Posted on February 15, 2016
The most innovative change to fire protection fittings since Victaulic originated the grooved concept is here! Introducing the new FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Fittings. Designed for fire protection systems, this new technology requires less fasteners, resulting in faster, simpler installation and maintenance while keeping the jobsite safer and more efficient. Check out part one of our Q&A with director of couplings and fire suppression systems, Susan Schierwagen, about this technology that is set to revolutionize the fire protection industry.
Why did Victaulic decide to put time and resources into developing the new FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Fittings?
We have spent the last 10 years innovating on the coupling side of the business with our unique Installation-Ready™ technology, which allows customers to not have to disassemble the product in order to install it. We wanted to be able to take a look at how we can incorporate that same innovation into a fitting to give the contractor additional time and labor savings as well as allow them to more easily manage their inventory on the jobsite, and have all the other benefits of Installation-Ready™ technology at their fingertips. This is particularly important with small fitting sizes where it’s very manageable to handle a single fitting versus three or four components. So in short, we wanted to take Installation-Ready to the next level and put the proper resources in place in order to do so.
What are the advantages of the FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Fittings over the competitors such as threading and traditional grooving?
The major advantage is going to be the time-savings benefit the product offers contractors. There is also no mess at the jobsite, and it eliminates all of the double wrench work that contractors have to do to tighten threaded fittings. This Installation-Ready™ technology also eliminates loose parts common with traditional couplings and fittings, eliminates the need to lubricate the gasket and keeps the contractor from traveling up and down the ladder multiple times for one installation. We did studies on the comparison between the different products that you can see here.
How does this affect maintenance?
From a maintenance perspective this product is easy to remove. Take the fitting housings off and the gasket is much like a flexible fitting – it will come out of the system very easily and likewise go back into the system in the same fashion. Put a new gasket in, fit it over the 2 or 3 pieces of pipe, put the housings back on top and tighten it.
What are the advantages of having smaller take-out dimensions?
Today the ceiling spaces in construction jobsites are more and more crowded so smaller take-out dimensions will take up less space and allow the contractor to do tighter turns which is important as fire protection contractors are typically not the first on the jobsite and often have to work around other trades’ work.
Have you been testing the new FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Fittings in the field and if so, what has the initial reaction been at the jobsites?
This technology has been out in the field over the last 8-10 months and the reaction, across the board, has been very positive. The most common question has been, “how quickly can I get this product?” And “it doesn’t get any easier to install than this.” A great feeling and reaction from our customers that assures us we are bringing something new and innovative to the marketplace that is going to make their job easier.
To learn more about the new FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Fittings or to request a demo visit http://www.firelockfittings.com And stay tuned for more of our Q&A with Susan in Part Two: Innovation Impact on the Fire Protection Industry, coming soon!
