April 2, 2019
Learn all the different ways a fire alarm can activate, notify occupants, and get the attention of emergency forces. In the first installment of this three-part series, QRFS explains the different methods for accomplishing each of these fire alarm system objectives.
March 28, 2019
Fire sprinkler installers looking to compete in the home fire sprinkler market have a wide variety of piping materials at their disposal. QRFS estimates the prevalence of piping materials, including PEX and CPVC fire sprinkler pipe, and explains how some factors—namely, cost—have left copper and steel with a much smaller role.
March 27, 2019
Portable fire extinguishers are an effective tool for putting out fires in their earliest stages. QRFS explains how NFPA extinguisher inspections provide building owners and their staff with timelines for fixing problems with fire extinguishers and cabinets.
March 26, 2019
Quick-connecting Storz couplings can simplify the task facing firefighters and significantly reduce the time required to connect fire hoses to fire hydrants and fire department connections. QRFS looks at the benefits and drawbacks of three products designed to make these devices Storz-ready: removable Storz adapters, permanent Storz adapters, and integral fire hydrant Storz connections.
March 21, 2019
Heat tracing can protect sections of pipe in wet fire sprinklers from freezing, providing a viable alternative to installing or retrofitting more complex and expensive dry pipe or preaction systems. QRFS explains various types of heat tape, including NFPA standards, cost, and maintenance requirements.
March 19, 2019
Increasingly complex industrial facilities need advanced fire protection and life safety systems. QRFS reviews NFPA and ICC requirements for an industrial occupancy.
March 14, 2019
The additional components required in dry fire sprinkler systems compared to wet systems can make installation more challenging. QRFS helps you understand NFPA 13 requirements for installing dry pipe and check valves, as well as quick-opening and antiflooding devices.
March 12, 2019
Closing or opening a valve can cause a sudden surge in pressure, threatening water-based systems and the people who work around them. QRFS explains the phenomenon known as water hammer, describing what is, how it works, and how it impacts firefighting and the design of fire protection systems.
March 7, 2019
Contractors of all kinds rely on concrete anchors, but these fasteners’ impressive grip can make them particularly tricky to remove. QRFS takes a look at established and emerging ways to quickly remove concrete anchors.
March 5, 2019
At the fire scene, the engine company sometimes designates a person to stay with the fire hydrant while the engine and the crew advance on a burning building. QRFS explains how Carlin valves, a displacement-activated hydrant gate valve, can keep the engine company whole while facilitating safe and speedy hydrant activation.
February 28, 2019
A look at the evolution and impact of fire safety code that has caused most new commercial buildings to have fire sprinklers – and how revised code and local governments are now driving sprinkler retrofits in existing buildings.
