December 11, 2018
Fire safety valve pressure ratings matter when choosing a valve for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems. QRFS reviews the differences between more than ten common terms manufacturers use to describe valves’ pressure ratings, including WOG (Water, Oil, Gas), WSP (Working Steam Pressure), and PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).
December 5, 2018
Fire hoses are made with a specific use in mind, so it’s important to know the difference between them – including their materials and pressure tolerances – before making a purchase. Whether you are a firefighter or you simply need new hose for a standpipe system, this article outlines which one is right for the job.
November 20, 2018
Grooved butterfly valves and wafer butterfly valves both control flow in fire sprinkler and standpipe systems — but is there a reason for choosing one over the other? QRFS looks at the features of different butterfly valves for fire protection, including guidance from the National Fire Protection Association.
November 15, 2018
Fire sprinkler wrenches must be compatible with a specific make and model of fire sprinkler. QRFS explains how to determine the right wrench for the job, as well as how to stock a spare sprinkler kit.
November 6, 2018
What makes a hydrostatic test pump better for acceptance and maintenance testing on fire sprinklers and standpipes? QRFS takes a look at features impacting the portability, ease of use, and reliability of today’s hydrostatic test pumps.
October 30, 2018
Standpipes and sprinklers require hydrostatic testing before system acceptance, every 5 years for certain standpipes, and/or when there are significant system revisions. But how do you know if you’ve got the right pump for the job? QRFS reviews the key specs and features to look for when choosing a hydrostatic test pump.
September 25, 2018
Working pressure gauges make it easy to spot serious problems in a fire sprinkler system. QRFS looks at the NFPA requirements for fire sprinkler gauge placement and replacement in residential and commercial systems.
September 18, 2018
Is a fire bell needed near a sprinkler system’s FDC? Where should this outdoor bell be mounted? Get to know NFPA, IBC, and local rules on fire alarm bells.
September 11, 2018
Dry, preaction, and deluge sprinkler systems have unique equipment that needs to be checked so the system functions properly. QRFS’ continuing series on commercial fire sprinkler inspections looks at the NFPA inspection requirements for automatic detection systems and air compressors.
September 4, 2018
Fire alarm control panels can interface with hundreds of life-saving devices simultaneously. QRFS looks at how fire code and the features of today’s fire panels streamline evacuation and emergency response efforts.
August 28, 2018
Tanks are often required as the sole water source for fire sprinkler systems in rural areas, and can serve as a secondary source for structures that have a high water demand. QRFS’ continuing series on commercial fire sprinkler inspections looks at the NFPA requirements for inspecting tanks.
August 15, 2018
Valves are an essential component on any fire protection system, and automatic sprinkler systems are no exception. QRFS reviews the inspection requirements for fire sprinkler valves outlined in NFPA 25, along with explanations of what these parts do.
August 1, 2018
In QRFS’ continuing series on NFPA’s commercial fire sprinkler inspection requirements, we look at what you need to check out — and when — it comes to fire sprinkler gauges, signs, water flow alarms and supervisory signaling devices.
July 17, 2018
Fire pumps add a great deal of complexity to the maintenance of a commercial fire sprinkler system. In Part 3 of QRFS’ continuing series, we explain the inspection requirements for systems with fire pumps — whether they use electric, diesel, or steam-turbine engines.
July 3, 2018
PEX tube has been approved for use in wet fire sprinklers, in both multipurpose and standalone systems — but can PEX be used in dry or preaction systems? QRFS answers a question posed by a reader — and gets a ruling directly from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
June 19, 2018
Regular inspections are required to keep commercial fire sprinkler systems working and up to code. In the second installment of a series, QRFS explains the steps involved in the annual visual inspection of fire sprinkler pipe and fittings, plus how to classify any issues that are found.
