SprinklerAge
An American Fire Sprinkler Association Publication
Vol 35 / 05 SEP/OCT 2016
STEVE MUNCY 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award Recipient
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SprinklerAge
Vol 35 / 5 September/October 2016
Features 10 | Muncy Receives 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award
AFSA President Given Association’s Top Honor
16 | Sidewall Sprinklers and Ceiling Obstructions
Can They be Near the Sprinkler?
20 | AFSA Celebrates 35 Years
A Brief History of the Premier Fire Sprinkler Association
22 | Step Into the Shadows
Satisfactory Sprinkler Performance Can be Achieved
28 | Hydrostatic Testing in Cold Temperatures
Systems Under Construction vs. Commissioned Systems
30 | The Red Book Era
A Look Back at the Fire Sprinkler Industry
31 | 2016 AFSA Exhibitor Showcase
Exhibitors at AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition
ON THE COVER AFSA President Steve Muncy is the 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient. Read his story on page 10. This issue also covers Chapter 8 of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
44 | Spot the Dot
Part 1: What About the Z Dimension?
50 | Sacramento Valley Showcase
AFSA Chapter Hosts Fifth Annual Trade Show
52 | HFSC Celebrates 20 Years
Educating the Public About Home Fire Sprinklers
6
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
8
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
64 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 66 AFSA NEWS
54 | SkillsUSA and the NextGen Initiative
66 CALENDAR
56 | Thank You for Your Support!
68 ASSOCIATION NEWS
58 | One Million Awarded to Chapters
71 U.S. CONSTRUCTION
Spreading the Word About the Fire Sprinkler Industry to our Nation’s Rising Stars Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries Committee Spotlight: Chapter Grants
60 | SprinklerForum Turns 20
Email-Based Discussion Group Celebrates 20 Years
62 | The Reviews are In!
Students Love ITM
SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.
68 CHAPTER NEWS 70 NEW MEMBERS 71 CANADA CONSTRUCTION 72 PRODUCT NEWS 74 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 76 INDUSTRY NEWS 78
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965 BY MICHAEL F. MEEHAN AFSA Chairman of the Board
FRANK MORTL III, CAE, Publisher D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115
[email protected] NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126;
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ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965 CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134;
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CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965 AMY SWEENEY, Asst. to Membership Director, ext. 119;
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We have come a long way from our humble origins 35 years ago to this vibrant city of Nashville in 2016. Vibrant is a good word to describe our convention and our association. By all measures this convention is a record breaker. The number of registrants, exhibitors and rooms booked are at all-time highs. Many factors have led us to this moment but we have truly enjoyed a prosperous 35 years. There will be people and organizations here that were around in 1981 when we first started. I hope they are able to enjoy and take note of the tremendous growth, progress and change we have created together and our world is a better place for it. Our conventions are designed to help the contractor learn or improve every facet of their business and to give our vendors and manufactures the opportunity to showcase their products that we and our communities depend on for our safety and our livelihoods. Some conventions offer seminars that are promotional venues for a particular product. Our convention is nothing of the sort, we are not a pep rally for a particular product or service. Our goal is to educate the contractor (or the Authority Having Jurisdiction) in ways that materially improve their business and their day-to-day performance. We have seminars on how to get work, we have seminars on how to perform work and we have seminars on how to keep score. All are real-world applications that can help a new or seasoned contractor. Our exhibitors and vendors provide products and support that can help us in ways we did not know existed. I have been coming to AFSA conventions for decades and I always leave smarter than when I arrived. If you had the time in these three brief days you can be educated in estimating, design, purchasing, fabrication, material handling field productivity, insurance, accounting, contract law, human resources, and codes and standards. The socializing and networking with peers, competitors, family, friends and rivals is always an added bonus even more so this year with our Saturday night party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It is a good time to be in our industry and it is a good time to be here in one of America’s finest heartland cities. Just like Nashville, we are vibrant and growing and thanks to all who help make us that way. n
AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, CHAIRMAN 757-213-3660 WAYNE WEISZ, FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN 209-334-9119 THEODORE C. WILLS, JR., SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN 610-754-7836 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, SECRETARY 318-841-0330 THOMAS J. MCKINNON, TREASURER 925-417-5550 JOSEPH A. HEINRICH, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN 785-825-7710 DONALD G. ALBARES, 504-837-0572 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 PAUL DELORIE, 603-432-8221 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JACK A. MEDOVICH, 410-787-0639 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994
AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965 STEVE A. MUNCY, CAE, President FRANK MORTL III, CAE, Executive Vice President LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126 BRADLEY ELLIOTT, Director of Member Services Services, ext. 135 MARILYN ELLIS, Director of Administrative Services, ext. 112 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Senior Director of Meetings & Conventions, ext. 118 ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication. Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email
[email protected] for information. Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association. Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-member and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965. ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.
6 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
©2016 Atkore International, Inc. All rights reserved.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY FRANK MORTL III, CAE AFSA Executive Vice President
Engagement. Relationships that result in actions taken to enhance membership value. That mantra has become a core statement repeated frequently at the AFSA office recently. Whether servicing a member inquiry, informal interpretation, educational need, or any of the valuable benefits offered by the association, member engagement “touch points” are a primary focus for all AFSA departments in our effort to effectively help contractors succeed.
fire sprinkler industry exhibition which will show off new products in a setting that has been proven to drive purchasing advantages to a contractor’s bottom line. How does such an influential convention come together every year on behalf of 160-plus participating contractor companies? Teamwork, powered by committed industry volunteers and structured by an exceptional staff of professionals, particularly AFSA’s Conventions & Meetings Department.
AFSA staff is fortunate to have built strong relationships over 35 years that have resulted in members effectively communicating their preferences for programming as well as opportunities for the association to develop services designed by contractors for contractors. Today, each visit to firesprinkler. org, AFSA email that’s viewed, social media platform accessed, and every electronic edition of Sprinkler Age magazine that is read, results in “digital engagement.” However, it’s the core values of personal service and dedication to interpersonal relationship development that have brought worthwhile programs to the stable of AFSA products, and continue to yield multiple in-person discussions around the country on a consistent basis.
Led by Senior Director of Conventions & Meetings Marlene Garrett, and supported by Meeting Programs Coordinator Maricarmen Martinez, AFSA’s 2016 Convention & Exhibition promises to be an amazing value for the investment. Contractors around the country will be taking advantage of unparalleled educational opportunities and an exhibition unrivaled anywhere else in the industry as part of their yearly business practice. This year, the return on investment includes 39 available seminars; 66.5 hours of CEU credits; eight complimentary networking meals including breakfasts, lunches, a Chairman’s Reception and Apprentice Awards Party; as well as the traditional “AFSA family” appeal this event is known for which unites old friends and creates new contacts.
Fourteen AFSA Board of Directors take time out of their extremely busy personal and professional schedules to meet each quarter of the year. Along with 30 other fire sprinkler industry volunteer leaders made up of AFSA past Chairs, contractor representatives and manufacturer/supplier agents, it is quite an accomplishment to assemble this many brilliant minds on such a frequent basis. As a result of these quarterly gatherings, AFSA volunteers develop “in-person engagements” such as live seminars, webinars, chapter initiatives, our Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (ITM) program curriculum, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) education and outreach projects, National Apprentice Competition requirements, Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Design School training, direction for member benefits including education programs and endorsed services, as well as the association’s highlight of the year, AFSA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition. Pulling together the best elements of AFSA’s significant return on investment programming, our 2016 convention in Nashville this September features cutting-edge seminars, valuable networking opportunities, an apprentice education and skills excellence event, enjoyable offsite tours and a sold-out golf tournament, as well as North America’s largest 8 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
AFSA leadership looks forward to engaging with supporters in Nashville this September as we celebrate the association’s 35th anniversary with unrivaled access to information that helps fire sprinkler contractors succeed, interaction with industry experts and products, as well as networking with your peers. Additionally, for anyone who has had the pleasure of engaging with AFSA President Steve Muncy, keep it “on the down low” but we’ll be celebrating his tremendous accomplishments over 28 years on behalf of the fire and life safety industry ahead of his retirement this December. As always, AFSA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition is truly a can’t miss event. n
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Muncy Receives 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award AFSA President Given Association’s Top Honor NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association
Throughout his 28-year career with the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), Steve Muncy has consistently focused on the future of the automatic fire protection industry. And the best means to an end were education and training, according to Muncy. The longtime AFSA president has promoted these principles to the industry through his dedication to his association and its staff and volunteer leadership. During his career, Muncy has served on the Residential Fire Safety Institute (RFSI), the National Advisory Committee of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) board of directors, and was a founding member of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), where he currently serves as an active board member. In 2002 Muncy was named Person of the Year by Fire Protection Contractor magazine and this year he was named as the 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient for his significant service, leadership, and advocacy to the fire protection industry. Established in 1984, the Henry S. Parmelee Award is the highest honor AFSA bestows. It is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the fire sprinkler industry through outstanding leadership and advancement of the industry. Each recipient of this annual award has demonstrated originality, vision and breadth over the course of their professional life. An “Association” Man” Muncy notes he has always been interested in politics. Like many idealistic youths, he thought he knew what he wanted to do with his life: he was going to be a lawyer. So his senior year at the University of North Texas in Denton, the young political science major took the LSAT and signed up to take two pre-law classes, but through that coursework, he discovered he “detested the study of law.” Muncy had been very involved on campus politically, both in student government and in partisan politics. For a class project, he completed an analysis of the newly defined 24th Congressional district, which somehow ended up in the hands of a wildly popular local television weatherman by the name of Dale Milford. Following a lunch with Milford, Muncy agreed to join the campaign staff of the soon-to-be Democratic United States Representative from the 24th Congressional district of Texas. One of the things Muncy says he admired most about Milford was his fairness, something Muncy says he always strived for in 10 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Steve Muncy is rounding up his tenure at AFSA and humbly accepting the association’s 2016 Henry S. Parmelee Award.
his own career. “When I was on congressional staff back in the good old days, you could have your disagreements and at the end of the day you went and had a beer together. You could disagree without being disagreeable. Some of my dearest friends in those days were people who were on the other side of the political aisle, and who were of a very different political persuasion. That, perhaps, is just part of what I’ve learned in character over the years, that compromise is a very good thing and that people shouldn’t make demands. We all benefit when we can sit down together, talk about what we have in common, and understand that when we walk out of that room that we are going to disagree on some things. That’s fine but we’ll come back in the room and we’ll sit down and talk about issues that work to common purpose.”
After six years on Milford’s staff, Muncy entered the world of association management. He served as director of public affairs for the Association of Oil Well Servicing Contractors, based in Dallas, where his responsibilities were largely focused on coordinating the political and legislative efforts in the oil industry. When the oil industry economy crashed in the 1980s, he began looking elsewhere and accepted a job at the Home and Apartment Builders Association of Metro Dallas running a training program for apartment maintenance personnel. Through an acquaintance at the Home Builders Association, Muncy heard about a local association that was looking to hire an executive vice president. Willie Templin, who chaired AFSA from 1985 to 1987, was part of the selection committee appointed by the Board to hire a new EVP. “During the interview, I was very impressed that Steve had all the right answers to our questions and his resume was excellent,” the 2011 Parmelee recipient recalls. “Most of all, I was impressed by his confidence in his own abilities and his readiness to start a new job. Not many people impress me in an interview, but he did.” Muncy’s progressive attitude endeared him to many within AFSA, including Jack Viola, 2003 Parmelee award recipient, who in addition to serving on that selection committee served as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 1999. Viola states, “It was evident from the start that Steve was an energetic, bright, and driven individual. During his initial interview we all recognized the confidence he exhibited and the comfort and experience level he had with managing association business. The choice was clear that he would become an excellent executive vice president and understudy for our then-president Frank Riseden.” In November 1988 Muncy was officially named executive vice president where he served for three years before becoming AFSA’s president in January 1992, following Riseden’s retirement. Once in office, Muncy’s leadership – and motivation – helped lead AFSA to become the largest fire sprinkler association in less than four years at the helm. Muncy’s goals for AFSA were threefold – expand AFSA technical and training programs, increase membership, and create a stable financial base for the association. He believed that everyone had to work together to educate, train and promote the fire sprinkler industry. “When Steve Muncy asked me to join the AFSA staff in 1989, it was still a young association,” says former AFSA Executive Vice President Janet Knowles, who retired from the association in 2015. “There were no cash reserves to draw from for program development, but there was a tremendous source of energy, knowledge and dedication from the founding members.” Muncy put his management experience, leadership style, and personal interest in computers to work with members’ technical expertise, extending AFSA’s resources and influence. “I am proud of AFSA in regard to adopting technology to expand our mission,” states Muncy. “We had the first website in the industry. We had the first email SprinklerForum, which is still going today in a basically unchanged format. We were the first with email newslet-
Muncy giving his 2013 President’s Report in Las Vegas at the 33rd Annual Convention & Exhibition.
ters. We were the first with telephone seminars. Then we went to webinars and we’ve continued to expand that. Digital newsletters, we were the first ones in our industry to do that.” When the 2008 national recession hit, Muncy says his biggest contribution was not retreating. Rather than laying off staff and cutting back programs, he convinced the Board that AFSA needed to spend some of its savings to continue and even expand benefits that would help members survive the economic storm. “That really wasn’t too hard a sell. What I tried to persuade them is you can see a downward spiral here. Why did we put the money
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Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 11
and North America’s biggest fire sprinkler trade group. Along the way, he has also freely donated his time to further the industry. When Muncy was elected to the NFPA board of directors in 2002, it was in many ways an interesting time for sprinklers. Muncy recalled, “[Sprinklers] were an important part of NFPA but you didn’t hear a lot about them. You didn’t see many articles in the NFPA Journal about sprinklers; some, not many. You didn’t hear much about sprinkler activities. As time went by, not due to my efforts but I think due to a recognition by [then NFPA president] Jim Shannon and the staff, NFPA became more proactive in promoting things.”
Muncy is proud of helping to establish the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) and of serving with fellow steering committee members in HFSC’s early years.
in the bank? Why did we have all those reserves? We had all those reserves for a rainy day, and we could tell it was raining outside, so this was a rainy day.” “Year after year, Muncy moved AFSA forward – building strong local chapters and a solid financial base and expanding the scope of conventions and communications, as well as in-house and web-based training and technical programs. He also nurtured coalitions with other organizations to address industry-wide issues,” Knowles adds. Coming Together as an Industry Twenty years ago, leaders from AFSA and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) approached NFPA to discuss creation of a collective voice to promote residential sprinklers. NFPA welcomed their idea and in the spring of 1996, the three organizations joined forces to give home fire sprinklers the attention they deserved. “The founders of HFSC knew if our efforts were to be successful, it would take a spirit of cooperation that often hadn’t previously existed in these types of projects,” comments former HFSC President Gary Keith, vice president-engineering standards at FM Global. “From the day it was formed, Steve Muncy played a key role in laying the foundation for how HFSC would operate and function.”
During Muncy’s tenure on the Board, NFPA launched its highly successful “Fire Safe Cigarettes” campaign. “They finished with the fire safe cigarette campaign, and then I think because of the fact that they had some very strong support from the sprinkler industry from AFSA, NFSA and others on that campaign – they said what’s our next goal? The next goal was the Fire Sprinkler Initiative, which now is doing the same thing that they did on the fire safe cigarette campaign. Now they’re going to all the states. Its field staff are now working to get states and jurisdictions to adopt the codes that require fire sprinklers. That’s significant,” he notes. A Leader. A Mentor. A Friend. Muncy, who will retire from AFSA at the end of 2016, has never pretended that the industry changed solely because of his involvement. What he has demonstrated, in fact, is the very thing that good leaders are able to do – pay attention to the obvious. He has remained himself, and yet, he has been changed by his involvement and has changed the industry, too. Bill Webb, president of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), states, “Steve Muncy is among a small group of fire service leaders who has remained actively involved in the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute since our establishment in 1989. His contributions to our organization have made a positive difference throughout the years. On issues of national significance, he has always spoken with such clarity and a keen understanding of how CFSI can advance its work in Washington, D.C.”
Remaining neutral has been paramount to HFSC’s success, contributing to the coalition’s credibility with wide audiences and helping it to become an effective news source. Looking back, Muncy says his involvement with HFSC was one of the most satisfying of his career. “The camaraderie that we have with HFSC, we hang our guns at the door. We all work together. There are things that we disagree on, but we always manage to find the best solution for the organization.”
AFSA’s 2006 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Meri-K Appy says, “As a proud charter member of HFSC reflecting on Steve’s many contributions to the fire sprinkler mission, I am reminded of his unshakeable belief in the role sprinklers would play in protecting people and everything they love from the pain and suffering of a home fire. His composure and dignity, combined with sheer tenacity and unwavering faith in the technology, helped him steer the industry and our society to greater acceptance and adoption. Throughout his impressive career Steve led with wisdom, integrity and humility to position fire sprinklers as the ultimate solution to America’s fire problem.”
Setting the Sprinkler Stage During his nearly three decades with the Dallas-based trade association, the fair but demanding Muncy has helped mold AFSA into a multimillion-dollar enterprise
Jim Shannon, 2010 Advocate of the Year and former president of the National Fire Protection Association, states, “In all of the issues we worked on together over the years, especially when he served on
12 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
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dards problems – setbacks that might have caused other organizations to falter, or even fail – never distracted him from the ultimate goal. He calmly guided this young association to become the industry leader in the 21st century, and he is leaving a robust foundation for those who will guide its future,” comments Knowles.
Muncy and members of the AFSA staff pose for the camera during AFSA’s 34th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Phoenix.
the NFPA board of directors, he consistently brought integrity, commitment and enthusiasm to the fire-safety mission. When he speaks you want to listen and when he takes the lead you want to follow him. As an advocate for sprinklers he has been one of the most important leaders for fire safety in the last generation.” “Steve took office as president the first year of my becoming Chairman of the Board,” recalls Don Becker, who served as AFSA Chairman from 1991 to 1995, and was honored with the Parmelee award in 1999. “I served four years as Chairman at that time but Steve and I have worked together every year since then. In 2016, the Board bestowed upon me a ‘Lifetime Member of AFSA.’ In 2016, I gave to Steve a genuine AFSA wristwatch that I had kept for years. That means from this point on, we are both on AFSA time for the rest of our lives. In his retirement Steve will always be an icon of AFSA.” “National economic downturns, conventions cancelled by hurricanes and terror attacks, industry-wide product or stan-
Over his 28 years at AFSA, Muncy’s accomplishments are many. He does not, however, lay sole claim to those. Muncy says, “There’s not a single person on staff who doesn’t know how to do their job better than I do. Everybody here knows how to do their job better than I. I know how all the pieces fit together. I guess in a way I’m kind of like a conductor at an orchestra. You know what, if you’ve got your first clarinet who’s off tune, the conductor might be able to make various moves to lessen the impact of that off-tune first clarinet, but the fact is it’s still the orchestra that’s performing. They have to pull together and recognize that. It’s not what I did; it’s what the team did as a part of this effort.” Jack Viola adds, “[Muncy] has proven to be not only a great leader but also a great friend and mentor to AFSA staff and the past Chairmen to whom he was always willing to help and advise. So this is bittersweet for me and for many of us who have known Steve for such a long time. I am happy that he is moving on to a well-deserved retirement but saddened because we will miss his humor, his steadfast ability to lead, and most importantly his friendship. My hats off to you, Steve, and my congratulations to you for receiving the Parmelee award. There is no one more deserving than you to receive this coveted distinction.” AFSA Chairman Mike Meehan will present the award to Muncy on Friday, September 16, during the general session of AFSA’s 35th Convention & Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. n
Henry S. Parmelee Award Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
John M. Rhodes, FM Global Research Corp. William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corporation C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Co. Harold L. Black, Central Fire Protection, Inc. Edward J. Reilly, Ed Reilly Associates Richard T. Groos, The Viking Corporation Ron Coleman, Chief, Fullerton Fire Dept., CA Frank J. Fee III, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Corp. Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Department, GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corporation Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Corp. Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co.
14 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Company (awarded posthumously) Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corporation Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corporation Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, National Fire Protection Association Tom Groos, The Viking Corporation William E. Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership (1986-2008) Marty Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company Steve Muncy, AFSA President (1991-2016)
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Sidewall Sprinklers and Ceiling Obstructions Can They be Near the Sprinkler? ROLAND J. HUGGINS, P.E. | American Fire Sprinkler Association
When using sidewall sprinklers can there be obstructions at the ceiling within 4 ft of standard sprinklers or 8 ft for extended coverage and residential sprinklers? Since the 2002 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, it has been fairly well understood that obstructions were not allowed in this zone. This all changed with the 2016 edition. Before delving into this latest change, let’s first look at a little history. Starting with the 1991 edition, section 4-4.2.4 stated: “Sidewall sprinklers shall be installed where no beams or similar obstructions are located closer than 4 ft (1.2 m) from the sprinkler. Beams or similar obstructions located greater than 4 ft (1.2 m) from the sprinkler shall be in conformity with Table 4-4.2.4.”
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16 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
On the other hand, Table 4-4.2.4 identified that obstructions could be less than 4 ft from the sprinkler as long as the bottom of the obstruction was at or above the plane of the deflector. The appropriate interpretation is that obstructions could be closer than 4 ft, but could be no closer than 4 ft when they extended below the plane of the deflector. The 1996 edition changed the format, fixing the little problem of implying a sidewall sprinkler could be installed perpendicular to beamed construction by saying light fixtures and similar obstructions. They also added text to address extended coverage sidewall sprinklers except that the minimum distance was 8 ft. The new text read: “Sidewall sprinklers shall be installed no closer than 8 ft (2.3 m) to light fixtures or similar obstructions. The distance between light fixtures or similar obstructions located more than 8 ft (2.3 m) from the sprinkler shall be in conformity with Table 4-9.5.1.2 and Figure 4-9.5.1.2.” The problem at that time was that Table 4-9.5.1.2 for extended coverage sidewall sprinklers did not have a similar allowance for obstructions closer to the sprinkler. This prompted the submittal of a proposal for the 2002 edition whereby Table 8.9.5.1.3 (the section number changed in 1999 and again 2002) would have an allowance to have obstructions closer to the sprinkler (as allowed for standard spray). This was approved in principle. There was also a comment from the technical correlating committee (TCC) directing that the two sections be reviewed to ensure that they were consistent. This comment was accepted with the following changes to NFPA 13: A – deleted the first sentence of text from both section 8.7.5.1.3 and 8.9.5.1.3. B – changed Table 8.7.5.1.3 from 0 in. to not allowed (for less than 4 ft). C – added new line to Table 8.9.5.1.3 for less than 8 ft as not allowed. This change emphasized that for extended coverage sprinklers obstructions could not be closer than 8 ft. It also changed the requirement for standard spray sprinklers no longer allowing obstructions within 4 ft. Since it was classified as an acceptance of a comment, no substantiation for the change was required or provided. A typical comment would have
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8.9.4.2 Deflector Orientation.
Note: For A and B, refer to Figure 8.9.5.1.3.
