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.
Changes to FM Global's Commodity Classification
FM Global updated their Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet (DS) 8-1, Commodity Classification, in April. Their major changes are: Eliminated the sub-classification of plastic commodities (Group...
Exercising Fire Pumps
In the 2011 Edition of NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, the frequency of exercising electric motor driven fire pumps was changed from weekly to...
Legislative Review for Canada
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...
Break Tanks
Break tanks are utilized in fire protection systems for three main reasons: As a backflow prevention device between the jurisdictional water supply and the fire pump suction. In this case the...
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...