Thoughts on Fire Blog

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

January 29, 2025February 6, 2020

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.

#320 – NFPA 13 Seismic Bracing Requirements: Cable Sway Braces

January 29, 2025February 4, 2020

Learn where seismic cable sway bracing is needed and how to install it In the previous installment of our series on seismic protections for fire sprinklers, we introduced the principles of sway bracing. Here, we … Read more

#321 – Loos Seismic Bracing Protects Building Systems from Earthquakes

January 29, 2025January 30, 2020

Seismic bracing for pipes, ductwork, electrical components, and more keeps systems up and running after the shaking stops The risk of fire runs high after earthquakes, most often triggered by broken gas lines, exposed wires, … Read more

#319 – Fire Sprinkler System Freeze Prevention: Ball Valves, Drum Drips & More

January 29, 2025January 28, 2020

Antifreeze isn’t always the best—or the only—approach to fire sprinkler system freeze prevention. Learn how ball valves, drum drips, and other equipment can prevent damage and failure.

#318 – Seismic Design for Fire Sprinklers, Part 2: Seismic Bracing

January 29, 2025January 23, 2020

Fire sprinkler systems require seismic design to safeguard them against earthquakes. Learn about the principles and equipment involved in seismic bracing.

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

January 29, 2025January 21, 2020

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.

#316 – Ways to Protect Your Home from Wildfires

January 30, 2025January 16, 2020

As wildfires rage in Australia and the U.S. gears up for the next wildfire season, QRFS shares tips for protecting properties.

#315 – Seismic Design for Fire Sprinkler Pipes, Part 1: Flexible Design

January 30, 2025January 14, 2020

Learn how to determine when seismic design is needed in fire sprinkler systems and about the flexibility method of protecting sprinkler pipe.

#314 – The Deadliest Fires in U.S. History: Lessons from the Worcester Fire

January 30, 2025January 9, 2020

What made the Worcester Cold Storage Facility unique offers lessons for fighting fires in abandoned structures. Find out what was learned after the Worcester fire.

#313 – ICC and NFPA Codes and Standards: A Basic Guide

January 30, 2025January 7, 2020

What is enforceable code, and where? Learn how ICC and NFPA create building and fire codes and standards and when they are adopted as law by local and state governments.