8.9.4.2.1 Deflectors of sprinklers shall be aligned parallel to ceilings or roofs.
substantiation by the sprinklers, submitter where which installed is accepted as being 8.9.4.2.2 Sidewall under a sloped relatively unless the committee statesbeotherwise. ceiling accurate with a slope exceeding 2 in 12, shall located atThe the high point of the the TCC slope and to discharge comment from hadpositioned no substantiation sincedownward it did the aslope. notalong propose change but was just ensuring consistency within the document. As such, specifically we have nolisted documentation 8.9.4.2.3 Sidewall sprinklers for other ceilshall be Ipermitted to be there installed in accoron ing the configurations basis for this change. do remember being dance with the listing requirements. significant concern regarding the spray pattern of the 8.9.5 Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge (Extended extended coverage sprinkler but not for standard spray. Coverage Sidewall Spray Sprinklers). Instead of justifying a difference, standard spray sprinklers were restricted so they would both be consistent. The same 8.9.5.1 Performance Objective. text from extended coverage sprinklers was also added to 8.9.5.1.1 Sprinklers shall be located so as to minimize obresidential sprinklers in theas2002 edition. structions to discharge defined in 8.5.5.2 and 8.5.5.3, or
Ceiling or roof Minimum 4 in. (100 mm) clear space with no obstructions except as allowed by 8.9.5.2.1.3 B
•
Obstruction
A
additional sprinklers shall be provided to ensure adequate
coverage the hazard. Things stayedofstatic for 15 years except for the normal slow change of members on the technical Socloser when than this 8.9.5.1.2 Sidewall sprinklers shall committees. be installed no 8 ftpopped (2.4 m)up from light or similar issue again forfixtures the 2016 edition,obstructions. there was a different outcome. The driving text for 8.9.5.1.3 8.9.5.1.3 The distance between lightsection fixtures or similar obremained the located same asmore the 2013 structions thanedition 8 ft (2.4stating: m) from the sprinkler shall be inbetween conformance with Table 8.9.5.1.3 and Figure “The distance light fixtures or similar obstructions 8.9.5.1.3. located more than 8 ft (2.4 m) from the sprinkler shall be in conformance with Tableobstructions 8.9.5.1.3 and Figure 8.9.5.1.3.” 8.9.5.1.4 Continuous projecting from the same wall as the one on which the sidewall sprinkler is mounted shall in change accordance one the following arrangements: Thebebig was with made toofFigure 8.9.5.1.3 (See Figure 1)
that(1) added the sentence: Sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with Table 8.9.5.1.4 Figure “Minimum 4 in.and (100 mm)8.9.5.1.4(a). clear space with no obstructions (2) Sprinklers shall be permitted to be spaced on opposite except as allowed by 8.9.5.2.1.3.” (See Figure 1.)
sides of obstructions less than 4 ft (1.2 m) in width where the distance from the centerline of the obstruction to the This sentence created The first the one allowable is that youdissprinklers doestwo notchanges. exceed one-half tance between sprinklers. within the 8-ft zone as long can have a narrow obstructions
as it complies with the four times rule (per Figure 8.9.5.2.1.3). This is in acknowledgment that having a 4-in. 2016 Edition wide light fixture 18 in. out from the sprinkler (previously not allowed) is no different than having a 4-in. wide column 18 in. out (previously allowed). The second one is that as long as the bottom of the obstruction is at least 4 in. above the deflector, it is allowed within 8 ft of the sprinkler. This is in acknowledgement that the discharge pattern for extended coverage sprinklers is initially thrown above the plane of the deflector. The same change was made to Figure 8.10.7.1.3 for residential sprinklers.
It’s clear that the intent is to allow obstructions immediately adjacent to sidewall sprinklers. Unfortunately, there are still a couple of wrinkles that need to be ironed out. The first is whether or not it applies to standard spray sidewall sprinklers (since there was no change made to Figure 8.7.5.1.3). The answer is that it does apply, but the bottom of the obstruction can be as low as the plane of the deflector. The technical committee rejected a public input requiring a 4-in. clearance as added to extended coverage and residential. They apparently assumed this would be understood so made no change to Section 8.7. The intent is shown by the committee statement that says: “Unlike SSW, EC sidewalls require an arc spray discharge to reach the entire hazard.” The other wrinkles are just minor items on formatting and clean up. These include the fact that location has meaning and the 2016 criteria is in a section that is addressing only obstructions located more than 8 ft 18 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Wall Elevation View
FIGURE Positioning Sprinkler to Avoid ObstrucFigure 1. NFPA8.9.5.1.3 Figure 8.9.5.1.3 Positioning of of sprinkler to avoid obstruction (extended coverage sidewall spray sprinklers). with permission from tion (Extended Coverage Sidewall Reproduced Spray Sprinklers). NFPA 13-2016, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.
(3) Obstructions located against the wall and that are not over 30 in. (750 mm) in width shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with Figure 8.9.5.1.4(b). from sprinkler located and thatagainst the tables still say (4) the Obstructions the wall and obstructions that are not over8 24 in. (600 mm) in width permitted to be less than ft are not allowed. This isshall not be a conflict as long protected in accordance with Figure 8.9.5.1.4(c). The as one adds obstructions less than 4 in. above the deflector maximum distance between the sprinkler and the wall to the thought process. Unfortunately, when addressing the shall be measured from the sprinkler to the wall behind standard sidewall, have take guidance from the spray obstruction and you not to theto face of the obstruction.
Section 8.9 into the process to get to the right answer.
This issue is still a bit murky, so talk with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submitting your plans for review. There is light at the end of the tunnel since Public Inputs have been submitted to more explicitly address this issue. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland Huggins, P.E. is the vice president of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a member of the NFPA. Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13, NFPA 25, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code). NFPA activities include participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. Huggins is a veteran. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.
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AFSA Celebrates 35 Years A Brief History of the Premier Fire Sprinkler Association This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) will celebrate at its 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, site of its first convention and exhibition in September 1982. In this issue, Sprinkler Age looks back on the visionaries who made the AFSA the premier fire sprinkler association and the training program that led us to where we are today. Training: “Our Motive for Being” Before there was ever an AFSA, there was the Independent Sprinkler Training Committee (ISTC), chaired by Wayne Gey. During the 1981 NFPA Convention in Dallas, ISTC held its third meeting, with over 60 people in attendance. At the time, the ISTC’s goal was to establish a national apprentice training program for non-union, or merit shop, fire sprinkler contractors. Until the founding of the American Fire Sprinkler Association in New York City on September 16, 1981, there was no organization to meet this growing need. In November 1981, the association’s early leaders published their first newsletter, which they named Sprinkler Age, announcing “a major new force in the fire sprinkler industry.” AFSA’s first Executive Director Joe Mulrine located the association’s headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. In the beginning, Mulrine, with his staff of two, worked to receive permission from the Ministry of Education in Ontario to utilize the Canadian Fire Sprinkler Fitter Correspondence courses to train fitters in the United States. On November 17, 1981, the AFSA National Apprenticeship and Training Standards were submitted to the National Bureau of Training in Washington, D.C. for approval. On January 7, 1982 these standards were granted approval and issued the National Registration number of N-92021. The first batch of apprentice correspondence courses, officially titled, From training to advocacy, AFSA has been there for 35 years to serve contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, AHJs, designers, apprentices and more!
Automatic Sprinkler Protection: Basic Training Series, was made available for sale shortly thereafter. It was official: AFSA was a training association. In 1983 Frank Riseden became the second executive director, a small staff was hired, and the association’s headquarters were moved to Dallas, Texas, where it remains today. As the association staff grew, Riseden’s title was changed to president. During this timeframe, nationwide seminars and the first designer series of correspondence courses were also introduced. Soon, people all over the country were taking notice. AFSA gained legitimacy on a national scale when the first representative of AFSA was appointed to serve on a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee in 1983. Seeing the importance of involvement, the association’s leadership soon expanded the membership benefits to include technical services in 1984, with the hopes that AFSA would increase its technical role to include NFPA committees. In 1986, Willie Templin and founding AFSA member Ed Smith had gained the association’s first seat on the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, committee. The Technical Services Department of today offers expert technical advice through informal interpretations, and has a prominent presence on 28 NFPA technical committees and is a leading authority in the standards-making process. As AFSA’s focus on education intensified, it expanded its offerings to include not only basic fitter and designer training, but advanced training as well. In 1985, the association launched the first session of its “Principles of Fire Sprinkler System Design,” an early precursor to AFSA’s two-week Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. Building on its apprentice training, the AFSA National Apprentice Competition debuted during the 1994 AFSA Convention & Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and 22 years later, it is still the premier sprinkler fitter competition with hundreds of apprentices sitting for the qualifying exam annually. From one apprentice training course, AFSA has grown to offer a variety of correspondence courses for every type of professional in the fire sprinkler industry, classes at AFSA’s training center, nationwide traveling seminars, online courses, and webinars. The association continues to expand upon its mission of providing training for the fire sprinkler contractor, launching its new Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program earlier this year. Getting the Word Out AFSA’s current President Steve Muncy, who succeeded Frank Riseden in 1992, led the association into the world of technology, helping to create the association’s first website, membership database, and email system in 1995. In his 1995 President’s Report, Muncy said, “We believe that adopting this new
20 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
technology will assist AFSA in better communication with the general public, Authorities Having Jurisdiction, contractors and suppliers. There may be other ways to promote fire sprinklers and provide information to audiences we want to reach by using the Internet, and we will be looking at other options for the future.” Seeking to get the fire sprinkler message out to larger public, AFSA announced its first annual national sprinkler essay contest during the 1996-97 school year, with the expressed goal of educating high school seniors about the life-saving benefit of sprinklers. The high school contest went online at afsascholarship.org in 2006, and now educates nearly 70,000 entrants annually. In 2009, the program expanded to include the addition of the Second Chance Scholarship. This award was different from many scholarships in that all those seeking to pursue a college degree or trade school education with a high school diploma or GED were encouraged to apply. At the same time, AFSA was also gearing up its member communications. In 1996, SprinklerForum was introduced, a first-of-itskind-in-the-industry email-based discussion forum still in use today. Over the years, AFSA has expanded the ways in which it communicates with its members introducing several e-newletters, like
Contractor Network and Tech Update. In 2008, AFSA launched into the social media forefront with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube pages, adding Flickr in 2010 followed by Instagram in 2016. In 2009, Sprinkler Age began publishing a digital edition, complementing its long-standing print publication, and in 2015, it went a step further joining the blogosphere at SprinklerAge.com. 35 Years Strong Over the past 35 years AFSA has grown from a handful of dedicated volunteers who saw an opportunity to better the industry through collaboration and education to a nationally recognized organization with over 1,000 member companies, 22 local chapters and four state affiliates. Throughout the years, the leaders of yesterday and today have kept the association on a successful path with a bright horizon ahead. “I believe the primary reason that AFSA has continued to grow and excel is that AFSA has kept its focus as an organization,” says AFSA President Steve Muncy, who plans to retire at the end of the year. We congratulate our founding fathers for their hard work and look forward to working with future generations to secure AFSA’s place in history as the fire sprinkler industry leader! n
AFSA Chairman of the Board 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1985 1985-1987 1987-1989 1989-1991 1991-1995 1995-1997 1997-1999
Leroy Lemon, Perfection Fire Control, Little Rock, AR* C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Company, Fort Worth, TX* Harold Black, Central Fire Protection Co., Conyers, GA* Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler Company, Fort Worth, TX Ed Smith, Smith Fire Sprinkler Company, Naples, FL* Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of Southeast, High Point, NC* Don Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Company, North Kansas City, MO Bob McCullough, All-South Sprinkler, Lilburn, GA* Jack Viola, HFP Sprinkler Corporation, Holyoke, MA
1999-2001 2001-2003 2003-2005 2005-2007 2007-2009 2009-2011 2011-2013 2013-2015 2015-
Bill Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc., Garland, TX Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection, High Point, NC Marty Giles, VSC Corporation, Ashland, VA* Manning Strickland, Sr., Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., College Park, MD Larry Thibodeau, Hampshire Fire Protection Company, Londonderry, NH Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, NM Dwight Bateman, Southeast Fire Protection, Houston, TX Joe Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Salina, KS Mike Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, Virginia Beach, VA *
deceased
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 21
Step Into the Shadows Satisfactory Sprinkler Performance Can be Achieved CHRISTOPHER H. BORN, P.E., LEED AP | Clark Nexsen, Inc.
An integrated architecture and engineering firm, Clark Nexsen is recognized nationally as a leader in student life design. With multiple student housing projects in design and under construction simultaneously, we are continuously working with code reviewers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to resolve any design concerns. 2015 could have been called the “Year of the Shadow,” as we had extensive discussions with AHJs about allowable “shadow areas” in student rooms on three separate projects within just a six-month period.
These two standards identified a specific maximum allowable shadow area of 15 ft2 per sprinkler. These allowances were an update of provisions that were first included in the 2010 edition of NFPA 13R (the 2010 edition of NFPA 13D is silent about shadow areas).
Designed under the 2007 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, the first two projects were in construction and nearing completion when concerns were first raised by deputy state fire marshals about small “shadow areas” in most of the student bedrooms (no concerns were raised during construction document or sprinkler shop drawing reviews). Still in design, the third project fell under the 2010 edition of NFPA 13. As a result of the concern on the first two projects, we initiated discussions with the university fire marshal and state code official early regarding Project 3 with the goal of gaining acceptance of similar small “shadow areas,” anticipated based on the architectural design.
In recognition of the concerns around shadow areas, similar attempts were made to add specific allowances to NFPA 13 during the 2013 revision cycle. Although a number of these comments were accepted at the Report on Comments (ROC) stage, the NFPA 13 committee ultimately addressed this issue by providing additional information in the annex but included no specific allowances in the body of the standard. As discussed in the AFSA Technical Update of February 1, 2013, the NFPA 13 committee decided not to include specific allowances for shadowing due to the existence of other obstruction rules that already implied that shielding of limited areas from direct sprinkler discharge was acceptable, as well as to provide some flexibility in system layout. While there is logic to this approach and the annex language seems clear, not all AHJs share the same interpretation or are readily accepting of shadow areas created by walls or partitions in sprinkler systems required to comply with NFPA 13.
The term “shadow area” was first defined in the 2013 editions of NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, as “the dry floor area within the protection area of a sprinkler created by the portion of the sprinkler discharge that is blocked by a wall or partition.”
NFPA 13:8.1.1(3) states that “Sprinklers shall be positioned and located so as to provide satisfactory performance with respect to activation time and distribution.” With two of our projects designed under the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 and the other under the 2010 edition, the added annex language in the 2013 edition was not directly part of the applicable standard. Once the concerns were raised on Projects 1 and 2, our
22 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Figure 1. Sample room from Project 2.
design team presented the additional annex language in the 2013 edition to further inform the discussion of the shadow areas. Unfortunately, this did not mitigate the concerns of the respective AHJs on each project. As a result, we needed to invest time attempting to prove that satisfactory performance would still be achieved. The typical student room for each of these projects includes a closet or HVAC equipment enclosure inside the room, immediately adjacent to the entry door. These student rooms are not provided with drop ceilings that would allow concealment of piping to pendent sprinklers, so the intent was to protect each sleeping room with a residential sidewall sprinkler at the corridor wall (the closets of Projects 1 and 3 are also sprinklered as required by NFPA 13). The overall room configuration is fairly consistent among the three projects, and Figure 1 shows one of the larger student rooms from Project 2 as an example.
*200°F model shown
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Project
Approximate Room Dimensions
“Shadow Area” Created By
Sprinkler Position
Area Shielded by Column
Actual “Shadow Area”
1
9’-1”W x 9’4”L
2’-6”W x 4’-3”L closet
Residential sidewall at corridor wall, 3’-8” from edge of closet
8.7 ft2
App. 4 ft2
2
11’3”W x 19’-6”L
2’W x 3’L HVAC enclosure
Residential sidewall at corridor wall, 4’-3” from edge of enclosure
41.2 ft2
App. 3 ft2
3
8’-2”W x 12’-10”L
2’-9” x 3’-3” closet
Residential sidewall at corridor wall, 4’-5” from edge of closet
18 ft2
App. 4 ft2
Table 1. Comparison of actual “shadow area” to area shielded by column.
For each of these projects, we compared the actual area of the shadow area for a typical room to that which would be created by locating a residential sidewall sprinkler directly in line with a column at the minimum clearance required by the NFPA 13 obstruction rules. NFPA 13 Figure 8.10.2.7.1.4 requires that a residential sidewall sprinkler have a minimum clearance of four times the maximum column dimension, up to a maximum of 36 in. Please refer to Table 1 for these results. As is common on projects of this nature, there is some variation in relative sprinkler position, room dimensions, etc., so the table presents dimensions specific to fire modeling simulations that will be discussed later. It should not be inferred that every sprinkler in these projects is located exactly as indicated in the table. It is clear from this analysis that there is appreciably less impact to sprinkler distribution from the “shadow area” created by the closet or equipment
Figure 2. Fire growth rate curve for fire source. 24 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
enclosure than already allowed by the NFPA 13 obstruction rules. Next, we considered the impact on sprinkler activation time using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). Each project was first modeled with a fire located in the “shadow area,” and then a second simulation was performed with the fire in the same location but with the closet or equipment enclosure removed. The fire source for these simulations was a wardrobe with fire characteristics based on tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards Building and Fire Research Laboratory in a furniture calorimeter.1 Two fire tests were conducted of a plywood wardrobe that contained clothing and paper, and the average of these two tests is included as a reference fire source in other NIST fire modeling programs. For these simulations, we manually input this fire growth curve into FDS. Please refer to Figure 2 for this curve.
A sprinkler was included in each simulation and activated when the temperature of the sprinkler reached 155°F (note that FDS uses the SI system of measurements for all input and output). For residential sprinklers, NFPA 13 requires that the sprinkler have a response time index (RTI) of no more than 50 (meters-seconds)1/2. Accordingly, the RTI for the sprinkler in these simulations was set at 50 (meters-seconds)1/2 to provide the most conservative results. The results from these fire modeling simulations are provided in Table 2 on page 25. The video output files from these FDS simulations seem to provide a simple explanation for the difference in activation times. For the simulations with the closet or equipment enclosure in place, the hot gases essentially “take a lap” around the room by initially traveling to the far wall before coming back towards the sprinkler. With the closet or enclosure removed but the fire in the same location, the hot gases travel in all directions simultaneously so they reach the sprinkler more quickly. As the room in Project 2 is noticeably longer (refer to Table 1), there is a correspondingly greater difference in activation times. However, for each of these projects, the difference is relatively small and performance with respect to activation appears to be satisfactory. After consideration of this information for their respective projects, the AHJs for Projects 1 and 2 agreed that the
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UL
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small “shadow areas” would not adversely affect sprinkler system performance and the intent of NFPA 13 was met. As these projects were both close fairly close to completion, these decisions eliminated the need for costly rework and delayed turnover of these projects. For student housing in particular delayed turnover can result in significant costs, due to transportation and temporary lodging, so these two decisions were certainly welcome. The AHJ for Project 3 would not accept any amount of “shadow area” created by
Project
Sprinkler Activation Time with “Shadow Area”
Sprinkler Activation Time without “Shadow Area”
1
56 seconds
54 seconds
2
84 seconds
78 seconds
3
66 seconds
65 seconds
Table 2. Comparison of sprinkler activation times.
walls or partitions, but as construction had not started this AHJ direction could be incorporated into the construction documents and subsequent sprinkler shop drawings. While this resulted in added construction costs, those costs are noticeably less than would be incurred if
additional sprinklers had to be retrofitted late in the project, especially if that rework resulted in delayed completion. As the analysis of these three projects shows, satisfactory sprinkler performance can still be achieved with small “shadow areas.” However, where there is a lack of explicit language in the code or standard it is ultimately the AHJ that is empowered to make the final decision. If in doubt as to their opinion, early discussion benefits the project and the project team (owner, contractor, subcontractors, etc.) by minimizing cost increases and construction delays. n REFERENCES: 1. J.R. Lawson, W.D. Walton, and W.H. Twilley, “Fire Performance of Furnishings as Measured in the NBS Furniture Calorimeter. Part 1,” NBSIR 83-2787, United States National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD (1983).
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26 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Born, P.E., LEED AP, is a design principal and director of the fire protection department with Clark Nexsen, Inc., a full service architectural, engineering, interior design and planning firm headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has 29 years of experience in the fire protection engineering profession, and holds a bachelor of science in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Licensed as a professional engineer in over 20 states, Born previously was employed as a fire protection engineer with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk, Virginia and as a project manager/estimator with VSC Fire & Security in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born is a member (alternate) of the NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, committee. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.
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Hydrostatic Testing in Cold Temperatures Systems Under Construction vs. Commissioned Systems JASON GILL | Fire & Life Safety America
You wouldn’t install a wet-pipe sprinkler system in an area that is subject to freezing and exposed to freezing temperatures, right? I’m guessing you quickly answered that question with an assertive, “Heck no!” Well, if that system is being installed in February in the vast majority of the continental U.S., you are, in fact, installing a wet-pipe system in an area that is subject to freezing. Of course, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, section 8.16.4.1 doesn’t apply to a system being installed. Rather, it is intended to apply to the commissioned system in its final state. However, the question is often raised over when it is safe, or even compliant, to hydrostatically test a sprinkler system if the system is subjected to or could be subjected to freezing temperatures. Sprinkler systems are often installed before the exterior skin of the building is completed and usually long before permanent power and heat is turned on to maintain the temperature inside. I’m sure most installation crews would appreciate working in temperatures above 40°F at all times but in reality, most areas of the U.S. experience freezing temperatures (even if just overnight) for several months’ span. The committees of NFPA 13 and NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of WaterBased Fire Protection Systems, have addressed the issue of testing in cold temperatures, but the issue is still 28 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
largely left up to the discretion of the contractor and/or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). NFPA 25 has several references to outside air temperatures relating to inspections including section 13.4.4.2.2 which states that dry pipe valves shall be trip tested during warm weather. For those who are engaged in sprinkler system installations and inspections regularly, this language is simply a reminder of what we already know: water-filled systems can lead to damage when freezing temperatures are present and this mixture should be avoided. Though NFPA 25 gives us multiple references to “warm temperatures” and “cold temperatures” as demonstrated in section 13.4.4.2.2, there is no definition of either designation. The annex for section 13.4.4.2.2 even states that the trip test should be conducted in the “spring.” This wording doesn’t really help to draw the line between warm or cold temperatures any better since some areas of the country are often covered in snow during the spring season. Therefore, it can be said that NFPA 25, in this example, leaves the decision to trip test a dry system up to the one willing to take the responsibility for any damage if the temperature is in question. To contrast, NFPA 13 is abundantly clearer as to what temperature is safe for introducing water into a system,
right? Not really. There are quite a few references to a temperature of 40°F in NFPA and this has led to a common misconception that NFPA 13 draws the line between cold and warm at 40°F. Section 8.16.4.1.1 states: “Where any portion of a system is subject to freezing and the temperatures cannot reliably be maintained at or above 40°F the system shall be installed as a dry system.” This wording is all too often interpreted to require 40°F to be maintained before a system may be filled with water. However, what most miss in this statement is that there are two conditions that must be present. Yes, the 40° mark is one, but the word “and” implies dictates the other condition, “…is subject to freezing,” must also be present. We all learned in elementary school that water freezes at 32°F so in order for a system to be “subject to freezing,” we would have to have this temperature present. However, the transition from water to ice doesn’t happen instantaneously so there’s a time factor as well. If a system is located in a building without a finished exterior, blowing wind (wind chill) can be a factor as well. Then there’s the radiant temperature of the building components and the system piping itself that can play a factor. Ever walk into a building under construction on a sunny spring day and immediately feel the temperature drop 10 degrees? As you can see, “subject to freezing” as the primary
trigger factor in section 8.16.4.1.1 is not so clear. Since the phrases “subject to freezing,” or “cold temperatures” are ambiguous and subjective, most of us fall back to the temperature of 40°F as the point at which water is safe in a system, and our risk and liability is in check. Of course, nothing stated to this point helps us determine how or what part to apply to a system that is under construction and not yet in its final state. Building construction and scheduling have advanced to a point where the overall construction durations are much faster than the past decades. Engineered components are lighter and stronger than similar components of the past, making the preparations and installations also more efficient. This has shifted the critical paths of construction schedules, adding another element of truth to the old adage, “They don’t build ‘em like they used to.” To assist with the faster pace of construction (and the unpredictability of Mother Nature), temporary heaters are being used in buildings under construction to allow finishes to cure properly but also so that the mechanical systems, which are tested with or use water, to can be inspected without having to wait until “spring.” Temporary heat adds another subjective consideration in the decision on whether a system is “subject to freezing.” Who is responsible to assure the temperature is maintained? What happens if the temporary heat fails or is removed? The NFPA 13 committee has received proposed changes on this topic and will once again consider whether to add language to the standard. Assistance is still needed for situations where the installer and the AHJ (and sometimes the manufacturer) disagree on whether it is safe to test with water. When temperatures begin to fall but the construction schedule demands a hydrostatic test, there are certainly measures that can be taken
to help remove the threat of frozen pipes such as testing with plugs in the drops and draining the drops after the test. This comes at a cost, however, both in labor and material, and still doesn’t entirely remove the threat of frozen pipes since there may be sections of trapped water. The committee previously added section 24.2.1.3 to the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 which allowed an interim air test in lieu of a hydrostatic test when cold temperatures are an issue. For most of us on the contracting side, this didn’t solve the problem. Not only does it add expense in the time to test twice, but pressure tests with air can yield different results. Plus, when CPVC is present, air tests are not necessarily allowed. For now, the debate remains open on what temperature is safe for hydrostatic tests. It is likely that this debate will remain open indefinitely since the costs and liability associated with it can be excessive. However, the important message to take away is that NFPA 13 requires two conditions to be present to trigger the need for a dry system over a wet system. Temperature is certainly part of that consideration but primarily, the system must be “subject to freezing.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason Gill is a contract sales representative and project manager for Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia. He has 19 years of experience in the sprinkler industry as a designer, design manager, estimator and project manager. Gill holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout. He is a member of the NFPA 13 Installation technical committee, representing AFSA. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.
