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 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.
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 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.
March 5, 2019
At the fire scene, the engine company sometimes designates a person to stay with the fire hydrant while the engine and the crew advance on a burning building. QRFS explains how Carlin valves, a displacement-activated hydrant gate valve, can keep the engine company whole while facilitating safe and speedy hydrant activation.
February 26, 2019
With additional control equipment and air pressurization devices not found in wet sprinkler systems, installing a dry sprinkler system ups the complexity factor. QRFS explains components and NFPA requirements for installing dry systems in areas prone to freezing.
January 29, 2019
Wet sprinkler systems may dominate the fire safety market, but there’s a better solution for certain environments prone to freezing: dry sprinkler systems. QRFS explains how dry systems work, providing the coverage you need without the fear of burst pipes.
January 22, 2019
How do you properly use a hydrostatic test pump? When can you troubleshoot a hydrostatic test pump on your own and when should you contact the manufacturer? Learn to prime, start, stop, and safely pressurize pumps with this guide from QRFS.
January 1, 2019
Fire sprinklers come in various orientations and types, and each sprinkler is designed to meet a specific safety, performance, and aesthetic need. Read this ultimate guide to how fire sprinklers work and the wide range of models that are available, including pendent, sidewall, recessed, upright, and concealed sprinklers.
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.
