Sep/Oct 2021 Sprinkler Age

20 MEET THE NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION FINALISTS

SEP/OCT 2021

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 40/05

2021 HENRY S. PARMELEE AWARD RECIPIENT

GEORGE DIMATTEO

FERGUSON FIRE & FABRICATION

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SPRINKLER AGE

SEP/OCT 2021 VOL 40/05

FEATURES 12 | DIMATTEO RECEIVES 2021 HENRY S. PARMELEE AWARD

AFSA Honors Industry Leader, Visionary

18 | NFPA 13, 2022 EDITION

Changes to Sprinkler System Installation (SSI) and Sprinkler System Discharge (SSD) Criteria

20 | WHO’S WHO IN APPRENTICESHIP

Meet the Seven Apprentices Competing at AFSA40

22 | SEISMIC DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CRITERIA

New Options in NFPA 13, 2022 Edition

24 | MEMBERS COME TOGETHER

San Diego Chapter Offers Training and Social Events

26 | MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS: TECH SERVICES

AFSA Technical Reviews Save Contractors Time and Money

30 | CHEERS TO 40 YEARS!

A Look Back at Four Decades of Serving Members

34 | THE VALUE OF ROUGHNESS

Sprinkler System Hydraulics

38 | SOUTHERN FIRE SPRINKLER SUMMIT SUCCESS

Three Chapters Join Together for Education and Networking

40 | WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Five Industry Leaders Share Their Stores

46 | AFSA OBTAINS ASSE AND ICC ACCREDITATION

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

49 | REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2021 ITM CLASS

6 CHAIR’S MESSAGE 8 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 10 FLASHPOINT 50 AFSA NEWS 50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 52 AFSA CHAPTERS 53 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 54 #MEMBERSMATTER! 55 NEW MEMBERS 56 TECHNICAL CHALLENGES 58 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 60 PRODUCT NEWS 61 INDUSTRY NEWS 62 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Classes Offered to Assist Members Maintain Annual CEUs and CPDs

48 | THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

ON THE COVER: George DiMatteo, vice president of Ferguson Enterprises, is the 2021 recipient of AFSA’s Henry S. Parmelee Award.

Also in this issue: NFPA 13.

Grow Your Company to Include ITM Services

SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bi-

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SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, Publisher, ext. 124

bcaputo@firesprinkler.org

“

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115;

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

For the person trying to do everything alone, the game really is over. If you want to do something big, you must link up with others. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. That’s the Law of Significance.” (John C. Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork) As this is my final column, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team that has supported me. From my fellow Board members to the staff who keeps our organization running each day—no one could have done this job alone. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Everything we have achieved over the past two years has been a direct result of the quality people we have both on our staff and our Board of Directors.

I watched how our staff did not miss a beat when COVID hit, and we were without a president for 10 months. You doubled down and continued to provide our members with the outstanding services they have come to expect, despite doing the bulk of your work from home and over Zoom. Not only that, but our Engineering & Technical Services Department has also made some great new hires, and the technology services we provide are top-notch as a result. They will serve us well into the future as we continue to provide in-person and online education opportunities.

I want to thank our membership as well. You trusted in us to continue providing quality education, and you took those opportunities to improve yourself and your organizations. As members, you trusted in us through COVID and turbulent times within our economy. Our membership and staff have linked up and created something extraordinary.

I am turning this association over to a great friend and even greater leader. Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia, will be taking the Chair’s seat immediately following AFSA40 in San Antonio. Jack is a servant leader, one who leads with humility and trust. This organization will be in great hands with him at the helm.

If I can give any last piece of advice to Jack and those who will serve with him, I hope you continue to focus on the quality education we provide to members. Keep looking for more opportunities to bring more people, especially young people, into the trade and the association. Look to our members and our staff for help—their knowledge, wisdom, and experience have all guided my actions.

I see a great future ahead of us as an association. I am hopeful that our numbers will continue to grow and that each person will get the training and education they need to do their jobs even better. Establishing a high bar for quality leads to better contracts and happier clients. For the past two years, I have put my trust in each of you, and we have created an organization to be proud of. Keep up the hard work, the continuing education, and the high bar for quality, and you will be prepared for anything the future may bring.

I will wrap this up by saying that I am grateful to my fellow Board members for allowing me the opportunity to serve this great association as its Chair for the past two years. It has truly been one of the highlights of my career. Best to all. GOD BLESS AMERICA. n

ADVERTISING: 214-349-5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Specialist, ext. 134;

rherring@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Specialist, ext. 134;

rherring@firesprinkler.org

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS TED WILLS, Chair, 610-754-7836

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., First Vice Chair, 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, Second Vice Chair, 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, Treasurer, 603-432-8221 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

WAYNE WEISZ, Immediate Past Chair, 209-334-9119 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339

MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 757-213-3660 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136

AFSA LEADERSHIP BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, President, ext. 124 LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Senior Director, Meeting & Education Services, ext. 118 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 BRUCE LECAIR, Senior Director, Membership & Chapter Support, ext. 139

Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the fire sprinkler industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information.

Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association.

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ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

TED WILLS AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

Safety is at the forefront of every action we take as a company. To reduce risk and promote consistency, we take advantage of automatic welding technology when creating fire protection products for customers across the nation.

VISIT US ONLINE AT FERGUSON.COM/FIRE

©2021 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0721 2295610

H

PRESIDENT’S REPORT ere we grow again! In addition to expanding our technical services group, we will soon be introducing a number of great new programs, starting with our Intermediate Fire Systems Layout Course, featuring three days of introduction to BIM and REVIT with the help of our training partner, Hydratech. Additional programs in our lineup include a three-day hydraulics course, which will consist of two days of hand calcs and a day of computer hydraulics to get designers to think hydraulically while laying out systems. We also want them to consider K-factors and other advantages to reduce starting pressures and make their systems more economical hydraulically and financially. In addition, we will be launching our bi-monthly (twice per month) virtual apprenticeship training classes for those who cannot attend classes at a physical location. Our apprenticeship program will be available to indenture and help manage new enrollees around the new year.

Welcome everyone, and thank you for attending AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition and helping AFSA celebrate 40 years as the voice of the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor. This convention will be epic and remembered for many years to come, not to mention being very hard to top in the future.

This convention brings a dichotomy of emotions for me since it will be my first as a member of staff. I usually get to see things from the guest speaker and attendee perspective, so it’s exciting, with a slice of concern, to oversee the many moving pieces and details necessary to put together a convention of this size. Our staff does an amazing job, and led by Marlene Garrett, they (along with Convention Chair Linda Biernacki) deserve a lot of credit and appreciation for long months of hard work and planning to bring us all together.

Our annual convention is also a time for the changing of the guard, in terms of new members for the Board of Directors and a changing leadership structure. While no one could be happier than I to have Jack Medovich, P.E. (Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia), taking the reins as the incoming Chair, I will miss the humorous banter and challenges I’ve experience working with outgoing Chair Ted Wills (Anchor Fire Protection Co., Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania). As outgoing Chair, Ted has seen AFSA through a few interesting years and helped manage change and transitional leadership while running his own company (and spending as much time offshore fishing as possible). I know I speak for the entire industry in thanking Ted for his service to AFSA, and we hope he has enjoyed the time as much as we’ve benefited from his leadership.

Your association will be in great hands with Jack at the helm. He is president of Fire & Life Safety America, a former firefighter, a former fire official, and a graduate of the University of Maryland. A family man with four adult children, Jack is an avid golfer, my former boss, and one of the most influential and encouraging people in my life.

We’re also saying farewell to longtime AFSA member of the Board Dwight Bateman (Southeast Fire Protection, Houston, Texas), who will be retiring at the end of this year. Dwight has served as Region 4 director for almost 20 years and is a past Chair of the Board. Like so

8 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

many AFSA volunteer Board members, Dwight has donated his time and attention for the greater good of our industry and the mission of AFSA. Dwight always puts the interests of our members first and leads with character and grace. I hope you will wish Dwight and Ted well when you see them around the convention!

This year’s Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient is George DiMatteo of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication. Those of us who know George and have the privilege of working with him directly or indirectly know the words humble, hardworking, dedicated, and honorable all come to mind when you see or hear his name. George always steps up to support AFSA and the fire sprinkler industry with donations of time, equipment, materials, and encouragement.

George is a well-deserving recipient of our industry’s highest honor!

Our 2021 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year, Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, was a unanimous decision and an easy choice to make. I have known Chief Browning for many years, and I can attest that our industry has no better friend in any state fire marshal’s office than Butch Browning. His passion for life safety and his belief in the need to include sprinklers in all construction occupancies are unsurpassed. Chief Browning knows fire fighting begins at the plan check table, not when the bell rings, and he is proud to share his belief in our shared mission. I am always so very proud to stand next to this man and especially grateful to have our association acknowledge his contributions and honor him in this way. Congratulations, Chief Browning, and thank you!

I also want to take a moment to mention how heartwarming it is to see Scott Cox honored as AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year.

Scott is a second-generation sprinkler man, and I have had the privilege of knowing Ron and Linda Cox for many years. This is a great sprinkler family with a rich history of supporting the industry and AFSA in Florida and beyond. With a brother, three of our four “kids,” plus a soon-to-be son-in-law in this business, I can relate to being a part of a sprinkler family. I know how proud the Cox family is of Scott, and it’s great to see our industry celebrate such a fine young man.

As we move ahead into a new year, just around the corner, I hope to assure you that the staff and your Board of Directors are focused on the needs of our members. We’re here to help you and this industry in every way possible. We are developing new training programs in response to the feedback we receive from members and chapter meetings. Please keep up the communication, so we’re not guessing about the issues that matter to you. Please stop by the AFSA booth and say hello. We’re looking forward to seeing you! n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

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he last few months have been extremely busy for the AFSA Engineering & Technical Services Department. We are attending or presenting at AFSA chapter meetings or events; teaching Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School; teaching the ITM Inspector Development Program; preparing, teaching, and administrating the ASSE 15010 certification program; preparing, attending, and actively lobbying for our members’ interests in the NFPA standard development process; representing our members’ interests on the NICET Fire Protection Advisory Group; preparing and presenting our technical webinars and presentations, writing technical articles for Sprinkler Age and other trade publications; and responding to members’ technical questions through our AFSA Technical Reviews (formerly known as Informal Interpretations). We are also preparing these soon-to-be-released programs: • A two-day NICET II ITM preparatory class, • A three-day hands-on ITM class, • An Intermediate Fire Systems Layout Course, and • A three-day Hydraulic Calculations class.

The NFPA revision process is in full swing. Some of the activities include the NFPA 25 Task Groups and Second Draft Meetings, NFPA 30 First Draft Meetings, NFPA 88A Task Groups, the NFPA 101/5000 First Draft Meetings, and the NFPA 915 First Draft Meetings. We are reviewing our NFPA technical committee representation, both staff and volunteers. If anyone is interested and has the time and necessary resources to represent AFSA on an NFPA technical committee, please email technical@firesprinkler. org with your name, contact information, resume, and the technical committees you would like to serve on. While we do have limited availability, we look forward to your possible involvement.

Our monthly Sprinkler Challenge webinars have been well attended, and the review comments have been outstanding. If you are not attending these webinars, you are missing a fun technical-based training event. These are always held on this first Thursday of the month for an hour. Recent topics include water flow testing and fire pump systems. Join us for some fun and education. The quarterly AHJ webinars have been very well received. These webinars are tailored to the AHJs but are open to all members. Offering training to AHJs is essential to ensure contractors receive fair, quality, and consistent plan reviews and field inspections. Our AHJs membership has been growing rapidly, and we are planning more activities to address this growth.

Activity for AFSA Technical Reviews has dramatically increased for 2021. We decided to change the name from Informal Interpretations to strengthen the impression of our technical opinions and differentiate from NFPA’s “Formal Interpretations.” AFSA’s opinions are not subordinate to NFPA’s; we just have a different process for responding. We are on pace to answer 650 inquires, which is a 50-percent increase from 2020. NFPA 13 is still the primary focus for interpretations at 67 percent of all inquiries, with NFPA 25 at 10 percent. The remaining questions focus on NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R,

10 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 22, NFPA 24, NFPA 30, NFPA 55, NFPA 82, FM, IBC, and UL topics. Questions can be on any NFPA document, model code, UL/FM standard, ISO standard—anything having to do with water-based fire protection. Our staff is responding to these requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our membership is mostly contractors. We understand when you need an answer, you usually need it now. Our typical response time is less than one day. If we disagree with what the standard says, we will work to change the language in the next revision cycle. For the next edition of these standards, we currently have over 100 proposed changes to NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R, NFPA 20, and NFPA 25 based on questions received through this service. If an email or a letter is not enough, we can conference with the contractor or AHJ to explain our stance.

Thank you to our members and friends who supported AFSA’s positions during the recent NFPA technical session voting. All of our positions were upheld. It is remarkable what a grassroots effort can produce. The three Certified Amending Motions (CAMs) we supported all passed ballot. The one CAM we brought, number 13-23 on water supply adjustments, passed the membership ballot 70 to 30 percent. The net effect will be that the language will revert to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13. The NFPA Standards Council will be reviewing the action of the NFPA membership and consider any appeals. We are aware of one appeal on our CAM number 13-23. AFSA, JCI, and NFSA jointly issued a response to the appeal. We feel confident the Standards Council will uphold the membership position on this issue.

The entire Technical Services staff will be presenting 18 of the 44 technical seminars at AFSA40 and will have a booth in the exhibition hall to discuss issues with our members. Please stop by, introduce yourself, and meet my team.

I also want to announce the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) selected my team member Kevin Hall for the 2021 SFPE “5 Under 35” award. SFPE established this annual award to recognize five individuals who best represent the industry’s top-rising leaders who give back to the fire protection engineering profession and the community.

Congratulations, Kevin! Receiving this award is an outstanding achievement. Over the years, I have worked with a lot of younger engineers. Kevin is a true professional and is among the best I have ever worked with. It is a pleasure to have Kevin on the AFSA team.

Our department is moving forward in a strong position. While our activity is heavy, we understand your workload is also heavy. Let us assist you in any way we can. We are here to support you! We look forward to seeing you at AFSA40 or a local chapter event. n

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

DIMATTEO RECEIVES 2021 HENRY S. PARMELEE AWARD AFSA HONORS INDUSTRY LEADER, VISIONARY

I

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION n 1983, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) created its highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award, to recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry and the goal of fire safety through automatic sprinklers. The recipient of this year’s award has spent over 40 years dedicated to this industry and its people. He is passionate about serving the members of the fire protection community, and his enthusiasm is infectious. For AFSA, it is an honor to recognize George DiMatteo, vice president of Ferguson Enterprises, with the 2021 Henry S. Parmelee Award.

PAVING THE WAY DiMatteo says his career in the fire protection industry is in “direct correlation” to meeting Mary Shaw in 1979. “I went to Idaho that summer to water ski and met her. I instantly knew she was ‘the one,’” DiMatteo reminisces. “I called my father and said, ‘I met the girl I’m going to marry.’ We were married a short time later.”

Within a few months, the DiMatteo’s had a son on the way.

“I now had a family to support! The family of high school friends were fitters in the 669 Sprinkler Fitter Union and were headed to Reno, Nevada, where the retrofit fire sprinkler codes were going into effect. They asked me to join them.”

The couple embraced the opportunity and moved to Reno. DiMatteo started working in the fabrication shop at Delta Fire Systems in Reno while waiting for a union apprentice position to open. Working in that shop taught DiMatteo a sense of self-worth and pride in his job. “The fitters I worked with carried a tremendous amount of pride in their work and expected the same type of work ethic from those around them,” says DiMatteo. “This is a trait I have carried with me all these years.”

Less than two years after starting with Delta Fire Systems, DiMatteo was offered a union apprenticeship in Reno or a fabrication manager position at Delta’s Transwest Supply facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Mary and I decided to relocate to Salt Lake City with our two children, Nick and Alisse.”