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The Red Book Era A Look Back at the Fire Sprinkler Industry DON BECKER | AFSA Life Member
Many of you cannot identify with the term “Red Book,” but back in the late 1950s the fire sprinkler business was governed by the “Red Book,” which was always carried in your hip pocket. Back when the states had their own “Inspection Bureaus” and we lived daily under its authority along with the Factory Mutual companies and the Factory Insurance Association. The photo shown here is the Red Book (NFPA 13), which I had in 1963. Building owners in those days only sprinklered their buildings for insurance savings. Normally, a building owner could pay for their sprinkler system within three to five years and from there on would be saving insurance dollars. The industry at that time was focused on this direction and we as contractors could sell sprinkler systems based on insurance savings. During those days all fire sprinkler fitters carried their Red Book in their hip pocket along with everyone else. At this time there were no hydraulic calculated systems. They were all pipe sized according to the pipe schedules therein. Since the late ‘50s the industry became involved in life safety in nursing and convalescent homes, some schools, all due to deaths due to fires in same. I know in Iowa that we passed a law that all nursing homes of certain specifications had to be sprinklered accordingly. As time has progressed, the “Red Book” had to be added to or changed accordingly. Today, too, building codes have been written that require certain buildings to be installed with fire sprinklers before they are allowed to be built. Many NFPA 13 changes such as hydraulic calculated systems and other detailed occupancy items have become a part of NFPA 13 and now it has gone from 146 small 30 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
© 2016 NFPA, reproduced with permission.
pages to 488 large-size pages in NFPA 13, 2016 edition. Also, additional editions of NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R and other added standard types have been made separate. I know it may be hard to identify with the old days, but it was a way of life for those working full time in the fire sprinkler business as owners, designers, and fitters as we all carried our Red Book in our hip pockets. We all had the pipe schedules memorized for all “on-job” use. I thought I would share this so that many of you might identify with the early part of our industry. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Don Becker, former AFSA Chairman of the Board, was president and founder of Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Kansas City, Mo., prior to its acquisition by Grinnell in 1999. He also served as AFSA Region III Director for many years. Becker is certified as a NICET Level IV Senior Engineering Technician. He is a member of the NFPA 13 Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems. This is the committee that oversees all the individual NFPA 13 technical committees. Becker serves as chairman of AFSA’s Technical Advisory Council.
2016 AFSA Exhibitor Showcase Exhibitors at AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition The exhibitors are listed in alphabetical order with their booth number following the company name. The information below was provided to Sprinkler Age by the respective exhibitors.
A-C Fire Pump, a Xylem brand – 504
American AVK – 125
Ames Fire & Waterworks – 416
Minden, NV
North Andover, MA
Dallas, TX
American AVK is a U.S. manufacturer of gate valves, fire hydrants, and accessories for the water, wastewater, fire protection, and irrigation industries. AVK was one of the first valve manufacturers in the world to develop and design the resilient seated gate valve. American AVK was incorporated in 1985 to introduce AVK gate valves to North America. AVK is located in a state-of-the-art 180,000 ft2 manufacturing facility in Minden, Nevada. American AVK is a subsidiary of the AVK Group of Companies, a global manufacturer of valves, hydrants and accessories for the water works, waste water, fire protection, and natural gas industries.
Ames provides a range of high-quality products designed for use in fire protection sprinkler systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. Our portfolio includes backflow preventers, new grooved automatic control valves (ACVs), new gear-operated ball valves, fire strainers, and in-building risers. Ames backflow preventers are used where lighter and more compactly designed assemblies are needed. Our grooved-end ACVs have a fused-epoxy coating and stainless internals that prolongs valve life. Known for high quality, high performance, and high reliability, our products are UL listed/UL classified and designed for easy serviceability. Learn more at go.AmesFireWater.com/Fire.
Fire pump systems for the protection of life and property, A-C Fire Pump offers package systems that meet every fire protection need. We realize that each customer has different fire protection needs, specific to each fire hazard. We can design a system around your needs... special buildings, pump materials and custom floor arrangements. You need it – we’ll provide it. With A-C Fire Pump Systems, you can rest assured of start-up and future product support being available locally, worldwide.
AFCON – 529 South El Monte, CA
AFCON began designing “Hangers That Help” in 1952. Sway brace components thru 12 in. steel including copper and CPVC. hangers with patented features that benefit engineering and installation. Software – prompts correct response, includes thousands of drawings. Advisory for design and application.
AGF Manufacturing Inc. – 105 Malvern, PA
AGF is the designer and manufacturer of the most reliable and versatile line of Inspector’s test and drain valves, auxiliary drains, corrosion monitors, and accessories in the fire sprinkler industry AGF revolutionized the fire sprinkler industry with the Model 1000 TESTanDRAIN® single valve inspector’s test which eliminated the time and space consuming traditional loop assembly. Since then, TESTanDRAIN® valves have been installed in countless systems throughout the world. TESTanDRAIN® valves are now made in more styles and sizes, and with more orifice options than any other valve on the market.
AFSA – 501 Dallas, TX
The American Fire Sprinkler Association, (AFSA) is a nonprofit, international association representing merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, dedicated to the educational advancement of its members and promotion of the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems. AFSA was organized in 1981 to provide the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor with training, consulting, communication, representation and many more services, all of which have expanded over its existence. Currently, AFSA represents 840 fire sprinkler contractors, 169 manufacturer and supplier associates, 83 designers, and 89 Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. AFSA believes that the installation of fire sprinklers could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars lost to fire each year. Increasingly, public officials are realizing this. AFSA offers its members employee training and safety resources, code representation, technical advice and legal counsel, government relations and lobbying, networking, recruiting, and professional development opportunities.
Amtrol Inc. – 427 West Warwick, RI
Amtrol Inc. is a world leader in the design and operation of the vital mechanical systems that are used to control the expansion of fluids that result from temperature changes. We invented the diaphragm expansion tank over 60 years ago and currently offer a full line of UL listed and FM approved tanks to control any thermal expansion or surge protection issues in your system. All of our Fire Suppression tanks are manufactured in the USA at our ISO 9001: 2008 certified facility. Visit amtrol.com.
Anvil International – 229 Exeter, NH
The unmatched range of domestic and globally-sourced products for fire protection piping systems offered by Anvil provides versatile and dependable performance for a wide range of applications. Products are UL/ULC listed and FM Approved, and are available in a full Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 31
range of styles and functionality. Anvil combines the latest technology and most current fire protection ratings with the trusted history and manufacturing experience that have made Anvil the go-to source for fire protection and piping products. And that means better performance and better service for you and your business. At Anvil we are building connections that last. Visit us at anvilintl.com.
Apollo Valves – 520 Matthews, NC
New Apollo Valve 4A series backflow preventers for fire protection feature extremely low third party documented pressure losses, simplest in the industry to maintain, and UL & FM approvals through 12 in. Apollo offers vertical and horizontal approvals as well as “mix & match” OS&Y, tampered Butterfly, or post indicator shutoff options in 2½-in. – 8-in. sizes. The bronze thru 2 in. and stainless steel through 8-in. assemblies are made in America and feature a full five-year warrantee. Please ask for a copy of Apollo’s new fire protection products brochure.
ARGCO – 517 Carlsbad, CA
ARGCO, supplying the Industry since 1981, offers a complete line of fire sprinkler products including grooved, threaded and CPVC fittings, fire protection valves, hangers and fasteners, piping tools and thread sealants.
Armstrong Fluid Technology – 613 North Tonawanda, NY
Armstrong is a worldclass manufacturer of fire pumps and more quality products and integrates them to create a world class product offering. Our package offerings in the USA are built in an ISO 9001 facility. To further support the fire protection industry, we offer space and cost-saving product solutions, industry-leading design software, electronic learning tools, and worldwide service through our world-class sales and service representatives. Recognizing that our product is only as good as what goes into it, we are committed to supplying the highest quality fire pump controllers, electric motors, diesel engines, and accessories available anywhere in the world. 32 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
ASCO Power Technologies/ Firetrol Brand Products – 109
BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems – 305
Cary, NC
Cleveland, OH
Firetrol is a leading name in fire pump controllers. We offer standard or custom engineered products for electric, diesel, variable speed, medium voltage and Class 1 - Division 2 hazardous location applications. A common interface offers ease of use across the product line. Our controllers feature communication between main controllers and jockey pumps, as well as the ability to integrate with building management systems or internet/intranet applications.
Made from the Lubrizol Corporations superior CPVC compounds, BlazeMaster® pipe and fittings have been providing industry-leading fire protection for more than 30 years. Approved for use in light hazard occupancies as defined by NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D. These occupancies include office buildings, hospitals, long term care facilities, schools, hotels, residential housing and more. Visit BlazeMaster.com.
AutoSPRINK – 511
Irving, TX
Henderson, NV
AutoSPRINK – Our flagship fire sprinkler design product, has redefined the way fire sprinkler CAD designers operate. With its intuitive, elegant design environment, coupled with powerful tools for hydraulic calculations and stock listing, AutoSPRINK will soon become the standard for fire sprinkler design. AlarmCAD follows the MEPCAD tradition of innovation. Using its powerful tools, CAD designers can generate alarm system drawings quickly and accurately. AutoPREP – Open corrupt files or clean and prepare AutoCAD background drawings to a point where effective system design can begin.
Backflow Direct – 610 Rancho Cordova, CA
Backflow Direct is a design and manufacturing company that has developed the next major innovation in the large diameter backflow market with a new assembly called the Deringer. The Deringer is the smallest, lightest and only all stainless steel backflow preventer in the industry today and offers many features that benefit the fire protection contractor. Integrated butterfly shut off valves with tamper proof switches, grooved end connections and a brand new dual action check valve design that provides low friction loss and requires no special tools for servicing make installation and maintenance more cost effective and less time consuming than ever before. The Deringer currently has UL, FM, NSF and ASSE approvals and will have its first USC approval by the third quarter of 2015. Visit backflowdirect.com.
Blue River Underwriters – 617 At Blue River Underwriters, we understand what it takes to protect the interests of fire sprinkler and equipment contractors. With an AM Best A-XII Rated Carrier and experienced risk engineering and claims specialists, we deliver quality solutions and responsive service that our clients require and deserve. We are committed to helping you succeed by protecting your insureds’ interests with unparalleled experience and integrity.
Brecco Distribution Corp. – 324 Phoenix, AZ
Brecco supplies fire sprinkler accessories to distributors for more than 35 years. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is one of the many ways Brecco separates itself from the competition. From signs, gauges and head boxes to valves, hose racks and hangers, Brecco has you covered for all your accessory needs. That is why we say, “Relax! your order’s with Brecco.”
Buckeye Fire Equipment – 101 Arlington, TX
BuildingReports – 420 Suwanee, GA
Building safety compliance is critical to service companies, building owners and fire and safety officials who are charged with safeguarding occupants. BuildingReports’ mobile and online inspection reporting tools enable inspectors to quickly gather data on fire and life safety devices to ensure they are working properly and meet code requirements, or identify actions needed to meet compliance through
easily verifiable inspection reports. With more than 180 million devices inspected to date, over 500,000 buildings represented and over 700 inspection companies in its network, BuildingReports has earned its reputation as the most trusted name in compliance reporting.
Bull Moose Tube – 225 Chesterfield, MO
As the leading supplier of steel sprinkler pipe, we understand that there are no second chances in fire suppression. You need products of enduring quality and exceptional strength – plus reliable service. You need Bull Moose.
C-Aire Compressors Inc. – 102 Dresser, WI
C-Aire designs, builds and distributes innovative high quality commercial grade reciprocating air compressors for the fire protection and automotive/ industrial markets. Customer satisfaction is important to us and we aim to make it easy for the customer.
CLSE – 503 Dallas, TX
The Center For Life Safety Education (CLSE) is a provider of learning services to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and the fire service, college scholarships for students entering into fire protection, and testing and certificate programs for specialties within the fire sprinkler industry. CLSE provides resources to reinforce a better understanding of fire sprinkler system technology, offering AHJs convenient, affordable continuing education, including online courses on plan review, inspection, system acceptance, and other system requirements. Visit clse.org.
Cintas Corp. – 524 Mason, OH
Cintas isn’t just any fire protection provider. We’re a provider set apart by our cutting-edge technology, detailed processes, trained technicians and our money back guarantee. And we truly have a passion for helping you protect your people and property – ultimately helping you and your team get ready for your workday.
Clarke Fire Protection Products – 515
CST Storage – 112
Cincinnati, OH
CST provides factory-coated fire protection water storage tanks worldwide. With 350,000 liquid storage tanks in 120-plus countries, we have the experience, products & engineering to meet our customer’s needs. CST leading brands, Aquastore®, HydroTec® & Columbian TecTank®, meet or exceed NFPA 22, FM, LPS, AWWA, USACOE and other industry standards & are manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities. CST’s factory applied proprietary coating technologies are the best in the business and have been field proven for more than 50 years. Tanks are available for construction by customer, dealer or CST with or without accessories.
Clarke Fire Protection Products is a global supplier in the manufacture of NFPA 20 diesel engines for sprinkler fire pumps, certified and UL Listed, FM Approved. Products include the pressure limiting driver (PLD), Tier 3 EPA certified engines, and non-emissionized engines for global installations. Manufacturing locations include Cincinnati, Ohio, and Coatbridge, Scotland. Visit clarkefire.com.
Croker Division: Fire-End & Croker Corp. – 303 Elmsford, NY
Croker’s 8072-VTD-25 valve testing device uses a calibrated Venturi Flowmeter to accurately measure flow (GPM) and pressure (PSI) of standpipe PRVs. This lightweight unit (21 lbs) can be easily transported and connected to standpipe pressure reducing valves for precision testing and setting as required by NFPA 14 and NFPA 25. For over 100 years, Croker has provided the highest quality standpipe and hose equipment. The Croker product line includes hose valves, PRVs, FDCs (flush, freestanding, UL Storz), FPTs, roof manifolds, rack & reel assemblies, cabinets, extinguishers, nozzles, adapters, ITM equipment, grooved line, high-pressure FDCs, and more!
CPS Products Inc. – 421
Kansas City, MO
Dixon Fire – 619 Chestertown, MD
Dixon is committed to manufacturing and supplying the highest quality products in the fire industry. We manufacture the Powhatan and Northline Coupling brand products, and stock numerous other quality manufacturers throughout our 16 warehouses in North America to ensure prompt delivery. From field adjustable pressure reducing valves to 500 psi rated FDC bodies; from Raleigh thread to PCT thread, Dixon makes what our customers want and need. When it’s got to be right, it’s got to be Dixon.
Driven – 526
Monroe , MI
Sioux Falls, SD
A piping solution specialist with more than 35 years’ experience in serving our customers around the world with our CPS-brand products, which include grooved pipe coupling and fittings, valves, ductile iron threaded fittings, cast iron threaded fittings as well as other associated products in application of the fire protection, mechanical, industrial, and mining industries. Customer satisfaction and offering value added solutions has been our principle at CPS Products Inc. In order to provide better and quicker service to our customers, we have expended our warehouse facility in Monroe, Michigan, and our personnel are committed to deliver high quality products and satisfied service to each of our customers.
We are a design and consulting firm specializing in fire sprinkler systems. We work with contractors, architects, engineers, and building owners to create code compliant and cost effective fire protection systems for all types of buildings. We will help you better understand your fire protection needs, help solve your fire protection problems, and save you money along the way.
EasyFlex Inc. – 631 Tustin, CA
As a true manufacturer since 1989, Easyflex seeks to provide quality products and competitive pricing. Easyflex flexible fire sprinkler connections are UL listed and FM approved. There are braided and unbraided flexible hoses in 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 33
5 ft, and 6 ft with top-loading or front-loading brackets for variety of ceiling and wall applications: T-Bars, metal studs, hat channels, wood beams, concrete sidewalls, and more. Easyflex patented open gate snap system bracket (OGSB) is an innovation of front loading center bracket from the screw type to the open gate snap system. It is an unibody bracket with simple INSERT-CLOSESNAP procedures. The system expedites the installation, which results in reduced labor costs and faster job completion.
Suspender threaded rod anchors are designed to speed installation of fire sprinkler, HVAC, refrigeration, general piping and electrical systems. They can also be used to install strut channels, cable trays, suspended ceiling grids, bridle rings and eye-rods. The entire system has been re-engineered so each fastener can be used horizontally or vertically and only one driver is needed for all anchor sizes or type.
Eaton Industries (Canada) Co. – 117
Engineered Corrosion Solutions – 322
Airdrie, Alberta Canada
Eaton is a power management company with 2015 sales of $20.9 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 97,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. Visit chfire.com
EJ2 Construction Group LLC – 124 Peoria, AZ
FTS web application generates and sends customized fire hydrant flow test summaries from the field in minutes. Automatically locate your project and identify your hydrants with integrated Google imagery. Summaries calculate gallons per minute per outlet, total available fire flow (gpm @ 20 psi), hydrant elevations, and the distance between hydrants. Summaries include a N1.85 graphical water supply curve, and a two page NFPA-based mapped summary that is securely stored and organized as a PDF document.
Elco Construction Products – 517 Brewster, NY
Elco Construction Products is the manufacturer of the new suspender threaded rod anchor fastening system. Suspender is a unique one-of-a-kind, one-piece design with a single drive system for multiple applications, wood, steel and concrete, in horizontal and vertical orientation when hanging threaded rod. This consolidated design allows for greater versatility, reduced inventory and simple quick installation. 34 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Elkhart Brass – 612 Elkhart, IN
St. Louis, MO
The de facto standard in fire sprinkler corrosion control, Engineered Corrosion Solutions (ECS) specializes in managing risks associated with leaking fire sprinkler systems. ECS first developed wet pipe nitrogen inerting (WPNI) and dry pipe nitrogen inerting (DPNI) technology to eliminate corrosion in wet, dry, and pre-action fire sprinkler systems and we have the longest track record of success in the industry. ECS also specializes in corrosion monitoring and sprinkler system corrosion assessment and analysis.
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication – 121 Mansfield, TX
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication supplies the highest quality fire protection products nationwide. Our knowledgeable associates from 67 branches are dedicated to providing world-class customer service to the fire protection contractor. We are also the nation’s leading fabricator with 32 fabrication facilities around the country. Eight of our fabrication facilities are ISO certified, and committed to meeting the most rigorous of quality standards. Our distribution centers around the nation help us offer the most comprehensive product selection in the industry and our experts in engineered fire protection products will provide solutions to our customers’ most demanding projects.
Fire Protection Products Inc. (FPPI) – 429 Carlsbad, CA
The most preferred, trusted, and installed brand in the fire sprinkler industry. Fire Protection Products Inc. (FPPI) offers fire
sprinkler accessories, brass trim, sealants and lubricants as well as standpipe equipment through its network of highly knowledgeable national and local distributors.
Fire Protection, Seneca College – 224 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Seneca’s Fire Protection Technology program is a North American benchmark in providing a comprehensive fire protection education combining the best aspects of both fire prevention and fire suppression. With a balanced approach of both practical and theory-based learning, graduates are prepared to tackle a variety of different industry needs. Three-year, two- year or special part-time certificates are available. Stay connected with what is happening within the program. Follow @ SenecaCollegeFi or join the Alumni FB and LinkedIn groups. Contact Scott Pugsley, industry coordinator/professor for more information: Scott.Pugsley@ SenecaCollege.ca.
Fire Tech Productions Inc. – 508 Centerville, OH
Fire Tech Productions, a certified womanowned business, has been focused on the training of individuals, groups and companies since 1987. NICET, CEU and state exam prep courses are available in online, webinar and seminar formats. Intensive hands-on workshops detailing fire pumps, inspection & testing and sprinkler installation training are led by experienced industry leaders. Content is frequently updated and improved to stay current with NFPA standards. Fire Tech Productions’ customized Fire Tabs are a proven method for referencing important information in the standards, both during the exam and in the field. Visit us to learn how we can help with all of your industry training needs!
FIVALCO Inc. – 423 Anaheim, CA
FIVALCO is a global leader in manufacturing flow control products. Every FIVALCO product is meticulously designed and crafted with the highest quality, and exceeds the standards of UL, FM, ISO, NSF, and AWWA. Our expertise and solutions span wide range of applications across numerous indus-
tries including fire protection. Today, with manufacturing and distribution facilities in Asia, America, and Europe, our services reach over 80 countries and millions people worldwide. Visit fivalcoinc.com or call 714-520-0338.
FlexHead Industries Inc. – 310 Holliston, MA
FlexHead Industries manufactures a complete line of high-quality, fully welded, one-piece flexible fire sprinkler connections for suspended ceilings in commercial buildings, cleanroom environments, institutional applications and industrial exhaust ductwork. FlexHead’s connections install at least five times faster than traditional hard pipe while offering tremendous benefits to the construction team, including fast-track construction, superior seismic protection, perfect center-of-tile placement, and simplified project management. FlexHead announces the new MPT (multi position tall) mounting bracket. Offers a versatile design, saving you both time and money!
