https://www.pmmag.com/rss/2656-fire-protection en-us When sprinkler piping freezes, the resulting consequences can be grave: water damage, operational disruption and loss of fire protection when it is needed most. These failures are frequently attributed to extreme weather, but most stem from oversights in controlled conditions, such as unclear heated boundaries, improperly installed insulation that isolates piping from heat and incorrect application of dry sprinkler technology.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107048 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107048-preventing-sprinkler-freeze-failures-starts-long-before-the-cold-arrives The demand for smarter, cleaner, and more efficient fire protection solutions is growing, especially for hospitals and data centers. Fire protection engineers, contractors, and manufacturers must stay updated on changing regulations, fire codes, market needs, and new technologies.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106488 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106488-balancing-environmental-responsibility-and-effectiveness-in-fire-protection-systems forstern@bnpmedia.com (Natalie Forster) People in the surrounding area reported multiple explosions during the blaze. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Chemicals were present inside Rovanco’s facility, but fire officials said there were no air quality concerns associated with the flames.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106474 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:43:57 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106474-fire-breaks-out-at-rovanco-piping-systems-joliet-manufacturing-facility Steel pipe has long been the standard for fire protection systems, but chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a safe, cost-effective alternative for Light Hazard applications. Despite its proven reliability, misconceptions about CPVC still exist.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106302 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106302-busting-myths-about-cpvc-fire-sprinkler-systems brooke.roberts@uponor.com (Brooke Roberts) After a car accident in 2022 left Jesse Faust partially paralyzed, he became an advocate for fire safety while building a new home in Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of installing fire sprinklers. Fire safety experts like Bill Sullivan highlight that, unlike smoke alarms, sprinklers actively combat fires, making them crucial for protecting lives, especially for those who may struggle to escape.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106182 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106182-former-firefighter-designs-new-home-with-multipurpose-plumbing-and-fire-sprinkler-system Eighty-two percent of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs. The majority of respondents within this group recognize the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105668 Wed, 21 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105668-nfpa-survey-finds-an-increase-in-use-of-digital-tools-among-skilled-trades-workers-despite-collaboration-being-top-challenge-in-2024 Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems can go undetected until it's too late, causing damage or loss of life. Traditional ITM protocols can accelerate corrosion, but new advancements offer better prevention and monitoring for protecting lives and property.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105684 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105684-ensuring-corrosion-protection-beyond-routine-maintenance-in-fire-sprinkler-systems Concealed attic spaces combine some of the most difficult aspects of fire protection design and require carefully tailored fire sprinkler solutions for effectiveness.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104810 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104810-attic-fire-protection-design Attic fire protection design Meeting the NFPA requirements can result in system demands of 600 gallons of water per minute with closely spaced sprinkler and branch lines, as well as a significant increase in the building’s minimum required water pressure. Attic fire protection design Meeting the NFPA requirements can result in system demands of 600 gallons of water per minute with closely spaced sprinkler and branch lines, as well as a significant increase in the building’s minimum required water pressure. Pressure relief valves protect fire sprinkler system components by relieving excess system pressure from supply surges or temperature changes. Since the 2010 edition, NFPA 13: “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” has required pressure relief valves to be installed on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. But picking the correct relief valve for a specific system does need a little preplanning.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/104584 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104584-the-risks-of-adjustable-pressure-relief-valves How can engineers and contractors design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/103907 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/103907-new-trends-in-corrosion-and-freeze-protection-for-resilient-fire-sprinkler-systems The world is changing quickly, and transformative technologies are introducing new requirements for safety. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/103172 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/103172-the-changing-landscape-of-fire-protection Fire Protection Fire Protection Image 2 Now that many jurisdictions across the country are mandating fire sprinkler systems in new-home construction, de-signers need to be aware of the requirements and challenges these systems can face in relation to water meters.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105797 Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105797-the-requirements-and-challenges-of-residential-fire-sprinkler-systems-and-water-meters Sprinkler Because a typical flow time for a residential fire sprinkler ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, it falls within the “intermittent” category. Low Costs Keeping costs low without sacrificing effectiveness is paramount. It’s the driving force behind many of the 13D requirements. askarn@bnpmedia.com (Nadia Askar) BNP Media Plumbing Group Multimedia Editor Nadia Askar recently sat down with Michael Whiteside, president and owner of Chicago-based MIFAB.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102468 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102468-pm-profile-mifab-grows-into-a-bigger-space Whiteside Whiteside with one of MIFAB’s grease interceptors. “We are very much looking forward to moving into this new building so we can operate more efficiently and continue to grow our business,” he said. Photo credit: Nadia Askar/Plumbing & Mechanical MIFAB President Michael Whiteside MIFAB President Michael Whiteside kicks off the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s 68,000-square-foot expansion to its Chicago headquarters, manufacturing and distribution facility. Photo credit: Nadia Askar/Plumbing & Mechanical Spencer Bell has been a fan of HoldRite plumbing brackets and the TESTRITE DWV testing system for years. So recently, when he heard that HoldRite had innovated the cast-in-place firestop sleeve process, he didn’t waste time learning more about it.