Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

CAREERS IN FIRE PROTECTION The fire protection industry stands apart not only for its many entry points, but for the flexibility it offers to move between them. Rather than a traditional, linear career ladder, this field operates more like a lattice, providing opportunities for both upward and lateral growth. Whether …

SMARTER, MORE EFFICIENT WORKFLOWS Fire sprinkler contractors are facing growing pressure. Project designs are becoming more complex and experienced designers are harder to find. As a result, firms are forced to look for practical ways to improve productivity without lowering quality or increasing risk. In this environment, artificial intelligence (AI) …

IT’S ALWAYS A DESIGNER’S FAULT; JUST ASK ANY FITTER If I had just one penny for every time I heard this, I would be writing this article from a privately owned beach with an umbrella drink in my hand, and not much else. Over my years in our industry, I …

BRINGING A PROJECT IN UNDER BUDGET What is project management? I like to consider things in their simplest form, especially with fire sprinkler work and especially for new construction projects. Individually, each step is relatively simple, whether bidding work on the open market or pricing work for a negotiated project …

AFSA45 SET TO MAKE A TEXAS-SIZED IMPACT This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is rounding up the top technical and business management experts in the fire protection industry to present at AFSA45: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, to be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country …

MORE FITTERS COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S NCC On March 18, 2026, 204 craft apprentices and professionals arrived at the Salt Lake City, Utah, Salt Palace Convention Center to participate in the annual Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) National Craft Championship (NCC). They represent the best of the best, nationwide, of …

SACRAMENTO VALLEY CHAPTER DRAWS CONTRACTORS AND VENDORS On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted its 14th Annual Training & Trade Show at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, Calif. The Sac Valley AFSA Trade Show continues to …

EDUCATING OUR NEXT FITTERS VIrtual Instruction Path (VIP), have you heard of it? AFSA launched this training option for sprinkler fitting apprentices early in 2023, but we are excited to announce that courses are now available for all four levels. Each level provides 10 months of education to accompany the …

AFSA AND HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS SAFEGUARD HOMES  Army CPL Paul Hedge recently received the keys to his specially adapted custom home in Tuftonboro, N.H., providing him with independence, safety, and stability after service. An essential life-saving component of his home is a residential fire sprinkler system, made possible through …

Whoever said that “you can’t have it all” was spot on when it comes to evaluating purchases. A rule exists that never changes—quality, cost, and speed—you can only pick two. The customer cannot have all three. This rule applies to all areas of my life. As a consumer, I usually …