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...

Clean agent fire suppression systems are commonly used in areas with heavy use of electronics, such as data centers, power plants, IT centers, record keeping, and office buildings. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to react quickly and extinguish fires before they...

Fire extinguishers are a first aid tool that should be kept within businesses for small first-response situations. Before purchasing an extinguisher, make sure you have a proper smoke alarm system set up and an evacuation plan in place; then you are ready to start looking....

Your company is ready to move into a new building – the painting is complete, windows are clean, and furniture is in place. What about your fire protection sprinkler system - is it in service and operational? These systems are commonly overlooked. What do you need to know about fire...

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...

How does performing regular inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance affect your building systems? Mechanical Systems Planned maintenance will reduce a system’s energy consumption and extend its useful life. Well-maintained equipment also improves indoor air quality and comfort...

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...

Having been in the sprinkler fire protection industry for almost 40 years now, I have seen many changes as products and installation methods change and improve. One of the biggest changes in our industry would be the use of antifreeze but let’s step back before we move forward.

The standpipe system requirements are contained in the adopted building code and the installation requirements are contained within the referenced edition of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. There is often disagreement between the responsible...

NFPA 14 identifies three classes of standpipe systems: Class I systems are designed for use by fire departments with 2½” hose connections. Class II systems are designed for use by trained personnel or fire departments with 1½” hose connections. Class III systems are designed for use...