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 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.
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 12, 2018
Fire Department Connections and their replacement parts must be compatible with the specific hoses and connections used by your local fire department. QRFS explains how to determine the size and thread for your FDC and its components.
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 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.
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 1, 2018
The right fire hose spray nozzle can quickly extinguish or control a fire. The wrong type can be ineffective, hard to control, or even harmful. QRFS looks at fire hose nozzles, thread types, cleaning, and maintenance to help you choose the right nozzle for the task at hand.
February 22, 2018
The best fire hoses efficiently move water, and lots of it. But no two kinds of hose are exactly alike. In this guide, QRFS looks at the basic types and features of fire hose, the materials that separate the best hose from the worst, and what you need to do to keep the hose you’ve got fully functional.
December 7, 2017
Why would a fire protection system need to be drained? This article discusses four common reasons and details the various types of drains necessary for safely draining a fire sprinkler system. Included is a detailed breakdown of the primary drain valves in a sprinkler system: main drains, auxiliary drains, sectional drains, test drains, and more.
November 16, 2017
In fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, trim valves help make inspection, monitoring, and testing simpler. QRFS looks at trim valves for fire protection, providing an overview of what they are, how they function, and what the NFPA says about these helpful devices.
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.
October 26, 2017
Learn how a check valve works, the types of check valves, and their benefits. Additionally, understand what components you should look for when selecting a check valve and their maintenance requirements.
