Avoid these errors when installing residential fire sprinkler systems.
At first it seemed the sprinkler contractors were at it again, attacking plumbing contractors for trying to get into the
residential sprinkler business. This thought occurred to me as I read an article that appeared in the NFPA Journal at the
end of last year. It was written by my good friend Russ Fleming, P.E. Russ works for the National Fire Sprinkler
Association (the union sprinkler contractors group) and is one of the most knowledgeable people in the world when it
comes to fire sprinklers. I also know that Russ is not the kind of guy who would take a slam at plumbing contractors trying
to get into the residential sprinkler business.
After reading his article, I had mixed feelings. Russ did have some disparaging comments to make about plumbing
contractors installing residential sprinkler systems. However, his comments were right on the mark. He simply pointed
out that care must be taken when plumbing contractors enter the residential sprinkler business, and inspectors must pay
close attention to the work plumbing contractors perform.