DiMatteo says the job was a great experience. “I truly enjoyed learning the supply business—all types of industrial, fire sprinkler, and special hazards pipe fabrication, including all the

12 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

DiMatteo and the Pacific Fire Safety team grew the company rapidly during the ‘90s.

system products. The sales side of the business and working with the customers just came naturally to me.”

The years at Delta Fire Systems provided the foundation that built DiMatteo’s career. “Many of the associates and customers I worked with then are still in our industry. Some are retired or gone, but several of them work at Ferguson today, and some are customers or competitors. I am so proud to call them all my friends.”

In 1986, DiMatteo was offered a managing partner position at JLB Pipeworks, a start-up fire sprinkler fabrication supply company in Sacramento, California. “Life was very good in Salt Lake City,” says DiMatteo. “We had our third child, Jennie. Mary’s mother and grandmother were also living close by. But my parents had retired to Northern California, and my siblings had followed them. JLB was a great opportunity to become a partner in this fabrication shop at just 29 years old and a chance to bring both of our families together.

We couldn’t pass that up.”

The DiMatteos relocated to Sacramento and brought Mary’s family with them. The highlight of DiMatteo’s time at JLB was when his father came out of retirement to help grow the company. “While he did not know our business,” notes DiMatteo, “he was a professional businessman. He became our outside salesman and was the face of the company. My father was a true people person. Everyone was attracted to his personality.”

DiMatteo says he has been “gifted” with several of his father’s traits. “He taught me to have strong ethics, how to treat people with respect from a young age, and always do what you say you’re going to do! He would tell me, ‘Business is business. It doesn’t matter if it’s the produce business, the restaurant business, or the pipe valve and fitting business. It’s all the same rules.’”

His father also taught him invaluable lessons about making and maintaining business relationships. “My dad used to say, ‘Keep it simple—take care of your customers and your associates,” DiMatteo remembers. “I realize today his advice was like gold. I still say those same words all these years later.”

DiMatteo notes that there’s not one business that isn’t a relationship business. “It’s the relationships I’ve built over 40 years that have gotten me to the point I’m at today. My customers and the people I work with are the same people I spend time and travel with on vacations. I have lifetime relationships from those that began in this business.”

Those relationships helped sustain DiMatteo when a recession hit in the early ‘90s and impacted business at JLB. “JLB offered my ‘life’s lessons’ years,” states DiMatteo. “They say in business, and in life, you’ll make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them. Thank God I learned. Years later, when I was at Ferguson, and the 2007-2009 recession hit, I remembered those lessons, so we made sure we made the right decisions at Ferguson Fire & Fabrication.”

In 1992, DiMatteo became the first associate and territory manager under Lee Klein at Pacific Fire Safety, a division of Ferguson Enterprises. “I had a customer base from JLB and started selling almost immediately,” DiMatteo remembers. “All of those relationships I built over the first 12 years of my career came to fruition. My father passed away a few months after I came to Pacific Fire Safety, but his lessons stayed with me, and we started growing that business.”

DiMatteo surrounded himself with experienced leaders to open Pacific’s first fire supply branch in Woodland, California.

Within seven years, they added six locations in Northern California. Next, Klein created and placed DiMatteo on the “A-Team” to focus on national expansion through acquisitions. In 2000, DiMatteo acquired and managed Pacific’s first fabrication shop.

Thus began a stream of 10 acquisitions over the next 10 years.

“I learned early on in my career that this was not unlike a team sport,” says DiMatteo. “If we wanted to win, then we were going to have to assemble a winning team. I have always surrounded myself with the best and smartest associates in the business.”

In 2004, with the national expansion of Pacific Fire Safety moving rapidly, DiMatteo relocated to Mansfield, Texas, to become a regional manager. “When we were growing so quickly, Lee had the forethought to spread the experienced managers out across the country so we could share our business culture to manage the acquisitions and build out each area,” DiMatteo notes.

CREATING FERGUSON FIRE & FABRICATION In 2005, after the acquisition of the Clark Group, an equal-sized business with 12 locations and a wealth of great

Pacific Fire Safety’s team and customers vacationed together in Cabo San Lucas in 2004. leaders and talent, Pacific Fire Safety officially changed its name to Ferguson Fire & Fabrication (FFF), and DiMatteo was promoted to southwest general manager. Within 18 months, he became area manager with managers in the Southwest, Midwest, and Southeast areas under his supervision. He stayed in that position until Klein retired in 2011 and was subsequently promoted to district manager over the United States and president of FFF. “In my positions at Ferguson, we have been able to influence the advancement of our industry,” DiMatteo proudly states. “In the earliest day of outside fabrication shops, our goal was to be a cost-effective, value-added means for contractors to utilize. We managed the complete job—from the time it was designed to the time of jobsite delivery for installation on the project start date —with very little contractor involvement. Combining professional supply distribution and fabrication has changed the industry.”

One of DiMatteo’s career highlights was in 2016 when he was promoted to regional vice president with parent company Ferguson Enterprises. “With this promotion, I knew Fire & Fabrication would always have a seat on the executive leadership team and that it was recognized as a core business within the Ferguson family,” comments DiMatteo. “We are the smallest business within the Ferguson family, but we are core. It was a great promotion for our whole business and what Lee and all of us had worked for during the previous 20 years.”

Bruce LaRue, former president of the fire sprinkler division at Potter Electric Signal Co., LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, met DiMatteo during Pacific Fire Safety’s formative years. “George and I traveled up and down the Pacific coast with a caravan of Pacific’s employees and vendors, introducing the fire sprinkler contracting community to our concept.”

He continues: “It was clear to me early on and holds true today that George’s work ethic and industry knowledge have contributed to Ferguson Fire and Fabrication success. My best description of George and my relationship is best described by the following; ‘Respect is earned, honesty is appreciated, trust is gained, and loyalty is returned.’ I am positive that all who have dealt with George feel the same.”

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 13

DiMatteo and the Pacific Fire Safety team gathered for its annual meeting in 1998.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS In 1986, DiMatteo attended his first AFSA convention in Anaheim, California. It was the fourth convention for the organization. “It was very special to be there and be part of the beginnings of this association,” says DiMatteo. “It was my first true experience of being involved in the fire sprinkler industry. I had known or met many of the manufacturers before, but I could talk to everyone in just a couple of days at the convention. I saw all of the new products like this new plastic pipe called CPVC that we were going to use in residential.”

DiMatteo added new product lines and built several new relationships during that convention, meeting Eileen O’Neil with Star Sprinkler, Wendall Persing with Persing Hangers, Bill Vollmar with Top Brand, Riken Groove and Bill Sallee with R.G. Sloane CPVC, Randy Greenslate with Argco, and others. “It was a life-changing event for me,” he remembers.

In the following years, he continued attending AFSA conventions on the West Coast and participating in the nearest membership meetings, which the Bay Area Chapter hosted. Members came together to promote the industry, and business and personal connections were built during those events. “Tom McKinnon, Fred Benn, Bill Sallee... all AFSA Chapter members at that time traveled to town and city hall meetings in Northern California to advocate for residential fire sprinklers in the city and county codes,” remembers DiMatteo. ”I’ve always been that guy who wanted to instill change or make an impression in the industry. Residential sprinklers were new and exciting back then.

We got on board pretty quick with that.”

DiMatteo also notes that camaraderie in the Sacramento area didn’t exist in the industry back then like it does today. “Creating the AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter helped bring people together.

We’d hold meetings, have barbecues, set up golf tournaments, and host other social events to build relationships with fellow members and our customers and competitors in the industry.”

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication encourages its employees to be active in the industry’s chapters and associations and try to have Ferguson representatives at every meeting and charity event. And

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Ferguson Fire & Fabrication was proud to be a platinum sponsor of AFSA’s 2015 convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ferguson Enterprises has taken note of that involvement. “Our CEO is a strong advocate of all trade associations and encourages all division leadership to be involved with them.”

“It’s a true win-win for Ferguson and contractors,” continues DiMatteo. “Again, it’s all about relationships and how involved Fire and Fabrication is with associations.”

DiMatteo has served his industry on a national level as a member of several AFSA committees: Membership, Apprenticeship & Education, Convention, and the National Apprentice Competition sub-committee. He is also a member of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).

“I am very proud of the National Apprentice Competition— the competitors and their accomplishments—and how we support this event,” says DiMatteo. “The Contractor and Associate members of this sub-committee have worked hard to make this event a success. We now have a rotation schedule in place, so one supplier member is the material provider for the entire event for the year, which streamlines the entire process.

This year is Ferguson Fire & Fabrication’s year to donate materials and time at the show, and we are proud and excited to do so.”

His association involvement has allowed DiMatteo to spend time with contractors to discover how best to serve them. “I enjoy visiting with contractors. I want to find what we can do better to help them. How can I meet their needs? What’s the hardest part of their job and what we can do to make that easier on them?”

MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION True to his visionary outlook, DiMatteo mentors up-andcoming leaders in the industry. Ferguson Fire & Fabrication has run its college recruitment sales and management training programs to entice talented young professionals into the industry for many years. “These trainees are the lifeblood and future of our company and our industry,” he notes. “It’s no different than AFSA’s apprenticeship program—education and training cultivate talent in our industry.”

The program, which is an eight-month course, was developed after seeing the success of Ferguson Enterprises’ training

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From l to r: DiMatteo, Jon Lopez, and Jim Bosomworth taking care of business at Ferguson Fire & Fabrication’s 2019 sales meeting.

program. Hundreds of trainees have gone through the process.

“I believe the future is bright for those starting out in our industry,” DiMatteo says. “We also reach out to trade schools and retired military personnel. I don’t have a college degree; I learned everything through life training. I started out threading pipe, and now I sit on the executive leadership team at Ferguson Enterprises. There’s nothing these young people and secondcareer professionals can’t do.”

DiMatteo believes developing leaders will create strong advocates for the industry, whether they continue to work for Ferguson or not. “I believe if we can keep you in this industry for five years, then we have you for life,” he asserts. “Giving back to the industry is what legacy is all about. We cannot grow this industry without these young people, either as Associate members or contractors. We have to keep training and cultivating talent.”

LOOKING AHEAD “This job is not my life, but this industry has been my life,” says DiMatteo. “It gave me a sense of pride when I first came into the industry. The expectation was to do that job perfectly because lives depended on those fire safety systems. It meant a lot back then and still does today. That pride has carried with me all these years. But I still have a little gas left in the tank! I’m not going anywhere soon!”

When he’s not working, DiMatteo and his wife enjoy traveling with friends and spending time with their children and their families. They are the proud grandparents of five grandsons, ages one through 11. The families often gather everyone together at the DiMatteo’s house on Lake Granbury. “We’re lucky that most of our extended family has relocated to Texas.”

The couple also enjoys motorcycle trips with business friends.

“We just completed a 2,000-mile trip over 10 days through Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho,” comments DiMatteo. “I ride with the guys I work with every day. Our wives are all friends, too. Mary and I have ridden over 75,000 miles of our country’s roads together over the years. We love it.”

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DiMatteo and crew making a pit stop in Oatman, Nevada, during a 2016 motorocylce trip along Route 66.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AFSA will present DiMatteo with its 2021 Henry S. Parmelee Award at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held September 18-21 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The presentation will be the highlight of the general session on Monday, September 20, 2021, as indicated by the accolades about this year’s honoree.

“George’s enthusiasm and love of the fire protection industry and the people in it are evident to all who know him,” comments Chair of the AFSA Board of Directors Ted Wills, Anchor Fire Protection Co., Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. “He has given his time, energy, and talents to this industry, and we are better for it.

Congratulations, George!”

AFSA Second Vice Chair Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana, agrees. “My congratulations to George for this well-deserved and outstanding recognition by AFSA. It is apparent George loves our industry and our association. There is never a time that he backs down from an ask. He brings so much experience to the table, offers solutions, takes on challenges, and makes it better! I can always depend on him to offer his opinion along with a solution. Thank you, George!”

AFSA Region 6 Director Michael F. Meehan, CEO and president of VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, Virginia, notes DiMatteo’s generosity: “From humble beginnings, George has become an industry leader who understands the big picture. He is an ambassador for all of us—contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers. George gives back with his time and his resources and does so in a most genuine way.”

AFSA President Bob Caputo concurs: “Every year, there is no shortage of clichés and platitudes offered up when honoring someone, but this year’s selectee is as so deserving of recognition and appreciation, it’s hard not to sing his praises.”

He continues: “George is always one of the first to raise his hand and step up for this association and its members. Whether it’s time, materials, or donations, George’s dedication to this

industry is second to none. It is an honor and a privilege to know George, and I cannot overstate AFSA’s appreciation of his long-time contributions to our mission.”

AFSA Region 3 Director Rod DiBona, COO, Rapid Fire Protection Group, Rapid City, South Dakota, works with DiMatteo on the apprentice competition: “I am thrilled that George has received this great award. He has been a constant help to our industry and association for a long time. He is well respected and loved by contractors and manufacturers alike, from small to large and from coast to coast, because his focus is always on people. His servant leadership permeates all that he says and does, and many in our industry owe him a debt of gratitude.

Congratulations, George!”

AFSA Contractor member Bill Norwood, Alwest Fire Protection, Inc., Roseville, California, has known DiMatteo since the late ‘80s. “All these years later, it has always stuck in my mind that George was the ultimate coordinator. He had a way of always making the person he was talking to feel like he was very important.”

“George’s passion for the supply side of this essential industry brought us Pacific Fire Safety, then Ferguson Fire and Fabrication.

A man with the right personality and ideas can really make a difference in this country,” Norwood concludes.

“I am very pleased and congratulate the AFSA Board of Directors for honoring the importance of George DiMatteo to our industry with our Parmelee award,” comments industry veteran Kraig Kirschner, who has also known DiMatteo for many years. “George exemplifies the AFSA ethos, making him an exceptional recipient and advocate for our mission. I admire and deem it’s rare that George, unlike most presidents of large distributors, personally commits to AFSA. In doing so, He brings his prestige and wise perspective. George’s friendship and candor have enriched me personally and professionally.

Throughout my career, there are the few who ‘stand above’ …

George is one.”

Part of a motorcycle trip in 2020 took the DiMatteos to Sturgis, South Dakota.

From l to r: Bob and Natalie Knose, the DiMatteos, and Doug Gronauer.

Kirschner concludes: “George, please know I hold you in the highest regard. Here’s to enough, partner. P.S. You got lucky when you got Mary!”

DiMatteo shies from praise and always notes that it’s a “team effort,” and it’s “we not me.” He says he always strives to work alongside others, look a few years ahead and beyond, and strategize to try and improve the industry. DiMatteo looks at the past recipients of this award and is humbled to have been chosen.

“I love our industry, and I’ve tried to promote it,” he says.

“I’ve always wanted to positively influence the industry and do whatever I could do to support the contractors and their associations. This business and this industry are my life. These people are my friends. I am so honored. Thank you.” n EDITOR’S NOTE: To learn more about AFSA’s awards or to nominate someone year-round, visit www.firesprinkler.org/awards.

Henry S. Parmelee Award Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

1992

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

John M. Rhodes, FM Global Research Corp.

William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corporation C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Co. Harold L. Black, Central Fire Protection, Inc. Edward J. Reilly, Ed Reilly Associates Richard T. Groos, The Viking Corporation Ron Coleman, Chief, Fullerton Fire Dept., CA Frank J. Fee III, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Corp.

Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Department, GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corporation Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Corp.

Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co. Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Company (awarded posthumously)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021

Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corporation Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corporation Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, National Fire Protection Association Tom Groos, The Viking Corporation William E. Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership (1986-2008) Marty Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company Steve Muncy, AFSA President (1991-2016) Robert (Bob) G. Caputo, Fire & Life Safety America Kraig Kirschner, AFCON Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection George DiMatteo, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 17

NFPA 13, 2022 EDITION CHANGES TO SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION (SSI) AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM DISCHARGE (SSD) CRITERIA

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JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE & JOSHUA MCDONALD, M.S., CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION t is time to start the discussion on the changes to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition. Every three years or so, the standard is revised.

