Jason Hugo
Smoke Detector Testing with Smoke in a Can

Smoke in a can makes functional tests of smoke detectors easy. Learn about NFPA testing rules and the aerosol testing equipment available.

Categories Test & Monitor 4 Comments

Contractors’ Preference: Alarm Bells, Water Motor Gongs & Fire Alarms

February 8, 2026February 6, 2020 by Jason Hugo

Learn how a balance of cost, code, and a love of the craft influences contractors’ choice of fire alarm bells, water motor gongs, and newer electronics.

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment

Fire Bells: Which One Do I Need? And How Many?

February 8, 2026January 21, 2020 by Jason Hugo

Fire bell voltage, size, and volume can confuse non-experts and fire safety pros alike. Pick the right bell (and the right quantity) with this guide.

Categories Test & Monitor 2 Comments

Digital Pressure Gauges in Fire Sprinkler Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

February 7, 2026October 22, 2019 by Jason Hugo
digital pressure gauges

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

Categories Test & Monitor 2 Comments

How Fire Bells and Water Motor Gongs Work with Fire Risers

February 6, 2026September 18, 2019 by Jason Hugo
Fire alarm bell

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.

Categories Test & Monitor 2 Comments

What Dial Range Should You Select When You Buy a Pitot Gauge?

February 6, 2026September 12, 2019 by Jason Hugo
Pitot gauge dial ranges

Handheld pitot gauge kits make flow tests easy. But it’s important to match pitot tube pressure gauges to the flow rates and orifice sizes you’ll be testing.

Categories Test & Monitor Leave a comment
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