December 2022 - Fire Sprinkler System Design NYC

Differences Between Fire Sprinkler System Designers and Installers

Design Fire Suppression Systems Best What are some differences between fire sprinkler system designers and installers? Fire sprinkler systems are a simple yet vital component of any commercial or domestic building’s fire protection system. In most cases, installers attach this system to side walls or ceilings. These systems have a water supply, sprinkler heads, and a piping system to distribute water. Sprinklers discharge water automatically whenever they detect a fire.

Contrary to popular belief, however, they do not have any smoke triggers. Since these systems extinguish or control fires, they are fire suppression and detection systems. Hiram Stevens Maxim was the pioneer behind sprinkler systems and founded them during the latter part of the 19^th century. Now, countries across the globe use these systems with commercial and residential buildings utilizing their ability to extinguish the fire.

What is a Fire Sprinkler System Designer

People often mix up fire sprinkler installers and designers. The two are vastly different and have varying responsibilities. Let us start by talking about the designers. Fire sprinkler designers are in charge of developing and designing sprinkler systems for aiding or preventing fire.

Fire sprinkler system designers’ main responsibilities include performing in depth analysis and research, gaining feedback from experts and customers and working on it, producing samples or prototypes, and collaborating with technicians and engineers.

Furthermore, fire sprinkler system designers sometimes work on design enhancements and upgrades, establish testing structures, repair and install systems, conduct maintenance checks, etc., to ensure the systems remain efficient.

Main Responsibilities of Fire Sprinkler System Designers

Mentioned below is a list of the main responsibilities of fire sprinkler system designers and the tasks their roles typically require to perform.

Instructing and coordinating public CPR educational sessions.
Collaborating with skilled professionals like HVAC and mechanical installers, electricians, etc.
Following every OSHA law and standard.
Submitting design ideas to the AHJ for approval.
Conducting in depth field surveys.
Designing site water supplies, as built drawings, and plumbing drawings, and testing them.
Reading and interpreting structural and architectural MEP drawings.

What is a Fire Sprinkler System Installer?

Fire sprinkler installers play a massive role in ensuring homes and buildings remain safe. These professionals are responsible for implementing a wide range of sprinkler systems, which include pre action, deluge, wet, dry and automatic sprinkler systems. Installers must understand blueprints and diagrams and know how to construct valves and protection piping.

Differences Between Fire Sprinkler System Designers and Installers Additionally, installers must meet certain safety regulations to ensure the system works efficiently and doesn’t harm anyone. An installer’s work often requires them to use power and hand tools. Their job requires them to use lift equipment and climb ladders for work in high places. Common skills of almost every fire sprinkler system installer include troubleshooting, mechanical, and communication skills.

What Makes Installers and Designers Different?

As their respective names suggest, fire sprinkler installers are responsible for connecting or attaching the system to a commercial or public building. On the other hand, designers focus on creating well thought out sprinkler designs to ensure they are safe and work efficiently.

Differences between Fire Sprinkler System Designers and Installers: Final Thoughts

Almost every area requires a different fire sprinkler system design, and the last thing you need to do is use one that wasn’t made for your building. For this reason, it is vital to collaborate with an experienced fire sprinkler designer. Doing so will help you get a sprinkler system specifically made for your place. Contact F2M Fire & Drafting Designs Inc. to get your sprinkler design solution.

Once you contact us, we will discuss your project and needs. We will design a professional code compliant fire sprinkler system design suited for your particular particular project.

F2M Fire & Drafting Designs Inc.
31 South Street, Suite 3S-4
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
(718) 928-3009
info@f2mfadds.com
https://www.f2mfadds.com/contact

Cost Estimation & Quantities Take Off For Fire Systems

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Do you want to know more about cost estimation & quantities take off for fire systems? Getting ready to start your business can feel liberating since you no longer have to answer to anyone. However, starting your own business also means you have a lot more responsibility, which is why you need to take the right steps to install a fire suppressant system.

Fire suppressant systems can easily become one of the biggest expenses of setting up your business, especially if you have yet to experience budgeting for it. Luckily, when working with a fire protection system designer, they can help with the budget estimation process.

However, by understanding cost estimation, you can play a more active role in setting your business up. Because remember, according to the National Fire Protection Association, companies without effective fire suppression systems are more likely to suffer from a fire.

Cost Estimation with a Fire Protection System Engineer

According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, these engineers take on the responsibilities of designing and preparing the necessary custom fire protection system. Therefore, when working on the cost estimation process, here are a few things you should consider:

Think About the Project as a Whole

The first thing you should consider during cost estimation is the team your designer is working with. Remember, working with less experienced individuals can often be more expensive than if you hired professionals. Due to their lack of experience, they might need to choose the right materials for the job or install the parts properly.

Furthermore, the likelihood of injury can also skyrocket when working with an inexperienced team, causing delays and various other issues. Therefore, you should consider the project’s scope and see if the team has the relevant experience to perform the task.

Go Over the Spec Sheet

Before the fire suppression designer can implement the necessary plans, you should ask them to run you through everything they are using. The materials you ask them to get should have their relevant prices mentioned.

Cost Estimation Quantities Take Off For Fire Systems NYC

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But other than trying to check the prices of the materials, you also want to see if there are any changes to the plan or if they have everything they need. Doing a final headcount before starting the project is essential since it can prevent a situation where they have already started installing the system only to find that they are missing something.

Starting takes off

Once you have checked that everything is ready, you can give the designer the green light to start takeoff. It’s the most difficult part of cost estimation since the designer will have to track the materials they have brought and how many of them have been used.

Keeping track of these materials can ensure that the installation goes smoothly. You should regularly check in with our engineer about if they have the necessary equipment or how much is left.

Labor costs

Another important thing worth considering is the overall labor cost of the team. Your commercial space could be on a higher floor. Therefore, extra costs like inefficiencies due to travel and additional costs are all things that you and your designer will have to consider in advance.

Cost Estimation & Quantities Take Off For Fire Systems: Conclusion

Cost estimation is necessary for installing a fire suppression system, and you should take it seriously.

If you’re looking for a firm to help install the necessary fire protection services, allow our experts at F2M to help. With over 20 years of experience in the field, we offer code compliant and accurate sprinkler designs.