June 5, 2018
Regular inspections are required to keep commercial fire sprinkler systems working and up to code. In the first part of this series, QRFS explains the steps involved in the annual visual inspection of fire sprinkler heads.
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 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 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 solution – the Shutgun – can stop a fire sprinkler head and 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.
March 6, 2018
Residential fire sprinkler systems can mean life or death in a house fire. The systems are reliable and inexpensive, so why don’t more homes have them? In this blog post, we examine residential fire statistics, the impact of residential sprinklers, and some FAQs about home fire sprinklers. We look closer at cost and safety statistics, as well as the maintenance required with these systems.
February 15, 2018
In this final installment of our series detailing standpipes, we examine the signage required to identify and provide information about different portions of a system. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issues detailed requirements for labeling the components of a standpipe system in NFPA 14 and NFPA 25.
January 4, 2018
This article provides an overview of the different types and classes of standpipe systems, as well as explains when they are required according to NFPA 14, the International Fire Code, and the International Building Code.
November 30, 2017
Kidde, one of the world’s most popular manufacturers of life safety equipment, recalled nearly 40 million fire extinguishers after over 400 safety issues were reported. What does the Kidde fire extingusiher recall mean for you, and which fire extinguisher should you have?
November 9, 2017
In this article, we dive into thread standards and thread sizing. Travel back into history to gain a better understanding of thread sizes, learn what standards are used today, and find out what solutions are available to ensure you get the right threads for your fire protection job.
November 2, 2017
This article explains the features of plastic fire extinguisher cabinets, where to use them, and their benefits.
