Featured Articles

Understanding the Darcy-Weisbach Equation

Understanding the Darcy-Weisbach Equation

When Not to Use Hazen-Williams Any seasoned fire sprinkler designer or fire protection engineer should be familiar with the Hazen-Williams equation. It is the fundamental equation used in water-based fire protection for calculating the friction loss of water flowing through pipe. The Hazen-Williams formula (see Figure 1) is used when …

Read More »

President’s Report: Participation

President’s Report: Participation

Participation. The act of taking part, sharing, and reaping the benefits of being related to a larger whole. The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has been developing and offering worthwhile educational courses, training exercises, advocacy outreach, product awareness, and impactful networking programs for over 36 years. How fitting then, at …

Read More »

Chairman’s Message

Chairman’s Message

As I sit here this morning and reflect back on the last couple of weeks, it is hard for me personally to not just be thrilled. As we know, every two years the AFSA Board of Directors has a change in officers. I have been given the honor of serving …

Read More »

AFSA Expands Into Canada

AFSA Expands Into Canada

Alberta, Vancouver Chapters Formed The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is heading north with two new chapters in Canada. The process started when Kevin Mozak and Donovan Van Twuyver with Meridian Fire Protection in Edmonton, Alberta (AB) approached the AFSA booth at the 2016 NFPA Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. …

Read More »

Hydraulic Calculations

Hydraulic Calculations

Back to Basics Hydraulic calculations completed by hand are a thing of the past. Computer programs can provide you with pages of information at the click of a mouse. However, given the demand for new sprinkler designers, there is a need to return to the basics. Designers, particularly newer designers, …

Read More »

Thank You for Your Support!

Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 36th anniversary in 2017, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured in the table below have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. “Our long-term …

Read More »

Taking Fire Safety Into Their Own Hands

Taking Fire Safety Into Their Own Hands

Homeowners Voluntarily Install Residential Sprinkler System Set in a picturesque, bedroom community north of Boston is a gorgeous, newly constructed 7,000-ft2 home. This grand residence, located 1,300 ft from the street up a secluded windy knoll, is tucked into a beautifully wooded property in a unique town. It’s unique in …

Read More »

Longitudinal Sway Bracing of CPVC

Longitudinal Sway Bracing of CPVC

Using an NFPA 13 Analogy There are very few listed sway brace fittings for CPVC pipe. Listing criteria specified by the CPVC resin manufacturers and recognized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) define the mechanics required of listed CPVC sway brace fittings and their design. Accordingly, UL listing requires strictly defined features …

Read More »