Sprinkler Systems

The Fire Hazard of the Modern Vehicle

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When we consider all that’s changed in the transportation world over the last decade, the electric vehicle (EV) boom takes center stage.

The History of Backflow Prevention and Plumbing Codes, Part 3

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Last month, in Part 2 of this series, we covered air gaps, air breaks, atmospheric vacuum breakers, hose thread applied vacuum breakers and pressure vacuum breakers.

Comparing Alternatives to Traditional Sprinkler Systems for Data Center Fire Protection

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While data center fires remain relatively rare, fire-related outages can be costly. According to the 2025 Uptime Institute Report, 54% of respondents noted their most recent significant data center outage cost more than $100,000.

Pressure Regulation Starts with Placement

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve spent any time around fire pump submittals or fire pump rooms, chances are you’ve probably run into this scenario.

Retrofitting Backflow Preventers Without Undercutting Sprinkler Performance

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Some existing systems were never hydraulically calculated. Some were designed around pipe schedules. Some have little or no remaining safety margin. Add a backflow preventer without understanding the available water supply, system demand and device pressure loss, and a system that once appeared adequate may fail to deliver.

Reengineering Fire Protection in Parking Structures

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Did you know the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) estimates approximately 650 parking garage fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated $8 million in property damage and 15 injuries each year?

AFSA45 Set for San Antonio

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:14:00 -0400

AFSA45 will bring fire sprinkler professionals to San Antonio Sept. 27-30 for education, exhibits, networking and the National Apprentice Competition.

Fire Protection and Backflow Prevention: Lack of Supervision and Testing

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Ensure your fire sprinkler systems remain effective and water supplies stay safe by understanding the critical role of backflow assembly supervision and testing.

NFSA to Honor 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductees at Annual Conference

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:33:00 -0400

The National Fire Sprinkler Association will recognize industry leaders, technical experts and public safety advocates during its 2026 Annual Seminar and Business & Leadership Conference in Seattle.

AFSA Scholarship Contest Helps Next Generation

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:37:00 -0400

AFSA’s scholarship program continues to grow, educating hundreds of thousands of people and awarding over $350,000 through this contest.

Codes, Standards and Usage of Their Various Editions

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In the world of fire protection engineering, "the latest and greatest" isn't always the law of the land—but following the minimum requirements of an outdated code could be a costly mistake.

How to Size a Fire Pump: A Guide for Engineers

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Master the essentials of fire pump sizing by learning how to calculate critical flow rates and pressure requirements while navigating NFPA standards and high-rise zoning strategies.

Preventing Issues with CPVC Fire Protection Installations

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Lici Resch explores the 50-year legacy of CPVC in fire protection, debunking flammability myths while highlighting the critical need for chemical compatibility and expert installation to ensure system longevity.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sprinkler Protection of Storage Occupancies, Part 2

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This in-depth guide breaks down NFPA 13 requirements for high-piled storage, helping fire protection designers confidently select the right sprinkler systems for complex storage occupancies.

Back to Basics: Water Supplies

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A reliable water supply is the lifeblood of every fire sprinkler system—learn how to ensure yours is ready when it matters most.

AFSA and EKU Sign MOU

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:28:00 -0400

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to secure participation in the EKU Advantage program, which provides a pathway to educational advancement for AFSA members.

Clear the Pipe: A Guide to Fire Sprinkler System Drainage

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Proper drainage is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of fire sprinkler and standpipe system design—Eugene Green, PE, explores essential coordination strategies to prevent water damage and ensure fire protection systems operate effectively when needed.

How Does NFPA 13 Address Idle Pallet Storage?

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 06:27:52 -0400

Idle pallets may seem harmless, but without proper sprinkler system design, they can become the most dangerous fire hazard in your building—here’s how the 2025 NFPA 13 addresses that risk.

AFSA Names Mac Beaton 2025 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:45:00 -0400

Beaton will receive the award during the General Session at AFSA44: Convention, Exhibition, and National Apprentice Competition in Washington, D.C.

Guardians of Life Safety

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Inspections of water-based fire protection systems are a critical yet often overlooked safeguard that ensures sprinklers, standpipes and fire pumps are ready to save lives and property when fire strikes.

National Fire Sprinkler Association Responds to Removal of High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Retrofits in Maryland

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:54:00 -0400

Recent amendments to the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code have eliminated the requirement to retrofit existing high-rise residential buildings with automatic fire sprinkler systems, a deeply concerning reversal of nationally recognized life safety standards.

A New Technology for High-Hazard Fires

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Discover how electrically operated sprinklers (EOS) are revolutionizing fire protection by enabling faster, smarter, and more targeted response to high-challenge fires and complex storage environments.

Hanging and Bracing

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A dedicated standard for the hanging and bracing of fire suppression systems is in development. Learn why NFPA 200 was created, how it builds on existing codes, and what it means for the future of seismic protection and structural coordination.

AFSA Educates Students, Awards Scholarships While Increasing Awareness of Fire Sprinklers

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:35:00 -0400

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to provide two scholarship contests: the High School Senior Contest and Second Chance Contest.

AGF Welcomes George Stewart to Engineering Team

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:52:00 -0400

Stewart brings with him a wealth of engineering experience across a diverse range of industries and a strong track record of developing specialized equipment and systems.

How to Properly Use Approved Sprinkler Technology to Aid in Architectural Design

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Melisa Rodriguez, PE, discusses the importance of building codes and standards in maintaining fire safety, particularly in situations involving window sprinklers, atrium enclosures and water curtains.

NFPA 13 Occupancy Classifications for Fire Sprinkler Systems

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The occupancy hazard design approach for fire sprinkler systems is crucial for determining the amount of water needed to control potential fires based on the quantity and combustibility of contents.

NFPA 13 Updates, 2025 Edition: Enhancing Fire Sprinkler Systems

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Key changes of NFPA 13 (2025) include flexible adoption of newer standards, revised definitions and updated installation requirements for sloped ceilings and high clearance areas.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sprinkler Protection of Storage Occupancies, Part 1

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Plumbing engineer Jack DeVine simplifies the process of designing sprinkler systems for storage occupancies by breaking it down into manageable steps.

Maintaining Your Building’s Fire Sprinkler System

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500