Thoughts on Fire Blog

#407 – Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch & Tamper Switch Inspection & Maintenance

April 28, 2022April 27, 2022

Learn the essential inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks for fire sprinkler flow switches and tamper switches.

#406 – ESFR Sprinklers: A Strong Line of Defense in Storage Applications

April 12, 2022April 6, 2022

ESFR sprinklers are designed to suppress fires in high-challenge storage occupancies. Learn how they work and their benefits and drawbacks vs. other systems.

#405 – Guide to OS&Y Valves for Fire Protection Systems

March 16, 2022

An OS&Y valve is a type of gate valve used in sprinkler and standpipe systems as a control valve. Read this guide to when and why they are used.

#404 – Fire Hose Valve Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements

March 2, 2022February 16, 2022

Fire hose valves on standpipe systems require regular inspections, plus tests and as-needed maintenance. Learn the essential NFPA requirements.

Fire department connection maintenance guide

#403 – Fire Department Connections: A Guide to FDC Maintenance

November 23, 2022January 27, 2022

ITM for a fire department connection involves a quarterly inspection of all FDC components, plus a hydrostatic test every five years.

#402 – What Happened to System Sensor? Introducing Safe Signal™

January 23, 2022January 19, 2022

System Sensor fire sprinkler supervisory devices are now manufactured by Safe Signal. Learn why the name changed—but little else!

#401 – Thank You for Fire Sprinkler Safety: Restaurant Edition

December 27, 2022January 11, 2022

Restaurant fires are more common than you might think, but they are usually minor, and fire protection systems do their job well. Read up on the stats and some examples.

Residential fire sprinklers garages and exceptions

#400 – Residential Fire Sprinkler Protection: Codes, Garages & Other Exceptions

December 27, 2022December 21, 2021

Learn about the roadblocks to widespread residential fire sprinklers and why some areas of homes are exempt from sprinkler coverage in installation standards

#399 – Thank You for Fire Sprinkler Safety: Home Garage Save!

December 27, 2022December 8, 2021

Learn how a single fire sprinkler in a home garage controlled a fire, saving property and lives—plus why fire sprinklers aren’t in many residential garages.

#398 – Viking XT1 Update: Fire Sprinklers, Wrenches & Head Guards

December 7, 2021November 24, 2021

The Viking XT1 update of its next-generation sprinkler line makes installation easier. Learn why and how to find the right part numbers for sprinklers and accessories.