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Case In Point

University streamlines operations with fire alarm upgrades

April 26, 2013

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Alfred University in Alfred, NY, has once again teamed up with FSC Systems LLC to upgrade fire and life safety systems on campus. The upgrades are not just making buildings on campus safer, but they are cutting down on associated costs and labor.

Case In Point

Tennessee district escapes proprietary systems and saves by re-using existing wire in fire safety upgrade

The Cheatham County School District saves $120,000 to $150,000 by reworking fire equipment already in the building.

February 27, 2013

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Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell systems transformed the fire protection throughout a dozen elementary, middle, and high school facilities in the Cheatham County School District (Ashland City, TN).

A New Generation Of Smoke Detectors

October 1, 2012

By Fred J. Conforti

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Here, we depart from our occasional focus on controlling smoke, yielding the floor to a life safety veteran weighing in about a new development for detecting it. Some historical context around detector types and testing methods paves the way for an explanation of why the new approach may become a welcome option for many applications … if it catches on.

HVAC Security Emergencies: No Terrorist Required

July 2, 2012

By Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

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Plenty of potential ventilation crises await many otherwise unassuming buildings, thanks to nothing more sinister than truck accidents, emissions from nearby buildings, or unavoidable natural disasters. However, by pairing a clear basis of design with HVAC response strategies, building owners can apply some forethought and preparation to avoid worst-case consequences. Start by asking the right questions about your facility.

HVLS Warehouse Fan: Safety Is A Hot Topic

July 2, 2012

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These fans (and their controls) take the NFPA exam for impact in a fire setting.

Education, entertainment on tap for 2012 NFPA Conference & Expo

March 25, 2012

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The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2012 NFPA Conference & Expo, presented by ROC-NFPA, LLC , is a four-day opportunity for fire and life safety professionals to share best practices, find solutions to safety challenges, and stay abreast of technological innovations in their fields. The conference will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas June 11-14.

Case In Point

Apartment complex quits phoning in life safety

February 29, 2012

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A number of luxury apartment complexes in Wilmington, NC were looking to save money while streamlining fire safety operations.

Commissioning Fire Alarm Systems

January 9, 2012

By Timothy Thatcher, P.E.

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This month, our life safety coverage arrives from the commissioning side. From design phase to tips on navigating a seemingly untenable number of observations, and on to post-testing tasks, here’s one consultant’s solid reference to keep you and your client from getting unnecessarily alarmed.

Plenum Requirements For Egress Corridors In Health Care Environments

July 1, 2011

By Robert Trotter CBO, CFM

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Incorporating a plenum can have its design advantages, but corridors serving adjoining areas of health care occupancies are prohibited from being used for a portion of an air supply, air return, or exhaust air plenum. This article and its illustrations can strengthen your grasp of the related NFPA code details and exceptions so you can design and ventilate properly for this special population.

Comprehensive Ventilation Management For Safety And Sustainability

October 1, 2010

By Larry Clark LEED® AP

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Defending against even a simple airborne attack may require a complex ventilation safety plan - or at the least, a well thought-out strategy. Sensor capabilities, sensor placement, response speed, and the general ventilation system are some of the factors that play into protecting occupants (and even property) in the case of something worse than an accident.

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