Test & Monitor Archives

#240 – Pitot Gauges: How Do I Calculate the PSI to GPM Conversion?

February 2, 2025August 1, 2019

QRFS makes using a pitot gauge to calculate gallons per minute simple: convert PSI to GPM manually or with this convenient online calculator.

#217 – Flow Switches vs. Pressure Switches in Fire Protection: What’s the Difference?

February 2, 2025July 1, 2019

Flow and pressure switches may look similar, but choosing the wrong type can have serious consequences for fire protection systems. Learn about their construction, use, and code requirements.

#200 – What’s a Firefighting Playpipe and Why Do We Call It That?

February 2, 2025June 6, 2019

QRFS looks at the origins and historic use of the term “playpipe,” explaining how firefighting playpipe became the inspector’s tool of choice for straightening water flows.

#182 – How to Detect and Fix an Underground Standpipe Leak, Part 2

February 2, 2025May 10, 2019

QRFS explores how simple pipe accessories and specialized tools—from ground-penetrating radar to infrared imaging—can expedite the task of finding and fixing a leak in the underground pipes serving standpipe systems.

#181 – How to Detect and Fix an Underground Standpipe Leak, Part 1

February 2, 2025May 9, 2019

Flow tests and hydrostatic tests can uncover problems with private fire service mains serving a standpipe system. QRFS explains how standpipe testing procedures can point to a leak underground.

Tru-Test HT89A hydrostatic test pump parts

#141 – How to Use and Troubleshoot a Hydrostatic Test Pump

February 2, 2025January 22, 2019

How do you properly use a hydrostatic test pump? When can you troubleshoot a hydrostatic test pump on your own and when should you contact the manufacturer? Learn to prime, start, stop, and safely pressurize pumps with this guide from QRFS.

#133 – Hydrostatic Test Pump Features to Consider When Selecting a Pump

February 2, 2025November 6, 2018

What makes a hydrostatic test pump better for acceptance and maintenance testing on fire sprinklers and standpipes? QRFS takes a look at features impacting the portability, ease of use, and reliability of today’s hydrostatic test pumps.

#132 – Choosing a Hydrostatic Test Pump for Fire Sprinklers and Standpipes

February 2, 2025October 30, 2018

Standpipes and sprinklers require hydrostatic testing before system acceptance, every 5 years for certain standpipes, and/or when there are significant system revisions. But how do you know if you’ve got the right pump for the job? QRFS reviews the key specs and features to look for when choosing a hydrostatic test pump.

#126 – Fire Bell Placement: Mounting an Outdoor Bell Near an FDC

February 2, 2025September 18, 2018

Is a fire bell needed near a sprinkler system’s FDC? Where should this outdoor bell be mounted? Get to know NFPA, IBC, and local rules on fire alarm bells.

#105 – The Water Hero Can Stop Costly Water Leaks and Damage at Home

February 2, 2025April 24, 2018

Water leaks can happen in surprising and hidden places in the home, and cause thousands of dollars in damage before they’re fixed. QRFS details the causes, costs, and insurance implications of home water leaks, plus looks at a simple solution to automatically detect leaks and stop them: The Water Hero.