2026

Introduction Fire pipeline renovation and branch tapping have always been the most troublesome part of commercial and industrial fire engineering. Traditional branch solutions such as cutting main pipes, installing mechanical tees or welded ordinary outlets often cause construction shutdowns, pipeline...

When selecting a fire sprinkler head for a fire protection system, choosing the correct style is critical. Among the many types of fire sprinklers used in commercial, industrial, and residential applications, the K5.6 pendent fire sprinkler with a standard response temperature is one of the most commonly...

When selecting pipe fittings for your fire protection system, it is important to ensure that they can hold the necessary pressure, make installation as easy as possible, reduce the risk of maintenance issues, and satisfy any compliance requirements of the project. Ductile iron grooved pipe fittings are...

The K-factor is a crucial selection parameter in the design of a fire protection system. The sprinkler’s K-factor determines the fire sprinkler’s maximum allowed flow, required pressure and the overall system design’s efficiency to protect a fire. Here we look at how to pick a number of different K-factors...

A procurement manager sent us a valve inquiry last week. He wrote: “Sealing requirement: Class C.” We replied: “Which Class C? Seat leakage or fugitive emission?” He did not know there were two. That happens all the time. Engineers, buyers, even some experienced contractors mix up these two standards....

Connections in fire protection, plumbing, gas distribution, and industrial piping systems are amongst the most critical elements of any system. Those connections that are made using malleable iron pipe fittings are particularly popular due to their high strength, ductility, and ability to handle fluctuating...

Choosing the right pipe fittings for a malleable iron piping system is more than just matching the threads on the pipe and selecting a fitting from the correct pressure rating. The environment in which the piping system will be installed is the key to selecting the correct pipe fittings. Whether the...

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are designed and selected based on a number of key factors including building type, building occupancy and fire risk. Warehouses, hospitals, hotels and offices for example all present a number of different challenges when designing an effective fire protection system....