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 24, 2018
Water leaks can happen in surprising and hidden places in the home, and cause thousands of dollars in damage before they’re fixed. QRFS details the causes, costs, and insurance implications of home water leaks, plus looks at a simple solution to automatically detect leaks and stop them: The Water Hero.
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 $50 solution – the Shutgun – can 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.
