Blog
What's Trendingat Ahern?
Ahern’s experts possess a wide range of knowledge that extends beyond system design, build, and maintenance. Our blog features a number of technical articles written by Ahern employees that range in topics from industry trends, maintenance tools and tips, to service information, and more.
SORT THROUGHOUR BLOG
Evolution of Boilers and Pressure Vessels
The evolution of boilers and pressure vessels spans centuries, marked by pivotal advancements in design and safety standards, from the early developments in the 17th century to the establishment of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ensuring uniformity in design, construction...
Fire Protection System Building Owner Impairment Responsibilities
Did you know NFPA 25 includes specific building owner responsibilities when a fire protection system impairment surpasses a specific point? NFPA defines a fire protection system ‘Impairment’ as: “A condition where a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof is out of order,
PFOA, PFOS, and PFAS – What Are They and Why Do They Need to Go?
What is PFAS? Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, have become a hot topic in nearly every industry in the past several years. These chemicals have faced scrutiny for potential long-term health and environmental impact, leading to new legislation...
Emergency Lighting Inspection, Testing, and Service
Did you know that you are required by law to regularly test your exit & emergency lighting systems? Do not take a chance with such serious matters: avoid serious liabilities and fines by having Ahern maintain and test the required exit and emergency lighting systems in your building...
The Importance of Fire Pump Testing
What is a Fire Pump? Some fire protection sprinkler systems include a fire pump. The fire pump is used to increase the pressure when the water supply will not adequately support the hydraulic design for the fire protection system. To ensure the fire pump is performing as it was...
Elevator Sprinkler Requirements: The NFPA Elevator Codes to Know
The requirements for elevator sprinkler protection are located in NFPA 13, Chapter 8, The Standard for the Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems. Although as a designer for over three decades I would recommend not stopping there. There is often disagreement between the responsible...
What is The Compliance Engine?
By Pat Galvin, Service Manager The Compliance Engine (TCE) is a third–party inspection process which notifies building owners of the need for inspection, testing, or maintenance. They also notify the sprinkler contractor of record for that building, who completes the necessary work to...
AHJ’s: Who has the final say?
When a client needs to install new life safety systems or modify their existing systems, it is important to understand who, besides the client, has input on the system requirements. Everyone can avoid challenges late in their project by addressing all concerned parties early. In...
Extended-Interval Inspection and Testing Requirements
Did you know that NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (2011 edition) includes inspection and testing requirements beyond the more common monthly, quarterly and annual procedures? These extended-interval inspection and...
Storage Sprinklers, is One Size Fit All?
Common to warehouse applications, ESFR sprinklers offer comprehensive fire protection among various applications, making them an ideal choice for storage scenarios. How big of a deal are they? NFPA 13 has a subsection on ESFR sprinklers in 7 of 27 chapters. Early suppression fast...
Fire Sprinkler Requirement to Resume in Multi-Family Dwellings
Beginning April 19, 2021, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) will resume enforcing a code provision that requires fire sprinkler systems in certain multi-family dwellings.
Is Your Fire Sprinkler System Ready For Winter
Winterizing your fire sprinkler system is critical to keeping it operating effectively. Cold weather will be here before you know it and we want to remind you of some Building Owner requirements of NFPA-25 , 2011 edition for Dry-Pipe and Antifreeze Fire Sprinkler Systems:
Code Changes to 2016 NFPA 13
On March 31, 2020, the State of Minnesota updated several fire and building code standards. This included adoption of the 2016 version of NFPA 13 which has several changes that could impact your upcoming projects. Here is a summary of changes that could impact the design and overall...
Speaking Sprinkler
The 2019 edition of NFPA 13 “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” was recently revised. Each new edition is intended to create a document that is easier to use than the previous. Inherently, this document can often be interpreted in many differing opinions and create...
Electric Fire Pump Assemblies & Controllers - Alarms and Signals Remote from Controller
The fire pump controller monitors several alarms and devices specific to the fire pump operation.
NFPA 13 vs 13R Sprinkler System Requirements
When planning a new construction project, it’s important to understand the fire sprinkler code requirements. Learn the difference between NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R in relation to fire sprinkler system design requirements from the experts.
Considering Changes in Occupancy, Use, Process, or Materials in Your Facility? Re-evaluate Your Fire Protection
Did you know that anytime you change the layout, occupancy, use or process of an area or storage in your facility you need to evaluate the fire protection system’s capacity? As a property owner or designated representative, it becomes your responsibility to evaluate the below factors...
IBC Egress in Stairwell Requirements
As cities grow and/or become more landlocked, the only place to go is up. That is why we are seeing more high-rise and multi-story buildings being constructed to account for the limited space. Larger buildings imply more occupants, so it is critical that residential and commercial...
IBC Temporary Standpipe Requirements
It is tough in today’s industry to properly monitor and keep up with municipality requirements as it relates to the fire prevention code. So, many businesses in the fire protection industry follow one or multiple standard influencers – the IFC, IBC, or NFPA.
The 5-Year Internal Sprinkler Inspection Explained
NFPA 25 requires an internal inspection of fire sprinkler system piping every five years. This is to be conducted to inspect for the “presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.” Foreign materials can cause obstructions to pipe and sprinklers.