Many public inputs and public comments were submitted and debated. This cycle produced a few refinements, clarifications, and changes. The SSI Technical Committee is responsible for Chapters 1, 2, 3, 10-16, 29, 30, and Annex F. The SSD Technical Committee is responsible for Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 19-28. This article will present four interesting changes and the reasoning and commentary behind them.

LOW/HIGH SUPERVISORY AIR Low/high air pressure settings for a dry pipe system. For a dry pipe sprinkler system, the SSI technical committee provided a minimum setting for the low air pressure switch and a method to determine the high air pressure setting for the high air pressure switch. The new requirements will provide installers with information needed to set these switches appropriately. In addition, this information can be used to update the requirements in future editions of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

NFPA 13 Reference: 8.2.6.7.2.1 Public Input number: 135 First revision number: 1039 New or Revised Language: The low-pressure signal shall be set at a minimum of 5 psi (0.3 bar) above the calculated trip pressure of the dry pipe valve.

Committee Statement: A dry pipe system with air pressure that is either too low or too high is at risk. If the air pressure is too low, the dry pipe valve could trip due to the continuing loss of air pressure or from a surge in pressure from the water supply. When the dry pipe valve trips, a water flow alarm signal will be initiated, the fire department will be dispatched, and the evacuation of the building takes place. During freezing conditions, the system will fill with water, freeze, and cause a system impairment and possible system damage. If the air pressure is too high, the dry pipe valve will be delayed in tripping in a fire event resulting in a longer water delivery time and possible spread of the fire beyond the system designed remote area. A low/high air pressure switch installed on the system side of the dry pipe valve can monitor the system air pressure and alert those responsible for the system maintenance of either condition that exists.

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NFPA 13 Reference: 8.2.6.7.2.2 Public Input number: 135 First Revision number: 1039 New or Revised Language: The high-pressure signal shall be set at 5 psi (0.3 bar) above the system air pressure specified in 8.2.6.7.1.

Committee Statement: A dry pipe system with air pressure that is either too low or too high is at risk. If the air pressure is too low, the dry pipe valve could trip due to the continuing loss of air pressure or from a surge in pressure from the water supply. When the dry pipe valve trips, a water flow alarm signal will be initiated, the fire department will be dispatched, and the evacuation of the building takes place. During freezing conditions, the system will fill with water, freeze, and cause a system impairment and possible system damage. If the air pressure is too high, the dry pipe valve will be delayed in tripping in a fire event resulting in a longer water delivery time and possible spread of the fire beyond the system designed remote area. A low/high air pressure switch installed on the system side of the dry pipe valve can monitor the system air pressure and alert those responsible for the system maintenance of either condition that exists.

SMALL, ISOLATED, TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED ENCLOSURES Is sprinkler protection required for small, isolated, temporarily occupied enclosures? In the marketplace, small hearing testing booths, lactation rooms, phone booths, and similar areas are being commonplace. The SSI technical committee addressed these areas. The last sentence of the technical committee statement (maximum 4-ft horizontal length) is not supported in the new text. I am not sure what was meant by the language, but I fully agree these small “isolated” rooms do not present a fire hazard.

NFPA 13 Reference: 9.2.1 0 Public Input number: 265 First Revision number: 1102 Second Revision number: 1062 New or Revised Language: 9.2.10 Small Temporarily Occupied Enclosures.

9.2.10.1* Sprinklers shall not be required in small isolated temporarily occupied enclosures that do not extend to the ceiling.

A.9.2.10.1 These isolated spaces are similar to hearing testing booths, lactation rooms, phone booths, or pods and are not used for storage. Miscellaneous furniture, wastebaskets, and other nonstorage items are allowed in the space. Isolated is intended to mean that units should not be located adjacent to each other and are physically separated.

9.2.10.2 The maximum area of the small temporarily occupied enclosures shall not exceed 24 ft2 (2.2 m2), and storage shall not be permitted.

Committee Statement: The current NFPA 13 standard does not address small, occupied spaces, so some Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) require sprinkler protection because they are occupied spaces. They are usually installed in open office spaces, and bringing a pipe feeding a sprinkler in the booth from the ceiling sprinkler system is a problem for aesthetic reasons. Most of these booths are mobile, so once the sprinkler pipe is installed, they lose this feature. Some booths are required to be soundproofed and the pipe penetration for sprinkler installation could create a problem.

Due to limited size (maximum 4-ft horizontal length) and sprinkler protection above, they do not increase fire hazard.

SINGLE POINT DENSITY Single point densities and the elimination of the density curves for new systems have finally been accepted by the SSD technical committee. The density curves have now been limited to existing systems.

AFSA’s technical staff has supported this change for over 20 years.

NFPA 13 Reference: 19.2.3.1.1 and others Public Input number: 125 First Revision number: 1334 New or Revised Language: This table shows the new single point density area options for the 2022 edition of NFPA 13: Hazard

GPM/FT2 / FT2

Light

0.1/1500 or 0.07/3000*

Ordinary Group 1

0.15/1500 or 0.12/3000*

Ordinary Group 2

0.2/1500 or 0.17/3000*

Extra Group 1

0.3/2500 or 0.28/3000*

Extra Group 2

0.4/2500 or 0.38/3000*

Committee Statement: In the development of the 2002 edition of NFPA 13, the proposal of single point densities (the elimination of the density curves) was approved by the technical committee but overturned at the annual meeting technical session. Multiple new orifice sizes have been introduced which eliminate the need to slide up curves to reduce operating pressures. Testing of Class III storage at Underwriters Laboratory have demonstrated the weakness of the curves as the area of operation gets larger (3,000 ft2). The curves were first developed in the late ‘60s to early ‘70s, using limited fire tests and K5.6/K8.0 sprinklers—they are not relative to the performance of larger K factors now required by NFPA 13 for higher densities.

Higher initial starting pressures associated with larger design areas have also been called into question with additional testing of the K14 ESFR and K8.0 (all testing has been submitted to the committee over time).

Data from the development of the storage curves show us that there were no tests run for the 5 Class I curves, one test run for the 5 Class III curves, and no successful test (in today’s criteria) for the Class 4 curves. The bulk of the testing was with Class II storage, and the assumption of “Parallelism” was adopted so limited testing could develop

like curves. This proposal does not eliminate the curves; it limits them to existing systems.

PHANTOM FLOW The “Phantom Flow” calculation approach has been in the standard for several cycles. The language has changed slightly in each cycle in an attempt to clarify the approach. In this cycle, AFSA believes the SSD technical committee finally provided clear language with a diagram that works.

NFPA 13 Reference: 28.2.4.2.5* Public Input number: 312 First Revision number: 1315 New or Revised Language: Where the total design discharge from the operating sprinklers is less than the minimum required discharge determined by multiplying the required design density times the required minimum design area, an additional flow shall be added at the point of common connection closest to the source to increase the overall demand, not including hose stream allowance, to the minimum required discharge.

The annex figure was revised to show that the added flow is assigned at the connection to the cross main:

Committee Statement: The current wording contradicts itself.

The text states additional flow is being added at the point of connection of the branch line to the cross main. After that, it states to go the furthest from the source to add the additional flow. The point of connection would be closer to the source if it is the branch line connecting to the cross main, not further away. n ABOUT THE AUTHORS: John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, is vice president of engineering & technical services for AFSA. He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) registered in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is a NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems and an NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP). Denhardt has a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a member of NFPA 13 AUT-AAC, NFPA 13 AUT-SSD, and NFPA 14 technical committees and is an SFPE Fellow.

Joshua McDonald, M.S., CFPS, is a technical programs specialist for AFSA, where he is responsible for developing, updating, and delivering technical content. He has experience in all areas of training for fire protection industry professionals, including web-based and handson learning. McDonald received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology and Master of Science degree in Fire Safety and Explosion Protection from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of NFPA and SFPE.

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 19

WHO’S WHO IN APPRENTICESHIP MEET THE SEVEN APPRENTICES COMPETING AT AFSA40

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REBECCA HERRING | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to host the 28th Annual National Apprentice Competition (NAC) this year at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition and Apprentice Competition in San Antonio, Texas. This competition allows apprentices representing member companies from across the country to compete in two phases of testing, written and hands-on, for the chance at national recognition and cash prizes. Winning will prove to be no easy feat, however, as this comprehensive two-phase testing approach pushes students to utilize all their fire sprinkler knowledge in both practical and logical ways.

AFSA’s apprentice competition, started in 1994 by the late Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chair of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee, was created to promote apprentice training and give recognition to the apprentices who are actively enrolled in the AFSA Apprenticeship program. Twenty-eight years later, the competition continues to attract more fire sprinkler apprentices from AFSA local chapters and member training programs from all corners of the United States, bringing them together annually for the fire sprinkler industry’s foremost showcase of training excellence.

COURSE TO COMPETITION Eligibility for apprentices to compete is based on the following criteria: their employer must be a member of AFSA in good standing, the apprentice must actively be participating in the AFSA apprenticeship courses or enrolled in the NCCER/AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitting Training Series, and they must have at least one year of field experience with a minimum of six months combined hands-on experience in cutting, threading, and installing steel pipe and CPVC pipe.

The first phase of competition consists of a two-hour multiplechoice, written exam provided by AFSA. The test is proctored online, making it accessible to contestants from all 50 states. The results of this test will determine who will go on to participate in the live competition at AFSA40.

The top seven scoring apprentices in Phase I receive the following: a full registration to the convention and a second full registration for their employer; an expense-paid trip to San Antonio to compete; accommodations at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa; and a brand new set of hand tools to use in Phase II.

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Phase II entails a more thorough written exam given at the convention, followed by a live practical in the exhibition hall at AFSA40 in San Antonio. The Phase II exam is based on all four levels of the AFSA/NCCER Contren Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. Following the written exam is the live practical where finalists cut, thread, and install a steel and CPVC piping system with sprinkler heads and perform a water pressure test.

The mini fire sprinkler systems created are graded on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety. The combined results of the Phase II written and hands-on tests determine the winner. A lot is on the line for these apprentice hopefuls as prizes are awarded based on finishing rank: first place takes home a $5,000 cash prize, second place receives $3,000, third place receives $2,000, and all other finalists receive $1,000.

MEET THE FINALISTS This year the nation’s top seven apprentices will make their way to San Antonio to try their luck at becoming the next AFSA National Apprentice Competition champion. Sprinkler Age caught up with each finalist for a quick Q&A to help you get to know the finalists before cheering them on during the live competition.

James Ainey, Cox Fire Protection, Tampa, FL What do you enjoy most about the work you do? Personally, I enjoy a good challenge, so the job always switching back and forth between the physical (such as manual labor and physical obstruction) and mental (such as project management and jobsite politics) is engaging. I feel like I am constantly being challenged in new ways.

What does the future of the industry look like to you? Personally, I think the future of the industry is promising. With safety measures and requirements getting more and more strict as society grows, it’s only a matter of time until every new build is required to have a sprinkler system, which will continue to spark growth in the trade and the technology within.

Jonas Cassity, Kobobel Fire Protection, LLC, Windsor, CO Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I chose this field of work because I wanted to follow my father, and I wanted a rewarding job that taught me a valuable trade.

What is the key ingredient to your success? I ask lots of questions and stay focused on the quality of my work.

From l to r: James Ainey, Jonas Cassity, Jason Collins, Corten Dobesh, Conner Jones, James Rico, and Matthew Tyre are the seven finalists for AFSA’s 28th Annual National Apprentice Competition, to be held during AFSA40 in San Antonio, Texas.

Jason CollinsAll Fire Solutions, Greenwood, IN Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I have been a firefighter for 29 years and have worked construction most of my life. Fire protection seemed to be a passion of mine. When I was given the opportunity to pursue two of the things I loved the most, it felt like I was in the right place.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? The fire protection trade is a very demanding but rewarding career. Never think that the work you do is just good enough; instead, make sure that the job is always done right.

Corten Dobesh, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Rapid City, SD What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I really enjoy working with my coworkers as well as coming across problems to solve or obstacles to overcome in the field. I also really enjoy seeing the finished product of my work.

What is the key ingredient to your success? I am not afraid to fail. I enjoy taking on a challenge and seeing how well I can perform. I work the hardest I can to make sure that my work is clean and looks good, too.

Conner Jones, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I’ve always liked doing things with my hands. It feels good to be able to look back at the end of the day and say, “Look what I accomplished today.” It’s nice to do something that feels this important, and I take it very seriously as what we do can be the difference between life and death.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? DO IT! I wanted to be an engineer, but the more I looked at it, the less it made sense financially. This trade has so many potential ending roles. Get as much certification, training, and education in as many parts as you can. This makes you valuable anywhere, to any employer, and to yourself!

James Rico, Western Fire Protection, Poway, CA Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I wanted to learn a trade, and I had a friend already in the industry. He steered me in the direction of fire protection.

What’s the key ingredient to your success? I have a great support system. My foreman and employer put me in a great position to succeed.

Matthew Tyre, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., Vista, CA What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? Every day is different. My work makes a difference and has an impact on lives when it matters. The community is small and strong.

Additionally, I have never met another fitter who didn’t have an

honorable motive to be in this industry. People are here because they want to save lives and property!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? Listen to your foreman, ask questions, and be willing to go above and beyond. This trade is filled with both opportunities and potential for growth.

COME CHEER THEM ON! Which of our seven finalists will emerge on top at AFSA’s 28th annual competition? Watch the event live at AFSA40 on the afternoon of September 21 in the exhibition hall. The winner will be crowned at the apprentice awards party at Knibbe Ranch that evening.

AFSA wishes all of our finalists the best of luck! For more information about the competition, or all things AFSA40, visit www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA40. n

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SEISMIC DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CRITERIA NEW OPTIONS IN NFPA 13, 2022 EDITION KEVIN HALL, M.ENG., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

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hen protecting against seismic forces, most building systems follow the requirements in ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. For sprinkler systems, seismic protection designed and installed in accordance with Chapter 18 of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition is considered equivalent.

Due to the hard work of the members of the technical committee for hanging and bracing of water-based fire protection systems (AUT-HBS), the simplified calculation method prescribed in NFPA 13 is permitted.

During the 2022 revision cycle, the simplified requirements for seismic design were revamped and expanded to allow for the savvy designer to account for more specific design criteria that was generalized in the previous iterations of the standard.

Specifically, the designer can now consider more accurate data points using the short period spectral response acceleration parameter (Ss), site class, and relative height within a building to determine the appropriate seismic coefficient for each sprinkler system within a structure.

Seismic design may seem like a daunting task for those that are unfamiliar with the process, but once a designer is familiar with the process, it is as simple as verifying that the strength of each of the components of a seismic brace (system

22 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

Ss

Default Cp

Site Class – Specific Cp A

B

C

D

0.33 or less

0.24

0.13

0.14

0.21

0.24

0.4

0.28

0.15

0.17

0.25

0.28

0.5

0.33

0.19

0.21

0.31

0.33

0.6

0.37

0.23

0.26

0.36

0.37

0.7

0.41

0.27

0.30

0.40

0.41

0.8

0.45

0.30

0.34

0.45

0.45

0.9

0.51

0.34

0.38

0.51

0.48

1.0

0.56

0.38

0.42

0.56

0.52

Figure 1. NFPA 13, 2022 edition Table 18.5.9.3 Seismic Coefficient Table (partial).

pipe, brace member, brace fitting, attachments to the structure) are stronger than the horizontal force exerted through the zone of influence. The key to the changes made for the 2022 edition of NFPA 13 is that the horizontal force is equal to the seismic coefficient (Cp) times the weight of water-filled pipe (Wp) in the zone of influence. The new provisions permit the designer to utilize smaller Cp values to decrease the horizontal force and create more efficient seismic designs by increasing the spacing between braces and decreasing the number of braces that need to be installed.

