6 Strategies of Fire Protection
Learn how to identify and apply the 6 main strategies for fire protection Fire is a real and present danger in society. The threat of fire in a built environment1 pushes those in the fire protection industry to continue to identify ways to reduce the likelihood of a...
Build your House on a Strong Foundation: The Importance of Learning Basics in the Fire Protection Industry – Article 22
In the timeless tale of the Three Little Pigs, each pig built their house on different foundations: straws, sticks, and bricks. When the big bad wolf came, only the house built on bricks withstood his mighty blows. Why? Because it was built on a strong...
NICET FAS Updates – What does it mean for YOU? – Article 21
NICET FAS Updates - What does it mean for YOU? Written by Lisa Salzman NICET is updating their exams, what does that mean for you? In the world of fire protection, we all understand the importance of updates to the standards and codes. As new editions come...
Article 20 – Test Prep is Key to NICET Certification
Test Prep is Key to NICET Certification Written by Sean Johnson We’ve all taken our fair share of tests and know that nervous feeling right before answering the first question. Sometimes this feeling can be so overwhelming that it clouds your mind and affects...
Article 19 – Getting Started with Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Testing
Getting Started with Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Testing Suggestions for Entering the Field of Inspection & Testing in Water-Based Systems Are you interested in the field of Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems? Fire Tech Productions, Inc....
Article 18 – Winter Preparation for Fire Sprinkler Systems
Winter Preparation for Fire Sprinkler Systems Written by Will Strickler Even if you only see one day a year at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, winter preparation should be on your current to-do list. There are crucial tasks that not only keep systems from...
Article 17 – Math Tips
Math Tips Written by Lisa Salzman Back in the day, I was one of those students who liked math class. Call me crazy, but I liked the process and sequential steps of working out a problem. Today I have 5 kids and I find that some of them “get” math and others,...
Article 16 – Traditional vs. Special Hazards Fire Suppression
Traditional vs. Special Hazards Fire Suppression Written by Michael Angstadt The entire idea behind employing a fire suppression system is the assurance that you can protect your buildings, equipment, and people from damage or injury. The environment in which...
Article 15 – How to Repair a Broken PIV Stem
A Follow-Up to "Underground" - How to Repair a Broken PIV Stem Written by Jasen Buddemeier and Tom Doty Once the job is underway it is good to know the following… every PIV has a handle, housing, a stem, a flag assembly, and a valve. In the past, every stem...
Article 14 – Limit Your Liability When Installing Fire Sprinkler Systems
Limit Your Liability When Installing Fire Sprinkler Systems Written by Tom Doty After 40 years in the Sprinkler Industry, I’ve run across a few “leaky” situations. Let’s just say my experience has taught me to always perform an air test prior to the...
Article 13 – My Voltage Drop Problem
My Voltage Drop Problem Written by Shawn Lee Occasionally I suffer from a mild form of Obsessive Compulsive Behavior (OCB). It generally has something to do with the way I use or process information relating to fire protection-- or when I am attempting to...
Article 12 – History and Operation of Automatic Testing of Flow Switches for Wet Systems
History and Operation of Automatic Testing of Flow Switches for Wet Systems Written by Matthew S. Mueller, CET Matthew Mueller entered the fire service in 1995 and spent twelve years as a firefighter/paramedic actively saving lives and property. Mr. Mueller...
Article 11 – Tips to Follow When Working with Underground Piping
Tips to Follow When Working with Underground Piping Written by Tom Doty “There are no cheap mistakes in underground.” -Tom DotyA brief history Underground piping has changed through the years. It has gone from wood pipe to cast iron, which was specified by an...
Article 10 – Tips on Preparing for Your NICET Exam
Tips on Preparing for Your NICET Exam by Lisa Salzman, Fire Tech Productions 1. NICET exams are open book. Specific Standards are recommended and allowed into the testing center. 2. Standards, Standards, Standards—Be very familiar with the referenced...
Article 9 – 5 Steps to Greatness Summarized
5 Steps to Greatness Summarized Written by Lisa Salzman, Fire Tech ProductionsThe following steps were delivered in a 5-week series by Truth at Work: 1. Out Hustle and Out Work Everyone. As Paul Bryant said, “It’s not the will to win that matters, everyone has that....
Article 8 – Earthquakes
Earthquakes by Justin Strousse The following is a story presented to Fire Tech Productions by Justin Strousse. He is the Director of Global Sales for Clarke Fire Protection Products, where he works in the fire pump industry and travels around the world visiting...
Article 7 – Igniting Success
Igniting Success: A Roadmap to Exam Preparedness Written September 21, 2024, by the Fire Tech TeamAs a professional in the fire protection industry, your role is vital in protecting lives and property from the devastating effects of fires. Certification, whether...
Article 6 – Freeze Machine
Freeze Machine Written by Tom Doty Some years ago, our service department invested in a freeze machine. For those of you who don't know what a freeze machine is, it is a Velcro sleeve that wraps around a pipe and has a chart that defines freezing procedures based on...
Article 5 – Exam Prep vs. Knowing the Code
Exam Prep vs. Knowing the Code Written by Shawn LeeWhat brings this post to life was a discussion I had with a coworker about a quiz question on one of our online training courses. The quiz question had a trick answer that could be taken one way or the other. ...
Article 4 – Fire Pump Maintenance
Fire Pump Maintenance Written November 15, 2017, by Wills LaCrosse, Fire Tech Fire Pump Instructor, reposted from https://vibralign.com/other-topics/fire-pump-maintenance/ Wills LaCrosse is the owner of LaCrosse Engineering, which specializes in Fire Pump testing and...
Article 3 – Color Codes for Marking Up Drawings
Color Codes for Marking Up Drawings Written October 15, 2017, by Priscilla Duggins, Project Systems Specialist – SimplexGrinnell When marking up drawings or documents, use this standard multi-color pen system to check your own work: red – incorporate items (add) ...
Article 2 – Knowing Your Fire Alarm System
Knowing Your Fire Alarm System Written September 15, 2017, by Shawn Lee When it comes to personal enjoyment in the fire alarm field, my favorite activity is troubleshooting and repairing systems. I enjoy troubleshooting because it’s a challenge. For me, it’s genuine...
Article 1 – The Importance of Fire Protection: Why We Do What We Do
The Importance of Fire Protection – Why We Do What We Do Written August 15, 2017, by Bruce Agan, USAutomatic Fire and SecurityIn Carmel, Indiana, Bruce Agan, a dedicated fire sprinkler contractor, often recruits young talents from local high schools and technical...
Demystifying Firestop
Firestop Applications. Photo courtesy of the International Firestop Council Nothing is trending more these days than talk about the coronavirus. Did you know that fire protection measures may help contain the spread of diseases? Air resistant firestop sealants...