General Air Products Inc. – 411 Exton, PA
General Air Products is a manufacturer of fire sprinkler air compressors, accessories and NFPA 13D residential pump and tank units. Come by our booth to learn more about the recent improvements to our oil less fire protection air compressor line – these units now include a 30-in. stainless steel flex hose standard! Or come by to have your questions answered by our expert staff. If you can’t make it to our booth be sure to visit our new web site for all of the technical information you need to size, install and maintain your General Air Products fire protection air compressors and NFPA 13D pumping systems.
Gerand Engineering – 227 Minneapolis, MN
Gerand Engineering provides the highest quality products for fire pump testing and hydronic balancing. Our meters are FM approved and NIST certified with a five-year warranty. Gerand’s 50 years of experience delivers the results our customers demand. Working in close partnership with our customers, we provide high-value, high-performance components and systems. We are
dedicated to providing a world-class customer experience while delivering the quality products, systems and results our customers and partners demand.
Global Vision Inc. – 516 Osseo, MN
GVI is the world’s #1 selling fire pump test meter. We are the only provider with FM Approved/UL Listed flow meters. Now we also offer an FM Approved digital gauge with 4-20ma transmitter. Our patented venturi design means you will have the most accurate and stable flow meter on the market. Made in the USA, our machined heavy duty venturi will provide the longevity your project demands.
Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. – 509 Standish, MI
Globe Fire Sprinkler is an ISO-9001 manufacturer of fire sprinklers, valves, and accessories. We are pleased to introduce the RCW water control valve. The model RCW is the industry’s lightest, most compact combination dry-deluge valve. We are also featuring the industry-leading sprinkler for the protection of combustible concealed spaces: The 5.6k Model IC upright specific application sprinkler. The Model IC sprinkler offers best-in-class depth protection, maximum coverage area, and designer-friendly minimum spacings. Globe offers a complete range of USAproduced products for use in special hazards, residential, commercial and storage applications.
Guardian Fire Equipment Inc. – 311 Miami, FL
Guardian Fire Equipment Inc. is a reliable source for quality products coupled with knowledgeable sales staff, providing the foundation for continued growth. Today, Guardian Fire Equipment Inc. is recognized as a leader in the fire protection industry with versatility and the ability to respond to special requirements, along with commitment to delivering value, quality and service.
Gulf Coast Tank and Construction – 103 Rosenberg, TX
Gulf Coast Tank & Construction is a supplier and installer of bolted steel
storage tanks. Our professionally designed and manufactured tanks fit perfectly into an array of industry systems, including fire protection. We also specialize in new installations, tank repairs, inspections, and have the ability to perform work abroad.
HD Supply Waterworks – 202 Saint Louis, MO
HD Supply Fire Protection offers the full array of fire protection products and services. With an ever growing footprint, our strategically located supply and fabrication facilities maintain vast inventories and enable us to provide superior customer service along with today’s technology. Our fabrication facilities are backed by strict quality control procedures, and offer custom fabrication to meet the needs of your next project. We are honored to be able to help you build your city and keep it running.
HFSC – 505 Frankfort, IL
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) was formed in 1996 in response to the tremendous need to inform the public about the life-saving value of home fire sprinkler protection. HFSC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the leading resource for independent, noncommercial information about home fire sprinklers. HFSC offers educational material with details about home fire sprinklers, how they work, why they provide affordable protection and answers to common myths and misconceptions. HFSC offers free educational material for targeted audience including homebuilders, consumers, public educators, water providers, public officials, insurance and real estate agents and children. All materials are free at: HomeFireSprinkler.org.
The Hose Monster Co., Div. of Hydro Flow Products Inc. – 410 Lake Zurich, IL
The Hose Monster Company has been exceeding standards and driving innovation for over 20 years with industry leading testing equipment for fire pump testing, hydrant flow testing, standpipe testing, dechlorination, main flushing, apparatus testing, and fire pump testing software. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 35
HRS Systems Inc. – 321 Petersburg, TN
HRS Systems Inc., a dynamic fire protection engineering software and marketing firm. Our goal is to provide fast, accurate and easy-to-use fire protection engineering software – second to none – worldwide. HRS Systems Inc. is the sole source for: HASS (sprinkler system analysis), HASS HOUSE (residential sprinkler system analysis), COOSA (CO2 system analysis), JOB COST ESTIMATOR (sprinkler and CO2 systems). As utilities, HASS includes HASS HOUSE, and the JOB COST ESTIMATOR, while COOSA includes the JOB COST ESTIMATOR. All are Windows-based (32 & 64 bit), English and metric units plus metric with Spanish text.
Hydratec Inc. – 407 Windham, NH
Hydratec has been providing quality software and design services for over 40 years. We will be demonstrating our complete line of software, which includes HydraCAD v52/53 for system design, HydraLIST for fabrication reports, HydraCALC for pipe sizing, HydraCALC-Sizer for pipe size estimating, HydraBID for price estimating, HydraCAD-R for NFPA 13D systems, and our new HydraCALC for Revit™. These packages can be used separately, or as an integrated set, by firms of any size or experience level to provide the best possible AutoCAD-based solution for 2D and 3D design, BIM, Navisworks coordination and full REVIT content integration.
ITW Sammys – 207 Glendale Heights, IL
Sammys® threaded rod anchors from ITW Buildex® has earned its well deserved reputation in the field for many years. Known for its time-saving patented solutions for threaded rod anchoring into a range of categories for construction, Sammys capabilities have opened doors for a number of uses including fire protection, electrical, HVAC, piping and others. Recent new product development indicates many are taking advantage of Sammys design flexibility and cost savings. The Sammys line has shown a marked improvement from traditional 36 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
methods when working with threaded rod anchoring into surfaces like concrete, wood, and steel.
JG Innovations Inc. – 614 Janesville, WI
JG Innovations Inc. is the #1 source for USA-made steel enclosure systems. Our concealment systems are designed to cover one or multiple exposed pipe or mechanicals. The Soffi-Steel® and Interlock™ concealment systems are manufactured to your specification and are available in light to heavy duty 24-16 gauge galvannealed steel. These durable, streamlined concealment systems have been rigorously tested and carry industry approvals such as Factory Mutual Approval and/or are UL/ULC Listed. These concealment systems are being specified nationwide by architects and engineers to enclose mechanicals in: universities, nursing homes, assisted living communities, PK-12 schools, residential properties, college dormitories, psychiatric facilities, detention centers, jails and prisons, and commercial buildings.
to consolidate its strength, and has finally developed into what it is today, an enterprise with powerful strength and technical team, known for its complete range of products, high quality and service. Visit kingerusa.com.
Kochek Co. – 402 Putnam, CT
America’s premiere manufacturer of specialty fire equipment and water movement solutions, Kochek’s mission is to save lives and protect property. Fire chiefs across America, Canada, and the world know the name Kochek and know that our products represent quality and are backed by attentive customer service. Driven by a high standard of excellence in engineering, manufacturing, and customer support, Kochek is committed to delivering the highest quality products at competitive prices using American ingenuity while promoting customer satisfaction and loyalty. We take pride in the fact that almost every single part we manufacture is made right here in America and we stand behind the quality of our products, 100 percent of the time.
Job GmbH – 313
Loos & Co. Inc. – 419
Ahrensburg, Germany
Naples, FL
Job Thermo Bulbs, founded in 1971, is the world leader in research and production of heat sensitive glass bulbs and thermo bulb links for the sprinkler industry. Due to their high quality and reliability more than 1,000 Mio Job thermo bulbs have been installed by all major sprinkler manufactures worldwide. More than 40 years of continuous innovation and the implementation of innovative technologies guarantee the highest possible standard for life safety products. Job uses its own drawn glass tubes and can offer a huge flexibility for different bulb specifications towards customer’s demand.
The seismic bracing cable manufactured by Loos & Co., can be the code compliant answer you are looking for when it comes to the Seismic requirements of nearly all overhead, non-structural building components. Loos & Co. offers the best cost-saving and time-saving seismic bracing in the industry. Confidently use Loos & Co.’s bracing for the seismic bracing of: heating and air conditioning equipment, ductwork, electrical cable trays, suspended lighting systems, fire sprinkler systems, plumbing., floor-mounted and roof-mounted equipment, and suspended equipment. Unlike many ridged pipe or strut type braces, Loos’ bracing can be used in many applications.
Kinger Industry Inc. – 525 City of Industry, CA
Kinger Industry Inc. specializes in water works and fire protection valves. Our most popular valve for fire protection include OS&Y gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves, NRS gate valve with post plate. We are UL, FM & NSF 61 Approved. In the past years, Kinger Industry Inc. has seized each opportunity
Metraflex Co. – 129 Chicago, IL
The Metraflex® Fireloop® expansion joint for fire sprinkler systems is an extremely flexible joint accommodating movement in all directions. UL Listed & FM Approved Fireloop® joint is available in movements up to 24 inches and provides
excellent protection during building movement events, including earthquakes and building settlement. It meets NPFA 13 guidelines. Revit® and other CAD files are available at metrafire.com. When hangers are too short to allow full-rated movement of the Fireloop, install the seismic breakaway coupling. It separates at a preset load. This allows seismic joints to have complete freedom to achieve their full-rated movement to help protect engineered piping systems and the building from damage during seismic events. After a quake, the breakaway coupling can be reset, ready to protect piping during a future event.
Metron Div. of Hubbell Industrial Controls Inc. – 621 Archdale, NC
Visit Hubbell Industrial Control’s booth to see the latest technology in fire pump control products. We design and manufacture diesel engine fire pump controllers, electrical fire pump controllers with transfer switches and jockey pump controllers. Accessories and field services are also available.
local elected officials and others about the many benefit of sprinklers. The site contains information to help advocates navigate the process of introducing and passing ordinances in their communities. The initiative also provides links to state coalitions dedicated to advocating for the installation of home fire sprinkler systems. Visit: firesprinklerinitiative.org.
certification programs that promote technical knowledge and proficiency. The resulting programs measure the competency of, and layout career paths for, engineering technicians in over 25 specialty programs.
Noble Co. – 405 Spring Lake, MI
Noble Company produces FireFighter® factory pre-mixed antifreeze for wet fire sprinkler systems. Computer-engineered to meet new NFPA requirements. Packaged in five-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, totes and tank trucks. FireFighter GL48 and GL38 are glycerine based for use with CPVC. GL48 is certified FBCT System Compatible for BlazeMaster® CPVC. Choose FireFighter PG38 & PG30 (propylene glycol) for most other piping systems.
NICET – 126 Alexandria, VA
NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is committed to public safety and a qualified workforce through nationally recognized certification programs. Founded in 1961, over 140,000 technicians have met NICET’s rigorous certification criteria. NICET’s fire protection programs include Water-Based Systems Layout, Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, Fire Alarms Systems and Special Hazards Suppression Systems. NICET regularly brings together industry leaders and subject matter experts to design and maintain
OSU – 623 Stillwater, OK
Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Engineering, Architecture, &
Midland Metal Framing and Fastener, LLC – 629 Solon, OH
Milwaukee Valve Co. – 510 New Berlin, WI
Butterball Slo-Close BB-SC Series fire sprinkler valves. Provides slow opening and closing properties in a quarter-turn valve. Now available in “low lead.” They are rated for indoor and outdoor use, are available with or without an internal, prewired, supervisory tamper switch assembly. They have a switch rating of 10 Amps/115 VAC-80 Hz, .5 Amps/28VDC, and UL/FM ratings to 175 psi (also available at 350 psi and 500 psi with N.Y.C.B.S.A. approval).
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Food
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NFPA – 626
411
509
309
Quincy, MA
The Fire Sprinkler Initiative®: Bringing Safety Home is a project of NFPA providing a variety of proven, effective ways that home fire sprinkler advocates can communicate the impact of sprinklers. The website includes resources to demonstrate the need for home fire sprinklers and to help advocates talk with
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Map for AFSA’s 2016 Exhibition.
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Technology (CEAT) offers education and training in fire protection and safety technology through both college undergrad courses as well as professional development seminars and programs that can be customized to meet the customer’s needs. CEAT Professional Development is proud to partner with AFSA and offer the Fire Sprinkler Inspection Training & Certificate Program that is currently offered publicly or customized. We have several live and online professional development opportunities available for your every training need. Please remember OSU and that we are the right choice for your professional development education, especially when hands-on training is key.
Pace Machinery Group Inc. – 228 Wasco, IL
We built our reputation as a manufacturer of tough, durable pipe grooving machinery for the fire protection, mining, paper, chemical and other industries. Pace Machinery is at work in virtually every developed country of the world, recognized as the most dependable and efficient equipment of its type. Pace Pipe Processing Machines are built like fine machine tools. Every component has been carefully designed and machined to ensure efficient, trouble-free operation. Parts required to withstand high stress and torque are machined from special alloy steels to provide the service for which these machines are noted.
Paragon Industries Inc. – 622 Sapulpa, OK
Paragon Industries is excited to be North America’s newest manufacturer of highquality sprinkler pipe! Since 1982, we have been licensed to serve the oil and gas industry, and are now using those same techniques and skills to produce sprinkler pipe. Quality and service are important to us, and our line of ERW pipe far exceeds industry standards. We offer a full range of pipe products including 4 in. through 8 in., Schedule 10 and Schedule 40, UL/ ULC/FM certified pipe, as well as a line of A53. Come by to see how we can be of benefit to you!
Patterson Pump Co. – 118 Toccoa, GA
Patterson Pump Company continues to be the world leader in the supply of fire 38 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
pumps and systems that ensure the protection of both life and property worldwide. Offerings include vertical in-line, end suction, horizontal split case, and vertical turbine models from 50 to 5000 gpm. The Patterson Pre-Pac offers a complete system solution utilizing all pump models, saving the contractor both time and money. When you think fire protection, rely on the name that you can trust, Patterson Pump Company.
Peerless Pump Co. – 518 Indianapolis, IN
Grundfos is the recognized global leader in fire protection systems with a full range expertise in Peerless brand fire pumps and accessories. We design and build products to the industry standards and listings, ranging from simple pump-driven systems on a base frame to highly engineered and fully enclosed packed systems. Our expertise enables us to design, manufacture and service our products globally. With the most efficient selections and superior local representation, we endeavor to partner with the fire protection contracting community to create the best value possible for each project.
Pentair CADDY – 404 North Aurora, IL
The Pentair family of fire pumps and fire systems includes Aurora, Fairbanks Nijhuis, and Edwards brands. We are a global pump and system supplier devoted to designing and manufacturing a wide range of pumps used in ever-expanding fire markets and applications throughout the world. From split case, vertical inline, end suction and vertical turbine pumps, to positive displacement pumps for foam applications – Pentair has the solution for all your fire pump needs.
Pentair Flow Technologies – 108 North Aurora, IL
Permabond Engineering Adhesive – 315 Somerset, NJ
Permabond® LH050 (UL Classified) and Permabond LH056 (FBCTM System Compatible and Spears® FlameGuard® CPVC Listed) prevent leaks in metal sprinkler systems. Permabond HL126 eliminates weld porosity leaks. Permabond’s full line of adhesives and sealants
includes anaerobic (threadlockers, thread sealants, FIP gaskets, and retaining compounds), cyanoacrylates (instant adhesives), epoxies, MS polymers, polyurethanes, structural acrylics, UV curable adhesives, hybrid technologies and custom formulations. FBC™ System Compatible indicates that the Permabond LH056 has been tested, and is monitored on an ongoing basis, to assure its chemical compatibility with FlowGuard Gold®, BlazeMaster® and Corzan® pipe and fittings. FBC, FlowGuard Gold, BlazeMaster and Corzan are trademarks of The Lubrizol Corporation or its affiliates.
PHD Manufacturing Inc. – 323 Columbiana, OH
PHD Manufacturing Inc. is a leading domestic manufacturer in the commercial, industrial plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection industries. A privately owned company PHD’s product line includes Made-in-the-USA pipe hangers, beam supports, CPVC straps, and seismic products. PHD simplifies warehouse sprinkler system installations with the in-rack flue hanger. PHD’s fully adjustable, U/L listed, in-rack flue hanger #990, and single in-rack flue hanger #995, made of steel, EG plated, are designed with productivity in mind. Unlike traditional pipe hanging methods comprised of numerous separate parts assembled “to make it work” and taking 10 to 15 minutes to build & install, PHD’s fully adjustable in-rack flue hanger is pre-assembled and installs in seconds saving hundreds of hours in labor costs alone. Call Rick Persing at (574) 536-3857 or email
[email protected].
Pinnacle Financial Services – 124 Lantana, FL
Established in 1984, Pinnacle Financial Services is committed to providing the highest quality in retirement plan record keeping. Focusing on your unique needs, we tailor custom solutions that support your success by providing administrative, record keeping and consulting services necessary to enhance the benefits provided to your clients, employees and members. We have mastered the administration of single and multiple employer plans. What is routine for us can often be a problem for other third-party administrators. Our standard in 401(k) administration includes practices like transactional reconciliation
and interim testing which brings an added value to any business while reducing our clients’ workload and administrative burden. We manage the complex issues of data validation focusing on accuracy to give the peace of mind that the job is being done right.
Polymer Molding Inc. – 113 Erie, PA
For more than 30 years, Polymer Molding Inc. (PMI) has been a leading manufacturer of protective caps, plugs and closures including standard and custom sprinkler head covers and bulb protectors. Our sprinkler head protectors are designed to fit a variety of sprinkler heads including bulb sprinkler heads, upright fire sprinkler heads, pendent fire sprinkler heads and side mount sprinkler heads. Products are available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials. PMI’s sprinkler head covers and bulb protectors are manufactured in the USA at our ISO 9001:2008 certified facility. Visit us at booth #113 to learn more.
Potter Electric Signal Co., LLC – 301
ment such as monitors, nozzles, and hydrants built specifically for the industrial, municipal, wild land, and marine markets.
Project DocControl – 210 Tampa, FL
Project DocControl is a project document management solution that helps specialty contractors increase productivity, reduce risk, enhance company image and improve accountability. Created by and for specialty contractors, Project DocControl replaces stacks of three-ring binders and file folders, storing all project information and documentation in a secure centralized database. This saves time and enables you to identify critical issues more easily so you can manage projects – not paperwork. You can bring all outside electronic documentation (emails/files) into Project DocControl so it will be linked and archived into your database for future access. Within weeks of deployment, project teams experience increased project management efficiency, greater control over project success, and a significantly improved top-down view of risks and opportunities company-wide.
St. Louis, MO
Reed Manufacturing Co. – 609
Comprehensive nitrogen solutions backed by over 115 years of fire sprinkler monitoring. Minimizing your liability for damage caused by leaking or broken fire sprinkler pipes requires diligent corrosion monitoring. You need a resource you can trust to protect all of the sprinkler systems you design or install. With more than 115 years of sprinkler monitoring experience, Potter is the trusted source for corrosion monitoring and prevention. With our comprehensive suite of corrosion solutions, you can rest assured that whether you want to protect your investment in a fire sprinkler system, or need to find a more permanent solution to a corrosion problem, Potter has the most innovative and reliable products on the market to get the job done.
Erie, PA
Potter Roemer – 200 City of Industry, CA
Since 1937, Potter Roemer has been the leading producer and supplier of interior hose and standpipe equipment, cabinets, connections and valves to the fire protection industry. The Fire Pro division produces premium firefighting equip-
Over 120 years young, Reed Manufacturing specializes in professional-grade pipe tools and vises. Started in 1896 and then purchased in 1902 by Reuben Wright, the company is operated by fifth generation members of the Wright family. From the company’s beginning, Reed Associates have invented tools that continually become industry standards, including the Quick Release™ Tubing Cutter, various tools for plastic pipe, vises, plus Hinged and Rotary cutters for large diameter pipe. Along with new tools, each year Reed makes end-user driven improvements and refinements to existing tools. Today Reed’s main tool categories are: cutters & cutter wheels; groovers, power drives, threaders & dies; vises; water services tools & machines; plastic pipe tools; large diameter pipe tools; wrenches; and general pipe working tools.
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. – 325 Elmsford, NY
Stop by Reliable’s booth and learn about our new products – LT56 and LT56L,
K5.6 – Long throw “specific application” pendent sprinklers for corridors and hallways; DH80 QR EC Dry HSW, K8.0 – Coverage up to 28 ftx14 ft for light hazard occupancies; F3RES44 residential dry HSW, K4.4 – Coverage up to 16 ft x 20 ft in ordinary or intermediate temperature; G5-56 dry, K5.6 – QR flat cover plate concealed dry pendent sprinkler; theStainless Steel Clad flat cover plates with or without “sealing” gaskets, along with a revised compact trim for the EX low pressure dry pipe valve.
RIDGID – 422 Elyria, OH
RIDGID tools perform in extremes of heat and cold, withstand dirt and mud, and perform reliably day in and day out. Known the world over for industry-leading products, RIDGID tools allow professionals like you to complete jobs more quickly and reliably. RIDGID. We build reputations.
Sigma Piping Products – 417 Houston, TX
Nationwide inventory of domestic and import threaded welding outlets, threaded nipples, grooved welding outlets, cast iron threaded fittings, ductile iron threaded fittings, malleable iron threaded fittings, post indicator valves, UL/FM butterfly valves, UL/FM OS& Y gate valves, flanged fittings, flanged bolt packs and weld plate flanges. UL, cUL, and FM Listed and Approved.
Smith-Cooper International – 208 Commerce, CA
Smith Cooper International continues our commitment to the fire protection industry with UL/FM ductile, malleable and cast iron threaded fittings (MI available in galvanized); UL/FM COOPLET threaded and grooved weld outlets; UL/FM grooved couplings, fittings, branch outlets and flange adapters (painted and galvanized); UL/ FM butterfly valves; Schedule 40 pipe nipples and UL flanged fittings.
South-Tek Systems – 616 Wilmington, NC
As the leading manufacturer of corrosion inhibiting technologies, South-Tek Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 39
Systems works with customers worldwide to deliver innovative corrosion solutions for dry, preaction and wet fire protection systems. With over 10,000plus units successfully installed, SouthTek continues to pioneer state of the art technologies to maximize the life of fire protection systems.
Southern Valve – 625 Kenansville, FL
Fire pump systems for the protection of life and property, A-C Fire Pump offers package systems that meet every fire protection need. We realize that each customer has different fire protection needs, specific to each fire hazard. We can design a system around your needs... special buildings, pump materials and custom floor arrangements. You need it – we’ll provide it. With A-C Fire Pump Systems you can rest assured of start-up and future product support being available locally, worldwide.
Spears Manufacturing Co. – 620 Sylmar, CA
Spears® FlameGuard™ CPVC fire sprinkler products provide a cost-effective alternative to metal systems, providing the advantages of high corrosive resistance, improved system hydraulics, and easy installation. CPVC Spears® FlameGuard™ products are approved by UL, FM Global, and LPCB; are listed for NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D systems; and are certified by NSF. Spears FlameGuard offers the industry the only post installation life time warranty to contractors for post installation damage.
SPP Pumps Inc. – 211 Norcross, GA
SPP Pumps have been working with consultants, contractors, installers and end-users for more than a century to achieve the most cost effective pumping system solutions. It is no wonder that since SPP was formed in 1875, it has built a reputation for quality and value that has made it unquestionably the leading supplier of Approved fire protection pumping packages throughout the corld. We now have six facilities worldwide that offer the same attention to quality and value that has made SPP Pumps a market leader for over 130 years. 40 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Sprinkler Innovations – 611
Technoflex Corp. – 111
Kingston, NH
Tokyo, Japan
Sprinkler Innovations’ makes the only FM Approved retractable telescoping sprinkler heads for anechoic chambers. These sprinklers bring effective, timesaving fire control technology to the anechoic chambers, by automatically retracting after a system test or false activation and resetting itself above the ceiling. This allows you to test the entire sprinkler system without anyone entering the chamber. Start-to-finish trip test time is only two hours! Minimize disruptions and maximize profits with an extraordinary fire protection solution for anechoic chambers. Sprinkler Innovations offers fire protection for the most demanding environments.
