Thoughts on Fire Blog

#55 – Introduction to Standpipe Systems and Fire Hose Angle Valves

November 22, 2022July 22, 2016

Angle hose valves give firefighters or trained building occupants access to a standpipe system’s supply of water. Learn more about these vital pieces of equipment!

#54 – What is a Siamese Connection?

June 7, 2023July 15, 2016

The Siamese Fire Department Connection (FDC) features two female inlets and plays an essential role in providing supplemental water to sprinkler and standpipe systems.

Two flush fire department connections with brass plates

#53 – The Role and Components of Fire Department Connections

October 21, 2022July 8, 2016

The fire department connection (FDC) is the access point for a building’s standpipe or sprinkler system to receive water from fire engines. Learn about FDC types, components, uses, and standards and code governing them.

A brass-finished fire department connection plug and body

#52 – FDC Fire Equipment: Guide to Fire Department Connection Plugs

November 22, 2022June 30, 2016

FDC plugs ensure the effectiveness of a building’s fire department connection by preventing foreign material from entering and clogging waterways.

#51 – What is a Hydrant Pressure Test?

November 28, 2022June 24, 2016

Hydrant pressure tests ensure that a city’s water supply and fire hydrants are in working condition and up to code. They determine the pressure and rate of flow at any point in a city’s water distribution system. Learn about the test and how it is conducted.

#50 – Use a Pilot Clamp in 6 Easy Steps

April 22, 2019June 17, 2016

Pilot clamps make pipe-fitting in the field much easier. They fasten to any cylindrical pipe using a clamp head, and provide accurate drilling through their hole saw guiding system.

Pilot clamp for drilling holes in metal pipe

#49 – What is a Pilot Clamp and How Do They Drill Holes in Metal Pipe?

October 4, 2019June 10, 2016

Portable and versatile, locking hole-saw guides known as pilot clamps make drilling holes in metal pipes easy. Learn about their uses and benefits here.

Chrome cup and skirt retrofit escutcheon with parts separated

#48 – How to Replace Fire Sprinkler Escutcheons Using Retrofit Escutcheons

November 28, 2022June 3, 2016

Fire sprinkler escutcheons provide fire sprinkler heads aesthetic appeal and help the ceiling resist the passage of heat. Learn how retrofit escutcheons make replacing defective or missing escutcheons much, much easier.

FDC caps on standpipe fire department connection

#47 – How to Install FDC Caps

February 7, 2022May 27, 2016

Blockages in a fire department connection can prove catastrophic for buildings and the people in them. QRFS explains how to install FDC caps used to protect the waterways serving a building’s fire protection system.

#46 – How to Use a Pitot Gauge for Hydrant Flow Testing

November 28, 2022May 20, 2016

Need to test a fire hydrant’s rate of discharge? Read this blog to find out how this is accomplished, and what steps should be taken to ensure accurate results. A popular way to perform hydrant flow testing is by using a Pitot gauge, which consists of three components: a blade, handle, and gauge. It remains one of the fastest, most efficient methods for measuring both straight tip and hydrant flow GPM to uncover reduced flow rates.