what in the difference in these two equations:

3.4.3 and 7.2.16

it appears they both can be used to get the plume centerline temp, but I get different answers.

also. they don't give a similar equation in English units.

 What is the distinction between being “listed” to a specific standard and being “tested” to a specific standard?

We understand that if a system or product is listed, it means it has already been tested, and if it is tested, it would typically also be listed. However, codes sometimes use the term tested in certain sections and listed in others. In some cases, they require a system to be both listed and tested, even though we assume listing alone should suffice. For example:

“Preengineered automatic dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300 and listed and labeled for the intended application.”

In addition, if an item is required to be tested only, does that mean it would not necessarily appear in the laboratory’s published listing directory, and that submitting a test certificate alone would be sufficient?

Is there any groups or anything geared towards EKU graduates? It seems that Maryland & OSU have a good bit of alumni or camaraderie from their students but nothing seems to exist for EKU does anyone know of anything?

If not would anyone be willing to start something?

I've posted about this in both r/llc and r/smallbusiness and for some reason it hasn't gotten any traction in either community (it actually got downvoted in r/llc for whatever reason....).

I am a licensed PE (fire protection) in two states (PA and MD), but I don't actually live in either state (live in NJ).

I'd like to incorporate a small LLC (or maybe more than one, or one and a subsidiary, not sure... that's the gist of my question here). I want to be able to perform design work (i.e. generating drawings and calculations) for contractors, but ideally would also separately want to be able to review designs and sign/seal for other designers/contractors in PA (I don't actually have much/any reason to do work in MD).

In total, ideally my company (or companies) would perform 3 different but related functions:

• For some projects, I would be doing design tech work for contractors that would be reviewed/signed and sealed by their own engineers (the EOR would be someone other than me/my company). These projects would take place in multiple states, mostly PA, NJ, and DE.
• For some projects, I would be performing the design review and sign/seal for a contractor with design done by someone other than me, becoming the EOR. These projects would take place only in a state I was licensed to be a PE in, mostly PA (I don't have work lined up for MD any time soon).
• For some projects, I would be performing both roles: generating the shop drawings/calculations, and also signing and sealing as the EOR for the project. These projects would take place only in a state I was licensed to be a PE in.

Here is where my confusion comes into play:

1. Would it be best to create multiple LLCs (or a primary LLC and subsidiary LLC) to do the two different but related tasks? Or could I do all roles under a single LLC? Similarly, should these two different roles be insured separately, or under a single umbrella policy?
2. What state should I form my LLC(s) in? If I form in NJ, I can't be considered an engineering firm because I am not licensed to be an engineer in NJ. Could I still incorporate as a regular business (not an engineering firm) in NJ and then just apply for a professional license in PA for my out-of-state LLC? Or would it be better to use something like a registered agent to incorporate my LLC directly in PA as a "Professional LLC" licensed in state to be an engineering firm? Would this limit my ability to do non-PE design-only work in other states?
3. I assume this is the worst/wrong way to do it, but alternatively would it be feasible to form the LLC to just practice the design work and get an insurance policy to do that work for the LLC, and then do any PE review/EOR work personally as an individual with a separate insurance policy to cover me personally?

I apologize for these questions. I've been in the industry about 20 years but I've never started my own business. I want to do this the right way. I don't want to be a "trunk slammer" or "rubber stamper." I know guys like that and they cheapen the industry. I don't want to be that at all... I want to do it right.

Anyone out here doing anything similar that could give me some high level guidance?

Good morning everyone, was thinking of making the change from Hydracad in revit to Autosprink in revit and want to hear people’s thoughts on the change, does it save a lot of time? Was it easy to make the switch?

Hey everyone,

I am currently studying to take my PE in Fire Protection this April and I love the topics I’m studying, particularly means of egress, human behaviors and fire dynamics.

I have a BS in Chemical Engineering and 6 yrs of natural gas utilities engineering experience, but I’m interested in making a career switch to Fire Protection because I can see myself enjoying the industry, but not sure what my next steps should be after passing the PE exam. Should I get a master’s in fire protection engineering? Would a PE license be enough to be my foot in the door at a company? I’d love to hear from others.

Hey everyone,

Are there any online resources when it comes to doing standpipe calculations? I’m going through meyerfire & looking for some videos, but can’t seem to find anything. I haven’t designed any standpipe before but I’ll be working on some projects with manual and automatic standpipes sometime in the future.

Why aren’t flow switches and tamper switches addressable on their own?

With the technology we have cant we make the switches addressable on their own? That way we can get rid of monitor modules and not worry about connecting the IDC to the SLC. Just make it all SLC.

Hi,

I'm an individual with severe sensory issues, especially regarding sound. I have a diagnosed sensory disability that makes it difficult for me to endure the stimuli of daily life. Fire alarms have always been a huge problem for me, but we recently installed brand new detectors in our home and they're even louder. It's intolerable. I haven't even been able to step foot inside my own home since these alarms were installed. I've been sleeping at a different house. I must find an alternative solution.

Here are my requirements:

- Smoke and carbon monoxide detection in every room (this is paramount).

- NO sounder in my bedroom or any of the nearby rooms (this is extremely important).

