Installation Problems for Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems that are designed, installed, and maintained properly are a very effective means of property protection, life safety protection, and fire fighter safety.  The documented reliability is also high for these systems.  Reality is not quite the same though.  Statistics and documented reliability do not include in-depth investigations that often produce different results Read more about Installation Problems for Fire Sprinkler Systems[…]

Corrosion

This is corrosion. Click on “Corrosion” title above to see the video.

A More In-Depth Look into Fire Protection System Failures is Required

Introduction Fire protection systems that are designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained properly are exceptional tools to protect lives, property, and the fire service.  Losses, large and small, from fire or water damage, accentuate that these systems are not designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of the fire codes and associated Read more about A More In-Depth Look into Fire Protection System Failures is Required[…]

Ethics and Fire and Life Safety System Specifications

As professional engineers we have a code of ethics to perform only in our area of expertise based upon education and experience. Many take this seriously when designing plumbing systems, mechanical systems, and building structures.  Unfortunately frequently professional engineers do not take seriously the specification of fire sprinkler systems and the associated water supplies, fire Read more about Ethics and Fire and Life Safety System Specifications[…]

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

Almost all newly built commercial or industrial buildings require automatic fire sprinkler systems for life safety, the protection of the property, the safety of the firefighters, and to minimize business interruption.  These systems are designed and installed as prescribed in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems or NFPA Read more about Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems[…]

Lessons Learned From Sprinkler System Investigations

Sprinkler contractors and contractor associations might want to consider the potential educational opportunities that come from the results of fire and loss investigations conducted by fire protection engineers.  Based upon investigations into the operation of sprinkler systems and failures of sprinkler systems (did not control a fire, sprinkler operated without a fire, water loss from Read more about Lessons Learned From Sprinkler System Investigations[…]

Weather-Related Water Damage Due to Automatic Sprinkler Systems May Be Preventable

Sprinkler systems may be our best choice in the struggle between fire, life safety, and property protection, but water damage, happening on, or shortly after, a cold winter day, can be very expensive for property owners and occupants, and need not involve a fire.  There are a number of factors that can contribute to a Read more about Weather-Related Water Damage Due to Automatic Sprinkler Systems May Be Preventable[…]

Firefighting’s Weird History

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has put together an educational video for children (but also applicable to adults) called: “Firefighting’s Weird History and Fascinating Future”.

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems – Relevant or Not

It is time to reevaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 25. This standard implies that it is the basis for maintaining automatic fire sprinkler systems, a basic and essential fire and life safety system that is required Read more about Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems – Relevant or Not[…]

Futrell Fire Consult & Design, Inc.
8860 Jefferson Highway
Osseo, MN 55369-1500