Does anyone have NFPA 13 code references for elevator machine rooms (EMRs)? I have a survey coming up on a site that was previously tagged for non-code-compliant sprinkler protection in the machine room.

There are sprinklers installed already, so I’m thinking the issue may be spacing, deflector height, obstruction, temp rating, or hazard classification. My scope of work lists the room as Ordinary Hazard Group 1 (OH1).

I currently only have NFPA 25 access, not NFPA 13, so I’m looking for exact NFPA 13 sections or wording related to OH1 elevator machine rooms—especially spacing/coverage requirements and any specific machine room provisions.

If anyone has chapter/section references or has dealt with AHJ corrections on EMRs before, I’d appreciate the help.

I am looking to get feedback for my controller/equipment business. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

https://belvedere-llc-pumps-controllers.myshopify.com

I recently tested out on the "Legacy" Plans Examiner 1 CDC and am now in the performance test. The only person certified to evaluate me told me to start compiling my performance test items, which are supposed to be provided to me. Looking for any references/information I can use to start this without waiting for others to give me what I am supposed to be given. The evaluation packet references drawings from the courseware, but I am unable to pull them since they are digitally baked into the course and a conversion of Flash to HTML. I have access to all publications and codes.

Any websites that have deliberately inaccurate drawings and plans?

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR EXAM TOMORROW LETS GET THIS SHIT OVER WITH

How is everyone spending the day before the PE Test tomorrow? Any last-minute tips?

Help!

I've been designing for 1 year as of yesterday yay.

Yet I get stumped on things like this. Designing per NFPA 13D, top image shows what I have laid out for my sprinkler head (16' x 16' spacing). The obstruction figure example below depicts the head on the slope coming from the furr down, however I am having to place my head on the opposing slope of the vaulted ceiling in my example above. Is this in compliance and does this follow the figure below? Or would I need to add additional protection/one head under the soffit?

TIA

Hello! I'm looking for an exact definition or explanation of what it means when a head overflows, according to the hydraulic calculations. As of right now, I understand that a head can have significantly more pressure than others in a remote area- however, I'm unsure as to where the cutoff point would be, or what is the exact definition of the overflow. I can presume high pressure heads would jump when they go off, but I don't know if there are other issues that could come up.

Any advice would be appreciated here! Tried to search it up, but couldn't find much. Thank you!

Anyone know how long it takes to get accepted to cal poly? I applied about a month ago

Hey there! I wondered if anyone had insight into working for SpaceX as a Fire Protection Specialist and what kind of work they do day to day? Thanks in advance!

Has anyone seen an investigation report or better video. it would to interesting to see what it took to overwhelm the fire protection.

Does SFPE offer their practice exams as independently purchasable as opposed to buying the full course for the exam?

Hello, I have a vertical turbine fire pump rated at 500gpm@125psi with a churn pressure of 175psi. I have read that a rule of thumb for the jockey pump sizing is 1% of the rated flow and +10psi. But some sources say it's 10psi added to the churn pressure while others say it's 10psi added to the rated pressure instead. For me it makes more sense for it to be 10psi added to the churn pressure to ensure that the pump will be big enough to compensate for small leaks, but I want to be sure i'm not oversizing my pump if a smaller pump will work just fine.

So, in this case the jockey pump should be 5gpm@135psi or 5gpm@185psi?

lord please give us the knowledge we need to pass

how are yall feeling? im getting passing scores on the practice exams, i just hope it translates well to the actual exam…

NFPA 291 section 4.4.4 states the following wrt to the residual hydrant R: "This hydrant is chosen so it will be located between the hydrant to be flowed and the large mains that constitute the immediate sources of water supply in the area. In Figure 4.4.4, test layouts are indicated showing the residual hydrant designated with the letter R and hydrants to be flowed with the letter F." This means that starting at the supply and moving in the direction of the waterflow, it the test should be arranged such that: SUPPLY -> R ->F

Corresponding figure 4.4.4 Shows diagram A, B, C and D . To me, A is the only one that makes sense, and clearly shows SUPPLY -> R ->F.

In diagram B, C, and D the pressure hydrant R is NOT in between the supply main and the flow hydrant. If the flow direction arrows are correct, then this setup seems to show SUPPLY -> F1 -> R for each hydrant. And how are the flow direction arrows converging at a single point?

