Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

BIERNACKI ELECTED AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2023-2024 officer elections during the September 2023 Board meeting. Linda M. Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, was elected as Chair of the Board. Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Londonderry, New Hampshire, was …

Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Draw Record Attendance AFSA42 attendees were spellbound this year as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) presented its annual convention, exhibition, and apprentice competition in Orlando, Florida, September 6-9. Nearly 1,300 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry …

The topic for this issue is water supplies for water-based fire protection systems. My entire career has been based on my passion for fire protection hydraulics. In the business, I’m known as a hydraulics nerd. While I deserve that nickname, it still amazes me that many designers, engineers, and Authorities …

I am truly saddened and heavy-hearted; one of our long-time friends and associates, Bill Phair, with Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, passed away suddenly in September. Bill was the incoming Chair of the Manufacturers & Suppliers (M/S) Council and will be greatly missed. His support, encouragement, and genuine kindness were one …

As I think about this column, I must admit we in the home office are still riding the energy of the success of our recent annual convention. For those of you unable to attend, I assure you that you missed what was likely the best all-around convention AFSA has ever …

Over the last few months, there have been several technical committee meetings for standards that our members use or will use every day. In just one week, AFSA participated in a pre-first draft meeting for the 2027 edition of NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, a second draft meeting for …

A Look at AFSA’s Dues Structure  As most of you know, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Board of Directors added new categories to our dues structure in 2022, following a 20-percent increase in 2020. AFSA had only increased dues one time in the prior 20 years, but it was …

Can You Meet the Challenge? AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges here for you and your co-workers. These exercises are also excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. Answers to this issue’s questions will be presented in …

Can You Meet the Challenge? AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges here for you and your co-workers. These exercises are also excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. Answers to this issue’s questions will be presented in …

This blog post contains sponsored content. Which applications are protected by which Viking products, and why? How would the design of firesuppression for a commercial office differ from an apartment, or a parking garage? Immerse yourself inVirtual Viking’s NEW “Product in Location” training experience and see for yourself. First things …