Thoughts on Fire Blog

#254 – Cleaning Sprinkler Heads: Why You Really Need to Do It

April 23, 2024August 21, 2019

Learn what gross and hazardous particles lurk in the dust and grime on fire sprinklers—and how a tool for cleaning sprinkler heads gets rid of them without risking a flood.

#253 – Guide to Victaulic Fire Sprinkler Escutcheons for Model V27, V29, V34, and V36 Heads

January 23, 2022August 20, 2019

Victaulic’s straightforward selection of fire sprinkler escutcheons makes it easy for consumers to find a compatible design and finish. Read on to learn more about Victaulic’s fire sprinkler escutcheons and parts for the Model V27, V34, and more.

#252 – Set and Cure Times for CPVC Glue (Solvent Cement): How Much Time Does It Take to Dry?

June 7, 2023August 19, 2019

Often called CPVC glue, CPVC solvent cement joins pipes and fittings at a molecular level. QRFS covers everything installers need to know about the time required for CPVC glue to initially dry (set) and permanently cure when used with CPVC brands like BlazeMaster®, FlameGuard®, and ThermaFit Industries.

#251 – A Guide to NFPA 13’s Alphabet Soup of Referenced Publications and Their Acronyms

August 16, 2019

Learn what the common acronyms used in NFPA 13 mean, what publications they reference, and which standards are applicable to fire sprinkler systems.

#250 – Fire Blankets vs. Fire Extinguishers: Pros, Cons and Considerations

January 25, 2022August 15, 2019

QRFS compares fire blankets and fire extinguishers, explaining how and where each on may be used as part of a fire protection strategy.

#249 – Choosing a Replacement Fire Department Connection (FDC): Frequently Asked Questions

November 23, 2022August 14, 2019

Building owners and facility managers often find the process of replacing a fire department connection, or FDC, confusing. QRFS looks at FDCs from a buyer’s perspective, answering frequently asked questions about this important piece of fire protection equipment.

Tope beam clamps for fire sprinkler pipe

#248 – A Guide to Top Beam Clamps for Fire Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems

August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

Top beam clamps used to hang pipes in fire sprinkler and standpipe systems perform well in buildings with steel beams and other metal supports. Learn how they work, where they’re used, and what fire code requires.

#247 – XT1 Fire Sprinklers and Accessories: The “Next Generation” of Viking Sprinklers

January 21, 2022August 12, 2019

What do Viking’s new fire sprinklers, head guards, escutcheons, and water shields offer that earlier models don’t? QRFS looks at the Viking XT1 fire sprinkler platform, discussing product design, cross-compatibility between old and new products, and purchasing and identification tips.

#246 – Fire Pump Component Testing: NFPA 25 Annual Fire Pump Tests, Part 2

August 9, 2019

QRFS finishes its two-part series on annual fire pump testing with requirements for testing the specific components of fire pumps.

#245 – The Fire Pump Flow Test: NFPA 25 Requirements for Fire Pump Tests, Part 1

September 2, 2021August 8, 2019

QRFS takes a comprehensive, step-by-step look at the detailed guidelines for performing annual fire pump flow tests in NFPA 25.