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Tree, looped and gridded layouts can be connected to meet complex architectural features or to help with existing building expansions.
March 4, 2024
How fire sprinkler piping is arranged affects the system through water flow changes, system calculations and components used. Installation requirements for any sprinkler system can be found in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
An annual procedure can aid in keeping this life-safety system functioning as intended and ready should a fire incident occur.
February 5, 2024
Like a building’s water distribution system, fire sprinkler system piping can freeze in frigid temperatures and cause major damage. The checklist provided here can assist building owners or qualified technicians to properly winterize this life-safety system before the onset of cold weather.
This foundational step in the design process is crucial, paving the way for an effective, responsive and dependable fire protection system.
December 4, 2023
For a comprehensive understanding of the water supply for a fire sprinkler system, fire protection engineers should identify the water resources, understand large water users, research historical data and adjust for variability.
Samuel Dannaways’ 2009 FPE column helps determine when to use fire sprinklers. Today, the codes and standards have changed, but the concepts still apply.
Current codes call for the installation of fire sprinklers in many instances in new construction, but there are still many cases where sprinklers are not required.
Preplanning and coordination of standpipe systems, fire pumps and pump controllers are crucial to minimize delays and reduce change orders.
September 4, 2023
In the second part of this series, we look at the essential elements and equipment of fire protection design, such as standpipe systems, fire pumps and pump controllers. Preplanning and coordination are crucial to minimize delays and reduce change orders when constructing a fire sprinkler system.
Coordinating the design with other building system trades and stakeholders can lead to a smoother installation and a safer building.
July 1, 2023
An efficient project can save time and money. Coordination efforts during the design phase of the fire protection system can reduce the number of conflicts in the field, keep the project budget in line and construction progress on schedule by minimizing delays.
After 20 years, this simple system is serving us well: permitting fire protection professionals to properly identify and install fire sprinklers.
May 1, 2023
More than two decades ago, NFPA 13 required alpha-numeric markings on all fire sprinklers. Read on to learn the history of these markings, called sprinkler identification numbers, and how they are used today.
A smaller-sized fuel tank will fit in a room easier, present a lower fire hazard, and cost less in equipment and fuel.
January 6, 2023
The 2022 edition of NFPA 25 modified the formula to determine the capacity of the fuel storage tank for diesel-driven fire pump systems. Read on to discover the rationale behind the technical committee’s actions.
Understanding the owner’s master plan helps design the life safety systems to accommodate future growth without a costly retrofit.
December 5, 2022
Part four in a four-part series on cannabis facility design. This article describes the common safety systems typically required in cannabis cultivation facilities, with a focus on the cultivation side of an indoor facility.