Monthly Technical Articles
Explore our collection of articles written by engineers, for engineers. Categorized based on the COPE approach to assessing risk within a facility, the archives below contain essential information for the development of engineers in our field.
Flue Spaces in Racks - NFPA 13 vs. FM Global Data Sheet 8-9
Flue spaces are necessary for rack storage arrangements to allow heat from a fire to quickly vent vertically. This is critical in order to help ensure the ceiling-level sprinklers will operate as...
Freeze-up Prevention for Fire Protection Equipment
Damage to fire protection equipment during winter weather happens in areas where freezing temperatures are common and where temperatures...
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SOLAR PANELS
Photovoltaics (PV) is the generation of electrical power by conversion of solar radiation directly to electricity through the photovoltaic effect exhibited by semiconductor materials. Initial costs...
VCE Basics
Introduction The following article is written as a simple primer of VCE phenomenon and criteria. The intent is to discuss some basic concepts and terminology, while excluding highly technical and...
Sprinkler Heads Technology & Terminology
In times gone by, sprinkler heads came in basic flavors, with a few relatively limited options and permutations available: 1/2 inch orifice, 17/32 inch orifice, low, medium, or high...
Legislative Review An Overview of Codes, Standards and Regulations in CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MA, MI, MS, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA and TX
In their November 2013 issue, Sprinkler Age magazine featured its Annual Legislative Review for the United States and Canada. This summary of legislation and codes offers an overview of regulations...
NFPA 704 and the New OSHA Hazardous Material Labeling
You might have noticed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been making a shift in labeling requirements for chemicals. The new system is the United Nations Globally...
Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems
You may have a wet or dry chemical system in the hoods above cooking equipment in your kitchen. Both of these systems should be tested at least semi-annually by a service technician per NFPA 17A, Wet...
NFPA 25 - Highlights
Many jurisdictions have adopted NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, to help ensure that sprinkler systems are properly inspected and maintained. Many...
An Updated Look at Protection in Glass Manufacturing Plants
Occasionally loss prevention procedures need revision as we learn more about how to protect the hazard. In January 2008 we wrote a comprehensive article on Property Loss Prevention in Glass...
Antifreeze and Dry Pendent Sprinkler Protection
If the temperature can or will be below 40┬░F, the sprinkler piping or heads need to be protected against freezing. There are several methods of automatic sprinkler protection that should be...
Construction Classifications and Use of Plastic Panels in Europe
Why do we see so much new construction in Europe that includes plastic panels? The sales pitch from the architects to the customers is that higher insulation levels provided by these plastic panels...