TECHNOFLEX Corporation is the first Japanese manufacturer, top share in Japan market, introducing the braided flexible sprinkler hoses with fittings into the US market. We will provide Japanese excellent quality with high QA capabilities. (We are ASME NPT holder).
Texas Manufacturing Co. – 226 Whitesboro, Texas
System Sensor manufactures a complete line of quality waterflow detectors, supervisory switches, pressure switches, and alarm bells for automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Texas Manufacturing Company, founded in 1959, is the manufacturer of “TexLine” brand products, which are supplied throughout North America and Canada through our network of distributors. We supply pipe fabrication and fire protection devices to fire protection contractors throughout the Central and Southern United States from two locations. Texas Manufacturing Company made the transition from an ASME -oded pressure vessel facility to the fire sprinkler/mechanical fabrication facility, while continuing the quality standards. Our goal is for our reputation in the industry to have the highest quality products and excellent customer service. Visit texline.com.
Talco Fire Systems – 100
The Solberg Co. – 223
Superior Tank Co. Inc. – 615 Rosenberg, TX
System Sensor – 306 St. Charles, IL
Portland, OR
Green Bay, WI
Talco provides the industry’s most complete line of fire pump systems for NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R applications. Our products are the result of over 30 years of continual development and experience. Our patented, appliance like Home Hydrant NFPA 13D pump and water storage tank systems integrate the pump, storage tank, riser, and controls into a compact, attractive package like nothing else available. The Talco ULV (50GPM -250GPM) systems integrate UL listed pumps and controls into a turnkey and cost effective NFPA 20 and NFPA 13R compliant package. Our traditional LFS series of standalone NFPA 13D pump systems include 10 models that range up to 170GPM. Designed to be used with standalone storage tanks or as booster pumps, these units proved the widest possible application flexibility for those demanding situations. When it comes to residential fire pumps, Talco has you covered.
Solberg offers an extensive line of authentic environment-friendly firefighting foam concentrates for Class A and B fuel fires. SOLBERG Foam Systems Hardware includes system tanks, proportioning devices, discharge device and mobile products. RE-HEALING™ Foam from SOLBERG is an innovative high performance firefighting foam technology to replace traditional AFFF, FFFP, Protein and Fluoroprotein foam concentrates. Environmentally sustainable fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymerfree, RE-HEALING foam is used to extinguish Class B fuel fires with no environmental concerns for persistence, bioaccumulation or toxic breakdown. RE-HEALING foam can also be used to prevent re-ignition of a liquid spill and control hazardous vapors.
Tigerflow Systems, LLC – 110 Dallas, TX
Providing critical advantages for system owners, designers and contractor. The
complete TIGERFLOW system is factory built, tested and ETL/C-ETL third party certified before shipment. That means the unit arrives on site meeting and/or exceeding all relevant industry standards, including NEC and NFPA guidelines. Liability and performance risks are eliminated. System designers appreciate the time savings and TIGERFLOW expertise built on each project. Coordinated deliveries of third party certified systems make contractor performance penalties and delays inherent in site-built/site-certified systems a thing of the past.
Tornatech Inc. – 512 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Tornatech specializes in the conception and manufacturing of fire pump controllers in accordance with the NFPA 20 standard, listed with UL and approved by FM. Our complete line of electric and diesel fire pump controllers feature the ViZiTouch color touch screen operator interface, with intuitive graphics, quick and easy commissioning and user friendly operation. At Tornatech, we commit ourselves to offering the best technical solutions, superior quality and outstanding service. With manufacturing capabilities in Canada, Europe and the U.A.E, a sales office in Asia, as well as sales representatives in the U.S.A., we are truly a worldwide reference in fire pump controllers.
MobileEyes (TradeMaster Inc.) – 513 Troy, MI
MobileEyes (TradeMaster Inc.) is a leading provider of fire-safety inspection software serving customers throughout North America. With a reputation built on easy-to-use software and responsive support, MobileEyes continues to expand its reach serving system contractors, federal, state and local fire safety departments and agencies, universities, and companies large and small. MobileEyes® System Inspector is a powerful, yet easy to use software product that allows your technicians to perform more inspections, more testing, and produce more professional and complete reports, enabling more service and repair work for your business.
Tyco Fire Protection Products – 201 Lansdale, PA
TYCO Fire Sprinkler Systems are built on a heritage that started in 1873 to protect the lives and property of people around the world through innovative technologies backed by in-depth technical expertise. TYCO products provide fire sprinkler installers, architects, engineers, and owners with the industry’s most complete line of residential and commercial solutions for protecting homes and buildings. With regional offices and distribution in over 50 countries, TYCO fire sprinkler systems are available wherever you need protection. Visit tyco-fire.com.
U.S. Saws – 120 Tampa, FL
The U.S. Saws Core EZ is a revolutionary concrete core drilling system. It is designed for tight spaces. It is lightweight and holds the core, a safety feature unique to the Core EZ. It has a 3 in. to 10 in. bit capacity. It has the capability to drill horizontally, vertically, and angled. The Core EZ is a compact, portable unit and comes with a wheeled case that holds all the system’s components. For more information or free demonstration, please contact U.S. Saws today.
UL – 122 Northbrook, IL
UL provides customized services, fire safety testing and certification for manufacturers, regulatory authorities, building owners, insurance companies and the fire safety community. For over a century, UL has developed standards, conducted fire safety testing, granted product certification and performed research programs. Our technical expertise, testing capabilities and portfolio of product certifications, together with our global reach, enables UL to be a full-service provider to the fire safety community.
United Brass Works Inc. – 521 Randleman, NC
United Brass Works Inc. will be displaying our complete line of bronze and ductile iron valves for fire protection applications. These include bronze globe, angle, check and OS&Y
gate valves. Ductile iron products include wafer, groove and male X female check valves.
United Fire Systems – 106 Kenilworth, NJ
PROBLEM: Corrosion is happening in dry and preaction sprinkler piping – right now. Eventually, this leads to clogged sprinkler heads, leaks, and pipe failure. SOLUTION: The United Fire Systems NITROGEN-PAC SC Series is a family of self-contained nitrogen-based sprinkler corrosion inhibiting systems, providing high-purity dry nitrogen for the interior of preaction and dry sprinkler piping. These units feature a compressor for system fast-fill and nitrogen generation, refrigerated drying of the air for the lowest possible moisture content, and membrane technology for efficient nitrogen generation. The SC Series factory-assembled units save space and shorten installation and commissioning time. United Fire Systems specializes in manufacturing innovative and effective fire protection equipment. Our experience enables us to be on the cutting edge of protection technology, and understand exactly what is needed to design, engineer, and support the best products available today.
Uponor – 628 Apple Valley, MN
Uponor AquaSAFE™ is a residential multipurpose fire sprinkler system that combines the sprinklers with a home’s cold-water plumbing. This unique design eliminates the need for check valves, backflow preventers and antifreeze while ensuring fresh water is always available to the sprinklers if it is ever needed in the event of a fire. An AquaSAFE system features flexible, durable crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing that resists corrosion, pitting and scaling, and because it can expand up to three times its original diameter, the tubing also helps resist freeze damage.
Valmont Industries – 116 Omaha, NE
Valmont Industries Inc. has 30 years of experience producing large diameter fire sprinkler pipe. Production for the new line of 4 in. through 8 in. schedule 10 fire sprinkler pipe to the North Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 41
American fire protection market is pending the completion of our certification process with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM). Completion of the certification process is expected in the late third quarter of 2016.
Vandewater International Inc. – 212 Plantation, FL
Victaulic – 401 Easton, PA
As the world’s leading producer of grooved mechanical pipe-joining systems, Victaulic works collaboratively with its customers and affiliates worldwide to deliver innovative solutions across our core business areas. These include oil and gas, chemical, mining, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, military and marine, as well as commercial building and fire protection. Our products and services put people to work faster while increasing safety, ensuring reliability and maximizing efficiency and sustainability. Visit victaulic.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Viega, LLC – 314 Wichita, KS
The Viega Group, with a tradition of innovation for more than 115 years, has more than 4,000 employees worldwide and is among the leading manufacturers of pipe fitting installation technology. In metal press systems for industrial, commercial and residential projects, the company is the global market leader. In the U.S., Viega LLC employs nearly 500 people and offers more than 3,000 products. Among these are Viega MegaPress® and Viega PureFlow® systems, both suitable for fire protection applications, among others. The new mounting bracket for the Viega PureFlow line does the measuring for you, eliminating the guesswork for fire protection installations.
Viking Group Inc. – 309 Hastings, MI
Viking is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative fire protection and life safety systems. For more than 90 years the company’s 42 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
products and services have protected lives and property worldwide from the devastating effects of fire. Visit Booth 511 to learn about Viking’s newest products - and for more information on innovative fire protection solutions, visit vikinggroupinc.com or call 800-968-9501.
W. S. Darley & Co. – 523 Itasca, IL
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Spot the Dot Part 1: What About the Z Dimension? STEVEN SCANDALIATO, S.E.T., C.F.P.S | SDG, LLC
So, there I was, trying to enjoy a nice meal with my family. The restaurant was chosen by my princess because it was “fun” and had “cool things” in it. I should have known. Little did I know that I was going to be made to try and enjoy this family time while eating underneath a ceiling made up of the worst commodity classification found in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, short of flammable liquids and aerosols… Group A plastics. How does someone in the fire protection industry deal with the never-ending challenges put forth by the architects of the world in their quest to make us “feel” something while we are in a space? For those of us in the sprinkler world, we usually take solace in knowing the mortality statistics that NFPA has published over the years regarding the overwhelming success of life and property that sprinkler installation affords us. As I sat there worrying about how far I was from the entrance that I came in from and where my second exit might be, the thought occurred to me: if a fire should start, what is my best chance of getting out of this place alive? And it was then that my quest for answers became focused on where and why do we put that dot where we do. NFPA 13-8.1.1 (3) says… “Sprinklers shall be positioned and located so as to provide satisfactory performance with respect to activation time and distribution.” For me, the other eight descriptions listed for sprinkler installation are just side notes. In fact, earlier editions of this section simply said “... with respect to activation time and distribution.” If you think about it, for me, a better way to say this is “... with respect to sensitivity and discharge... ” You may not think there is that big a difference between these two statements, but, when put into the context of sprinkler spacing and location, it just seems more accurate to use the words sensitivity and discharge. It is at this point that I must confess, my manic compulsive behavior will take over as I type the rest of this article, because you see, I cannot start talking about this topic without being consumed with emotion. For those of you taking the time to read this, you’re telling me that there is some level or degree of interest to know and understand why we put that dot where we do. However, for me, it is a certifiable passion. For those who know me, obsessed would be their description. For over 30 years I have struggled with this love/hate relationship that a designer develops with NFPA 13. While I love the design part and the satisfaction I get when I look at a completed piping plan (which for many designs, like a hospital, could be framed and hung on the wall in the category of eclectic art), I live for the struggle and conflict that 44 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
I go through trying to follow the many “rules” I am made to follow to get there. You see, I am not good with rules. In fact, if you ask my father, if I had been born first, my sister would never had been born. Are all these rules necessary? Really? Have you ever stopped to actually look at the pages of definitions there are in Chapter 3? Seriously, stop and look at them and ask yourself how is it you lived this long and not have known what the true definition of a bathroom is. Or, who knew that there was a difference between a flat ceiling and a horizontal one! I have to laugh sometimes when I wonder what other disciplines must think when they are exposed to some of these nuances sprinkler designers have to acknowledge, all in an effort to put the dot in the right spot. But I digress. The question before us is: sensitivity and discharge – is one more important than the other? To answer this, I think you have to really understand the rules that govern spotting the dot. And a good place to start is with sensitivity. Through the years, I have had my share of “passionate conversations” with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and the like regarding water on the floor. But, the conversation goes silent the minute I bring up the question of sensitivity. The look I get when I ask an inspector, “When is the last time you climbed a ladder or rode in a lift up to the sprinkler to measure the deflector distance down from the deck?” is priceless. Listen to me, you can talk about spray pattern and floor coverage every day and twice on Sunday, but if the sprinkler does not activate what good is a perfect spray pattern! I think there are times we have our head so far buried into this chapter, we lose our focus. The fact is there is a significant weight to these two principles, and while the book puts them in the same sentence as if they are equally important, I would argue they are not. The scale of balance is absolutely tipped when you take a closer look, and to find that imbalance you have to know and understand the construction definitions and the rules that they are tied to. For anyone who has or is learning to spot the dot, a flat sheet of paper with a plan view of a space is staring them in the face begging for protection. And, while we have certainly progressed from the days of drafting boards and light tables, we are still looking at floor plans, even though they are digital. Certainly, the 3D world helps us better understand the space than years before, but the piping plan is still a plan view of a sprinkler system. So, no wonder floor coverage and spray pattern get all the attention. But, what about the Z dimension? What about the elevation of that dot? Seems many look at elevation with
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regard to centerline of pipe in their quest to “make it fit” rather than to “make it go off”! So, where is it that we find these “sensitivity rules”? Turn in your book to 13-3.7 – Construction Definitions. That is right, I said construction definitions. It is the construction definitions that dictate the vertical distances involved with sprinkler layout. Here you will find two definitions: Obstructed (7.1) and Unobstructed (7.2). After reading these definitions, you will most likely be thankful for the pictures, especially those in the handbook, because the terms used can be confusing, especially to those not familiar with structural engineering or construction terms. The difference between these two categories may not be strikingly obvious or significant to other disciplines and trades, but for fire sprinklers it is arguably the difference between life and death. In fact, I will go so far as to say that if you do not nor cannot recite these definitions by memory, you have no business designing, plan reviewing or inspecting fire sprinkler systems. It is that important! The first construction definition defined is “obstructed.” It is the harder one to remember of the two. In fact, learn this one first because “unobstructed” is very easy in comparison. Be careful, though. Do not confuse the use of the word “obstructed” as it refers to construction with that of “obstruction” to discharge. I know the annex and handbook supplements use the words spray pattern and obstruction in the same sentences and paragraphs, but this means two different things when it comes to sensitivity and discharge. When talking about construction, obstruction is a good thing. That’s right. I would rather be in a building of obstructed construction than that of an unobstructed one during a fire. Combustible or not. This is not obvious on the surface, because this is where many users tend to compartmentalize the standard and do not search for the connection between definitions and rules. If you put this together with the rules that reference these construction definitions, you will see that construction definitions actually define the vertical spot for the dot. Keep your finger in 3.7.1 and flip over to chapter 8.6.4.1.2. Here you find that in obstructed construction, you are given five options for deflector location depending on the type of obstructed construction you have. They are: • 1-in. to 22-in. maximum from the roof deck and no further than 6 in. down from the bottom “plane” of the beams/joists/ trusses that are considered obstructed construction. (See Figure 1.) • 1-in. to 22-in. maximum from the roof deck with the deflector at or above the bottom “plane” of the beams/joists/trusses that are considered obstructed construction but only in the cases where you can meet the Beam Rule (8.6.5.1.2). (See Figure 2.) • 1-in. to 12-in. maximum from the roof deck inside of every bay (or structural pocket created by the individual solid webbed members themselves) regardless of depth. (See Figure 3.) • 1-in. to 6-in. maximum from the bottom of composite wood joists to a maximum of 22 in. below the roof deck. The only condition here is that the composite wood joists are firestopped into structural pockets of not more than 300 ft2. (See Figure 4.) • 1-in. maximum below the bottom plane of concrete tee stem legs spaced less than 7 ft-6 in. on center. The nuance here is 46 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
that the depth of the concrete tee leg is not considered. The deflector cannot be more than 1 in. below nor above the bottom of the stem legs unless, similar to number two, its horizontal location from the stem leg meets the Beam Rule (8.6.5.1.2). (See Figure 5.) So, if you draw this, it would look something like Figure 6. As you can see, the deflector is below the bottom of the structural member considered to be obstructed construction. And, except for the case of deep chord bar joists, (top and bottom chords greater than 4 in.) all of them are solid webbed. Think about it. We are allowed to bring the sprinkler down as far as 22 in. from the roof deck! That is almost 2 ft! So what is it about this type of construction that lets us drop the “sensitivity” that low? The answer: solid webbing. Think about it. If heat is what we need to activate a sprinkler, then what better way to capture that heat than to create structural pockets using the solid webbed members to create boundaries, aiding in the collection of this heat, slowing it down, allowing the ambient temperature to raise whereby the sprinkler feels the heat and activates. It’s a beautiful thing for sure! The nuances or “exceptions” (a word we are not supposed to use anymore) to this telling feature are fire proofed bar joists and the deep chord bar joists. The rest are solid web. Oh, and keep going... realize that combustibility does not play a role here. We are talking about steel, concrete or wood.
Figure 5.
Figure 6. Obstructed construction.
Now, when applying the obstructed construction rules for deflector distance, you can end up with the deflector above the bottom of the lower chord or solid member, which is ok… but, it is then that you have to consider spray pattern or discharge, and move into the other use of the word “obstruction.” This will be discussed later in this series. For now, let’s just concentrate on the uncomplicated examples. As a picture is worth a thousand words, Figure 2 (on page 46) would be the illustration of obstructed construction and the rules that govern and rely on it. Now, for the exceptions or nuances, if you will, that go along with this section. First is what I call the panel exception. That is, if the structural pocket described earlier, created by obstructed construction members, constitutes an area of 300 ft2 or less, then the spacing of the members can exceed the 7-ft-6-in. maximum of the basic definition. (See Figure 7.) Another unique construction type found in obstructed construction is concrete tees. Years ago they were standalone but eventually found their way into the obstructed definition. Interestingly though, the “rule” that governs this type of construction remained the same. That being, the deflector shall be located a maximum of 1 in. below the bottom “plane” of the bottom of the tee legs. It can be up into the “channel” created by the tee legs, but only as much as the beam rule will allow. Keep in mind that this is regardless of tee leg depth. So, save yourself some grief and just install the deflectors at the 1-in. plane below the tee legs and move on. We will come back to this description later in this article but for now, memorize this rule. (See Figure 4 on page 46.)
Figure 7. Panel construction 300-ft2 rule.
Figure 8. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 47
So to summarize, the definition for “obstructed construction” can be refined to these three points with one nuance: • Solid webbed member except for fire proof bar joists and deep chord open webbed joists, • Maximum of 7 ft-6 in. spacing of these members and, • Member spacing greater than 7 ft-6 in. when the structural pocket or panel created by the solid webbed members and associated girders or larger beams is no larger than 300 ft2. When I teach this live, I include a little limerick to help commit it to memory. It goes like this: “one to 22, maximum of six; solid web to seven foot six.” And remember the nuances. Those being fire proofed and deep chord joists and the 300 ft2 panel pocket. So, that’s the hard one. “Unobstructed construction” is much easier. One way to look at this is, if it is not obstructed then it is unobstructed. And the rule is very simple. The deflector distance is 1-in. minimum to 12-in. maximum below the ceiling plane above. (See Figure 8 on page 47.) It is that easy. So, you would think that given the relative simplicity of these two rules, it would not be that big a deal to follow them. Unfortunately, I do not believe this is the case. In fact, I can walk into any big box store or light to ordinary hazard occupancy that does not have a ceiling and find at least three or more sprinklers that are not installed in the correct vertical distance from the ceiling plane. Let me state the issue again just in case I was not clear enough earlier. We are not paying attention to deflector distance. Period. I am still confronted with installers, fitters and inspectors who think the only rules they need to pay attention to are for sprinkler spacing, that being 7 ft 6 in. off a wall and 15 ft between sprinklers. Those days were over more than 20 years ago! I suspect this is because they view centerline of pipe only for installation purposes rather than the centerline being set because of required deflector distances and sensitivity. All too often I see typical grid branch-lines running in bar joists off a cross main and inevitably there will be a riser nipple that has been cut back because the centerline landed on a bar joists web. It is simple, it is faster and easier to cut back and rethread one end of a riser nipple than to cut a long one and prep and thread both ends with a new fitting. What happened when the riser nipple got cut back? Sure, the branch-line runs straight through the bar joist now, but my question is what happened to the deflector distance? Does that fitter understand what he has just done to the sensitivity of the system? If the designer set that centerline at 12 in. using the size of the sprinkler to get him within the 12-in. maximum, there is a good chance that the deflector is going to be well past that distance now that the riser nipple has been cut back. Now we have an entire grid branch-line of sprinklers too far down from the deck. Just a few weeks ago I was in a conversation with a fitter/foreman who could not remember where and when the 9-ft rule is allowed. So, why would we think that anyone would have any idea what 48 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
the rules for deflector distances are let alone the level of importance it plays in the success of a system activating? My perception is that the only people who know and use the construction definitions and their associated rules are the designers. After that, all bets are off. And since the fitters are not being taught them and the AHJs are not checking them, we all go home thinking we have done a good job. Everyone is safe and sound in that occupancy because every square inch of floor space will get some water on it! OMG! Once again… the sprinkler has to activate in order for lives to be saved and buildings not burn down! So, here is the challenge. For the next few days, wherever you go, look up and determine the construction definition on the spot. Then look at the deflector locations and ask yourself, are the dots in the right spot… or should you be looking for that second exit! You will notice that in the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, even more rules regarding allowed “shadows” or dry spaces are being defined. It is borderline ridiculous, in my opinion, that we are going to this level of detail all because people are so hung up on water on the floor. Light and ordinary hazard occupancies, which make up well over 90 percent of our built and occupied environment, are weighed much more towards life safety than property protection. Let’s continue this discussion in the next edition, where we will discover that sensitivity and discharge are not as equal as they appear. One is more important than the other… and NFPA 13 and the building codes will prove it. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Steven Scandaliato is executive principal and managing director at SDG, LLC. He has over 35 years’ experience in fire protection engineering, design and project management covering all types of fire protection and life safety systems. He serves on the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and represents AFSA as a member of the NFPA 13, 101 and 5000 committees. Nationally recognized, Scandaliato has become one of the most popular and sought after speakers on fire and life safety systems in the United States. He is published in several periodicals including articles for the NFPA Journal, Fire Marshals Quarterly and American Society of Plumbing Engineers. He is also a contributing author to the text published by NFPA/ SFPE titled “A Designers Guide to Automatic Sprinkler Systems.” Over the last 18 years, he has presented seminars to thousands in contracting and professional associations including AFSA, the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, the American Institute of Architects, SFPE, the American Society of Sanitary Engineering and the International Fire Marshals Association. Scandaliato is a member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee. EDITOR’S NOTE: Part 2 of this article will appear in a future issue of Sprinkler Age.
