NFPA 13 Restructured for 2019 Edition
This reorganization was done to better match and align with the fire sprinkler system design/analysis processes, as opposed to current and past editions which tended to jump around. Relevant information has been grouped together to limit that “jumping around.” Redundancies have been removed from the standard wherever possible to avoid confusion. This is especially true […]
Read MoreResidential & QR Sprinklers vs Heating Vents
One common problem we hear about with our residential projects is the location of sidewall sprinklers and the allowable distance away from heat vents or hot air diffusers. NFPA 13, 2016 edition (and prior) provides guidance for this situation in Table 8.3.2.5(c). (NFPA 13R Table 6.2.3.3.3 has the same values) In most cases, whether the […]
Read MoreElectronic Sprinklers – Technology Update
Electronic sprinklers? What are they and what are they for? Johnson Controls/Tyco have recently introduced electronic sprinklers into the market which are being touted as the next big thing for storage protection… and in some cases, maybe they are. Let’s start with what they are: The sprinkler itself is a K-17 ESFR (TY7626) which is […]
Read MoreFire Pump Test Frequencies: Weekly, Monthly? When Exactly?
In recent editions of NFPA 25, the requirements for no-flow (churn) test frequencies have changed for electric motor driven fire pumps (only). Diesel engine driven fire pumps have always been required to run weekly for 30 minutes. This allows the engine to establish a running speed and confirm that no problems exist such as overheating […]
Read MoreHappy 20th Anniversary Fire & Life Safety America! (History in the making of FLSA)
Fire & Life Safety America has come a long way since that initial meeting held in a local McDonald’s in Richmond, Virginia. The journey began 20 years ago as East Coast Fire Protection (ECFP) as a handful of gentleman sought a better way of providing reliable fire protection systems, design, installation and exceptional service to […]
Read More7 Simple Steps to Protecting Your Home From Kitchen Fires
As the holidays approach, people are beginning to plan elaborate feasts for their friends and family. But did you know that nearly half of all home fires begin in the kitchen? On average that means about 180,000 fires a year causing roughly $7 BILLION in damages. Amazingly, fire safety and protection methods have current levels […]
Read MoreTwenty Surprising Fire and Life Safety Statistics
Fires of all types occur on a daily basis across the USA so it’s no surprise that fire and fear are closely linked. Reading the blogs on this website is a quick and easy way to learn about fire prevention, fire and life safety and fire protection. The best weapon against fires is prevention! We’ve […]
Read MoreCHICAGO FIRE OF 1874
The history books are filled with stories of catastrophic fires in cities and among the most famous is the Chicago Fire of 1874. This was the second large fire in the Windy City the first in 1871 was much more destructive and is usually referred to as the Great Chicago Fire. In spite of the […]
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