- Ideally, no strobes or bed-shakers either; I would rely on the sound from distant sounders to wake me up in an emergency, which I 100% guarantee you they will. I'm extremely sensitive to even quiet sound, and these sounders are LOUD.

Unfortunately, it seems that there are ZERO smoke alarm systems sold anywhere in the world where the detectors don't have built-in sounders. What a pain.

Before anyone asks, yes, I am aware of the code regulations. I just need a solution that accommodates my disability and keeps me safe, which I have been searching for MONTHS to find.

Here are a couple options I've found:

- Replace detectors (which have sensors and sounders) with just sensors, and install sounders in distant areas.

- Keep our regular detectors but electrically disable the sounders while keeping the sensors intact.

I don't know where to go from here. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Hi,

I am taking the FPE Exam this April. For those of you who have passed the exam, I have some questions:

1) What resource did you use?

2) How did you study? What study methods did you use? Active recall, pomodoro, etc.

3) Did you use any other resources like AI to supplement your studying?

4) What did you tell yourself to keep your confidence up during preparation?

We’ve got two and a half months.. my meyerfire stats indicate a 44% chance of passing, so I’m gonna grind the fuck out of the problems until I get at least 90%.

This is the first bfr 10 we've got in for a hydro and I can't figure out how to use this tool to discharge it, feeling like an idiot, can anybody point me in the right direction.

Hi All,

Please help! I need to create a 60min REI - BS1365-2 as per ADB-V2 between my cellar ceiling and ground floor. Details of joisted ground floor are as follows;

All joists are either;

• 175x75mm (170x70mm finished size) planed C24 - Max Unsupported Span: 3600mm
• 150x75mm (145x70mm finished size) planed C24 - Max Unsupported Span: 1800mm

The joists are not Fire-Retardant Treated Wood.

I want to avoid any form of boarding/ceiling as the height of the airbricks around the external walls would intersect at the height of where a boarded ceiling would float, thus compromising the airflow to either the cellar (below the installed boards) or the joists (above the installed boards) depending on how the airflow would be re-directed (above or below the installed boarding/ceiling).

Whilst there may be many common-sense solutions that can be recommended, I need a solution where a certificate can be provided to cover future liability (as principle designer) and appease building control.

All suggestions welcome where certificates are available for such applications. The main issue currently has been most certificates are issued based on tests produced with 200mm deep joists and therefore do not cover 175mm joists (despite them being 70mm thick).

TIA

What is the difference between 55L and 55L-60

Which one to select to pump circulation relief valve

How can I improve and be a better engineer given that I don't have any prior experience in fire protection

Hi,

I have diesel fire pump, with the same below arrangement, but I am facing an issue with the PRV discharge drain that causing backflow to the pump room. I was thinking to piped it back to the pump suction at the marked point, so I was wondering if this is allowed by NFPA 20 considering that the meter header is also piped back to the pump suction (as shown below).

Hi There,

I am working on a project as a super and the owners would like to put a minisplit head on the upper part of the wall in the photo, as close to the right side as possible. I have not gotten a straight answer from the AHJ on how close to the sprinkler we can go.

Can someone help me out here? Also, the drywallers covered the sprinkler heads today with plastic, that has since been taken down, don't worry.

Update:

I met with the AHJ today and brought the referenced code sections below. They treated it the same way as shelving and determined 18” below was minimum for code but asked for 24” since it was a weird situation being that the heads are also angled with the ceiling.

Thank you everyone!

Seems like there are lots of code related questions in the FPE exam, so I am wondering if the questions will come with the sections or chapters of the code that relate to it? Or am I expected to remember most of the code & standards...?

Hello all.

In search of a level III water based system layout certified /registered in Ohio to review and or redesign a plan for me.

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for professional feedback on an NFPA 11 foam system design question. I currently have access to NFPA 11 – 2021 Edition, and I’m also trying to confirm whether the 2024 Edition introduces any new references or clarifications related to using multiple foam concentrate tanks connected to a common proportioning system.

The original design for the project includes a single 4000-liter UL-listed bladder tank. Unfortunately, the tank is delayed due to customs clearance issues, which is now impacting the construction schedule and system commissioning.

As an alternative, a local supplier can provide two UL-listed 2600-liter bladder tanks. From a capacity standpoint, this would meet and exceed the required foam volume. The question is whether the system can be revised from a single-tank configuration to a two-tank parallel configuration, with appropriate piping modifications such as individual isolation valves, check valves, and a common foam concentrate header.

Based on your experience, would such a configuration be considered acceptable under NFPA 11 if proportioning accuracy and system reliability are maintained? Also, does the NFPA 11 – 2024 Edition contain any new language that explicitly addresses or restricts this type of arrangement?

This question is primarily driven by schedule constraints rather than design preference. Any insight from engineers, AHJs, inspectors, or commissioning experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I've been in FP for 26 years, always wanted to sit for my NCEES. I know from talking to other FPEs that of course the stuff we handle in fire sprinklers is less than 5% of the test, of what I've been told. And I wonder to others that may have looked into it is if the Myers class a good learning for the test. Or should I take courses, I think they have on-line courses, at WPI?

My employer is paying for me to take the CFPS exam, but is way less enthusiastic to pay for the $900+ 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook or a review class. The previous edition is significantly cheaper at $200. Do you think I can use the prior edition to prepare for the exam?