The trick is knowing where to find the Ss. Previously the U.S. Geological Survey had an interactive map where the Ss at any set of coordinates could be determined, but that service has transitioned over to the quasi-government organization of the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC). Any Ss can be looked up or verified by simply typing in the address of your project into SEAOC’s database (seismicmaps.org). Previous editions would limit the use of the “Default Cp,” which is shown in the new table for 2022.

DETERMINING SS

The expanded table now includes additional values for Cp based on the site class of a building. (See Figure 1.)

In order to utilize the site class reduction, data must be obtained from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). In

Prior to the 2022 edition, the seismic coefficient (Cp) was simply determined by taking the short period spectral response acceleration parameter (Ss) and looking up the corresponding value in Table 18.5.9.3.

SITE CLASS

this case, the AHJ is not necessarily the fire code official or the plans reviewer but a civil or structural engineer competent in seismic design analysis who would provide the applicable site class for a project. Site classes used for seismic design include the following: A – Hard Rock B – Rock C – Very dense soil or soft rock D – Stiff soil E – Soft clay soil Without this determination, the sprinkler designer would be limited to the default Cp, which is consistent with the data published in the previous edition of NFPA 13.

RELATIVE HEIGHT One of the main concepts of seismic design is that the horizontal force is amplified proportionately to the distance above the grade plane. The simplified method for seismic design assumed that all system piping being protected was located at the highest level. For the 2022 edition, allowance can be taken to reduce the Cp selected from Table 18.5.9.3 even further by taking into account the relative height of the system within a building. New sections 18.5.9.3.5 and 18.5.9.3.5 provide two prescriptive options for systems located between 51 and 75 percent of the average roof height and systems located less than 50 percent of the average roof height.

18.5.9.3.4* Where the height of the component attachment to the structure is between 51 percent and 75 percent of the average roof height, the Cp value shall be permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 0.875.

18.5.9.3.5 Where the height of the component attachment to the structure is less than 50 percent of the average roof height, the Cp value shall be permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 0.75. (See Figure A.18.5.9.3.4.)

When applying these requirements, the average roof height is measured from the grade plane and should consider the average height based on the peak and eave of the roof. It should be noted that the

relative height utilized in sections 18.5.9.3.4 and 18.5.9.3.5 is measured to the attachment to the structure and not the system piping.

CONCLUSION While the changes made to seismic design requirements for sprinkler systems met some opposition at the committee meetings, based on the argument that the new data would make the design process too cumbersome for inexperienced designers, a counterpoint was made that the language was not added to penalize the inexperienced, but to permit those who truly understand the process a means to reduce conservative design parameters and provide a more efficient seismic protection scheme. For those interested in the derivation of the simplified requirements in Chapter 18, Annex E in NFPA 13 provides a detailed explanation of the process the committee went through to make equivalent requirements to ASCE 7. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the coordinator of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He has been in the fire protection industry for nearly 10 years. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Hall is a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 1 Fire Code Correlating Committee; NFPA 1 Building Systems and Special Occupancies; NFPA 1 Special Equipment, Processes, and Hazardous Materials; NFPA 13 Residential Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems; and NFPA 20 Fire Pumps. He also represents AFSA on the majority of UL standard technical panels (STP) involving the sprinkler industry, including STP 199 Sprinkler Equipment for Fire Protection.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The table in Figure 1 represents a portion of the entire table; the remaining lines were cut for space. Refer to NFPA 13, 2022 edition to view the table in its entirety.

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 23

MEMBERS COME TOGETHER SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OFFERS TRAINING AND SOCIAL EVENTS

M

SCOTT UREN | TITAN FIRE PROTECTION

embers of the San Diego Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) have been busy this summer with training and social events, bringing members together to network and socialize.

On June 14, the chapter’s NextGen Committee hosted a happy hour bowling event. It was great to see so many AFSA/ CAFSA apprentices in attendance and other Under 40 staff from our member contractors. The NextGen committee has been kicking it into high gear this year and putting on many events to drive member

AFSA SAN DIEGO NEXT GEN FREE FOR ANYONE 40 AND UNDER

AFSA NEXT GENERATION MEMBERS BENEFITS: PLEASE REACH OUT TO ONE OF THE CONTACTS BELOW TO BE PUT ON THE MAILING LIST AND RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: BRYON FULLER BFULLER@TITANFPINC.COM EDUARDO MARTINEZ EMARTINEZ@TITANFPINC.COM ERIKA JIMENEZ ERIKAF@ADFIRESPRINKLERS.COM CHRIS KAWADA CKAWADA@MICTESTING.COM

- NETWORK WITH LIKE-MINDED PEERS AT AFSA ORGANIZED SOCIAL EVENTS - EXPOSURE TO LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ROLES IN THE INDUSTRY - EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES - ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

UPCOMING EVENTS: - FRISBEE GOLF EVENT (SEPTEMBER) - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SPRINKLER INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION (OCTOBER)

- CASINO NIGHT HOLIDAY PARTY (DECEMBER)

Half c orner

The San Diego Chapter heavily markets to its NextGen members with training, employment, and networking opportunities.

24 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

participation. Thank you to Chair Erika Jimenez, Bryon Fuller, Chris Kawada, and Eduardo Martinez for all the time and effort that goes into planning and executing these events.

On Thursday, June 17, the chapter hosted its annual Trade Day event with guest speakers Bob Caputo, CFPS, AFSA president; Steve Leyton, founder and president of Protection Design & Consulting; and Nick Immekus, director of business development for Compliance Engine. The event was well attended by local contractors, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and vendors/suppliers. A big thank you to the presenters who put on well-informed and entertaining presentations. It doesn’t hurt that most of them were playing to the hometown crowd. All the credit goes to Mark Scott and Rhonda Gudger for scheduling the presenters, coordinating the event, and ensuring that everything went off without a hitch. Thank you to all involved!

The California American Fire Sprinkler Association (CAFSA) held its annual “Train the Trainer” event June 25-27 in Poway, California. CAFSA Instructors Keith Kanie, Mark Clemens, and Scott Uren traveled to Sacramento, where AFSA members from around the state gathered to review curriculum, share teaching strategies, and throw a couple of axes. Thank you to the CAFSA staff for hosting the event and allowing us to interact with and learn from such a diverse and dedicated group of professionals.

On Friday, August 13, the chapter hosted its annual golf tournament benefiting the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. This year’s event was held at Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. We had an incredible turnout and tons of support from vendors, sponsors, and member contractors. The winning four-

some was Chris Harris, Ron Devito, Clay Guthrie, and Chris Ward from the Core & Main team with a score of 55. It’s always a good time when we can get everyone together in person and play some golf for a great cause! Thank you to all the supporters and to the golf committee (Mark Scott, Rhonda Gudger, Steve Leyton, Dan Conley, and Jim Gudger) for putting on such a great event. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

The chapter leadership would like to congratulate James Rico, Western Fire Protection, Inc., and Matthew Tyre, Titan Fire Protection, Inc., for qualifying for the National Apprentice Competition at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held in San Antonio, Texas, in September. We wish you the best of luck!

The chapter has had an eventful summer, and we look forward to upcoming fall and winter events: the NextGen Frisbee Golf Tourney, a panel discussion on employment opportunities in the fire sprinkler industry, and our annual casino night/holiday party.

For more information on the chapter and its events, contact Chapter Executive Director Rhonda Gudger via email at rhondasandiegoafsa@gmail.com or phone at 951-326-4600. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Uren, president of Titan Fire Protection in Vista, California, is the chair of the AFSA San Diego Chapter.

Clockwise, from l to r: A Hot Shot golf ball launcher ensured members hit the fairway on at least one hole. A Warrior Foundation Freedom station was set up at the chapter’s golf tournament. CAFSA instructors finished a day of training with some axe throwing. AFSA President Bob Caputo was a guest speaker at the chapter’s Trade Day event.

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 25

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS: TECH SERVICES AFSA TECHNICAL REVIEWS SAVE CONTRACTORS TIME AND MONEY

A

REBECCA HERRING | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION re you using one of your most valuable American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) membership benefits? Access to AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department and its archives of AFSA Technical Reviews is consistently one of the highest-rated benefits of membership. Have you taken advantage of it?

AFSA’s Technical Reviews save members time and money. Shouldn’t your membership be working for you?

GOODBYE INFORMAL INTERPRETATIONS, HELLO AFSA TECHNICAL REVIEWS Previously known as Informal Interpretations, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services staff has changed the name for its technical opinion service on any subject related to automatic fire sprinklers to AFSA Technical Reviews.

There was some confusion with the “Informal” aspect of the previous name.

The name was changed to strengthen the impression of AFSA’s technical opinions and differentiate from NFPA’s “Formal Interpretations.” AFSA’s opinions are not subordinate to NFPA’s; AFSA just utilizes a different process for responding to requests.

AFSA TECHNICAL REVIEWS SAVE TIME AND MONEY In a 2019 survey, four out of five AFSA contractors said industry information, along with having access to AFSA Engineering & Technical Services Department’s Technical Reviews, are equally important reasons why they initially joined.

26 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

Submitting a question for an AFSA Technical Review is easy! Just log in on firesprinkler.org and click on “Technical Services.”

When submitting an AFSA Technical Review, AFSA members can ask questions on any NFPA document, model code, UL/FM Standard, ISO standard, or anything to do with water-based fire protection. The Technical Review request log is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, meaning AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services team is always working to answer your questions as quickly as possible! In fact, most responses are turned around in approximately 24 hours.

If, for any reason, the Engineering & Technical Services staff disagrees with the standard, the team actively works to change the language in the next revision cycle. Currently, there are over 100 proposed changes to NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 20, and 25—all based on questions received through this service.

Additionally, if email/letter correspondence responses are not enough to accurately explain AFSA’s stance on a particular subject, the AFSA Engineering & Technical Services team is happy to conference with the contractor or Author-

ity Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to provide further explanation or clarification.

“We are on pace to answer 650 inquires this year, a 50-percent increase from 2020,” states AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE. “We know AFSA contractors are busy, and that time is money. Let AFSA’s Tech Services team help resolve conflicts and get you back to work.”

SUBMITTING A QUESTION FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW Requesting an AFSA Technical Review is easy! To submit a new request online: 1. Log on to firesprinkler.org.

2. Click on “Technical Services” > “AFSA Technical Review.”

3. Enter your username and password.

4. At the AFSA Technical Review page, click on “Ask A Question.”

5. Click the link to “Submit a question for a review.”

While the preferred submission method is utilizing the online form,

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requests may be emailed to technical@ firesprinkler.org. If you need to submit sketches or other documentation, you can submit those via email and reference the Technical Review that you are submitting.

Please note that these opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them.

SEARCHING THE TECHNICAL REVIEWS ARCHIVE You can also look through the online archives of previously answered Technical Reviews. Searches of past reviews can be done by “Question Contains,” “NFPA Standard,” “NFPA Edition,” or by “NFPA Paragraph Contains.” The accumulated questions are on file should answer most of the questions. To search the Technical Review Archives: 1. Log on to firesprinkler.org.

2. Click on “Technical Services” > “AFSA Technical Review.”

3. Enter your username and password.

4. At the AFSA Technical Review page, click on “Search Archive.”

5. Fill in the appropriate search fields.

For more information and to search online, visit AFSA’s website or call AFSA at 214-349-5965.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP It’s how many times you use your membership benefits—and the time and money saved from using them — that determines the real value. With so many membership benefits offered by AFSA, Sprinkler Age is featuring a “Membership Has Its Benefits” column. Every issue, a new membership benefit is featured to help members keep up with all of the valuable benefits they can take advantage of and help understand how to best utilize them.

“I always enjoy talking with members about what AFSA can do for them,” says AFSA Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Support Bruce Lecair. “AFSA can meet your needs and help grow your business, whether it’s through technical services, education, training, networking, or any of the other benefits we offer.”

Come see what all AFSA has to offer.

The association is currently offering six-

month trial memberships for contractors and 12-month trial memberships for AHJs for free! You can learn more about this promotion and join at www.firesprinkler.org/trial.

AFSA is offering an opportunity for current members as well. As a member, you know firsthand that investing in AFSA membership pays off. Depending on your number of employees, your investment is a few cents per hour per employee. Tell a contractor or associate friend in the industry why you are an AFSA member, and when they join or rejoin, you’ll receive a $100 Amazon gift card! Any member can get a $100 gift card for recruiting a contractor member.

As an incentive to the company to join or rejoin, they will receive one AFSA on-demand webinar of their choice absolutely free—including CEUs (up to $250 value)!

It’s our way to say thank you and welcome!

See firesprinkler.org for details.

For more information, contact AFSA’s Membership & Chapter Support Department via email at membership@ firesprinkler.org,or call 214-349-5965. n

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CHEERS TO 40 YEARS! A LOOK BACK AT FOUR DECADES OF SERVING MEMBERS

T

his year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) will celebrate at its 40th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas! With such a milestone anniversary comes the opportunity to reflect on how far the association has come in 40 years. In this issue, Sprinkler Age looks back on highlights of the past four decades and looks toward the next 40 years.

THE ‘80S While AFSA was born in 1981, the seeds for its foundation were planted in the ‘70s. As reported in Fire Protection Contractor (FPC) magazine article “Roots: A Brief History of The American Fire Sprinkler Association” (September 1985), in the fall of 1972, Ed Smith started a non-union company, Home Fire Sprinkler, Inc., and interest in open shop construction began. Non-union contractor membership was explored for the National Automatic Sprinkler & Fire Control Association [the precursor to the National Fire Sprinkler

Association—NFSA] for many years, with no results. In 1980, Smith tested interest in open-shop training within the industry by placing an ad in FPC magazine. The first ad was run in May of 1980: Attention: Merit Shop/Open Shop Owners Owners of Merit/Open Shop Sprinkler Engineering and Contracting Firms interested in sharing and exploring the possibilities of organizing a National Independent Automatic Sprinkler Contractor’s Association write: Box “J,” c/o The Fire Protection Contractor, [old address omitted]. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Inquiries are requested from owners only.

Interested parties met across the United States, culminating with a meeting during the 1981 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Annual Meeting in Dallas where the newly formed Independent Sprinkler Training Committee (ISTC) established a budget to underwrite the cost for a national apprentice training program for non-union fire sprinkler contractors. On September 16, 1981, the ISTC changed its name, and AFSA was born.

Joe Mulrine was named the association’s first executive director (a staff position now known as “president”) and set up headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. The staff worked to receive permission from the Ministry of Education in Ontario to utilize the Canadian Fire Sprinkler Fitter Correspondence courses to train fitters in the United States. On November 17, 1981, the AFSA National Apprenticeship and Training Standards were submitted to the National Bureau of Training in Washington, D.C., for approval.

On January 7, 1982, these standards were granted approval and issued the National Registration number N-92021. The first batch of apprentice correspondence courses, officially titled, Automatic Sprinkler Protection: Basic Training Series, was made available for sale shortly thereafter. It was official: AFSA was a training association.

The first annual conference (convention) was held in Nashville in 1982, and 128 industry members attended. The following year, Frank Riseden became the second executive director, a small staff was hired, and the association’s headquarters were moved to Dallas, Texas, where they remain today. During this timeframe, nationwide seminars and the first designer series of correspondence courses were also introduced.

THE ‘90S

In November 1981, AFSA published its first newsletter, Sprinkler Age, announcing “a major new force in the fire sprinkler industry.”

30 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

AFSA’s second President, Steve Muncy, who served from 1992-2016, led the association into the world of technology, helping to create the association’s first website, membership database, and email system in 1995. The following year, AFSA’s SprinklerForum was introduced, a first-of-its-kind-in-the-industry email-based discussion forum still in use today. AFSA also sought to

educate others outside of the fire sprinkler industry. It announced the association’s first annual national sprinkler essay contest during the 1996-97 school year, with the goal of educating high school seniors about the life-saving benefit of sprinklers. Association leaders also joined forces with NFSA and NFPA to create the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) as a collective voice to promote residential sprinklers.

