July 17, 2018
Fire pumps add a great deal of complexity to the maintenance of a commercial fire sprinkler system. In Part 3 of QRFS’ continuing series, we explain the inspection requirements for systems with fire pumps — whether they use electric, diesel, or steam-turbine engines.
July 10, 2018
Fire sprinkler cover plates must be rated for the exact temperature that fits a specific sprinkler head. QRFS explains how to determine the right temperature rating when looking to replace a cover plate.
July 3, 2018
PEX tube has been approved for use in wet fire sprinklers, in both multipurpose and standalone systems — but can PEX be used in dry or preaction systems? QRFS answers a question posed by a reader — and gets a ruling directly from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
June 26, 2018
Escutcheons that surround fire sprinkler heads are not just decorative — they prevent smoke and heat from escaping into a wall or ceiling and NFPA requires that you replace damaged or missing escutcheons. QRFS explains how to size an escutcheon to make sure a replacement matches your fire sprinkler.
June 19, 2018
Regular inspections are required to keep commercial fire sprinkler systems working and up to code. In the second installment of a series, QRFS explains the steps involved in the annual visual inspection of fire sprinkler pipe and fittings, plus how to classify any issues that are found.
June 12, 2018
Fire Department Connections and their replacement parts must be compatible with the specific hoses and connections used by your local fire department. QRFS explains how to determine the size and thread for your FDC and its components.
June 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.
May 29, 2018
Working Fire Department Connections (FDCs) are essential for many standpipe systems, and a broken or missing swivel means firefighters won’t have access to the water supply during a fire. QRFS looks at options for replacing a fire department connection swivels, plus how to install the part.
May 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.
May 15, 2018
Tamper-resistant fire sprinklers are essential in prisons, jails, mental health facilities, and other secured environments. QRFS explains how institutional fire sprinkler heads can help prevent vandalism, suicide, accidental discharges and other incidents that involve tampering with an automatic fire safety system.
May 8, 2018
After a series of incidents in which antifreeze ignited after sprinklers deployed during a fire, NFPA investigated and began issuing new guidelines for its use in 2010. QRFS explains the current status of using antifreeze in fire protection systems, as well as alternatives for freeze protection.
May 1, 2018
Cleanrooms that are used in manufacturing, research, and medical facilities require fire sprinkler systems that are easy to clean without damaging the sprinkler heads. QRFS details the benefits of fire sprinkler cover plates in cleanrooms and other highly-sanitary environments.
April 17, 2018
Home fire sprinklers are simple and easy to maintain, and they can last for decades with minimal care. But the specific maintenance requirements depend on the type of system and the components that are installed. QRFS takes a look at how to maintain different home fire sprinkler systems, including the essential “don’ts” that ensure sprinklers will work in an emergency.
April 10, 2018
In the last installment of our series covering the installation of home fire sprinklers, we complete our look at major sprinkler system components, examining pipe in home fire sprinklers as well as valves and alarms.
April 3, 2018
In Part 2 of our Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation series, we cover some of the major components of residential fire sprinkler systems: The types of sprinkler heads and their distribution; how the water supply is determined and applies to standalone or multipurpose systems; and pumps, tanks, and other possible items that can be used in a system.
March 17, 2018
Fire sprinkler systems are incredibly reliable and effective, but several things can cause an accidental discharge, including vandalism or negligence. QRFS examines why fire sprinklers go off at the wrong time and how a simple solution – the Shutgun – can stop a fire sprinkler head and prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.
March 13, 2018
In the first part of our series about installing home fire sprinklers, QRFS reviews the two major types of residential sprinkler systems (standalone vs. multipurpose), what to consider if installing fire sprinklers in a new home or retrofitting into an existing home, and what to look for when hiring a contractor.
March 6, 2018
Residential fire sprinkler systems can mean life or death in a house fire. The systems are reliable and inexpensive, so why don’t more homes have them? In this blog post, we examine residential fire statistics, the impact of residential sprinklers, and some FAQs about home fire sprinklers. We look closer at cost and safety statistics, as well as the maintenance required with these systems.
