April 30, 2019
Powered by small water droplets, water mist fire suppression systems may outperform conventional fire sprinkler systems and their usual alternatives. QRFS looks at how water mist systems work, their types, usage, and maintenance in accordance with NFPA 750.
April 25, 2019
A comparison of the features and benefits of Sammy Screws and DeWALT HangerMate+ fasteners used for hanging pipe in fire sprinkler systems and other applications.
April 24, 2019
Advocates of walkable street design sometimes meet resistance from firefighters and other emergency services, who depend on wider, faster streets for quick response. QRFS looks at how urban design and firefighting are evolving to meet the challenges of first response and pedestrian safety.
April 18, 2019
Learn the National Fire Protection Association and International Fire Code fire sprinkler and fire alarm requirements for hotels, lodging and rooming houses, and dormitories.
April 17, 2019
A dependable and properly maintained supply of pressurized air is key to the reliable operation of dry sprinkler systems. QRFS helps you understand NFPA requirements for installing air compressors and air maintenance devices.
April 10, 2019
As sprinkler systems become more common, the fire protection industry has attracted unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit fire sprinklers. Learn how to ID real and fake fire sprinklers, as well as where to look for counterfeit advisories.
April 9, 2019
The National Fire Protection Association has unique fire alarm requirements for each occupancy type. QRFS details NFPA code for fire alarm initiation, occupant notification, and monitoring of educational, detention and correctional, assembly, mercantile, business, storage, and industrial facilities.
April 5, 2019
A wide range of standards govern the construction and use of valves—so, can angle valves designed for one purpose be used for another? QRFS looks at angle valves in fire protection, HVAC, plumbing, and beyond, discussing their construction, manufacturing standards, and suitability for various applications.
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 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.
