This is unusual. The switch that starts the pump is definitely installed in the wrong location. The valve illustrated just ahead of the gauge is actually there to enable you to turn off the water to the gauge so you can change it out without having to drain the whole system first. This is a fairly e...

This post requires an additional disclaimer. The information and field wiring connection diagrams in the link provided may not be applicable in all jurisdictions, and may reference equipment that may not be approved for use. Please ensure you check with your local jurisdictional authority, Codes, By...

If the individuals engaged in the testing of your equipment are not following the form's format, they are likely NOT testing the system to the requirements of the Standard. You should review their format and note any deviations from the Standard's Appendix "C". If they're not handing in documentatio...

You have to keep in mind that the Fire Building Codes are produced through a process involving a high degree of consensus within the various committees that are looking at specific sections of the Code. Then any changes go out for public comment and review. "Ambiguity" does, on occasion, creep in, b...

The requirement to calculate capacity is to ensure that the emergency power supply is of the correct capacity (for the system load). This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions I get. The scary thing is that even newly commissioned (and Verified) systems frequently have inadequately ...

The Ontario Fire Code DOES reference testing of this device as it requires all sprinkler systems to be tested to NFPA 25. Even if there's not a specific reference in the Provincial Fire Code, the requirement in NFPA 25:2008 is described in Section 13.5 Pressure Reducing Valves and Relief Valves.

Finding a ground fault can be a challenging process, unless it's something obvious (like water dripping from a heat or smoke detector, or an obvious damp spot on the ceiling around the detector. That's where you would normally start looking. To find a ground fault is the subject of one of our online...

The size of the batteries must never be less than the capacity you calculated in your testing. You're free to upsize or downsize them as long as you're able to confirm that you have the required supervisory and alarm times mandated by the Building Code. Don't forget you also need to add the de-ratin...

And a much appreciated "two cents" worth, too! Thank you, Gaétan!

Ground faults are typically a pain in the butt, but addressable systems are usually pretty easy to troubleshoot *IF* certain documentation and types of devices are present. Isolators make tracking a ground fault a pretty easy exercise, but intelligent isolators can home in on an area without having ...