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Sacramento Valley Showcase AFSA Chapter Hosts Fifth Annual Trade Show PAULENE NORWOOD | AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter
The Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted its 5th annual trade show on March 10, 2016. The show, which is the largest of its kind in the region, had 52 vendors and over 700 attendees. It’s a lot of work, but the show keeps getting bigger and better every year. It really is a great opportunity for vendors to network with those in the fire sprinkler community. Highlights of this year’s show included Reliable’s sprinkler demonstration trailer. Reliable ships the trailer around the country to feature the inner workings of its dynamic sprinkler system. Attendees were able to see firsthand how the compression chambers work. Attendees also benefit from visiting the booths of
Attendees flock to the main floor at AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter’s 2016 trade show.
various vendors. David Leonard of Elite Automatic Fire Protection Systems says the trade show is “a one-stop shop for those in the office and field to learn. Whether it’s about a code update, or an exciting new innovation in the parts and pieces side, you definitely leave knowing more than before you arrived.” “Those attending are greatly benefitted by new technology and an energy in seeing AHJs [Authorities Having Jurisdiction], design professionals, material and tool vendors, and field personnel all working together for the better cause of fire protection. The opportunity to put a name with a face in this setting has been huge and narrowed the gap we have sometimes seen in this industry,” states Hal Burton of Systems Tech Fire Protection. Others in the industry are grateful for the chance to network among colleagues. Dan Torino of HD Supply Fire Protection, says, “Our Sacramento trade show has grown over the years and has captured national attention. As part of the many vendors who participate, we at HD Supply Fire Protection feel it provides a great 50 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
platform for our local fire sprinkler community to network, have an opportunity to see the latest products, and become engaged. Owners, designers, fitters, engineers, and inspectors all come together for a few hours. It is a great event.” Beyond networking, industry professionals often leave with invaluable insights and resources. Burton says, “Designers have come back with new ideas gleaned from the tremendous vendor participation and are actually implementing these into current projects they are working on. Where else can a designer, fitter, and AHJ see everything under one roof without a large expense to get them there?” Another highlight of the trade show is the raffle. Upon entry, attendees receive raffle tickets free of charge. This year’s raffle prizes included a 60-in. Vizio television and a trip for two to Hawaii. The multitude of vendors and raffle prizes help to attract attendees to the show. Bunni Bagan of Thermfit Inc. says, “The Sacramento Valley AFSA Trade Show is the best attended trade show I have ever
Sacramento Valley Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood making announcements. Carrie Gray, Foothill Fire Protection and Jamie Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. volunteering behind the SVC AFSA tables.
participated in, particularly with regard to participation of area contractors. I have exhibited at trade shows for over 30 years, and this one is by far the best value, and the one I look forward to the most.” Ed Eichmann of Sigma Piping Products agrees that participating at the trade show as a vendor is worthwhile from a business standpoint. “The exposure that SIGMA
Attendees Julianna Rovegno, Sarah Sammon, Tammie Randall and Erin Cessna of Mr. Sprinkler Fire Protection enjoying the show.
Piping Products was able to obtain from the Sacramento Valley fire protection industry was irreplaceable. The quality and quantity of the attendees the trade show attracts is the reason we’ve supported this since its inception, and we’ll continue to support this event in the future,” states Eichmann. While attendees and vendors enjoy the prizes and opportunity to network, they
ultimately appreciate the common forum that the trade show provides to get the word out that fire sprinklers save lives. For more information, contact Paulene Norwood, chapter executive director, by phone at (916) 2960635, email: paulenesacvalleyafsa@ gmail.com, or visit the chapter’s website at sacvalleyafsa.org. n
Attendees viewing the Reliable valve demonstration trailer. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 51
HFSC Celebrates 20 Years Educating the Public About Home Fire Sprinklers ERIK HOFFER | Peg Paul & Associates
In the mid-1990s, fire data from the past few decades had proved that people were dying at the highest rate in the place where they felt safest, in their own homes. Home fire sprinkler education materials from the national fire service were limited and most fire safety education programs focused on smoke alarms and escape plans. Even though home fire sprinklers were the simple solution to the home fire problem, movies and television shows incorrectly portraying fire sprinklers all activating at once led to an unappealing view of home fire sprinklers for homebuyers. Seeing the need for a single trusted source of noncommercial educational information about the dangers of home fires and the unparalleled life-safety benefits of installing home fire sprinklers, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) founded the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) in 1996. “The formation of HFSC proved that organizations that sometimes have competing interests can come together to promote common goals,” says AFSA President Steve Muncy. Twenty years later, HFSC is now the collective voice of its three founding board members and the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association, FM Global, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of State Fire Marshals, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Volunteer Fire Council, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, State Farm Insurance, UL, and the U.S. Fire Administration. “None of us could do this alone. Everyone brings their expertise and insight to 52 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Members of HFSC in its early years, including Janet Knowles and Steve Muncy, representing AFSA.
the table allowing HFSC to maintain its credibility as the only national organization that focuses solely on educating consumers and all the other stakeholders about home fire sprinklers,” says HFSC President Lorraine Carli. As home fire sprinklers have become more of a reality in communities across the U.S. and Canada, with requirements for fire sprinklers in new homes in California and Maryland and hundreds of individual communities, the need for accurate facts and education is just as important as ever as more people are exposed to the oftenmisunderstood technology. Fire Service Partnerships The fire service has been a tremendous partner by communicating home fire sprinkler messages to consumers and distributing HFSC’s educational materials. As the coalition grew, the commitment deepened to include the Built For Life Fire Department (BFLFD) program to increase the number of fire departments making home fire sprinkler education a focus in their service areas. The BFLFD program now totals over 2,600 member fire departments in the U.S. and Canada.
Members of the grassroots program are progressive fire safety educators and have taken advantage of HFSC’s grant-funded programs and free resources. Expanding Educational Efforts Through Grants Through 10 years of FEMA Fire Prevention & Safety Grants, HFSC has educated and expanded its target audiences through the printing and distribution of educational brochures and videos, attendance at trade shows and conventions, and television. After initially targeting consumers and the fire service, HFSC has widened its educational outreach to homebuilders, real estate agents, insurance agents, water purveyors, building officials and local decision-makers. But one of the greatest and most successful programs that came about from grant money, which has continued to flourish, has been the side-byside fire and sprinkler burn demonstration concept. With grant money, HFSC was able to create a side-by-side demonstration guidance kit, which provides fire departments with all the instructions to carry out such a
demonstration, and offer stipends to dozens of BFLFDs nationwide. Using stipend money to build the demonstration units, BFLFDs have been able to show their local communities the difference between fires in sprinklered rooms versus unprotected rooms. The demonstrations are the most powerful and effective home fire sprinkler public education tools available as they allow audiences to feel the extreme heat and see the quick growth of a fire to flashover in the unprotected rooms and see the quick response and cooling action of fire sprinklers in the sprinklered rooms. Through the stipend programs, HFSC’s fire sprinkler message has been able to trickle down to the general public in local communities and has often led to media coverage in local newspapers and television outlets. The grassroots side-by-side stipend program has provided local communities with exposure to home fire sprinklers that would not be possible without the assistance of BFLFDs. National Spotlight with Ron Hazelton Often using the side-by-side demonstrations as the focus, HFSC itself has had significant success with media on a national level. Since its early years, HFSC has paired with improvement expert Ron Hazelton, former editor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” as the spokesperson for HFSC educational videos. Working with Hazelton has led to stories and demonstrations on “GMA,” but also dozens of segments at television affiliates nationwide and on other national morning talk shows.
HFSC Spokesperson Ron Hazelton (left) and HFSC founding members at the side-by-side burn demonstration at the NFPA Conference & Expo in June 2016.
possible, the evolution of HFSC’s education materials has been a necessary constant. Some early users may recall bulky box kits with VHS tape videos; those were later replaced with brochures that contained DVD sleeves. In addition to DVDs and brochures, all of HFSC’s free-of-charge educational materials are now being made available as free downloads through its website. In fact, HFSC just completely renovated its website, homefiresprinkler.org, in order to make it more user-friendly for the growing number of consumers using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. HFSC’s entire comprehensive library of downloadable teaching tools are available at visitors’ fingertips and navigation is easier than ever with specific information for each target audience. Next 20 Years “HFSC has accomplished so much more than we originally
thought 20 years ago,” says Muncy. “As I near retirement, I must say that my involvement on the HFSC Board for 20 years has been one of the most satisfying efforts of my career—something I will look back on with satisfaction and fond memories. I’m sure HFSC will continue to spread the message about home fire sprinklers for decades in the future.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erik Hoffer is a writer for Frankfort, Illinois-based Peg Paul & Associates, writing on behalf of fire sprinkler advocacy and fire safety organizations such as the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (homefiresprinkler.org). EDITOR’S NOTE: HFSC has lost some of its major funding recently, yet continues to provide materials and resources free of charge to help communities build for life. AFSA is proud to be a founding member of the coalition, to serve on its board of directors, and to provide financial support. Please join us and scan the QR code to make a tax- deductible contribution.
“Ron is a true advocate for home fire sprinklers. He has helped us reach millions of people,” states Carli. She notes that Hazelton has even retrofit his own home with home fire sprinklers. Just recently at the NFPA’s annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, he narrated a side-by-side for attendees as part of HFSC’s 20th anniversary celebration. The next day, Hazelton spoke with major television markets as the side-by-side video footage was broadcasted to them. Evolving into the Digital Age In order to continue being as effective as
Exhibiting at the 1996 International Builders’ Show, from left to right: Jim Dalton, Janet Knowles, Ron Hazelton, Peg Paul, Steve Muncy, and Julie Reynolds. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 53
SkillsUSA and the NextGen Initiative Spreading the Word About the Fire Sprinkler Industry to our Nation’s Rising Stars TIFFANY MOORE | Moore Fire Protection
Have you ever had those tingles on the back of your neck when you enter a space because you know that you are about to experience something awe-inspiring? That’s the feeling I had upon first entering the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference and TECHSPO in Louisville, Kentucky, on Monday, June 20, 2016. This year’s goal of the AFSA NextGen Initiative was to put together an expedition set on testing the waters of future cooperation between the AFSA and the SkillsUSA organization. Conor Kauffman of Kauffman Co., Houston, Texas; Karl Weigand of Globe Fire Sprinkler Co, Standish, Michigan; and I were sent to represent AFSA’s NextGen Initiative at a booth during the SkillsUSA national conference in order to spread public awareness about fire sprinklers, our industry and the bevy of career opportunities we provide. What caught my attention first was the sheer size of the place. You enter a massive room that spans farther than you can see with competition after competition setup and waiting for the flood of students to come in the following day. The best of the best of this nation’s students were about to compete in over 100 different events such as HVAC, welding, plumbing, diesel engine repair, cooking, speaking, customer service, and so much more. Three pristine white FedEx semi-trucks sat across from our booth glistening under the overhead lighting, ready and waiting to be serviced. Behind us were a slew of HVAC systems to be hooked up. I knew right then and there we had made the right choice in attending this event. I arrived the next morning, coffee in hand, ready for day one of the competitions to start. The atmosphere was seeping with anticipation, a still serenity lying in wait of the excitement and bustling that would soon to follow. Our booth was in the heart of it all and at 8:00 a.m. the flood of students began. Groups sporting red SkillsUSA coats, team colors, state flags, pins, hats, stuffed animals and just about anything else you can imagine, began meandering past our booth. The sense of unity and pride in the air was palpable – team chants echoing through halls challenging other representatives from other states to respond. Full of nerves and excitement, these students had competed in each of their state level competi54 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
tions and had made it all the way to finals here at national. This event would not be something they soon forgot. Our strategy was to use the pull of the AFSA’s High School Senior and Second Chance scholarships, offered by the AFSA Public Education & Awareness committee, to spread sprinkler knowledge to our nation’s students. Simply uttering the word “scholarships” would cause a cascade of students and advisors to descend upon our table. “What’s a fire sprinkler?” “Oh those are those things that all go off when the smoke alarms go off, right?” “Isn’t there a better name than sprinkler?” It was clear there is a deficit of fire sprinkler knowledge in our youth as well as a strong interest to know more. We did get encouragement when one girl exclaimed to her friend, “Oh… I submitted for this scholarship last year. It was really easy and I learned a ton about fire sprinklers!” Once we had their ear, our goal was to provide information about the benefits of being part of our industry, the various career paths available, the relatable trades that could easily transfer and the enormous need for new talent we currently have across the country. The largest interest we received was
Conor Kauffman of Kauffman Co., Houston, Texas was one of the volunteers manning the AFSA NextGen Initiative booth at SkillsUSA.
The SkillsUSA store was open during the expo, offering logo-themed and other merchandise for sale.
from the teachers, counselors and advisors for both high school and technical schools.
trade a “fall-back” career, but instead it is seen as a focused path of prestige and success. Becoming more involved with this organization, locally or nationally, as a way to create awareness, excitement and knowledge about fire sprinklers and our industry seems like a natural fit and one we need to take in order to develop our next generation. For details on the scholarships, visit afsascholarship. org. For more information about SkillsUSA, visit skillsusa.org. n
We were finding that at this national level these students were already firmly set in their chosen career path and would most likely receive lucrative job offers immediately following these competitions in each of their respective fields. However, the advisors had many students at home who were not going to have the same opportunities and were appreciative to be able to bring back literature showing additional options for their other talented students. Conor, Karl, and myself felt strongly that there was great opportunity for our local chapters to get involved with their state level competitions that would enable a gateway between upcoming talent and our AFSA contractors in the area. Per the SkillsUSA New York state representative, there were approximately 2,000 students who competed in his state who did not make it to Nationals and there was a total of 350,000 students total competing across the country. Over the next three days of the expo, I took as many opportunities as I could to witness the variety of competitions. The place was so big it took me over 30 minutes just to reach one end of the exposition center and another 30 to make it back. One of the most fun to watch was the “Teamworks” competition where teams consisting of different trades competed together to build a small house which included plumbing and electrical. Watching from the sidelines, all I wanted to do was jump over the guardrail and insert a sprinkler system in to each one, the opportunity just seemed so perfect. Across the hall was the plumbing competition which was reminiscent of our AFSA National Apprentice Competition held at our AFSA national convention and exhibition each year. I sampled baked goods, watched robots maneuver obstacle courses, saw incredible photography and so much more. I found myself wishing I was a teenager again so I could compete along with these students. As we wrapped up at the end of day three, it was clear that we had experienced something incredible and important for both the young participants and for the future of our industry. A total of 6,200 students, 4,500 teachers/advisors, and countless more parents and friends had attended the event. SkillsUSA is successfully changing the mindset of our youth. No longer is going into a
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tiffany Moore is director of operations at Moore Fire Protection, a family-owned fire sprinkler company since 1987. She is heavily involved with the AFSA Pacific Northwest Chapter and is an AFSA Next Gen member. Contact Moore via email at
[email protected].
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firesprinkler.org/ITM Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 55
Thank You for Your Support! Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 35th anniversary, we recognize those members who are also celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. These member companies have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. “Congratulations to our members celebrating membership anniversaries for the months of September and October,” comments AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott. “Their longterm commitment to the association has enabled us to provide education, training and advocacy for the open shop fire sprinkler industry. We greatly appreciate their continued support.” Contractor member Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers, Cabot, Arkansas, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with AFSA. Sprinkler Age asked CEO Tommy Clements about his years in the fire sprinkler industry and his involvement with AFSA. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? “A long time family friend was one of the owners of Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers, so I knew the company was for sale. I led a private equity investment group that purchased the company in 2009. I had been a construction consultant to owners and developers for eight years, so I was familiar with the construction trades. Fire sprinklers were appealing to me because each project has an opportunity for intellectual property that allows a company to differentiate itself by “building a better mousetrap.” How did you get involved with AFSA? “The company had been a long-standing member of AFSA and the previous owners were strong believers in the benefits of membership. I have attended all but one convention since 2009 and the company utilizes the training and professional services offered by the organization, but I wanted to become more involved in helping the industry. I was introduced to Board Member Wayne Weisz and Past Chairman Willie Templin on a trip with George DiMatteo. They were able to give me a much deeper look at how AFSA was organized and functioned. They also gave me ideas about how to get involved on the national level. After I expressed my interest, I was afforded the opportunity to become involved in the national committee structure by Past Chairman of the Board Joe Heinrich.” What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? “The annual convention! The education, networking, and entertainment are second to none. We bring multiple employees every year to take full advantage of the multitude of training opportunities that are offered in a short period of time. It’s also a great way to reward your team members for a job well done.” What is your favorite AFSA memory? “The first AFSA convention I attended was in San Diego in 2009. It was a three-day 56 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries September and October 2016
35-Year Anniversary – 1981 Associate Members Tyco, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
30-Year Anniversary – 1986 Contractor Members Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers, Cabot, Arkansas Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., Hagerstown, Maryland
20-Year Anniversary – 1996 Designer Members Custom Design, Inc., Loganville, Georgia
15-Year Anniversary – 2001 Contractor Members Hart Plumbing of Connecticut, Inc., Glastonbury, Connecticut
crash course in all things fire-sprinkler related. The convention was an opportunity to share ideas, learn what issues are facing the industry, and see how other companies in different parts of the country handle certain issues. It also allowed me to lay the groundwork for friendships in the industry. Those relationships have strengthened my business and I consider many like family.”
Tommy Clements
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry in the past 30 years? “I asked for some help on this from former Arkansas Automatic Owner Bob Walton who has been in the business since 1963. Interestingly, his answer was in line with my thoughts: the development and implementation of life-safety codes throughout the country and the impact they’ve had on the addition of fire sprinklers in different building occupancies has greatly influenced the growth of our industry. The inclusion of sprinklers continues to provide architects with more options on building layout and better outcomes for the owner/occupant. (Bob’s close second was the impact of computer design and calculation on how systems are built.)” What’s the key ingredient to your success? “Surrounding myself with outstanding people and letting them do their job.” AFSA congratulates the members who celebrate membership anniversary milestones in September and October 2016 and looks forward to celebrating with more members in the future. Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Happy Anniversary! n
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One Million Awarded to Chapters Committee Spotlight: Chapter Grants CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association
Since its creation in 1993, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Chapter Grants committee has been awarding grants to chapters to help with legislative actions, charity donations, and many other chapter-driven campaigns that required the help of funds from AFSA National. As of 2016, the Chapter Grants committee has reason to celebrate: it has paid out one million dollars in grants to chapters. “Over the past six years the Chapter Grants committee has just about doubled financial support to our chapters in furthering our industry and our mission to save lives and property,” says Jeff Livaudais, AFSA’s manager of chapter relations and staff liaison to the Chapter Grants committee. “Best of all, every program or event supported by chapter grants has proven to be another success story.” The committee was founded by the AFSA Board of Directors when the association was just starting out. The Board realized that chapters needed monetary help when it came to important chapter needs, such as hiring lobbyists to help with key legislative actions, or putting on events that raised money for charities such as burn centers. So the Chapter Grants committee was created, with the goal of providing those necessary funds to the chapters. Bill McKay of Advanced Fire Protection in Woodinville, Washington, was among the founding members of the committee. “We thought of it like this: when a son goes to his dad and asks for a bike, if the father buys it, after a while the bike is left on the lawn,” says McKay. “But if the father pays for half and the kid pays for half, the kid will take good care of it. So we decided on matching funds.” Jack Viola of JFV Engineering, LLC in South Hadley, Massachusetts, was another founding member of the Chapter Grants committee. Viola remembers that same line of thinking, and is proud to see how it helped the chapters of AFSA grow over time. “Chapters were the lifeblood of the association, and creating chapters around the country was extremely important for the association,” says Viola. “We thought of this idea and put together the structure to enhance opportunities for our members, shore up membership, and provide a funding mechanism for our chapters.” 58 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Bob Rees of Sunland Fire Protection, Inc. in Jamestown, North Carolina, has served on the Chapter Grants committee for the past 10 years. Rees was interested in the committee originally because he knew that stronger chapters meant more members and more member participation. “In the early years, the grants were used primarily to help the chapter acquire a chapter executive director,” says Rees. “Having an executive director was seen as key to the success of a developing chapter, and it still is today. We encourage all AFSA chapters to utilize the grant program as a tool to stimulate their chapter’s development and influence in their region.” Over the years, as the chapter grants program has developed, grants have been used by chapters for public education and awareness, industry promotion, and training programs for contractors, fire service professionals and design professionals. Chapters can apply for grants to put on events that raise money for fire sprinkler related charities, and many do. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of AFSA has used a $500 grant from the committee to put on a regular charity baseball tournament that has raised over $100,000 for a local burn center. Grant funds have also been used for legislative purposes. Viola remembers that at the time of the creation of the committee, there was a lot of fire sprinkler legislation in the works, both positive and negative. Today, the process of applying for a grant is streamlined and easy. Each year the AFSA Board of Directors budgets a certain amount to be utilized in the grant program, and chapters can apply online by filling out the application form. Once the application is completed, AFSA staff will present the grant request to the grant committee. If the grant is approved, the chapter must provide matching funds, equivalent to the amount requested. AFSA is proud to support its chapters in every way possible, and the Chapter Grants program has been a great success over the past 23 years. Congratulations to the committee for awarding one million dollars in chapter grants! Fore more information about AFSA chapters, visit firesprinkler.org. n
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SprinklerForum Turns 20 Email-Based Discussion Group Celebrates 20 Years CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association
As many of its members may be aware, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosts an email discussion list on issues relating to fire sprinklers. This discussion, known as the SprinklerForum, is open to anyone interested in fire sprinklers and related issues; you need not be an AFSA member to subscribe. The purpose of SprinklerForum is to facilitate the exchange of information, promote discussion and address current issues concerning automatic fire sprinklers. Subscribers are encouraged to ask and answer questions, and representatives of AFSA often weigh in on certain issues. This year, AFSA is proud to announce that the SprinklerForum has been facilitating sprinkler discussion for 20 years. Over 700 participants have signed up for the technical discussions on SprinklerForum. They post technical questions and answers related to the fire sprinkler industry and codes and standards, they provide helpful advice to those who can benefit from their experience and skills, and they are a part of a community of subscribers just like themselves. Roland Huggins, P.E., AFSA’s vice president of engineering & technical services, is one AFSA staff representative who often finds himself weighing in on the forum.