THE 2000S In 2008, AFSA made its presence on social media known with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube pages. In 2009, Sprinkler Age began publishing a digital edition, complementing its longstanding print publication. AFSA’s High School Scholarship Contest expanded to an online presence with afsascholarship.org in 2006 and added a Second Chance Scholarship Contest three years later. This contest seeks to reach individuals who have already graduated from high school or earned a GED. Those seeking to pursue a college undergraduate or graduate degree or trade school education—including returning military, parents returning to the workforce, etc.—are encouraged to enter.

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THE 2010S AFSA members founded its young professional group, the NextGen Initiative, in 2014 to engage and develop professionals 40 and under in the industry. AFSA added to its online presence in 2019 with the creation of a Flickr account in 2010, followed by Instagram in 2016. In 2015, SprinklerAge.com, a blog dedicated to the association’s premier publication. AFSA reached out to members via new mediums, including e-newsletters such as Tech Update, Education News, and ITM Connection.

WHERE WE’RE GOING AFSA is constantly seeking to grow and improve its services to better serve our members as it looks toward the next 40 years. “I am so very excited to be a part of the AFSA staff looking ahead at our bright future,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “We have assembled the industry’s best-in-class technical services department to assist our members with codes and services as an extension of your design and estimating staff. We are introducing great new training programs, based on feedback from the members. Our future together is truly bright as we endeavor to deliver on the AFSA mission to support and be the voice of the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor. Thank you for your faith, trust and membership in AFSA... together, we are stronger.”

Over the past 40 years, AFSA has grown from a handful of dedicated volunteers who saw an opportunity to better the industry through collaboration and education to a nationally recognized organization with over 1,000 member companies, 31 local chapters, and two state affiliates. Throughout the years, the leaders of yesterday and today have kept the association on a successful path with a bright horizon ahead.

We congratulate our founding fathers for their hard work and look forward to working with future generations to secure AFSA’s place in history as the fire sprinkler industry leader! Learn more about AFSA by visiting firesprinkler.org. n

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www.agfmfg.com SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 31

HAPPY 40TH ANN

NIVERSARY, AFSA!

THE VALUE OF ROUGHNESS SPRINKLER SYSTEM HYDRAULICS KEVIN HALL, M.ENG., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

T

he concept is simple: smoother pipe creates less friction loss which possibly can allow for smaller pipe sizes costing less in materials and labor. In the Hazen-Williams equation, which is the primary equation used to determine friction loss in a sprinkler system, the internal smoothness of a pipe is represented by its C Value, or roughness coefficient. This value can range anywhere from 100 to 150 depending on the pipe material and system type, where higher C Values represent smoother pipes. It should be noted that the C Value used for hydraulic calculations is not the same as the actual roughness in a pipe hot off the mill run as the C Values used in calculations consider typical internal deterioration and corrosion over the life cycle of the installed pipe.

Historically, a C Value of 120 is used for wet sprinkler systems, and a C Value of 100 is used for dry and preaction systems which are installed with black steel piping.

Prior to the 2013 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, a C Value of 120 was permitted to be used in dry and preaction systems when internally galvanized steel pipe was used; however, the technical committee acted during the revision cycle for the 2013 edition and required all dry and preaction system using steel pipe, regardless of internal coatings, to use a C Value of 100—effectively eliminating the use of galvanized steel pipe by taking away its benefit.

On the other hand, FM Global still requires galvanized steel pipe, or an equivalent, to be utilized in dry and preaction systems that they insure. FM Data Sheet 2-0 section 2.5.2.5 states:

34 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

“Use internally galvanized, stainless steel, or similar corrosion-resistant pipe in all new dry-pipe, preaction, refrigeratedarea, deluge, and exposure-protection sprinkler systems. Do not use galvanized pipe in areas where the ambient temperature could exceed 130°F (54°C) unless the pipe is specifically FM Approved for use in such conditions.”

So why the conflicting requirements between two standards-making organizations? While galvanized steel pipe can corrode, the corrosion typically occurs at imperfections in the internal coating.

These imperfections lead to pinhole leaks which are a nuisance but not an impairment of the system. Other than pinholes at imperfections, galvanized steel pipe is clean internally and has minimal debris when compared to black steel pipe. Black steel pipe can have internal corrosion that flakes off and plugs a sprinkler orifice. This plugging can cause a catastrophic failure which may prevent water from reaching a fire. Through the eyes of an insurance company, they would rather replace a couple pieces of pipe if a pinhole leak develops than write off a loss caused by internal obstruction to sprinklers. This is evident through FM’s allowance to utilize black steel pipe when an inert gas is utilized in the system: Exception: Black steel pipe can be used in dry-pipe sprinkler systems equipped with closed-type sprinklers if the piping system is filled with an inert gas.

Although dry and preaction systems installed with steel piping have utilized a C Value of 100 since the 2013 edition of NFPA 13, with the advent of nitrogen generators on the market, the pendulum has begun to swing towards permitting a C Value of 120 under certain conditions.

In the 2022 edition of NFPA 13, there is proposed language to allow a C Value of 120 to be used in dry and preaction systems if the steel pipe is maintained with a listed nitrogen generator at a concentration of at least 98 percent nitrogen.

8.2.6.9* Nitrogen Supply for Increased C Value.

A.8.2.6.9 Nitrogen systems are equipped with an air compressor capable of restoring system air pressure within 30 or 60 minutes. It is not the intent of this section to require a 98 percent concentration of nitrogen within the 30 or 60 minutes as required in 8.2.6.8.

8.2.6.9.1 Where nitrogen is used to allow for increased C value in accordance with Table 28.2.4.8.1, the nitrogen supply shall be in accordance with 8.2.6.9.2 through 8.2.6.9.6.

8.2.6.9.2 Nitrogen shall be from a listed nitrogen generator permanently installed.

8.2.6.9.3 The generator shall be capable of supplying and maintaining at least 98 percent nitrogen concentration throughout the system at a minimum leakage rate of 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per hour.

8.2.6.9.4 A means of verifying nitrogen concentration shall be provided for each system where increased C value is used.

8.2.6.9.5 The nitrogen generator shall be installed per the manufacturer’s instruction.

8.2.6.9.6 The nitrogen generator shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 32.

Again, this is a simple concept—air (oxygen) plus iron plus water equals

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corrosion. Take out the air (oxygen), and corrosion cannot occur. This proposed language requires a permanently installed listed nitrogen generator (i.e., no bottles) and a means of verifying the 98 percent concentration in the system. There are questions and studies currently in progress determining whether 98 percent nitrogen purity exists at all points throughout the system or just near the test site, but that is a discussion for another day.

Corresponding language was submitted to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems; however, that proposal was rejected during the first-draft stage because NFPA 13 was not yet finalized. By the time the second draft comes around, the 2022 edition of NFPA 13 will be an approved standard, and the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements should be accepted. If not, keep an eye out for a tentative interim amendment to revert back to the 2019 edition language.

The last aspect of nitrogen generator design is the 30-minute fill required by NFPA 13. Nitrogen generators, by design, have low flow rates due to the filters or membranes that air has to pass through to separate the nitrogen from the air. This means that a nitrogen generator alone is often not sufficient for a single dry system.

An additional air compressor sized to fill the system within 30 minutes is necessary to meet the fill-time requirement of NFPA 13. Once the system is filled to an appropriate level, the nitrogen generator will take over and vent purified nitrogen into the system piping until 98-percent purity is reached.

In the end, there is a footnote attached to Table 27.2.4.8.1 in NFPA 13, 2019 edition stating that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is permitted to allow other C values. “AHJ” is a broad term in the context of NFPA requirements, and this is not permitting the owner or fire marshal to change a C Value on a whim. Rather, the specifying engineer is permitted to utilize other C Values using their engineering judgment if they have

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the appropriate technical data to support that decision. I don’t envy someone who takes on that responsibility, risk, and liability, but it is an option if the proposed revisions to NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 do not turn out as expected. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the coordinator of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He has been in the fire protection industry for nearly 10 years. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Hall is a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 1 Fire Code Correlating Committee; NFPA 1 Building Systems and Special Occupancies; NFPA 1 Special Equipment, Processes, and Hazardous Materials; NFPA 13 Residential Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems; and NFPA 20 Fire Pumps. He also represents AFSA on the majority of UL standard technical panels (STP) involving the sprinkler industry, including STP 199 Sprinkler Equipment for Fire Protection.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article also appeared in the June 2021 issue of Plumbing Engineer.

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SOUTHERN FIRE SPRINKLER SUMMIT SUCCESS THREE CHAPTERS JOIN TOGETHER FOR EDUCATION AND NETWORKING

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MEDA MERRITT | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION hat happens when you bring three American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) chapters together for three days of networking, education, and tons of fun? You call it a successful event! The Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association and AFSA Alabama and Arkansas chapters recently joined together to host the first Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit in the beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama, at The Lodge Gulf State Park. The event, held in August 2021, attracted 85 guests and 31 vendors.

“The Summit was a great mix of learning opportunities, product awareness, and socializing—in a beautiful beachfront location,” comments Arkansas Chapter Executive Director Coleman Farrar, one of the organizers of the event.

Attendees received top-notch training from some dynamic speakers, including AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS and AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, allotting the opportunity to earn CEU credits. In conjunction with educational seminars, attendees engaged in a little fun, including an ‘80s-themed NextGen Vendor Expo, “Dress-to-Impress” costume contest, and single and group dance competitions. Who says learning can’t be fun? Another highlight of the Summit was a side-byside burn demonstration.

Increasing knowledge, making new connections, and rejuvenating one’s spirit are all great ways to leave an event.

“It was so exciting to see everyone come together for the event,” comments Alabama Chapter Executive Director Joy Willis. “I think with the uncertainty of the past year, everyone really enjoyed getting out and being together. You had people from many different areas of the industry gathered together, learning from each other. It was educational and a lot of fun. We couldn’t have done it without our wonderful sponsors and the support of our membership.”

“The Southern Fire Sprinkler Summit was a huge success!” comments Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association Executive Director Ellen Ballard. “We tried to offer the best training, networking, and a fun experience for our industry with this Summit. When people start asking what is the date of the next Summit before the end of this one, you know you have created something people enjoy.”

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Attendees embraced the “Dress-to-Impress” costume contest. From l to r: Greg and Joy Willis, Sharon and Coleman Farrar, and Ellen Ballard.

Ballard continues: “From the welcome reception and seminars to the highly exciting and over-the-top-fun ‘80sthemed NextGen/Vendor Fair Expo, the involvement was outstanding. It is actually hard for me to put into words how ecstatic I am about the way everything turned out.”

Numerous sponsors made this year’s event possible. “To our sponsors, a huge ‘Thank you!’ for supporting this adventure,” comments Ballard. “Our Associate members are the ones who make things like our Summit happen, and we are truly grateful for their support.”

She continues: “Also, our chapter members are the best ever! They support our chapters, and they see the value in what we provide. The boards of AFSA’s Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama chapters should be proud of the Summit and what we created.”

It was a great event with great people in attendance. A special thank you goes to Ballard, Farrar, and Willis for their hard work coordinating this successful event! For more information and pictures of the event, visit the Summit’s website at southernfiresprinklersummit.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meda Merritt is the manager of membership and chapter relations for AFSA. Reach her via email at mmerritt@firesprinkler.org.

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WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FIVE INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE THEIR STORES BOB CAPUTO, CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION JAMES GOLINVEAUX | THE VIKING CORPORATION RUSS LEAVITT, CFPS, SET | TELGIAN HOLDINGS, INC. STEVE LEYTON | FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN & CONSULTING KEN WAGONER, CFPE, CWBSP, SET | PARSLEY CONSULTING

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uss Leavitt of Telgian Holdings attended a company event to welcome new staff and asked a young woman about her job. She replied, “I’m just a sprinkler system designer.” Recently, Russ shared this anecdote, and while discussing this young technician’s response with a group of industry associates, several of us reminisced about our own early days in the profession. Each of us started our highly successful fire and life safety careers as trainees in administration, installation, or system layout. As we talked, it was apparent that regardless of where we start our journey, we are only truly limited by our own lack of vision and desire.

Many of the innovators and leaders in the world of fire and life safety are from the technician side of the industry. In today’s world, however, it seems that the role of technicians has lost some of its luster, and recruiting individuals to train and learn technician skills is becoming increasingly difficult. We all know technicians who earned their professional engineering credentials and moved to the consulting world while others became contractors, started businesses, or used their knowledge and skills as Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for the public and private sectors. The fire and life safety professionals involved in the above discussion agreed to share their stories to demonstrate the variety of paths one can take and that no matter what your individual goals might be, they can be attained by those who begin their career as a technician.

The individuals profiled in this article became acquainted with one another while working in California during the early days of their careers. In fact, four of the five worked together in San Diego, California, where they made significant contributions to the fire protection profession and industry. Each has followed their own path to different roles.

Still, they have much in common, including the desire to learn, pursuing “outside the box” opportunities, engaging in professional organizations, obtaining certifications and licenses, and most importantly, a passion for our mission to

40 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

save lives and property. This passion helped them to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to compose and provide technical training, create dynamic new products, participate in the standards and code development process, and serve as ambassadors for fire and life safety throughout the world.

On closer examination, you will find that none of the individuals completed a formal education in engineering. In fact, only two have undergraduate degrees, and their degrees are not related to this profession. Most of their technical training took place on the job as there were few institutions or organizations where extended fire protection training could be found for entry- and mid-level technicians. One of the challenges we face in the fire protection community is that this is still largely the case, although some formal training and academic options can be found. In lieu of formal training, we took advantage of every opportunity to learn, including seeking out mentors, participating in industry associations, attaining professional certifications, and exchanging information with other like-minded professionals. And we never said “no” or “not interested” when opportunities to extend our knowledge and skills were presented.

Bob Caputo, James Golinveaux, Russ Leavitt, Steve Leyton, and Ken Wagoner all had remarkably similar introductions to the fire protection industry. It’s safe to say that none of us had a career in the fire sprinkler industry on our minds during our “growing up” years. Most of us did not know anything about fire sprinklers until we were presented the opportunity to be a part of this worthy profession—in other words, the fire sprinkler industry found us rather than any of us seeking out and finding fire sprinklers.

Bob Caputo was first introduced to fire protection systems while serving in the Navy. After discharge, he took a job with a small fire sprinkler contractor in San Diego. He worked in the shop, as an installer, and finally as a design trainee. He still recalls that the worst project he was ever

Five industry leaders—Bob Caputo, James Golinveaux, Russ Leavitt, Steve Leyton, and Ken Wagoner—share their secrets to success. involved with as an installer was a retrofit for a restoration project on which he did the design.

In 1981, Ken Wagoner was a 26-year-old looking for a career and answered an ad for a contract administrator with Grinnell Fire Protection. He was offered a job as the engineering department secretary for the Denver office. He transferred to the San Diego office with a position in purchasing. He was eventually asked by his former supervisor to join him in his new venture as a fire sprinkler system design trainee.

Our resumés clearly demonstrate that learning design is a great way to build a solid foundation for a career in this industry, so perhaps it’s not a coincidence that our stories are so much alike. We all entered the profession between 1979 and 1982.

Each of us began our design careers using drawing boards, and we laid out backgrounds by hand on vellum or Mylar. With some experience, we mastered manual hydraulic calculations. As grunts, we ran blueprints in the ammonia room and lived to tell about it. (Steve vividly remembers the day he spilled a half-gallon of anhydrous ammonia on the carpet while trying to change the bottle, then running out of the room and slamming the door behind him.) Russ remembers the feeling of pure joy when he was able to program the Hazen-Williams formula into his handheld calculator for determining friction loss, allowing him to discard multiple three-ring binders filled with friction loss factors for the various diameters and types of pipe along with the unlimited variations of flow.

