Sprinkler Systems

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engineering, "the latest and greatest" isn't always the law of the land—but following the minimum requirements of an outdated code could be a costly mistake.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

Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems: When and Where Are They Most Effective?

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Using water mist to protect items from fire consumes less water than traditional fire sprinkler systems. To achieve the small droplet size, however, the system requires a high pressure water supply. Brian O’Connor from the National Fire Protection Association explains these systems and their various applications.

Understanding Protection Requirements for Fire Pump Rooms

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A building’s fire protection system may require fire pumps and associated equipment. Engineers should follow these planning and design best practices to protect against various risk factors and ensure reliability during emergencies.

What Is a Floor Control Valve Assembly?

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

These devices are used to shut portions of the fire sprinkler system off for maintenance or repair work without taking the entire system offline, endangering building occupants in case of fire. While not required in all circumstances, they should be considered as another fire safety mechanism.

UNITED Fire Systems Riser-Mount Air Compressor Model RMAC-LP

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:14:00 -0400

The UNITED Fire Systems Riser-Mount Air Compressor Model RMAC-LP is a device that automatically provides compressed air for preaction fire sprinkler and dry-pipe fire sprinkler systems.

Key Concepts for Fire Sprinklers in Storage Occupancies

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Design criteria for storage fire protection systems must consider a substantial number of variables: what is being stored and how, the height of the planned storage, how high the ceiling is above the storage, and what the water supply is.

Delegated Design in Fire Protection Engineering, Part 2

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As the built and to-be-built environments increase in complexity, speed and efficiency, fire protection professionals must work together to protect people, property and the environment. A professional panel discusses this issue and other challenges when working on projects with delegated design clauses.

Understanding Sprinkler Piping Arrangements

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Winterizing Fire Sprinkler Systems

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Are Sprinklers Required?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Earthquake Protection Updates with New Codes

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Creating our building codes includes much research and documents from subject matter experts across the building industries. It is important to learn how these different standards affect each other. Read on to discover how the new earthquake protection codes can impact water-based fire protection systems.