Thoughts on Fire Blog

#156 – Advanced Fire Protection for a Complex Industrial Facility

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.

#155 – Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 3: Installation of Components

June 23, 2023March 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.

#154 – What is Water Hammer and How Does it Impact Firefighting?

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.

#153 – How to Remove Concrete Anchors: The Complete Guide

May 8, 2020March 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.

#152 – What is a Carlin Valve and When is it Necessary?

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.

#151 – Why and When the US Retrofits Sprinklers in Existing Buildings

February 28, 2019February 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.

#150 – Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 2: Components and Installation

April 29, 2023February 26, 2019

With additional control equipment and air pressurization devices not found in wet sprinkler systems, installing a dry sprinkler system ups the complexity factor. QRFS explains components and NFPA requirements for installing dry systems in areas prone to freezing.

#149 – Significant Changes to the 2019 Edition of NFPA 13, Part 2

December 12, 2022February 21, 2019

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems has guided insurers, installers, and designers for more than a century. QRFS looks at the National Fire Protection Association’s 2019 changes, exploring technical revisions impacting ESFR storage sprinklers, system components, and sprinkler system design.

#148 – Fire Codes for Business: The Business Occupancy

December 12, 2022February 19, 2019

Follow the right fire codes for business that govern fire sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and safe food service operations if your organization is classified as a business occupancy.

A sprinkler contractor installing a fire sprinkler

#147 – Significant Changes to the 2019 Edition of NFPA 13, Part 1

December 12, 2022February 14, 2019

NFPA 13 has guided sprinkler installers and designers for more than a century. QRFS looks at NFPA 13 2019 changes, including an organizational overhaul and technical revisions impacting residential sprinklers in NFPA 13 systems.