February 1, 2018
This article breaks down the maintenance testing requirements for existing standpipe systems defined in NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Our goal is to aggregate and contextualize this code for contractors and building owners.
January 25, 2018
This installment of a continuing series covers required acceptance testing for standpipe systems and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that correspond with it.
January 18, 2018
A look at the additional, vital portions of a standpipe: the hoses, hose connections and stations, and various system valves. This article explains the purpose of these items and serves as a quick reference for the maintenance and inspections expected of life safety contractors and building owners.
January 11, 2018
This article examines the major individual components of standpipe systems, along with their installation, inspection, and maintenance requirements. Our aim is to simplify this guidance for both contractors and building owners.
January 4, 2018
This article provides an overview of the different types and classes of standpipe systems, as well as explains when they are required according to NFPA 14, the International Fire Code, and the International Building Code.
December 14, 2017
NFPA requires many signs in a fire sprinkler system. Learn about them all to ensure your system is properly marked. Why? So first responders, building managers, and fire professionals all access a well-marked, easy-to-navigate fire protection system that works.
December 7, 2017
Why would a fire protection system need to be drained? This article discusses four common reasons and details the various types of drains necessary for safely draining a fire sprinkler system. Included is a detailed breakdown of the primary drain valves in a sprinkler system: main drains, auxiliary drains, sectional drains, test drains, and more.
November 30, 2017
Kidde, one of the world’s most popular manufacturers of life safety equipment, recalled nearly 40 million fire extinguishers after over 400 safety issues were reported. What does the Kidde fire extingusiher recall mean for you, and which fire extinguisher should you have?
November 23, 2017
Learn how and when hydrostatic testing is conducted on standpipes and fire sprinkler systems, as well as special considerations and the equipment used.
November 16, 2017
In fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, trim valves help make inspection, monitoring, and testing simpler. QRFS looks at trim valves for fire protection, providing an overview of what they are, how they function, and what the NFPA says about these helpful devices.
November 9, 2017
In this article, we dive into thread standards and thread sizing. Travel back into history to gain a better understanding of thread sizes, learn what standards are used today, and find out what solutions are available to ensure you get the right threads for your fire protection job.
November 2, 2017
This article explains the features of plastic fire extinguisher cabinets, where to use them, and their benefits.
October 26, 2017
Learn how a check valve works, the types of check valves, and their benefits. Additionally, understand what components you should look for when selecting a check valve and their maintenance requirements.
October 19, 2017
In this article, we’re going to teach you how to use a valve wheel wrench to loosen a difficult valve. We’ll take a look at the valve wheel wrench itself to get a better understanding of what it is and what sets it apart from other wrenches.
October 12, 2017
This article covers what a fire sprinkler escutcheon is, what it does, and why they’re necessary. It also explores the different types and how to replace them.
October 5, 2017
Learn how local laws, personal references, and smart questions can help you choose a qualified fire sprinkler contractor or fire protection company.
September 28, 2017
Gain a better understanding of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), their mission, and what it means for your pressure gauges. Learn what it means when a gauge has a NIST Certificate, when it’s necessary, and options for getting a certification for gauges in your current inventory.
September 21, 2017
In this article, QRFS discusses the various types of sprinkler systems – including wet, dry, preaction, and deluge fire sprinkler systems – and their intended uses.