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“The SprinklerForum is an incredible resource, as would be expected as its participants have such a diverse background,” says Huggins.“Although the normal discussions revolve around code questions, the ability to get opinions regarding using resources and devices is priceless. We are fortunate indeed to have so many who are willing to share their expertise and knowledge in this competitive world.” Travis Mack, S.E.T., a designer from MFP Design, LLC in Gilbert, Arizona, has nothing but glowing things to say about his experience with the SprinklerForum. “I have been a member of the SprinklerForum for many years,” says Mack. “I have made some great friends through the forum. It is a great resource to be able to access so many like-minded fire sprinkler professionals to bounce ideas around. The time and money saved from this forum more than pay for the AFSA dues.” SprinklerForum is also very valuable to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). John Drucker, C.E.T., a fire protection subcode official for the Borough of Red Bank, New Jersey, has used SprinklerForum many times over the years. “SprinklerForum has a wealth of information from boots-on-the-ground professionals dealing with real life situations,” says Drucker. “Often I just read through the subject matter gleaning information from others’ experiences that I have applied to my own.” Ron Greenman, executive director of the AFSA Pacific Northwest Chapter, loves the SprinklerForum for three reasons. “When I’m stumped I have knowledgeable friends out there who can help me get over the hurdle,” says Greenman. “When my friends are stumped I have the opportunity and pleasure of helping my friends out there get over their hurdles, and thanks to SprinklerForum I have met these great colleagues that I have come to consider friends, people I’d not have otherwise met.” There are some restrictions for those who participate in the SprinklerForum. For example, pricing issues are never discussed, as that can be construed as a violation of anti-trust laws and can endanger the continuation of the SprinklerForum and the tax-exempt status of AFSA. SprinklerForum cannot be used to solicit employment or advertise for open positions, as it is a technical forum, not a job forum. SprinklerForum cannot be used for self- or company-promotion. Beyond these rules, SprinklerForum can be whatever its members want it to be, and as more members join it continues to evolve through conversations and added expertise. Visit firesprinkler.org/Technical-Services/Sprinkler-Forum to join the conversation. AFSA is proud to host such a thriving community of industry professionals. Here’s to the next 20 years! n
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The Reviews are In! Students Love ITM CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association
The American Fire Sprinkler XAssociation (AFSA) recently launched a new educational program for its members: the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program. The program utilizes on-demand and live-training courses combined with a robustly structured on-the-job training and mentoring program with the goal of candidates passing NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exams in less than two years. The first round of classes began in April, and 20 students launched into 56 hours of on-demand courses and 21 hours of live, interactive web instruction. Next comes seven hours of live instruction and over three days of hands-on field testing and inspections at AFSA headquarters in Dallas. Now that the first class has been underway for a few months, the reviews are starting to pour in, and they are overwhelmingly positive. One student, Jesus Beltran of Kaufman Fire Protection in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has had a particularly excellent experience. “It is a very thorough and very specific program that is teaching me in a way that will allow me to understand the systems I will eventually test,” says Beltran. “I am very confident that when I graduate this course I will have the knowledge and understanding to inspect and test any fire protection system out in the field.” Beltran has already begun applying what he has learned from the program to his work in the field, and has found that one of his favorite things about the program is the accessibility it provides to experts. “I am very glad that this program has live webinars,” says Beltran. “I can actually talk to a teacher and voice any question or concern I may have.” 62 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Beltran’s immediate supervisor, Mike Montoya, an inspector for Kaufman Fire Protection, is already seeing great improvement in Beltran’s work. “Jesus has been introduced to many different types of fire sprinkler systems, such as dry pipe systems, pre-action systems, deluge systems, fire pumps, jockey pumps, wet systems and antifreeze loop systems,” comments Montoya. “He is also learning how to test backflow preventers, assemblies, and repair the backflows. Jesus is doing very well in the ITM program.” Beltran isn’t the only student enjoying his time in the program. Jonny Lovesee of Foothill Fire Protection in Rocklin, California has found that he is thriving in this type of educational environment. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this course,” says Lovesee. “It brings to light the necessity of our daily duties as inspectors and reinforces how vital our job is. It’s quite remarkable, with technology, that we can create an environment where we can all learn as one and discuss as a class the topics and questions we all face through this course.” When asked if he would recommend this course to others, Lovesee was adamant that he would. “It provides valuable knowledge on interpreting the standard that is NFPA 25, and equips you with all the tools to perform ITM on all fire sprinkler appurtenances. There is so much information you gather from all lessons that it would be beneficial for any aspiring inspector.” Some students, like Frank Downey of Colonial Fire Protection Systems, Inc. in Rochester, New York, are veterans of the industry, and yet are finding the program extremely informative. “I have been in the industry for over 10 years and I learn something new every
session,” says Downey. “The availability of the different instructors has been a great tool in my learning experience. It has been a great experience so far and I’m looking forward to the future lessons that will be provided.” In addition to preparing students to pass the NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exam, the program’s goal is to encourage and foster character-building traits such as honesty, integrity, confidence, professionalism, reliability, and credibility. It also is meant to strengthen communication skills, both written (for noting inspections and testing observations) and verbal (communicating with customers). To complete this program, students are required to complete a few key tasks. First, they must commit approximately three hours a week to program studies. They must also keep pace with program activities, including on-the-job tasks. In order to pass the class, students must attain a passing score of 70 or higher on each assessment and exam. Ideal students for the ITM program include existing staff members, local community college fire protection or fire fighter program graduates, aging installers, military service veterans, and others with the aptitude and attitude needed to become a professional inspector. The program exists for students who want to learn, students who recognize their respected role as the face of their company, and students who can communicate well with customers without overusing industry jargon. The next round ITM Inspector Development Program courses – Fall 2016 – has sold out! The next cycle begins April 17, 2017, and early registration is encouraged. For more information and to register today, visit firesprinkler.org/ITM. n
AHJ PERSPECTIVE BY RONNY J. COLEMAN
Actions Speak Louder Than Words It is easy to get enamored with words. After all, words have been used to inspire and motivate people since the dawn of time. However, there is one problem with words. If they are not backed up by action, they are useless. Actions always speak louder than words. However, words and action are often used simultaneously to make the difference in the outcome of any specific endeavor. The words serve as the inspiration, but the action is where things really happen. In our society, a person who talks, but does not act is often considered to be misleading. “Talking a good game” is often considered a pejorative statement as opposed to “playing a good game.” This phenom-
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enon has resulted in numerous clichés that have to do with commitment to action. For example, have you ever heard the term, “Put your money where your mouth is” or “Put up or shut up”? Moreover, the difference between words and action is often filtered through the concepts of being proactive or reactive. Proactive means being prepared to intervene or control an expected occurrence, especially a negative or integral one. It involves being anticipatory. The entire concept of fire prevention is intended to be proactive. Acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it is considered reactive. Most of our
activity in fire suppression is reactive. Two other terms that might apply are defense and offense. Defense is reactive and offense is proactive. In almost all cases, the difference between these two is using knowledge from the past to create a different outcome in the future. Therefore, words are defense, actions are offense. Talking about a problem is reactive, but doing something about it is proactive. These are the choices that advocates need to make in coping with the future in making a significant change. Nowhere does this phenomenon create more conflict than in the process of bringing about change in fire protection. If you want to see something
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different in the future, words must be reinforced by behavior. By that, we are also referring to behavior that is positive in intent. Quite frankly, opposing things is a weaker position than advocating things. In short, the difference between being proactive and being reactive is the difference between advocacy for a positive change or resistance to a negative change. We have numerous examples of this in the fire service. I can use at least two for the purposes of this article. The first example is strategic and master planning. The fire service wastes a lot of words and dollars on writing these plans. The only way they become reality is by acting on the goals and objectives and specific recommendations after the plan has been published. The difference between an effective strategic plan and a useless bureaucratic exercise is measured by what things are done differently after the plan has been put into effect. Unfortunately, many developers of plans fail to implement them in a timely fashion. Therefore, the outcome is sometimes inadequate. Writing plans that do not contain deadlines is almost a sure formula for failure. On the other hand, a plan that is agendized and pursued aggressively stands a much better chance of being successful. My second example is in policy advocacy. In other words, if we want to change the way we are doing things, we have to act in a positive and proactive manner as opposed to talking things to death. For example, today marks almost 40 years since the first residential sprinkler ordinance policy went into effect and a lot of ink has been spilt on the topic. Yet, this initiative is still being compromised by the actions of others. The same might be said for any number of other initiatives that are moving through the adoption process in the fire service. Another example of policy advocacy that is suffering from too much dialogue and not enough action is the wildland-urban interface (WUI) problem. Policy advocacy requires determination in making positive change.
In summary, words are a dime a dozen and talk is cheap. Advocacy requires a plan of action that contains deadlines and to do lists. In order for actions to speak louder than words, there must be substance. Change comes about at a variety of speeds. On the one hand, they may appear to be glacial and in a separate circumstance they might appear like a tidal wave. Action planning requires commitment instead of rhetoric. How you approach the process of change through your individual behavior, is
going to determine whether or not you will prevail. As Wayne Gretzky once stated, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronny J. Coleman is currently the president of Fireforceone. He is a past president of the IAFC and CFAI. Over his lifetime, he has received numerous awards including the AFSA’s 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award, the 2011 Mason Lankford Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from Fire Engineering in 2014. He continues as a contributor to the fire service in many ways.
“Having received the designation of Quality Contractor from AFSA has been a major benefit to Fire Tech. Not only does it distinguish us
from other sprinkler companies in our area, it instills pride in our employees. Our employees work hard to stay ahead of the competition and this lets them know that the hard work does pay off.” Linda Biernacki President, Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Shreveport, La.
To learn more or to apply, visit
www.firesprinkler.org AFSA’s Quality Contractor Program was created to publicly recognize those contractor members that have documented their commitment to corporate responsibility. It is not an accreditation or certification program. Contractors that meet the exacting criteria set forth in the application will be formally acknowledged by AFSA as an “AFSA Quality Contractor.” Visit www.firesprinkler.org for more information.
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 65
AFSA NEWS
Calendar AFSA Appoints Elliott as Director of Member Services The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is pleased to announce the growth of its Membership Department with the hiring of Bradley Elliott as director of member services, further bolstering the organization’s commitment to its membership experience. “Charged with delivering unrivaled access to information that helps fire sprinkler contractors succeed, Bradley brings a strong association background to an industry filled with members hungry for the enhanced benefits and services AFSA provides,” says AFSA’s Executive Vice President Frank Mortl III, CAE. “Bradley’s responsibilities will focus on growing the unique business models of member contractors as well as leading the development, implementation and evaluation of membership recruitment and retention strategies for AFSA.” As director of member services for AFSA, Elliott will be a primary point of contact for members and will be responsible for developing strategies to ensure the association is engaged with its membership. Elliott’s duties will also include advocating
member benefits and services as well as cultivating membership growth for the Association. Additionally, he will be charged with leading the development, implementation and evaluation of membership recruitment and retention strategies, as well as day-to-day management of the membership department staff. Elliott is a 2008 graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton, with a bachelor of business administration degree in finance. Prior to his work at AFSA, he served as director of communications & marketing at the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas (AAGD), collaborating with members on a daily basis. Elliott can be reached via phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 135, or email at
[email protected]. For more information about AFSA membership, visit firesprinkler.org/member-center. n
October 3-14 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School AFSA Headquarters, Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org
5 AFSA Virginia Burn Survivors Golf Tournament Williamsburg, VA afsavirginia.com
10 FSCATX Charity Golf Classic Dallas, TX fscatx.com
12 AFSA Carolinas Chapter 22nd Annual Golf Tournament Greensboro, NC afsacarolinas.com
25 LFSA Seminar: Field Supervisor Training Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org
26 LFSA 10th Annual Golf Tournament Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org
November 3-14 AFSA Carolinas Chapter NICET Seminars Greensboro, NC afsacarolinas.com
7 GFSA’s 17th Annual Bob McCullough Memorial Golf Tournament Dacula, GA georgiafiresprinkler.com
Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. For information on Chubb and/or OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
66 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
15 y e a r s a g o , 3 43 f i r e f i g h t e r s sacrificed their lives saving others. Ever y day, count le ss ot her s ke ep us s a fe. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and protection. We will never forget.
9/11/2001
www.pottersignal.com
CHAPTER NEWS
Anne Arundel Fire Protection was the winning golf team at the Chesapeake Bay golf tournament.
Ken Wagoner presented “Plan Review for Fire Service Professionals and AHJs,” sponsored by LFSA.
LFSA registered 66 attendees for its NFPA 20, 2016 edition seminar, taught by Russ Leavitt.
Chesapeake Bay On June 7, 2016 the Chesapeake Bay Chapter had its annual fundraising golf tournament at Renditions Golf Club in Davidsonville, Maryland. Although it did not have a record number of golfers, this was its biggest fundraiser yet, raising almost $14,000. With various contests on the course and 100 percent participation, its members certainly showed they were there for the cause. The team from Anne Arundel Fire Protection were the big winners. Not only did they win the tournament, but donated back their cash prize to help with the donation. A special thank you to Brian Cecil, Mike Digirolomo, Kevin Hines and Eric Crumb, two platinum sponsors Ferguson Fire & Fabrication and HD Supply, and all of the participants. Members will be able to donate the usual $10,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and plan to donate to an additional charity local to the chapter. For more details visit afsachesapeakechapter.org.
six people were in attendance, and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Chief Butch Browning, unveiled the new plan review computer system, one of the country’s state-of-the-art online plan and inspection programs. V. J. Bella, retired Louisiana fire marshal, gave an update on the Firefighters Memorial stage construction, which the chapter has helped fund for the past few years. At the end of the meeting, Karl Hinkle of Jefferson Sprinkler, Inc., was appointed the new LFSA board secretary. Visit lafiresprinkler.org.
spoke, and everyone enjoyed great food and company. Visit afsanw.org.
Louisiana On April 4 the Louisiana Chapter sponsored “Plan Review for Fire Service Professionals and AHJs,” presented by Ken Wagoner, S.E.T. There were 79 attendees and many positive comments. Cynthia Andrew Obier, architect, Office of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, said, “I’ve been at the fire marshal’s office for 20 years, and that was one of the most educational seminars I’ve attended. [Wagoner] has a nice pace with people who are totally unfamiliar with the plan review of sprinkler systems. Thank you so much for the opportunity.” On August 3, the chapter sponsored a seminar on NFPA 20, 2016 edition. It was presented by AFSA Senior Instructor Russ Leavitt. Sixty-
AFSA’s Pacific Northwest Chapter held a successful quarterly meeting, featuring a trailer demonstration. 68 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Mid-Atlantic The chapter will hold its annual fundraiser for The Burn Foundation (burnfoundation. org) on October 21 from 6:30-11:00 p.m. at the Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania. The Burn Foundation is a Philadelphia-area organization focused on preventing fires and burn injuries, supporting regional burn centers and advocating for burn survivors and their families. This is the first year for a Casino Night-style fundraiser and the chapter has high expectations for a record-breaking donation. Tickets include food, beer and gambling and can be purchased through the chapter website or by contacting Mike Leister at
[email protected]. The cost is $50 in advance and $65 at the door. A discount of five tickets for $200 is available for advance purchases only. Visit afsamac.org.
Virginia The AFSA Virginia Chapter held a board meeting and regular meeting on June 14, 2016 at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House Hotel in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There were 39 attendees and the following were the programs for the meeting: Meaghen Wills of Anchor Fire and the AFSA National NextGen Initiative, and a roundtable discussion was held moderated by Jack Medovich, Bob Beckwith, Meaghen Wills and George Wagner on AFSA member needs. A handout was given on national AFSA programs and Virginia Chapter activities for 2016. Vendors AHJs and sprinkler contractors discussed what thing the Virginia Chapter could do for them in addition to the current activities. A number of new ideas were discussed. Jim McHugh of AGF Manufacturing made a presentation on some of their newer products. Visit afsavirginia.com. n
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Pacific Northwest On August 9, the Pacific Northwest Chapter held its quarterly meeting at The Flat Iron Grill in Issaquah, Washington. Cary Webber with Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. presented a trailer demonstration and sponsored part of the dinner, Jeff Livaudais from AFSA National
FSCATx FSCATx invites you to participate in its 27th Annual Charity Golf Classic Celebration benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children on October 10, 2016 at Bear Creek Golf Course in Dallas. To register, sponsor a hole or donate, visit fscatx.org. Save the Date! The association will hold its Annual Christmas Party & Casino Night at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio on December 10, 2016. Shake, rattle and roll and bring your poker face and get ready for a night of fun! Visit fscatx.org. n
Meaghen Wills talked about AFSA’s NextGen Initiative with Virginia Chapter members.
Jim McHugh of AGF Manufacturing made a presentation at AFSA Virginia Chapter’s meeting.
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AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new members that have joined as of August 15, 2016. Associate Softrend Systems, Inc. Michael Wong North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Region 2
Contractor Electrical & Plumbing Solutions Karil Johnson Gibson Nassau, Bahamas
Contractor Cache Valley Fire Protection Gavin Agee North Logan, UT
Region 1 AHJ Pebble Beach CS District/ Cal Fire Sichel Young Pebble Beach, CA Contractor A/C Fire Protection, Inc. Julie Schram Santa Paula, CA Central Valley Fire Protection, Inc. Loretta Bjorge Oakdale, CA Critchfield Pacific, Inc. Jim Adams Honolulu, HI Jorgensen Company Randy Dysart Fresno, CA Thorpe Design, Inc. Corey Gray Brentwood, CA
Associate Waterline Controls Bill Seneff Tempe, AZ
S3 Fire Protection Todd Sexton Portland, OR
Region 3
Williston Fire and Safety, LLC Thomas Dickey Williston, ND Designer Hartleyhouse Fire Systems, LLC Darin Hartley Nineveh, IN
Region 4 AHJ Sherwin Williams Rafal Razowski Richardson, TX
Associate Davisware, Inc. Teri Kaskin Genoa City, WI
University Park Fire Department Margaret Corn Dallas, TX
Driven Jared VanGammeren Sioux, SD
Associate Superior Tank Co., Inc. Huel Loden Rosenberg, TX
Gerand Engineering Megan Swenson Minneapolis, MN Wuppermann, Inc. Jonas Rappen Chicago, IL
Contractor Alliance Safety and Fire Protection Seth Smith Round Rock, TX
Xerxes Corporation Kristi Peterson Montreal, MO
CLS Fire Protection Shenille Skopik Katy, TX
Contractor Flow Masters Plumbing, Inc. Alan Moran Daly City, MO
Semper Fire Protection Scott Charlton Lookeba, OK
Region 5 AHJ Marsh and McLennan Agency Wright Varn Charlotte, NC South Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal Steven Hauptmann Columbia, SC Contractor Accel Fire Protection Forrest Gregory Scottsboro, AL Alarm, Fire and Security, LLC Rebecca Goodrich Hilton Head Island, SC
Designer NPConsulting Norman Price Murfreesboro, TN
Region 6 AHJ Allegheny County Health Department Mark Krasinski Pittsburgh, PA Associate Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum, P.C. Jesse Kirschenbaum Garden City, NY
Commercial Systems Group Howard Sullivan III Apopka, FL
Contractor CMI Fire Sprinkler Corp. Steve B. Coulton Warrington, PA
Imperial Fire Protection, LLC Greg Rice Keller, TN
Foos Fire, Inc. Kristie Roche East Setauket, NY
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Randy Adams Raleigh, NC
SJR Fire, LLC Doug Tilley Perksie, PA
Associate American Pipe & Supply Brian Allen Birmingham, AL
Region 7
James M. Pleasants Company, Inc. Jamie Edmundson Greensboro, NC
Associate Kochek Lou Thomas Putnam, CT
Goal Fire Protection, LLC Greg Ochoa, Jr. Bonner Springs, KS
AFSA Chapter Contacts Arkansas Coleman Farrar – Chair. 479-986-9090 Carolinas afsacarolinas.com Dean Bush – Chair. 704-732-3343 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Strickland – Chair. 301-474-2441 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-964-0841 Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair. 203-877-7983 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495 Florida afsafl.org Bart Trueblood – Chair. 813-662-9200 Carolyn Mohr – Exec. Dir. 239-771-3907
Greater Bay Area Dan Mendoza – Chair. 925-552-5870 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec. Dir. 925-913-0145 Greater Kansas City 2nd Wed. of each month Mark McKenzie – Chair. 913-432-6688 Cliff Becker – Exec. Dir. 816-221-1651 Louisiana Linda Biernacki – Chair. 318-688-8800 Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Jay C. Stough – Chair. 215-345-8066 Heather Field– Exec. Dir.
[email protected] New Jersey Thomas J. Bowlby Jr. – Chair. 908-229-9595 Robert K. Melofchik Sr. – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056
New Mexico 2nd Mon. of each month Pete Newsted – Chair. 505-980-1261 Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712
Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair. 801-540-3473 Adam Millward – Exec. Dir. 801-216-4545
North Central As called by Chair Michael Winiecki – Chair. 651-484-5903 Michelle Loren – Exec. Dir. 320-676-3771
Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Bill Gray – Chair. 916-663-3582 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635
Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair. 802-922-3236 Bob Broughton – Exec. Dir. 802-899-3769
San Diego As called by Chair. Ron Aday – Chair. 858-513-4949 x 307 Terri Leyton – Exec. Dir. 619-684-5845
Ohio Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660 Bill Hausman, Chair. Tom Doty, Vice Chair. Doug Stoeckel, Sec./Treas. Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair. 425-271-5598 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700
Southern California Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair. 888-523-4734 Terry Housholder– Co-Chair. 714-632-8646 Amber Barrios - Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492 Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich – Pres. 804-222-4393 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 757-378-7212 Yankee Michael Payton – Chair. 508-378-7215
South Carolina scfsa.org Jason Strickland – Chair. 243-664-0077 Jule Buffington – Exec. Dir. 803-951-2800
AFSA Affiliate Contacts Alabama Affiliate alfiresprinkler.org Charles Bielair – Pres. 334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-546-4257
70 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Ray Vance – Pres. 678-993-2054 Billy Wood – Exec. Dir. 404-226-8304
Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – President 918-266-2416
Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres. 713-466-9899 Carol McCain – Exec. Dir. 281-361-8069
CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...
U.S. Construction...
starts in June decreased 7 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $595.1 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The nonbuilding construction sector (public works and electric utilities) fell sharply after being lifted in May by the start of a $3.8 billion oil pipeline in the upper Midwest and seven large power plant projects totaling $4.3 billion. Residential building in June edged down with reduced activity reported for both single family and multifamily housing. At the same time, nonresidential building registered moderate growth in June after sliding back in April and May. Through the first six months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $318.1 billion, down 11 percent from the same period a year ago. The January-June period of 2015 included 13 exceptionally large projects valued each at $1 billion or more, including a $9.0 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Texas, an $8.5 billion petrochemical plant in Louisiana, and two massive office towers in New York NY – the $2.5 billion 30 Hudson Yards and the $1.2 billion One Manhattan West. In contrast, the January-June period of 2016 included only four projects valued at $1 billion or more. If these exceptionally large projects are excluded, total construction starts during the first half of 2016 would be down a slight 2 percent from last year.
nual rate of $586.3 billion, new construction starts in July fell 2 percent from the previous month, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. A steep drop by electric utilities pulled down the nonbuilding construction sector, which in turn contributed to the slight decline for total construction starts. On the plus side, moderate improvement was reported for nonresidential building, helped by greater activity for its commercial building and manufacturing plant segments, while residential building benefitted from a stronger pace by multifamily housing. During the first seven months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $372.2 billion, down 11 percent from the same period a year ago. The January-July period of 2015 had featured 13 very large projects valued at $1.0 billion or more, including a $9.0 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Texas, an $8.5 billion petrochemical plant in Louisiana, and two massive office towers in New York NY with a combined construction start cost of $3.7 billion. In contrast, the JanuaryJuly period of 2016 included only four projects valued at $1.0 billion or more. Excluding these exceptionally large projects from the comparison leads to a smaller 4 percent decline for total construction starts year-to-date.
New Construction Starts in June Drop 7 Percent New construction
Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value
July Construction Starts Slip 2 Percent At a seasonally adjusted an-
Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions June 2016 May 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $180,828 $169,877 Residential Building $268,581 $274,610 Nonbuilding Construction $145,672 $192,914 Total Construction $595,081 $637,401
+6 -2 -24 -7
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions July 2016 June 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $187,883 $180,954 Residential Building $276,732 $268,168 Nonbuilding Construction $121,689 $146,490 Total Construction $586,304 $595,312
+4 +3 -17 -2
THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) June 2016...............126 May 2016.....................135
THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) July 2016...............124 June 2016.....................126
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 6 Mo. 2016 6 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $93,889 $115,849 -19 Residential Building $139,537 $134,076 +4 Nonbuilding Construction $84,713 $108,113 -22 Total Construction $318,139 $358,038 -11
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 7 Mo. 2016 7 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $111,800 $135,864 -18 Residential Building $163,577 $160,679 +2 Nonbuilding Construction $96,852 $122,577 -21 Total Construction $372,229 $419,120 -11
Canada Construction...
