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#109 – CPVC vs. PEX: What’s the Best Choice for Home Fire Sprinkler Systems? February 14, 2019May 22, 2018 CPVC or PEX in home fire sprinklers: which thermoplastic is the winner? Schedule 40 steel used to be the material of choice for fire sprinkler pipes until the mid-1970s, followed by thinner steel pipe and a […]

#280 – Problems with Fire Extinguishers That Cause Them to Fail November 23, 2022October 9, 2019 Proper inspection, maintenance, and disposal of fire extinguishers can prevent potentially dangerous malfunctions Some fire extinguishers wind up as inoperative duds, and a few of them can even become dangerous explosives—but what causes these problems with fire extinguishers? Will

#69 – Test and Drain Valve: A Guide for Fire Sprinkler Contractors January 25, 2022August 10, 2017 The purpose, NFPA guidance, and sought-after features of test and drain valves in fire protection systems Ask any knowledgeable fire sprinkler contractor and they’ll tell you that a test and drain valve is a pretty handy device when

#222 – Shutgun vs Quickstop Fire Sprinkler Tools: Which Shuts Off Heads Better? December 10, 2020July 8, 2019 Two leading fire sprinkler shutoff tools—Shutgun and Quickstop—compete to help firefighters and building owners prevent water damage While the odds of a fire sprinkler discharging for no reason are surprisingly low, research shows that tens of thousands

#200 – What’s a Firefighting Playpipe and Why Do We Call It That? November 23, 2022June 6, 2019 Firefighters have used the term playpipe for nearly two centuries, but the reasons why are difficult to determine Prior to the 1870s, building code as we know it didn’t exist in the United States—and the quality of

#278 – The Deadliest Fires in U.S. History: Lessons Learned from The Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire October 3, 2019 One of the deadliest nightclub fires happened nearly 40 years ago—but it resulted in changes to fire safety regulations that protect the public to this day Across the Ohio River, less than five miles south

#174 – Preventing Emergency Light or Exit Sign Failure: Batteries, Bulbs, and More April 26, 2019 Batteries, bulbs, and other important features essential for crisis-ready emergency lights and exit signs Commercial, industrial, and large residential buildings of all kinds require exit signs and emergency lights. But while they’re almost always in sight, many facilities managers

#66 – Ultimate Guide to Fire Extinguisher Classes: Servicing and Use February 24, 2022June 8, 2017 All portable fire extinguishers can stop small fires before they get out of hand, but each extinguisher is specifically suited to only some types of fires Portable fire extinguishers defend homes, offices, and commercial buildings everywhere against fires. But

#287 – Haunted House Safety Regulations: IBC and NFPA Model Code Requirements October 25, 2019October 25, 2019 Halloween brings haunted houses—and haunted houses come with unique risks that require fire protection measures In the United States, we usually consider the “holiday season” to be Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. But an argument could be made