While we each had mentors and trainers who taught us many things, most of our skills were developed through our own initiative. Steve Leyton’s path was one of taking advantage of opportunities when they were presented. Less than five years into his career, he was invited to join a start-up fire sprinkler contractor business as the design manager. Though he was the only designer at the time, he was tasked with building the design department along with setting standards, providing training, and ensuring that projects were delivered on time with a high degree of accuracy. In seven years with the firm, he took on roles in sales and estimating, project management, and corporate administration. He created a residential sprinkler division which included negotiating a residential pay scale with the sprinkler fitter’s union and the special training needed to install residential systems. Finally, he conceived and assisted in the creation of software for stock-listing, fabrication, and inventory for sprinkler systems material and equipment. That

package, originally known as SLIC, was sold to Central Sprinkler, where it became the basis for the stock-listing utility in their SprinkCAD software.

James Golinveaux’s story is classic. He joined the trade in 1982 as a design trainee with Allied Fire Protection in Oakland, California, and rose to the position of design manager. In 1991, he took, as he calls it, “my biggest leap of faith” when he accepted the position of director of technical services with Central Sprinkler and moved across the country to Lansdale, Pennsylvania. One year later, he was promoted to vice president of engineering, and in 1993, he took the role of senior vice president over research and development (R&D). He continued in the role after the purchase of Central Sprinkler by Tyco, and during his tenure in R&D, he was named on over 60 fire protection patents globally. James

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 41

has continued to take advantage of opportunities as they were presented.

Each of us became involved with trade and professional organizations early on, which has been instrumental in our careers and accomplishments. Bob joined with Russ, Steve, and Ken as founding members of the San Diego Fire Protection Association (SDFPA). Each served as officers and committee members in the association. Involvement with SDFPA presented opportunities to provide technical training for our industry and work closely with fire officials, manufacturers, and distributors, as well as associated service providers. In 1986, Bob volunteered to conduct AHJ training for San Diego County fire prevention officers on behalf of the association, a role that Ken took over when Bob moved out of San Diego. Over the course of nearly 20 years, the training sessions were held monthly and eventually led Bob to training opportunities with the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Bob has traveled the world, providing training sessions on all manner of fire protection systems, and is known globally as one of the best instructors in our industry.

Not to be outdone, James, Ken, Russ, and Steve have each spent their careers providing training throughout the United States and globally. For several years, Steve had an almost permanent presence in the Middle East while James visited dozens of countries providing technical training and leadership. Ken’s role has also grown far beyond San Diego, and he

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has been a senior instructor for AFSA for years. All of us have been regular speakers and presenters at regional, national, and international meetings and conventions for AFSA, NFPA, NFSA, SFPE, and other trade and professional organizations.

One of the most important roles we have all undertaken is to be involved in the development of code and standards.

Several organizations are vested with the maintenance and publication of the codes and standards used in our industry, particularly the NFPA and the International Code Council (ICC). Each of us has been deeply involved with NFPA by serving on various technical committees, including installation standards for fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, water mist systems, private fire mains, standpipe systems, and life safety codes, to name a few. Additionally, we have served as the chairs of committees and councils: Ken previously served, and Bob is currently serving as chair for NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains; Steve as chair of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems; and Russ as chair of the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria technical committee. James has the distinction of serving as chair of the NFPA Standards Council, which oversees the development of all NFPA codes and standards, which includes approximately 300 documents. Russ serves on the board of directors for NFPA and is the incoming chair.

The common theme for this group is that we did not wait to be invited. We simply got involved. We did not base

our involvement on whether or not we were going to be reimbursed for the time and expense by our employers. We did not ask, “What is in it for me?” When these opportunities presented themselves, we jumped into them because we understood they would foster personal and professional growth and also benefit our industry. We each intuitively knew that the more involved and visible we made ourselves, that great and unique opportunities would ensue.

It would be remiss not to recount some of the technical contributions made by this group of fire protection professionals, as all have been instrumental in the evolution of the fire protection industry as it keeps pace with new and ever-progressing technology. Steve was one of the first to recognize the need for A/E firms to include the basis of design for the installation, hanging, and bracing of fire protection systems. He founded his firm with the idea of delivering these comprehensive design consulting services to architects and developers. Protection Design & Consulting was one of the first firms in the United States to offer REVIT-based system design.

In addition to his scientific contributions, James saw the need for the correlation of fire sprinkler design criteria with the full-scale testing which was conducted over the years. He led a two-decade-long effort for NFPA 13 to recognized and incorporate “single-point” design criteria. His efforts were finally rewarded when the proposed change was accepted for the 2022 edition of the standard.

Ken has long been nationally recognized as a leader in the outsourcing of plan review services. He was a pioneer in the use of electronic plan submittal technology and procedures. His efforts led to a streamlined and eco-friendly method for contractors and builders to submit drawings for AHJ approval and the issuance of construction permits. We are now seeing not only plans being submitted and approved electronically but also the use of technology in the conduction of remote inspections and tests for system acceptance. As a benefit of his membership on the hanging and bracing committee of NFPA 13, Ken developed a series of online courses in seismic protection of fire sprinkler systems through AFSA. Bob is a leading international expert on the installation of fire sprinkler systems. He is the author of a widely used and acclaimed program for training in the skills of project and jobsite management. He has written and delivered numerous training programs for industry and professional organizations, including AFSA and NFPA. He and Russ wrote and developed the AFSA program and curriculum for the training of water-based inspection technicians.

Russ chaired the task group—which included James and Bob—that was charged with the reorganization of NFPA 13 to bring it in line with modern protection practices and users of the standard. This was a monumental task that was focused on making the standard friendlier to the non-expert user. The resulting document has been praised by contractors, AHJs, and other users for its more intuitive organization and layout. An

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important thing to consider in all of this is that much of the work performed by this group of individuals was done on their own time and often at their own expense. Of course, that does not mean their volunteer efforts did not have a direct positive influence on their career opportunities and earning power. The impact in many cases was profound, but it can be safely stated that career advancement and better compensation were not the driving forces for these individuals. It was their passion and love of the industry that was foremost in their minds—the resultant leadership, technical, and career opportunities were the byproducts of their efforts. Along the way, each has been widely recognized for their contributions, including awards from industry and professional organizations.

AFSA has bestowed their highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award, to Bob, James, and Russ for their lifetimes of service.

So, where are we now? Consider this: • Bob serves as president of AFSA; • James is president and CEO of the Viking Group, a global leader in fire protection manufacturing, and serves as chair of the NFPA Standards Council; • Russ is executive chair of Telgian; and Holdings, Inc., and first vice-chair of NFPA; • Steve is the founder and CEO of Protection Design & Consulting; and • Ken is president of Parsley Consulting.

Not bad for five guys who at one time were all “just sprinkler designers.” Still, keep in mind that for each of us, it did not “just

happen.” At some point and in our own ways, we each committed to learning everything possible about our profession, took full advantage of opportunities when they were presented, and took a vow to “give back” to the profession and industry. Remember, it is not where you start but what you choose to do with your career that sets its course. The longest and most adventurous journey begins with a first step. At some point or another, we’ve all been asked, “How can I do what you have done?” We hope that sharing our stories can at least partially answer that question.

Finally, there is still a lot of runway in front of new and existing fire sprinkler enthusiasts, and we are still learning about the interaction of automatic sprinklers with the ever-changing fire scenarios we face. If we were 18 years old all over again, any one of us would be excited about the opportunities ahead. With a dedication to learning and participating in this fantastic industry, the opportunities will find you, but they are rarely given to those who expect it. Volunteer until it hurts, get used to cold rubber chicken banquet dinners, and welcome the industry knowledge shared at these events. The rules are established by those with great intentions and reasonable data.

Change is inevitable and will be championed by those who participate and have gained knowledge—will you be part of it? n ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Bob Caputo, CFPS is president of AFSA; James Golinveaux is president and CEO of The Viking Corporation; Russ Leavitt, CFPS, SET, is executive chair of Telgian Holdings, Inc.; Steve Leyton is founder and owner of Fire Protection Design & Consulting; and Ken Wagoner, CFPS, is president and owner of Parsley Consulting.

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AFSA OBTAINS ASSE AND ICC ACCREDITATION CLASSES OFFERED TO ASSIST MEMBERS MAINTAIN ANNUAL CEUS AND CPDS

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announces it has obtained accreditation from the American Society of Sanitation Engineers (ASSE) and the International Code Council (ICC). With these new certifications, AFSA’s training and education programs can assist members in maintaining annual Continuing Education Units (CEU) or Continuous Professional Development credits (CPDs).

TRAINING COURSE FOR ASSE 15010 CERTIFICATION Inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire protection systems is meaningful work that comes with great responsibility. ASSE developed its 15010 course to certify individuals for inspection and testing aspects of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. This program or a similar program like National Institute for Certified Engineering Technicians (NICET) ITM certification may be a requirement for a contractor to perform ITM services by some local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Check your local and state requirements for specifics related to your services.

“There are very few options for merit shop contractors to obtain this certification,” says AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, who teaches the course. “AFSA heard our contractor members’ request for this training, and we have received approval to be an authorized provider for those who need it.”

AFSA is now an ASSE-approved provider of the 15010 certification course. In order to qualify to take the class, the following are required of students: • Student must verify a minimum of five years documented practical experience in the fire sprinkler industry.

• Student must be able to show copies of relevant certifications, licenses, credentials, etc.

• Student must have access to an electronic device for the class, such as a tablet or laptop.

• Students must have digital versions of the following standards: NFPA 13, NFPA 11, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 22, and NFPA 25.

The next ASSE 15010 Certification Course will be held November 29 – December 3, 2021, at General Air Products

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in Exton, Pennsylvania. The cost for this course is $1,950 for AFSA members and $2,500 for non-members. This new AFSA course includes: • Forty of the 80 required training hours to be eligible for ASSE 15010 certification; • Delivery by ASSE-approved instructors, as required for certification; • Practical (hands-on) certification examination to include performing a full-flow trip test of a dry pipe system trip test of a preaction system main drain test full flow test on a diesel or electric-driven fire pump; • Written certification examination; • Approved proctors for both exams, as required by ASSE for certification; • Exam fees required for ASSE certification; • Instruction delivered at an ASSE-approved lab, as required for certification; • Evaluation and verification of certification prerequisites, as required by ASSE; and • Verification of work experience and prior training.

For more information and to register, visit www.firesprinkler. org/asse. Take advantage of AFSA’s free membership trial to join AFSA and secure the discounted price! Visit www.firesprinkler. org/trial to learn more about AFSA membership.

ICC CERTIFICATION AFSA has received ICC approval to be a preferred provider, and its four-hour “Fire Sprinkler Systems Plan Review” course is also approved. This program is offered each year during AFSA’s convention and is also available by request from AFSA chapters and state-affiliated associations.

The review of automatic fire sprinkler system plans has become very complex as the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 has been completely reorganized and expanded to provide more

information than ever before on fire sprinkler system design and installation. AFSA’s plan review seminar guides attendees in a discussion of the requirements for plans and calculations contained in Chapter 27 and includes an exercise in hands-on review of a fire sprinkler system plan, including the overall design concept, hydraulic calculations, seismic bracing, and the underground supply system. Evaluation of decisions made on the part of the system designer dealing with hazard and commodity classification, building construction type, positioning of the sprinkler and their spacing, and materials selection will all be among topics which are part of the review. The seminar relies heavily on attendee participation, complete with a question-and-answer session. Plan reviewers and field inspectors should find this seminar helpful and will most likely find areas where their own review checklist can be modified or improved.

Upon completion of this seminar, attendees will be able to: • Demonstrate the ability to accurately read a set of fire sprinkler plans.

• Perform a thorough review to determine compliance, or lack thereof, with the requirements for fire sprinkler systems in NFPA 13 and their own jurisdiction.

• Calculate coverage area for each sprinkler, using the SxL=A method from NFPA 13, and identify fire sprinkler locations exceeding coverage limits of NFPA 13.

• Discuss items on the plan in conflict with each other.

• Solve equations to develop minimum flow and pressure requirements for each sprinkler.

• Identify differences between obstructed and unobstructed construction and how they impact sprinkler system design.

• Complete a detailed letter informing the contractor of non-compliance, including descriptions of non-compliant items with standard references, and advising of the resubmittal process.

For more information on bringing AFSA’s plan review seminar to your area, contact AFSA’s Meeting Programs Manager Maricarmen Martinez at mmartinez@firesprinkler.org or (214) 349-5965 ext. 132.

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MEETING YOUR TRAINING NEEDS AFSA knows the importance of training—it is the foundation upon which the association is built. Adding these certifications enables AFSA members to grow their companies and develop their employees.

“These ASSE and ICC approvals enhance the value of the AFSA CEU,” says AFSA Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts. “Being able to increase knowledge while also meeting certification requirements is a win-win for AFSA members.”

What are you waiting for? For more information on these and other education and training programs, visit www. firesprinkler.org today! n

Visit AFSA Booth #409 & NFSA Booth #49 to learn more.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MEMBERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is recognizing members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured here have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership.

“Trade associations that are the most successful all have a single common denominator—they are driven by the commitment of dedicated members who are focused on a common goal,” comments AFSA Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Support Bruce Lecair. “Thank you and congratulations to our members who are celebrating anniversaries and for your dedication and commitment to AFSA.” Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in September and October 2021. Johnson Controls is celebrating its 40th anniversary with AFSA, and Mike Mottice, director of sales, Fire Suppression Products – Americas, Johnson Controls, shared some of his favorite AFSA memories and things he’s learned.

of Canton, Ohio. I spent summers delivering product across the region.”

“In 2014, upon joining Tyco Fire Protection Products, I got involved in supporting several councils, including AFSA’s Manufacturers and Suppliers (M/S) Council, membership, and convention.

Over the years, it has truly shown how important AFSA is across the country.”

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY AND AFSA?

WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

“I got started in the industry in 1988, when I worked for my father’s company, Kauffmann Plumbing and Heating, out

“The shift to immediate supply and service proposition. Speed across all parts of the industry—new product introductions, product life cycle, delivery, installation, support, and communication. As the world has gone to instant feedback, so has the industry. ”

Happy Anniversary to AFSA Milestone Members!

September–October 2021

MOTTICE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST USED AFSA BENEFIT? “I feel that the apprentice training program and the National Apprentice Competition at AFSA’s convention are my favorite. It demonstrates how AFSA is working hard to prepare the new/future class of fitters and ensure they are well prepared through hands-on training. I also enjoy watching the competition and the pride the participants take in their craftsmanship.”

40-Year Anniversary

WHAT’S THE KEY INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS?

Associate Members Johnson Controls—Grinnell, Lansdale, PA

“The ability to develop long-term relationships that are sustainable through meaningful partnerships.”

35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., Hagerstown, MD

IF I WEREN’T WORKING IN FIRE PROTECTION, I WOULD BE… (FILL IN THE BLANK).

25-Year Anniversary

“Leading another start-up, or commercial team across another industry, as I have in the past. The fire protection industry is extremely rewarding, as it has and continues to save lives.”

Designer Members Custom Design, Inc., Lavonia, GA 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Hart Plumbing of Connecticut, Inc., Glastonbury, CT 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members A & E Fire Protection, Canton, MA Designer Members Harrington Group, Duluth, GA

48 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

CELEBRATING AFSA MEMBERS AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members this year and is excited to be offering a trial membership program for contractors and AHJs. For details, visit www.firesprinkler.org/join. Recognition for milestone membership anniversaries in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Congratulations to these members! n

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2021 ITM CLASS GROW YOUR COMPANY TO INCLUDE ITM SERVICES

A

re you looking to expand your services and grow your business? AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program can help you develop that aspect of your company! Graduates of AFSA’s ITM program lead the way and outperform national average exam scores on both NICET Level I and Level II I&T exams. Test results show that AFSA students have a 91-percent NICET exam pass rate versus the national average of 63 percent! The program is facilitated by AFSA’s Manager of ITM Technical Training John T. Johnson, CFPS, who has worked in the fire protection and fire suppression industries for over 30 years.