Canada Construction...
June CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts
July CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts
Types of Construction
Types of Construction
July
TOTAL CANADA ($ Millions) RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Major Sub-categories: Office Buildings Stores INSTITUTIONAL Major Sub-categories: Medical Education INDUSTRIAL Major Sub-categories: Plants ENGINEERING Major Sub-categories: Waterworks Roads Electric Power Oil and Gas ALL CONSTRUCTION
2016 2015
TOTAL CANADA ($ Millions) RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Major Sub-categories: Office Buildings Stores INSTITUTIONAL Major Sub-categories: Medical Education INDUSTRIAL Major Sub-categories: Plants ENGINEERING Major Sub-categories: Waterworks Roads Electric Power Oil and Gas ALL CONSTRUCTION
June
June
% Change
2016 2015 101,178 24,358
112,544 49,693
-10 -51
7,046 17,810 -60 4,658 6,822 -31 28,769 59,321 -52 5,671 15,708 1,118
20,541 25,657 4,391
-72 -38 -75
736 174,971
3,680 218,591
-79 -20
10,278 20,243 32,718 43,517 53,977 31,575 23,271 57,932 330,395 444,539
-49 -24 70 -59 -26
*Start figures are also available for many more categories of construction and according to provincial, city and county levels of regional detail. CanaData is a statistics-gathering and forecasting agency for the construction industry and is a part of CMD Canada, (416)-758-6400.
131,762 27,452
July
% Change
141,597 57,773
-7 -52
8,117 22,031 -63 5,621 8,182 -31 37,171 69,438 -46 9,097 22,118 19,570 31,580 1,201 4,778 766 186,032
3,926 235,258
12,239 23,474 38,642 49,864 55,379 33,612 23,271 60,082 383,617 508,845
-58 -38 -75 -80 -21 -47 -22 -64 -61 -25
*Start figures are also available for many more categories of construction and according to provincial, city and county levels of regional detail. CanaData is a statistics-gathering and forecasting agency for the construction industry and is a part of CMD Canada, (416)-758-6400. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 71
PRODUCT NEWS
RIDGID® Debuts STRAPLOCK Pipe Handle The first of its kind in the plumbing industry, the RIDGID® STRAPLOCK Pipe Handle simplifies the installation and maintenance of large diameter plastic pipe by helping users securely grip the pipe and apply force in all directions. The Pipe Handle grips plastic pipe 3 to 8 in. in diameter, features rapid size adjustment to quickly move between pipe sizes and has a specialized strap that provides maximum grip while minimizing marring. Its fixed handle position helps align and hold joints in place while glue sets. It is ideal for wet and cold environments where getting a grip on pipe can be difficult, gives maximum leverage in tight quarters and has an innovative locking design for quick applications. The handle can also be used in pairs to aid in complex installations. Visit RIDGID.com/pipehandle. Potter Announces Low Frequency UL Approval for EVAX Products Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, announces the approval of eight EVAX Voice Evacuation panels. The EVAX100, EVAX-100M, EVAX-200, EVAX-200M, HMX-DP100, HMXDPS100, HMX-DP100/P and HMX-DPS100/P are approved to provide 520 Hz, low frequency signaling as required by NFPA in sleeping rooms. They
are listed as compatible with the following speakers: Potter Electric: FASPKR, SPKSTR-24CLP series & SPKSTR-24WLP series; Gentex Series: SSPKCLP & SSPK24WLP; System Sensor Series: SPCW, SPCR, SPR & SPW. Visit pottersignal.com. Tyco Extends Water Mist Offering for Offices with AquaMist Ultra Low Flow (ULF) Approved Solutions Tyco Fire Protection Products has developed a new AquaMist Ultra Low Flow (ULF) fire suppression solution specifically designed to protect offices. AquaMist ULF for offices provides rapid, dependable fire suppression for working environments with limited and concealed spaces, including above-ceiling and below-floor void areas, containing electrical and data cables. AquaMist ULF for offices is an FM Approved system offering a robust and reliable fire suppression system. The integrated system includes other fire protection products and components from Tyco, such as fire valves, G-Press pipes and the Tyco AquaMist Control Center (MCC) pump set, which comes pre-assembled and factory-tested for ease of installation. Visit tycoaquamist.com. Victaulic Launches FireLock ® NXT Series 769N Deluge and Preaction Valves Victaulic has introduced the new FireLock ® NXT Series 769N deluge and preaction Valves. The new offering builds on the key features of Victaulic’s legacy FireLock ® NXT Series while providing a reduced trim design, al-
CORRECTION We inadvertently ran the wrong photo in conjunction with the following in the July/August 2016 issue of Sprinkler Age. It is reprinted below with the correct photo. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused. Reliable Announces New Model LT56 Series Pendent Special Sprinklers Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. announces the release of Model LT56 Series pendent sprinklers. Reliable’s patent pending series of sprinklers are designed specifically for corridors and hallways with a maximum coverage area of 28 ft by 10 ft (8.5 m by 3 m). Requiring a minimum flow per sprinkler of only 23 gpm for 8 ft (2.4 m) wide coverage and 28 gpm for 10 ft (3 m) wide coverage, Model LT56 Series sprinklers allow substantially reduced water demand compared with traditional extended coverage sprinklers. The sprinklers are cULus Listed as special sprinklers for installation in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and have a nominal K-factor of 5.6 (80 metric). Visit reliablesprinkler.com. n
72 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
lowing for quicker installation and simplified maintenance. Visit victaulicfire.com. Viking Earns UL Listing for its Next Generation Freedom® Residential Concealed Pendent Sprinkler The Viking Corporation announces that it has successfully completed all UL testing for its new Freedom® residential flat plate concealed pendent sprinkler (Model VK494). The new 4.9 K-factor sprinkler, which will be available this fall, represents a significant advancement in residential fire protection. The new VK494 is UL Listed at the minimum flow rates for 16 x 16-ft, 18 x 18-ft, and 20 x 20-ft coverage areas in all three of its available temperature ratings; 155°F, 175°F, and 200°F. It is the first residential concealed sprinkler with the same listed flow rates for both ordinary and intermediate temperatureratings. As a result, residential sprinkler installers can now standardize on an intermediate temperature-rated sprinkler, without having to sacrifice either performance or aesthetics. Visit vikingcorp.com. Senju Sprinkler Announces Magnetic Cover Plate Installation Tool The magnetic platform makes cover plate installation easy and is the perfect tool for use with concealed fire sprinklers. The platform’s diameter is 33/8 in. (86mm) and fits most cover plates up to 31/4 in. This can not only be used in conjunction with Senju Sprinkler’s protective cap removal tool, but may also be used with any 1-in. CPVC pipe for easy reach of higher ceilings. Visit senjusprinkler.com. SA and FASA Publish 2016-17 Education Catalog of Tools and Resources The American Subcontractors Association and the Foundation of ASA are providing construction subcontractors with the latest strategies and ideas to manage their businesses with videos-on-demand, webinars, and other resources on such topics as technology, retainage, mechanic’s liens, negotiation strategies, and human resources. The 2016-17 edition of the ASA/FASA Construction Subcontractor’s Education catalog showcases the newest education programs (live and recorded), books, and downloadable manuals that ASA and FASA offer to
help subcontractors meet the demands of working in today’s construction industry. Visit asaonline.com. Viking Releases New Standard Response Version of Mirage® Commercial Concealed Sprinkler The Viking Corporation has added a new standard response version to its Mirage® family of commercial concealed pendent sprinklers. The new Model VK492 features a 5-mm glass bulb and is FM Approved and cULus Listed for Light and Ordinary Hazard occupancies. This new standard coverage sprinkler is offered in addition to all existing Mirage® concealed sprinklers from Viking. Viking’s new standard response Mirage® sprinkler has a K-factor of 5.6 (81) and is available in 155°F (68°C), 175°F (79°C), and 200°F (93°C) temperature ratings. The VK492 requires the same installation wrench, and is offered with the same cover plate options, as Viking’s quick response Mirage® concealed sprinkler, Model VK462. Visit vikingcorp.com. Tyco Announces New Listing for ESFR25 Pendent Sprinklers for Warehouse and Storage Applications Tyco has announced the new TYCO Model ESFR-25 Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) pendent sprinkler (TY9226) with a K-Factor of 25.2 for warehouse and other storage applications. The sprinkler is UL Listed and FM approved and provides an industry first 48-ft ceiling height protection with a minimum 5-ft aisle width. The new listing for the ESFR sprinkler provides more installation flexibility, as no other sprinkler can match the performance at that height with such a narrow aisle width. The Model ESFR-25 pendent sprinkler is listed and approved for a wide range of storage arrangements and commodity classing, including the most common storage materials, encapsulated and non-encapsulated class I-IV commodities and expanded and unexpanded plastics. Visit tyco-fire.com. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Now Requires Facilities to Comply with the 2012 Editions of NFPA 101 and NFPA 99 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Health Care Facilities that requires health care facilities to migrate from using the 2000 edition of NFPA 101®,
Life Safety Code® (LSC) to the 2012 edition; and mandates direct compliance with the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, for the first time. Since 1970, hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers and related facilities have needed to demonstrate that their fire and life safety programs satisfied different editions of NFPA 101 in order to meet the requirements of the Conditions of Participation (COP), as defined by CMS. Health care providers that participate in federal reimbursement programs are required to meet the CMS COP expectations. NFPA will continue to add and update resources to help familiarize stakeholders with the 2012 edition of these codes. Visit nfpa.org. Construction Subcontractors Are Learning How to Minimize Waste and Inefficiencies with New FASA Video-on-Demand Construction subcontractors are learning how to minimize waste and inefficiencies with the new video-on-demand, “Driving Project Success: Keys to Improving Productivity,” available from the Foundation of the American Subcontractors Association. In this on-demand video, presenter Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting, Denver, Colorado, explains how subcontracting firms can get the best effort from field forces and provides practical tools that managers can implement to lower the cost of production, as well as how to quantify losses to substantiate claims for extra costs. The video is $65 for ASA members and $95 for nonmembers. This and other on-demand videos are available through FASA’s Contractors’ Knowledge Depot. Visit contractorsknowledgenetwork.org. NFPA Launches Fire Protection Engineering Support Fund The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has created the NFPA Fire Protection Engineering Support Fund to further fire protection engineering (FPE) education and research at Oklahoma State University, the University of Maryland and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). This support marks the first time that the non-profit organization has committed funds to provide ongoing investment in the future of fire protection engineering. At a time of unprecedented demand for leadership in FPE education, the NFPA funds will directly help these universities recognize fire protection engineering and research students who are tackling today’s most pressing fire protection challenges. Visit nfpa.org. n
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016 73
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
POTTER NITROGEN GENERATORS Delivering up to 99% pure, dry Nitrogen to your fire sprinkler system, protecting it from corrosion.
FPPI Appoints Mark Watrous as Director of Sales Fire Protection Products, Inc. (FPPI) has named Mark Watrous director of sales. He will be responsible for supporting and growing the existing distribution network and oversee the team of regional sales managers. Watrous joined FPPI two years ago as regional sales manager North East, and since then has demonstrated extensive industry knowledge and leadership qualities. He will be based in the company’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Visit fppi.com. HD Supply Fire Protection Names National Fabrication Manager HD Supply Fire Protection has announced the promotion of Adam Woods to the newly created role of national fabrication manager. Woods has been with HD Supply for 23 years and brings more than 30 years of industry experience to his leadership role. For the past two decades, he has been leading the HD Supply Fire Protection fabrication facility in Lodi, California where he has played an integral role in growing the business in northern California. Visit hdsupply.com.
Potter has extensively tested nitrogen for corrosion control in dry and pre-action systems. Years of laboratory experience and real life application have concluded that nitrogen can extend the life of fire sprinkler systems up to:
5.3X!
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74 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Viking SupplyNet Announces New Sales Leadership in Southern U.S. Region Viking SupplyNet announces two important sales leadership changes in its south sales region. First, the company is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Sharp as Viking SupplyNet’s regional sales manager for the Southeast U.S. region. Second, Adam Owens, the previous sales manager in the region, has been promoted to director of sales for the Southeast and South Central regions. Visit vikinggroupinc.com. NFPA Announces New Board of Director Members The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has elected new members to its board of directors at the 2016 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The three-year terms for new members took effect upon the close of the annual meeting. New members elected to the board include Hatem Kheir, Teresa L. Deloach Reed, and Stacy N. Welch. Kheir is the general manager of Kheir Group, a Cairo-based company that he founded in 1993 that specializes in supplying pumps, pumping services and maintenance. Reed is the fire chief for the Oakland, California Fire Department and responsible for providing leadership in all aspects of operations for the department. Welch, a registered professional engineer, is the senior director for Fire Protection
and Life Safety with Marriott International, the world’s largest lodging company. Several members of the board were re-elected to their positions or were elected to new positions on the board. Randolph W. Tucker, Tucker Consulting Associates, was elected chair of the board, Keith E. Williams, president/CEO of Underwriters Laboratories, is first vice chair, while Amy R. Acton, executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, is second vice chair. Donald Cook, chief electrical inspector for Shelby County, Alabama, is secretary, Thomas A. Lawson, president and CEO of FM Global, remains treasurer, and Tonya L. Hoover, the state fire marshal for Sacramento, California, was re-elected to a second term as a board member. Visit nfpa.org. Percy Bugbee Award Presented to NFPA’s Steven Sawyer The International Fire Marshals Association’s (IFMA) Percy Bugbee Award was presented to Steven Sawyer, fire code regional director for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and executive secretary of IFMA at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The award, only the ninth given since its inception in 1969, was presented to Sawyer on June 12, 2016 at the section reception event. The award was established in honor of Percy Bugbee, who served NFPA in many capacities from first field engineer to honorary chairman of the board of directors, to recognize a person who’s significant and enduring contributions to public safety are in keeping with IFMA’s highest traditions. In line with Bugbee’s mission, Sawyer has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to various levels of the fire service, protecting citizens of his home area as well as beyond by sharing his vast firefighting skills, his knowledge of codes and standards, and teaching others about fire safety in general. Sawyer is an active member of North Stonington (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Co., Inc., previously serving as deputy chief. Sawyer served for eight years as deputy fire marshal for Yale University. Visit nfpa.org. ASA Elects New President Members of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) have elected Robert Abney, F.L. Crane & Sons, Inc., to serve as the 2016-17 president of ASA, a national trade association representing subcontractors, specialty trade contractors and suppliers in the construction industry. Abney is the division president for the Southaven, Miss., branch of F.L. Crane, a contractor established in 1947 specializing in interior and exterior finishes. Visit asaonline.com. n
Planning for your future just got a little easier.
introducing
If you are currently offering a retirement plan, American Fire Sprinkler Association has a better way to offer 401(k) to your employees. It’s called a Multiple Employer 401(k) Plan. This plan is sponsored by American Fire Sprinkler Association and managed through Transamerica Retirement Solutions (“Transamerica”), and the firm of Pinnacle Financial Services. A Multiple Employer Plan, also referred to as an MEP, is a retirement plan for businesses that typically have a common interest, but that are not commonly owned or affiliated. These businesses are referred to as “Adopting Employers” when they elect to join the Multiple Employer Plan. What are the Benefits? • Potential costs savings • Hours of Administrative time savings • Reduction of work for your staff • Shifting of plan responsibility • Reduction of fiduciary liability • No more plan audit (if applicable) • No more plan document or legal filings • Allows you to focus on your business • Flexibility to have maintain your own plan design and features To learn more about this new AFSA Retirement Plan benefit,
contact
[email protected] or 817-300-5539.
INDUSTRY NEWS Bull Moose Tube Acquires Sprinkler Pipe Assets Bull Moose Tube, a subsidiary of North American manufacturing group Bull Moose Industries, announced it has purchased additional sprinkler pipe assets. Purcha se price and other details of the transaction were not disclosed. Bull Moose Industries is owned by Caparo, the diversified global industrial interests of British Indian businessman The Right Honorable Lord Swraj Paul. Bull Moose also announced that the newly purchased mills will be incorporated into sprinkler-pipe manufacturing operations at two of its existing locations: The first of these mills is scheduled to be added to Bull Moose’s Trenton, Georgia, operations later this year, representing the company’s first sprinkler manufacturing mill in the Southeast. The second mill – tentatively scheduled to be added to the company’s existing operations in Casa Grande, Arizona after the Tren-
risk managers, property owners, manufacturers, attorneys, insurance companies and various government entities. This is the third acquisition that JENSEN HUGHES has completed in 2016. Visit jensenhughes.com.
ton, Georgia, mill is completed – would enhance that location’s current production capacity and support Bull Moose’s growing business on the West Coast. Visit bullmooseindustries.com.
website URLs. Visit zekelman.com.
JENSEN HUGHES Acquires CASE Forensics Corporation JENSEN HUGHES has announced that it has completed the acquisition of CASE Forensics Corporation. CASE, headquartered in Seattle with nine offices throughout the Western U.S., is an industry leader in providing forensic science and engineering consulting services to
JMC Steel Group Changes Name to Zekelman Industries Inc. JMC Steel Group has announced that it is changing its corporate name and identity to Zekelman Industries, Inc. Zekelman Industries is the parent company of Atlas Tube, Wheatland Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma and Energex Tube. Each of these business units will continue to operate under its existing brand name. Please note that all @jmcsteel.com email addresses have transitioned to @zekelman.com. All Zekelman business units – Atlas Tube, Wheatland Tube, Sharon Tube, Picoma and Energex Tube – will keep their existing names, email addresses and
Data Analytics and Emerging Technologies Took Center Stage at NFPA’s Conference & Expo At the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference & Expo (C&E) in Las Vegas, keynote presentations, general session, educational tracks and interactive displays highlighted the growing importance of data analytics in fire and life safety; and the impact that new technology is having in fire prevention and protection today. Throughout the conference, attendees got
to take a deeper dive into data and new technologies during educational classes and informal learning sessions. The conference featured more than 120 education sessions with more than 20 devoted to data, risk management, smart technology and emerging trends such as energy storage systems, food trucks, alternative fuel vehicles, solar energy, lithium ion batteries, sensors and other new innovations that are currently impacting fire and life safety. Visit nfpa.org. Register for ICC’s Annual Conference Register now for the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2016 Annual Conference and Public Comment Hearings October 16-18 at the Kansas City, Missouri, Convention Center. The conference will feature a comprehensive education program that will provide valuable solutions to the most critical challenges in the building safety and fire prevention professions. Attendees will also be able to earn CEUs and LUs. Visit iccsafe.org/conference. October is Careers in Construction Month NCCER and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative are once again declaring October as Careers in Construction Month. Throughout the month, industry and education partner locally to host events that introduce students to rewarding construction careers. So far, 16 states and the District of Columbia have filed proclamations declaring October 2016
The American Fire Sprinkler Association in partnership with Multiview are thrilled to announce the launch of the all-new AFSA Ultimate Fire Sprinkler Guide.
Connect with your buyers as they search for your products and services on the AFSA Ultimate Fire Sprinkler Guide. When they’re ready to choose the best company to meet their needs, make sure they find you. NEW ENHANCEMENTS INCLUDE: - Improved User Experience - Revamped Company Profile - Mobile Responsive Design - Robust Search Functionality - Prominent Advertising Positions - Referrals Feature for Reputation Building
Experience the new guide and find out how we can grow your business ULTIMATEFIRESPRINKLERGUIDE.COM 972.402.7070 |
[email protected]
76 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
@
Learn
the speed of thought
Training Made Easy! THE AFSA WAY... To assist contractors in maintaining a quality workforce, the American Fire Sprinkler Association and its Fire Sprinkler eCampus offer hundreds of online training programs that award CEUs (as recognized by IACET) and CPD credits (as recognized by NICET). Online courses include: • Applied Sprinkler Technology / System Layout • Hydraulic Calculations • Seismic Bracing • Beginning CAD • Codes, and many other topics... Check it out at www.SprinklerECampus.com
INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. as Careers in Construction Month, and Oklahoma is the first state to make it official. Any state resident can file a proclamation for his or her governor to sign, which can take anywhere from two weeks to over two months. To simplify the process, BYF.org provides each state’s guidelines and a sample proclamation. BYF also offers a number of online resources to help organizations participate in Careers in Construction Month. Organizations can even register their events at BYF.org for added promotion. With shortages of craft professionals across the country, now is the time to promote construction careers in each state. Recognizing Oc-
tober as Careers in Construction Month can generate publicity for the construction industry and help promote career opportunities. Visit facebook.com/BYFcampaign and follow twitter. com/buildyourfuture. Construction Spending Declines in June for Third Consecutive Month Construction spending decreased in June for the third month in a row but most segments posted solid increases in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said spending appears to have
You don’t have to be a genius.
leveled off after a strong early start to the year prompted by mild winter weather conditions in many parts of the country. Construction spending in June totaled $1.134 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, 0.6 percent lower than the May total. Visit agc.org. Family Who Lost Home to Fire Joins NFPA Campaign to Promote Home Fire Sprinklers NFPA has released a new video for its North American campaign underscoring the horrors of today’s home fires and the solution for reducing these tragedies. Michelle Allyn and her two daughters, Aaliyah and Lexie Brittian, are the newest members of the Fire Sprinkler Initiative’s Faces of Fire Campaign, which humanizes the realities of home fires and promotes the life-saving capability of home fire sprinklers. Soon after a fire ravaged their home in 2014, the structure was demolished. Rebuilding a safer home was a necessity for Allyn, which is why she chose to install home fire sprinklers. Visit firesprinklerinitiative.org/family. n
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The solution is obvious. Firesprinkler.org is where the Fire Sprinkler industry goes online. You will find the solutions to your education and training needs, technical support and industry news and updates. Membership in the American Fire Sprinkler Association gives you full access to real benefits and services that will fit perfectly in your business plan and increase your productivity and profitability. Be a Member
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78 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2016
Apply online at firesprinkler.org or call 214-349-5965.
AGF Manufactuing, Inc. 60 American Fire Hose & Cabinet 73 Anvil International, LP 63 Argco 29 BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems 19 Blue River Underwriters 69 Building Reports 3 Bull Moose Industries 59 Easyflex IBC Engineered Corrosion Solutions 13 Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Inc. 27 Fire Protection Products, Inc. 45 Fire Sprinkler eCampus 77 FlexHead Industries, Inc. 4 GECCO, Inc. 30 Metraflex 26 Noble Company (The) 57 PHD Manufacturing 25 Potter Electric Signal Co. 15, 67, 74 Raimondo Consultants, Inc. 50 Reed Manufacturing Company 66 Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. IFC South-Tek Systems 9 SprinkFlex, LLC 7 Tyco BC U.S. Tool 11 Victaulic 17 Viega/Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. 61 Viking Group 23 W.S. Darley 16 Watts Water Technologies 64 Wupperman, Inc. 49
Narrower Aisles. More Commodities. One Solution.
Maximize product per square foot by going higher and narrower. Tyco is leading the way with the highest ceiling-only protection (48 feet) for the narrowest aisles (5 feet) and the greatest flexibility of commodities and packaging. Tyco solutions include the highest ceiling-only protection with ESFR sprinklers, low install cost with EC sprinklers, and industry leading valves, all with pure performance. To find out how we can help future-proof your storage protection, contact your Tyco representative or visit www.tyco-fire.com/Storage
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