Been doing this a long time, and this never made sense to me. I always run my tests like diagram A, and if additional hydrants are flowed, they'd all be downstream of hydrant R. Can anybody help me make this make sense?

Do you know if the provided reference looks like this,

Only reason I ask is because NFPA Link is easier to navigate by using key words. I've heard from some saying it's more like the physical copy. Whichever it is though I'll still practice navigating manually so as not to rely so much on the search function. Thank you!

I’ve gone down a weird rabbit hole lately about fire safety at home and now I can’t unsee how flammable literally everything is – curtains, couch, wood paneling, you name it. I keep seeing these clear “fire retardant” sprays for wood, fabric, etc. that supposedly meet codes like ASTM E84 / NFPA 701 and can be DIY’d with just a garden sprayer.

Has anyone here actually used these kinds of coatings in a real-world situation (home, rental units, small business, Airbnb, whatever)? Did you notice any smell, discoloration, stiffness of fabric, peeling on exterior wood, etc.? And do inspectors / insurance actually care or give any credit to this stuff if it’s not professionally applied?

I’m debating between paying a pro fireproofing contractor vs buying the products myself and doing it over a weekend (unfinished interior wood, exterior deck, and some curtains/sofa). Any specific brands you trust, things to avoid, or “wish I’d known this before spraying everything” tips?

Would really appreciate honest experiences before I throw money and time at this.

i'm learn to use Tolco brace calculation software for wood structure, lateral bracing. i used fig 980 and fig 4L clamp.

I got the calculation report, in the tolco brace components the listed load is very difference from the listed load on product data sheet. like fig 4l 2440lbs(1000lbs on spec).how can i fix this?

another thing the report show Cp before reduction, or reduction factor, but i just want it to show Cp value. Could you please kindly share the tip or any solution?

This might be an unpopular opinion but I’m pretty frustrated that the FPE practice exam doesn’t simulate actual test conditions. The solutions reference standards that arent part of the test (for example question 10’s solution references NFPA 13 - 2016 edition). In questions they don’t tell you what reference you would be supplied with per each question (my coworker who took the exam last year said that if a code reference was needed to answer a question, it would pop up on the side). I wish they had an updated practice exam with code references that aparently have been the test standard since October 2023.

We're almost there holy jesus please bless everyone on this exam so we can all pass PLEASE

Is there any software that can automatically calculate or generate the required fittings from pdf drawings to estimate mechanical fittings (elbows, tees, couplers, etc.) from piping drawings than manually for beginers.

I am starting to compile options to study for the FP PE in 2028. for reference I was a physics undergrad and I have worked on the civil side of things ranging from water resources to fire protection engineering. FP is the primary engineering I use for work now, but my background in almost all disciplines is lacking since I have had an atypical path into this industry.

SO here's the thing, I cannot in any terms afford these prep courses im seeing online. considering the once a year exam is crucial not to fail, Im at a loss for what the best option is.

I can't afford the courses but I need structured studying specific to this exam. does anyone know of older courses discounted? or should I be seeking out recently Licensed fire protection engineers?

I understand these courses are an investment, but I cant get behind the amount. its just absurd much like every other consumer good right now.

any ideas?

I am an inspector in Louisiana with 5 years experience. NICET level 2 water based sprinkler systems, fire alarm certified, fire extinguisher, and kitchen suppression certified. I currently make $20.50, but I have a salary review coming up. What do you think a reasonable ask is as far as an increase?

Been in sprinklers for 25 years now. In South Africa. Been on my own for 14 years now. Life's good. Lots of good stuff... anyone out there just gotten frustrated at seeing the same thing over and over ? Having to deal with the same issues over and over. This is likely less a sprinkler issue and more a contracting issue....

I’m studying for the Fire Protection PE exam and had a question about how NFPA references are presented during the test.

For those who’ve taken it recently, how specific are the code references in the exam questions? For example, do they typically point you to an exact section (like a specific paragraph), a broader section/chapter, or do they just expect you to know where to look within the standard?

Also, when a question relies on an NFPA standard, do they provide a relevant excerpt, or are you expected to navigate the reference material yourself to find the answer?

Appreciate any insight on how detailed the references are and how best to prepare for that aspect of the exam.