Professionalize the role of your inspection team with AFSA’s comprehensive 20-month program that provides a blended learning environment teamed with a robust curriculum created by top industry leaders. The program is a highimpact, dynamic program that strives to treat every student like a VIP through its variety of teaching methods. The program professionalizes the role of the inspector, providing: • a blend of on-demand, live webinar, and in-person instruction; • a guided on-the-job training (OJT) learning plan; and • classroom, fire training lab, mock walk-thru exercises, and NICET prep.

Registration is currently open for AFSA’s Fall 2021 class, which will virtually launch on October 26. The first six months of the program are also conducted online. Class size is limited to 20 students and open exclusively to AFSA members until six weeks before the first class, so early registration is encouraged! AFSA has set up a new installment plan for its members, divided into four payments: The enrollment fee of $1,250 is due at sign-up. Then three equal payments of $1,000 each are due every six months. For more information or to register, visit www.firesprinkler.org/itm.

“AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program goes beyond just teaching the knowledge to pass a test,” states AFSA Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts, “it also delivers professional development and training in customer service and technical skill.”

AFSA was the first to offer an industry-wide ITM Inspector Development Program. The program, which launched its first group in 2016, prepares candidates for

NICET’s Level II certification exams for inspection and testing of water-based systems in less than two years.

Coaching by our accomplished AFSA staff and industry experts empowers students to thrive inside and outside the classroom. Its small class size allows instruction to be tailored to individual interests, strengths, and needs. The program, divided into seven modules, is comprised of a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Modules included are Core Curriculum—Introduction to the Trade; NICET Level I and II Exam Preparation; Fire Protection Systems and Inspection/ Testing Procedures; Water Supplies and Fire Pumps; Advanced Inspection and Testing Procedures; Inspection and Testing Review and Field Work. Visit www.firesprinkler.org/itm for more details. n

SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 49

AFSA NEWS HALL RECEIVES “5 UNDER 35” AWARD

Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, coordinator of engineering and technical services for AFSA, has been named one “5 Under 35” by the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). The award was established to recognize five individuals each year who best represent the industry’s top rising leaders who give back to the fire protection engineering profession and the community.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” comments AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, FSFPE, CWBSP. “Kevin is a true professional, and is it is a pleasure to have him on the AFSA team.”

Hall has been in the fire protection industry for nearly 10 years. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire protection engineering

CALENDAR OCTOBER 2021 3-9

• Fire Prevention Week Theme: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™” nfpa.org 7 • AFSA Sprinkler Challenge: NFPA 13, 2019 Edition Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 13 • 28th Annual AFSA Virginia Burn Survivors Golf Tournament Williamsburg, VA virginiaafsa.org 16 • AFSA Fitter Zone: Flushing Requirements for Fitters Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 19-21 • South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association Seminar Series Greenville, SC scfiresprinklerassociation.co 22 • AFSA Sacramento Valley Top Golf Tournament Roseville, CA sacvalleyafsa.org

NOVEMBER 2021 8-19

• AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School North Highlands, CA firesprinkler.org/design

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times.

For more events and details, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Events” and “Events List.”

50 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

from the University of Maryland, College Park. He is a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 1 Fire Code Correlating Committee; NFPA 1 Building Systems and Special Occupancies; NFPA 1 Special Equipment, Processes, and Hazardous Materials; NFPA 13 Residential Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems; and NFPA 20 Fire Pumps. He also represents AFSA on the majority of UL standard technical panels (STP) involving the sprinkler industry, including STP 199 Sprinkler Equipment for Fire Protection.

AFSA TECHNICAL REVIEWS

Goodbye Informal Interpretations, hello AFSA Technical Reviews!

AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services staff has changed the name for its technical opinion service. There was some confusion with the “Informal” aspect of the previous name. The name was changed to strengthen the impression of our technical opinions and differentiate from NFPA’s “Formal Interpretations.” AFSA’s opinions are not subordinate to NFPA’s; AFSA simply has a different process for responding.

See page 26 for details on this service, or visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Technical Services.”

EXPAND YOUR DESIGN DEPARTMENT

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Beginning Fire Sprinkler Design System Planning School presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction, 60 percent of which is study and review of NFPA 13—updated to the 2019 edition. The other 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations. Two schools remain for 2021: September 27 - October 8 in Dallas, Texas, and November 8 - 19, 2021, in North Highlands, California. For more information, visit www.firesprinkler.org/schools.

AFSA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST OPEN

From now until April 1, 2022, eligible high school seniors can visit afsascholarship.org to apply for one of AFSA’s high school scholarships.

Open to 2021-2022 high school seniors who want to pursue a college degree or trade school education, the scholarship offers the chance to win one of 10 scholarships. The best part? The AFSA scholarship contest has no essay-writing required. Instead, applicants simply visit the website, read a short passage on fire protection and fire sprinklers, and answer questions about the reading. Each correct answer offers one entry into the scholarship contest, with a total of eight entries possible per applicant!

Winners are randomly selected to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school.

To learn more and apply for the scholarship, visit afsascholarship.org before April 1, 2022.

For those who don’t win, AFSA offers a “second-chance” contest during the summer months on the same website. College undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for the “second-chance” contest, and winners receive one of five $1,000 scholarships payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. Visit afsascholarship.org for details and to enter online. n

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AFSA CHAPTERS ALABAMA

alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres.

334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair.

480-421-8411 Makenna Leathers – Exec Dir. 804-222-1381

ARKANSAS

David Nabors– Chair.

501-225-4910 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CAROLINAS

afsacarolinaschapter.com Carl Jackson – Chair.

910-443-0626 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

CHESAPEAKE BAY

afsachesapeakechapter.org Jason Martin – Chair.

410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-972-1122

COLORADO

GREATER BAY AREA

afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair.

719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368

afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair.

925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick - Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

CONNECTICUT

GREATER KANSAS CITY

afsact.org Rick Russo, Jr. – Chair.

203-877-7983

Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich – Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

DALLASFORT WORTH

afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair.

817-529-1693

ILLINOIS-INDIANA Sklyer Bilbo – Chair 217-342-2242 Mitch Bortner – Exec. Dir. 206-348-0078

FLORIDA

afsafl.org Suzanne Saults – Chair.

727-556-2790 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

LOUISIANA

lafiresprinkler.org Randy Laguna – Chair 504-464-6236 ext 224 Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800

GEORGIA

georgiafiresprinkler.org Allen Cagle – Chair.

770-554-5285 Bonnie Pinson – Exec. Dir. 770-310-2754 Taylor Johnson – Exec. Dir. 770-484-1112

MICHIGAN

afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair.

616-784-1644

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

OKLAHOMA AFFILIATE

ofsa.info Tim Hollon – Pres.

918-851-2416

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

PATRIOT

Marc Huag – Chair.

701-232-7008 Derek Peterson, Vice Chair.

701-232-7008

NEW JERSEY

afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair.

908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

sacvalleyafsa.org Jordan Hopkins – Chair.

916-672-8415 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

NEW MEXICO

SAN DIEGO

Paul Chavez – Chair.

505-898-9197 Jeriod Towery – Exec. Dir. 505-410-4007

Scott Uren – Chair.

858-722-1470 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND

SCHUYLKILL

afsamac.org Ben Young – Chair.

480-621-5074 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427

Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

OHIO

afsaoh.org Bill Hausmann – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

SOUTH CAROLINA

scfsa.org Nikki Ray – Chair.

864-207-8545 Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-4088

afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

360-794-8621 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

socalafsa.com Terry Housholder – Chair.

714-632-8646 Jeff Bridges –Vice Chair.

941-413-0526

TENNESSEE

afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

615-349-5278 David Pulliam – Exec. Dir. 901-484-0605

UPSTATE NEW YORK afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN

afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair.

385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

VIRGINIA

virginiaafsa .com Bob Beckwith – Chair.

540-659-4675 Steve McGee – Exec. Dir. 757-544-0520

TEXAS AFFILIATE

fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Sarah Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-844-6632

Pacific

Northw

est

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Michigan

Utah

Southern California

San Diego

d n er lan rth ng Upstate No w E e New York N Patriot Connecticut New Jersey Schuylkill

Minnesota-Dakotas

Arizona

Colorado

New Mexico

Indiana-Illinois

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

Alabama Louisiana

Chesapeake Bay Virginia Carolinas

South Carolina Georgia gia

a

id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Tennessee

Ohio

52 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS TOTAL CONSTRUCTION FALLS IN MAY

Total construction starts dropped 1 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $902.8 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The brunt of the decline was borne by residential starts, while nonresidential and nonbuilding starts continued their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The weight of higher material prices and a lack of skilled labor are having a direct and notable influence on residential construction activity,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “These negative factors are expected to continue to impact the sector over the remainder of the year and will result in a less positive influence from housing on overall levels of construction activity.”

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION STARTS SLIP IN JUNE

Total construction starts lost 7 percent in June, slipping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $863.6 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. All three major sectors (residential, nonresidential building, and nonbuilding) pulled back during the month. Single-family housing starts are feeling the detrimental effects of rising materials prices. Large projects that broke ground in May were absent in June for nonresidential building and nonbuilding starts, resulting in declines.

“Unabated materials price inflation has driven a significant deceleration in single family construction,” stated Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics.

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions

May 2021 April 2021 Nonresidential Building $309,491 $282,461 Residential Building $394,169 $439,024 Nonbuilding Construction $199,165 $189,403 Total Construction $902,825 $910,889

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions

June 2021 May 2021 Nonresidential Building $287,993 $308,359 Residential Building $403,773 $426,290 Nonbuilding Construction $171,849 $197,398 Total Construction $863,614 $932,047

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

% Change 10 -10 5 -1

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) May 2021... ..............191 April 2021... ............193 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

5 Mos. 2021 5 Mos. 2020 Nonresidential Building $100,596 $105,882 Residential Building $170,726 $130,859 Nonbuilding Construction $76,159 $70,339 Total Construction $347,482 $307,081

% Change -7 -5 -13 -7

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) June 2021..................183 May 2021..................197

% Change -5 30 8 13

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

6 Mos. 2021 6 Mos. 2020 Nonresidential Building $130,625 $130,169 Residential Building $211,553 $159,979 Nonbuilding Construction $93,807 $90,532 Total Construction $435,985 $380,680

% Change 0 32 4 15

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www.firesprinkler.org/fittertraining SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 53

#MEMBERSMATTER!

W

elcome to #MEMBERSMATTER! In order to continue to provide better service to our AFSA members, the Membership Services & Chapter Development team is debuting this column that will be a regular feature in Sprinkler Age, with news and updates on AFSA membership activities, chapter updates, and legislative news and information.

As summer is winding down and we are entering the third quarter of the year, I cannot think of a faster year than 2021 and my short time with the Membership Services & Chapter Development Department. Meda, Dominick, and I have quickly become a team and are happy to report that our two new programs, the six-month Contractor and the one-year AHJ trial memberships, have been a great success.

Each has expanded our membership at AFSA as many of the trial members have converted to regular members. In short, membership at AFSA is on the rise!

Part of our service to members is our call to each new member to introduce ourselves and talk about their membership benefits. We are often asked why should we join? The standard boring answer could be to recite the Wikipedia definition of the purpose of a trade association, “An association is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry and that participates in public relations activities such as advertising, education, publishing, lobbying, and political donations. But its focus is collaboration.” Pretty boring answer!

Instead, we prefer to talk about our members’ access to apprenticeship and training programs offered in various formats, covering a wide range of subject matter, providing CEU and CPD credits, and being taught by our excellent team of instructors. We like to discuss the access to our Engineering & Technical Services staff for code opinions, based upon their education and experience. We like to mention the access to our 31 chapters across the nation to exchange ideas, training, camaraderie, and fellowship within the fire sprinkler industry. We like to discuss our participation in legislative efforts alongside our stakeholders throughout the industry through our dedicated staff and legislative committee. We like to mention the access to our incredible staff in Dallas and our chapter executive directors regionally for assistance, feedback, and questions. And then there is Sprinkler Age magazine, which provides technical articles and information on the latest news and developments in the fire sprinkler industry. This is just the top of the list! There are so many benefits to our members.

But the real reason I think people join AFSA is its members. In my short time with the association, I have found that it is our members who are making AFSA successful and strong. I have watched as you have lived the mission

54 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

statement that is found on the back of our business cards: “The American Fire Sprinkler Association is a non-profit, international association representing merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, dedicated to the educational advancement of its members and promotion of the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems.” The primary word is “dedicated.” Our dedicated members work on the national Board of Directors; at the state level; and within local chapters, associations, committees, and sub-committees! I am continually amazed that AFSA members are so dedicated to each other and the association. While protecting our families, homes, and businesses from fire with the installation of fire sprinklers, our members also participate in events and benefits that support important causes such as the Wounded Warriors, burn foundations, and many others. Our members support each other, the industry, and their communities. Ultimately, what is unique about being a part of a trade association is surrounding yourself and your business with dedicated people. Thank you for your dedication and for making the membership team’s job so easy.

Always feel free to reach out to any of us—we are here to support you! If you have questions about your membership, need help finding a local chapter, or want to become involved in AFSA national, contact one of us for assistance: • Bruce Lecair, senior director of membership services & chapter support (Western U.S.), blecair@firesprinkler.org; • Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership services & chapter support (Eastern U.S.), dkasmauskas@ firesprinkler.org; and • Meda Merritt, manager of membership services & chapter relations, mmerritt@firesprinkler.org.

I am excited to attend my first AFSA convention in San Antonio! Please stop by the AFSA booth to visit or introduce yourself if we haven’t yet met. Meda, Dominick, and I will be there and are looking forward to seeing you there. n

BRUCE LECAIR AFSA SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & CHAPTER SUPPORT

AFSA NEW MEMBERS CONTRACTORS

DESIGNERS

ASSOCIATES

Timberworks Plumbing Sacramento, CA

Aquatech, Inc. Yardley, PA

STUDENTS

Victor Fire Protection St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Curtis Michael Toms Wasilla, AK

Advanced Fire Services Allen, TX

Rich Murrietta Fire Protection Garden Grove, CA

Advanced Sprinkler, Tech, Inc. Warrington, PA Allstar Fire Protection Aiken, SC

Academy of Fire Sprinkler Technology Decatur, IL

Copier Machinery Broken Arrow, OK

Calvin Plascencia Hayward, CA

AHJS

Amerigo Fire Protection Services Brooklyn, NY

Foster Engineering and Consulting Columbia, SC

Cedar Ridge Sprinkler Corporation Essex Center, VT

FP Design Services, LLC Beattyville, KY

Sean Eames Baltimore, MD

Chase Fire & Safety, LLC Haltom City, TX

Hatcher Engineering Inc Plant City, FL

Sichel Young Monterey, CA

DMD Mechanical, Inc. Tabernacle, NJ

Jensen Hughes Inc. Halethorpe, MD

Skyler Schmidt Lake Placid, NY

Robert Thomas Atlanta, GA

Engineered Monitoring Systems, Inc. Rancho Cordova, CA

Steve Berry Raleigh, NC

Extincto Inc. Montreal, Canada

Yvonne Clark Humble, TX

Fire Sprinkler Service East Windsor, CT FireWise Texas, LLC Fort Worth, TX GDS Controls, Inc. Mechanicsburg, PA Georgia Automatic Sprinkler Co. Valdosta, GA

Your next top designer starts here

Green Mountain Sprinkler Milton, VT HRW Fire Pump Services, Inc. Arlington, TX JC Fire Protection Indio, CA Majestic Fire Inc. Van Nuys, CA Mountain Fire Sprinkler Hailey, ID MY-TEC SCS Baghdad, Iraq ORR Protection Systems, Inc. Brea, CA Pozo Mechanical Inc. Belville, NJ Precision Sprinkler Services Trainer, PA RLD Fire Protection Inc. Ventura, CA

AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School 9/27-10/8 DALLAS, TX 11/8-11/19 SACRAMENTO, CA www.firesprinkler.org/design SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021 55

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE?

Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department presents technical challenges. Besides testing yourself and your co-workers, these exercises are excellent preparation for professional certification tests and also may count as continuing education hours. Check with your certification organization. To participate, carefully read and work the problems and submit your answers on the appropriate website by October 15, 2021: • firesprinkler.org/ahjchallenge • firesprinkler.org/designerchallenge • firesprinkler.org/fitterchallenge • firesprinkler.org/itmchallenge

AHJ CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition.

1. During acceptance testing, the hydraulic data nameplate indicates that the dry system has a capacity of 735 gallons. If the system is equipped with a quick opening device, what is the required water delivery time per NFPA 13?

A. 40 seconds B. 60 seconds C. 50 seconds D. No delivery time required 2. In an office area, exposed 6-in. wood beams are spaced less than 3 ft. on center. What is the maximum area of coverage permitted for a standard spray upright sprinkler?

A. 200 ft2 B. 225 ft2 C. 168 ft2 D. 130 ft2 3. Which ceiling type is required to have the deflector of standard spray uprights to be installed parallel to the ceiling instead of the floor?

A. Smooth B. Flat C. Horizontal D. Sloped 4. When reviewing the plans for a hotel that is using residential sprinklers, you notice that there are four ceiling pockets that are 85 ft3 in size and are separated by 10 ft from other ceiling pockets.

What is the maximum depth that the ceiling pocket can be to eliminate sprinklers from them?

A. 12 inches B. 24 inches C. 36 inches D. 48 inches

DESIGNER CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on NFPA 13, 2019 edition.

1. The zone of influence on a lateral brace includes 36 ft of 2-in. Schedule 40 branch line pipe and 30 ft of 4-in. Schedule 10 cross main pipe.

Each of the three branch lines contains six elbows and three caps. The cross main is a straight run with a cap at the end of the pipe. Determine the weight of the system being braced (Wp).

A. 538 lbs B. 619 lbs C. 677 lbs D. 778 lbs 2. What is the maximum length of a 11/2-in.

Schedule 40 brace that has a slenderness ratio of 200?

A. 9 ft B. 10 ft 4 in.

C. 13 ft 6 in.

D. 15 ft 6 in.

3. When using schedule 40 galvanized steel in a dry system with a nitrogen generator, what factor must be applied to the equivalent length of fitting when performing hydraulic calculations?

A. 0.713 B. 1.000 (No factor applied) C. 100 D. 120 4. A sprinkler system is being upgraded with seismic bracing at AFSA headquarters (12750 Merit Drive; Dallas, TX 75251). Determine the minimum seismic coefficient (Cp) that is required to be utilized for the design of seismic protection. (Hint: visit https://seismicmaps. org/ to determine the Ss for any address.)

A. 0.104 B. 0.35 C. 1.03 D. 2.2

FITTER CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on NFPA 13, 2019 edition.

1. True or False: In a five-story building with one 1 2 /2-in. zone control assembly per floor located in

56 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

the stair, a minimum 11/4-in. drain riser is required.

2. True or False: A water motor gong (mechanical operated waterflow alarm) may be connected to a dry pipe valve.

3. True or False: An automatic air release valve is required to be installed on all wet pipe sprinkler systems.

4. True or False: Where ESFR sprinkler systems are installed adjacent to sprinkler systems with standard-response sprinklers, a draft curtain of noncombustible construction and at least 1 ft in depth shall be required to separate the two areas.

HH3

350 Gallon Water Storage Tank

HH2

250 Gallon Water Storage Tank

HH4

450 Gallon Water Storage Tank

ITM CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition.

1. A no-flow test of an electric driven vertical turbine fire pump shall be conducted at what frequency?

A. Weekly B. Monthly C. Quarterly D. Semi-annually 2. Flow meters shall be calibrated to an accuracy level of +/- 3 percent at what frequency?

A. Every 5 years B. Annually C. Monthly D. Weekly 3. Qualified personnel shall be able to respond to the pump location upon abnormal conditions when no-flow testing using remotely monitored automated testing in what period?

A. 1 minute B. 5 minutes C. 30 minutes D. 1 hour 4. While performing an operational test of a quick-opening device (QOD), you determine the QOD is not functioning correctly. How would you classify your finding?

A. Noncritical deficiency B. Critical deficiency C. Impairment D. Classification of this finding is not addressed in NFPA 25

ENTER TODAY!

One winner will be pulled from correct answers to receive industry swag! Answers will be published on SprinklerAge.com. Good luck to all! n

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS IN MEMORIAM: BILL HARVEY

AFSA staff and members were saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Harvey on July 17, 2021. A veteran of 66 years in the fire sprinkler industry, he was the manager of fabrication services with Daniel Construction Company before eventually founding Harvey and Associ-

ates, Inc. in 1988. He served on several NFPA code committees and represented AFSA on many of them. Harvey was a regular contributor to Sprinkler Age magazine and a teacher and mentor to countless individuals in the fire protection industry.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 53 years, Laurel T. Harvey, as well as his sister Carolyn Harvey Smith, his two sons Neal Harvey (Meladie) and Jeff Harvey (Becky), his daughter Carol Greer (Paul), and two stepdaughters Jan-

OCT 14-19

B E L L A G I O

2022

LAS VEGAS te

e Da h t e v a S

ice Horne (Rick), and Karen Turpin (Jack). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region, 1057 Red Ventures Dr, Suite 150, Fort Mill, SC 29707.

IN MEMORIAM: STEWART YOUNG

AFSA staff and members were saddened to learn of the passing of Stewart Young on July 17, 2021. He was highly respected in the fire protection industry and made an indelible mark, both nationally and in Wisconsin. With close to 40 years of service, he was a sales force to be reckoned with. Young loved learning from and sharing his knowledge with others. From his beginning days at Aeroquip and Allied Tube to starting his own company—Service Sprinkle Supply with Susan Young—to then working for Central Sprinkler (later acquired by Tyco Fire Protection), Globe, and Victaulic, Young was valued and admired. Customers and colleagues alike formed lasting friendships with him, many spanning decades and offering countless memories. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a charitable donation in Young’s memory to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Regional Burn Center, the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin’s charitable foundation program, Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth, or the American Cancer Society.

IN MEMORIAM: TIM O’LEARY

AFSA staff and members were saddened to learn of the passing of Timothy “Tim” O’Leary, president of Huguenot Laboratories, Inc., on August 15, 2021. He was a visionary and a creative leader for Huguenot Laboratories. His dedication to his company created a work environment that was fun. He published extensively regarding methods to protect fire sprinkler systems from corrosion, including in Sprinkler Age magazine.

58 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

O’Leary is survived by his parents; his wife, Theresa O’Leary; and his daughter, Desiree Marie Adore. He predeceases his brothers and sisters, Richard O’Leary and his wife Kris, Michael O’Leary and his wife Christine, Cathy O’Leary, and Patty O’Leary-May and her husband Robert May. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews: RJ O’Leary, Bill Reed, Anthony O’Leary, and Caitlin May.

HART NAMED ARMSTRONG UK SALES DIRECTOR

Armstrong Fluid Technology has selected industry veteran Stephen Hart as the new sales director, UK. In his new position, Hart will be responsible for leading the sales and business activities throughout the UK, including developing and executing sales strategy. With nearly 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and management, he has extensive knowledge across a variety of industry sectors.

Hart joins Armstrong from Frese Ltd, where he served as managing director. He brings with him substantial experience and expertise in UK and international business-to-business markets. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Greenwich University in London. Visit armstrongfluidtechnology.com.

Croukamp (all from the Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University), and D. Rush (School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, U.K.). de Koker’s research interests broadly focus on the uncertainty quantification in engineering simulations, in particular applications in structural fire safety, fire spread modelling, reliability-based design, and stochastic inversion.

The project, Evaluation of the Fire Protection Effectiveness of Fluorine Free Firefighting Foams, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Foundation Medal.

This project addressed the need to inform end users about alternatives by evaluating the firefighting capabilities of fluorine free, Class B firefighting foams on fires involving hydrocarbon and alcohol fuels. More than 165 fire tests were conducted to determine foam application rates and foam discharge densities as a function of a range of test parameters, including discharge types, foam qualities and aspiration ratios, fuel types, water types, and fuel temperatures. Information on the proper application of fluorine free foams (FFFs) was lacking for the end users. In part, the study highlighted

the importance of following the listed parameters while applying FFFs. The Research Foundation Medal recognizes everyone who was involved in the project, including the research team, the project sponsors (American Petroleum Institute, Angus International, Chevron USA Inc., Exxon Mobil, Johnson Controls, Marathon Petroleum, Philipps 66, Shell Oil Company), and the project technical panel.

The award will be presented to the research team, led by Gerard G. Back, senior fire protection engineer, Research & Development, Testing & Evaluation at Jensen Hughes (Maryland), and John Farley, director of Fire Test Operations at the Naval Research Laboratory’s Navy Technology Center for Safety and Survivability (Virginia). The research team will receive the award during the “Night of Stars” event at the 2022 NFPA Conference & Expo to be held in Boston. Visit nfpa.org. n

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FIRE PROTECTION RESEARCH FOUNDATION BESTOWS AWARDS

Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) presents awards that recognize outstanding achievements in fire and life safety. Two of those awards are the Harry C. Bigglestone Award and the Research Foundation Medal, given out by the Fire Protection Research Foundation (Foundation), the research affiliate of NFPA. The 2021 Harry C. Bigglestone winning paper is “20 Dwelling Large-Scale Experiment of Fire Spread in Informal Settlements,” by Nico de Koker (PhD, BScEng, BSc), a computational physicist and structural engineer who works as an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The paper’s co-authors were R.S. Walls, A. Cicione, Z.R. Sander, S. Loffel, J.J. Claasen, S.J. Fourie, L.

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PRODUCT NEWS

ASC-ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS™ ADDS THREADED REVIT® FAMILIES

ASC Engineered Solutions™ has expanded its digital design solutions with the addition of threaded fitting Autodesk Revit families. New, free digital content includes Anvil & SCI branded Cast, Ductile, and Malleable Iron products, in both standard and heavyweight offerings. In addition, ASC now offers Threaded Pipe Fittings BIM and CAD content.

All ASC Anvil and SCI brands of threaded products can also be downloaded in traditional 2D and 3D CAD formats from our BIM library, along with Fabrication content components (.ITM files). Sharpe® valve CAD files are also available for download.

The company’s extensive BIM and CAD content library available online includes its full hangers, grooved, and threaded fittings product lines. Additional files are in development and will be released quarterly. To learn more, visit asc-es.com/bim-portal.

POTTER RELEASES SIGNALINK™ BRIDGE WIRELESS SUPERVISORY SYSTEM Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC announces the release of the SignaLink™ Bridge Wireless Supervisory System, which will now allow users the ability to use fully supervised wireless communication between dry contact devices.

The SignaLink Bridge removes the need to hard wire dry contact devices to each other and operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency. Each SignaLink device has a maximum communication range of 800 ft with a weather and UV resistant polycarbonate enclosure that is NEMA 4 rated for outdoor applications. This makes the SignaLink Bridge an ideal retrofit system for use in historical buildings where wiring and conduit isn’t a preferred option. Additionally, the system

60 SPRINKLER AGE | SEP/OCT 2021

is also compatible with any previously installed fire panel or fire alarm system.

In addition to no longer needing extensive wiring and conduits, the SignaLink devices do not require resetting or silencing.

A software-driven setup tool via a laptop allows users to check signal strength, among other features. Post-mounting kits are available as well for further installation options.

Since SignaLink devices can connect to any fire panel as another point to monitor, they can be utilized in an unlimited number of applications. An example of a typical application would be monitoring of supervisory switches on PIV or OSY valves in parking lots or pits where conduit is missing or damaged. Another example would be in temporary installations, such as construction sites, where monitoring requirements are continually changing, and devices are being moved around the site. To learn more, visit pottersignal.com.

ARMSTRONG’S NEW SELF-REGULATING VARIABLE-SPEED FIRE PUMP Armstrong Fluid Technology has unveiled its design envelope fire pump unit along with fire pump manager, a new, connected service for tracking pump performance. In addition to providing important new safety benefits, Armstrong’s new design envelope fire pump holds the distinction of being the first self-regulating variable-speed fire pump to meet NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2019 edition, Section 4.8 standards.

Some of the benefits of the design envelope fire pump with fire pump manager and self-regulating, variable-speed technology include: • Cost-savings of up to $1,500 per sprinkler branch, per floor, from the elimination of PRVs. • Increased design flexibility.

• Increased reliability and safety supported by real-time and historic test and performance data.

• Ability to predict and report potential equipment failure that could result in expensive damage and/or loss of life.

• Reduction of the number of zones in a sprinkler system and the potential elimination of storage tanks.

• Help with fire systems having large differentials between static and residual pressures.

Through active performance management and Armstrong 360 service and support solutions, Armstrong believes engineers, contractors and own-ers will get the best possible performance and value from fire safety systems at every phase in the lifecycle of a building. To learn more, visit armstrong-fluidtechnology.com. n

INDUSTRY NEWS VIKING SUPPLYNET ANNOUNCES NEW BRANCH

Viking SupplyNet announces a new location opening July 1, 2021. The new distribution branch, which features full-service fabrication, is Viking SupplyNet’s fourth location in Texas and will service the greater Austin area and a broader geographical region throughout Texas, including Amarillo, Waco, and Giddings.

The new location offers a fully-staffed fabrication and supply network branch in a 72,000-ft2 facility. Operation equipment includes a brand new fleet of Viking SupplyNet delivery trucks with four-way forklifts and much more. The new branch is located in Kyle, Texas’s Plum Creek Logistics facility.

To learn more, visit supplynet.com.

mation they need without requiring travel or a major time commitment,” McKinnon said. “With the reopening of our seminar centers, we offer even more opportunities to engage with our technical consultants than ever before. Customers can attend in-person at one of our seminar centers or contact us to set up a unique virtual experience with content specific to their team.

No matter where or how you want to connect with our experts, we will make it easy and valuable for you and your organization.”

Now with the seminar centers back open, Viega Rewards members can redeem their points for training sessions, in addition to things like tools, fittings, and swag. To learn more visit viega.us.

NFPA MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA SOLUTIONS PAGE IN ARABIC The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched a new Middle East and North Africa (MENA) solutions page in Arabic

VIEGA REOPENS SEMINAR CENTERS

Viega LLC reopened its seminar centers in Colorado and New Hampshire on August 1. The centers had been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19. Viega is reopening them with new safety measures in place, including limiting class size, cleaning stations, and mask requirements when appropriate.

“We’re excited to reopen and welcome back our customers, contractors, and distributors,” said Jason McKinnon, director of technical services. “We moved training online during the pandemic ,and that’s been successful, but it’s going to be great to work in person again with people.”

The seminar centers are located at Viega LLC headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, and in Nashua, New Hampshire. Each features classrooms, hands-on workshops, and interactive learning displays. Viega offers courses in a variety of subjects, including pressing, design, and installation, and each course is customizable to meet the needs of our customers.

In response to customer demand during the lockdown, the company created Viega Works, online sessions largely limited to single companies. These programs, which can be as short as 30 minutes, are custom designed to cover the topics customers request.

“Customers like Viega Works because it’s fast and affordable and gives them the exact infor-

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INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. as part of its 125th-anniversary commitment to serving global stakeholders. The new microsite introduces building, electrical, fire, and life safety workers in MENA territories to the NFPA codes, standards, training, and certification resources that are paramount for keeping pace with progress.

Countries within the MENA region have experienced incredible growth over the last 25 years. The breakneck speed of development in the Gulf Region has led to electrical, fire protection, code enforcement, and inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) challenges like

those experienced in the U.S. and other countries over the last century­—only in the Middle East and North Africa, safety issues are presenting in a more condensed, concerning manner.

NFPA has spent decades working with government authorities and private entities in the Middle East to reduce risk, but this marks the first time the association has promoted relevant resources in Arabic for those charged with protecting people and property.

NFPA is making its resources accessible to more than 400 million Arabic speaking people in Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibou-

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ti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. To learn more, visit nfpa.org. n

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