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102438 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102438-colorado-contractor-installs-a-fast-more-flexible-firestop-sleeve Colorado contractor installs a fast, more flexible firestop sleeve Photo credit: Reliance Worldwide Corp. HoldRite HydroFlame firestop systems HoldRite HydroFlame firestop systems are water, smoke and firestop product systems that provide a water seal for unwanted water intrusion while still protecting against the spread of fire, smoke and gases. The products are UL listed, and also have water dam and water module accessories available for added water-tight requirements. Photo credit: Reliance Worldwide Corp. The HoldRite HydroFlame Pro Series The HoldRite HydroFlame Pro Series’ design transforms how cast-in-place firestop solutions are installed, the company says. The patented telescoping design eliminates the need to cut sleeves on the jobsite and the locator whiskers take the hassle out of finding buried sleeves after a concreate pour. The integrated threaded cap allows for easy non-destructive removal and meets OSHA hole cover requirements. Photo credit: Reliance Worldwide Corp. Effective July 8, 2019, Victaulic has purchased Globe Fire Sprinkler. Combined, these two respected companies will have the resources and capabilities to bring exciting new solutions to the fire protection industry around the world, Victaulic notes.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/102268 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/102268-victaulic-acquires-globe-fire-sprinkler Victaulic-acquisition-logos.png Victaulic World Headquarters Victaulic world headquarters, located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, celebrates 100 Years of innovation and commitment to its customers and community. The Johnson Controls GRINNELL G-Fire One-Bolt Coupling features a single-bolt design that eliminates alternate tightening.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101663 Thu, 18 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101663-johnson-controls-grinnell-g-fire-one-bolt-coupling sawyer@nfsa.org (Mark Knurek) Former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer leads charge for residential fire safety.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101482 Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101482-nfsa-fights-for-sprinkler-ordinance NFSA fights for sprinkler ordinance Derrick Sawyer, right foreground, is leading the fight for sprinklers as the head of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) campaign to require sprinkler retrofits in residential high-rises. Photo credit: Lubrizol Corp. NFSA fights for sprinkler ordinance In homes with fire sprinklers, the average property loss is cut by nearly 70% compared to a home without sprinklers. Photo credit: Lubrizol Corp. NFPA 70 provides the important details for design.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105845 Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105845-fire-suppression-systems-for-battery-energy-storage-systems kim.bliss@uponor.com (Kim Bliss) PEX can be a viable alternative to more traditional materials for fire sprinklers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101346 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 00:03:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101346-using-pex-in-residential-fire-sprinkler-systems The Yankee chapter will now be known as the Patriot chapter in the New England area.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101303 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 12:11:51 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101303-american-fire-sprinkler-association-announces-patriot-chapter The acquisition strengthens Anvil International’s fire protection product package.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/101304 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/101304-anvil-international-acquires-flexhead-industries The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire-protection professional.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100862 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 04:58:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100862-afsa-names-young-professional-of-the-year Acquisition includes grooved couplings, fittings and valves, G-Press Systems, technical services and the Anniston, Alabama foundry.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100830 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100830-anvil-intl-acquires-grinnell-grooved-mechanical-products Those seeking to pursue a college undergraduate or graduate degree or trade school education — including returning military, parents returning to the workforce, etc. — are encouraged to enter. 

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100636 Wed, 31 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100636-afsa-opens-second-chance-scholarship-contest In 2016, 214 out of 215 new homes built in Camas included fire sprinklers.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100575 Tue, 16 May 2017 00:03:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100575-washington-town-mandates-fire-sprinklers Washington town mandates fire sprinklers Fire sprinklers help protect residents in Camas, Wash. Photo credit: BlazeMaster The benefits to builders of installing sprinklers The benefits to builders of installing sprinklers include facilitating narrower streets, permitting additional units, increasing fire hydrant spacing and more. Photo credit: BlazeMaster HOLDRITE’s lab-tested and UL Listed cast-in-place firestop solution continues with the introduction of the HydroFlame Pro Series.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/100266 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/100266-holdrite-hydroflame-pro-series Victaulic’s VicFlex VS1 flexible dry sprinkler combines flexible fittings technology with traditional dry sprinkler technology.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/98142 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/98142-victaulic-flexible-dry-sprinkler http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97983 Tue, 31 May 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97983-victaulic-fire-protection-system-fittings faloonk@bnpmedia.com (Kelly Faloon) With the right training, plumbing contractors can become part of this life-saving industry.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97944 Tue, 17 May 2016 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97944-the-case-for-residential-fire-sprinkers Flashover - the point at which a fire will overtake a home or building Flashover — the point at which a fire will overtake a home or building — occurs in as little as four or five minutes. In newer homes, a floor can collapse in less than 10 minutes, and sometimes as little as three. Fire sprinklers can give people time to get out of the building.Photo credit: Uponor Richard’s Plumbing installing Uponor AquaSAFE multipurpose residential fire sprinkler systems Fresno, Calif.-based Richard’s Plumbing has been installing Uponor AquaSAFE multipurpose residential fire sprinkler systems in tract development homes since 2010.Photo credit: Richard’s Plumbing Plumbing contractors and home residential fire sprinkler business Plumbing contractors interested in entering the home residential fire sprinkler business need to learn how to install multipurpose systems, which can be used for potable domestic water and fire protection.Photo credit: Uponor Misconceptions surround fire sprinklers and the movie industry Many misconceptions surround fire sprinklers and have been reinforced by the movie industry. Fire sprinklers do not all go off at the same time, and a smoke detector will not always give occupants time to leave their home safely. Photo credit: Richard’s Plumbing Home fire sprinkler Home fire sprinklers are unobtrusive and will not activate until the fire’s heat reaches 155° F to 165°— usually within one minute of a fire starting. Photo credit: Uponor National Fire Protection Association, civilian structure fire deaths Data from the National Fire Protection Association says that 92% of civilian structure fire deaths resulted from home structure fires. These fires can start anywhere — even the garage. Photo credit: Uponor Senju’s fire sprinkler cover plates are available in 11 finishes, including douglas fir, yellow birch, golden oak, cherry chestnut and dark walnut.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97842 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 15:16:28 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/97842-senju-wood-grain-fire-sprinkler-cover-plates